Assassin's Creed Shadows One-Shot

Summary

Critical Role: Assassin's Creed Shadows One-Shot - Episode Summary

Episode Information:

• Title: Assassin's Creed Shadows One-Shot
• Host/Author: Critical Role
• Release Date: January 21, 2025

Overview: In this special one-shot episode, Critical Role's talented voice actors immerse themselves in the feudal Japanese-inspired world of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Sponsored by Ubisoft, the session intertwines rich storytelling with dynamic gameplay, showcasing collaborative storytelling at its finest.

---

I. Introduction and Setting ([05:12] - [05:12])

The episode kicks off with Matthew Mercer welcoming listeners to a unique adventure set in the world of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Unlike a traditional campaign, this one-shot is inspired by Assassin's Creed lore but crafted independently to offer a fresh narrative experience.

Matthew Mercer: "Hello and welcome to tonight's very special one shot, sponsored by Ubisoft and Assassin's Creed Shadows, the ultimate feudal Japanese video game experience."

II. Character Introductions ([04:05] - [05:12])

The cast introduces their characters, each bringing distinct backgrounds and personalities to the table:

• Garrett O'Neill (Liam O'Brien): A tall, broad Irishman who has lived in Sakai for two decades, Garrett is adept at translation and facilitating trade.

  Garrett: "After two decades. I know a lot of people."

• Rufino (Robbie Damon): A Portuguese-looking mercenary raised in Japan, Rufino operates in the shadows, leveraging his scrappy nature for survival.

  Rufino: "I'm just Rufina."

• Tomiko (Emily Pickford): A reserved samurai from the IGA province, Tomiko carries both katana and naginata, embodying discipline and strength.

  Tomiko: "I prove, let's go see what Takeda has for us."

• Umi (Jasmine Buular): A strong, wide-built warrior with humble origins, Umi seeks to train and prove herself in Sakai.

  Umi: "Hello, I'm Emily Pickford. I play Tomiko in Assassin's Creed Shadows. And today I'm playing Umi."

III. Mission Briefing ([28:57] - [33:51])

Takeda Shingen, a prominent daimyo in Sakai, approaches the group with a lucrative but morally ambiguous mission. He seeks assistance in procuring ammunition for a shipment of Matchlock Tampo firearms arriving soon. This task involves finding or coercing a skilled blacksmith to produce iron bullets discreetly.

Takeda Shingen: "There is a series of trade vessels to come in the morning... I would like you to find somebody who might be interested... crafting and delivering a large volume of iron bullets discreetly."

IV. Exploration and Seeking Contacts ([33:28] - [35:13])

The group navigates the bustling streets of Sakai, interacting with locals and searching for a reputable blacksmith. Their journey leads them to Rin Nakamura's smithy, where they seek her expertise in fulfilling Takeda's request.

Tomiko: "Clearly, every town, prefecture has a kind of. There's a political system... I need to find out exactly where we stand in this whatever it is."

V. First Combat Encounter and Siege ([34:34] - [85:00])

As the team delves deeper into their mission, tensions escalate when Nobunaga's forces besiege Sakai. A series of violent confrontations unfold:

• Rufino's Encounter: Rufino attempts to intercept a horse-mounted samurai, resulting in a brutal clash where he faces multiple foes. Despite his efforts, Rufino succumbs to overwhelming attacks.

  Rufino: "I'm going to be stupid... So the heft of the weapon hit that feller in the face."

• Tomiko and Umi's Assault: Tomiko leads an aggressive assault against attacking samurai, utilizing her exceptional swordsmanship to dispatch multiple enemies swiftly.

  Tomiko: "Nobody hits sisters on my watch."

• Garrett's Finesse: Garrett employs his Kanabo skillfully, knocking samurai off their mounts and aiding his companions in critical moments.

  Garrett: "So hold on a minute, Matt. Hold on a minute."

The action-packed sequences demonstrate the players' strategic prowess and character-driven decisions, culminating in intense battles that test their limits.

VI. Siege of Sakai ([85:00] - [157:38])

The city of Sakai becomes a battlefield as Nobunaga's forces intensify their assault:

• Massive Clashes: The group faces waves of samurai wielding traditional weapons and emerging firearms. Strategic combat maneuvers and character abilities are pivotal in overcoming formidable adversaries.

  Tomiko: "I have to go out."

• Rufino's Sacrifice: Rufino's valiant efforts to protect his allies result in his untimely demise, highlighting the harsh realities of battle.

  Rufino: "I am doomed."

• Tomiko's Leadership: Despite grievous injuries, Tomiko remains steadfast, directing her group to safety and prioritizing the welfare of a wounded companion, Umi.

  Tomiko: "You gotta take care of Hagee. We'll get him to safety."

VII. Rescue and Escape ([157:38] - [169:39])

With the city in chaos, the remaining members rally to escort the injured Umi to a safe haven outside Sakai:

• Final Confrontations: As they attempt to flee, the group engages in last-ditch efforts to fend off attacking samurai, ensuring their passage through the burning streets.

  Umi: "I'm going to try and slash again."

• Arrival at Rural Estate: The group reaches a rural estate, greeted by a welcoming figure who facilitates their immediate care and shelter.

  Tomiko: "Heiji, who are these? We gotta get out of here."

• Personal Reflections: The players reflect on their characters' resilience and the collaborative efforts that saw them through the direst moments of the siege.

  Tomiko: "This was a big night."

VIII. Wrap-Up and Player Reflections ([169:39] - [214:57])

As the combat subsides, the cast discusses the session's highlights and their characters' development:

• Emotional Impact: The players express admiration for the narrative depth and the seamless integration of Assassin's Creed elements into the gameplay.

  Umi: "It feels like creating our own story within the framework of Assassin's Creed Shadows."

• Gameplay Appreciation: Newcomer Umi shares her appreciation for the game's mechanics and storytelling, noting the supportive environment that allowed her to thrive despite initial hesitations.

  Umi: "This is my first time playing. Thank you so much."

• Character Growth: Tomiko acknowledges the growth and bravery her character displayed, highlighting the importance of teamwork and strategic thinking.

  Tomiko: "We have to protect the village and stop Nobunaga. I'm not trying to fulfill that mission anymore."

• Future Adventures: Inspired by the successful one-shot, the players express enthusiasm for future sessions, hinting at expanded narratives and deeper explorations within the Assassin's Creed universe.

  Tomiko: "I'll come play again if you ever invite me."

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Conclusion: The Assassin's Creed Shadows One-Shot episode masterfully blends immersive storytelling with strategic gameplay, delivering a memorable experience that resonates with both fans of Critical Role and the broader Assassin's Creed community. Through rich character interactions and high-stakes combat, the session underscores the power of collaborative storytelling in creating engaging narratives.

Ryuichi (Game Master): "You guys did great. I love you all so much."

Key Takeaways:

• The synergy between players and the game master creates a dynamic and responsive narrative environment.
• Integrating elements from established franchises like Assassin's Creed can enrich storytelling while offering creative freedom.
• Character development and teamwork are pivotal in overcoming complex challenges within the game.

Notable Quotes:

• Tomiko: "Nobody hits sisters on my watch." ([35:13])
• Umi: "This is my first time playing. Thank you so much." ([212:54])
• Rufino: "I am doomed." ([174:17])

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For those who missed this episode, stay tuned to Critical Role for more adventures that blend beloved franchises with original storytelling, delivered by a cast of exceptional voice actors.

Transcript

[Garrett]

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[Ryuichi]

Hey there critters. We are so excited to share with you our brand new podcast from the World of Exandria. The Re Slayer's Take in this audio adventure, you'll be guided through the wild continent of Isylra, home to some of the most dangerous creatures. Here the Slayers take as the most notorious monster hunting group in the realm. But when previously slain creatures start returning from the grave, it's up to six misfit mercenaries to band together and reslay these supernatural threats as the reslayers take. So come follow along these audio escapades as the second coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria battle a growing undead army of dangerous creatures. The party is led by a duo of game masters, George Primavera and Nick Williams, with the main cast including Jasmine Buular, Caroline Lux and Jasmine Sheong. Listen to new episodes every Monday anywhere you stream podcasts or become a Beacon member and listen to the podcast two weeks early and uninterrupted by ads. Hi there, this is Matthew Mercer, resident game master here at Critical Role to welcome you to this podcast version of the show. If you'd like to watch the stream as it airs, you can catch It Thursdays at 7pm Pacific on Twitch TV, CriticalRole or YouTube.com CriticalRole Twitch subscribers can access the video on demand immediately after the broadcast and it also becomes available on YouTube Mondays at 12pm Pacific. Podcast episodes Land Right here on the Critical Role podcast network on Thursdays, a week after the initial broadcast. Okay, with that info dump out of the way, let's dive into the story. Hello and welcome to tonight's very special one shot, sponsored by Ubisoft and Assassin's Creed Shadows, the ultimate feudal Japanese video game experience. A new creed rises over Japan as the country is on a brutal path toward unification, driven by the iron will of daimyo Oda Nobunaga. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows lets you live the intertwined stories of Naoe, an adept shinobi assassin, assassin from the IGA province, and Yasuke, the powerful African samurai of historical legend. Explore the vast world centered around Kyoto with 10 regions that each have their own biomes and visual themes. Now, as a reminder for our one shot tonight, it is set in the world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, but we are not creating a historically accurate story, nor are we telling a tale that is canon to the game. Tonight's events are instead just lovingly inspired by both. But thank you again to Ubisoft and Assassin's Creed Shadows for sponsoring this one shot. Visit assassinscreed.com shadows for all the latest. And now let's go ahead and meet our wonderful players at the table for tonight's game. Let's start with some familiar faces in the studio. Over here with Liam O'Brien.

[Garrett]

Hey, it's Liam. Today I'm going to be playing Garrett O'Neill.

[Ryuichi]

Thank you, Liam. Over on this side, we have Robbie Damon.

[Rufino]

Yeah, yeah. I'm playing Rufino. Just Rufina.

[Ryuichi]

Wonderful. And we have two wonderful new friends in our studio today who are also cast members from the game Assassin's Creed Shadows. Emily Pickford.

[Umi]

Hello, I'm Emily Pickford. I play Tomiko in Assassin's Creed Shadows. And today I'm playing Umi.

[Ryuichi]

Wonderful. Perfect. And on this side, we have Peter Shinkoda.

[Tomiko]

Peter Shinkoda. Here I'm playing the character I designed, Ryuichi, in this game. But in the video game I play Fujibayashi Nagato, you'll find out who he is.

[Ryuichi]

More context to come for those characters. But tonight, we'll get to see your characters and your creations here in this world. So with that, let's go ahead and jump into tonight's story.

[Garrett]

There's something so special about classic action RPGs that never gets old. The rich storytelling creates an experience that stands the test of time. That's why I was so excited to learn about the latest remaster from the beloved Y's series. Y's Memoir the Oath of Felghana Upgraded visuals and music make the new game look, sound and play beautifully on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 Plus Y's memoir The Oath of Felghana offers three different versions of the game's epic soundtrack, two versions of the characters, portraits, and difficulty levels ranging from very easy to to nightmare. Now, as someone who did play the original, I was blown away by all the incredible updates to the experience and how it still maintained the classic charm of the game itself. So check out the new and improved Y's memoir, the Oath of Felghana. Today Y's the Oath of Felghana is available digitally on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, and there's a physical only refined edition for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Visit worldofeast.com for purchase options and links. That's worldofys.com Want the chance to be rewarded for watching TV?

[Ryuichi]

Well, with Sling TV's watch and win Sweepstakes, all you have to do is watch 30 minutes of TV daily for chances to win up to $10,000 in cash and other prizes each month.

[Garrett]

They also offer a free account with.

[Ryuichi]

Sling Freestream, which gives you over 500 channels of always free TV and movies. Plus, Sling lets you customize your channel lineup and even record shows with Sling's Cloud dvr.

[Garrett]

And regardless of your membership, you can.

[Ryuichi]

Earn rewards and still have that chance to win big. You know, there are certain cable shows.

[Garrett]

And specials that you just can't experience.

[Ryuichi]

On streaming services, so Sling TV is.

[Garrett]

Great for me because I can watch.

[Ryuichi]

My favorite channels without committing to a full cable subscription. Watch TV anywhere at any time and get rewarded with Sling. Sign up for free [e-mail] win that's sling.com win watch TV every day and improve your chances of winning $10,000 in cash and other prizes monthly. Sling.com win our tale takes place in 16th century Japan during the late Sengoku period, where over a century of political unrest and clans warring for control in the wake of a waning emperor's influence has left the peasantry suffering through famine and the masses of military warriors exhausted. In this era, land and name are key to your survival. You either own them or die trying to defend them. Less powerful daimyo are challenged to ally with stronger ones or risk decimation, and a handful of dominant clans have risen to prominence and power, though none as ambitious as the Oda clan and under the leadership of the ruthless visionary who seeks a unified Japan under his rule, the daimyo Lord Oda Nobunaga. Lord Nobunaga's quest to make every region of Japan as one was growing more and more successful. And one of the locales he sought to achieve this goal was the autonomous port city of Sakai, an international trading hub boasting emergent technologies and abundant wealth, bolstered by non bond trade or trade with foreign merchants. The independent Merchant Council of Sakai recently refused Lord Nobunaga's request to join his expanding rule, and a palpable tension sits across the city streets. But life goes on and business within these walls is ever booming. It is here our story begins an hour from dusk within the prosperous port city of Sakai, where a ragtag troupe of figures seek their individual fortunes. Now standing against the beautiful Osaka Bay and surrounded by a massive moat and large defensible walls, the bustling city of Sakae is a vibrant and wealthy city filled with people of all walks of life. Here the busy streets wind through multi level wooden structures of intricate sloping, tiled and thatched roofs intermingled with minka style households and the occasional shrine. Plumes of smoke drift up from the numerous ironworks and they're at the heart of the city's industry, the clanging of worked metals echoing in the distance. Textiles store fronts and food merchants line the roads. And closer to the port as you get there, it's here at the water's edge of the Osaka Bay. You can see the vibrant mix of fishing vessels and trade ships coming and going. Some of these ships bear the design of foreign sails and make as do some of these denizens within this center of commerce, such as this figure, we see sauntering up with a brisk pace and determination. Liam, would you like to describe Garrett for us?

[Garrett]

Garret O'Neill is a tall, broad Irishman that washed ashore in Sakai the better part of two decades ago and has since made a life for himself here. These docks here along the water are where he spends his days working and living, translating and helping facilitate the movement of goods across the sea. He is very tall, muscled figure with straight red hair that hangs pushed back down and has a bit of light red goatee or scruff on his face. He wears his clothes fairly loose and anyone seeing him walk by can see the edges of very, very faded Celtic knotwork tattoos poking out on his neck and chest and a little bit down one forearm. He carries a kanabo, a thin kanabo, a wooden one that is in his hand almost like a walking as he makes his way down the docks. He wears a fairly reserved expression at all times and affords himself a grin at the familiar sights here at the bay.

[Ryuichi]

In one hand twiddle with the missive scroll that had called you to Takeda Shingen who is one of the various owners and managers of businesses along the shipyard. His specifically being the ship repair business. And he's offered you quite a bit of work in the past. He's made a reputation of himself both as a reputable individual to get your seafaring vessels repaired, as well as a vessel trustworthy source to get things you can hide on these vessels both in and out of the city and to foreign shores as well. Since his business does indeed require interacting with foreigners, often through Osaka Bay, you've become one of his favorites to pull from to discuss and directly converse with some of his less savory foreign clients as they come through.

[Garrett]

After two decades. I know a lot of people.

[Ryuichi]

Truth. So this means that he has a bit of business and it's been dry for a bit. A little extra coin, a little extra martin in your pocket wouldn't hurt. So as you coast up the side of the bay, you can hear the creaking of ropes and some of the nearby ships pushing up against the heavy wooden docks with the tide not too far off. Moving at about the same pace and catching your eye just as you catch his. Ryuichi. Would you please describe what we see as you are heading across the bay?

[Tomiko]

Ruichi. He's a handsome fellow. He's got a full head of hair and a ponytail. A samurai's pocket. Ponytail bun. He's got wisps coming down. He's wearing a blue kimono, a little bit muted, I guess he has. The accompanying garb is earthy colors. He's got some tabi on. But he is adorned with katana. Usually samurais carry katana and the wakazashi symbol. The two makes you the samurai. He only carries one. He's formidable. He also has on his back a naginata that's like a wooden staff with a blade. That's a secondary weapon. But his personality is reserved. It's muted. He's kind of walking down the street not calling attention to himself. Although I think he exudes reserve and power. But he's not. It's not common commonplace what he does. I think people can assume that, you know, he might be a combatant. But he's not asking, you know, for. For the. He doesn't want attention. I think that he's reserved because there's things in his past that he wants to forget. He's compartmentalized them. And he just wants to move on with life. Moralistically, he's very sound. But I believe he does not fear death. In fact invites it. Ryuichi.

[Ryuichi]

And I think it's that mood that drew you to Takeda's attention. As when you are delving in some, maybe not the most locally legal affairs of trade, or at least things that aren't sanctioned by the merchant council that is in charge of Sakai. It is important to have figures that sort of give the air of well guarded to his interests. And you've been a good hire in the past to the point where violence has not been necessary. Just your presence seemed to keep probing thieves and other surrounding outside interests from getting too close to his interests as well. I like that you have crossed paths once or twice with Garrett, who catches your eye as you're both arriving at around the same time of day with that same look of intent. Okay.

[Garrett]

Son.

[Tomiko]

Got it. Son.

[Garrett]

I don't think we're all met. A couple more. Hopefully not too long wait.

[Tomiko]

Time will only tell.

[Ryuichi]

As these stoic figures walk side by side with a fair distance of just enough familiarity, not too far behind them, we see catching up quickly, these also familiar figures. Umi, would you describe what we see as you begin to close the distance?

[Umi]

Yes. As Umi emerges from the alleyways and sees some familiar faces, she fills the space with her mass. Though she is only about 5 foot 3 tall, she's very wide built strong from heavy work on the farm. She's new to Sakai, recently moved here to pursue her lifelong desire to be a warrior. Having come from a samurai family, but raised with all these brothers and a father, a mother who passed when she was a child, they saw no need for her to delve into the training and to be a samurai on the battlefield as she did so between all of her heavy work, she would take what training she could and learned to wield a kanabo. So over her armored shoulder, she has a massive kanabo, a great club studded with metal. At her side, beside her breastplate back plate, she has a wakizashi. And the rest of her attire is truly humble farmer's garb and quite lightweight. She runs hot as a fire and she's rather withdrawn. So focused on the task at hand. So focused on looking for a master, looking to train, looking for an opportunity to fulfill this dream and to level up her skills to become a very competent samurai or female samurai. But she'll settle for being if she can. Even just a bodyguard. So Sakai feels like a good place to do that. If there's people whose interests need protection, perhaps she can put some muscle in front.

[Ryuichi]

And indeed, your initial meetings looking for such work has been met with a bit of disinterest to even even some outright disrespect. But it was Takeda that saw a little bit of opportunity in you, as his initial disinterest in hiring you was set aside when the higher bodyguards that he had used for one of his businesses found themselves quickly laid low by a series of bandits that had been waiting along the outer road. Whereas you had followed them in hoping to prove yourself, and stepping in, managed to dispatch and frighten off the rest of those that sought Takeda's goods. Upon returning them and throwing them upon his desk, he decided maybe there's more to this young farm girl than meets the eye.

[Umi]

Mow her straw, her straw hat with a low brim.

[Ryuichi]

He told you, in time, he'd have a calling to have you prove yourself. And indeed, you received your first true missive for possible business this day. Now, having kept your eye on those who he's done business with in the past, you've recognized both these figures, Garrett and Ryuichi, as having come in and out of Takeda's business warehouse near the docks. A number of times. You maybe have crossed paths or had some brief conversations. But now's your opportunity. As you see them approaching, carrying very similar missives as the one you have in your hand. You of course, hear the footsteps coming up from behind. Maybe not the most stealthily trained figure you normally see that here. This is a sign of someone approaching with intent.

[Tomiko]

I see you. And I approve of you. I don't really have that many adversaries in the world anymore, but I nod. Also being somewhat of an outcast. Now I also know how the females might feel. So absolutely, she can walk with us. And I prove, let's go see what Takeda has for us.

[Ryuichi]

As you approach, expecting that same arm's length energy that you receive from other established men in this space, there is a welcoming air to the side of these two half strangers. As the three of you approach the outside of the large shipyard warehouse where Takeda Shingen does his work. And there, waiting on the outside after arriving maybe a good minute or so beforehand, we have Rufino. If you wouldn't mind describing what they see as they reach the outside. Yeah, yeah.

[Rufino]

Just sort of leaning up against a corner with a half eaten apple, just sort of taking in the scene that comes through. It almost seems like Rufino always has a shadow to step out of. In the humblest of garb you could almost call it dirty. Maybe you would imagine he's got a little musk, a little funk, a little smell to him. But what's contained is just this absolutely sort of feral, mop topped, sort of lively spirit that exudes danger. For sure, he's Portuguese, somewhere between late 20s and early 30s. You can't tell because it's obvious he's lived a hard life. He first arrived here on a missionary ship years ago, and much like most of his life afterwards, it was defined by bad timing and ill fortune. He came into the great rush into Kyushu when the Catholicism was starting to become more and more accepted. And then the minute that his group got there, suddenly it started to get pushed out and less favor and he was abandoned by his group that he traveled. Missionaries that he traveled with. And he was only a child. He was a cabin boy on the vessel, and with no one there to take care of him as a young person, he basically wandered from village to village, wandered the countryside, barely surviving until finding himself on the outskirts of Sakai at a natural onsen where he was taken in by the manager there and raised. So while he's Portuguese in appearance, he's Japanese, by the way that he was raised, though he's never seen as that way and he knows it. So he continues to operate in the shadows in sort of a feral way. And if there's money to be made, he'll be there. And as they approach, he sort of immediately clocks everyone in the group. Huh?

[Ryuichi]

Ryuichi.

[Rufino]

Garrett.

[Ryuichi]

Umi.

[Rufino]

Interesting. Not who I was expecting, but interesting.

[Garrett]

Still breathing?

[Rufino]

Yeah. I'm surprised. Last time I saw you, you were face deep in Steiner veil.

[Tomiko]

So.

[Garrett]

Well, you have to forge yourself a little bit of kindness once in a while.

[Ryuichi]

Sure.

[Rufino]

Nice to see you, Garrett.

[Garrett]

Been a while.

[Rufino]

Does anybody know exactly what this is.

[Ryuichi]

About or.

[Rufino]

How much information is in this missive?

[Ryuichi]

In this? Only given a brief note saying possible work. Should you have a little bit of time this afternoon, if possible.

[Garrett]

Being that Umi san is newer here in town, I don't really know her the way I know many people here. And I've sort of just been sizing her up this whole time. And the thing that stands out the most to Garrett in this first minute of spending time together is the fact that I am 6 foot 4 and wielding this rather anemic looking conobeau. And you're about half my size, but hoisting this massive Iron weapon over your shoulder and I can't help but crack a half smile at it.

[Rufino]

It's a little demasculating, isn't it?

[Umi]

Trying to make up for it. My height, my gender and the disadvantages that might put me at in this society. I try and lean into other advantages such as my strength and my weapon and hiding behind my hat. But yes, I sense that I'm in very good company to learn from. But we are all very different in skill, so I can only imagine we'll all be working together. I don't think we're in competition with one another for this job.

[Tomiko]

I don't believe so either. I think Richie is always suspicious. Suspicious. But I think my curiosity is overtaking the suspicion and I have to follow through. This is the most uncommon motley crew of people put together. I have to see what is going on.

[Ryuichi]

Good job. Yeah. And it doesn't take too long before an associate of Takera brings you into the warehouse. Past the the heavy movement of various ship hands, moving materials and various tools for repairing and setting up and hoisting things coming and going throughout the entire dockside. You move and weave through, following the associate until you're brought to the back chamber. The door slides open and you can see there set is the table before Takeda Shingen. A man in his late 50s or so, thinning long salt and pepper hair that's pulled back into a loose ponytail. He's dressed like a mid level merchant throughout the city. A man that probably got his hands dirty in his younger years and now is trying to imagine himself above that. But you can tell by the toughness to his fingers and texture that he's done a fair share of his own dirty work as the years have gone on. He has a thin mustache and he's in the process of finishing filling out some papers before he rolls up, sensitive aside and looks. Ah, you've arrived. Perfect. If you wouldn't mind closing the door slide shut behind you goes. The pleasure is mine to have you all come on such short notice. This is a possibility that I think could make all of you quite a bit richer. Not to mention myself. There is a series of trade vessels to come in in the morning. As you, I'm sure, are well aware, there's a lot of conflict up to the north, and conflict can be a very profitable business. They are bringing with them an order of, well, a fair amount of Matchlock Tampo firearms that I will be able to distribute to a number of interested buyers. Unfortunately, they did not include ammunition in this Shipment. So I would like to prove the capabilities of some, not just in battle, but perhaps as some extensions of my will and interests in the city. The four of you, to find somebody who might be interested, in a short period of time, crafting and delivering a large volume of iron bullets discreetly, and, should they prove difficult to find, have the skills to maybe muscle information out of those that could lead you to such figures. Do you see yourselves available and interested in what could be a very simple job that could pay very well?

[Garrett]

Taka Dessan. I live to serve bullets.

[Ryuichi]

Indeed.

[Garrett]

That's it.

[Ryuichi]

That's all I need. I just need to establish a new contact within this city. Somebody who, with your keen senses of judgment, could be trustworthy and capable. As I see that a number of you have a knack for finding hidden capability. And perhaps there might be a few of these weapons left over that could be a good keepsake. Do you find these terms acceptable?

[Tomiko]

Most important question to me would be, once you match the bullets with these rifles, who's going to own them?

[Ryuichi]

Well, whoever wishes to pay for them. That is how business goes.

[Rufino]

See, Ryuichi over here suffers from long term honor disorder. Yeah, he really can't shake these old ways. Some of us are just like that, right?

[Tomiko]

Yes, certainly a fair question.

[Ryuichi]

Though. With all due respect, this city will take care of that quickly enough.

[Tomiko]

I hear that often.

[Ryuichi]

Mind you, you don't have to discard your honor, but learn to put it on hold when it's necessary. There could be some vibrant opportunities in the future for a man that can set it aside momentarily. But this is a simple ask. Find somebody who can fulfill this order for me. Assure me that you think they're capable and trustworthy, and return. That is all I need.

[Umi]

Embrace the opportunity to work with these fine gentlemen and learn their skills. And to prove myself of service to your business in the future. And perhaps learn how to use these firearms as well.

[Ryuichi]

Indeed, it seems they are quite the way of the future. No disrespect, as he looks upon your katana.

[Tomiko]

I speak for myself, but I will go along with it. But if there's any ounce of treachery, people will die around me. I trust your word is good. Because in my past, words have been just words. Perfection.

[Ryuichi]

That's a great point, Ryu.

[Rufino]

And you know, I picked up on a couple of words you said a couple times. You said simple so many times, over and over. And I don't know, I've done a few deals before. I usually find when someone overstates something, maybe it might be the other way. Listen, I'm grateful for the opportunity to. It's going to be a wonderful learning experience, I'm sure. Any pitfalls we might need to be aware of. Anybody else you might have sent out on this quest other than us?

[Ryuichi]

He continues to fill out paperwork like he's now half paying attention to your troupe. Now that he's put the business before and install, looking at the paper and says, well, the first part is simple, of course. If once we have the contact, then production has to continue. When production is completed in various stages, I will need those to deliver them and keep them safe when they're being brought to the clients. So with this first step proven, perhaps you would be capable of being responsible enough to keep them safe upon the delivery. And from there, the money just continues to flow. So this part is simple. Should you enjoy this transaction, there are more opportunities to come. Perhaps not so simple. So a provider, a contact, a blacksmith, somebody that can either be an independent source for this ammunition or can craft them with haste would be.

[Garrett]

Take it one step at a time.

[Tomiko]

Exactly.

[Ryuichi]

Now, I have much business to get to. The day grows short. Thank you so much. And if I am not present when you have completed your task, my associates will. Will be up until the early morning on the outskirts of the warehouse. They'll go ahead and receive your confirmation.

[Rufino]

I don't think he likes me very much.

[Tomiko]

Sorry.

[Rufino]

Not trying to blow it for anybody else.

[Garrett]

You do try to poke the bear.

[Ryuichi]

His officer is closed behind you, and you are led out of the warehouse, back onto the streets of Sakai, next to the docks and the beautiful city streets that extend beyond the massive buildings and long walkways. Even though at this point in time the sun has begun to set, as the colors shift, it is still quite a bustling town. You can hear the conversation and chatter echoing from the core of the populace, the marketplaces themselves. A vibrant and probably very accessible place to search for such a contact. But the city is yours.

[Tomiko]

What do you think, farm girl?

[Rufino]

You cool with it? Illegal armorer?

[Umi]

Yes, I'm here to observe and to advance in this city whatever route to get to my goal.

[Garrett]

Well, I was hoping for a display of your prowess, but I think we're just talking about a bit of legwork at this stage.

[Umi]

Yeah, in fact, I'll be following behind as I am new to the city, so forgive me. I'll be here to just reinforce as necessary, but I let you take the lead.

[Garrett]

Just a bit of commerce.

[Tomiko]

You do understand there's repercussions if we're to Fail or to succeed in our mission. We're moving the highest tech weapons in the world. After that, people die and more people die. We cannot predict who they may be, but it's only going to create chaos.

[Rufino]

Yeah, people die. You step on a butterfly, there's a tsunami across the sea. I get it, I get it.

[Garrett]

How does that work?

[Rufino]

Ah, I'm not really sure.

[Ryuichi]

Sweet friends, sweet friends. Gentleman steps up from the side. Long black robes seem so sweaty and dirty from the thicker materials. He should be wearing what was a relatively hot afternoon. White collar around. I could not help but notice amongst you, perhaps, some of you have taken to the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. And you immediately remember and acknowledge this to be one of the Jesuit missionaries that are beginning to perpetually flow into the town in recent years. You seem like 50s, balding, bearded, and is coming around holding his rosary raptor on one hand and a book under the other and is immediately coming forth and looks to you. You.

[Rufino]

Yes, of course, brother.

[Ryuichi]

Well met.

[Rufino]

Out of my tunic, I'll pull a tiny little silver cross. Give it a kiss.

[Ryuichi]

Indeed. Well, you are in good hands. Please be so kind as to make sure they understand the way the life and the love of our Lord and salvation beyond that looks to you, and.

[Tomiko]

I don't subscribe to that. My faith belongs somewhere else. You can move on to one of my comrades.

[Ryuichi]

Looks to you. Looks to you. Looks to your weapons. Have a good day. He backs up.

[Rufino]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hold on a second.

[Garrett]

Hold on a second.

[Rufino]

Come back.

[Ryuichi]

Come back here.

[Rufino]

Come back here. What's your name?

[Ryuichi]

Jeremiah.

[Rufino]

Jeremiah.

[Ryuichi]

Where are you from, Jeremiah? From British Isles. Oh.

[Rufino]

How are you finding it here?

[Ryuichi]

Terrifying. I don't know. And he's been talking in very broken Japanese through this period.

[Umi]

I was going to ask if this was in English. So Umi's just like.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, it's like half English, half Japanese. You're picking up bits and pieces, but you definitely pick up the things that are important. Based on his garb and his mode, definitely. And this has been an increasing presence within the city as of late. Becky can excuse I was sent here, but I'm having a hard time, brother.

[Rufino]

Culture shock. That's true. Well, I think you are doing amazing work. Is there anything about this guy that could serve any purpose for as he.

[Ryuichi]

Approaches us, roll with guile.

[Rufino]

Okay. Yeah. I want to take in the whole picture. That's all right. Eight.

[Tomiko]

Eight.

[Ryuichi]

Not too bad. Looking at him. There is no way this man knows more about the city than you do. And at the very least, Seems to be a figure that could be a future scapegoat or a person that might have other uses if you need a Jesuit missionary.

[Rufino]

Got it. Sorry for eating up so much.

[Ryuichi]

Here. Time. Oh, no, that's fine.

[Garrett]

This whole time since Garrett heard this fella's broken Japanese with English accent on it has just been skull fucking him silently the entire time.

[Ryuichi]

Good day. And then wanders on. But the city streets lay before you.

[Rufino]

Any ideas, Gary? You got any?

[Garrett]

Sure, lots of ideas.

[Rufino]

Metallurgy, I mean, you're the man that knows the man. I sell my stuff.

[Garrett]

Well, I've moved copper, silver, iron. I know people around town. I reckon I could probably stop in at any number of drinking houses and have a conversation or two.

[Ryuichi]

Sure, sure. Yeah. Make a cognition check for me next time.

[Garrett]

That's cocked is what that is.

[Rufino]

It's fun to say in the accent.

[Garrett]

Oh, terrible. That's a two.

[Ryuichi]

That's a two. Yeah. There's probably a few places. Metallurgy, I mean, like you've. Let's walk. Yeah. You're having a hard time recalling.

[Rufino]

Can I. Yeah. Can I scan the sort of skyline for any kind of spirit from a forge or a foundry anywhere in town?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, you can easily see a number of smokestacks rising over that. It's getting harder as it gets darker in the day to pick up the color, but it's still enough where you can follow deeper into the core of the city where most of the ironworks are represented.

[Tomiko]

Clearly, every town, prefecture has a kind of. There's a political system. There's usually a lord, a daimyo there. There's usually a castle overlooking each town. Would we go to any military installments to see if they're expecting anything?

[Ryuichi]

You can certainly check into that.

[Tomiko]

I also don't want to instigate a fight and turn them onto any illegal arms coming in. I don't want to do that. I want to, you know, service Takeda and get the hell out. So could we find, you know, a military gate or a military arms, you know, factory, or could we go to the castle?

[Ryuichi]

Well, it's interesting. There is no daimyo of Sakai. It is a merchant council that runs this base. This is one of the few autonomous cities, especially of this scale of wealth and prosperity at this time, which I think is why it's been on the outskirts of the main conflicts that have swallowed the majority of Japan as of late. But there is a military guarded presence here, and the merchant council does have hired mercenaries to look over their vested interests and to protect the town.

[Tomiko]

Consider an existing opponent, somebody that questions their existence. Who's their biggest enemy?

[Ryuichi]

Make a cognition check for me. Go ahead and roll with your cognition bonus.

[Tomiko]

Okay. The 12, right?

[Ryuichi]

Yep.

[Tomiko]

Okay. Five and a two. So I got a seven.

[Ryuichi]

A seven. Not too bad. Most of the enemies of the merchant council are foreign merchants and other political interests that would like to ally or absorb such a wealthy place. You have heard rumors and discussion exactly. Of Lord Nobunaga, who has been making quite a large political play for a number of the outlying cities of this level of trade and wealth.

[Tomiko]

Political play? You mean this by outright attacking or political play?

[Ryuichi]

No, by conversing with. There was representation within this city as of late. There were meetings between the council. There has not been an assault on this town. But there has been rumor and discussion of representatives of Nobunaga, if not himself, possibly being present and meeting with the council. So there could be an agreement underway? You're not entirely certain.

[Garrett]

Above the table. We're trying to find someone who can, in addition to what? Whatever their legit business is. Also on the side, squirt out some bullets, right?

[Ryuichi]

Seems to be, yeah. Or at least have a contact where they can get in there. As you're looking around and walking through the city, people are coming up to you or looking in your direction, trying to sell their wares. You can see there are shop fronts that are open. Glancing around quickly, you can see there's smells of cooked fish off to one side. You pass carts with millet and daikon radishes and azuki beans, taro, all manner of farmers and various other merchants that just fill the streets. The dense populace of this area, the outside of Socae, is massive spreading farmland. And everyone comes in here for the day to try and sell their wares, to trade it. You immediately as you're looking around, swallowed in by the vibrancy of the populace. One man in his late 30s with very edged mustaches and a dark mop of hair up top, comes up, says, friends, friends, Hello. I'm looking to sell some of the finest mulberry, silk and mulberry leaves, if you'd like. Or other quality crafts. No, I'll.

[Tomiko]

What other quality crafts? We're not talking livestock and plants. You can move military hardware.

[Ryuichi]

I'm a simple farmer. Sorry. He continues walking along, having found the wrong sort of folk, he seems. And he was looking for.

[Umi]

Perhaps rather than finding a forge, could we find a merchant who's selling wares of metal goods and try and trace and maybe see if this person is hungry Enough to be peddling their wares if we can convince them to make some bullets for us rather than looking around trying to find a blacksmith.

[Rufino]

I think if we're walking around knocking on doors saying, hey, can you make some bullets for us? Not exactly as clandestine as we need to be. I figure if our employer could just buy these, he'd do it himself. So obviously we need to find a roundabout way of doing this. Above table check. We're talking like flintlock pistols. We're talking like balls and shot.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. These are like iron balls, specifically for Teppo.

[Rufino]

So relatively like high tech weaponry, low tech ammunition.

[Ryuichi]

Correct.

[Rufino]

Where if we find someone who knows how to manipulate metal, they should be able to make this ammunition.

[Ryuichi]

Correct. It's also right about this time. It's hard not to notice. As you're heading through this area, you notice the crowd is keeping a wide berth around the exterior of one officious looking structure where you notice a troop of several armored soldiers. A number of Ashigaru straw hats not too dissimilar to yours, with yari spears at their side and armored. A cluster of them guarding the exterior of this building. Since you're the most connected here, make a. I say make a cognition or a guile check. I'll accept either for this.

[Rufino]

All right. Eh, Seven.

[Ryuichi]

Seven's not bad. It hits your mind just as the figure emerges. Two figures actually emerge. One you do not recognize is stepping out of the building. A fully heavily armored samurai. A daunting figure, tall and wide, full helmet. You can see across their face. This mask that has teeth carved into it with large almost tusk like curves out the side. A toothed grin that curves up with a wiry mustache that sprouts out the edges. Cold eyes. From beneath the Menpo mask itself, it holds intensity. The figure next to him that you do recognize. A well dressed middle aged man that you know as Imai Soky, who is a member of the merchant council of the city and is very much mingled in the business and trade of the town.

[Tomiko]

Imaisaku.

[Ryuichi]

Imai. Sokyu.

[Tomiko]

Sokyu. Imaisokyu.

[Ryuichi]

They both emerge from the building, talking to each other as they do. Other townsfolk see the samurai figure and step away. He carries a presence with him. The other Ashikaru soldiers follow in kind as they continue to walk down the street to get just having a casual conversation. It's rare to see a samurai in full garb, but also this one is in particularly. His armor is designed to set a.

[Tomiko]

Presence, so he's more of a peacekeeping presence. As opposed to somebody that's. I guess he's an assassin. Maybe not technically a samurai because of these merchants that are controlling the city. But you say that he's. It's unique that he's coming out to.

[Ryuichi]

Be walking in the middle of the town at this point with one of the heads of the merchant council which do not have any sort of classical samurai on this scale under their employees. It is odd. You'd likely get the feeling that he's either not local or somebody is wearing the garb of a samurai to difference. Make a cognition check for me.

[Tomiko]

Okay. All right. The 12. Right?

[Ryuichi]

Mm.

[Tomiko]

Five plus two. Seven.

[Ryuichi]

Seven. Okay. That's not too bad. The best you can make out you do not recognize this figure at all. You've never seen them. But you've never seen them. Which means they are definitely not from Sakae. This is not their home. So they are likely visiting. They're visiting and conversing very casually with one of the members of the council here. So there is some big business going on around this time.

[Garrett]

Pardon me.

[Ryuichi]

Did you say the face was visible of the samurai? Emaya Samurai? No. You can see the eyes just barely beneath the helmet. And there is a Menpo mask in the front that completely obfuscates the front of the face.

[Garrett]

I don't know. They're all chill.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. They're just talking as the rest of the Ashigaru soldiers are walking alongside them.

[Tomiko]

The fact that he's out there and then we just got propositioned for this one deal. That's too much for one day and normal Sakai. I need to find out a little bit more before I fulfill this order from Takeda. I'm going to look at you all. So we need to figure out exactly where we stand in this whatever it is. Is there any way these guys one can be sent in to feel out. Cause a commotion or an incident?

[Rufino]

You want to do a classic walk and follow maybe?

[Tomiko]

Perhaps.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah.

[Rufino]

Right.

[Tomiko]

I don't want to be prominently. Like I don't want to be out there. Or I'm gonna look like a challenge to them.

[Rufino]

How's your play acting skills? I'm just sorry. We don't exactly blend in.

[Umi]

Yeah.

[Tomiko]

We don't exactly offer him your services.

[Umi]

Are we saying let's go and eavesdrop?

[Rufino]

As soon as I hear the waffling I'm going to just break off from the group and try to slowly start following them through the shadows.

[Ryuichi]

Oh.

[Garrett]

I think it took too long.

[Ryuichi]

Make a guile check.

[Rufino]

A guile check. Okay. Cool. My intent's full stealth here. That's not bad movie.

[Tomiko]

Could approach and say, how can I join the ranks here?

[Garrett]

That's a 10.

[Tomiko]

I'm a female but I'm formidable.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, okay. You slip into the shadows and it's a combination of both keeping off of the road and keeping out of sight but also blending in with the crowd best you can for being visually non local but still managed to pull it off pretty well obscuring your feature.

[Rufino]

I think my dark sort of stick straight hair, I'll wear it down and low and I can kind of obscure myself in my traditional villager garb.

[Ryuichi]

So you do a great job of hiding. However, a voice perks up between the three of you that goes. You look funny and you can't help but Garrett look down this towering red headed massive mountain of an Irishman at a boy probably no older than 11 years old who's looking up at you, his arms kind of cocked on his hip. He's got that kind of attitude that like a pre teenager has when his parents aren't around. He's like, so what's your deal? Where are you from?

[Garrett]

It's true, isn't it? Do you know I have a head like a torch and at night it burns and can be seen for miles around.

[Ryuichi]

No, that's all right.

[Tomiko]

No.

[Umi]

I feel compelled to step in at this point as this child is perhaps blowing our chance to be subtle and get more information and would like to intimidate him him away or intimidate him into silence so we can fulfill our purpose of gaining information.

[Ryuichi]

All right, what are you doing to try to intimidate this child?

[Umi]

So I think I might roll for might and see if I can intimidate him just with stepping forward alongside. I mean Garrett is formidable but just to growl from below the brim of my.

[Ryuichi]

All right, go ahead and roll with my.

[Umi]

Okay. Oh, that's 14 might for this little one.

[Ryuichi]

Wait, wait, wait.

[Rufino]

You're doing this to the child.

[Umi]

So I might just step forward, drop the carnival on the ground with a little thump and exhale in its direction.

[Ryuichi]

He goes, look, I didn't know.

[Umi]

And she raises a finger to her mouth.

[Ryuichi]

Shamitar turns back and looks back and you see a young woman in her 20s or so, dark hair, normal work clothes, rushes up and goes like heyjie, what's. I'm so sorry. He.

[Garrett]

This one belongs to you.

[Ryuichi]

Oh no, no, no. Belongs to a friend. There are smithies down the road. He's just a rambunctious kid. Heyji, would you not bother the clearly armed and intense figures walking the street.

[Garrett]

Short temper, this one.

[Ryuichi]

And they see that he's looking back at Umi. Yeah. His head's on fire, like, of course it is. That's why you don't bother them. And kind of moves Haji a little bit behind her side. I'm sorry bother you about that. We'll get out of your hair.

[Umi]

I love that. Interesting information about blacksmith family. Did you say?

[Tomiko]

You said blacksmith smithy.

[Ryuichi]

Smithy family. Just down the road, yeah. She stops. Oh, yeah. Hayji's parents, they're blacksmiths.

[Tomiko]

Well, just hold on there a minute then. I think that we can afford a moment or two. Could you point us to this blacksmith?

[Ryuichi]

I don't know. Haji looks pretty spooked. And he's like, he can trust us. Does the fireman get to come?

[Tomiko]

Absolutely.

[Garrett]

You ever go for a ride on a mountain.

[Ryuichi]

You pick Hayjay up and put him on your shoulder. He's this spindly boy who clutches on around your neck and it's like, whoa, it's on fire.

[Garrett]

Oh, my hair, it burns.

[Ryuichi]

As you kind of carry along Tomiko. Tomiko crosses her arms a bit and smiles like, sure, I'll introduce you to Rin. At the very least, thanks for letting your friend give him a little bit of a ride. He doesn't get to wander too much if he's not helping at the smith. So anyway, anyway, so as you walk back with them towards the smith ruin and come to you as you are, right?

[Garrett]

I look over my shoulder going, where the fuck is that one?

[Rufino]

Yeah, yeah. So I'm trying to stay tight within 15, 20ft. Kind of in the shadows of blending in with the group. And I'm trying to clock any kind of info about what. Cause this has piqued my curiosity too. I do feel like I know a lot of people in town and this is. I don't know, it's just one of those kinds. Serendipity kind of days. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

So they're walking. They're walking, talking to each other. And it seems to be like their conversation is casual. But then every bit of time, Imai leans in pretty close and seems to whisper a bit to the samurai. The samurai seems unaffected. There's two different levels of conversation happening here, I guess you could say.

[Rufino]

Yeah. But no. No information about any. Anything moving to the city. Like, are they like. And I'm. I'm. I'm really trying to like, peek in for any.

[Ryuichi]

Anything that might listen to their conversation.

[Rufino]

I. I want to get close enough.

[Ryuichi]

To Roll cognition for me to see.

[Rufino]

Cognition? Well, it's not.

[Ryuichi]

That's the second best.

[Garrett]

Let's go.

[Rufino]

Oh boy. I'm just poopy. Ah, fuck. But whoops. A five.

[Ryuichi]

A five.

[Tomiko]

Damn.

[Rufino]

I know. Not great. I know.

[Ryuichi]

You try to listen in, move through, and as you are getting close enough, or you're starting to pick up bits of the conversation, you turn around the corner and one of the Ashigaru soldiers steps in front. Gives you the notion to fuck off, essentially.

[Rufino]

Oh, so I'm mid.

[Ryuichi]

Or at the very least he's like, you're too close.

[Rufino]

Okay, I'll just give him just a beaming smile, but then also just a little bit maybe inhibited and just wave away. And hands in, not pockets, but hands. Wander off back to the group.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Rufino]

Yeah. Useless side quest.

[Tomiko]

All right.

[Ryuichi]

Wandering through the streets of the city, the sun slowly comes to set and the night comes into the streets of Sakai. At this point now, some of the shops have closed, but also some of the evening establishments have continued their business in. You can catch all manner of people still going about their business and work for the day. But Tomiko is walking along the way, conversing a bit with the rest of the troop here. So why don't I see kind of a motley crew walking through town here at this hour. What's your business? What do you need a smithy for?

[Garrett]

Well, business does bring together strange bedfellows. We are actually hunting around town for someone who is especially versatile in metalworking, have sort of a unique need and you know, business is stretched a bit at the moment. And we have a possibility if we can find the right craftsman, we'll see if we can.

[Ryuichi]

Rin and Nakamura are very talented blacksmiths. Most of their work tends to be in the realm of, you know, what sells well, which is their specialty is tobacco knives. However, they make all sorts of odds and ends and I'm sure whatever sort of custom esques you might have, at least they can be of help. Here it is coming right upon it. And off to the left hand side of the main road where she's led you, you can see this compact, very modest, but very functional smithy built into a longer building with the front of it there you can see a woman in her 30s or so is sitting on the side with a display spread of various small blades and utensils. Right as you begin lumbering up, she sits up and goes, heiji Hayji, what are you doing?

[Garrett]

Sorry, I heard this was yours.

[Ryuichi]

He's like, mom, I rode a giant. It was Amazing. And she's like, okay, well thank you for giving my son a ride. And Tomiko. And she's like, I tried to follow him. He gets like how he gets. And she tussles his hair a bit and he smiles up at her. Anyway, Rin, these fine folks here are looking for someone of your craft and skills, apparently. So I guess a little bit of good fate has brought you all together. PETA, feel free to go about business and I'll try and keep your son in order. And he's already run off and is just being a terror in the street. Rin sits up and wipes her hands free. You can see she has a little bit of that soot on the edges of her chin and she has cloth wrapping around her head. She's not wearing her leather apron, but it's hung up on the side already. The heat that emanates from the inside of her complex itself is noticeable as you approach. But she sits up, adjusting her back a little bit. So what can I help you with?

[Tomiko]

Could we take a moment and inside her very heated complex, I mean, have a word with her?

[Ryuichi]

You can ask her that, yeah. She's like, sure, yeah, we can step in a bit. Just takes a moment back and you can see Tomiko and Heiji are now sitting outside a bit. Heiji's now looking back and he's trying to be curious about what you're all doing. And his eyes are still locked on the strange red haired man. What are you doing at this time?

[Rufino]

I'm not back yet. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But I'm kind of like lost them a little bit. So I'm making my way back through the market like looking for signs of which direction they want to go. I feel like I've got an idea, but I'm just not quite caught up yet. I'm also going to try to steal some shit.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, okay.

[Rufino]

Nothing major.

[Ryuichi]

What are you trying to steal?

[Rufino]

I'm just trying to shoplift some food.

[Ryuichi]

Sure, go ahead and roll the island for me.

[Rufino]

Yeah, great. Oh, that's what I'm good at. Finally found it. 14.

[Ryuichi]

14, yeah, easily whatever you want you pocketed with the 14s. I'm not greedy.

[Rufino]

I'm going to take 1, 2, 3, 4. I guess I saw them. Were they engaging with the kid yet? When I left. I'm gonna grab half a dozen onigiri and one apple for myself.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, fair enough. As you begin to find your way back, while you separated for a bit, you come to find the exterior of this smithworks. So well done. They've found something.

[Rufino]

They're all standing as looking in. And I'm just going to pop up behind Garrett and go.

[Ryuichi]

Huh?

[Rufino]

Found the smithing. I'll toss them each in Onigiri.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. You all get a snack as you're all walking inside. As they're all stepping in, you see across the street a little further down, the Samurai and Imai Sokyu are stepping out of a nearby street and are joining into the main intersection just across the way. And they've stopped for a second with the rest of the soldiers there. While you all step into the smithy.

[Tomiko]

We see meth soldier, or only he sees it and keeps it to himself.

[Ryuichi]

Only he sees it because the three of you have stepped into the building at the time. Okay.

[Rufino]

I'll walk into the building with you. Is there a shuttle door?

[Ryuichi]

No, it's an open storefront.

[Rufino]

Okay, well, I'll step. I'll just duck out of view. Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

I don't want them.

[Rufino]

I made my presence known.

[Ryuichi]

So Rin's wiped her hands. What can we help her with?

[Garrett]

Thank you for giving us a bit of your time. We are trying to facilitate a bit of business this evening. We have been vetting different metal workers and we're on the hunt for somebody with a bit of versatility.

[Ryuichi]

Versatility? I mean, we're pretty versatile in what we can do. We can check in with my husband, Nakamura. He's currently with a client on the south end of the city. But I'm pretty crafty my own. Right. What is it you're looking for?

[Garrett]

Well, we saw your wares outside. Looks fine enough, but you'd be able to improvise a bit.

[Ryuichi]

Sure, sure. She takes a little cup of now cold tea off to the side and sips it.

[Umi]

Ammo, A simple product in large volume.

[Garrett]

Direct. I like it.

[Rufino]

I'm not used to it, but it'll do.

[Ryuichi]

You see a look behind her eyes of acknowledgment.

[Umi]

Not much going on.

[Ryuichi]

That makes sense. Certainly a lot of soldiers coming through town these days. Is there some kind of naval operation underfoot I'm unaware of?

[Tomiko]

That's a great question. It's one that I want answered. I haven't gotten it yet, but that is the most important question. But, you know, I'm dealing with the issues at hand right now. Can we find somebody that can supply a certain amount of ammo?

[Rufino]

We're more of a middle people.

[Ryuichi]

She nods for a minute. Okay. It wouldn't take too long to. At this point, you hear some gasps outside and people's Attention. Everyone looks around and you hear Hey's voice go. What? As you all turn and look across the street where that conversation was happening, a standard civilian of the town has been knocked onto the ground into a bit of muck and is on all fours, pushed down. The armored samurai stands over him. As he glances down intensely, cracks his head to one side. Your disrespectful gaze is noted. Wyrm. Now bow before me as you would before Lord Nobunaga. People freeze around. All the various movement and chatter has come to an immediate standstill. The gentleman who was pushed to the ground turns around, looks up at him fearfully, and leans down and goes into a very, very deep bow before the samurai. The samurai nods, looks to the Imai Sokyu to his right nods to him good. And with one svel swoop carves through and cuts this man down. In the street, the collective gasps. You see Heiji step into Tomiko. Tomiko kind of guarding him for a minute. And taking a step back, he flicks the blood from his blade and looks at it needs to be sharpened, sheathes it, and walks away with Imai, who's a bit disturbed, but continues conversation, the rest of his soldiers staying behind across the road. Rin leans out a bit and goes, Tomiko, why don't you. Why don't you go take Heiji over to Ohtori Shrine for a bit, play with him there. Maybe just get him out of the. Get him out of the thoroughfare. Tommy. Goku nods. Of course. Heiji, why don't we go. Why don't we go play somewhere else? Right? He goes. Okay. She takes him by the arm and they both leave. Slowly, the cityscape begins to reclaim a semblance of its energy. But there is definitely a shaken mood to the space.

[Rufino]

Yeah, Sockeye is obviously a bustling town. A lot of commerce is open. Murder in the street is this. It's not a common occurrence.

[Ryuichi]

It's not a common occurrence.

[Rufino]

However, it's a violent place.

[Ryuichi]

Violence does break out here.

[Rufino]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

There is, unfortunately, in some spaces, a samurai activity referred to as sword testing that some samurai use as a power play in public to where they want to check whether or not their blades are battle ready. And sometimes we'll use people that don't matter to check that.

[Rufino]

Okay.

[Umi]

What? I caught and bristled at Washington the name of Oda Nobunaga from him. So I'm curious if this samurai is affiliated with Oda Nobunaga, and if that then means that there's some connection between Oda And Imai, like with the merchant council, Is some move about to be made on Sakai from Oda Nobunaga could very well be.

[Ryuichi]

Based on the terminology he used in the street, it seemed to imply some sort of connection of perspective between him and, as he said, Lord Nobunaga. But he has now continued up the street with Imai, while the rest of his soldiers stayed behind there. And keeping an eye in the middle of the walkway, Ryn has stepped back into the structure here.

[Tomiko]

Is there anybody that we can ask about what is happening? What operation is going down? Is anybody familiar with what's happening, why the samurais come out? Could we ask the soldiers?

[Ryuichi]

If you want to.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, that's fair enough.

[Ryuichi]

Sure.

[Tomiko]

So what would I. Can I roll? Can I just go up and say what is.

[Ryuichi]

You can just walk and approach if you'd like to. Now, where they stand, especially because of what just transpired, there is a rather wide berth. People who are still walking, keep a fair distance.

[Tomiko]

How many of them are there?

[Ryuichi]

You would see there are six figures. You see there are three ashigaru with yari spears. You see two ashigaru with bows. And there is one kind of appears to be an armored samurai, helmetless at the moment. That is not anywhere near as ostentatiously decorated as the masked figure that left with Imai.

[Tomiko]

Me being such an imposing figure.

[Rufino]

Perhaps.

[Tomiko]

Garrett, could you ask them? I'll be there.

[Garrett]

I think I might stand out. Just.

[Umi]

I would personally love to approach. I feel very. Because I so want to just be a warrior and learn how. And so to approach them seems appealing to me.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. As you all begin to step out of it, Ringo's like, what are you doing? What are you doing?

[Garrett]

Side question. Because I don't want to march up to these soldiers at all, but are there shops on this street in addition to where we are?

[Ryuichi]

Oh, there are many shops.

[Garrett]

Okay, so what I'm going to do, because I don't. I'm nervous about this going tits up. I'm going to just walk across the road and pretend to browse wares. So I am close in the vicinity. But not having eyes on it, I'm just tracking it.

[Ryuichi]

And you're used to drawing eyes anyway, just by the nature of you standing out like the reddest of sore thumbs amongst the populace. But, yeah, you go ahead and duck into one of the nearby shops.

[Tomiko]

I'll walk with you, but I'll detach from you. Keep 100% my attention on you, but I do not want to be going with you. To antagonize them. So I will let you. But I'm there to back you up, so I'm absolutely in with this. You stay out of the way. And you, you are watching your samurai guy. You're off stealing apple.

[Rufino]

Oh, I am sitting right next to the. Well, who was the head of the forge? Not Tomiko.

[Ryuichi]

Rin.

[Rufino]

Rin. Yeah. I'm just sitting next to Rin, finishing up my onigiri. Just kind of watching you guys walk out into the streets.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. And you notice her.

[Garrett]

She's dispersed, Right? There's other people walking through the.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, yeah. There's all sorts. People are still going about their day. You get the sense that moments of violence like this are uncommon, but not to the point where the shock halts People's day and the city's. Everyone's slowly going about their business. But there is that tension that sits.

[Rufino]

In the air as I'm sitting there. What kind of material do you remember what they asked for? Like lead or iron? Iron. I'm watching you guys walk. He's kind of like rolling his eyes to himself. Cause we're off mission. It's like, all right, my last little bit of rice from my onigiri. As I'm sitting next to her and talking to her, I'm gonna roll into a little ball roughly the size of, like, a piece of ammunition. I'm just gonna hold up my hand and I'm gonna lean over to Rin and go, one of these iron. A couple hundred, couple thousand. That's the deal. I'm going to flip it to her.

[Ryuichi]

She catches it, and she's paying attention to you, but she's also watching your friends approaching this cluster of armed warriors. It's like, okay, I'll keep this in mind. I'll talk to my husband when he gets back. She, without even thinking, takes a bite. You see her eyes darting off in the direction of where Tomiko and Heiji went. And there's just. She's a bit distracted at the moment. But then eventually he comes back to you and goes, I'll talk with my husband.

[Tomiko]

See, there's something going on in this town. These guys, they just want to complete the mission. I have reservations about completing the mission. I'll complete it if it's fine, but I have to to check out every angle, see if they're not gonna start a national war. I don't want that.

[Rufino]

I got you, baby. I'll be an angle on your angle. So to that, I'll slip out of the room and duck into an alley. And I'm gonna wait for you two to do whatever it is you're going to do. But I got your back whether you clocked that or not.

[Ryuichi]

So the two of you approach with kind of Ummi leading the the forward momentum.

[Umi]

I feel like this is the turning point if I get the information about what battle might be about to transpire that we might be facilitating by getting munitions to it. Because as much as I would love to be a warrior, I don't like Oda Nobunaga. That's who I feel I am against. I don't want to aid him. So before going through with this first mission of checking in with the forge and getting all this ammo, I would like to approach the man who is not as heavily adorned that you described.

[Ryuichi]

Right. So, yeah. So the samurai as you approach this Gentleman in his 30s, scruff around his chin and his upper lip longer oily hair looks he probably hasn't bathed in a few days or so. And there are is probably sweaty in its own right. It's not heavy, but definitely enough to show station.

[Tomiko]

As a samurai, he's commanding the squad.

[Ryuichi]

He is the highest, it looks like amongst them. Yes. Because all the rest of them are either mercenaries or Ashigaru soldiers with straw hats on or they're probably taken off.

[Tomiko]

Now at this point, staffs and stuff. What's he armed with?

[Ryuichi]

Oh, he has a katana.

[Umi]

Okay, okay.

[Ryuichi]

Katana and wakasashi. But as you step, they're all looking about and conversing with each other. They all look a bit like they're waiting for something. As soon as you begin to step forward, like the samurai glimpse over you, turns his head to the side at the sight of this five foot three armored mountain of a woman looks. Can we help you?

[Umi]

That samurai mentioned, Lord Nobunaga just dive right in.

[Tomiko]

You guys are scared of.

[Umi]

This is the thing whom is not very subtle. And so that's why she's like reluctant to talk.

[Garrett]

Garrett's holding a melon 20ft away and his eyes are just going to love it.

[Tomiko]

All these guys are thumbs are on the.

[Umi]

She's like 20 years old. She's lived on a farm her whole life, just surrounded by brothers. She just like left the farm. She's just like hating. But you know, she's very inspired by the subtlety and the, the intelligence of you. Also. I'm going to try and step in and have a slick conversation with Sara.

[Ryuichi]

He looks at you as you say the name and he nods and gives a little smirk like indeed we are Here on a diplomatic mission for Lord Oda Nobunaka.

[Umi]

A diplomatic mission. Mm. Very interesting.

[Ryuichi]

Why do you ask?

[Umi]

And now she thinks, how can I give up? This poor gal is like, diplomatic mission. What does that mean for this city? So now she's like, okay, she really wants to have the help of this, who she sees as a mentor, though he doesn't know it.

[Tomiko]

I'm going to say the right thing, girl. Say the right thing. You want to join? And where can you, like.

[Umi]

Yeah, trying to, like, get more information to play. Ah, a diplomatic mission. Are you in need of finance?

[Garrett]

Oh, we're in it now.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, make. Make a guile check for me.

[Umi]

Okay. Let's see if I can boost my zero guile.

[Garrett]

Let's go.

[Umi]

Nine.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, nine's not bad. He gives you a look, says, you're certainly armored as a warrior.

[Umi]

Trained as one, too.

[Ryuichi]

And where does your alliance lie? Here, in the unification of our great nation.

[Umi]

My alliance is with the greatness of this nation and all who pull towards that.

[Tomiko]

That was a good answer.

[Ryuichi]

Looks at the other soldiers. Well, then, stay close. Night should get interesting. That's all he says.

[Umi]

She bows and retreats.

[Tomiko]

Okay, so she comes to share that with us or with myself.

[Ryuichi]

Do you choose to go and share that with the rest of you?

[Umi]

I will share that with the rest of you, yes.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Umi]

In case it's of interest to y'all.

[Tomiko]

So diplomatic. Yeah, that's so diplomatic. I heard that in Star Wars.

[Ryuichi]

Diplomatic.

[Tomiko]

Diplomatic means war.

[Umi]

Diplomatic sounds as though it means discussion. But to be receiving to being open to recruits, sounds like there is you coming close with him. Yes, perhaps.

[Tomiko]

But Nobunaga, I also don't have affection for him.

[Umi]

We don't.

[Tomiko]

I can't.

[Rufino]

When she says. When he says that, they're talking out loud like this. You can get in close. And she says he is there, like the equivalent of an insight check on this. I want to know how interested she can I clock.

[Ryuichi]

Sure.

[Rufino]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

So then I want you to go ahead and roll cognition, and you roll Guile once more.

[Umi]

Great.

[Rufino]

Okay. I want to see how honest that answer was.

[Umi]

10. Guile.

[Rufino]

I rolled a natural. 10 plus 2.

[Ryuichi]

Ooh, 12 on. Give him an honest read of your intent here.

[Umi]

Right, My honest read. I don't support Lord Nobunaga. My intention is to get closer, to get more information and perhaps to thwart Lord Nobunaga's intent.

[Rufino]

All right, so I. I glean that that was your intention in talking with them. And I go, yeah, I know. I could Trust you, farm girl. So what's the play?

[Ryuichi]

Ryn, at this point, by the way, who is back of her shop, watches you all walk back. After conversing with these soldiers unharmed, after watching another civilian cut down, nods. I'm going to go and retrieve my husband and Hayji. I think I'm going to close shop early. Maybe. Perhaps we have enough business to not have to worry about being open for the night. And she begins to shut her up. About this time, you hear in the distance, another horn goes off. And the soldiers across the street look at each other. The samurai reaches to his side and pulls out his own horn and blows into the air loudly. As soon as he finishes his horn, one of the warriors next goes, is it time? Samurai goes. It seems it is. At which point they all draw their weapons and just start carving through the cloak. Civilians, they can. Screams begin to erupt throughout the street. You begin to hear the intensity of combat erupting here in the middle of socae into the early night as bloodshed and cries take space. Ryn is now put against the back. And other people are running out. Children, merchants, all certain types. What do you do?

[Garrett]

So hold on a minute, Matt. Hold on a minute. So we're in a fairly wide open public thoroughfare. Multiple shops, including this smithy. The blinged up samurai and a few additional guards are just slaughtering anybody around them.

[Ryuichi]

The masked samurai is gone. The samurai that's kind of been headed this contingent is there with five other figures that are Ashikara mercenaries.

[Tomiko]

It's clear it's no.

[Ryuichi]

You can gather at this point that some sort of diplomatic age is beginning.

[Umi]

To just kill everybody.

[Garrett]

They were loaded throughout the city and it just kicked off. And we're watching.

[Rufino]

Our slice of life is over.

[Ryuichi]

I think a lot of people's slice of life is over today.

[Garrett]

We had a good run.

[Rufino]

Yeah.

[Tomiko]

I think it's clear that these bullets are needed for this battle.

[Umi]

What if it's to defend Sakai? What if there are merchants?

[Tomiko]

This is the thing.

[Umi]

Who's it for? Yeah, now we don't know who it's for if they're already slaughtering people.

[Tomiko]

Who's taken. Who's he supplying?

[Garrett]

That is a larger hovering problem. But at the moment, we gotta stop these guys. There are people slaughtered, getting slaughtered.

[Tomiko]

Preserve our own lives and save anybody else who's in the line of fire.

[Umi]

Yeah, we're on the battlefield now.

[Ryuichi]

Another person nearby gets carved down by the shoulder. This older woman who's trying to flee just gets cut down to the street. You See the samurai pull his blade back and is looking for his next target. Behind him, you see one of his soldiers is now setting fire to one of the buildings across the way. As flames begin to burn and curl up to the thatched roof.

[Tomiko]

I gotta go out.

[Umi]

I gotta run in it.

[Garrett]

I'll tell you what, until this point, I was like, don't make a scene because you stick out like a sore thumb amongst the local authorities. These are not local authorities. Yes, straight out.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so I need that. Everybody roll initiative for me. All right, roll your D12 and add.

[Tomiko]

Your initiative to it.

[Garrett]

Around each one.

[Tomiko]

There you go.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, Come on.

[Tomiko]

Come on. Here.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Tomiko]

A two.

[Umi]

I rolled a two, which is good because I'm at negative four. So I got a healthy little six.

[Ryuichi]

All righty, so with that we have a ten to five. So you got a six?

[Umi]

Yes.

[Ryuichi]

Wow. You out of the gate? Hell yeah. Okay, so we're doing 12 or 10.

[Umi]

Sorry.

[Garrett]

D12.

[Umi]

I feel like I'm also closer to them.

[Garrett]

D12.

[Rufino]

I rolled a natural 11 with a zero.

[Ryuichi]

Oh. So yeah, so you're up first. So. All right, so we have Ruffino.

[Garrett]

He's quick.

[Ryuichi]

Rufino fall, followed by Umi. And then. So that's ten to five. Five, two, one.

[Tomiko]

Okay, I had a two plus a three.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, you had two plus three. So you're five, right? All right, great. Yeah, yeah. So that'll put you. All righty. So did we win then? We have.

[Tomiko]

No. We made it to the center of the street.

[Umi]

Did we win? Is it done?

[Tomiko]

The fight hasn't started yet.

[Ryuichi]

Right, and you are?

[Garrett]

Negative two.

[Ryuichi]

Negative two. What?

[Umi]

Do you have any.

[Garrett]

I rolled a one minus three. What was the order?

[Ryuichi]

All righty, so Rufino, you are up first. You can see now these six warriors are spread out. Now there's three with spears. One that finished lighting the building has now set its torch down to the side. And they're now knocking arrows into their large bows.

[Tomiko]

Plus that dude.

[Ryuichi]

Plus the samurai up front. So six total.

[Rufino]

It's going down everywhere. If honor were a stat, Rufino's would.

[Tomiko]

Be in the negative for sure.

[Rufino]

But seeing that old lady cut down, that's where he draws the line. Cuz it reminds him of the old lady that took care of him when he was a child. And it just keeps his blood boils. And I'm going to see if I can. Is there any way I can make my way to like any of the room rooftops of the shops around? Could I use my.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, you can totally do that.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

All right. So go ahead and roll agility to try and agility. Or might your choice to try and.

[Rufino]

Get a rooftop that's cocked.

[Ryuichi]

Yep.

[Rufino]

Oh, and that's man. Steal some onigiri off the chain. Climb a roof. That's a two.

[Ryuichi]

That's a two. So you go and leap to the nearest rooftop or go head towards it as the torch from the other bowman gets thrown up there and that ignites.

[Tomiko]

Oh gee.

[Ryuichi]

There's now the faintest bit of crackling flames now starting to catch all around you in the space. So as the entire central space here is starting to burn in your area, you have no rooftop to get to. But you still get an adrenaline point because now that we are in combat, any role acquire adrenaline. So nothing up there. What do you want to do?

[Rufino]

Shit. Time to get my hands dirty. No, I failed. So fate said I cannot parkour. Though I would have very much liked to. That's not what I'm built for. I'm going to just kind of dip through the crowds. Super sneaky style. I'm going to go for that guy that cut down that old lady.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, go for.

[Rufino]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Because you've already rolled once. This would be pushing the advantage on this. Right?

[Rufino]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

So because you're still doing it in the same turn, your first roll. Well, the first roll failed actually. So no. So you know what?

[Rufino]

Oh, I'm done.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, unfortunately. Sorry. So you try and get there.

[Tomiko]

He does it though.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, I'll say. By the way, I think of the inner before but I created the system for this game so also we're learning it as we go and I can tweak things if I want. I'll say. Because that was not an actual major action. You didn't even get a chance to do it in this space. I won't consider that your first action. So you still get your turn because that would be kind of not a fun. So go for it.

[Rufino]

Yeah, I was trying to make a.

[Ryuichi]

Move to make a play, but.

[Rufino]

Alright, cool. Yeah. So I'll duck through and I'll go in for that guy. So I didn't tell you guys to talk about your weapons. I never did. I have a very, very common looking hunter's bow, a yumi bow on my back. And then that's why you're going. Yeah, yeah. And then I have a quiver that is also very, very basic. And you can't see the arrows. That doesn't matter. Both of them have hidden the tonto that I have strapped to the small of my back. And I'm gonna pull it out. And I am so plain clothed and nasty looking. This is the finest weapon you've ever seen. I mean, it is just. It's like my entire life earnings have been put into this weapon. And it is beautiful and gilded. And I'm gonna pull it out. I'm gonna go stick this guy who's gonna try my best.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go.

[Rufino]

All right, cool. I'll dip in on him pretty good. That's a nine.

[Ryuichi]

A nine definitely hits him.

[Rufino]

Cool, cool. And then. So that's just one. I am going to push my advantage because why not take saloon?

[Ryuichi]

So for those who aren't aware, this is the D12 system. D12 attributes. I should explain this to the audience who are watching now that we're kind of in the thick of it. Success or failure based on the difficulty or the dodge of the opponent that you're attacking. But if you succeed in a roll, you can push the advantage, which means you can do an additional follow up action or an additional follow up attack. But each time you push the advantage, the dice get smaller. And if you fail while pushing the advantage, there is a consequence to it. So you are pushing the advantage. So your D12 becomes a D10.

[Rufino]

Yep, I am. I'm also going to spend 2 adrenaline to use my special action blade fury, in which I can add my cognition to my next roll.

[Ryuichi]

Indeed.

[Rufino]

And that's going to be on the D10. Pretty good. 9 12, 14.

[Ryuichi]

I'll come in for another PO. Two wounds on the samurai who cut down the old lady.

[Rufino]

And it really pissed me off. So I'm gonna push my vision again. Cause you made a fun system roll.

[Ryuichi]

Shit. What?

[Rufino]

Not one for a four.

[Ryuichi]

A four does not succeed. So you come in there, fury in your eyes. One stab with the tanto, it hits the armor. The second one comes through, manages to catch some of the flesh. The samurai rears back. The third blow you go for, he actually kicks you square in the chest and is going to come down with his blade as a reactive motion. His attack on you, that's going to be an eight to hit you. What's your dodge?

[Rufino]

It's a nine, baby.

[Ryuichi]

Nine chest duck out of the way. The benefits of being unarmored is you're quick on your feet. And now you're engaged. And he gives you a look like, where the hell did you come from? And then a grin.

[Rufino]

I'm going to do a mocking wipe of the blood of his own blood. And I'm going to turn the tanto into a Downward like a knife fighter's pose.

[Ryuichi]

Heck, yeah.

[Rufino]

And just stand squared off. And that ends my turn.

[Ryuichi]

Great. That finishes your go. Next up, we have Umi with Ryuji on deck. What do you want to do now?

[Umi]

Well, though I'm slow, I was hot on your heels, and you've done three attacks there. So by this point, I am right where you are standing, and I would like to swing my combo and just give a nice uppercut to this. She got here. Yes.

[Rufino]

Let's go.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so go ahead and roll.

[Umi]

It starts to knock them out.

[Tomiko]

They're finishing off this lead.

[Umi]

We'll see, because we're gonna plow through one at a time. 1. And then we're gonna get onto the next piece.

[Ryuichi]

There you go. 12 + your might + might.

[Umi]

Ooh, that's 10 + 13 might for my attack.

[Ryuichi]

That definitely succeeds. So you take an adrenaline point from that strike as you uppercut him with your massive iron spiked combo.

[Tomiko]

Whack.

[Ryuichi]

You can see it hits him upside the head. And if he would have had a helmet on, it would have knocked it off. But as he pulls back, there's a massive bloody spot on his head and he has to shake it off. He takes three wounds from that heavy combo hit. Are you good with that? Your turn. Or you want to push the advantage?

[Umi]

Oh, I'd like to push the advantage and see if we can finish this. A quick question. How many points does it take to finish one of these?

[Ryuichi]

You don't know? He looks bloodied and hurt, which means he's taken a few hits. He's not on death's door, but he's definitely not looking pristine.

[Umi]

So I think we'll just let that one go. I'd like to kind of carry this momentum through and go on to attack somebody else. So I guess that ends my turn.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so you're holding off. Okay, got it. That finishes your go, Ryuichi.

[Tomiko]

Okay, I'm in close vicinity to the.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, you guys are all kind of staying together. So if you want to follow up to either go after the samurai or.

[Tomiko]

Any of the other targets, I'm confident in her ability and his.

[Ryuichi]

All right.

[Tomiko]

They double teamed on that lead guy.

[Ryuichi]

Hell, yeah.

[Tomiko]

I feel I have exceptional skill. I want to take on these four or five.

[Ryuichi]

There are five other figures. There's three with the Yari Spears that are, like, spearing people, spinning around, getting other civilians chasing him down. And there are two that you can see are firing arrows off into the distance. And you can also see as you're.

[Tomiko]

Glancing around there they're not facing me.

[Ryuichi]

Not at the very moment, but they're close by. You could get there if you rushed.

[Tomiko]

I'm going to take out as many as I can.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. You're going to have the advantage.

[Tomiko]

If they're not looking at me and I'm not their definitive target, then I have the advantage, and I'm quick with the sword. Instead of going off for one person, I can take out these four who are clearly a threat. I will take out as many as I can before I die.

[Ryuichi]

So let's go. Are you going for a spear?

[Tomiko]

I'm going for the two who's closest to me.

[Ryuichi]

The spear, gentlemen, are closest to you. The ones with the bows are behind them.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, the spear guys first. One by one, I'm going to keep them separated.

[Ryuichi]

I love that.

[Tomiko]

Because there's four of them, I can play their positioning so that they cannot get a clear shot. So it's really maybe like, two I'm facing at all times, and my skill is exceptional. I'm going to roll.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go for it. All right, you run forward, a hand on the hilt of your katana. Go ahead and roll a D12. Add your magnet.

[Tomiko]

All right. Is that a nine or a six? I can't tell.

[Rufino]

It's a six. So, yeah, nine total.

[Tomiko]

Nine.

[Ryuichi]

That is a success. So you strike. You strike the first Ashigaru warrior.

[Rufino]

You talked a lot about your skill being obvious.

[Ryuichi]

Build up on that one. So you did it.

[Garrett]

Welcome to Tabletop.

[Ryuichi]

He took two wounds. Because you're doing their first strike. You carved through. He puts up the spear defensively, and it's not fast enough. And you cut him through. They have, like, tatami, you know, like chest armor on the sides, and it carves through the first half of it. He takes the wound, brings the spear around to get ready. You can continue to attack if you want to push the advantage.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, I got to push the advantage.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go. Roll a D3. All right, add your might.

[Tomiko]

D10 because that's this one, right?

[Rufino]

Yes.

[Tomiko]

Okay. Clone. Five plus eight plus three.

[Ryuichi]

Five plus three is eight. That hits as well. He takes two more wounds. This is what you secondary slice down. You cut him. The blood spatters on the ground, and he's like. He's still up, but he's barely standing, and he's looking very, very hurt. You also have earned two adrenaline points.

[Tomiko]

So I have two adrenaline total?

[Ryuichi]

Correct. Do you want to pursue vintage again?

[Tomiko]

Yes. All right, I need to take them out.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go for it. Roll a D8. For me and add three.

[Tomiko]

What do I need to beat them or you can't tell?

[Ryuichi]

I can't. You don't know?

[Rufino]

That's what that whole thing is for.

[Garrett]

Drive it like you stole it.

[Rufino]

Oh, good. Oh, wow. I can't tell. Three.

[Tomiko]

Eight.

[Ryuichi]

All right. And so, so, so that. That finishes that one. One Ashigaru soldier, how do you want to do that? Yeah.

[Tomiko]

I'm looking at the other three. I do a little spin, a little twist, and then I'm walking towards them.

[Ryuichi]

He's like. He crumples to the ground. A spear dropping. As you continue to walk towards the other ones, you close the gap. You can continue if you want to push the advantage again, but the dice get smaller. Or you can end your turn there. Up to you.

[Tomiko]

I'll end my turn.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. Awesome. That finishes your turn. The two bow users in the back watch one of their own get cut down. Both of them looking at each other, seeing you both also coming in smacking and taking nearly the head off of their samurai leader. One of the individuals with the bow is going to fire on you, while the other one's going to fire at you. So against Umi over there, it's going to roll. Oh, that is a five. What's your seven? Seven fires an arrow and goes by without an issue. The one that's firing on you, Ryuichi oh, rolls a 1 plus 1 2. Both arrows just go wide. They're kind of panicked at the sight of one of their friends carved down so quickly when they saw themselves being surrounded by just the riff raff of Sakai. Didn't expect all of a sudden to have these figures emerging and attacking them immediately. They're shaken. The two remaining spearmen are going to try and get vengeance for their fallen friend. And they're both going to be attacking you.

[Tomiko]

Right?

[Ryuichi]

This one's gonna be a six plus one. Seven to hit. What's your dodge?

[Tomiko]

My dodge is eight.

[Ryuichi]

Eight out of the way. He's frustrated. He's gonna go ahead and push the advantage. So he's gonna go ahead and try and attack again. But it's a D10. That's only gonna be a 5. So that fails in his end. You get to roll an attack back on him from three. Yeah.

[Tomiko]

That's a 12.

[Ryuichi]

Yep. D12.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Rufino]

Those are tough to read.

[Tomiko]

I know.

[Rufino]

That's a five.

[Tomiko]

Five plus three. Eight.

[Ryuichi]

Eight'll hit. So you get two wounds as a reactive strike on that Yumi spear holding. He takes a hit. His friend is gonna try and use that moment to come up and attack you for his turn. That is going to be. Nah, that's a. That's a one. So, yeah, you are just carving through. They are trying hard to get any sort of purchase of the weapons on you. And you are just untouchable. That's going to finish both the spear holders. That brings us to Garrett. And the samurai's turn is after that.

[Garrett]

Now, my confidence is not as sky high as my ronin colleague, so I take advantage of the fact that he has them so busy and I take my Kanabo and hold it in a really weird way. Now, I've been here for two decades. I have definitely learned some things here. However, I am holding it in the Batarakt style, the Irish stick fighting position. It's a little bit like a tonfa, if you're familiar with that style of weapon and fighting. And I come up from behind and almost like I've got a lightning bolt in my hand, I spin it down and try to strike twice on the. I know it's just one attack, but one attack damage. But you super fast to the sides of his head.

[Ryuichi]

This is to the samurai or one of the re soldiers, the bowman.

[Garrett]

Let's do the. Let's do the. Let's do the fuck it. Let's do the samurai.

[Ryuichi]

All right, Go for it.

[Garrett]

That is an eight for might.

[Ryuichi]

An eight hits. That's Kanabo. Strike is three wounds on him.

[Tomiko]

Whack.

[Ryuichi]

A heavy crack on top of him. You watch as part of his chest armor gets knocked to the ground and he kind of stumbles into his back leg. His head is still heavily bloodied. One eye is kind of clouded with his own blood from the hit that you left on him. And the second one clobbers him up the side. He's looking real rough.

[Garrett]

If I give this fooker a chance to turn me, it's not going to be pretty. I'm pushing the attack. That is. I rolled a 10. That's a crit.

[Ryuichi]

That is. Yes. Crit hit. So that is an additional wound on the hit. How do you want to do this? You got to kill him.

[Tomiko]

Oh, yeah.

[Garrett]

All right. So it was whack quack to daze the guy. And as he stumbles forward, I spin the thing in my hand and bring the thick end of my wooden kanabo straight into the feller's face and unfortunately ruin it.

[Ryuichi]

Done. He is a hamburger patty face man on the ground just scattered across the dirt. The whole center point of this area is just wide open. Now people have scattered off to the far ends People are running and screaming in the distance. And you can see other distant rooftops are now starting to catch fire other parts of the city simultaneously. You get the sense that this is far from the only force that is attacking from the inside. However, there are still two standing Ajayari soldiers and two bowmen that are still present. You can try and engage somebody else if you'd like to and push the advantage again or end your turn.

[Tomiko]

Did I not kill one?

[Ryuichi]

It's so fun. Yeah, you can. Well, you did. There were three spears. Oh, geez. You took one out. There's just two. And there's one of them is wounded by you as well.

[Umi]

So two spear, two archer.

[Ryuichi]

Yep.

[Umi]

One spear guy is wounded?

[Ryuichi]

Yep.

[Tomiko]

Cool. I have to go to the restroom quick.

[Ryuichi]

You can go. I'm right back.

[Rufino]

We'll keep them busy till you're back.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, we got you.

[Garrett]

Iftal. I am gonna push it. I'm gonna be stupid. So the heft of the weapon hit that feller in the face. And if there's someone else close at.

[Ryuichi]

This point, you can dash over to one of these spear users, possibly the one that's been wounded.

[Garrett]

Okay. I spin it down and immediately start running in low and faint. And then go towards the other one. Not the one I was running towards.

[Ryuichi]

Sure.

[Garrett]

Pushing the attack. I will use D8. Do I have to declare the adrenaline at the beginning?

[Ryuichi]

Yes, you do.

[Garrett]

All right, let's make this a cleaving blow. I'll use the two adrenaline I've earned.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Garrett]

But it has to succeed. That's a nine.

[Ryuichi]

That's a nine. That succeeds on both of them. All right, so cleaving blow is three wounds.

[Garrett]

Three and three.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, three and three. And the other, the one that Ryuichi had struck earlier. You dart up and body check him and finish him entirely. And as you go through, the sheer force of the blow cracks into the other spear holder next to him. So you get a two for one strike on each. As one of them is now the wind is knocked out of him briefly while the first one that you hit crumples to the ground.

[Garrett]

You gotta get the fuck out of here. And that's the end for me.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, that finishes your go. The samurai is dead. He doesn't get his turn. All right, Rufino, you're up.

[Rufino]

Yeah. After watching this red haired whirlwind just smash the guy that I was faced up with, zip across and smash another guy. I'm gonna just lean over to Umi and go. Remind me to mind my manners if I ever visit The Isles. Give her a little wink and I'll whip my bow off my back. I'll knock an arrow and I'll try for the archers in the back flank.

[Ryuichi]

Okay?

[Rufino]

Yeah, yeah, let's 12er do do poopoo. Poopy doodies Eagle poopy poops. That's a three.

[Ryuichi]

Three is unfortunately not going to.

[Rufino]

I know.

[Ryuichi]

I love it.

[Garrett]

The shoplifting, big success.

[Rufino]

I mean, I set the cool line and gave the girl the wink and everything.

[Ryuichi]

I know, I know. Man, ain't that just life?

[Rufino]

And the arrow just goes boing.

[Ryuichi]

All right, that finishes a go there. Finishing. We're back to Umi.

[Umi]

That's all right. I'm right behind you. Behind you and beside you.

[Rufino]

Beside you. I'm just gonna clear my throat.

[Ryuichi]

I'm just gonna fair, fair.

[Umi]

And I'm gonna look to you, give you a wink and a smile, and I'm going to take a swing at that same archer who's now turned to face us.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so you kind of dart past the spear. So he took out the one that you had, wounded the spear, and then damaged the one next to him. So there's still one of the spearmen standing who is wounded. And now these both have focused on the archers in the back now.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

And you watch Umi run past towards the archers in the back. Go ahead and make your strike.

[Umi]

Okay, so wielding my kanabo with a six plus nine.

[Ryuichi]

Nine hits. That's three wounds on the bowman. Now, these gentlemen are not heavily armored. And with that first strike, hits him and sends him back. He has to pick up his bow. And he sits up, coughs the blood onto his chest and goes and gets his arrow at the ready as he backs up to try and get a shot on you. Do you want to continue, or.

[Umi]

I would love to. Oh, I get in the jungle, you.

[Ryuichi]

Get a zealand point and then roll a D10 for. For your next attack.

[Umi]

Right? So I'm gonna push that and I'm going to try a cleaving blow. Use 2 of my adrenaline here with 3 plus. So 6.

[Ryuichi]

6, unfortunately, does not hit.

[Umi]

I tried to engage, too.

[Ryuichi]

So you did. You go try and point them both down. Get your kanabo ready, and as you go to swing towards you, before you even get a chance to swing, the one that you didn't strike was already at the ready and had an arrow knocked and leeches it towards you. That is going to be a 10 to hit you with your Dodge.

[Umi]

Dodge is seven. So that's three.

[Ryuichi]

Dodge is seven. You take two wounds two.

[Rufino]

Two for Archer.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah.

[Garrett]

Do we.

[Ryuichi]

Two wounds from the one arrow that hits you and stops you, stops the momentum in the trap and sets your strike just off enough where the other archer ducks out of the way and backs up against the wall, getting into offensive position with his ally to the side. But that's going to finish your turn with that. Ryuichi, you're up.

[Tomiko]

Nobody hits sisters on my watch.

[Ryuichi]

You better roll good.

[Rufino]

I tried to do a cool line.

[Tomiko]

And then can I go off and take them two on at the same time?

[Ryuichi]

Do you want to try and attack one and then push to attack?

[Tomiko]

Well, I'm going to separate. I'm going to step in between that archer. I'm going to take the guy that just shot her.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, okay.

[Tomiko]

And if I can, if the other guy's in the vicinity, I'm going to take him out too. All in one. Like.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go for it.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

So you charge away from the one standing wounded Spearman, run towards the bogot user as you kind of rush him.

[Tomiko]

I shoot her. I step in between. I'm going to take out him. And secondarily, the last archer.

[Ryuichi]

Great. Yes. The archer that got pulled back, that's already wounded by her, pulls back his arrow and sees you rushing in with like. Didn't expect to see you out of his periphery.

[Tomiko]

I need a.

[Ryuichi]

What are you attacking with your katana or you're naginata katana? Okay, so go ahead and strike the wounded boaz.

[Tomiko]

Seven plus three. Ten.

[Ryuichi]

That's ten. That hits. All right. With that, you take him down. How do you want to do this? Describe how you destroy this bowie user.

[Tomiko]

It's clean, man. I just look at him in the eyes. His head right off, man.

[Ryuichi]

Onto the ground, pushing the advantage to underbow you.

[Garrett]

Can I aid on it? If you push, I want to spend an adrenaline to make it easier for you.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Garrett]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

All righty. So go ahead and you push your advantage. Go ahead and roll a D10 and add your might. And what are you adding to his?

[Garrett]

I'm going to use might. I'm going to horse kick the remaining guy at him.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, great. So as the other bow user turns around to try and prepare himself to defend you, watch out of the corner eye. Garrett just goes ahead and whack. Just heavily kicks the standing spearman, who gets pushed into the side of the bowman, throwing off his ability to avoid. Go ahead and roll your attack, but.

[Tomiko]

I gotta roll high. All right.

[Ryuichi]

And then add his might as well.

[Tomiko]

That's a three.

[Rufino]

So we gotta get you A new dice. That is a three. But you've got his advantage. So six total.

[Tomiko]

Six. And do I add my might or no?

[Ryuichi]

Your might, yeah.

[Garrett]

So I got a six. Two. I have two plus two.

[Tomiko]

So it's eight.

[Ryuichi]

So it's eight. Which does hit. So with that, that is two wounds. That is awesome.

[Tomiko]

Nice.

[Ryuichi]

So you managed to carve down. The bowman takes a heavy hit. He's still standing, but he's pretty badly hurt. Do you want to continue?

[Tomiko]

This is the last one.

[Ryuichi]

Well, him. And he's the spear user as well. Those are the last two standing, and.

[Tomiko]

I roll with a 10.

[Ryuichi]

Now you roll with an 8. If you attack again, do you want to risk it or not?

[Tomiko]

Fuck it.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, yeah.

[Tomiko]

Which one's the eight? Which one's he ate?

[Rufino]

Ah, it's the triangle, the pointy one.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Rufino]

There you go.

[Garrett]

After this, we go to Vegas.

[Tomiko]

This one. Huh?

[Rufino]

What's good?

[Tomiko]

What is it? Eight.

[Ryuichi]

That's a crit, baby.

[Rufino]

That's an eight.

[Ryuichi]

That's an eight.

[Tomiko]

Yeah. I love this game.

[Rufino]

Winning.

[Umi]

Winning with you.

[Ryuichi]

You guys are going pretty dang well. So how do you want to do this? How do you want to carve down this final bowman?

[Tomiko]

I'm going to pull. He pulled one of these arrows back.

[Ryuichi]

Arrow back towards you as you turn this.

[Tomiko]

But first, I'm going to cut right through that. All that equipment, that apparatus.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah.

[Tomiko]

Like, you could take a finger off or his wrist off like that. And he falls to his knees, stab him right through the collarbone, right through the. Right into his torso, through his groin, out.

[Ryuichi]

The spear user is like. And he's going to try and turn to run. Do you want to continue to push?

[Tomiko]

No, he's gonna go run, and he's gonna bring a message back. It's not gonna be that easy.

[Ryuichi]

Fair enough. The final Spearman, who's wounded, just goes charging off to try and get away from this.

[Garrett]

Am I up next?

[Ryuichi]

You will be in a second. Don't forget to mark your adrenaline for each.

[Tomiko]

Oh, how much did I win?

[Ryuichi]

Two. Two, or that would have been three. Three?

[Rufino]

Yeah.

[Tomiko]

I'm full adrenalined.

[Ryuichi]

Hell, yeah.

[Tomiko]

Well, yeah.

[Rufino]

Now she's our own personal adventure.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so he's running away, like, full tilt to try and get away. We're coming back to Garrett.

[Garrett]

He's too far. I don't know if I can make it to him. So instead, I reach into my clothing, tucked into my belt, and I pull out my tanto and I throw it at his back.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so go ahead and make a guile.

[Garrett]

There we go. Come on. Nah, I miss him. It's a tree.

[Ryuichi]

It's a tree. You do earn adrenaline from the roll, but the tanto does go wide and clatters off and hits something else in the distance. But at that point, he's off.

[Tomiko]

Let him go.

[Ryuichi]

You all take a moment to breathe and look at each other and really take in the intensity of what's transpiring. You look around the space, and over there, on the outside of the Blacksmith, you see Rin is slumped against the wall, looks like clutching an arrow of some kind. As she's trying to stand up.

[Garrett]

I beeline over her.

[Tomiko]

What kind of injury is it?

[Ryuichi]

Well, from what you can see, it's an arrow. You approach.

[Garrett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm going to kneel down. What do we do here?

[Rufino]

Yeah. Where's the injury? Does it look mortal?

[Ryuichi]

She looks up at you and says, I'll be okay. I need to find Haiji. And you look at where the arrow is, and it is bleeding profusely. Likely hit some sort of a heavy vein or artery. And she kind of is trying to pass it off, but she sees the expression on your face.

[Tomiko]

We'll deliver them out.

[Rufino]

What do you need, pal?

[Ryuichi]

Get him out of here. Get Tomenko. Get Heiji. Get him out of here. Get them safe. Please. Go to the shrine and get them. Nice. Okay?

[Tomiko]

We vow that we will.

[Ryuichi]

She reaches out towards you and grabs your hand to kind of complete streaking on your hand as she grabs it and says, thank you. Thank you. As her eyes get heavy and she succumbs to her arms, you all stand there in the tense moment of what is now the empty street. But even in this paused moment of tense quiet, the sounds of battle continue to rage louder throughout the siege of Sochai. And that's where we're gonna take our break.

[Umi]

So good.

[Tomiko]

It is cool.

[Ryuichi]

So we'll come back here in a few minutes. We'll see you all shortly.

[Garrett]

Why, hello there. This is Critical Role's resident art dad, also known as Liam O'Brien. We are continuously amazed at the artwork this community creates. That's why each Thursday at 8am Pacific, we share a curated gallery of submitted fan art over on critrole.com if you'd like to submit your art for consideration, visit critrole.com submit and thank you to all of the incredible artists who share their talents with us week after week.

[Ryuichi]

And welcome back. So our troupe of four unlikely companions sent on a mission find themselves thrust into an unexpected bit of chaos as the city Of Sakai is under siege, it seems by likely the forces of Oda Nobunaga. After your first fray in the center of the street, you managed to fell a number of soldiers that were lying in wait before the horns of war called them to attack the populace, striking them down. The dying breath of of Rin, the blacksmith you had spoken to, sends you to go and see that her child and his guardian, currently Tomiko, are brought to safety. With that, you head off down the streets towards the Ottery shrine to find them. So as you all begin to trek down the road in the direction of where you know the Otary shrine resides, you pass through a number of the side roads other people are in hiding on. They're closing whatever ways into the buildings they can. You can see already other bodies lining the sides of the street. The orange glow of flames continuing to grow and spread across a number of the various building tops, causing the skyline itself to have this hellish orange hue in almost all directions. A few wayward arrows come flying, striking into the nearby building. You duck out of the way, seeking no source, not knowing how far away those might have been lobbed and just found their mark. Further and further away, as you continue heading down the way, you hear a new sound. As you glance backward, you see two horses in full gallop with armored samurai rushing down the street, carving past and cutting one person down to the side and heading your direction. Coming up quickly. What do you do?

[Garrett]

Oh, geez.

[Rufino]

Is there like a mini thorough?

[Ryuichi]

Oh, go, go, go.

[Umi]

Yeah, My first thought was to. I don't like it, so I don't.

[Tomiko]

You gotta do it.

[Umi]

Come on, Trip the horse.

[Tomiko]

Yes.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. Got to it.

[Rufino]

I mean, love the legs right off.

[Umi]

If they're up there, just like slicing and so. But I feel bad for the horse.

[Garrett]

Are they two horses side by side?

[Ryuichi]

They are. They're like kind of. Maybe one's a little bit ahead of the other, but they're both working in tandem.

[Garrett]

I'll do this with you, okay?

[Ryuichi]

I will not. It looks like they had cut through a couple of civilians and are just heading down the road in your direction. So if they haven't seen you yet, they're going to shortly.

[Umi]

Great.

[Tomiko]

Well, I'm prepared to kill them. I will sheath my sword, take cover, and I will take out one. I'm expecting she will take out the other.

[Umi]

I still have this arrow in my shoulder, so first things first. I'm just gonna. Actually, you know what? I can do this first.

[Tomiko]

Yes.

[Umi]

I'm gonna take my kanabo and just get down low and swipe it across the hooves of the horse nearest me.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Tomiko]

I would like to go the other side. I would take the other ones out.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so. So I'm going to need the two of you to go ahead and roll a D12 and add your initiative to see whether you or the samurai get the strike first.

[Tomiko]

No, eight plus three. Eleven. Eight. It's a might. It's a might one. Right?

[Ryuichi]

This is for your initiative.

[Garrett]

Oh, so the lightning bolt.

[Ryuichi]

The lightning bolt in your shield.

[Tomiko]

So I got eight plus zero.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. So it's eight.

[Umi]

Oh, nice. I've got one. I got five and a negative four.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, got you. So you're going to go. The samurai are going to strike. And then you go. So as I get up closely, you see both of them have their blades already out. These are not standard katana. These are odachi. These are longer cavalry weapons. As they both get close enough, you get the strike out first. You're rolling for the horse. Go ahead and roll an attack with your.

[Tomiko]

10 +3.

[Ryuichi]

Shoosh.

[Tomiko]

Take up both.

[Ryuichi]

The horse is struck and stumbles and lands on the ground, throwing the samurai on your side of the road. Off, Flung down, rolling on the ground about 15ft away. His turn is wrecked. He's going to try and take his turn, but he's at a serious penalty. The other one manages to strike before you get your blow. He's going to go ahead and attack. Attack you. That's going to be a nine to hit. What's your dodge?

[Umi]

Dodge is seven.

[Ryuichi]

Dodge is seven. So he.

[Umi]

I should have taken the arrow out first.

[Ryuichi]

Fair. But the blade, one massive swoop in your direction. You go ahead and take three wounds.

[Umi]

Okay. Can I put one on my armor and then just take two wounds?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, you can do that.

[Umi]

Great.

[Ryuichi]

So.

[Umi]

So my armor catches one, but then I'll take on two wounds.

[Ryuichi]

So you're almost striking simultaneously. The arc hits you just as you're striking the horse. Go ahead and roll your attack. Great.

[Umi]

Ooh. 11 might at 14.

[Ryuichi]

Easy enough to do. Both of you knock the horses. I'll say for the purposes of liking animals. Yes. You both cut. You cut the protective barding from these animals and send them stumbling and throwing their riders off to the side. The wounds being taken by the figures riding them as they are flung from it and then stumble onto the ground with the heavy hits. So that's two and three wounds to each. The horses then catch themselves up and go scattering off in different directions. Now spook without the riders. Now the two samurai Stand there and get up. Looking at the rest of your troop. They look at each other, get their blades at the ready. And now you both, if you want to engage, roll initiative.

[Garrett]

Five for me.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Rufino]

Four.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so we have.

[Rufino]

Are we keeping their initiative from the top?

[Ryuichi]

Yes. Okay, so we have. So, Ryuichi, we have Garrett.

[Tomiko]

Did I get an adrenaline for striking down that horse?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, you both would have gotten adrenaline.

[Tomiko]

For both, but I maxed out. I'm already F5.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. So you don't gain anything more. It's why you got to spend it, man.

[Tomiko]

Long time.

[Ryuichi]

You got to use it. Spend the money to make. All right. And then Umi, holding up. Okay, cool. So with that being they've gotten up, they are taking their turn since they've taken the image, and they're going to go ahead and dash towards the two of you, basically trying to retroactively get vengeance for what you've set upon them. The one striking at you, Ryoichi. Oh, that's going to be a ten to dodge.

[Tomiko]

I got an eight to dodge.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. Yeah, it's going to hit you.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

One massive strike that carves into you for three wounds. Okay, mark that on your sheet. And the other one that's coming towards you, Umi, the one that already hit you once is going to try and finish the job before another strike on you. Another 10. Oh, man. That's three more wounds on you.

[Tomiko]

Two more wounds on me.

[Umi]

I'm going to take all three of those. Wow.

[Ryuichi]

There's been a hefty impact in this moment, but with that, Ryuichi, your turn is up.

[Tomiko]

Okay. Well, I took the wound, seen it, trying to brush it off. Ignore it. Recompose. Re attack. I imagine that he thought he had me down, but I'm up, ignoring the pain, and I'm going to attack.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go. All right, so the one that struck you, go ahead and roll a D12 and fight him with your katana at the ready.

[Tomiko]

Ooh, 12, baby.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah.

[Rufino]

Oh, the dice are on his side.

[Ryuichi]

Three wounds on him there. Takes a heavy hit. He's looking pretty hurt at this point. Even just from the two strikes. Do you want to try and push the advantage and strike a second time?

[Tomiko]

Yeah, absolutely. How many advantages can I use?

[Ryuichi]

2 or 1? You can use as many adrenaline as you want, but push. The advantage goes for secondary attacks. You can roll D10. Do you have any of your weapon abilities you want to spend your adrenaline on? You have a keen strike ability that costs two. That adds two wounds to the attack if you succeed.

[Tomiko]

What do you think, Rob? What do you mean? This is my katana. I got my katana out so I can put the adrenaline on my katana.

[Ryuichi]

Well, you can spend 2 adrenaline to use the keen strike ability, which lets you do two additional wounds if you hit.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so we'll go ahead and erase two of the adrenaline and then roll for the attack the 12 or 10 D10 because you're playing pushing the advantage, which is that one.

[Rufino]

Hot dice, hot base one.

[Tomiko]

You have got it. You're not on me anymore. What is that? That's on the corner? What is that?

[Rufino]

We call that cocked. That's what.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right again.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, that's a five. That's clearly a five. A plus what?

[Ryuichi]

Five plus three.

[Tomiko]

Eight.

[Ryuichi]

Eight. Eight hits. So with that being the case, it's two wounds because you use your keen strike on your adrenaline. That's four wounds on the strike. You get to. How do you want to do this?

[Umi]

Wow.

[Tomiko]

Ah. I'm going to put this one right through his heart. Right through his heart.

[Ryuichi]

Blade up in the air. This massive, long. Oh, dachu. We're like. And without a second.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, right through his heart from the front. Or is it the back?

[Ryuichi]

I guess it's up to you.

[Tomiko]

I think with the front. Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

The last bit of might to strike downward. But his body isn't listening to him. As you withdraw, the blade just crumples to the ground. You can move to the other one if you want to try and keep pushing the advantage. Or you can end your turn there.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, I'm going to move to the other one. She needs help.

[Ryuichi]

All right, go for it. So you go ahead and dart up to. Go ahead and I use two adrenalines again, if you want to. Yeah, you're just rolling a D8 to hit, so. Oh, she's still pushing the advantage.

[Tomiko]

So the adrenaline is only work if the number. If I beat him.

[Ryuichi]

Correct.

[Tomiko]

Do it, do it. So this is. This is the eight. Is this the eight right here?

[Garrett]

Diamond?

[Tomiko]

Yeah, this is eight, right.

[Ryuichi]

That one's 20.

[Garrett]

Let's go.

[Ryuichi]

Hot dice, hot dice, let's go.

[Tomiko]

Five plus three.

[Ryuichi]

That hits eight. All righty. Another four wounds on the other.

[Umi]

Nice.

[Ryuichi]

Rushing a heavy carve down with your blade on the one. As you're squaring off, you have your combo at the side. He has his blade at the ready and then takes a heavy strike from the back. He stumbles forward, catches himself, and you see Ryuichi at the ready behind his bloodied blade. And you both make eye contact as the samurai is in the center. Do you want to continue to push the advantage, or do you want to end your turn?

[Tomiko]

No, I will end my turn.

[Ryuichi]

You got it. All right, Garrett, you're up with Ruffino.

[Garrett]

And I just watched this amazing display of finesse and skill, and I see that Ryuichi has hobbled this fella, and I do the exact opposite. I just fucking bash his brains in.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, go ahead and roll.

[Garrett]

That is seven.

[Ryuichi]

A seven. Seven. Just hits.

[Garrett]

Just hits. All right. Well, that happened. Izzy? Still moving.

[Ryuichi]

Three wounds on that. No, that's going to finish him.

[Garrett]

How do you want to do that? I just cave in his skull? It's pretty simple. I can't compete with that.

[Ryuichi]

Fair. All righty. So now, with those two warriors out of the way, their current assault through this roadway to an end, you recollect yourself and continue on your journey, rushing through the city as the flames continue to grow around you. You go down one way towards where the shrine is, but you can see a bunch of materials, a bunch of furniture and carts have been pushed into the center of the road like a barricade and lit on fire as well. There's just a wall of flame that prevents the direct route. Which of you would like to try and navigate the city streets to find a more direct path to the shrine?

[Garrett]

Hold on a second. You look bloody as fuck.

[Umi]

Mm.

[Garrett]

Is there any. So the streets are empty?

[Ryuichi]

I mean, where you're standing right now is empty because most of the civilians are in the process of fleeing or have hidden within buildings.

[Garrett]

I'm going to plant my hand on Umi's shoulder and drag her back a third of a city block. I'm going to kick in a door to a random home.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Garrett]

Inside?

[Tomiko]

Absolutely. I've got bandages, too. We have some time. There's no absolute rush. We need time to consider what this barricade means. We need to fix her. We have that chance. I got bandages. Can I use them?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, you have Sarashi. So you all pull off in this back room, shutter the door, block it off for a minute, and take a minute to rest, breathe, and take care of your wounds. So all of you get to remove one wound you've taken as part of this rest.

[Tomiko]

So I can remove one wound?

[Ryuichi]

You can remove one wound as part part of this rest. If you want to use your bandages to bandage somebody, you can do that as well, to roll for healing. But once they've been bandaged, they cannot be bandaged again for this session.

[Garrett]

And two point bandage. One. Only one person, Only one set of bandages can be applied.

[Ryuichi]

Correct. It's used once it's applied.

[Tomiko]

How hurt are you?

[Garrett]

Very.

[Umi]

I'm very hurt. So I have three available. And that could be.

[Tomiko]

That could be.

[Umi]

And then two for my arm armor.

[Tomiko]

How many do I take away if I give her a sarashi?

[Ryuichi]

A four set of dice plus one. Great.

[Garrett]

So roll the pyramid and add one.

[Tomiko]

Yeah. I'm gonna bandage her. Go for her full. The four sided dice.

[Ryuichi]

Four sided dice? Yeah, the little pyramid.

[Rufino]

I think you have one, bud.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, there you go.

[Tomiko]

All right.

[Ryuichi]

Roll that and add one.

[Garrett]

Whatever's at the top.

[Rufino]

Three.

[Tomiko]

Three plus one.

[Ryuichi]

All right. So really good.

[Tomiko]

Is it good?

[Ryuichi]

As you take a moment to pull back some of the armor and look at the wounds, you communally dress them.

[Tomiko]

So I fix four.

[Ryuichi]

Correct. Oh, nice. So you clear off four wounds. As the sarashi bandage is placed around the wounds and your arm and your shoulder, the armor gets reapplied. And in a rapid fashion, you feel yourself a little more ready to endure combat.

[Rufino]

When we broke into this building and they cleared out the samurai on the horses, did it look like there was any enemies in the immediate vicinity? As we moved through?

[Ryuichi]

As you moved through, there weren't where you were currently, but it looked like there was a trail of bodies that this road had already been swept through. And it either had been abandoned by those who lived here or people are in hiding.

[Tomiko]

1, 4. We encountered the horsemen that we dismissed. He said there was arrows being lobbed in, so their snipers are at a high advantage point. Are we still a target of those guys or did they.

[Garrett]

Or were they errant arrows?

[Ryuichi]

It seemed more like they were errant arrows fired at a further distance that didn't hit their mark and just landed nearby. More of the atmosphere of warfare that is engulfing the city.

[Rufino]

Yeah. After seeing the roadblock, I would like in making sure that that Umi's okay. They got the doctoring handled. I'll kind of slip out of the door we came in and try to make my way up to the rooftops and see if I can find a different route toward to the shrine.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, certainly. Yeah. So the building you're in right now, it looks like it is kind of an in between homestead. And it looks like it was rapidly abandoned. Some of the chairs are pushed over and some of the valuables were gathered and run with. And as the door was left, the family took what they could and ran. It looks like a small, modest family home that is frozen in time where they just had to grab what they could and go. It's a little haunting to walk through the space and you begin to clamber up to the next floor and then eventually the top floor, in which there are now three different homesteads. You can see there's three different families that probably lived in here that have fled. And as you get up to the outer part of the rooftop, you find the outer window and climb up onto it. Thankfully, the entire city isn't being burned to the ground yet, but there are definitely numbers of patches and rows of flames. Now you have a much better view of the overall perspective of Sakai from up here. You can see the distant perimeter walls, and you can also see many, many soldiers along the outer perimeter wall. You see whole volleys of arrows coming from the far side of the city. And you can hear from up here especially the weirdly mixing din of boar shouts and screams of fear. But knowing the direction of the shrine from where you are currently, you can probably find a pretty solid path to it if you you feel confident in your roof hopping skills. Who'd like to lead the troop across the rooftops?

[Garrett]

Seems like your em all.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, I'll give it a try. Sure. All right. Go ahead and roll a cognition roll for me. Sure. Find the Most direct path.

[Rufino]

9.

[Ryuichi]

9 9's great. Glancing around and looking across the cityscape, you can just barely see the top of the Otori Shrine. You can see it's flanked by a number of trees, a beautiful greenery space around it, as well as seeing the Torii gates that mark the entranceway to the shrine. But you can see that some of the trees are beginning to smoke, which means that some flame is being lit within the perimeter of it. So you do not know how much time you have if they're still near or at the shrine. I will say here for the group. In trying to traverse this, I would like all of you to make either an an agility or a. See an agility or a vigor roll.

[Garrett]

Oh God.

[Ryuichi]

Your choice to try and represent the invad on the 12. Yeah. Everybody rolls the 12 and add either your agility or the vigor.

[Tomiko]

So I gotta declare vigor or agility.

[Ryuichi]

Yes.

[Umi]

13 agility.

[Ryuichi]

13 agility. What? Umi is just ready to go for the bandages.

[Umi]

Worked one dude.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go.

[Garrett]

Roof tiles as you landed.

[Tomiko]

God damn. Two plus one.

[Ryuichi]

I think he rolled the D8 on that one. Don't forget to roll the D4.

[Tomiko]

Oh yeah, you're right.

[Garrett]

That free reroll.

[Tomiko]

Eight plus one vigor. So nine.

[Ryuichi]

Nine. Much better. Okay, that's great.

[Garrett]

Ten for vigor ten.

[Rufino]

I think I rolled a D8 too. No, no, that's a natural one for a two. I am bad at the things that.

[Tomiko]

I'm supposed to be doing.

[Ryuichi]

So you are guiding these folks directly through the city, but they're also leaving you a little bit in the dust. They are driven and extremely athletic in their capabilities. And you watch as they're leaping from rooftop to rooftop, darting across the tops, looking back and catching as they go. You describe to me what's distracting you in these moments. What in your head is keeping you from remaining as focused on the task.

[Rufino]

In front of the violence. Yeah, yeah. So I'm used to it in a personal, intimate and controlled way. But this sort of fog of war type environment, I do not have the mental steel of perhaps a warrior who's either seeking this out or has been through it before. I don't have the maturity, perhaps, that Garrett has. I'm not sure I don't want to. To put that on you, but he seems pretty for me. When things feel out of control, I begin to falter. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

So as you're getting closer and closer to the shrine, there is one larger leap that goes from an upper sloping roof pinnacle to what is a stone separation wall that leads into one of the other districts of the city. One by one, you all leap rapidly and catch yourself on the side. As you turn back, you see Rufino goes to leap, and something about his mind sees that his brain is slightly elsewhere. And as he leaps for the arc, he's not going to make the jump. You all reach out and catch him, and you just manage to do so. But you slam hard into the stonework and take a wound just from the impact against the separating gate, and you pull them back up onto the wall and continue your trek. You all push to the outside of the Otori Shrine and climb down. Now that the buildings vanish at the perimeter, you can see the massive Torii Gate still stands there, marking the front of it. You can see the Komeno or the lion statues that are the placed guardians to the shrine entrance. There, greeting you for the first glance, it feels safe, if not for the growing bit of flame. On the far end of the shrine, you see one of the trees is starting to burn. As that process, you also hear a scream, a woman's scream. Further in the direction of the shrine.

[Tomiko]

Is the fire and the scream in the same direction.

[Ryuichi]

The fire's a little ways off to the right. The scream is from the shrine directly.

[Garrett]

How far. How far off is the shrine?

[Ryuichi]

From our location where you're standing now, probably about 150ft.

[Garrett]

150Ft?

[Ryuichi]

200Ft, maybe.

[Rufino]

Well, there's two targets then. Where in the city in relation to the docks and the countryside is the shrine. Are we in the smack in the middle of it?

[Ryuichi]

You're in between where the docks and the north gate is.

[Umi]

Okay.

[Rufino]

Okay.

[Tomiko]

Are the combatants protecting it or. We've already negotiated.

[Garrett]

We're inside the wall.

[Ryuichi]

You're now at the perimeter of the shrine. As you step through the Torii gate and look in, you can see after hearing the scream, you see figures currently battling each other on the outskirts of the shrine.

[Garrett]

No sign of these kids from where we are.

[Umi]

I feel compelled to run towards the scream to start with.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. Umi takes off towards the shrine in the direction of the scream. You all follow.

[Rufino]

It's so hard for me to follow. Like, everything inside me is screaming, dip out. But I think what we talked about earlier, that sort of fog of war, that fear a little bit, is going against my worser nature. And, yeah, I'll follow you just for lack of any other beacon.

[Tomiko]

So, Garrett, you come with me. We gotta split up, I think. Are there people, the silhouette people, are they towards a scream or are they towards a shrine? Silhouetted people fighting.

[Ryuichi]

Well, the scream's heading towards the shrine where that conflict is happening. You now hear two blasts of gunfire, and one of the figures that was battling in that still to the shrine crumples.

[Tomiko]

Oh, there's a woman in trouble. There's somebody that's either on my side or not in trouble. Somebody's on my side where the people are fighting. I have to go that way. I think you go to the wards of women. You decide to go with her?

[Rufino]

No, actually. Are you breaking off from Umi?

[Tomiko]

I gotta help this woman.

[Garrett]

I think his confidence in the moment, in the middle of the chaos just dictates. And so I just grab my weapon right down the middle, and I just start following, staring at his heels as we head in that direction.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so.

[Tomiko]

That'S where I want to.

[Rufino]

I almost instinctually followed you, but then when you broke off together. I'll stick with you.

[Umi]

Thanks, bud.

[Garrett]

Sure.

[Umi]

Yep, yep.

[Tomiko]

I feel like that's Tomiko and Heiji, so we can hopefully get one for each. These guys are idiots or something.

[Ryuichi]

No, no, no. So Ryuichi and Garrett are heading towards the flames on the far right side. And we have Umi and Rufino are heading towards the shrine properly.

[Garrett]

Love it. Love it.

[Ryuichi]

All right. Yes. So as you two Splinter off a little bit. The first thing you notice as getting towards the shrine, there is a non armored samurai with a naginata, some of that bladed polearm that you saw strapped to the back of Ryuichi, who is currently battling what looks to be one of the priests of the shrine who is trying to defend it. You see him holding up a stick and he's trying to block back and he's shouting over his shoulder, get back.

[Tomiko]

Get free.

[Ryuichi]

And he's yelling to somebody behind him, right as the blade carves through his chest and he crumples to his knees and goes, hachiman, protect us. And falls. Hachiman, which is the Shinto God of war. As he crumples to the ground, the Naginata samurai looks around and looks towards the shrine proper and begins to turn inward. As you see to Robin, you'll see as two other Ashigaru and Katana come off of the left hand side that you didn't see. So there's now three of them in the shrine heading inward. While the other two who are heading towards the flames, you see off to the side where the fire was set, one figure that is currently setting flame to the nearby trees and holding a Longtepo rifle in one hand, while another one has the rifle at the ready and is aiming. He can make out this to be the sound of that flintlock firing in the distance. Even though Lunago's men, it very much seems the case. And as you are running at a distance, the one Teppo trains over and shouts, hey, we got him. And the other one sitting in the flame drops his torch on the ground, spins around and puts the gun at the ready. I need everyone to roll Initiative.

[Garrett]

Can I kick it off by throwing my smoke bomb down right now, or is that my move?

[Ryuichi]

That would be your move.

[Garrett]

Great.

[Tomiko]

Initiative.

[Ryuichi]

12 initiative. Yeah.

[Umi]

All right, negative one. I was very injured. I'm bandaged, but I'm still in a bit of pain.

[Ryuichi]

There we go. Okay. A little slow.

[Rufino]

I always roll Initiative.

[Ryuichi]

That's okay. They didn't roll that great either.

[Umi]

But you live her on the kills.

[Tomiko]

Yes, exactly.

[Rufino]

Probably a bum knee, maybe.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, exactly.

[Garrett]

I would bring a Tonto to a flintlock fight, right?

[Rufino]

Yeah, right.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so 10 to five, as they say.

[Rufino]

Six.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so we have five to one. Jeez, guys. All right, I'm negative one. These are tough. Now, I'm gonna mind you, everything that fights with the weapon generally has pretty slow speeds. It's not like super high initiatives. Heavy weapons have penalties as well, so enemies also do go kind of slow sometimes.

[Tomiko]

Like you guys with the guns. Exactly.

[Ryuichi]

Sometimes. Depending on what I roll. All right. And sorry, it was. Gary, you got one. All right.

[Garrett]

That's all right.

[Umi]

Negative one. Negative one.

[Ryuichi]

Negative one.

[Umi]

Yep.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. Yes. All right.

[Tomiko]

Episode.

[Ryuichi]

And what did you get? Four. Four?

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Awesome. Four's not bad, really. I mean, higher is better, but some of these guys haven't rolled that well either. Rufino, you are up first with Ryuichi coming up second. And then it looks like the tempo carrying wards are in the process of getting ready to fire directly after that. So you're up first.

[Rufino]

Yeah, I have a target. So I'm shaking off my shell shock nature, and I'm realizing that I. I'm just inspired by Umi. So are you running toward. I need your pathway. Are you running toward that samurai?

[Umi]

Yes, I'm running towards a samurai who just killed.

[Rufino]

As I clock what she's doing, that's gonna charge me up, and I'm gonna start running the same direction, but I'm gonna go a little bit faster, so my speed is gonna start to cook. I'm unarmored, and I'll boom. All the sudden, I'm 15, 20 yards ahead of you. And I'll go straight for the guy. Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

You see, he has his naginata at the side, and he's going towards the shrine, where you see two figures cowering in the back of the broken open front of it. You see the female figure of Tomiko and holding Heiji, both trying to pull him back from the charging Ronin. But you get to him first. What are you doing?

[Rufino]

No, no. Stealth. He's got both of his hands behind him. No, it's not what you think.

[Ryuichi]

I don't believe it.

[Rufino]

He's reaching for a weapon, but I'm trying to keep it concealed until I see what's happening.

[Ryuichi]

Hell, yeah.

[Rufino]

Okay, I'm going for the main guy. Straight at him.

[Ryuichi]

All right. With the tanto. It's.

[Rufino]

It is with. Oh, my God, this is so bad. I got five.

[Ryuichi]

Five, unfortunately, is not going to hit.

[Rufino]

I know.

[Ryuichi]

You try and go towards him as you pull the blade out, he goes into a defensive stance with the naginata, and you kind of find yourself having to slow or you're just going to impale yourself on his blade. You try and shift to the right, and he moves with you. This guy's pretty well practiced. Probably better trained than what you've previously faced.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Rufino]

I'm still going to take a swipe at him, and I think it'll glance or Parry away. Yeah. And it's scary. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's it for me.

[Ryuichi]

All right, that finishes your go. Ryuichi, you're up.

[Tomiko]

Okay, I'm confused. There was two guys with their muskets.

[Ryuichi]

Correct. They're over at the shrine. You've peered off to the side of the forest, and there's two guys with the teppo rifles now trained on you as you approach.

[Garrett]

So we're dealing with a total of two on our end.

[Ryuichi]

Yes.

[Garrett]

Not more. Okay.

[Tomiko]

And they're turning and. And they're reloading. They're like, what? I mean, these are old school. They got to take at least five, six seconds. And I move fast.

[Ryuichi]

That's true. Which is why you're getting to them first.

[Tomiko]

Exactly. I could move to them. I could take out one guy and, like, literally cut the stock right off the. You know, I could. I got to go right to them.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go for it. Charge in, blade at the ready. You. You watch as they. They train in and aim. And right as the fingers are about to pull, you take your turn, Go ahead and roll for your attack on the first one.

[Tomiko]

All right. Is this a 12 or is this a 12?

[Ryuichi]

You got it.

[Rufino]

You got it?

[Tomiko]

Yeah, that's a 12. Okay. Come on. Oh, no.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, no.

[Tomiko]

Oh, no. This is going to be a gut wound. It's a three plus a three, six.

[Ryuichi]

They just dodge. Unfortunately, you go to swing your first blade, and as your blade. He pulls back and holds it up. And part of the metal barrel of this weapon actually puts it off to the side. It's not meant to parry, but he kind of pulled it off. Backs up quickly, and unfortunately throws you off. Bounce a little bit, and that's going to end your turn. So now it's their turn. He backs up. The one who is not attacked on this is going to go ahead and take a fairly close shot against you with the rifle. That's gonna be. He rolled a 12.

[Umi]

Oh, no.

[Tomiko]

Is that like a shot, like between my eyes?

[Ryuichi]

That is a groin. Well, those are the two choices. You tell me where it hits. Where does it get you? That hurts the most.

[Tomiko]

Hurts. Or it's like a heart or the head is gonna be a dead.

[Ryuichi]

What's that?

[Tomiko]

Where do I get shot? I'm right handed. Most Japanese are. I took the one in the left. I don't know, my left arm or.

[Rufino]

Where's the.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, my collarbone, I guess.

[Ryuichi]

It impacts and does not go through.

[Tomiko]

Oh.

[Ryuichi]

Which means there is an iron ball lodged somewhere in your shoulder. But the impact sends you Stumbling back, and you have to catch yourself on that arm. And as soon as you put the weight on that arm where the wound is kind of crumpled to your elbow, it is a pain you haven't felt before. You take four wounds. Since it was a critical hit against you, he is going to attempt to push the advantage against you.

[Tomiko]

No, no.

[Garrett]

But you don't get to do that like we do.

[Ryuichi]

So he's going to put the tempo to the side. He's going to pull out Okasashi, he has at the side, and it's going to attempt to strike at you. No, that is six, one dodge. What's your dodge?

[Tomiko]

Eight.

[Ryuichi]

Eight. You dodge out of the way, which means he fails. And you have an opportunity to strike back at him now. So you can go ahead and attack with him with a D12 for free.

[Tomiko]

D12? What is that? Seven plus three? Ten.

[Ryuichi]

Seven plus three. He takes two wounds. Yeah, that tempo Warrior.

[Tomiko]

If I take an adrenaline or.

[Ryuichi]

No, you do, because it's an successful attack. Yeah.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

So that's going to finish his turn, the one that you struck and parry off to the side. He's going to go ahead and get up his gun to try and fire on. Actually, you seem like you took the big hit. He's going to shift over to you because you're running up behind because you're a pretty, especially out of the shadows, a terrifying, massive Irishman. In the middle of this phrase. You are, from some perspectives, an oni like you are just a nightmare come to life out of that expected encounter. He's gonna go ahead and fire at you. That's gonna be. They're rolling high right now. It's 11.

[Garrett]

Oh, for sure. Oh, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

You take three wounds from the teppo shot, the iron ball hitting you in the side and tearing through your abdomen about an inch away from the edge. It just kind of carves through muscle and skin. It slows you down, but you keep pushing through. He's gonna push the. No, he saw his friend get hit. He's not gonna push the advantage on that one. So that's gonna finish their go. That brings us to Garrett and then Ummi after that. Right.

[Garrett]

So I take that shot, stagger back for a moment, but just keep moving forward. Thinking about how I have been steady and careful for all these years avoiding trouble, but this trouble is too big to avoid, and I come crashing down on the one that just shot me. That is not great. That is a six.

[Ryuichi]

It is a six. Unfortunately, he dodges all the brush around here. They're over in the forested side of it. And so even as you're striking, there's a bit of COVID within the shadows as well, and it's hard to find purchase on your target. So that finishes your go. Actually, the Ronin does go before Umi does. So now that you've rushed up into the front here, the Ronin with the naginata is going to go ahead and try and swing wide towards you. Since you were the first one to come at you, that's going to be eight.

[Rufino]

Miss.

[Ryuichi]

Miss. Okay. A massive swipe with the naginata. The blade kind of like comes towards where the top of where your neck and the skull meet, and you just kind of duck out of the way in time. That's going to finish his turn, Umi erectus.

[Umi]

And while he's distracted and his attack on you, I'm going to draw my wakizashi a bit lighter because I'm still feeling this, my injuries. So I'm not going to wield my kanabo, and I'm just going to take a swipe with my wakaz.

[Rufino]

We've all failed. Wait. Oh, that's good.

[Ryuichi]

6.

[Rufino]

But before I know the result.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, you can.

[Rufino]

Yeah, you were.

[Umi]

That's what you were.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Rufino]

Yes.

[Tomiko]

Someone.

[Rufino]

Someone's got to succeed here.

[Ryuichi]

Spending adrenaline.

[Rufino]

Yeah, I'm going to spend an adrenaline to. To give you some aid. Thank you very. Can I be sneaky? Can I use my guile?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rufino]

And as I see him fall off target, I'm going to do dirty move. I'm going to do a foot stomp, like, just on the top of his foot as hard as I can.

[Ryuichi]

You kick it and you feel like the ankle bone kind of pop for a second, which gives just enough momentum for you to better aim. So what'd you roll?

[Umi]

I rolled a six. So I wonder if with my might.

[Ryuichi]

We'Ll do it with your wakasashi, which is plus two.

[Umi]

Oh, right.

[Tomiko]

Oh, right.

[Umi]

Wakasashi plus two.

[Ryuichi]

Yes.

[Umi]

Agility.

[Rufino]

So plus plus three from me.

[Umi]

Gorgeous. So 8, 9, 10, 11.

[Ryuichi]

That is definitely a success. Great. So that's a wound on the Ronin with the wakasashi. Do you want to push the advantage and continue to find.

[Umi]

Yes, please.

[Ryuichi]

All right. And do you have any special abilities with the wakasashi? You want to.

[Umi]

With the wakasashi?

[Tomiko]

Mm, mm, mm.

[Umi]

Rapid strike. Okay, let's try that. I'm gonna burn one adrenaline for a rapid strike.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so you roll a D10 to hit now.

[Umi]

Yep. 9.

[Ryuichi]

And so that does an additional wound right on the strike.

[Umi]

Plus one.

[Ryuichi]

Great. So two wounds on him from the wakasashi. Just one slash. A heavier slash that carves across the front of his clavicle and blood on the nearby broken stone opening around the shrine. Do you want to continue. Continue to push the advantage, or are you good?

[Umi]

Yeah, we're going to do that one more time.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go.

[Umi]

One more adrenaline. So same rapid strike just to finish.

[Ryuichi]

Roll 10 now.

[Rufino]

Oh, sorry. Go ahead.

[Ryuichi]

A D8 on this roll.

[Umi]

D8.

[Ryuichi]

Yes.

[Rufino]

And I'm gonna use my last adrenaline double combo. I'm gonna see you succeeding, see you taking this moment and tearing him to pieces. After footstep, I'm gonna duck around. I'm gonna give him a kidney shot right in the little opening of his armor right there.

[Tomiko]

Can I add anything to hers, too?

[Ryuichi]

You're unfortunately far away from her right now, but you can add it to each other as well as you're doing this.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Umi]

You can cheer for me from across.

[Rufino]

All right, so you'll get another plus three.

[Umi]

Great. Another plus three on this roll. Gorgeous. Thank you. Let's see if we can finish it. Six.

[Ryuichi]

All righty. Fantastic. So that definitely hits two more wounds with the wakasashi carving up where this one cuts under where his armpit is. And you watch as his backhand where he bounces the naganata. It's like, oh, it's a little off now. And he's having a rough go right now. He's looking pretty hurt. Do you want to keep pushing the advantage, or are you done?

[Umi]

I think I'm done with that. Yes. Good. We've done lots of blows. Thank you for these.

[Ryuichi]

That's great. All right.

[Rufino]

Fighting against together.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, with that. Rafino, you're up.

[Rufino]

Oh, shit. Yeah. All right, I'm gonna go for him. Let's go with the tanto. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So after I've been barehanded fighting, I'll take my weapon back and. Oh, my God, bro.

[Ryuichi]

I am doomed, dog.

[Rufino]

I am doomed.

[Umi]

I should have assisted you.

[Rufino]

No, I'm doomed. Yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Miss.

[Rufino]

Big miss.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, buddy. Yeah, yeah.

[Rufino]

NAT1. Oh, I can't roll tonight.

[Ryuichi]

Rough.

[Rufino]

It's bad.

[Ryuichi]

That's bad.

[Rufino]

I'm trying.

[Ryuichi]

Well, you've helped her do a lot of it. You're still taking adrenaline from the fail because it's still a roll.

[Garrett]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, that's right. But you go ahead and try and come back with the tanto to strike him again. And even though he's taken the heavy hits from her, you've been leaving him open after the kidney shot, especially. He whips around with the back of the naginata and before you, you can even try and strike him with the blade. He clocks you up in the side of your skull, and it knocks you off. Not enough to do damage, but enough to prevent your strike from even finding his body. That's going to finish you. Go. Ryuichi, you're up.

[Tomiko]

Okay. Where was I left off? I was shot.

[Ryuichi]

You were shot in a heavy wound. And he's reloading his weapon right now, looking at you while backing up through the woods.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, I'm ignoring that pain. I take a few steps forward into his personal space, and I'm gonna fuck him up.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go. Yeah. Roll for an attack, bro.

[Garrett]

I'm gonna assist. I'm gonna assist. I see him trying to reload the gun. So I take my Kanabo and I rope it over him and I lift him into the air so he's just a fucking target for you.

[Ryuichi]

Taking his legs for a second, he puts up his gun to try and prevent you from choking him. But that's not the point of choking him. It's just restraining him. So between your Kanabo and his gun, he's now held and his feet are kicking in the air. Go ahead and make your attack and add his might to the roll as well.

[Tomiko]

Where can I target him? Could take off a leg, arm.

[Ryuichi]

Do you want to try?

[Tomiko]

Well, his legs are kicking out in front of me. That's going to disable him. Let's go.

[Umi]

Okay.

[Tomiko]

Do I add a Katana 3 or the might 3 on this roll?

[Ryuichi]

The plus 3 for Katana is the mighty.

[Tomiko]

Gotcha.

[Ryuichi]

Add 3. Do you want to use any adrenaline for this?

[Garrett]

Plus 3. Plus 2 for me. Plus 2 for me.

[Tomiko]

Go 1, 3, 2. This is my first failure. I got 5. Yeah, 6. 6.

[Ryuichi]

That fails, unfortunately.

[Tomiko]

Am I dead?

[Ryuichi]

No, no, no, no. They don't strike back unless you fail while pushing the advantage. Okay, so if you just fail on your first strike, then it's just the end of your turn. So you're going to try, and you're trying to find an opening. He's holding as he's being held up. He kicks around, and there's a brief moment where you're uncertain if you were to attack now, you would cut this enemy or if you would cut Garrett. And that brief moment of hesitation prevents you from even taking the blade to him. Finishing Yorgo, the character who's being held by you. Clutching up there. He's going to reach down and grab blade from his side. And try and stab you with a tanto while you're up against his back. That's fair.

[Garrett]

That's fair.

[Ryuichi]

That's gonna be a five.

[Garrett]

Oh, I see it coming. So he's going here. Oh, man. I grab the gun in his hand and wrench his other arm down, twisting it so that the knife goes astray.

[Ryuichi]

It clatters off into the shadow nearby. It's going to finish his. His go. The other one is going to. Seeing this close, he can't even take the time to try and reload. He's going to go ahead and take his wakasashi, and he's going to come for you because you're the one who looks the most wounded. And he's going to try and do what he can to stop you in your tracks, but not with a natural three. He's not. No. Goes to strike towards you. How do you deflect his blow?

[Tomiko]

He was trying to using his hand or, like, you know, the barrel of his gun.

[Ryuichi]

Actually, he kind of set the gun aside and pulled his wakasashi and struck out towards you.

[Tomiko]

Oh, well, I blocked it with, you know, my right hand. I blocked it. Yeah. And I'm going for, you know, you know, the counter strike.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so we'll get to that on your next turn. That finishes up there. Go. But, Garrett, you are actually.

[Garrett]

So I freed up one hand from my kanabo to get the gun wrench down. That means I'm back to holding the kanabo one hand. So I just backhand with the butt end of it. Butt end of it. To hit him in the face. That'll hit probably. That's a nine.

[Ryuichi]

Nine definitely hits.

[Garrett]

There's an adrenaline, and I will for sure push it.

[Ryuichi]

Well, first off, the one that's in your hands, he's already wounded. You finish him off. How do you want to do this? Oh, as you're clutching him to you.

[Garrett]

Right. So I kind of shoulder him away and then come with the kanabow and strike him in the face, sending him flying into the second feller as I follow. Great.

[Ryuichi]

He's gonna pay. He takes the hit, and before he can even recover, you're right there. Both of you are just kind of flanking him from each side. So go ahead, and if you want to push the advantage, roll with a D10. All right.

[Garrett]

And I'm gonna go for rolling fury with this. I'm gonna spend adrenaline to make it hurt more.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Garrett]

If I'm able to. Oh, yeah. That's an 11 to hit.

[Ryuichi]

11 to hit.

[Garrett]

So an Extra wound on top of the boom.

[Ryuichi]

That's four wounds on him with one hit from the Kanabo. Crack as you impact the other standing ashigaru. You hit him so hard that his arm, where he was holding the gun on the side, cracks and breaks. And you see the elbow comes, the bones stick out from the side as he screams, falls to the side, the shock takes in, and that fight or flight is really taking him over. And as he looks at you and you, he looks like he's about to run.

[Garrett]

Well, I'll push then. Okay, I've got the Kanabo almost at that midway point, and I've just gone butt end, front end, stab right into the eye with it.

[Ryuichi]

Go for it.

[Garrett]

That's a nine.

[Ryuichi]

It's a nine. How do you want to do this? All right, so you're puncturing him through the eye.

[Garrett]

Well, it's a pretty hefty thing. So it's more of like a cave.

[Ryuichi]

In, I'm about to say. Yeah.

[Garrett]

Than a stab.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. Well, but yours is, like, you know, since yours is a little small, my size, it's about the right size. Like, it's like pushing a baseball bat into someone's ocular cavity. It's gonna break the skull around it and still take. So cracks hard. And as you impact, the very butt end of your kanabo has just enough purchase, its head, the skull, that he hangs on it for a minute before you have to pull it away and he falls to the ground. Brutal. Brutal. But, yeah, that finishes your go. Both the opponents in the trees with the very powerful ranged weapons have been dealt with in quick time. And you both look back to the shrine where your other allies are, and they are currently engaged with a Ronin. And from what they don't see, and what you two see are two other figures rushing up from the opposite side of the shrine to join the fray as well.

[Garrett]

Oh. Our friends do not see reinforcements, or.

[Ryuichi]

At least they're both focused on this Ronin. And beyond them, on the backside, you see two other figures approaching.

[Garrett]

You're right.

[Tomiko]

I'm okay. We must take care of them. So we go over.

[Ryuichi]

All right.

[Tomiko]

They clearly don't see them. We have to go over. We intercept them. And I'm hurt, but I only need one arm.

[Ryuichi]

That's true. Okay, that finishes.

[Garrett]

We're probably on route. We're probably frozen.

[Ryuichi]

You guys are rushing towards the shrine now. It is now the ronin's turn. He is going to go ahead. And you've done a pretty heavy hit, too. And he's been having he's go ahead and consider you the immediate threat now. Sees the bits of wounds to your armor and sees a little bit of weakness there in his attempt to try and use that to his advantage. Striking at you with six, dodge with a seven.

[Rufino]

Ooh, just miss with authority.

[Ryuichi]

Swings wide. Describe to me how you barely parry this massive arc with his polearm.

[Umi]

Just the slightest duck, it, like, carves.

[Ryuichi]

A few hairs on the top of your head.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, exactly.

[Umi]

Just a squat. Just a little squat.

[Ryuichi]

That finishes his go. Right into your turn, Umi. So you are up, gorgeous.

[Umi]

And I still have the wakidashi in my hand, and now I'm at such close range, and if I can just shave a little of the hair, the pins and so to speak, I'm going to take a swipe for his guts.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go for it.

[Umi]

10. So 12.

[Ryuichi]

That'll definitely hit. So he takes three wounds. Heavy hit right to the middle of the ribcage. Crack. Now, he's not wearing chest armor. He's pretty quick and has some high dodge, but you rolled pretty high, and you feel the bones kind of crack at the impact. He stumbles back and kind of catches himself on his legs, kind of skidding a minute, and he's woozy on his feet. You see him cough up a big spatter of crimson.

[Tomiko]

Go for bud.

[Ryuichi]

No worries.

[Umi]

You got two turns to push the advantage and try to finish this.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go. Sword D. 10.

[Umi]

Okey doke. With my wakizashi, can I storm forward with a 2? A 2 and so 4.

[Ryuichi]

Unfortunately, that is enough. He is on death's door. In that moment that he coughs up, you're like, this is your opportunity. And you charge forward the wakasashi. And in that brief moment where you're about to finish it off, his eyes shoot up and meet yours like he was goading you into it.

[Rufino]

No.

[Ryuichi]

And as you rush forward with wakasashi, he grabs your arm and uses momentum to push you behind him. As he does, he spins his nakinata to try and strike down with it upon you with a. That's gonna be a seven. I think that does hit you, right?

[Umi]

Oh, seven is to seven. So I'm gonna let that hit my back armor. So if I.

[Ryuichi]

Do you have any defensive abilities to use your adrenaline on?

[Umi]

Oh, interesting. Like to deflect.

[Ryuichi]

Do you have any deflect abilities with your wakasashi at all?

[Umi]

I do. I could burn my two adrenaline and roll to deflect with my wakasashi.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, what does it turn your dodge into? Is it high enough to.

[Umi]

Oh, I see. So because I have seven dodge. So that would turn nine dodge against two. Yeah, so nine.

[Ryuichi]

So that would actually cancel the attack.

[Umi]

Okay, so do I have to roll? Roll?

[Ryuichi]

You don't have to roll for it.

[Umi]

Oh, great.

[Ryuichi]

And he takes.

[Umi]

That's right. Gotcha, gotcha. So I spend my 2 Adrenaline. So I have a 9 Dodge. And I. And I do dodge that attack.

[Ryuichi]

What does it say? It just increases your dodge by two.

[Umi]

Yep.

[Ryuichi]

Does that do anything else?

[Umi]

And the attacker takes one wound.

[Ryuichi]

He has one wound left. Oh. So how do you want. And do this? As he goes for the final blow and you deflect it and kill him in the same sweep. Describe to me how you finish him off.

[Umi]

So he's pulled this arm forward with my wakizashi in it, swung for my back. And I'm going to turn on the spot and swipe him once more across his torso.

[Ryuichi]

He spins it in the air, and right as he's about to bring it down. You are faster than he expected with your squat warrior form. And spilling his insides onto the shrine floor. He doesn't have enough strength in the swipe for the nagitano to do more than to just hit the side of your shoulder armor with practically no impact. As he stumbles to the ground, no longer moving, the two other figures that were rushing up to the shrine stop and turn around and run the other direction at the sight of the two.

[Garrett]

Swooping down on them.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. As you guys arrive to the shrine, you watch as Umi just finishes off the Ronin like a wakasashi, carving right through the middle of its midsection and dropping it. And the two approaching soldiers just turn around and run the opposite way.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, we got more girls like her. Awesome.

[Garrett]

Garrett was running out, pulling out a smoke bomb.

[Ryuichi]

Save that from the air. After there's a brief moment of looking around, you watch as Tomiko comes out herself. Looks like she has a little bit of blood on her head. And Heiji is in her arm. And she comes out in the middle of the shrine too. Thank you. Thank you.

[Rufino]

Oh, God.

[Ryuichi]

What? What's happening? Chaos. H. Are you okay? And he nods, just saying nothing. This 11 year old boy is just stunned silence, panic in his eyes.

[Tomiko]

Nobunaga wants your blood. What are you hiding? What is it?

[Ryuichi]

My blood.

[Tomiko]

You're protecting something.

[Ryuichi]

I'm protecting this child. We gotta get out of here.

[Tomiko]

Child. Shrine. There's something here.

[Umi]

I say we head to the woods, which are nearby, and take these two to shelter.

[Rufino]

I know the countryside fairly Well, I.

[Ryuichi]

Have a farmstead just out of the north gates of here. My husband's there right now. We can be safe there.

[Garrett]

It's close.

[Ryuichi]

Can you. Can you take us?

[Tomiko]

Absolutely.

[Ryuichi]

What do you say, Agent? Can you come with us? Can you walk? And he just kind of nods. Okay, it's in the north gate. Thank you. I love you. At this point, she gathers him, the four of you flanking them, and you leave the shrine and start heading northward towards the outside and hopeful safety from Sakai. Now, as you have a brief moment here to rest, would you like to try and recover a little bit?

[Garrett]

I was going to say absolutely, if looking out the entrance here, if we don't see anything, anybody crawling over walls or intruding.

[Ryuichi]

Not at the moment. What you had fought here in the middle of the shrine seemed to be the handful of soldiers that had come this deep into this part of the city. Shrines usually aren't a big focus of destruction necessarily, but it seemed that the presence of this woman and child was enough to get them to try and finish off anybody that could be escaping or whatever wanton destruction they were setting across.

[Tomiko]

Well, was that it? They went to the shrine. They thought they were going to have some kind of protection, but it wasn't enough. They weren't protecting something in the shrine then, just happened to be a coincidence?

[Ryuichi]

It could be. Well, you did hear Rin sent them to the shrine just for safety.

[Tomiko]

Was it for safety?

[Ryuichi]

Make a cognition. Check to see if you can read Tomiko's.

[Tomiko]

I will. Cognition. Gotta know. Gotta be comfortable.

[Ryuichi]

Of course, of course.

[Tomiko]

12.

[Ryuichi]

Ooh, great.

[Tomiko]

Speak the truth.

[Ryuichi]

Nice.

[Tomiko]

Read your mind. Tell me.

[Ryuichi]

So, watching Tomikoa, I suppose. She protects Heiji and looks to all of you and is looking off in the distance. You catch up. You are an incredible read of certain people, especially when they are in the midst of danger and threat. You've spent a lifetime at this point protecting those that you deem innocent. And there is in her gaze a fear, but a strength to protect. As part of that, while this is not her child, this is the child of her friend. Also, as she looks to the northward side of where they're sending, you see a hopefulness at what awaits her there at that farmstead where her husband can help keep all of you safe and away from where this city siege is happening. You believe you can trust her?

[Tomiko]

I believe her completely. She's telling the truth. We shall follow.

[Ryuichi]

Alrighty.

[Garrett]

Sit for a spell.

[Tomiko]

Okay, cool.

[Ryuichi]

I like that.

[Tomiko]

That's reassuring. Now I'm like, okay, the shrine. Let's go.

[Ryuichi]

No, it's great. That's where the cognition comes into play. That's where reading people is perfect.

[Garrett]

Ryuichi san, sit for a spell. So I have. It's Sarashi.

[Ryuichi]

Sarashi. Yeah, the bandages.

[Garrett]

Right. So I gingerly lower his clothing away from his shoulder and can see that there's a bullet wound there. I sort of probe it. I don't think I can get it out of there. But I do take the bandages. And with trees on fire in the distance, in an absolutely heavy metal tableau, I start to bandage up the wound.

[Ryuichi]

Great.

[Garrett]

So everyone else takes one. Do we gain one?

[Ryuichi]

Everybody. For this rest, clears a wound from.

[Garrett]

Your sheet, and I roll for Riichi's wounds. Yeah, that's. Aw, fuck. You die. That's two wounds.

[Ryuichi]

So you take off two more wounds.

[Tomiko]

I get two off. That's great.

[Garrett]

I rolled a one.

[Ryuichi]

Not optimal, but still better than nothing. But I believe that is the last Sarashi you have amongst your troop too. That's right. So outside of any future rests. Thanks.

[Tomiko]

G G.

[Ryuichi]

I love it.

[Garrett]

Somewhere, an electric guitar.

[Ryuichi]

You can still hear the echoing of distant gunshots.

[Tomiko]

Is it approaching?

[Ryuichi]

Hard to tell. It's distant enough where it's echoing and scattered, so it doesn't feel like it's terribly close. But there is still a lot of death transpiring in these city walls.

[Tomiko]

I would take that moment to say that I'm kind of out of that mission to get guns. We're going to supply these bullets to the people that are trying to kill us. I'm not trying to fulfill that mission anymore. Right.

[Ryuichi]

I think you certainly feel like there might be more larger things at work now than the job you were hired for.

[Tomiko]

Right now we have to protect the village and stop Nobunaka. I don't know if you all agree, but I'm not looking for weapons to fight.

[Umi]

Yeah, it doesn't feel like the time to be making bullets.

[Tomiko]

Right. So now our main concern is just the child and the woman, Tomoko. And we're bringing them there. To Nakamura?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, her husband. Her husband. Nakamura is the husband of Rin, which was the blacksmith. But you haven't met him. He's somewhere else in the city.

[Tomiko]

Right. Okay.

[Ryuichi]

Tomiko's husband waits for her at her homestead.

[Tomiko]

Okay. Okay.

[Rufino]

And that's outside of the city, like countryside?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, that's outside the north.

[Tomiko]

Okay. So we're on our way there.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. Like the Setsu area.

[Umi]

Taking them to safety. Fulfilling our promise to Rin.

[Garrett]

On the way out of the shrine grounds, I swing past the Feller who tried to stab me in the gut, and I grab his Tonto Blade that he tried to kill me with to replace the one that I lost in the streets.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, do that.

[Umi]

Cool.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

You can take weapons that aren't in use. You can take it if you want.

[Tomiko]

I mean, I had a musket. I mean, I could.

[Ryuichi]

If you want to take a Teppo, there's one over off the side. Do you know how to use it?

[Tomiko]

Yes, of course I do.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Umi]

Will you show me? You teach me how to use the Tepo.

[Ryuichi]

I will.

[Umi]

This is what I'm thinking now. Can we. Is that that shipment of Teppo? Has that arrived? The one that Takeda has tasked us to find ammunition for?

[Ryuichi]

You don't know?

[Umi]

We don't know.

[Ryuichi]

But what you do know is any weapons of the fallen enemy around you you can take and use to your advantage. And there are, I'd say, one and a half Tepo, or one that's been somewhat damaged from the combat, and one that hasn't been off near where you two both dispatched. Those two gunmen, those Ashigaru. So you can gather those if you'd like to.

[Tomiko]

I would like to. To take one. I just need one bullet to finish this thing, you know? I mean, they only could shoot one bullet every two, three minutes. So I will take it.

[Ryuichi]

Great. So, as you finish your rest, your bandages across your torso, gather yourself to escort these two and yourselves to safety outside of this chaos. You go over to where that battle transpired. Pick up the one tempo that seems to most battle ready and one of its iron payloads.

[Tomiko]

Can I add that to my little.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, just write down tempo, and whenever you want to fire it, I'll tell you what you get to add to it.

[Tomiko]

Got it?

[Ryuichi]

So that's cool. Continue your journey northward.

[Rufino]

Oh, man. I. I do not. So, as they're heading out toward the countryside, I'm gonna pull Yuumi aside, and I'm gonna pull out a small little scroll from my side. Sash, hand it to you. Here you go.

[Umi]

What is this?

[Rufino]

Sometimes it's in a chicken coop, sometimes it's under a marshy bit of log. But there's some food, some cash, a few stores I have outside of town.

[Tomiko]

Take it.

[Rufino]

And take care. I'm sorry.

[Ryuichi]

This.

[Rufino]

This isn't my fight.

[Umi]

Where are you going?

[Rufino]

I got a little boat in the port. We're about halfway distance. I'll. I'll take my leave here. But it's been an honor. I'll kind of nudge Ryuichi in the Side.

[Ryuichi]

I'm sorry. This isn't for me.

[Umi]

You can't make it to the port alone.

[Rufino]

I'm pretty sneaky.

[Ryuichi]

The sound of heavy hoof prints, multiple sets grow loud from different sides. And shouts as two mounted samurai begin to rush up and begin to meet the northern gate where you've all been trekking. As they begin to gather around the sound, they are throwing what looks like flaming objects towards the sides of the gate that detonate and sending flames emerging up the sides of the nearby buildings. The exterior of your exit gate to the wall of where you were leaving the shrine and going to send the family off is now ablaze. As you look back towards the city in the opposite direction to try and escape further in, a third horse rides up before its rider leaps off. Where you see a tall, fully armored masked samurai who had previously cut down a civilian in the street during its meeting, looks down at the rest of you. What are you thinking? To escape.

[Tomiko]

Two guys burning our exit route. This guy blocks us in on the other side. We are entrapped.

[Umi]

I instinctively pull Tomiko, who's holding. Pull them back to pull them behind.

[Ryuichi]

They both back away. The flames crawl fast. Some sort of accelerant within. These objects they threw have sent fire to crawl up all manner of nearby buildings that already. And immediately the landscape begins to burn around you. It turns into the center of hell as this armored demon of a samurai steps forward. Women and children first. He pulls from one side of himself as katana that was sheathed Wakasashi left. And from his back in one hand, a gnarly looking Kanabo. Wielding both simultaneously. He rushes forward towards all of you as the two other mounted samurai pull their bows free and begin to encircle the space. I need you all to roll initiative.

[Garrett]

Like that boat, right? I'll have to wait.

[Ryuichi]

This is.

[Tomiko]

It's the climax here. And I can tell.

[Umi]

Oh no. That's a zero. For what?

[Tomiko]

Damn.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, okay, okay, hold on.

[Tomiko]

Oh God.

[Ryuichi]

All right.

[Tomiko]

What is it? We add. Oh, shit.

[Rufino]

How'd you guys do?

[Garrett]

Roll the one.

[Ryuichi]

Oh boy. Alrighty. So out of the gate at the top of this, 10 to five. Anybody?

[Garrett]

I wish.

[Ryuichi]

What you got?

[Garrett]

Six.

[Ryuichi]

All right. Five to one.

[Tomiko]

I got two.

[Ryuichi]

Oof. Total of two.

[Tomiko]

Total of two.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, that. Yeah, that. No, that's great. That's good to know.

[Tomiko]

What? Is that good?

[Ryuichi]

Well, it's. It's. It's better than. Lower than one.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

All righty. So R. It's not a 12. No, that's true. All right. Zero to minus five.

[Garrett]

Two.

[Ryuichi]

All righty. That and then. Okay. And then with garrok at the end.

[Umi]

Oh, man.

[Ryuichi]

So, Rufino, you are up first.

[Rufino]

Yeah, so.

[Garrett]

So about that.

[Umi]

Sorry.

[Garrett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rufino]

I'm going to turn and try to sprint away from the conflict to where it looks like I'm trying to run away into a back alley. Like, for all intents and purposes, I'm trying to make it look like I'm running away.

[Ryuichi]

Okay. Just roll a guile test for me to see if you do not seem like an immediate target to any of the other surrounding combatants.

[Rufino]

Yeah. 12, 12:30.

[Ryuichi]

You put up your most I am not a threat expression ever and dart out of the center of the battlefield while the rest of your companions, like, they are ready to have a showdown, and you feel pretty confident that you're not the focus of attention at the moment. What are you doing?

[Rufino]

I'm going to try. If I can finally do it. I do want to get. I want to try to get advantage point somewhere up high, like rooftops again.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, yeah. Okay. I will say, because now we're pushing forward, we can say push the advantage to try and do this.

[Garrett]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

So roll a D10 and add your say agility, bro.

[Rufino]

I am going to leave.

[Ryuichi]

In character.

[Rufino]

I was trying to ol yeller myself, and now I'm gonna do it in real life. Apparently, Rafina can do lots of things other than climb on a box and get into the top of a roof. That's a nat one.

[Tomiko]

Oh, my God.

[Rufino]

What is happening? Dude, what is happening?

[Umi]

It's been a big night.

[Rufino]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Well, so I'll say this. You do manage to find a vantage point, but it ends your turn. You do come up there. You get to a place where the flames haven't yet gotten to, and there is a tiled roof edge that you clamber up to unnoticed. But the process of doing so takes the entirety of your turn, and that's going to finish its go. But you are in position. Ryuichi, you are up.

[Tomiko]

Okay, let me understand. Two archers flanking us. Coming. They're on horse.

[Ryuichi]

They're on horseback.

[Tomiko]

And the guy, he dismounted the samurai. So he's walking towards us in the center.

[Ryuichi]

He's rushing towards you in the center. Both weapons are okay.

[Tomiko]

So everything is urgent. I'm gonna take out one of the archers with a surduken. I got shuriken, right? Yeah. Not only need ninjas have them, I.

[Ryuichi]

Got a few here.

[Tomiko]

It's got sink, sink, sink, you know, or two or three. I'm gonna take out one, so that's my first battle.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so as you see this going on, you're gonna go ahead and throw an attack.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, I can grab like a.

[Ryuichi]

So for this, you can roll with either agility or guile. Your choice.

[Tomiko]

Guile is a minus one.

[Ryuichi]

It's usually zero, so just roll six. Okay.

[Tomiko]

I missed.

[Ryuichi]

Unfortunately, you miss on the first. Sure. It goes wide. They're hard to hit when they're riding on horseback, but it's not impossible. Do you want to push the advantage and try for another one?

[Tomiko]

Do I have to roll with a smaller die?

[Ryuichi]

You do.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go.

[Umi]

Yeah.

[Tomiko]

It's this one, right?

[Ryuichi]

Yep.

[Tomiko]

Six plus or nothing?

[Ryuichi]

Well, if you don't have a bonus to your thing, then that's just a six.

[Tomiko]

What about the shuriken? I don't have no.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, no. That would be adding your agility or your guile. I said so. That would be a zero.

[Tomiko]

Zero.

[Ryuichi]

Shit.

[Tomiko]

So I miss again.

[Ryuichi]

They're just so hard to hit.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

However, because you were pushing the advantage as you're throwing these shuriken, you assume this massively armored figure would be slow given the weapons and the size of him. He moves quicker than you expect. And suddenly he is upon you with a massive swing. That is going to be an eight. Does an eight hit you Dodge.

[Tomiko]

It's an eight. I got eight dodge.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, eight dodge. He just hits you? Yes. He has to hit or higher. Do you have enough adrenaline for a defensive maneuver?

[Tomiko]

I have four adrenalines.

[Ryuichi]

And do you have any weapon abilities that add to your dodge? Under your katana deflection weapon ability?

[Tomiko]

On a successful attack, you can do plus two wounds.

[Ryuichi]

Then above that, there should be a defensive or a you're an ally close.

[Tomiko]

To your attack or your ally gains plus two dodge against the attack.

[Ryuichi]

So you or an ally can get plus two. If you want to spend the two adrenaline on that, you can add plus two to your dodge and try and deflect it.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so go ahead and spend two adrenaline.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

And that brings your dodge up to 10, which causes his attack to miss.

[Tomiko]

Okay, good.

[Ryuichi]

So he comes down rapidly with both weapons, and you just deflect it off to the side. He barely misses taking a chunk out of your head.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

But now he's there in the fray next to you. That finishes your turn. It's now his turn. You're right there. You can now see the cold and cruel eyes that are just barely visible between his mask and his helmet. And he reads you. And he's going to spin around and come for you.

[Rufino]

What?

[Ryuichi]

Ooh. That's going to be a 13 to hit for sure.

[Garrett]

I have no fancy deflection moves, so.

[Ryuichi]

You take three wounds as both weapons come down upon you. You try and hold and it pushes you back. A heavy impact on you. He's going to push the advantage.

[Umi]

Oh, man.

[Ryuichi]

That's gonna be a seven to hit you.

[Garrett]

Meatsa beats it. Yep.

[Ryuichi]

Seven hits you again. Another three wounds.

[Garrett]

Oh, just blood sprays on the ground.

[Ryuichi]

Is just brutalizing. Garrett staggering back. Yeah, Garrett's already in a rough place from these hits. He's a crazy cruel figure. He's gonna push the advantage again.

[Garrett]

Oh, no.

[Ryuichi]

So it goes. That's gonna put it at a six.

[Garrett]

Ah. That misses.

[Ryuichi]

Now because he failed while pushing the advantage, you get to attack him back.

[Garrett]

Okay. Right. So I just got slashed. The Kanabo. My Kanabo is in the dirt and I'm bleeding out rapidly. But I will press this desperately. I will. Even though it fucking hurts so fucking bad, I'll double hand the Kanabo and try to strike him in the side of the skull with the heavy end.

[Rufino]

An arrow comes out of nowhere.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. Yes.

[Tomiko]

Just in time.

[Rufino]

And helps him from the side. I'll use adrenaline to give you aid and. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Garrett]

Wow.

[Ryuichi]

Adding which I'm gonna.

[Rufino]

I'm gonna. Well, that's interesting. It's sneaky because what would it be?

[Ryuichi]

And you're unnoticed. It could be guiled. Like I want it to be guile. You choose. You just have to think about how you apply that. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rufino]

It's that. That was the. It's meant to be a sneak attack. It's plus three.

[Ryuichi]

And it's not wounding him. It's just to distract.

[Rufino]

Correct.

[Ryuichi]

So it's a plus three to your.

[Garrett]

That gets me up to nine.

[Ryuichi]

Nine. Nine hits. So with that, that is three wounds to the mask. Samurai crack. A heavy hit. It impacts the armor, and the armor takes the hit and he just slightly moves.

[Tomiko]

Oh, jeez.

[Ryuichi]

I mean, he took three wounds, but he has a lot of armor on, so the armor absorbs a lot of it. But that finishes his turn. Bumi, you're up.

[Umi]

Right. I want to break through that armor so that we can get at him with our finer weapons. So I'm going to to just give Tomiko and Heiji a little shove back and run forward with my Kana wool.

[Ryuichi]

Awesome.

[Umi]

Oh, and deliver a 14 point from behind.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, he's not even focused on you right now because he's just kind of like a smart, brutal warrior focusing somebody down in the moment if no one else is. And you use that advantage to just crack a heavy hit on the back of the armor. That's three wounds to him. Do you want to push the advantage?

[Umi]

Yes, I would love to push the advantage. So I'm going to.

[Ryuichi]

Now, don't forget, before somebody rolls, you can spend an adrenaline to try and add.

[Tomiko]

Oh, I'm going to. Yeah. Can I throw in one adrenaline?

[Ryuichi]

If you want to, you can spend an adrenaline. And then how do you aid her attack? Which attribute do you add to?

[Tomiko]

How do I eat her?

[Ryuichi]

Do you want to add your might to her role?

[Tomiko]

Yeah, well. Oh, that's how I can add one of your.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, you add one of your bonuses to her roll.

[Tomiko]

Absolutely.

[Ryuichi]

But describe how you help her with her strike.

[Tomiko]

Oh, how do I help her with her strength?

[Garrett]

Write your own action movie.

[Umi]

So right now he's been smashed in the chest, smashed in the back. His armor is compromised, and I'm just winding up for another swing with my kanabo now to his head. That's where I'm heading.

[Tomiko]

Well, he's kind of distracted, so I'm going to approach from the opposite side to throw off his concentration. So he cannot rely on. His eyesight's on her, but he's seeing me, so he has to concentrate on me. So I'm distracting him by circling around him.

[Ryuichi]

Great. So you circle around, kind of flashing the weapon to try and draw his attention. Second opponent, he's now caught between the three of you, and that gives just enough an opening for you to go ahead and strike. What was your total?

[Umi]

The 14 that hit a 14.

[Ryuichi]

The 14 was the first roll. Now you roll a D10. Great.

[Garrett]

Multiple people. Can't aid.

[Ryuichi]

Can I Not multiple people. Just one person.

[Umi]

Great. So my D10. Oh, 10.

[Ryuichi]

That's a crit. It's my first four wounds on him.

[Tomiko]

With a heavy hit.

[Ryuichi]

Nice.

[Tomiko]

Is petal in back?

[Ryuichi]

Unfortunately, no. But hey, all right. It all helps.

[Tomiko]

It's all great.

[Umi]

All right, so that was a smash to the back of the head to blast his helmet hopefully off.

[Ryuichi]

It cracks off, but it doesn't remove itself. His strap is hardy on his neck, but his neck.

[Umi]

The back of his neck is exposed.

[Ryuichi]

But the back of the neck is exposed. Are you gonna push the advantage or.

[Umi]

I'm going to try and push the advantage and slash down there with my wakizashi.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so now you're rolling a D8.

[Rufino]

What are you rolling?

[Umi]

A D8.

[Ryuichi]

With agility, right?

[Umi]

With agility.

[Ryuichi]

Plus two.

[Umi]

Yes.

[Rufino]

Another arrow comes out of nowhere, spend another adrenaline. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so you get to add another plus three to that one.

[Umi]

Oh, and I push the advantage. I have to take off an adrenaline, right? Yes, correct.

[Ryuichi]

No, no. Just use your abilities.

[Rufino]

That was adrenaline for me.

[Umi]

Adrenaline for you. O is an aid. Right, so push arrow rips.

[Rufino]

It kind of dinks off of his shoulder.

[Ryuichi]

Yep. So roll a D8 and add plus three on top of your plus two.

[Umi]

So I got seven twelve.

[Ryuichi]

That hits.

[Tomiko]

That's nice.

[Umi]

So this is with my wakidashi. I slash down on the back of his neck.

[Ryuichi]

That's just one wound on that one. So you strike down on the back of his neck. It's now carved in. You can see the blood oozing from the back of it. And you just hear no spins around and now looks you in the face and goes, oh, you're so tiny. You'll make a tiny corpse. That's gonna finish. Unless you wanna. You wanna push the advantage again or do you wanna end it there?

[Umi]

I have a question. Wait. So every time I roll, I get an adrenaline. When I'm pushing the advantage and rolling, can I still gain adrenaline every time?

[Ryuichi]

You do every time.

[Tomiko]

But the die number.

[Ryuichi]

The die number. Now, if you wanna push the advantage again, it becomes a D6.

[Tomiko]

Oh, geez. Don't.

[Umi]

So he's facing me, and I've got the wakizashi and he's bleeding out really bad. I would love to just try and stab him in the face.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so roll a D6.

[Umi]

What happens with this D6?

[Garrett]

I swing the kanabo right into his ankle. As I see her pressing the attack. An 8.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so go ahead and roll the dice. Add this to it.

[Umi]

Okay. Six.

[Ryuichi]

Another critic.

[Umi]

Oh, it's okay.

[Ryuichi]

That's two wounds from the wakasashi. As you stab into the abdomen, he's taking these hits and is like he's looking to hurt, but he's standing. And with each wound he seems to grin. You see the blood now dripping from underneath the mask, which is this horrible visage now of this only grin with the fanged teeth and just the blood pouring out. As you stab him in the stomach, he slams his katana arm, wraps around you and pulls you into him. So he pulls the blade into his stomach and he just kind of looks right in your grin. Do you want to push the advantage again for a D4?

[Umi]

Yeah, you know, I kind of do.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go.

[Umi]

That's fun. Let's see if I can do a little. What is it like Harakiri. I'm just going to see if I can drag this up to his heart.

[Garrett]

I flip the kanabo and I drive the handle into his ribs, pressing him towards her. Aiding you again.

[Tomiko]

Okay, I can't help as well. We can't like three prong them like it's one.

[Ryuichi]

One help in a round. Unfortunately.

[Garrett]

One plus two plus anything.

[Umi]

So I. This, this was a natural one. And then so with my wakazashi, that's a plus.

[Ryuichi]

Three. Three for me and three that is unfortunately gonna fail. First off, he's gonna use cause you've wounded him on one of previous wounds. He's gonna use his special ability to as he holds you in to crack head by you, you automatically take one wound and then he's gonna go ahead and as you're like there, the blade pushed into his chest and you're right there, he's gonna go ahead and that's attacking you for 12.

[Tomiko]

Holy.

[Umi]

Yo. So I have seven dodge. What can I do? Deflect with my wakizashi dodge. I'm going to burn two adrenaline.

[Ryuichi]

But does it bring your dodge up to me?

[Umi]

Well that only brings it up to a nine.

[Ryuichi]

That's not going to be enough. So you take three wounds as he's pulled you in close. Now what he does is he's holding you with the hana and he takes the kanabo in the other and bear hugging you against him. Crack, crack. And is slamming you in the back with this bat as he's just laughing in your face. So that's three wounds on you there. That finishes your turn now. It's the bow riders.

[Garrett]

Oh boy.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

One of them is going to go ahead and take a shot. It's going to take another shot at you from behind. That's going to be. Oof. A ten.

[Umi]

A ten attack on me.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. What's your dodge?

[Umi]

I got, I've got seven. Quick check. So did I, did I burn those two adrenaline?

[Ryuichi]

You did not.

[Umi]

Adrenaline's trying to do right. So now my dodge is seven. I wonder bringing up to a nine.

[Ryuichi]

Isn'T gonna be enough.

[Umi]

Cause nine's not enough. And then I still have two points on my armor that can take it.

[Ryuichi]

So yeah. So it's two wounds from the bow. So you take two wounds from the arrow. That sinks into my armor. So you mark those off your armor. Your armor absorbs the blow. It's going to push the advantage. Same works both ways. That's going to be a seven to seven hit.

[Umi]

I'm a seven dodge. So I Will burn two Adrenaline here.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Umi]

With my wakizashi to try and. So this is the archer coming at me.

[Ryuichi]

Yes. So now you push off the Masked Samurai after he's impacted you. And you hear one hits your armor and another one, you cut it out of the air, backing out of the way. The arrow just splits off into two pieces. It's awesome. And that's going to finish his turn because that's a miss, technically, so that ends his turn immediately. The other one is currently trying to train on who's there. You're probably the most prominent one is going to go in and try and fire at you. That's going to be a four to hit, which misses, ends its turn. Garret, you're up with Rufino on deck.

[Garrett]

Okay. Garrett is heavily wounded and is just staring at his own blood in the dirt and thinking how much he loves this city. If he's got to die anywhere, it better be here. And he goes apeshit. And I charge at the samurai, and I just am going to take a full baseball bat swing at his face to begin.

[Ryuichi]

Go.

[Garrett]

Come on. No, no. That is a five.

[Ryuichi]

A five, unfortunately, misses. You go to swing towards him, slipping my own blood. You slip a bit, and he hears the gravel grind of your foot. Even though he's been focused on Umi, and almost without looking and barely glances over his shoulder, swings his Kanabo back. And both your weapons collide at the same time, leaving this heavy crack sound that just like echoes throughout the entire area of this region of the city.

[Garrett]

Now, how do the rules work? If I miss on my first attack, am I able to push for a second try to succeed?

[Ryuichi]

Can you push? But however, because your first one missed, there is no consequence. It's only when you miss on a push that you. So your turn ends there. Rufino, you're up.

[Garrett]

Yeah.

[Rufino]

Cool. I'm gonna knock one and try to shoot at these mounted archers.

[Ryuichi]

Okay.

[Tomiko]

I have no idea how this ends.

[Garrett]

Oh, it's different, though. We're gonna find out together.

[Tomiko]

7. 7.

[Ryuichi]

7 is what you needed to hit them.

[Tomiko]

Okay. Okay, Good, good, good.

[Ryuichi]

So that's two wounds on that one.

[Rufino]

That is two wounds. That's correct.

[Ryuichi]

So one of the mounted riders is getting its arrow set up as it's aiming. It does not even notice you as you let loose, takes a hit from the side and glances over towards the direction of where you are and just barely makes a bead on where you're sitting on the rooftop. Do you want to push the advantage?

[Garrett]

Oh, absolutely.

[Ryuichi]

Anybody have adrenaline to help here if they want to.

[Umi]

Oh, yes, I would love to. I'm going to aid an ally.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, how do you aid him against the mounted archer?

[Umi]

Right, so where am I right now? All right, so I have just deflected a shot. Deflected an arrow. So I've got my wakizashi at. So as he's turned to try and get a beat on where you are, I'm going to take a swipe at his arm.

[Ryuichi]

So you're going to rush up towards as the horse is running by. You're going to try and meet to get it and slash at it.

[Umi]

Yeah, awesome. Just like. Yeah, run towards, get it in as I pass.

[Ryuichi]

Great. So is he charging towards the horse? He's knocking the arrow and looking down at you. That distracts him just enough for you to go ahead and get the shot as you swing wide without making impact. But it definitely sets him off in the horse's mount. So you go ahead and take the shot. Let's go, Rafinhas, you have plus six.

[Umi]

Come on.

[Rufino]

Let's go, baby.

[Ryuichi]

Come on.

[Rufino]

What's my bonus? Yeah, 12.

[Ryuichi]

12. Definitely two wounds. The second arrow sticks into him and he's like, oh. He slumps forward and for a second you think he's dead. And he gets back, barely holding on.

[Rufino]

Yeah. I'm going to press into the eight, but I'm going to use my special action. Take aim. So I'm going to spend all three of my adrenaline and I get to add my guile to my attack roll.

[Ryuichi]

Yes, you do.

[Garrett]

I'm also going to throw the tanto blade that I picked up at that archer's back as I see you taking action. So you get plus one from my guile.

[Ryuichi]

You got it. Go ahead and spend that adrenaline.

[Rufino]

7.

[Ryuichi]

7 is exactly what you need to do.

[Tomiko]

Nice.

[Ryuichi]

That was with this plus one.

[Rufino]

Thank you.

[Tomiko]

Oh, my boy.

[Rufino]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ryuichi]

How do you want to do this?

[Rufino]

Yeah, it's just that the action is take game. It's that moment where. Where you've got a bow fully drawn and he's locked in. And these are like a recurve bow so they pull the full weight. And he's just gonna think of all the times he's failed throughout the day. And his self loathing's gonna allow him to pull an extra five pounds on this bucking bow. And it's just gonna. And that arrow's gonna.

[Ryuichi]

It goes through the throat and sticks and stays in place.

[Tomiko]

Oh, nice.

[Ryuichi]

He falls back in the saddle coughing as the horse now takes off and now that it's not being controlled, the flames that have grown so high spook it. And the horse takes off further into the city with the now still strapped in corpse of that one samurai. The other one still riding around still. Your turn. You want to push the advantage on the other one or are you good?

[Rufino]

Yeah. I'm going to look down at Garrett, point at him and Amanda, but I'm going to give a big thumbs up and then I'm going to hold on. Yeah, I want to. As that's happening, if we can, just for flavor, I'm going to move positions and kind of try to like, move to a different part of the rooftop.

[Umi]

And I'm going to wait. Are you going to attack on this?

[Ryuichi]

No. No.

[Umi]

Okay, got it.

[Ryuichi]

That finishes your turn. Ryuichi, you're up.

[Tomiko]

Okay, so the. There's two men left. The samurai, who's maimed, he's hurt pretty.

[Ryuichi]

Bad, but he's taking a lot of hits and he's still standing and laughing. And there's the mounted samurai, which hasn't been hurt yet.

[Tomiko]

And he's what, circling?

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, he's like circling and shooting arrows around the outside.

[Tomiko]

Lumi's got her eyes on both of them.

[Umi]

Yeah, because I just. I just slashed.

[Rufino]

She's engaged with the guy that I just murked.

[Ryuichi]

Yep.

[Tomiko]

So she knows that I am taking on two opponents.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah.

[Tomiko]

I'm going for the samurai.

[Ryuichi]

All right. Alrighty.

[Tomiko]

She can handle this guy.

[Ryuichi]

Masked Samurai, you mean or the Masked.

[Tomiko]

Samurai, the one that just fucked up my buddy Garrett.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah. Let's go.

[Garrett]

Engaged with.

[Ryuichi]

Let's go.

[Tomiko]

I go right to him.

[Garrett]

I see you running up and I go and I headbutt him right in the face to assist you. My plus two.

[Tomiko]

Okay.

[Ryuichi]

Seeing you coming, so go ahead and make your strike.

[Tomiko]

I had a little bit of room, so I took out my naginata.

[Ryuichi]

All right.

[Tomiko]

And I am going to from a distance, maybe 8 to 9ft, I'm going at him with my naginata. And how can I boost this attack?

[Ryuichi]

What abilities do you have there?

[Tomiko]

I have one. Adrenaline.

[Ryuichi]

Any of the abilities that require special.

[Tomiko]

Action on my naginata?

[Ryuichi]

Yep. Do either of them take one adrenaline whirlwind strike? Whirlwind strike is multiple targets. You don't need that against.

[Tomiko]

Okay. No defensive last?

[Ryuichi]

No. Okay, so nothing that'll help you in this strike, but you can keep in mind that defensive ability can possibly save you in a pinch.

[Tomiko]

Yes.

[Ryuichi]

All right, so go ahead and take your strike with the headbutt.

[Garrett]

Gives you plus two.

[Tomiko]

Oh, really?

[Garrett]

Yeah, I just crunched his nose a bit.

[Tomiko]

Let's go six plus two plus three here.

[Ryuichi]

Six plus three is nine plus. That definitely hits.

[Tomiko]

Yes.

[Ryuichi]

So with that, he takes. It's two wounds from the naginata.

[Tomiko]

Sorry, two wounds? Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

All right. So he takes a hit very hard. He's going to use his special ability to. After he takes the headbutt from you, you strike him. He runs around and grabs your naginata with the other hand, like dropping his kanabo, pulling you in and headbutting you. And you take a wound. Just as there's a reaction to that. Do you want to press the advantage?

[Tomiko]

Yes, I'm that close. Only one of us is leaving.

[Ryuichi]

So you go ahead and roll a D10 and add your might.

[Rufino]

Plus, instead of hearing, you hear. And a coin bag goes flying through the air and hits the guy right in the face.

[Ryuichi]

So you're gonna.

[Rufino]

You're gonna get a plus. You're gonna get a plus three. That one right there. You're gonna get a plus 3 on this.

[Tomiko]

Oh, really?

[Rufino]

Yeah. That's my last.

[Tomiko]

I don't. I don't add a mic to this. I do.

[Ryuichi]

You do, but you get my plus three. So it's a plus six.

[Tomiko]

Ah, gold zero.

[Ryuichi]

No, that.

[Garrett]

That's a crit.

[Ryuichi]

That's a ten, technically. Oh, that's a ten.

[Garrett]

That's a crit.

[Ryuichi]

That's a crit.

[Rufino]

I spent all my money on that.

[Tomiko]

Oh, nice.

[Ryuichi]

Ryuichi, how do you want to dance?

[Tomiko]

I'm gonna get up close. I'm gonna run my hand up the. Up to the top of my naginata blade. I'm gonna bring it to his throat and slowly, like in Saving Private Ryan. When? And I'm gonna look him right in your eye. Oh, no. I'm gonna slowly just sever that jugular.

[Ryuichi]

As you're doing that, his hand reaches up and grabs your throat and is strangling you.

[Tomiko]

And that's fine.

[Ryuichi]

Looking at you with intense fury as you just cut and carve. And you feel like your trachea beginning to collapse. And right at the point where it might be too much, you feel his grip begin to fade as the life leaves his eyes. As you carve back, the mask comes loose in the final minute. And you just see that cruel smile as he drops from your grasp onto the ground. Now there is a horse mounted samurai, running. Do you want to push the advantage.

[Tomiko]

Or do I want young lady to have a glory?

[Umi]

I can aid you in your attack if you do.

[Tomiko]

No, I gotta let her have the glory.

[Ryuichi]

All right, let's see.

[Tomiko]

Like, I see that she wants it. Her life means everything. That means everything to her. She has it.

[Ryuichi]

I love it. All right. With that, the Masked Samurai is not on the initiative. Order. Umi, you are up.

[Umi]

Wonderful. So I'm now going to. This archer on horseback is charging towards us with it drawn, and I'm going to run towards him with my wakizashi drawn and just try to slash again.

[Ryuichi]

Go for it.

[Umi]

Okay, great. Here we go. Oh, two.

[Tomiko]

I'm reloading my muscle. Okay, great.

[Umi]

So I strike him with a hit.

[Ryuichi]

A four swing with a four swing and a miss. Unfortunately, some heavy hits, but at this point, especially watching the Masked Samurai crumble as Ryuichi finishes that off at this awesome, terrifying moment of execution, realizing that there's still something on the field, and you rush towards it, and it's so close to victory, you're almost distracted in the moment. And as you try and swing wide, the horse gallops out of the way. No impact. That finishes your turn. It's now the archer's turn. As it carries around, it's going to look back over and take a shot at you. That is going to be an 11 to hit.

[Umi]

Oh, yuck.

[Ryuichi]

You take two wounds from that hit, it's going to push the advantage. No, that's going to be a nine to hit you.

[Umi]

Okay, I've got seven to dodge, so I'm going to burn. Burn.

[Ryuichi]

Now a nine will still hit you. Oh, hit or above.

[Umi]

That's right.

[Ryuichi]

Okay, so you take two more wounds from her second arrow.

[Umi]

Oh, I am. I fall to the ground. I'm on my knees.

[Tomiko]

You're alive.

[Umi]

I have two arrows in me and I'm bleeding out.

[Ryuichi]

So Umi is incapacitated. Two massive arrows sticking out of her torso on her knees, weapon dropped out of her grip as the horse is. He's going to push the advantage and take a shot at you. I'm going to roll this in front of the screen, actually, because we're down to the wire here. So this is a plus one. It's a six to hit. No, that does not hit. Which means his turn is done. And you get to respond if you'd like.

[Umi]

Yes, please.

[Tomiko]

Is any crippled on the ground? Like, literally?

[Rufino]

He's alive. He's alive. He's hurting.

[Ryuichi]

He's alive. He's hurting real bad. But he's still standing.

[Tomiko]

Standing? I thought he was on the ground. Like, his knees.

[Ryuichi]

He's conscious.

[Garrett]

But archer is still on horseback, right?

[Ryuichi]

Correct. So you can close the distance if you Want to.

[Garrett]

I actually just invite him to come. Acting as dead as I feel. And as he approaches, goes to leap arrow. And as he's coming by, I try to catch him in the throat with the carnival roll.

[Ryuichi]

An attack.

[Garrett]

Eight.

[Ryuichi]

Eight hits. Yes. Heavy crack in the chest. I'll say. Actually knocks him off the horse. Tumbles off the horse and skitters off. He gets up, gets his bow at the ready, and begins to, like, back away. He's hurt, but still definitely has some vim and vigor in him. That's going to finish his turn. Garrett, you're up.

[Garrett]

Oh, that was just my response.

[Ryuichi]

That was your response to him failing after pushing the advantage.

[Garrett]

All right, all right. Yeah. I'm going to leap at the guy on his horse and try to swing it to the side of his head and knock him.

[Ryuichi]

He's fallen from his horse already.

[Garrett]

He's fallen already.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, the horse took off. He's on the ground before you, so you can go and close the distance on him quite easily.

[Tomiko]

He only has his bow and arrow.

[Ryuichi]

Bow and arrow. And there's a wakasashi onto the back.

[Tomiko]

He's drawing it.

[Ryuichi]

Not yet. He's just recovering from falling from the horse.

[Garrett]

Then rewind. I see him standing up, and I run as fast as my wounds will allow. And I upswing into his jaw.

[Ryuichi]

Go for it.

[Garrett]

Yeah. 13.

[Ryuichi]

13.

[Garrett]

With adrenaline, I meant to say.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah.

[Garrett]

So that adds one to the wound.

[Ryuichi]

All right. How do you want to do this?

[Garrett]

I think I just take his jaw off his face.

[Tomiko]

Yeah. Yes.

[Ryuichi]

He tries to back out of the way, and the jaw just gets flung off into the rooftop. It kind of lands near you. He falls to the back. At that moment, you all look around you. There's no immediate combatants, but you do hear shouts of soldiers. Streets not that far off. Getting louder. This area is about to fill with more cavalry and backup as you all glance over and see Umi sitting there on her knees, bleeding out into the ground. The two heirs stuck, still holding on, but in a bad place. Tomiko, at this point, rushes out with Heyji on her arm. Is everyone all right? Oh, God, help her. Help her.

[Garrett]

I run and scoop her up.

[Ryuichi]

All of you help get Umi to her feet. And you're so conscious, but your feet are a little dragging, and you're stumbling as you go. But with all their help, you all head towards what is now the flaming exit. Exit gate to the north. A little bit of confidence and a little bit of bravery, you all push through. The heat is intense, but not enough for any of you. To catch as you push through and are met on the opposite side with the night sky beyond. The flaming chaos of the city. The welcome view of star and the night above as you all begin to push into the Setsu countryside. The rolling hills of grass. The welcoming sight of non crumbling architecture. But it doesn't take you long before you push into the fields that you can see numerous other citizens who have run, who are crying in the nearby grass. You pass by one of the creeks that carves through where you see families trying to gather and make sense of what's happened. You can see other Nobunaga soldiers who have been cut down by gathered civilians, defending themselves, trying to avenge those that lost in the escape. But this moment of peace is mingled with the sense that this is just the beginning. Tomiko leads you towards the outskirts of one beautiful little section of farmland before guiding you into this rural estate. She comes to the door and slams on it. It slides to the side and you see a handsome gentleman in his mid to late 20s or so. Tomiko, you're okay. Pulls her into his arms and holds him. And they hold for a minute before he stops and says, heiji, who are these? Tomikolo turns back. They saved us. They helped us get here. Well, come in, Come in. Your guests here. What's happened? I had everything ready. And you looked at the side and he had packs ready to go. Tools was ready for some sort of shifting. I was going to come find you. And she goes, it's good you didn't. It's bad. He looks to Haiji. What if Rin of. And she kind of puts her finger to her steps. You look solemn, but not. Why don't you take care of Hagee? We'll get him to safety. He looks back to the rest of.

[Garrett]

You.

[Ryuichi]

Whoever you are. Thank you. Let's dress your wounds. Let's get you a better hand. I need to figure out how to get Hayji out of here. And wherever is safety for you all. We're going. It's that moment you hear dozens of hoarse galloping sounds getting louder and louder as you look back back. The hillside grass is beginning to catch flame. That's where it ends.

[Umi]

Just begun.

[Tomiko]

It actually. It does segue right into.

[Umi]

Yeah.

[Tomiko]

The game shadows. Yeah. Wow.

[Ryuichi]

Well done, y'all.

[Umi]

That was awesome.

[Tomiko]

That was amazing.

[Garrett]

Guess you were so much fun to play with.

[Umi]

Sincerely, so gorgeous to get to learn from you all as well. This is my first time playing.

[Ryuichi]

I know.

[Umi]

Thank you so much.

[Garrett]

I would have never known.

[Tomiko]

It's still taping as we're talking.

[Ryuichi]

About. Oh, no.

[Tomiko]

That was wicked. Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Did you have fun?

[Tomiko]

Yeah, it's great. I can't believe it.

[Rufino]

Sure seemed like it.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, it was great. But I could see how this is absolutely in line with shadows.

[Ryuichi]

That's the idea.

[Tomiko]

Absolutely.

[Ryuichi]

Though as a reminder, much of tonight's events are canon to Assassin's Creed shadows, nor are they in any way historically accurate. But to your point, we've had a lot of fun. We've taken a lot of interest, inspiration from these pieces. So, yeah, just to. So I have to clarify for that, but yeah, the intent was to tell a story that felt like a nice fictional companion to some of the characters in the narrative. But you guys did great. I love. You did great.

[Tomiko]

We could actually write this as a prequel. Just kind of. You were saying yourself, we're writing our own story. Yeah.

[Umi]

It's gorgeous story that emerges in the character, the relationships and it's choice and chance. Through choice and chance made me want.

[Garrett]

To play the game.

[Umi]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

It was such a fun mly crew and like, it felt, it felt. It was very much like putting this together. It was like, I hope this feels like it. This grounds itself somewhat in the reality of, you know, some. And I think you all just kind of slipped into it so well. I'm so happy with it.

[Tomiko]

Yeah. Now I got a Tomoko. Huh?

[Umi]

Yeah. I'm so sorry we didn't run for your boat. We could have avoided so much pain if we'd hoped. You were like, you know what, let's go for that boat.

[Rufino]

I was never really gonna leave. And then Matt insured it.

[Ryuichi]

We're also pushing to the three hour mark and I was like, I gotta move stuff along. Yeah, the GMs gotta keep that clock going, you know.

[Tomiko]

So you had it, you had it written down. All those beats, those moments, and then right to the Last Samurai and then leaving again.

[Ryuichi]

You knew the story well. There were multiple things that could have happened. Those are the things that felt the most appropriate given the direction that it was going and the choices you all were making. There are a few things that never occurred. You know, there were a few things that you stopped from happening. Yeah. It's what makes these games so fun. It's like, I don't really know what's going to happen.

[Tomiko]

It's great. It's great how you designed it because I didn't know what was going on the first 10 minutes. What. But as a progressive, that's how those games start. Yeah. Yeah. As you start to walk us through it, I'm like, oh, this is like a plan. It's kind of like. It's like the Game. I don't know if you know the movie the Game with Michael Douglas.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, yeah.

[Tomiko]

It's kind of like you. You know exactly what we're gonna do. You're gonna plan perfectly, you're gonna walk right through it and you're gonna win at the end.

[Ryuichi]

That is the greatest compliment I could have hoped for.

[Tomiko]

No, it was great. I could see. I was like, I thought you were making this up. No, I was like, oh, man, this is. Right when it ended. I was like, oh, we just walked right through this whole. This guy's like, Mr. Roark, he's great in the game, but we cannot die. And it's going to be, you know, we're going to.

[Ryuichi]

Oh, you could very much have died.

[Tomiko]

Yeah.

[Ryuichi]

Very close. How many.

[Umi]

How many hit with small wounds and no armor?

[Garrett]

I had three left.

[Rufino]

You had three left.

[Ryuichi]

You guys had a great opening volley on that mass samurai, cuz he had a ton of hit points and he saw another use of his headbutts.

[Rufino]

My only wound was when I tore. Twisted my ankle.

[Ryuichi]

That's true.

[Umi]

So suitable for. You know it.

[Ryuichi]

You got a bunch of bruisers in the front line doing what they do. Take the hit.

[Rufino]

Yeah. Thanks for the story, man. That was really fun.

[Tomiko]

That was awesome.

[Garrett]

Your roles were dog shit and yet the character was so memorable.

[Ryuichi]

Yeah, that's half the game. No, thank you all so much for joining us so much. Sincerely, I look forward to seeing your characters in the game.

[Tomiko]

Yeah, thanks for the invite. It was great. Like, I was a little bit reluctant because I wasn't skilled at the game, but now I know it's absolutely. It's friendly, you know what I mean? It's open to make mistakes and it's great. I saw you guys whipping out all kinds of like, I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna. Adrenaline. What can I add on this? I'm like, there's real skill involved in this. And that's why I was like, I'm gonna pick up that gun. You know, I could use it later. I didn't know that we could pick up weapons till you said, I'm gonna go and grab that.

[Ryuichi]

What?

[Rufino]

What?

[Ryuichi]

That's all good.

[Tomiko]

I could be walking an arsenal. I could have everything. So, yeah, I guess the more you play, obviously you guys are skilled at this.

[Umi]

Yeah, very skilled and talented. Also, just to feel your characters come to life as well. Beyond just describing actions, it's so nice to hear you in character and and I feel inspired to play more.

[Ryuichi]

Hooked.

[Rufino]

Another two got him.

[Ryuichi]

But also, you two picked that up so quickly and met us all on that level so well, like, it was so much fun.

[Tomiko]

Crushed it.

[Ryuichi]

Sincerely. Cool.

[Tomiko]

I'm glad that we could, you know, embellish upon this. I mean, I get it now.

[Ryuichi]

I get it. Welcome to the fold.

[Tomiko]

I'll come play again if you ever invite me.

[Ryuichi]

Hell yeah, man. Good to know.

[Umi]

Yes.

[Ryuichi]

Good to know. Well, thank you all so much. I hope you had as much fun as we did. A massive thank you again to Ubisoft and Assassin's Creed Shadows for sponsoring this one shot letting us play our game in the world of your game. Go ahead and check out assassinscreed.com shadows for all the details surrounding it. Thank you all so much. Thank thank you to our wonderful players and have a good night. Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure. To help new listeners discover the show, please give us a rating and review on whatever podcasting app you're listening on. Until next time. Is it Thursday yet?