The New Winds

The only Shugenja participating in the Iaijutsu tournament feels a little bit out of place as he walks towards the ring, takes the blunt sword he will be using in his hand and takes a moment to feel its weight and adjust to it.

As he approaches the centre of the ring, however, he tries to centre himself, and lets all doubt fade from his mind. He knew he was not one of the best contestants in this art. But he knew he had trained, he knew life's path was one of seeking to improve always. And he knew he could honour his ammaki's lessons with the kertte, even if he didn't win.

When he approached his opponent, he smiled kindly, while his eyes showed fierce determination. "Bayushi-san", he said, bowing respectfully. "May we do our best, and may the Fortunes guide our blades today", he says, his head still low. "Ganbatte!!", he says, as he slides into position, taking his hand closer to the hilt of the blade and focusing his eyes deep into the Scorpion's.

OOC
Day 7 LM Round 1 - Iuchi Prashant x Bayushi Mei Lin - Initiative.: 4d10o10k3 34

"Best of luck to you, Iuchi-san. You'll need it!"

She bows and readies herself.

D7 Initiative: 5d10o10k4 44

The Bayushi's stance is odd, as if hiding something...

D7 Assessment, no raises: 7d10o10k3 22

Asking for Void Ring

Her odd stance does make the Iuchi somewhat curious, and he 'almost' loses his focus as he concentrates intently and tries to pinpoint what exactly is odd about it.

He can't really put a finger on it, but he manages to find at least some things about her...

OOC
Day 7 LM Round 1 - Assessment. Iai/ Awa + Map, 1 Raise called. TN 20: 7d10o10k3 21
((Void 4; Asking for Void Ring and Emphases, please))

((Void 3, no emphasis))

Mei Lin locks eyes with Prashant, staring deep at him, her hand hovering near her blade...

D7 Focus, +1k1+3 center: 8d10o10k4+3 30

He looks deep into her eyes as well, his hand moving very slowly towards the blade. His brown eyes seem to change for just a moment - they look almost like two pools of mud... from which lotus blossoms looked out instead of pupils...

In that split second, he springs forth, a moment before she can move.

OOC
Day 7 LM Round 1 - Focus. Iai/ Void + 1k0 Map + 1k1+4 Center, VP for +1k1. Need 35 to Strike.: 10d10o10k6+4 44 - 1 FR for Strike roll

((Mei Lin is TN 25))

The Iuchi strikes fast and true, making a small, clean cut on the Bayushi's left leg before she can draw, and quickly has his blade back on its scabbard.

Perhaps slightly surprised, but happy, he whispers a quick "Kartse ynāñm, ammaki", then turns and bows to Mei Lin, even lower, and very respectfully.

"Thank you for this match, Bayushi-san, and for the chance to push ourselves even further. It has been an honour"

OOC
Day 7 LM Round 1 - Strike. Iai/ Ref + 1k0 Map + 1k1+4 Center, +5 from Focus FR. TN 25.: 8d10o10k4+9 46 -> 2 Exceptional Successes, but had already rolled damage when I got the answer, so no worries : )

Day 7 LM Round 1 - Damage: 4d10o10l1 2 (could have rolled +2k0 to try and get 1 damage, buuuut no worries here).

The Scorpion seems surprised and stunned, her hand on her own blade but un-drawn.

"Ah...Thank you for showing me, Iuchi-san"

Is all she says in response.

Iuchi Prashant wins, new points: 267
Bayushi Mei Lin is eliminated