Some of the characters have gotten lucky. Asako Mafuyu, a famous bio-scientist and philanthropist, has invite you to her personal riverboat 'Explorer' along with few of her colleagues. The purpose of this innocent outing is to allow the samurai to mingle with each other while watching the stars and enjoying the all-vegetarian treats and fermented drinks prepared by Mafuyu's staff. With the rains gone and the winds having dispelled both the clouds and the oppressive heat, the weather is pleasant and the night sky above the river is hauntingly beautiful, the river of stars well visible against the dark cloth of the void.
While Mafuyu's invitations might have the ulterior motive of trying to learn some of the the people that might be marrying her daughter, the guests are treated with all courtesy and Mayumi's friends seem to be genuinely eager to get know everyone, even if they are perhaps tad too eager to discuss what they are working on, most topics bordering esoteric.
The ships itself can be best describe as a floating suite, having several cabins with AC, a humble mess and several bathrooms. Mafuyu boasting with a smile on her lips that there is even a small bath tub within the ship's bowels. At one point of the night two of Mafuyu's friends retreat to one of the Explorer's bedchambers to 'study', their departure marked by jeering of the guests.
However, the pleasant outing is about to be brought to an abrupt end. Something or something is trailing the vessel.
Participation
This thread is considered closed after four Characters have posted in it, confirming their participation. It should be noted that this thread has potential to be fatal and participants face a considerable risk of death. Your initial post should include your character's location on the yacht (prow, bridge or aft), as well as your Initiative Roll and your unarmored TN to be hit. Additionally characters should roll Investigation (Notice) / Perception against TN 21. Characters who pass this roll add +5 to their Initiative and can start the encounter holding a weapon. Character who fail this roll must start the encounter unarmed.
Characters are assumed to have brought their daisho and any Small weapons (including sidarms) they might possess. As other weapons are not allowed in public, character cannot be assumed to have brought anything else 'just in case'.
If you wish to insist your character brought armor 'just in case' we'll allow this - however this counts as Major Breach of Etiquette as your hosts would take offense to anyone insisting they needed protective gear on their vessel.
