Hiding in more than Plain Sight [Mission]

[ΔᎶ€ŇŦ 𐍉𐌅 ṪḤΣ ṆḭṆΣ]

Name: <Sips Tea
Rank: C
IIC Length: 48 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: So... it seems that Cha kuni samurai have been plundering water vessels from Thales. In secret, shinobi are to enter the rainforests on the opposite side of the Hippomedon and find out where the country Daimyo lives. The isles are the best place to look, as it has been reported that he may have a peninsula home on Ouzu Island... Use total subterfuge.
Objective: Collect any intel you may find on the Daimyo of Cha Kuni.
Reward: 11,000 Ryo

---

Cadoc  Ms. Midnight Cinderella

/enter

Xur, had many inquiry questions as to what exactly it is that was causing people to start such issues. He was dining on the unknown this evening as he set out to get this mission done as quick as possible. However he would be efficeint. There was always going to be something he should prepare for. No telling when he would really have to get moving though. It was probably going to be a lonely travel. So Xur at the moment took minor rest near a tree outside the village. So this way he could watch out for candidates.



His outfit was rather bland, and simple though. Sheltered in his dark black robe which acted as a trench coat in some cases. This very robe had a thick hood on the top which sheltered his head from the world, and the cloth mask he wore underneath that shadowed face away from viewers. All that would be left was his ember eyes that pierced different places as he looked at them. He wasn't every imaginative with colors though. A grey V-cut vest which went over an under shirt he also wore. Extra strength work belt which held up his black slacks. Oddly enough though his ninja grade sandals were dark blue. His socks were black though. The final piece being the Mist Headband wrapped around his left bicep, a butt bag filled with secondary weapons, and the messengers pack that was strapped to him as well. 

This made up his whole image as he stood outside the village gates, getting ready to head out into the world on a mission. What his curious eyes may get a visual on who knows...
Items:

Secondary Weapons
[spoler]
Kunai (Overview) x5 slots
Rank: "C" Rank
Type: Secondary, 2 per Slot, Piercing/Slashing, Knife
Effect: A kunai is a tool derived from the masonry trowel.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Light Weapon. These weapons do +4 Amour Points of Damage. The Range Increment of this weapon is 5 meters. A kunai has a blade that is about less than 1 foot in length. The user gains a +10 bonus on Sleight of Hand Skill to conceal a knife on their body.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Weapon Shop.
Cost: 1,000 Ryo per Slot, or 500 Ryo Each.

Shuriken, Hira (Overview) x6 slots
Rank: "C" Rank
Type: Secondary, 15 per Slot, Piercing, Shuriken
Effect: A shuriken is a small piece of metal with sharpened edges, designed for throwing.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Light Weapon. These weapons do +2 Amour Points of Damage. The Range Increment of this weapon is 5 meters. Although they are thrown weapons, shuriken are quick and easy to draw, thus allowing the user to draw such weapons without the need of a movement. A shuriken can't be used as a melee weapon. Hira-shuriken are constructed from thin, flat plates of metal and generally resemble popular conceptions of shuriken.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Weapon Shop.
Cost: 1,500 Ryo per Slot, or 100 Ryo Each.[/spoiler]

Apparel

SPOILER: Click to show

Handwear
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Slot Holder, 0 Slots, Clothing
Effect: Handwear includes gloves worn over the hands.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Handwear is a garment covering the whole hand. handwear has separate sheathes or openings for each finger and the thumb. Handwear protect and comfort hands against cold or heat, damage by friction, abrasion or chemicals, and disease; or in turn to provide a guard for what a bare hand should not touch. Latex, rubber or vinyl disposable gloves are often worn by health care professionals as hygiene and contamination protection measures. Handwear have no slots, but a Half Pouch can be applied along the inside of handwear.
Limit: These type of items may be bought inside any Tailor Shop.
Cost: 600 Ryo per Pair.

Footwear
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Slot Holder, 0 Slots, Clothing
Effect: Footwear can be worn on the feet of a person.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Outer coverings for the feet, such as shoes, boots, and sandals. Footwear refers to garments worn on the feet, which originally serves to purpose of protection against adversities of the environment, usually regarding ground textures and temperature. Footwear in the manner of shoes therefore primarily serves the purpose to ease the locomotion and prevent injuries. Secondly footwear can also be used for fashion and adornment as well as to indicate the status or rank of the person within a social structure. Socks and other hosiery are typically worn additionally between the feet and other footwear for further comfort and relief. Cultures have different customs regarding footwear. These include not using any in some situations, usually bearing a symbolic meaning. Footwear have no slots, but a Half Pouch can be applied along the inside of footwear.
Limit: These type of items may be bought inside any Tailor Shop.
Cost: 600 Ryo per Pair.

Pants
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Slot Holder, 2 Slots, Clothing
Effect: Also known as trousers.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture There are so many different types of pants, with different designs and colors. Trousers are an item of clothing worn from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately. Shorts are similar to trousers, but with legs that come down only to around the area of the knee, higher or lower depending on the style of the garment. To distinguish them from shorts, trousers may be called "long trousers" in certain contexts such as school uniform, where tailored shorts may be called "short trousers". Trousers have 4 Pockets, 2 on the front of each pant leg, and 2 at the back where the butt is located at. Each Pocket has the same amount of holding space as a half Pouch. A total of 4 Pouches can be stitched into the pants. 2 Pouches may be stitched at the top of the pants (1 per pant leg) while 2 may be stitched at the bottom (1 per pant leg). The ones at the bottom may only have Half Pouches.
Limit: These type of items may be bought inside any Tailor Shop.
Cost: 500 Ryo Each.

Robe
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Slot Holder, 0 Slots,
Effect: A robe is a loose-fitting outer garment. Unlike garments described as capes or cloaks, robes usually have sleeves.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A gown worn as part of the academic regalia of faculty or students, especially for ceremonial occasions, such as a convocations, congregations or graduations. A gown worn as part of the attire of a judge or barrister. A wide variety of long, flowing religious dress including pulpit robes and the robes worn by various types of monks. A gown worn as part of the official dress of a peer or royalty. Robes give a +10 to Sleight of Hand when worn. Robes can have special straps stitched in place, allowing the Robe to stay fluid and not be bogged down. 1 Robe may have up to 10 of these Straps. Each Strap may have up to 5 Half Pouches stitched in to keep objects inside.
Limit: These type of items may be bought inside any Tailor Shop.
Cost: 1,000 Ryo Each.

Pack, Messenger
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Slot Holder, 25 Slots, Wearable Container
Effect: A messenger pack is a type of sack made out of sturdy material that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that goes across the chest resting the bag on the lower back.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture A wearable container can hold up to 25 Slots. This design of bag has been used in the transportation of mail and goods by numerous types of messengers. Similar in function to backpacks, messenger bags ensure comfort to people carrying heavy and/or bulky items, while allowing easy access to the contents. Fully adjustable shoulder strap with quick adjustable buckle and removable shoulder pad. Removable cross strap for cross-body stabilization. Quick access zipper pocket on the flap. Organizer pockets under the flap to organize all accessories. Padded interior. Ambidextrous conceal carry pocket. Padded Grab handle. A Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment system can be installed at the front end of the pack allowing up to 6 pouches to be placed.
Limit: These type of items may be bought inside any Tailor Shop.
Cost: 5,000 Ryo Each

[Cadoc]

Yoko had little motivation for this particular mission, but her master had commanded her to carry it out, so… She approached the meetup point wearing her standard attire resembling a cross between that of a thief and a soldier. Because of her outfit, it should have been immediately apparent that she was a ninja, or rather someone up to no good, all of the tones were muted consisting of matt blacks and greys, all in the aim to avoid detection. As stealth was her ultimate aim, not of her equipment or attire hindered her movement in any way, at all, nor did it make any notable noises when moving.

SPOILER: Click to show

Taking inspiration from:
cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/004/108/817/large/phelan-a-davion-thiago-macedo-macedo-designs-2spec-ops-dedeye-bow.jpg?1480434924
cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/004/108/815/large/phelan-a-davion-thiago-macedo-macedo-designs-hooded2spec-ops-dedeye-bow.jpg?1480434973
cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/166/163/large/joel-dos-reis-viegas-garettclocak.jpg?1441390761
38.media.tumblr.com/f6fe28e5de36c225503a8c6e654d360e/tumblr_n91w0rQSvy1sm4l4qo3_1280.jpg
33.media.tumblr.com/54d6c44905a34d63b6c902bab11f94d8/tumblr_n91w0rQSvy1sm4l4qo4_1280.jpg

[Moon]

He leaped!

Over a tenement roof howling damp tin beneath his steps, hard and deliberate footfalls were distant drumming only for instants, then became urgent. From the edges of buildings with something part kick, part dance, Moon moved as if possessed. Near the southern crust of the Hidden Mist's tenfold boundary the line of buildings ran out abruptly. Moon leapt again, against its pull, as high as he could. He did not fall, meaning; he maintained his height but flew forward, towards an open jumble of bizarre leaves that were the Deku, the Pre-Gate before the swollen living iron of the Main. It took some time, coasting the blur of a city wear fog, to have skid down across air - ugly, angular, just-not a careen, a chasm-making spin below high woods- and to touch ground at the base of a vulgar plant column curled into green. He saw from afar, then closer as he approached someones.

Two others stood, silent, enshadowed, feeling of danger just from their stillness projected through waiting. Then--

Whatwhatwhat is this? I hear it in me, in the deep beneath the boymind's squirm. The unchoir, it sings from the larger one, it is the terror beautiful, it is the kedoin allhive. We speak, we are speech, we know of; we are. We will keep our nature's to ourselves, we know.

--Moon laughed, a throaty stutter-cough, smiling wide. He waved at them, a meter away, a green haired oddity seemingly wrapped in light cloth, strange markings, eyes too many colors to make sense; a giant-child of proportions awry. Cute.

SPOILER: Click to show

Items, gear, and weapons are for the weak.

[ΔᎶ€ŇŦ 𐍉𐌅 ṪḤΣ ṆḭṆΣ]

Xur in direct notice of footsteps turned his hooded head towards the two newcomers. His ember eyes shadowed within the shade of the hood would observe the woman's attire shortly. From a glance she looked prepared, maybe even trained. Whatever she could provide would be enough. Xur the grown man that he was, nearing middle age was a time to really think about some things.

In short one of his realizations is that the newer generation of ninja seemed good enough to carry forth what the old generations have established before it. He was willing to let others lead, but in the sense that he was given this one specifically then it was noted he should probably take the ropes. Not that much of a big deal as long as everyone makes it back safe, and the job is done.

The other person to turn up was male, which made up in chronological time the third member of this offset team. Xur was not going to take his age into any sense of belittlement. He was purely going to make sure he was doing what was needed. Not all that big on professionalism, but with this task it may be a lot more important now.

So with that noted, Xur got himself off of the tree, and unfolded his arms. Keeping them at his sides as he spoke to them both. His voice was deep, and powerful. Almost tipping the sound of a wise middle aged man. Mysterious maybe, but only to those who might care enough to see it that way. He may just seem like a creep in black clothing so who knows...

"Welcome. My name is Xur. I heard some more members of Mist might show up, a fixed number not exactly given. My gratitude is all the same regardless. I'll explain the details along the way. We are headed to rain forests on the opposite side of Hippomedon as the mission paper foretold. If you both are ready we may leave." Xur said calmly, slightly tilting his body in the direction of the path behind him. However his hooded head was still aimed towards them so it was best to assume he was still looking directly at them.

[Cadoc]

Feb 12, 2017 19:37:10 GMT -7 ΔᎶ€ŇŦ 𐍉𐌅 ṪḤΣ ṆḭṆΣ said:

"Welcome. My name is Xur. I heard some more members of Mist might show up, a fixed number not exactly given. My gratitude is all the same regardless. I'll explain the details along the way. We are headed to rain forests on the opposite side of Hippomedon as the mission paper foretold. If you both are ready we may leave."

Yoko listened to the explanation carefully, once the male was finished explaining things she replied with a simple "My name is Yoko, I'm ready to leave."

[Moon]

Moon stared at the two speak words he was almost certain was some type of greeting, though their meaning escaped him completely. There were moments in their terse exchange that seemed to refer to themselves, but the pronunciations were as strange to his ears as they were foreign to his native aquan.

He waved again when they were done, and then said with his terrible voice the tiny concession made to his lack of knowing common, the word that meant one thing to sea creatures, and quite another to those who spoke common.

"Moon."

He said, and then pointed to himself. Moon, or Mu-n, which sounded the same, but in Aquan meant "Jashin".

He was ready to go! Moon jumped into the air, high, higher than any normal being could, and then landed a few meters away, abnormally, falling faster than he'd risen to flash down silently, feet barely touching the ground. He wasn't quite sure what they would be doing together, but he prepared himself to stick with this new group of individuals and maybe even find something cool to do!

[ΔᎶ€ŇŦ 𐍉𐌅 ṪḤΣ ṆḭṆΣ]

All was set up nicely. Good. Xur liked proficiency. He took keen memory to their names, and faces. Especially when the boy had given it. His way of doing so gave Xur a sense that he might be even more diverse than he suspects. He at least was able to consult his name to them. The course of action taken after only furthering Xur's pondering on just what it is this being yearns for. His irregular voice tone, and actions kept the man interested in finding out in due time. After this endeavor he wanted to research more. So he would have to make do with what he could gather during which. So with this, Xur took it upon himself to lead the push. Turning towards the direction in which he sought for them to travel to let them warm up, before he'd break into a full transition of speed.

He remembered the generic form of approach, and decided to stay on level ground. His upper body tilted forward, and allowed his arms to float behind him. A very old, and wonky way to run, and travel which doesn't enhance speed in any way, but it was a form that was used a long time ago. Whether or not this newer generation knew of it was not important anyhow. As long as they knew Xur was going to travel that way. His breaths controlled, and calculated so he wouldn't tired out from irregular breathing. His hood miraculously, would't pick up a whole lot of wind resistance so it didn't fling from Xur's head. In stead it flapped only a little, and stayed clung to him.

Turning his head, to speak to his teammates. "We are on call to investigate the issue with Cha Kuni Samurai harming water vessels in the Thales region. The major goal though is also to gather Intel on the Cha Kuni Daimyo. Our objectives are set, with little leeway. So lets try to do this as efficiently as we can to avoid further upheavals getting in the way. Stealth may be a key element, but there is certainly room for another means. I estimated that it will take us thirty-five minutes to get there at this rate so once we get there we will take it steady from then on unless proved otherwise." Xur, would further explain to them. He'd fall silent after the fact though to hear any choice words. Other than that, it would be a silent travel maybe, until they arrived and got into the cross hairs of this operation.

[Cadoc]

And now we were running! The leader of the gang was utilising some strange form, but it looked interesting so she’d also join in. Running along after him with her arms stretched out like a bird, every now and again she made a short bird noise accompanied by the odd flap of her wings, to replicate what she thought the man was doing.

After a short while the man offered some additional information about the assignment, fortunately, the group Yoko had not opted for one of her showier outfits but instead one that lent its self to covert operations. “Master has commanded me to carry this mission out, it is imperative that nobody is captured” the implication should have been quite clear.

[Moon]

Both of Moon's partners seemed generally cautious but otherwise unperturbed by his strangeness. The largest (our brother-sister, our common entity, xyr) seemed even to be satisfied with his attempt at disclosure, taking the lead at a steady clip that the other soon joined. The archaic tradition of their running forms was lost on Moon completely, but he kept pace with their bird-like slowness on land, floating only inches above them both, stretched out as if prepared to take a nap in mid air. His feet kicked absentmindedly at the air and with the passing of each new tree, the green of the boy's hair would shift slightly to reflect alternate shades.

The largest began to talk, perhaps a motivational speech, perhaps a formal declaration of his superior rank or power. It mattered little; the few phrases in common that Moon recognized - samurai, stealth, tea - they gave him a frantic context that echoed the Kage's direct orders. Moon, do not let anyone from any other village or land see you. Death is preferable, in your case, to capture.

They moved on, soon to escape the relative safety of the village proper.

[ΔᎶ€ŇŦ 𐍉𐌅 ṪḤΣ ṆḭṆΣ]

Xur absorbed the information well. He was skeptical about a lot of things, but with this he found it easier to relax. The three of them moving outbound to this Hippomedon to find the Daimyo. A team they were. But effective they have yet to show. Only time will tell them in the end.

The venture was far enough to kill time, up to nearly an hour. Still a lot quicker than a formal wagon train or something. Xur was used to old customs, but he was open to see the new way these two would want to perform the actions. He lead them from a forest clearing that followed a river path. This path lead to a mist-less area. A town that held a suitable resting place was near by. They were just outside the border of Hippomedon. So in all sorts there would be no issue with entering. Xur, would prefer to not have civilians be able to tell an guards about them if said forced became antsy. 

Sadly Xur was not yet suited to use his Kedoin abilities like he used to. This being was one of many things, but young was not one of them. But being a kedoin wasn't exactly an issue of course then. He was crouched behind a bush, only lightly peaking over. There would be a pokcet of branches for Moon to stand on and overlay the land from there if he wished to.

River leading to the town.


Local Town near Hippomedon Border


Turning to Yoko, Xur would speak. "We are here. Now would be the time to think of a way of approach. We can split up if you believe that would save time. Just do not get caught as that jeopardizes the mission. Keep in mind one of us, does not speak our language directly as well." Xur explained wanting her input. He was curious what a young mind could think of. The town as active currently which could be heard. The moment they crossed this water, under the incoming night sky it was all fair game.

[Cadoc]

Hmm, certainly the interesting dilemma: split up or stay together. While I remain confident in my own abilities, I know little of the others, one blunder could jeopardise the team as a whole, however, if they were to split up their chance of capture potentially increased. At least if we all stay together, I can ensure that nobody is taken alive. “Let’s work as a unit”

[Moon]

They soon came to a river, leading through arcane byways somehow delivering them to a town in Hippomedon. Not needing to land, merely floating, but in a seated position with his legs crossed, Moon carefully observed the largest of them turn his head. Though hidden behind a large enough stone, his voice reached the female's own monotone in a conversation the young boy just couldn't follow. But his eyes were focused; he noticed when they indicated him at least. He studied their strange garb, noting it's color and texture, reminding himself that stealth meant ' to hide', and that these two would blend with the shadows. He looked down at his own light robes, his bright skin, his hair like a spotted swathe of forest.

The other two were looking at him. Wondering how to make their thoughts known to him no doubt. Moon pointed at the sky, at the separation that was night fast approaching, at the black rip erode sunlight in a slow wave. He covered his eyes with both hands, then stuck his tongue out at them.

And then he disappeared. He did not move away; he vanished, he un-existed, somehow a blank, his scales blanketed him in nothing or in everything. Only a shimmer gave away his upwards flight, his lurching along a rough trajectory, his coming to rest above them as a slowly shrinking sphere of barely seen glimmers.

As the darkness would fall, these shimmers would recede out of view completely, and Moon knew to follow his comrades, to protect them. To learn what he could without being seen.

[ΔᎶ€ŇŦ 𐍉𐌅 ṪḤΣ ṆḭṆΣ]

In that period of time Xur was collecting data on these two. He needed to understand them more. Yoko's response was quick and simple. That he understood. Although Moon was more of an artistic piece he has yet to finish analyzing. He watched him make his gestures. He was curious at first. Why he made them. But the very moment that he faded from existence Xur knew very much what this meant. He was pleased to be bale to witness this. The choice was now made. Accordingly Xur can not act upon that statement. "Very well then. Let us move along then." He said understandingly. The time they spent on this hopefully wouldn't take a long time. All in the means of taking care of the situation effectively of course.

In a quick jump of bodily movement Xur stood up quickly. Dusted his clothing then made sure Yoko was also well ready. After such observation he'd get a move on. Leaping shortly over the bush in front and landing on the water surface with ease. His body moved in a way, that spoke of his demeanor to stay discrete. His running pace was low to the surface, and quick. Heading straight for the town ahead, which would be across this watered over area. The sounds of his soles hitting the water was like any other, but his body moved as if the water wasn't there.

Like this was only another plane of land for him. Once he reached the town, he'd quickly hope onto the railing that guarded towns people from falling into the river. With this he would disappear into the black shadows that crested from the build in front of him. His hands and feet guiding his tall frame up the walls of this two story building, and onto the roof. He'd crouch there near the edge. Looking back in case he needed to help Yoko on top of her with him.

"We may observe from here. Spot a point of interest perhaps?" He would mention shortly after.

[Cadoc]

Covert operations were Yoko's forte, she was exceptionally gifted at them even by shinobi standards. The mission probably had more success if she was to just carry it out by herself, or at least that is what she thought. Instead, she was forced to remain with this strange fellow, while the other member of the team seemingly disappeared a rather troublesome ability. After all, how could she be expected to kill what she couldn't see?

Making use of a lifetime of training the youth advanced towards the objective, making no sound what so ever. As she glanced over her left shoulder towards [Xur] she made a small gesture indicating that he should pause. There was no need for his needless chit chat, they were far better off communicating with verbal actions alone.

[ΔᎶ€ŇŦ 𐍉𐌅 ṪḤΣ ṆḭṆΣ]

Yoko asked of him to not speak. This much, he could comply with. Not much of a reason to object really. He granted that wish. Instead he opted to observe the street below. Nine beings roamed this area. Three guards keeping a loose eye on the happenings. They had spent most of their day in some useless meeting so they were not fully up to working order yet.

One drowsily keeping himself at attention near a pub, while the other two just now crossed each others paths. One of the them walking down one side of the street with spears held vertically in their hands, while the other walked in the other direction on the other side. A Broadsword holstered on him. They only had shirts, that branded them low-level members of the Daimyo's Guard. Scouters if anything. Sent to keep an eye on the area, if the higher ups are busy. So they were out of their element. Their positioning poorly placed as far as Xur can see. He'd let Yoko know, but she gestured for him to be quiet. So he did in a literal sense. Didn't want to impose.

Out of the six left, they were all simply civilians looking to enjoy the night before they go off for bed. Two sitting at an outside booth to a cafe, while a group of three were talking down to the left. They were in earshot, and they were talking about nothing, but plans for the upcoming holidays so far. Trying to decide on a color for decorations. The other two civilians weren't socializing. One was having a smoke on the other side of the pub that the guard was stationed at. The other one was a woman handing off to what looked to be her home. A decent apartment, which is probably really nice for someone if it is only one resident. Open options here.

[Cadoc]

Tracking
Rank: "D"
Skill: Skill
Effect: Characters use this skill to follow the trail of animals and other persons.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Can be learned by an Animal. Tracking means the user found a trail if they gain the check, while failure means they did not. If user fails this initial skill check, they simply cannot find that particular trail. After finding a trail, further checks may be necessary depending on the situation. Darkness, falling rain/snow, a dust storm, moving from one terrain to another (such as from sand to rock), one trail splitting into 2 or crossing water are examples why a user might need another Tracking check. Look in Task Skills thread found in the Skills and Traits Index for more information. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

+2 to the rolls.

0/10 0/125

I could only imagine that there was a specific reason that the Hokage had issued the order for me to help on this assignment, perhaps it was my specialisation in the stealth arts, or perhaps my skill as a hunter? In fact, my history was littered with similar incidents now that I thought deeply about it. It was time to put my skills to the test once again, utilising my training as a hunter I attempted to decipher any tracks from the surrounding area.

While others might have bound ahead I favoured the more cautious approach after all stealth was the upmost requirement for this assignment. If we were able to determine that this area had been traversed by guards then we knew we needed to move away, similarly if it lacked markings we could assume that there were to be no further patrols through this region.

Lowering myself to the ground I lapped at the soil, in an attempt to determine if there were any foreign elements. I rolled the fragments of dirt around my mouth coating my palette in the earthy taste. I pondered internally, making no audible noise to my team as I considered my findings. Alas, I was unable to detect anything that would suggest a human had urinated on this particular patch of land, which was a good start to my investigation.

My hands lightly brushed through the surrounding shrubbery, in search of impressions. If only I were able to discover a lingering foot print. After all, a lot could be derived from the simplest of markings, the size of one's feet was often indicative of their height for example. A rough measurement of their gate could indicate the pace at which they traversed the ground, again indicating the importance of this passage.

Fortunately, my small search revealed nothing to indicate a human has passed through here in some time, discounting ourselves of course. There was, however, indication of wildlife, snapped twigs and disrupted moss indicated such. While a novice might discount this information it was in fact of paramount importance to our mission. You might ask why? Well, we can deduce from it that any nearby guard is used to hearing the odd animal noise, and hence forth our room for error should be increased. If they were by chance to hear the odd snapping twig they would presumably suspect an animal like a deer rather than a shinobi.

SPOILER: Click to show

Hunter
Rank: "C"
Skill: Heritage Trait
Effect: User was a great hunter and tracker.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User has +20 Skill points to divide as they wish among Botany, Herbalism, and Tracking. At each Class Level the user gain an additional +5 Heritage skill Points to place in any one of these skills. User gains +1 Heritage Points per die roll when learning the skill. User must choose in having +10 in Observation, or Tracking. User is comfortable in the wilderness. User also gains a +10 competence bonus on all Botany, and Tracking checks. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.

Eccentric Specialist
Rank: "C" Always 20 Training Points
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User is focused in an unusual area of study for a member of the user's profession.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Choose any 2 Skills. These skills the user may gain an extra +1 per die roll when learning the skill and the user gains a +5 insight bonus on all checks with these skills. The user can learn this technique multiple times. Its effects do not stack. Each time the user selects this technique it applies to a new set of skills.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous.

[Nekomata Minh]

Rolls Made

SP: 50/125
TP: +10

[Cadoc]

Observation
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: This skill focuses certain powers of observation - sight, smell, hearing, and touch.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Can be learned by an Animal. A failed check indicates that the character is oblivious until the thing is pointed out to him. This skill is important for ferreting out advancing enemies or ambushes, generally real-time events and actions occurring, versus scrutiny, which covers static objects or areas. A Game Master may roll an Observation skill check for a Character any time there is an NPC, monster, event or happening that a character might notice, even if he did not specifically state that he is monitoring his surroundings. Characters are capable of noticing any event within their perception. Observation reveals only facts, not motivation. If user has 25 or more Ranks in Evidence Analysis user gains a Synergy Bonus +10 to Observation. Each time learned user gets 1 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

+2 per dice

0/5 33/125

Yoko advanced through the undergrowth confident that she had identified a substantial weakness in the guard's defence strategy. Of course, the amount of noise the skilled youth made was minimal she was after all an expert in the stealth arts, which meant that she was well versed in hiding from all five senses. As she advanced she made a few gestures to her partner to advance along with her, indicating by pointing to a few sticks that wildlife had been through this area.

Whether or not her partner understood the meaning Yoko knew not, she did know however that the silence of this operation was imperative, so the male should have replied with a hand sign, rather than an audible response. As she advanced she surveyed the area for further clues of the enemy’s path, mindful that someone could be lying in wait a sniper of sorts. With this in mind, she masked her visage, shifting through the plants as if she was a spectre.

Upon advancing some thirty some meters the female stopped pausing for a brief moment to consider their options a vantage point could potentially afford them the ability to look inside the compound, but it wasn’t without its risks. She clambered to the top of this rocky outcrop confident in her own abilities to maintain hidden, signalling that her partner should remain at his current position this was after all a one person job, having an additional party up here only increased the risk and gave no clear advantage.

'Have the technique graded before continuing onto the next technique even if you are learning the same technique. (Except Skills: You may continue to post training for Skills).

'

[Cadoc]

Observation
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: This skill focuses certain powers of observation - sight, smell, hearing, and touch.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Can be learned by an Animal. A failed check indicates that the character is oblivious until the thing is pointed out to him. This skill is important for ferreting out advancing enemies or ambushes, generally real-time events and actions occurring, versus scrutiny, which covers static objects or areas. A Game Master may roll an Observation skill check for a Character any time there is an NPC, monster, event or happening that a character might notice, even if he did not specifically state that he is monitoring his surroundings. Characters are capable of noticing any event within their perception. Observation reveals only facts, not motivation. If user has 25 or more Ranks in Evidence Analysis user gains a Synergy Bonus +10 to Observation. Each time learned user gets 1 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

+2 per dice

0/5 33/125

From this point, she put her newly honed tracking abilities to the test, surveying the inner workings of the compound, the number of footprints, and their condition could be used to guesstimate the number of guards. She estimated that there was at least ten, and from other small indicators such as food stuffs laying about she was inclined to believe these were no regular guards. What need would they have for such exotic foods? Just as she was about to decent and report her findings there was movement…

One of the doors opened. A figure emerged from the room, her optics strained to make out his face, but the attire should have been evidence enough it was their target the Daimyo. As she carefully observed the figure's movements across the courtyard she became all the more sure that they had their man, it was something about his pace, these people all had a certain pace about them her time in slavery had quickly taught her how to discern someone's class from minimal information.

Carefully she descended from the rock down to the ground level and reported the findings to her comrade pressing herself close to his ear and delivering them via a whisper. It was time to wrap things up and go home. The youth carefully studied the male’s reaction as she did so, was he particularly pleased that she had ‘stolen’ the limelight or would he feel relieved that the mission was a success?

[Skulking Shinzu]

Rolls

+10 TP. Learned twice.
+64 SP.