Pictures of me flying through space!

Just wondering.

But all we are is dust in the wind.

Newbie Experience

This game is beautiful, especially if you crank up all the options to the max.  The character models are highly detailed and offer a fair amount of customization compared to Final Fantasy XI, which is definitely an improvement.  I created a lalafell, the short people, and a miqo’te, a cat girl; as my two characters.  Final Fantasy is kind of this way, players spend 10 dollars for the service and then spend money for each individual character slot the first month is still free but it’s an interesting payment strategy.  I am not sure if I actually like it all that much, but given the way the job system works in this game it’s not overly limiting on options class wise, but it does limit the servers you can actually play on.  Odd decision but I will go with it for now.

Anyway once the game starts I chose my city-state the game begins with a nice cut scene that is fully voiced and well animated and overall just sets a nice tone for an introduction to the game.  There is a brief combat and some story and then player is brought to their first real area, or starting zone.  There is an NPC nearby that directs you to the Adventurer’s Guild which is the hub of the player experience, this is where the guildleves come from and where the first main quest begins.  Overall it’s well done as far as style and flavor are concerned.

My issue with the new player experience is that there I very little guidance of what you should be doing.  There is no in-game effort to tell you that you can only do 8 regional guildleves every day and a half, there are no recipe book in-game for crafters, and I still have no idea what the battle regimen system is.  Overall it gives the new player experience a certain lack of polish and tends to give the impression of a hands off experience.  There are very little handrails to guide the new player and much of the knowledge is gained from outside the game from websites, wikis, or other community resources.  I admire the sentiment but it seems an undue hurdle to new players to actually understand the game.  Overall I consider the newbie experience somewhat lackluster, it is pretty and packed with content but very little guidance and fails to educate the new player on the basic content of the game.

Crafting

Crafting is something that I enjoy in MMO games, though most games don’t have very deep crafting systems.  They tend to be fairly simplistic in most games; this is one area where Final Fantasy XIV really shines.  The crafting and gathering mini-games are interesting and require more than just point and clicking.  I enjoy it but I could see where some may see it as tedious.  I find the most tedious part is picking recipes and then dealing with the interface lag which turns a chore that should take a few seconds into a half minute or more endeavor waiting for the interface to update.  This would not be so bad but when you do regional guildleves it becomes a little tedious going through the menus over and over, the crafting UI really needs an overhaul.

Speaking of the Crafting UI, the lack of a recipe book is a questionable omission.  I really do not like this aspect of crafting because once again it leaves the new player without any basic tools to engage in crafting without consulting resources that exist outside the game.  Not every player engages in the community and I don’t think it’s fair to require them to do so when including a recipe book only serves to improve the player experience.  This idea of the community fixing the gaps in Final Fantasy XIV is repeated a few times in other areas of the game.  Specifically when changing jobs there is no system that saves your action bar, so players have to rely on macros.  Again I am not sure what the reasoning is behind this but it mars what is admittedly a very deep and interactive system.  My other main concern is that the crafting professions may be too intertwined, with many low level recipes requiring materials created from three different professions in some cases such as the Bronze Dagger for instance.

The Bronze Dagger requires Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Alchemy, and Goldsmithing to create all the mats for this level 9 weapon.  Not overly terrible but with no Auction House or any usable system to sell materials besides going to individual players it, the task of crafting gear can be daunting for new players.  Again I don’t understand why an auction house was omitted from the game, but it makes the life of the casual crafter that much harder.  Now the task is not insurmountable but it does provide another unneeded barrier to the new player.  These are all barriers that can easily be overcome but I have to wonder why these were not just taken care of before the game went live.

Combat

Combat is fun if a little slow, there is no auto-attack system so all actions are initiated by the player.  It keeps it interactive if a little slow.  I will admit I don’t understand the battle regimen, even after reading about it so I can’t comment on that.  Overall it’s interesting the main problem is that I feel it is a little archaic and could have used an overhaul, especially when it comes to targeting and engaging enemies.  I have never been a fan of target based combat systems where the player is focused on a single enemy and has to use commands to disengage.  Just seems clumsy to me and overly clunky.

Another problem with targeting is that the system makes retargeting enemies a chore, I use a macro but it still feels like a band aid to a clunky system, but other then that the combat system is fairly straight forward and is enjoyable if as mentioned earlier a little slow.  I don’t have many complaints here so I won’t cover this much further.

Overall

Despite some of these issues the game is pretty fun and oozes atmosphere and is quite beautiful.  The animations are very smooth and the character models are very detailed with intricate armor and weapon models.  The game plays well even with the clunky interface, and it seems overall a solid effort but compared to what is already available still seems to fall short in my initial assessment.  I still have a month to go though so maybe it will get better.  Thu far it’s enjoyable but I am not sure I want to renew just quite yet.

I really like the map tiles as well I have two sets of the Athas Desert tiles ready to go for the campaign I am building and itching to use them.  The Dark Sun Campaign Guide and the Creature Catalog are awesome and are worth the money.  I picked up the Demonomicon as well and really enjoy it and hope to incorporate some of the ideas into my Dark Sun game to give it a sinister twist.  Also as a totally frivolous want, I want this Ravenloft boxed game like whoa.

So yeah I love D&D.

The Isawa karo speaks firmly, “If anyone has any information about this murder please speak up, the honor of the Phoenix is at stake.”

A stalwart Lion clan samurai Ikoma Katsu speaks, “Hai, Isawa-sama I did see Mirumoto Rai-san leaving Asako-sama’s chambers.  He had a green cloth about his head.  Hida Fuya-san saw it as well.”

Hida Fuya, a stern rugged crab bushi nods, “Hai, I will vouch for Ikoma-san’s testimony.”

Mirumoto Rai arrives just as he hears his name tied to this ghastly murder and protests his innocence, “No!  I could not have done it!”

“Mirumoto-san if you claim innocence, then where were you?” Shiba Reikun scowls, “Answer that!”

The Isawa karo nods glaring at the young Dragon.  Rai-san glances down, “I… I was wandering the halls alone.”

“Did anyone see you?” the Isawa karo demands.

“I don’t think so,” the Dragon bushi replies defeated.

Mayako speaks up having arrived shortly after the Dragon bushi, “That isn’t true Isawa-sama.  Mirumoto Rai-san is innocent he was…” she pauses considering her next words, “he was with Doji Aiko-sama they were together alone in a chamber.  He could not have done this, the two were sharing a passionate moment together as scandalous as that may be.”

There are gasps and whispers and the Phoenix karo frowns.

Mirumoto Rai looks defeated and admits his guilt, “Agasha-san is correct I was alone with Doji Aiko-sama… I was protecting her honor but it seems the Fortunes wish me to suffer for my sins.”

“Calm yourself Mirumoto-san, you do not have to protect me,” Doji Aiko-sama speaks drawing all eyes to her freshly bathed face.  Her kimono clings somewhat scandalously to her slight frame, her hair damp from a warm bath.  The Crane courtier bows her head solemnly, “Isawa Masahiro-sama you have my greatest condolences for this heinous crime but I must correct the details of Agasha-san’s testimony.”

“Please do,” the Isawa karo replies sternly.

“It is true I met in secret with Mirumoto-san but it was no an illicit encounter, we were discussing sensitive diplomatic matters that would further cement our two houses in an alliance.  These matters as you are no doubt aware of require a delicate touch, and secrecy is often the norm as is privacy,” she says with a narrowed glance to Mayako.

Shiatari taking moment to stab at her enemy quips, “Does your husband know about your private meetings?”

“Indeed he does and he approves of them, we serve our clan equally and I would never shame my husband with such shameful acts as Agasha-san has described.  I am sure she merely mistook our private meeting for something far more, it is a forgivable action.  Isawa-sama I apologize for this impertinence and please Mirumoto-san he was only trying to protect me and the honor of his house, he is young and foolish,” Aiko finishes with a respectful bow.

“You have always acted with honor Doji-san and I will accept your testimony,” the karo nods.  He turns to those gathered, “We still must find this murderer and bring him to justice, as I have said before none may leave these premises until we have solved this matter.”

[In the text of the adventure revealing the affair between Rai and Aiko is supposed to end with both seeking seppuku to cleanse their shame.  But my version of Doji Aiko differs considerably from her as written she is a far craftier and more ruthless woman, think Atia from the HBO series Rome.  She is also higher status than the players and was able to use her “honorable” testimony to supersede Mayako’s testimony.  It was an interesting moment and the players incidentally made two enemies in one fell swoop there, although technically Aiko was already Shiatari’s enemy.  It was a fun scene to be sure.  – GM’s note]

Mayako’s mother approaches the samurai-ko gently fanning herself, “The honor of the Phoenix must be upheld, I have offered your services to Isawa Masahiro-sama, Asako Shizu-sama’s karo.  Do everything you can to find this murderer and bring them to justice.  He is expecting you.”

The karo sighs shaking his head sadly as the two samurai-ko enter the late Shizu-sama’s chambers.  His corpse kneeling in front of a tipped over desk with a Dragon marked blade in his back.  Isawa-sama summons an eta, Chop, to assist in the investigation as Mayako and Shiatari examine the scene.  Neither is especially trained in investigation but they find clues easy enough.

Mayako examines the wound and finds that the blade killed the aging Phoenix almost immediately.  Shiatari can see that the strike was done by a well trained hand that knew the right point to strike for the most effect.  Both spot a shred of green cloth in his hands which they command Chop to retrieve for them.

Chop does so and hands it to Mayako who quips, “Curious.”

“Curious, more like suspicious,” Shiatari replies glancing down at the Phoenix corpse.

“He died instantly,” she says dangling the cloth, “so how did this get into his hands?”

“It was planted, obviously,” Shiatari says with a sarcastic tone.

“So you think someone is trying to frame the Dragon?” Mayako questions.

“We can’t assume that yet, this could be misdirection to make us think that the Dragon may not ultimately be involved.  But it is suspicious,” Shiatari quips in thought.

“We need to interview witnesses,” Mayako suggests heading towards the two men who saw ‘Mirumoto Rai’.  Shiatari follows falling in step and behind them the already forgotten eta Chop.

[Neither character is skilled in investigation, but utilizing their knowledge of Kenjutsu, Medicine, and basic Perception they were able to piece together a few clues from a few excellent rolls.  And yes Chop was quickly forgotten, poor guy. – GM-s note]

Ikoma Katsu regards the women with a proper bow, Hida Fuya follows suit though less proper.  Mayako questions them, “We are investigating the murder; you said you saw Mirumoto Rai-san?”

Katsu-san nods, “Yes I thought I saw him leaving Asako-sama’s chambers with a green cloth about his face.  I was sure it was him, perhaps it was?  But who am I to doubt the words of Doji Aiko-sama.”

Shiatari focus on Hida-san, “So you saw him as well?”

“I, I am not sure it was dark but Ikoma-san saw him, it must have been him I suppose.  Why would someone dress up as Mirumoto-san, no man of honor would do such a thing.  It must have been Mirumoto-san or perhaps another Dragon,” Hida-san replies.

“I agree not even the Scorpion are that low,” Ikoma-san responds then clears his throat, “I am sure I saw a Dragon and servants milling about.”

“Servants?” Shiatari says out loud to herself, looking around for the ‘invisible’ servants that scurry about the castle.  She smiles with a bow, “Thank you for your time.”  She motions for Mayako to follow and the two start questioning servants.  After a few inquiries they find a servants that was close to Shizu-sama’s chambers polishing the floor.

The aging man keeps his eyes down to the floor, dressed in simple yet clean clothes.  Shiatari commands, “Did you see anyone going to Asako-sama’s chambers?”

“Great samurai, I am but a humble servant,” the old servant replies.

“Speak,” Shiatari replies coldly.

“I… I did see Shiba Reikun-sama going to Asako-sama’s chambers.  Just before the murder, I swear it is the truth great samurai,” the servant pleads.

Mayako adds, “Are you sure of this?”

“Yes, great samurai,” the servant visibly shakes with fear.

The two turn from the servant without another word and decide to find Shiba Reikun immediately.  Without much recourse the samurai-ko barge into Reikun-san’s quarters shocking the trouble bushi.  Reikun-san glares stammering loudly, “Get out these are my private chambers!”

“We are investigating the murder of Asako-sama, we have reason to believe you may know something of it,” Shiatari replies coolly.

Mayako adds, “What do we do now?”

Reikun seethes, “How dare you, are you accusing me of murder?  I am an honorable servant of Asako-sama!  We all know it was the Dragon, search their chambers!”

Shiatari shrugs then notices Chop, “Chop fetch the karo and his guards, and we will wait here.”

Reikun grimaces, “I will have your heads for this!”

When Isawa-sama arrives the two samurai-ko request to search the room.  Mayako finds trace signs of blood near his bed mat and turns it over to find a bundle of green cloth stained with blood.  Reikun caught red handed throws himself at the feet of his lord and confesses in whole to the murder, much to the shock of everyone in the room.

[I allowed Mayako a Perception + Medicine roll TN 20 and she passed it with ease and discovered the blood.  The jig was up for Reikun and the murder was solved.  – GM’s note]

Isawa-sama seems even more troubled but gives his thanks to Mayako and Shiatari.  Shiba Reikun is hauled away to be held for execution, a somber end to an eventful evening.

Outside the chamber Takeshi is waiting with a smile, “Well that was interesting, I am glad we can put that ugliness behind us.”

“Hopefully it won’t spark any retaliation,” Shiatari adds.

Mayako shrugs not overly concerned, “I wonder why Shiba Reikun did it?”

Takeshi starts walking, “We may never know.  So you two ready for the dance contest tomorrow?”

“You really think the contest will continue after this?” Mayako questions, “Sure why not, it is what Shizu-sama would have wanted probably.  It seems only honorable to finish it.”

“Well in that case, I think I will need some lessons?” Shiatari adds coyly.

“Me too,” Mayako chips in embarrassed.

“Never fear, Takeshi-sensei is here to save the day,” the Sparrow bushi jokes.  He spends the evening showing them many proper dances and instructs them as best as he can to help them in tomorrow’s event.  Both samurai-ko also spend time ‘refreshing’ the finer points of the tea ceremony in anticipation of the final event.

[This gives both characters 2 free raises for the dance competition and the 1 free raise for the Tea Ceremony; they really lack the courtly skills.  – GM’s note]

17^th of the Dragon 1172 IC, Pale Oak Castle, home of Asako Shizu, Phoenix Daimyo

The morning is a somber mood, but the samurai continue with the tournament, beginning with the dance contest.  Doji Aiko-sama goes first and does a traditional dance that is marred by her lack of focus but she performs admirably.  Agasha Mayako-san performs a slow traditional dance that although aesthetically pleasing does not overly impress the judge.  Several more samurai perform admirable if acceptable dances but none standout till Bayushi Shiatari having donned a new mask performs a spectacular dance inspired by the flow of water along her overly long sleeves and grace to accentuate her already practiced maneuvers.  The judge is very impressed.

This act is followed by Himura Natsuko who is wearing a scandalously short kimono, it stops above her knees, and her shoulders and arms are exposed.  The beautiful ronin performs an intense dance inspired the power of the typhoon and a leaf caught in it’s torturous grasp.  The dance titillates and entrances most of the men in the audience as she dances to the high pace of the taiko drums.  In the end she performs quite well and leaves most of her onlookers breathless.

[Shiatari rolled very well and got 4 points total for her display while Mayako rolled poorly and only got 2 points.  Her mother was not overly impressed. – GM’s note]

The final contest is subdued and most of the contestants perform satisfactorily, only one contestant actually broke his tea set and two Unicorn samurai had no idea what they were doing at all.  By the end of the contest the samurai were eager to see how well thy had done and who would be crowned the winner of the contest.

Isawa Masahiro-sama gives a short speech espousing the virtues of peace in light of the heinous murder and then announces that Bayushi Shiatara is the victor.  There is much praise for the Scorpion bushi, especially from Takeshi and Mayako.  Isawa-sama offers her an ancient yet beautiful fan with the Phoenix mon emblazoned on it.  She accepts the gift gracefully after properly refusing it two times.

That evening Takeshi meets his new found friends in the courtyard carrying his travel gear, “It has been a pleasure Mayako-san, Shiatari-san I hope that we cross paths in the future.  Congratulations on your well earned victory as well,” he says with a knowing grin.

Mayako is saddened to see her newfound friend go, “I hope to see you soon as well Takeshi-san.”

“Take care of yourself Takeshi,” Shiatari adds.  With that the young Sparrow bushi turns and sets out upon more adventure, secretly hoping that their paths will once again cross as well.

17^th of the Dragon 1172 IC, Letter to the Emerald Serpent

The murder of Asako Shizu-sama was executed to my satisfaction.  Shiba Reikun will die for his actions but the end result fits my needs.  I will see to it that a more amenable daimyo for our needs will be put into power.  The Dragon cub performed adequately, though his conviction his lacking.  He may not be suitable for further tasks.  I will continue as planned.

Your servant,

Red Blossom Cherry

[This is an interlude hinting at greater things.  – GM’s note]

16^th of the Dragon 1172 IC, Pale Oak Castle, home of Asako Shizu, Phoenix Daimyo

It was three in the morning as Shiatari stood silently outside the Suzume Takeshi’s chamber.  It was rather chill this morning as she waited for her companion to arrive, Mayako was running late.

For Mayako’s sake, she was doing her best to sneak away from her family and thought she was doing well until…

“Where you going?” Sukime whispered following her big sister.

[Mayako failed a Stealth roll and so I decided instead of running into a guard, she would have to deal with her nosy and mischievous little sister, Sukime.  This was fun.  – GM’s note]

“I… Sukime what are you doing here?” Mayako retorts freezing in place.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Sukime shrugs.

“I was going to the… bathroom, go back to sleep Sukime,” the eldest sister urges.

“I can’t I need to go to the bathroom too, and I am scared,” Sukime whines.

Mayako thinks quickly, “What if I tell you a story about the spirit world, will you go back to bed then?”

“I love stories,” Sukime nods; as she listens to her eldest sister relate a thrilling heroic tale about the spirit realms.

[Mayako was quite skilled in this area and rolled very well and was able to avoid having her sister tag along with her. – GM’s note]

Meanwhile Shiatari waits outside the room growing impatient as a patrolling guard happens by.  Thinking quickly and deflecting any notion of wrong doing the Scorpion samurai utilized her more subtle skills to avoid suspicion of wrong doing, in fact she was able to make the guard second guess his own actions and he left her nervous of his own actions.  The ways of the Scorpion are sneaky indeed.

Finally Mayako arrives nearly twenty minutes late and the two samurai-ko discuss the plan and decide that the best bet was for Mayako to sneak in find any poetry, “borrow” it and then return it later once they had memorized suitable works for the contest in the morning.

Mayako sneaks into the chamber silent like the night, where she learned such shameful skills is anyone’s guess, and found a neat stack of papers of various poetry.

[Sadly, I had secretly rolled for Takeshi and he was awake and aware of the samurai-ko, Mayako rolled very well but Takeshi rolled even better… - GM’s notes]

“I hope you find what you are looking for, Mayako-san,” Takeshi speaks with a relaxed tone, “Or did you come here to seduce me in the dark of night?”

Mayako froze, “I… I…”

Hearing the conversation inside, Shiatari enters with a look of concern on her face.  Takeshi lights a lantern and smirks, “If I were a less honorable man I would think you two ladies were here to steal from me.  But I know that two Great Clan samurai like yourselves would never stoop so low.”

“Of course not, we came to see if you could give us more instruction in poetry, Takeshi-san,” Shiatari smiles.

“Well then why all the secrecy,” the Sparrow bushi gestures.

Mayako replies, “We were nervous, neither of us knows very much about poetry we just want to do well in the contest. Right?”

“Of course and maybe with your help, we can work out a deal that will work for everyone,” she purrs her seductive voice trying to draw the young samurai in.

[Bayushi Shiatari has Dangerous Beauty and is skilled in Temptation, but she was unable to tempt the honorable Takeshi, it was close though. – GM’s note]

Takeshi nearly gives in to the wiles of the Scorpion bushi but he stands firm and sees that there is a deal in the making here.  The poet warrior shrugs, “How about we make an exchange, I can help you in the poetry contest and you owe me a favor… I mean the favor of a provincial daimyo’s daughter must be worth something.  It couldn’t hurt at least to have someone like that as a friend.”

Mayako glances away, “What kind of favor?”

“Just a favor to be called in at a later date, I promise it won’t be anything outrageous, just the friendship of a daimyo’s daughter is good enough for me, if you can agree to that then I will do my best to prepare you both for the poetry contest,” Takeshi replies.

“You have a deal only if we do well, Takeshi-san,” Shiatari commands.

“This humble minor clansman will do his best to assist you in your time of need,” Takeshi grins.  The Sparrow bushi ‘instructs’ his newfound allies in the vagaries of poetry, and even gives them poems to use in the contest.

[This gives each of the samurai-ko two free raises on the Poetry contest roll, so even if they fail abysmally they can still save face with a decent poem.  Takeshi will become a useful source of inspiration for the two throughout the contest. – GM’s note]

The first event of the morning is a gift from the Isawa house to all of the samurai clans currently attending the Tournament of Samurai.  The gift will be shared by all them in a pilgrimage and is offered to each participant in kind.  Even the coarse Crab samurai upholds the proper ritual of gift giving… which causes even more shock when Mirumoto Rai does not follow convention and accepts the gift on the first offering.  The room is filled with furtive whispers and glances as the Isawa karo tries to regain his composure.  Mayako though is perceptive enough to notice that something is troubling the young Dragon and he seems conflicted about his actions.

The poetry contest begins quickly to put the ugly events behind the guests and Agasha Mayako is the first to go, her poem is actually well received content wise, but her actual recital was shaky.  She performs admirably but not with much distinction.  Her mother gently fans herself in modest approval, though her face betrays little if any emotion, positive or negative.

Agasha Yoko nudges Mayako as she takes her place by her giant sister’s side, “Well done, it seems your late night adventure was fruitful after all.”

[Mayako rolled poorly and only got the two free raises for two points in this contest.  – GM’s note]

Doji Aiko followed the young Phoenix shugenja with a coy poem that brought blushing cheeks to Mirumoto Rai.  Mayako notices the gentle interplay with some interest.  Aiko-sama is followed by Himura Natsuko a ronin bushi attached to the Dragon clan; she gives a fairly dark poem about death that seems to unsettle the judge.  The beautiful ronin smiles at the end of her poem and then takes her place at Mirumoto-san’s side.

Bayushi Shiatari gives her poem, and recites it perfectly just as Takeshi instructed her and impresses the judge quite well.  She is followed by Suzume Takeshi who does an equally beautiful job with his original poem.  Shiba Reikun, a Phoenix bushi that follows the Sparrow warrior fails to impress.

[Shiatari rolled well and with the two free raises she gains 3 total points from the poetry contest. – GM’s note]

Strangely Mirumoto Rai tries to avoid giving a poem but is finally coerced and gives a solid if not terribly impressive haiku that Mayako recognizes is a love poem.  She glances at Aiko-sama and senses that something scandalous could be brewing but keeps it to herself.  The rest of the gathered samurai perform admirably but not with much distinction and it is obvious that many are ill prepared for these less martial pursuits.  Asako Shizu-sama seems to be greatly enjoying putting these young samurai to test and watches with great interest.

The painting contest begins shortly after the poetry contest.  Shiatari, Mayako, Takeshi and Aiko-sama all set up near each other set to work trying to produce something worthwhile.  Doji Aiko-sama tries to strike up a pleasant but tense conversation with Shiatari but the two women end up exchanging veiled threats followed by outright insults by the young Bayushi.  Aiko finishes her piece quickly and leaves their presence.

Bayushi-san smiles to herself, feeling smug and superior.  She finishes her work, a piece depicting sunset with a lone samurai standing on a stone before a waterfall.  A scorpion sits on another stone in the middle of the stream next to a swimming frog.  The piece is well received and the Scorpion bushi is lauded.

Mayako created a simple scene of a tree with falling leaves on the wind, a striking piece that also impressed the judges.  Her mother fans herself gently but her overall disposition seems pleased though not overly so.  The young Phoenix spends her time admiring the other works and finds surprising details that are missed by others; a sparrow’s nest in a piece about the Kaiu wall and the hordes of the Sahdowlands.  In particular she spots a beautiful woman in Mirumoto Rai’s artwork and immediately glances to Aiko-sama who seems quite impressed.  The wheels continue turning.

[I allowed the characters to draw their pieces of artwork, they both made sketches and I gave them three free raises for doing so, neither rolled well and so they got three points each.  They both enjoyed this and I would recommend encouraging this as well. – GM’s note]

The competing samurai have a sumptuous dinner feast and relax from a day of contests.  Takeshi offers his new friends some tea he brewed, both were reluctant to try, still thinking he had ill born intentions but they relent and find that his tea is especially delicious.  Takeshi jokes, “I am glad that both of you turned out such excellent haiku today, I must find out where you both get your inspiration.”

Mayako seems distracted though especially after seeing Mirumoto Rai disappear followed by Doji Aiko-sama.  The young Phoenix excuses herself and follows the Crane courtier, but is easily spotted as Aiko slips out the bath of the bath house.  The scorpion stays and entertains Takeshi-san and Sukime who joins them.

Aiko turns flustered, “Agasha-san, are you lost?”

“Umm, I was trying to find the bath house?” Mayako answers, perhaps too quickly.

“You just passed it, shall I show you?” the Crane replies feigning help.

“Oh no I can find it from here,” Mayako turns and goes back to the bath house waiting for the Crane to continue on her way.  Aiko takes a moment and then continues on her way, Mayako follows once again utilizing her shameful skills in stealth, this time without being noticed.

She discovers that the young Mirumoto Rai and Doji Aiko are involved in a shameful tryst in an empty chamber.  She grins mischievously wondering how she can use this new found information to her advantage.

Meanwhile the Isawa karo and four Shiba bushi make their way through the feast hall catching Bayushi-san’s attention.   She stands to follow, Sukime and Takeshi following suit.  Their destination is clear to the private chambers of Asako Shizu-sama.  The four bushi stand outside the chamber doors while the karo enters.  A crowd is now forming at the commotion, trying their best to see what is going on.

The karo returns from the inner chamber with a look of horror on his face, He does his best to maintain his face and speaks, “I regret to announce that something shameful and terrible has occurred.  Our great lord, Asako Shizu-sama, daimyo of this mighty province ahs been slain in cold murder.  We have reason to suspect that his murderer may still be here within the castle, so regretfully I must request that none may leave until we find his murderer.  No servant of the Empress deserves such an ignoble death.”