Yojimbo tradition runs deep among the Phoenix and many of the Clan’s vaunted heroes were among those brave men and women who gave their lives to protect their wards. Even today many of the talented Phoenix bushi seek to serve their Clan as yojimbo in hopes of securing fast promotions and favorable assignments as willingness to serve others is widely considered a sign of a virtuous soul.

If service as yojimbo ennobles a soul, what better way to measure a samurai’s character than to test their ability to serve as a bodyguard? Or that seems to be what the locals are thinking - and today everyone has a chance to prove their mettle. As usual, no-one is forced to take part to the event as the Phoenix well understand more than well that not everyone is cut to defend others.

Magic: Magic is not allowed unless character rolls contested Agility / Stealth (Spellcasting) against the crowds and officials. Emphasis is needed to make the roll and only spells that last at least for an hour can be employed. Needless to say, getting caught has consequences.

A single life
In the first part of the trial the characters must defend themselves against two seasons Phoenix bushi armed with bokken. The two samurai attack without remorse, trying to pierce the character’s defenses. In order to keep themselves safe and to impress the judges, the character must roll Defense / Reflexes against TN 15. Success earns the attendee one Guard point and an additional Guard point for each successful raise called. Characters with the Wary Advantage gain a free Raise on this roll.

Always prepared
A bushi is expected to be able to defend themselves and their ward even unarmed. To prove their mettle and their ability to fight unarmed, the applicant must wrestle down a ‘thug’ played by a large Phoenix bushi. This is done by rolling Jiujutsu / Agility against TN 15. Success earns the attendee one Guard point and an additional Guard point for each successful raise called. Characters with the Large or Crab Hands Advantage gain a free Raise on this roll, though only one Free Raise maybe gained this way.

Shield of honor
A samurai must know the law to be able to protect their honor - the Phoenix do not expect the yojimbo to follow unlawful commands. The final test of the day is the test of law. To impress the judges the character must roll Lore: Law / Intelligence against TN 15. Success earns the attendee one Guard point and an additional Guard point for each successful raise called. Alternatively, characters may try to go for a creative interpretation of the law, rolling Sincerity(Deceit) / Awareness against TN 25. Success earns the attendee one Guard point and an additional Guard point for each successful raise called. Players must decide which of the two rolls they try before rolling and clearly indicate the skill used in Orokos. This roll counts as contested against R2 Phoenix samurai for purposes of Advantages and Techniques. Touched by Sakkaku and Paragon of Sincerity applies for the Sincerity(Deceit) roll. Benten’s Blessing does not apply to the Sincerity(Deceit) as you are using guile. Benten's Blessing does not apply to the Lore: Law is not a social skill.


Outcome
Once you have finished making your rolls, please post your total points to this thread along with a link to the relevant rolls. The character with the most Guard points will earn 3 Courtship points, the character with the second most Guard points will earn 2 Courtship points, and the character with the third most Guard points will earn 1 Courtship point. Ties are broken by comparing the ‘Shield of honor’ rolls.

Additionally the character with the most Guard points will earn immortal fame among the locals, gaining 5 points of Glory and earn an invitation to serve as Yojimbo to Asako Haruhi, the chief agricultural engineer if Shiro Yoake. If a non-Phoenix character wishes to accept this honor and the stipend coming with it, they must swear loyalty to the Phoenix. Do note that choosing to abandon your former loyalties may have consequences.

Asako Mal-Chin wasn't entirely certain he should be here. But his lord thought this was a valuable way for people to determine who they should choose to marry.

Somehow it all went wrong. He dodged the attacks and made his own, well, at least at the bare minimum. And then when they asked questions about the law?

He got lost in the minutiae. Where the law mattered based on what planet you were on, the situation, everything. Missing the point that the law was supposed to serve as a guidepost for honor, not the definition of honor. And so he turned from what might have been an impressive performance for a courtier...to a humbling one.

************
D6 LM: A single life: Defense / Reflexes, Void for +1k1 TN 15: 3d10k3 25 = +1 Guard Point
D6 LM: Always prepared: Jiujutsu / Agility, Void for +1k1 TN 15: 3d10k3 17 = +1 Guard Point
D6 LM: Shield of honor: Lore: Law / Intelligence, 3 Raises, 1 FR Asako, Void for +1k1 TN 30: 6d10o10k5 20 = 0
Total: 2 Guard Points

Geppu showed up for the miai event because even if this wasn't a task particularly well suited to him, he'd certainly give it his all!

When the Phoenix bushi rushed at him with their bokken and swung at him mercilessly, he took less of a 'dodge their attacks' route and more 'just get hit to unsettle them and buy time for his charge' route.

When it came time to wrestle the 'thug' down however, this was where more of his expertise shined. Taking advantage of an opening in the defense of his opponents overeager lunge, he grabbed their arm and took them down in a brutal armbar until the large Phoenix tapped out.

The concept of having to find lawful justification to protect ones honor was a bit of a strange idea to the Sususmu, but when on Asakaze...as he was asked various questions by the judges, he was able to use his knowledge to successfully answer their questions, earning a nod.
----
Reflexes roll failed, 0 points. Jiujutsu roll success with a called raise, earning 2 Guard points. Lore: Law roll success, earning 1 Guard point.
Total Guard Points Earned: 3

It was a good thing she had studied up more on defensive tactics in preparation for the miai, as the Phoenix yojimbo were legendary for their skill in such arts. She performed superbly in protecting her charge.

However, the Utaku seemed to have lost some steam from the wrestling match yesterday. Or maybe she just performed better when it was a show, but Hyeon-ju was unable to make any decisive victory in taking out these "thugs" in unarmed combat.

When asked on matters of law, she offered some creative intepretations of the law. Not that they wowed the judges.


---------------

D6 EVENT LM: Defenders of Justice! A Single Life. Defense/Reflexes. +1k1 Void. 2 raises. Cue the Bodyguard soundtrack. TN 25: 5d10o10k4 38 +3 Points
D6 EVENT LM: Defenders of Justice! Always Prepared. Jiujutsu/Agility. Void for Skill. +6 Honor (Utaku R1). 2 raises. SILENT LADY STRIKES AGAIN!TN 25: 4d10o10k3+6 21 +0
D6 EVENT LM: Defenders of Justice! Shield of Honor. Sincerity/Awareness. +1k0 Prodigy. This is totally a law, you guys. 1 raise. TN 20: 4d10o10k2 26 +0 (misread the TN, totes my fault so the roll stands when it's my bad)

3 Points

Crab:
1. Crustacean having five pairs of legs, the foremost of which are in the form of claws, and a carapace.
2. Samurai able to endure the most severe beating without flinching and having pretty much no other skill whatsoever.

Akemi smiled during the first exercise, as it did remind her of her childhood training to be a good Hida bushi. This was a good breather after the somber ceremony which had took place just before it.

Then she was quickly subdued during the wrestling. As this was her third defeat in hand-to-hand combat in the span of less than a week (for a grand total of zero victory), maybe this was a sign she should spend more time in a dojo and less in a club. She could have made a sore excuse about her fleshcraft not responding as intended, but she knew training was actually the best way to solve that issue. The more she'll work her arms the better they'll get, regardless of if they were genuine or artificial.

The final exam was... well...

"On which legal ground did you attempt to proceed to that arrest?"
"He was being a bad guy!"
"Were your actions officially approved by the local magistracy?"
"But he was being a bad guy!"
"Please list scenarios in which a samurai is allowed to temporarily overstep their own authority in legal affairs."
"Bad. Guy."

---

D6 LM | Defenders of Justice - A single life | Defense / Reflexes (TN15) | Two raises (TN25) | Void for +1k1: 4d10o10k3 25 -> Success
D6 LM | Defenders of Justice - Always prepared | Jiujutsu / Agility (TN15) | Two raises (TN25): 4d10o10k3 23 -> Failed
D6 LM | Defenders of Justice - Shield of honor | Lore: Law / Intelligence (TN 15) | Unskilled: 2d10 10 -> Failed

Total: 3 points

Nara was a defender of justice! At least in her show she was, but that was defending against demons by shooting them, not like a yojimbo. Still, she gave it her all, and totally looked good while doing it.

If only her performance was anything like her outfit, she might have done well...she failed every single part.

D6 LM event - Defense/Reflexes. VP for skill. TN15+2 raises (TN25): 4d10o10k3 17
D6 LM event - Jiujutsu/Agility. VP for skill. TN15+2 raises (TN25): 3d10o10k2 18
D6 LM event - Sincerity(deceit)/Aw. 2 raises+FR. TN35: 5d10ro1o10k4 26

0 points

Guardian? Ruhe felt what it took.

So he showcased his art of self-defence! Very active self-defence. His combat moves were so metal it could be cast in pig iron and used for industrial purposes.

LM6. Event. A single life. Defence. 3R. VP. TN30.: 5d10o10k4 34 [38 with technique, but irrelevant, 4 Points]

Then he demonstrated with his lyrical fists, and repeatedly, on that one poor sparring partner that to live is to die.

LM6. Event. Always prepared. Jiujutsu. 3R. VP. TN30.: 6d10o10k5 39 [4 Points]

Law? Pah. Ruhe, the Shield of Metal, was there to lay down the METAL LAW! The very methods that got recognition for their dispute resolution powers could well be applied to every controversy. The laws of metal were invariant.

LM6. Event. Shield of Metal!!!!. Sincerity. 1VP. TN25.: 5d10o10k4 36 [1 Point]

---

9 Points \m/

Jin was dressed practically for the upcoming competition. Defending others....memories of his failure flashed before Jin's eye. His unit, Koryn....

His mood did not help in the first part, where he jumped like a Hare, but was still struck, as his movements weren't erratic enough.

When the topic of self-defense came up, he easily threw the attacking bushi over his shoulder with a practiced move, almost stomping on his neck after he was on the ground.

When the final topic came up, Jin was determined. "I will do anything for those under my protection."

Alas, it was not the right answer.

OOC:
D6 LM Defenders of Justice, A Single Life, Defense/Ref, Lost Love, Prodigy, VP for +1k1, 2 CR, tn 30: 6d10o10k4 27
D6 LM Defenders of Justice,Always Prepared, Jiu/Ref, Lost Love, Prodigy, VP for +1k1, 2 CR, tn 30: 6d10o10k4 31
D6 LM Defenders of Justice,Shield of Honor,Lore: Law/int Lost Love, untrained, tn 20: 2d10 12

Total: 3 points

Ishiyo reacted well to the the initial attempt, she had pilot trained reflexes and situational awareness. Being able to react quickly and forcefully was drilled into her. So when the attack came she managed to deflect every blow before time was eventually called.

The Crane did not know what to expect when she was called upon to engage in hand to hand. She was not really trained for it, but during the fight her opponent steadied himself on a chair and some newly cultivated instinct took over. They ended up having to pull her off the poor guy as she was screaming, "HIT ME AGAIN! I WILL TEAH YOU-EH ARMS OFF!"

The final legal challenge proved a problem. Ishiyo recognized the precedence near immediately...but so pleased with her realization she completely bungled the explanation, burying it under a pile of misused legal terms and misremembered law codes.

---------------

Defense/Reflexes. VP for Skill. 2 CR. TN25: 4d10o10k3 35 - 3 pts

Jiujutsu/Agility. Untrained. TN15: 3d10 19 - 1 pt

Lore:Law/INTEL. VP for Skill. 2 CR. TN25: 4d10o10k3 15 - 0 pts

4 points

Well, yojimboing? That was something the Manti s had little experience with, after all he wasn't really the type of person you put in that position. He was best taking shots at enemies from afar, not getting into their face.

Still, that didn't mean he didn't know how to defend himself, and the mantis perhaps put on a bit of a show as he ducked and dodged his way through the attacks of the Phoenix bushi, using perfectly timed sidesteps and slight sways to move out of the way of their attacks time and time again.

He didn't show the poor thug anything in the way of mercy either, mangaing to use his height to his advantage and take out the other man in short order. It wasn't the most impressive thing to watch, but it was well executed.

It was the course of law that fialed him, though that was probably what most expected from a mantis. Maybe he should of tried to lie his way past the man's questions rather then answer as best as he could? too late to tell really.

Defenders of Justice: Defense/Reflexes tn 15, void for 1k1 3 Called raises tn 30: 6d10o10k5 36 4 points

Defenders of Justice: Part 2 AlwaysPrepared Jiujitsu/agility, FR from Crab hands for effect, Void, 1 Raise tn 20: 4d10o10k3 29 3 points

Defenders of Justice: Part 3 loe law/int TN 15 void for 1k1 unskilled: 3d10 9 0 points

7 points total tie breaker is a 9

This was an important event for the young Firefly. He had yet to prove himself at the miai, and this was the sort of arena that might get him noticed by the Phoenix. Of course that also meant he would be competing against Shiba-trained bushi in a yojimbo contest... So he went in with no expectations.

Koseki's sensei had called him a prodigy of the Hotaru school when he aced his gempukku. Today he finally got to show some of that form. Despite the best efforts of the two Shiba bushi attacking him, neither could land a blow. All that training in cramped conditions made it feel quite natural to keep his own bokken close to his body, and he deflected or redirected the assault with ease.

Next up was a giant of an Asako for the wrestling round. Fortunately for Koseki he was still feeling the buzz of playing The Red Lantern the previous evening. He expertly defeated his opponent with a technically brilliant pin, copying something he had only seen the previous day. Perhaps Kisada was willing him on? The judges seemed impressed.

Finally he was required to pass a test of Imperial Law. Once again luck was with the Firefly as the judges asked him about a legal situation that was uncannily like an episode of Seppun Benteno Investigates.

All in all it was an unexpectedly good showing for the minor clanner. Even his ghostly father looked pleased.

---
Rolls

D6. LM. A Single Life. Defense / Reflexes. Prodigy. 2CR. TN25: 6d10o10k3 31 Success, 3 points.

D6. LM. Always Prepared. Jiujutsu / Agility. Void for skill. 2CR. TN25: 4d10o10k3 25 Success, 3 points.

D6. LM. Shield of honor. Lore: Law / Intelligence. Void for skill. 1CR. TN20: 4d10o10k3 30 Success, 2 points

Total = 8 Guard points

After yesterday's dismal performance, Ryuu approached this one with humility. Bowing to the judges, then the initial attackers, he prepared himself. Hands clasped behind his back.

As they moved to penetrate his defense, he flowed into the movements, dodging, weaving. Keeping his movements precise as he did not allow any to strike, his wariness allowing him to anticipate the strikes.

Then came the thug. He bowed to the Shiba bushi, then raised his hands in the defensive.

They will open with a kiah shout. Move into forward jab. Ryuu's movement was quick, stepping into the arm reach of the thug, catching him off guard.

Open palm strike to the solar plexus. Rob them of air, and stun theirndefenses. His arm extended, striking the bushi in the sternum,nfeeling it give as the air was robbed.

Follow with a closed fist strike to the temple, disorienting and setting them on their heel. His fist came up, a hard strike against the side of the thug's head, causing them to see stars.

Sweep the leg. Ryuu dropped quickly, left leg whipping around as he hooked the thug's legs out from under them, knocking them onto their back.

He reached down, helping the Shiba up, before offering a bow.

As for the shield... he cited precedent in his tactics in defense of his actions.

LM6 - Miai Event - Defenders of Justice - A Single Life (Reflexes 3, Defense 0, Void for Skill, +3 Strength in Terror, 1 FR Wary, 1 CR, TN20): 4d10o10k3+3 23 +3 Guard Points

LM6 - Miai Event - Defenders of Justice - Always Ready (Agility 3, Jiujitsu 1, +5 Strength in Terror Honor Difference, VP +1k1, 2 CR, TN25): 5d10o10k4+5 26 +3 Guard Points

LM6 - Miai Event - Defenders of Justice - Shield of Honor (Intelligence 2, Lore: Law 1, +3 Strength in Terror, TN15): 3d10o10k2+3 26 +1 Guard Point

Total: 7 Guard Points, 26 Tiebreaker

Moriko was more accustomed to working with animals, not people, but she managed to comport herself well enough. It wasn't the most dignified performance, but it was competent. She managed to find herself heading off on a tangent as she answered the judge's question about the law, distracted by one specific precedent that had caught her attention a few years back. The answer was correct, but the judges were quite unimpressed by the rambling.


---
1. [D6 LM] A Single Life (Reflexes 3 / Defense 1, TN15): 4d10o10k3 15
Success. 1 Guard Point.

2. [D6 LM] Always Prepared (Agility 3 / Jiujutsu 0, Void for Skill, TN15): 4d10o10k3 19
Success. 1 Guard Point.

3. [D6 LM] Shield of Honour (Intelligence 2 / Law 0, Void for Skill, TN15): 4d10o10k3 25
Success. 1 Guard Point.

Final Total: 3 Guard Points

Yul had been dodging trouble most of his life. He remembered dipping down to the corner market as a child, and causing various sorts of trouble until the owner and her heimen employee had driven him away, with brooms. It was with a strangely comforting familiarity that Yul dodged the strikes of the two attackers.

The big Phoenix bushi was something else. Yul winced, looking up at them. But once again, his quick reflexes served him well, allowing him to strike an accurate blow as his opponent closed in. They crumpled, lying there until Yul helped them up with a smile.

The questions were hard. There was no doubt of that. Yul wasn't really prepared. But, taking a deep breath, Yul focused. He may not know the law, but Yul had a sense of right and wrong. He answered confidently, hoping it would be enough.

The judges were satisfied.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defenders of Justice, Single Life, 2CR TN25: 5d10o10k4 31 3 points
Defenders of Justice, Always Prepared, 2CR TN25, VP1k1: 5d10o10k4+6 35 3 points
Defenders of Justice, Shield of Honor, Lore:Law, 1CR TN20, VP skill: 3d10o10k2 24
8 Points, tiebreaker 24

Magistrates didn't "protect" people. They served... up Justice, tough love. At least, that was the Scorpion magistrate way!

Thus she proved good at beating down thugs and reading them their rights. Which was good, because that was The Law™. SHE was The Law™!



...still, the Phoenix didn't seem terribly impressed by her sense of Duty. Did they not like The Law™?

‐------------------

Day 6, Late Morning, Defenders of Justice, A Single Life, Def/Ref TN15, VP1/2 for skill, 2 called raises for TN25: 4d10o10k3 12 (+0 points)

Day 6, Late Morning, Defenders of Justice, Always Prepared, Jiujutsu/Agility TN15, 2 called raises for TN25: 5d10o10k4 25 (+3 points)

Day 6, Late Morning, Defenders of Justice, Shield of Honor, Lore:Law/Int TN15, VP 2/2 for skilled, 2 called raises for tn25: 4d10o10k3 29

Total = 6 Guard points

Nozomi stepped in, a little confused why she, a shugenja, was playing the role of a yojimbo. Tried as she did, she was really quite terrible at keeping her guard up against two opponents at a time. And all that wrestling from yesterday hadn't earned her much prowess. Maybe the fact that her opponent the day prior had been supposed to lose screwed her over for this contest.

The last bit, though, was something that she knew. She recited excerpts from her random assortment of law books and was always technically correct, the best kind of correct!

---

D6 LM Defense / Reflexes TN 25, 2 CR, VP for +1k1: 4d10o10k3 11

D6 LM Jiujutsu / Agility TN 30, 3 CR, VP for +1k1 (WRESTLING POWER!!!): 4d10o10k3 14

D6 LM Lore: Law / Intelligence TN 30, 3 CR (IN THE ENDDDDD): 4d10o10k3 44

LOL Orokos. Of course I get it when it DOESN'T EVEN MATTERRRRRRR.

4 Courtship Points.

Fusako trained with self defense with her personal trainer plenty, so she felt fairly confident going into the contest. Indeed, she avoided getting caught pretty well. She went for a throw, but she over extended herself just a little, and barely wasn't able to toss the Shiba. Still, at least she remembered enough about law to get her arguement through. She was still bitter about her slip though.

---------------------
Defense/Reflexes, 2 Raises TN 25, 5k4 = 42 (3 GP)
Jiujutsu/Agility, 2 Raises TN 25, 5k4 = 24 (Fail)
Lore: Law/Intelligence, TN 15, 3d10 = 18 (1 GP)

4 GP

Akihiko came into this event confident -- clearly a little too confident, as his defense work was just too slow.

With an audible breath, he reset his mind, knowing a win was no longer possible but a respectable showcase of his skills was. So he expertly took down the "thug" with controlled movements, and then purposely chose a grey area of law to argue, to show he was that compelling of a speaker.

In the end, Akihiko finished much as he did in Peacemongers: demonstrating strong skills to the judges' satisfaction, but without the flair or full ability of the top finishers.

----
OOC:
A single life: Gah, so close.
Always prepared: Cleared w/1 raise.
Shield of Honor: Wow, the Phoenix love my creativity. Passed w/2 raises.
Total: 5 guard points, feeling good about myself despite no rewards for this score.

Tetsu does surprisingly well for himself, but he chooses not to go for a flashier counter when defending, making him not stand out from the pack. He does better than many, ultimiately not enough to get into the winners circle.

---
6 points (out of contention)
D6 LM-Defenders of Justice-A Single Life-Defense/Reflexes-TN 15: 4d10o10k3 27
D6 LM-Defenders of Justice-Shield of Honor-Lore/Intelligence-1 called raise, VP for phantom rank-TN 20: 5d10o10k4 22
D6 LM-Defenders of Justice-Always Prepared-Jiujutsu/Agility-Free Raise from Crab Hands-1 called raise-VP spent-TN 20: 4d10o10k3 25

Akagi did well during the more martial parts of the test, dodging blows effectively and tackling the “thug” with ease. The test on law proved to be much more challenging for the Scorpion.

“When you’re assigned to yojimbo someone, it’s invariably to someone important with a big hat,” the Scorpion began. “In general, you should do what your charge wants: protect them, fight who they say, and so on.”

“However, sometimes it isn’t proper to fight other important people, even if your charge demands it,” Akagi explained. “As a rule of thumb, attacking someone with a bigger hat than your charge will be a breach of protocol. Attacking someone with a smaller hat, however, is generally acceptable.”

This sounded pretty reasonable to Akagi, but for some reason the legal panel was not impressed.

—
6LM Defenders of Justice, A single life, REF/Defense TN15: 4d10 18 succeeds for 1 Guard Point
6LM Defenders of Justice, Always prepared with 1 raise, AGI/Jiujutsu TN20: 4d10o10k3 34 succeeds for 2 Guard Points
6LM Defenders of Justice, Shield of honor, INT/Lore: Law TN15: 3d10 12 fails

Total: 3 Guard Points