The four mercenaries pause in an alleyway while one of their number pauses to relieve himself in a doorway...

Tanaka continues to follow them down the alley. When he notices the.man relieving himself he stops and walks to a wall, leaning against it. He faces the street and slides his right hand closer to his katana and bokken, ensuring a smooth draw should the need arise. He attempts to hear what they are saying, if anything.

Chye sees that Tanaka has stopped, so he will find a place to observe.
02:17, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 12 using 3d6.  soldier - 13 (observation).
Chye finds a place to post up, and watch.

He nods to Chye, signalling him to be ready should anything happen.
Tanaka steels himself and turns around after the man finishes relieving himself. He approaches the.menn and stops, leaving the distance of a solid katana strike between them. He makes sure that his arms are crossed against his chest loosely to no.come off as intimidating.
"Hello. My name is Tanaka Kojimaru.  I was recently at the same bar as you and saw a bill for some...work? The bartender told me that you could assist me with more information as to where I would go to inquire further about the job, or any information u can provide me would be nice. I've only just returned to Northport, and I'm not as familiar with the area as I used to be. I had grown used to Shibuya again, but I was summoned back to court," he says in his native tongue,  well spoken Sahudese.

Chye was positioned nearby, where he could see the whole thing, and not be noticeable to them, for they knew not where to look exactly. He and Lóng Zhuǎ, where ready.

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 4):

The larger man wipes off his hands, and picks up his tetsubo and looks at you with a smirk.

In reply to Chung Wang (msg # 6):

As the two Ashigaru adjust their grips, the more slender looking fellow lets his arms drop next to his paired swords.

"I can assure you your fight isn't with me, but if we must, I understand. Alls I want are some answers, but if I must, I will leave with your lives as well," he says, noticing the men reaching for their weapons and adjusting their grips.
He moves his right hand to his katana and grips the hilt tightly. He backs up a bit more and then shifts his stance to a fighting position, left foot forward, knees bent slightly. He looks the men over, checking for any possible weak spots or shortcomings. He smirks, completely confident, and waits for them to make their move, hoping like hell Chye is ready should they attack.
"I don't know if you would be willing or not, but I will duel with one of you for the answers I seek. If you accept, I'll take on the best of you. None of you need to die today in a dark alleyway with your friends watching," he says, his voice taking on a more serious tone.
He takes his left hand and runs it over his hair, ensuring his top knot is presentable and secured.

20:16, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 16 using 3d6.  stealth - 15.
Chye tried to make a stealthy approach, but he stepped on a stray alleycat's tail, in the process.
Coming into view, Chye is grinning wide and bellows his challenge:
20:17, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 12 using 3d6.  Savoir Faire (Dojo) - 15.
"Osu! Let them duel. Who will duel with Chye!?"
He beats his chest and shakes his polearm, taunting:"オラオラオラ!!"
*closest english equivalent: c'mon c'mon c'mon!!*
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Thu 28 June 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 9):

The two ashigaru shift their grips on their naginata, and flank the large fellow with the tetsubo. Like him, they are wearing steel jingasa and lamelar armor, although he is wearing a heavier breastplate.
"You will not take our work from us!"

20:01, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 6 using 3d6 ((2,3,1)). good roll!! diplomacy - 14 Sahudese already react to him at an additional +2 that hasn't been factored in, but we're all Sahudese here, so any diplomacy at all between us, should be more easily worked out, as we are minorities here, and try to look out for one another.
Chye still grinning, replied:
"We're not your enemies yet, and we're not trying to take any work from you, but we know who you are going to work for, and we aim to stop you. If it's Work you want, why not join us? You will be the more honorable for it, my countrymen."

Tanaka raises an eyebrow and looks at Chye, surprised. He smirks, thinking he knows what he's up to and nods, turning his attention back to the men.
"Lord Sakemoko could always use the extra help, especially if you fight well. This doesn't have to be a fight for you, it could be a career opportunity, considering you.play your cards right. 

OOC: If this does turn into a fight, I'd like to have a combat map if possible. Possible escape routes, how wide the alley is, etc. Also if there are a lot of passerby on the streets and if there are additional alleys linked to this one. I don't wanna go to jail in Northport, lol.

OOC: yeah, I agree. we'll need a combat map, for this alley.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Sun 01 July 2018.

17:19, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 7 using 3d6 ((1,3,3)). another good roll! Carousing - 15
Chye was still smiling and added:
"Come, let us go back to the bar, and Chye buy us a round and we talk? This alley reeks of piss and garbage. Ha ha!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Sun 01 July 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 14):

https://drive.google.com/file/...ub/view?usp=drivesdk

They are hesitating...

"Are you hungry? Why don't we have some food, too?
Let's get some wine and meat!"
Chye lowers his weapon, and waves them to come.
"You'll be my guests of course. Chye owe Tanaka-san here a drink, anyways. It'll be a token of our good faith. What do you say, my brothers-in-arms?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Tue 03 July 2018.

Tanaka relaxes a bit, assuming a less threatening stance, yet remaining alert.
"I intend to get that drink as well, Chye-san, and I can't say that a good bowl of pho wouldn't be appreciated right now."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Tue 03 July 2018.

"This lute on Chye's back isn't just for show, either! Chye'll tell you some songs, and sing you some stories! Ho Ho Ho!!"
Chye nodded to the lutes neck and tuning pegs, behind his left shoulder, grinning.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:46, Tue 03 July 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 18):

"I could use another drink, and we don't start until tomorrow. "

In reply to Chung Wang (msg # 19):

"Not too much, we have to be bright and ready in the morning".

The four, with some reluctance, accompany you. Xu seems to be brooding about something.

Chye goes back to the bar, and finds a place where the six of us can sit together.
He will buy a gallon jug of Shaoxing, for $8, allowing each of us to have 5, 4 oz wine goblets of drink per man, and offers to buy dinner for everyone as well, another $48 ($8 x 6), for a total of $56 spent.
12:19, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 8 using 3d6.  responsive: 12 IQ -3 for empathy, 9 or less.
Chye didn't stare, but observed the uneasy Xu, and could feel the man's disease...What was his deal anyway? Chye had a pretty good idea, or at least the nature of the troubles, the swordsman wore upon his sleeve.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Tue 03 July 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 21):

The swordsman seems happy to drink, but his flashy clothes and heavily ornamented but cheap swords speak of an ambitious man starved for recognition.

Make a carousing roll at +2
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Sun 08 July 2018.

14:37, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 11 using 3d6.  performance - 14.

14:35, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 9 using 3d6.  singing - 16.

14:35, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 12 using 3d6.  lute - 15.

14:27, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 12 using 3d6.  Carousing - 15+2 =17 .
Chye remembered a song he'd played earlier, and thought it might be just the thing to lift the swordsman's spirits. Chye recalled, and repeated the song "The Hard Road", in a polished performance.
Chye began the opening melody, and began to sing:
"Pure wine costs, for the golden cup, ten thousand coppers a flagon,
And a jade plate of dainty food calls for a million coins!
I fling aside my chop-sticks and cup, I cannot eat nor drink....
I pull out my sword, I peer four ways in vain!
I would cross the Yellow River, but ice chokes the ferry;
I would climb the Taihang Mountains, but the sky is blind with snow....
I would sit and poise a fishing-pole, lazy by a brook --
But I suddenly dream of riding a boat, sailing for the sun....
Journeying is hard,
Journeying is hard!
There are many turnings --
Which am I to follow?....
I will mount a long wind some day and break the heavy waves
And set my cloudy sail straight and bridge the deep, deep sea...."

Before sitting, he notices the paired swords that Xu carries. He notes their lack of quality and takes note of the ornamentation on them. He sits across from him and begins pouring drinks when the server brings the jug.
"I can't help but notice the pair of blades that you wear, friend. Do you mind if I ask where you were taught? When I was in Sahud, I knew a man that taught Nito Ryu. He was a legend in his own right."

Carousing. Default to ht (Ht 13) -3+2 (Sahudese)
15:29, Today: Tanaka Kojimaru rolled 3 using 3d6 ((1,1,1)).

CRIT!!

OOC: Yatta! critted on a default, too!

In reply to Tanaka Kojimaru (msg # 25):

The swordsman breaks into a big grin
"Ryu, that was a swordsman. I saw him once fight three men, and began to study the blade. It seems harder here to prove yourself... the almighty guild is prejudiced against us sons of Sahud, and we rarely get hired. It seems that the only time we can get work is when there is about to be a turf war."

"You should hire on with Lord Sakemoko. He used to be guildmaster here, and still has some pull there. Chye work for both, and have been here six moons. He a "businessman", but he also looks out for the interests of sons of Sahud. It true that he hires gaijin, but they are more auxiliary. He make it plain in his words and actions, but he  fair with them, just the same...which is good, overall. We happen to know the man posting the bills is serving a miserable oni, who employs demons, and keeps women chained up."
Chye paused for a drink.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:30, Tue 10 July 2018.

"That kind of behavior cannot be allowed to continue here, or anywhere for that matter. I seek to end it whenever I am able."
Tanaka takes a drink himself and sets his cup down quietly, turning his attention to the others before looking back at xu.
"I believe I have hear tales of this man Ryu, he was a rival of my master, if memory serves. I have never met the man, however, and the rivalry was only relative to teaching different schools of the sword. Mayhaps we can spar some time, if you decide to join us with Sakemoko."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Tue 10 July 2018.

"Once we rid the oni of Little Sahud, we'll be lauded as heroes of the community, that news can travel home too. Guild will like that,too. Respect, honor, and Chye has met the guild master. Embarked on a diplomatic mission, and subsequent wedding recently between goblin and orcs. This bring peace between them, and is good. The Guild master allow Chye to go free, armed where others must check their weapons. I can recommend those of good character and integrity... Back home, Chye was raised within the Jianghu."
Chye shows his tatoos, and the kanji he bears.
"Chye come to Northport as an envoy from the Jianghu. Chye is a youxia, and my great grand father is the golden dragon *Mountain Tealeaf* Chye Cháyè. His son, the winged half-dragon, is *Mountain Warrior* Chye Wu. My father is *Mountain Cloud* Chye Xiāo.
*Mountain Dew* Chye Isuel, is my name! We are the *Dragon Descendant* Lóng Hòuyì."
Smile smiles broadly, baring his gold fang, and teeth. Pouring another drink, he ponders a moment. "Let Chye ask you...what is best in life?"

This message was last edited by the player at 20:17, Wed 11 July 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 30):

"What is best in life? A full belly, a full jug, a full purse, and a warm woman!"

In reply to Chung Wang (msg # 31):

"Chung, that is good... but better is to have honor on your family name."

In reply to Naginata wielders (msg # 32):

"To see your enemy defeated by your skill, and to live well with reknown."

Chye nodded at the ashigaru and Xu's responses, though he commented that he had nothing against Chung's either, loving wine, women, and song himself.
"What do you say, Tanaka-san?"
Chye picked up a greasy, crispy duck's leg.

Tanaka turns to Chye and smiles.
"What is best, you ask? To see your house victorious on the field of battle and to bask in the honor of your enemies inevitable defeat."

Chye hoisted the duck's leg aloft.
"Osu! These are all good. To both live well, and honorable victory, is the best of all things."
18:41, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 12 using 3d6.  savoire faire 15 (Dojo).
19:01, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 13 using 3d6.  leadership - 13.
Chye mixed business with pleasure, and would appeal to the men's warrior pride, and try to recruit them into service!
"Tanaka-san,.. if you would bear witness to these men with Chye then, they may pledge their loyalty to Lord Sakemoko. Chye can get you inside the gate, for auditions, when you do this."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Mon 16 July 2018.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 36):

"How does this pay? Is it any better than Zuhren du Zui would be paying us?"

In reply to Naginata wielders (msg # 37):

"What space for advancement is there? By serving a master, does one acquire more reknown than by being one's own master? How does he reward loyalty?"

OOC: current affairs: Sakemoko's court would answer that, Tanaka-san.
Chye began eating the crispy skin off the duck. He would let the one more privy to court, answer Xu's question.

Current Affairs (Sakemoko's court) IQ/E [1] 14
17:47, Today: Tanaka Kojimaru rolled 15 using 3d6 ((3,6,6)).
OOC. -____-

Tanaka picks at the duck in front of him, eating slowly.
"I imagine the pay would be based on your worth in the endeavour, but I'm afraid I can't offer much more information. He has never done me wrong and treats us well enough. He is a fair master, and is worthy of my respect."

18:10, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 11 using 3d6.  Diplomacy - 14.
Chye felt as if Tanaka had dropped the ball, so he tried to salvage the situation with casual reason.
"Tanaka-san speaks the truth, though first impressions also decide this. You should come meet our Omo, and get it from the horse's mouth."
Chye cleaned his fingers in the bowl of water, provided.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 41):

"I need a career to build my fame, not a job. We will hear what your Omo has to offer, at least we know what Zhuren du Zui is offering, and it is not to late to be there yet."

In reply to Xu (msg # 42):

Post in In Service to the Omo.