Zento City, Tokuno, Chesapeake (PaxLair Times) – January 10, 2012 – by Ashlynn – The conspirators finally made their move this past weekend when they attempted to assassinate the Empress of Tokuno as she gave her New Year Address to a gathered crowd.
The assassin managed to slip watchful guards and concerned person by disguising herself as a trusted handmaiden, fooling even the Empress herself in the process with a near-flawless disguise. The would-be murderer waited patiently for the right time to strike, choosing the moment people made their way back to their tables after the Empress signed each of their books. Using a blowpipe cleverly disguised as a shakuhachi, she struck the Tokunese monarch with a poison dart – the same terrible poison that was used against Jamison Tort not long ago.
Fortunately, Captain Gwen was on hand, disguised as the Empress’ personal yojimbo with an antidote for the poison on her person. But she too was struck in the eye by the assassin as she made a successful escape. It was only the quick thinking of onlookers that saved the lives of them both.
Though the plot was thwarted, it is entirely possible that the assassin may try a second time to kill the Empress. We can only hope that an increase in security is enough of a deterrent. The ability of the assassin to accurately impersonate others is of great concern and all should be vigilant for any signs of unusual behaviour even amongst friends and acquaintances.