C&g Ooc

[Cadogan Trahem]

Here you go

[Cadrius]

I'm just glad to be able to interact with another person in game and it's Gral to boot. Booya!

[Gralhruk]

Me too. If figure with you and Maeko in this game, I can't go wrong :).

[Gralhruk]

Just so you know, I'm waiting for Cadogan to move us outside and give us an update on the crime scene.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im not entirely here, I have a few moments each day (most of which I spend just reading threads) and in less then a day I will be away for three days. I do promise however to post as soon as I return.

[Gralhruk]

Yep, no problem. I just didn't want Cadrius to think I was ignoring him :).

[Cadrius]

Gral's always ignoring me so it's no big deal. :)

Oh and I sincerely hope ofuda is the right word for the religious scrolls that Koden carries. It sprung to mind and seemed right but I couldn't remember for the life of me.

[Gralhruk]

Au contraire, I wait eagerly for your each and every post :).

At any event, sorry Kataji is giving you a hard time but she's had a rough night. Funny how it worked out, even though Koden and Kataji are quite a different pair than Cadrius and Shade.

[Cadrius]

Not a problem at all. I imagine anyone would be in rough shape after the night she's had. Yep they certainly are different from Cadrius and Shade...certainly less melodramatic anyway.

[Gralhruk]

Less angry but with more kung fu.

[Cadrius]

Hey Cadogan, has Koden heard of either the Tsune or the Lushima families over in Japan? Just curious.

And yes, less angry, more kung fu, and flashier clothing.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You have heard of neither but your exact knowledge of family names is not the best and either one could exist.

[Cadrius]

That's it Gral, I'm not posting in this one again until you update Shade in the freeform game. I want my 1000th post to be there, damn it!

[Gralhruk]

Is it my turn? I've been waiting for the other group to update their situation. I thought Maeko and Itches hadn't posted and, to be honest, I'm not exactly sure what Shade is going to do. I was hoping their actions would give me some direction.

[Cadrius]

Ah well, no big deal. Now, back to trying to prove that she didn't kill the servant. Hmm...

[Gralhruk]

I'll give them a little more time before I post, I think I might have figured out what she is doing.

At any rate, I'm at a bit of a loss as far as how to proceed with the investigation. She hasn't really held anything back; that's pretty much all we've got to go on.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Im not going to spell it out for you but I will give you a string of questions that should help.

Ask yourselves why such a highly prized Shinobi would kill a lowly servant. Was it because she knew something? Knew what exactly? What is it that a Shinobi does again? Knowing this (or these) what negative effects could this (or these) possible have on yourselves, Japan and China as a whole?

Glad to be of assistance. :)

[Gralhruk]

Ummm, refresh my memory. Shugenja are like elemental priests right? I haven't opened my OA up in a while :).

[Cadrius]

Yep, more or less. Think divine sorcerer and you're on target. In the OA setting they serve as priests but I'm not entirely certain how they fit into Cadogan's world. I do know that there aren't any kicking around China, unfortunately Koden is far more sheltered and does not.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Since neither of you have had along time to get aquainted with Naking, I would give you what would appear to be the blantly obvious thing to do. Ask the guards who are issued to guard Gralhruk, or Cadrius ask your servant (whom should have returned to your room by now), although it might not be a wise thing to do with Gralhruk's character in sight.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the delay, expect an update before the end of the week, i've been studying for upcoming exams which leaves me only a little time to post in my games and such.

Just so you know what to expect the Guard does have an answer, but its not a definate one.

[Cadrius]

*Drums his fingers, looks around*

Cadogan here? No?

*yawns and goes to sleep*

[Gralhruk]

You didn't see his "Delay" announcement in the main Lands of Dyanasty Forum? Apparently he has exams and such this week so no update until the weekend at the earliest :(.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Just a warning, there might be a delay leading up towards christmas, we're safe for about another week or so if you two are willing to tell me what you want to do, or make a huge In Character post about what you do I will go about the process or writing up the answers and endings to your queries. Its probably also wise to note that while Gral has to deal with two guards as escourts, Cadrius doesn't. :)

[Gralhruk]

For the record, I'm not at all against attempting a meeting. If nothing else, Lushima might accidentally give us some clues even if he is already aware of Koden. I'm guessing Koden has a few ranks in diplomacy (and hopefully sense motive).

Aside from that, perhaps Koden can ask around with his friends at court if there are any trade agreements pending with Japanese families, or the Matrio family in particular. Also, maybe he can find out which chinese families seem eager or willing to trade, perhaps outside the law. I'd like to figure out who Lushima was talking to at the wedding.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Just to recollect what Gral's character saw, the man she is talking about (the man talking to Lushima) was not Japanese, nor Chinese. It is understood Wu is inviting people from lands other then Japan (Japan is still very very young) it might be prudent to try and discover what lands, and then Identify what nationality this man was before trying to search him out.

[Gralhruk]

My bad, I assumed he was chinese; thanks for the correction.

Oh, and am I correct that Matrio is the family name and Lushima is his first name? It isn't the other way around, is it?

[Cadogan Trahem]

In traditional Japanese sense the family name comes before the first name. It only makes sense since there can be an apparent infinate number of babies with the same first name while only a select few will carry the same family name.

You are correct however; Matrio Lushima is <Family/Ancestrial Name><Personal Name>

[Cadrius]

Wait, he's neither Chinese nor Japanese? Crap.

And you know I just recently got into the Three Kingdoms. It's really quite compelling stuff, almost makes me wish I had picked a different character concept, but I believe this shugenja shall wreak as much havoc as he can before he goes down in a blaze of glory (or something like that).

[Gralhruk]

Just to clarify: Lushima is japanese. The guy he was talking to at the wedding was not japanese or chinese.

[Cadrius]

Just to clarify: I am, in fact, an idiot and would benefit greatly from a more thorough reading of these posts.

[Gralhruk]

:)

No worries. It's been a while since this game was moving; I would benefit from a little re-reading as well.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The Three Kingdoms period in China is an interesting one.

[Gralhruk]

So, Cadrius, any preparations you can think of before the party? It would be nice if Kataji could somehow view the gathering without being seen. Maybe she could spot the guy of indeterminate origin that Lushima was talking to.

I'm thinking maybe we can access the guest list for the wedding party and at least identify the different countries involved.

[Cadrius]

Those are some good ideas, but as a player I'm horribly paranoid about this whole set up. Poor Koden, he's a priest not lawyer.

[Gralhruk]

Can't say that I blame you. Kataji has expressed my own concern a couple of times in game - if Lushima gets wind of you Koden could be in trouble. I'd say we have little choice, though. Lushima is the only lead we have and this dinner a good chance to spy on him.

If Kataji wasn't under constant guard she'd volunteer but (forgive the pun) her hands are tied.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Well i'll just inform you Gral that there is no chance of you going unshackled or unguarded to the festivities. Deep down your character knows this. There is still no reason why you cannot be there, with the exception of you looking like a common criminal with some priviledges.

If you guys want to post final preparations I can skip you all ahead to the dinner. If you have anything else in mind feel free to say so. :)

[Gralhruk]

I figured as much. That last little bit in the IC was just to let Cadrius know that she wouldn't mind acting the part of a servant if she got the chance.

At any rate, is there any chance Koden could pull some strings and have Kataji hidden off to the side somewhere? Surely a court banquet hall must have some hidden alcoves for royal eavesdroppers :).

[Cadrius]

Yes, but unguarded? I suppose Koden could state that he was going to guard her for the evening and let her sit somewhere quietly but if the servants or the host found out a shackled criminal was at their party...well I imagine Koden's cover would be blown right quick.

[Gralhruk]

Well, I figured she'd still be guarded. I was hoping there was a room off the banquet hall she could be sequestered in (shackled and with her two guards), preferably with a peephole (ok, I'm pushing my luck) or window that she could use to spy on the main hall.

If not, I guess Koden will be on his own. Maybe while he's at the banquet she can go over guest lists and such to try and identify possible co-conspirators.

[Cadogan Trahem]

It would be possible to push you off to the back if you wanted. I don't believe the host would particularly want his guests to feel threatened by the presense of a "criminal" anyway.

[Gralhruk]

Well, I don't want Lushima to be aware of her and I think sitting in the back of the room shackled and guarded will be pretty obvious. If there is somewhere more hidden (ie. a balcony or something) that might work.

If there is no way for her to watch the goings on at the party without being visible, then I'd say her next best bet is to see if she can get a guest list and start going over it while Koden is at the party. She would be checking for the different countries involved and anybody of note or anybody connected to Lushima. Also, if there is anywhere she could do some research (a library or something), she could start researching Lushima and his family, plus there relationships with other countries and families.

So, that's my plan but I need somebody to tell her what is possible. I was guessing Koden would need to speak to the general or somebody else about these things, but you could save us the time by telling us up front.

[Cadrius]

Hey, she is under his watch (as well as the couple of guards posted) so maybe that'll be enough. Although the host might have a problem with it. Hmm, I think my train of thought is about to be derailed. I've run out of tracks...

[Cadogan Trahem]

Ok, all this talk has confused the living hell out of me, and the fact I just recently got busy with study doesn't help either. Since this forum hasn't updated in a while Im guessing its my turn to post. And since I don't know what to post im going to be very frank.

Tell me what, if anything, need to do to get the game moving again? Im guessing you want to go to the feast, but your exact plans illude me after there. :S

Sorry for this but i've been running around following my own tail for a few days trying to get everything together and for some reason I keep overlooking this game (maybe im cursed).

[Gralhruk]

It's actually pretty simple :). Koden wants to attend the party. Kataji wants to observe the party without actually attending or being seen: can she do this?

[Cadogan Trahem]

you can have your own balcony which is out of the way and above the feasting. That way you can "attend" without being seen (both you and the host want this), and still remain guarded (this is nessesary) and get your birds eye view of the events (you wanted this).

Is that an agreeable compromise then? :)

[Gralhruk]

Most definitely. That is exactly what I was hoping for.

[Cadrius]

Hey, it works for me. Let's move on!

[Cadogan Trahem]

I havn't forgotten you! Its just my website is supposed to be updated later today and i've been working on it for the past few days.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Sorry for the huge delay (4 whole days), but now i've gotten things moving again.

[Gralhruk]

Just so you know Cadogan, you have me completely paranoid :). I wouldn't be surprised if the 15 year old serving girl is really Lushima in disguise, and he's just served me up a double helping of poisoned dinner.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Update tonight, when I fix up Maeko's game.

[Cadrius]

Update tonight my Aunt Fanny! I've always wanted to use that phrase.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I was struck down by the busy bug. Sorry for the delay.

[Cadrius]

Quick question Cadogan: Does Koden know if that's his seat or not? Are there any empty spaces nearby? He was shown to it by the host was he not?

[Gralhruk]

The plot thickens. I'm still waiting for Kataji to double over from poison-induced abdominal cramps.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Originally posted by Cadrius
Quick question Cadogan: Does Koden know if that's his seat or not? Are there any empty spaces nearby? He was shown to it by the host was he not?

There are no empty seats left at this table, and indeed you where shown to this seat by a servant as "your seat"

[Cadrius]

Ugh, talk about negative reinforcement. See if Koden ever uses diplomatic channels again.

[Gralhruk]

Sorry that Kataji is useless. I don't see what she can do except jump off the balcony and hope to land on this bastage.

Also, Cadrius: Check your private messages.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Gral, just to make it clear you could choose to give Cadrius a sign. The only people who know you're up there is yourself, Koden, the two guards, the Host and those directly under him, and probably a servant or two.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Woo damn, that last post was heavil biased towards Gral. Sorry Cadrius. :D You just didn't have alot of important things, and I already padded it enough.

[Cadrius]

If the serving girl and the food makes you nervous, raise your hand.

And don't worry about it Cadogan, I can't always be the star.

[Gralhruk]

Can we pretend that Kataji did, in fact, give Cadrius some sort of sign that it was Lushima? I can edit my post to reflect it.

Anyway, why do I get the feeling my earlier suspicion was correct? Or at least partially correct, since Kataji has eaten and she hasn't required a save vs. poison yet. Once these guards eat up and keel over from poisoning Koden will really have his hands full trying to prove her innocence.

What to do about it . . .

[Cadogan Trahem]

Can we pretend that Kataji did, in fact, give Cadrius some sort of sign that it was Lushima?


Yes. No need to edit.

[Cadrius]

Hmm, I'm still trying to decide what to do here. While I believe Koden ruined any shot he ever had at proving anything with Lushima, I'm not sure there really was a right way to handle that (apart from trying to fry everyone within ten feet).

Hell, the fact that he's in league with that blasted rival of his makes it all the worse. Of course he can't prove ANY of it. *sigh*

[Gralhruk]

Join the club. I'm trying to figure out if I should try and warn the guards, but she doesn't have anything except suspicion. I'm guessing they wouldn't believe her anyway.

Anyway, I don't there was really anything Koden could have done there. Although shooting the place up does sound kind of fun I think our fun would be short lived. I guess we'll have to hope that Lushima and your rival give us something we can go on.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You guys don't nessesarily have to do anything, you could just wait and watch and see what happens and then discuss points later, you never know something might come up.

As for you Gralhruk, you can do as you please. :) I might be playing on your subconscious suspiciousness.... or I may not be... the funs of being a DM. :)

[Gralhruk]

I guess Kataji will simply be watching for now. If I have time I'll stick a filler post in, but no need to wait for me if you want to move along.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I'll wait for Cadrius to see if he has thought of a plan yet. I don't like rail roading players ahead in time but if he agrees that there is nothing to do but watch I will indeed move the game along for you.

[Cadrius]

I've thought of a few things but none of them would end well. So go ahead and advance us Cadogan. Sometimes not doing anything is your safest option.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Can you guys hold that thought, don't tell Maeko this but I need to speed up her game so that its in sync with your game. Her entrance is soon...

[Gralhruk]

No problem.

[Cadrius]

Yay, Maeko's entrance is soon! How long have we been playing? This has been one hell of a prologue...

[Gralhruk]

Not to mention, nobody else has been able to read our awesome posts :yum:.

[Cadogan Trahem]

These arn't prologues. You each finished your prologue seperately :) You're now approaching Chapter 2.

I just like the idea of not knowing whats going on with others players. It sort of creates that real "didn't know that" atmosphere"

[Cadrius]

Hey, where's Maeko? Don't make me shake my fist at you Cadogan...

[Cadogan Trahem]

She's been busy lately, we're wrapping up the final things now, I just need her to make a few more moral decisions for her dilemma

[Cadrius]

Shall I assume we're still waiting for Maeko to get finalized?

[Cadogan Trahem]

To keep you guys busy, I have some riddles for you to work on. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves and once you get one I will tell you and post another.

1. The Anwser Remains Out There. Whenever wanton abuse of power and injustice stand, I am drawn forth but speak backwards. Once my words cut they harm no one.

[Cadogan Trahem]

Too hard eh? :)

[Gralhruk]

I'm stumped.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I'll give you some clues, the first sentence is important and don't take everything for its literary meaning.