IZOU'S PALACE

[goei]

KYOTO BAKUMATSU PALACE
You find yourself in historical Kyoto at night. The city is shadowy and beautiful, elegant but hostile. It's a sophisticated city, but you don't belong there and it knows it. Everyone knows it. You are being watched.

Worst of all, a terrible demon haunts the streets of this powerful capital city.

Eli Walsh, Kirumi Tojo, Still Sunrise, Argenti, Yi Sang, Celeste, Mafuyu Asahina, and McGillis Fareed, do you dare journey into hell?

 

♪♪♪

Comments

[kandata]

Given Izou's temperament and reputation in history, it's likely he's the demon we have heard about. We may have to confront him after all.

[And thankfully it won't be in a swordfight!]

[vogelfrei]

That appears quite likely. We should be on our guard at all times.

[ Not that they shouldn't be on their guard absolutely always! Anyway, satisfied with how this meeting has concluded, McGillis decisively begins leading the way back to the bridge. Any squabbles about being dead or not can take place on the way.

How's it looking, are we enough to pass now? ]

[goei]

[WELCOME BACK TO BRIDGE!!! Wouldn't it be funny if I just said the guy is gone now? He's not though. He's still standing in the way, though this time when they approach, he says something different;]

HAH! I'M STRONGER THAN THAT DEMON! HE'S LUCKY THAT WE'RE ON THE SAME SIDE OR I'D STRIKE HIM DOWN MYSELF!
[He points his sword at the group.]

WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE ON THE DEMON?

[kandata]

[Kirumi doesn't address the guy over there. Instead, she whispers to anyone nearby:]

He has admitted to be on the demon's side. Even if he steps aside, there's a chance he'll alert the demon. My advice is to subdue him and ensure he will not cause trouble.

[Kirumi has given the pragmatic, albeit harsh, option. She's more than fine following any decision here, but she'd have felt remiss if she hadn't given input for the sake of the group]

[cirquedesang]

...Even if he doesn't alert the demon, he might well stab us in the back, no?

[Literally, this time, to go along with the metaphorical backstabbing Izou experienced.

So that's a +1 to subduing this guy.]

[vogelfrei]

[ Nodding in this part of the huddle. ]

To be safe, we should wait until we have secured passage. Who is to say what he might do to the bridge otherwise.

[cirquedesang]

Unfortunately, I don't believe we'll get the chance.

[LOOKIN' AT YOU, PROVOKING SQUAD.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Nyoro~n ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ this is what happens when you don't keep them on a leash ok ]

[fullmoonmutt]

'cause I've already kicked his stupid ass. Now get out of the way.

[ Eli, you never actually... That was more of a draw? Oh well. ]

[goei]

[The shadow man laughs.]

EASY TO CLAIM SUCH A THING! BUT WHAT SORT OF WARRIOR WOULD YOU BE TO ALLOW A DEFEATED FOE TO LIVE?

[fullmoonmutt]

...the fuck...? A merciful one, you shithead! I only kill real demons, not some ass pretending to be one! I said get out of my way, so get out of my fucking way already!

[goei]

[The shadow man cackles, raising his sword high next to his head in what is clearly a battle pose, if an odd one.]

HAH! JUST TRY AND MAKE ME, DOG OF THE SHOGUNATE!

[beautifulknight]

[ Who is this strange man.

Time to provoke him...! ]

With many who are skilled put together, we are stronger than a singular force such as yourself! Not to mention, the goddess Idrila smiles favorably on those united underneath the banner of Beauty.

[ What the hell is he even saying. Anyway... ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Just giving Argenti a look of complete and utter disbelief. This freak here... ]

[beautifulknight]

[ As he is looked at, Argenti sparkles ~radiantly~ in his confidence and ridiculousness...! ]

[goei]

[Almost forgot this one, whoops.]

I DON'T KNOW YOUR FOREIGN GOD, WHITE MAN. YOUR STRATEGY OF GANGING UP ON THE DEMON MAY WORK, BUT COULD YOU DO SOMETHING SO UNDERHANDED WITH YOUR HONOR INTACT?

[beautifulknight]

He must have other supporters besides yourself. In that sense, is it truly ganging up on this individual?

...Either way, if you feel afraid and cower in the face of our might, please feel free to move aside.

[ Argenti says, having knowledge that such words would invoke at least an angry response in any respectable or strong fighter. If he is facing a coward, he will know it soon enough. ]

[goei]

[Haha, yeah. He's assuming that same sword stance mentioned above before swinging down at Argenti with a shout. Would you like to attempt to dodge (DC12) or parry? (DC15)]

1/2

[cleansewithfire]

[ Sunrise, who seems to have missed the memo that this could have been meant as boasting or provocation, seems to be seriously considering this question... ]

[cleansewithfire]

[ And then she answers with a completely straight face, tone deadpan as usual: ]

Because a demon that can get a "hangover", and who needed me to eat crackers in front of him to prove they were not poisoned, is not much of a demon at all, even if he is a sword genius.

And I am fairly certain that even a demon can still burn regardless.

[goei]

[The shadow man is motionless for a long moment]

... WHAT?

[cleansewithfire]

I have not tested it thoroughly, but I do not think there is a reason why a demon should not burn.

[ Because that's clearly what the shadow man is going "what" about. ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ what ]

...Sunrise, would poison crackers even affect you?

[cleansewithfire]

Normally, no. I am not so sure now since I can feel pain here.

[ And she's not exactly raring to test that out. ]