The sun isn't shining when the servant rises you. The grey twilight that blankets the room feels eerie, the sun is trying to rise still, trying no doubt to have one last duel with the moon.
Slowly, you sit up, and wash your face in the bowl provided, and look over yourself. So young, even to your eyes, you are so young.
Yet, your father was dead now. Dying like a warrior in the end, so they tell you, for all his life was spent as a courtier. His sacrifice had brought low the army that had come to kill him, in turn allowing his rescuers to ride clear to the Carpenter Wall.
Carefully, you begin to put on the ceremonial robes that you need to wear for what comes next.
Your hands tremble a little as you think about it.
Your father had been the Emperor, the ruler of the Emerald Empire, the Steel Throne that had held it together for nearly ten years. Ten turbulent years that saw the Third Rise of Iuchiban, the Final Death of Daigotsu in that same conflict. The War of Rich Frog, the Mantis Civil War, and the War of Fire and Snow, even destroying the Second Gozaku Conspiracy. It had been a time to rebuild wracked by fractious Clans, supernatural disturbances, and everything else.
There was no doubt in your mind that you would hold an equally challenging rule, for all that you hoped it lasted longer than your fathers did. Ten years was not enough, not enough time to prepare you. You may have seen seventeen summers, and be full grown by most measures. Yet as the heavy weight of the ceremonial haori drapes over your shoulder, you know that you are still young by the measures of the Throne, even your father was in his twenties when took the throne. And he had helped defeat Daigotsu the first time and then the second.
For you, your mother once told you. Your father Toturi III known as the Anvil to some, had fought against the darkness and ruled an Empire all for you. Or so she said, but then, you weren't sure of that yourself. After all the number of times that you spoke to him could be counted on one hand. After what happened to the Hantei, well, there were very few limits that the Toturi had when it came to preserving their family. The Empire had rejoiced at your birth, but that only lasted until you could be weaned, then you disappeared. On the whole complaining about the small monastery in the mountains your father had found seemed ungrateful. Even if you only saw your parents rarely, they had given you a sibling soon enough so it wasn't that lonely.
But they had both been there for your gempukku, they had both been so proud of you. Father had even given you a smile, a real one through his one eye as he presented you the daisho that made you a Samurai in full.
Even at the time you got the feeling he didn't smile all that much.
A voice calls your name in the still grey early morning. Your mother, comes through the door into your chambers.
You turn and look at her, she was even now considered by most a beauty, even if she was older, you didn't see it though, that was your mother….
[] Otomo Hoketuhime, mistress of all she surveyed and consummate politician, with her husband she had wielded unmatched power in the courts. It's no surprise that you too had a little of that skill within you. (+1 Air)
[] Daidoji Kaihime, a mind as devious as it was expansive. The only woman it was said to have ever gotten the better of both the Yasuki and Ide Merchants at the same time. Yet she was also kind tending to the needy as she could. You might be a novice compared to her, you did learn something from her. (+1 Water)
[] Shinjo Haruko, the fastest blade west of Kyuden Kakita by most accounts, and the one time she did spar with you, you could barely move before her blade was at your neck. While not quite her speed, you did inherit some of her skill in martial matters (+1 Fire)
[] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[] Asako Mayu, a shugenja and mystic of the void, she sees and understands more than you thought possible, although you certainly tried to keep up with her all the same. That attempt left you with more knowledge than most. (+1 Void)
"Okaa-sama" You say with a bow.
She smiles softly.
"Are you ready? The ceremony begins in an hour"
"As ready as I'll ever be." You say, putting on the last of your clothes.
Take a deep breath, that's what sensei taught you when you're nervous. But how are you going to stop being nervous, when you...you are going to become the ruler of the Emerald Empire.
It's too much for someone your age...but you are the Imperial Heir, so you will do it.
Sensei taught you that much, and a few other things. You aren't entirely sure how your father convinced a Kenku to teach you, but the strange mystical crow man had been very thorough, you had learned all the knowledge that a samurai, a ruler would need. He categorized it according to the five elements and you kept that mental categorization even now. Sensei had said that you showed potential for…
[] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air) [] The Ways of Creation, of building and ordering things. (+1 Earth)
[] The Ways of War, of conflict and ingenious tactics. (+1 Fire)
[] The Ways of People, of economics and healing. (+1 Water)
[] The Ways of Magic, of the elements and the heavens. (+1 Void)
It had been extremely tough for you, he worked you into the ground every day, over and over again but you had learned, and your father had duly said you were as capable an heir as he could ask. Then he had asked you to stay and watch over your siblings, you had reluctantly agreed to do so. Focus you tell yourself and walk out of your quarters towards your destiny. Your mother beside you.
The Palace is eerily quiet as you walk through it, the luxurious opulence is something you have to get used to after living most of your life in the mountains. But somehow you think you'll manage.
The Throne room is immense at least to you, the banners of every single clan decorates the walls. Underneath those banners sewn into the same fabric are the mon of the various families that make up the clan. The fact that your mon, your banner stands at the top of the room, and covers all four walls, is a not so subtle reminder that your family the Toturi is the Imperial Line, you rule the Emerald Empire from the Steel Throne.
Speaking of the Steel Throne, you see it sitting almost lonely at the far end. It's stark pragmatic look, out of place with the slowly building artistry that litters the lower half of the walls underneath the banners. Countless artisans compete to make their mark here to be remembered for all time hopefully.
You look to the side seeing the Grand Abbot, the nominal head of the Brotherhood of Shinsei standing on your left along with the the High Abbots. These Eight monks represent the spiritual guidance of the Empire at large for all that the samurai caste places the shugenja above the Brotherhood. The fact is that Spiritual Advisor of the Throne, Seppun Kiharu, is also the Grand Abbot, so the point seems moot.
To your right, stands your uncle, Kaneka, Shogun of the Imperial Legions, and the heads of the Imperial families. The witnesses to your ritual ascension to the Throne.
Twenty steps ahead of you are the Imperial Regalia, each item symbolizing a part of your duties as Emperor
The Sword of the Righteous Emperor, daisho of your father. Symbol of your duty to protect the Empire from without.
The Fan of the Oracles the gift of your grandmother. Symbol of your duty to protect the Empire from within.
The Mirror of the Heavens the last link to the old Hantei dynasty. Symbol of your duty to maintain the balance between the higher realms and your own.
These three sacred relics, are what legitimize you as ruler of the Emerald Empire. Without them, you could not sit on the steel throne.
You take your daisho off handing it to Kiharu, and walk forward, slowly moving into a kneeling position before you can kowtow, resting before the objects, as the windows in the roof open to let the sun shine into the throne room.
You stay like that for an hour waiting for Lord Sun to give his blessings, just as you will wait tonight for Lady Moon to give her blessings.
The feeling of your heart beats are the only thing keeping you company, as you continue to wait, uttering the ritualistic prayers meant to beseech the Heavens to bless your ascension and to grant you legitimacy.
Suddenly twin voices boom, one male, one female. You can feel warm light and cool light running up your outstretched hands to rest on your head into a strange sensation of both warm and cool at the same time.
"I YAKUMO, LORD OF THE SUN, WITNESS AND CONSENT TO YOUR ASCENSION TO THE IMPERIAL THRONE"
"I HITOMI, LADY OF THE MOON, WITNESS AND CONSENT TO YOUR ASCENSION TO THE IMPERIAL THRONE"
Mixing as one the voices continue, you've never been more terrified in your life really.
"THE HEAVENS BLESS YOU SCION OF THE TOTURI. RISE AS THE FOURTH OF THAT NAME!"
You can't really deny the most powerful Fortunes there are, you rise taking the Sword of the Righteous Emperor, and Wakizashi of the Toturi and placing it at your waist. Taking the Fan of the Oracles and placing it beside your chest. Finally holding the Mirror of the Heavens up to reflect the moon and sunlight back. Showing your acceptance of them forever.
The light disappears, and you walk to the Steel Throne and sit, the silence is deafening as you see your court at the far side.
Kaneka is the first to speak.
"HAIL THE NEW EMPEROR HAIL! LONG MAY THE TOTURI REIGN! HAIL TOTURI THE FOURTH!"
His shout is carried by the other witnesses. You still have to present yourself to the people, but you are now the Son of Heaven, Toturi the Fourth, and you shall never hear your birth name spoken in public again. Now you will be addressed as Mikado, Tenno, Heika, or another august title. But, you still remember your name, and when the time comes for you pass into the next world, they will remember that you were Toturi….
This quest will take place over a period of twenty in game years. In general each year represents between 3-4 updates and revolves around managing some event or crises. These events can be purely personal such as your heir turning out to actually not wanting to be the heir, all the way to 'Hell has invaded and the living envy the dead'.
With each event, you will be presented by your Imperial Council and other affiliates with solutions to the problem. These solutions will typically be organized into five themes based on the elements of the Emerald Empire. Air, Earth, Fire, Water and Void. There is no perfect solutions and even good ones come with the chance of failure.
In general:
Air options focus on diplomacy or subterfuge
Earth options focus on legal and Infrastructure based solutions
Fire options focus on military or inventive solutions
Water options focus on mercantile or medical solutions
Void focuses on magical or spiritual solutions.
This is why each option comes with costs, these costs are not gold or resources. Rather they are opportunity and opinion. All eyes in the Empire are on Toturi IV, and each clan will have a preferred solution to a problem. Choosing a solution they do not like will inevitably lessen their opinion of you. While choosing one they do like, will make them more positively inclined towards the Emperor. The measure of this like or dislike is covered more fully in the 'Clan Rating Section'
In addition to the associated costs, there's also the chance of failure. Once an option is picked, the QM rolls a number of d10s equal to the elemental rank of whichever elemental option was picked and the Associated Councillor Skill Rank. So picking an Air option would use the Air Elemental Rank and the Air Councillor's Skill rank.
These dice explode on roll of 10 and may explode any number of times, provided it continues to land on 10.
After the dice are rolled, a number of dice equal to the Elemental Rank is kept.
So as an example if Air=3 Skill=3. 6d10 is rolled= 7,1,4,3,8,6. The three highest dice are 7, 8 and 6 so those are kept, and the rest are discarded. Giving a final result of 21.
The result of this roll is then compared to the difficulty of the option proposed. (This is included in the initial presentation of the options) If the result meets or exceeds this difficulty then your choice worked. If it fails, well that means you have to try something else and deal with the fallout of your failure
Elemental Ranks are based on the Emperor who will slowly grow into the roll. Skill ranks are provided by the Councillors you choose.
However, these ranks are not static, pick one type of option over and over, and naturally the Empire gets better at using that form of problem solving. The number of choices needed to increase an elemental rank is equal to the elemental rank*4. This does not count pass or failures, only the number of choices made.
So in math
(4*Current Elemental Rank) of Elemental Options=Elemental Rank Upgrade
As a practical example
If the Fire Elemental Rank was 2. You would need 8 Fire Actions, to level the Fire Elemental Action to 3. To level it to 4 you would need 12 more fire actions, and so on.
Skill Ranks have a different growth curve. Like Elemental Ranks they grow by choosing an element that's associated with that Councillor. The formula for their growth, is 2*Current Skill Rank. However, only successful actions count towards their growth.
So in math
(2*Current Skill Rank) of Successful Elemental options=Skill Rank upgrade
As a Practical Example.
Air Councillor has a skill of 3. He (She) will need 6 successful Air actions to get a skill of 4. The Councillor will then need 8 successful Air actions to get a skill of 5.
Skills come with masteries, at rank 3, 5, and 7 a character will get the following masteries: +2k0/Free raise/+0k1. Characters apply their rank 3 mastery depending on the option being right for their trait. (Traits are small tags that differ counsellors for each other. In general they should be self explanatory.) Balanced characters gain a blanket +1k0 to their actions instead of 2k0.
Imperial Council
No man is an island, and the Emperor does not rule alone, but through a picked body of people who provide both information and challenges. They also contribute to the Element Rank of the Emperor. There are five main council positions, and three others that only come into play during certain crises. The main positions are all associated with a general element. These Positions are:
Emerald Champion:This councillor is in charge of the Law and the maintenance of the realm. Thus the associated Element for this position is (Earth)
Imperial Advisor: This councillor is in charge of the courts and managing the various political maneuverings of the Empire. Thus the associated element is (Air)
Jade Champion: This councillor is responsible for the spiritual health and well being of the Empire. Thus the associated element is (Void)
Imperial Treasurer: This councillor is responsible for ensuring taxation and money flows through the realm. Thus the associated element is (Water)
Shogun: This councillor commands the military might of the Empire, at the direction of the Emperor of course. Thus the associated element is (Fire)
While the Champion positions are typically chosen by tournament. (Meaning the QM will roll to decide who you get) The other positions are by appointment, and you will have options to choose from. These choices will have a general character outline, what elemental rank they benefit, and which Clans want them to have the position.
The Situational Positions are
Dowager Empress (Varies, typically Earth)
Empress (Varies, typically Water)
Kizoku (Spy Master) (Air)
Topaz Champion (Varies, typically Fire)
Imperial Heir (Varies, typically void)
Turquoise Champion (Air or Void)
Amethyst Champion (Air or Earth)
While these are important, (particular the Empresses and the Heir) They will substitute in only when an event warrants it. As before Champion positions are obtained by tournament, but you may choose the others. Although Imperial Heir will default to your nearest living blood relative until, such a time as you have multiple children.
Clan Ratings
This brings us to the Third major mechanic of the game. Clan ratings.
Clan Ratings are given to each clan and updated at the end of the year with the score card. This rating determines how much the Clan likes you or dislikes you. This scale goes from 0-100. With higher numbers being better. In general you can think of it like this
100: The best Emperor ever and we love him
90: The Emperor is truly benevolent towards us
80: The Emperor has been very good to us
70: The Emperor is a trusted ally of the clan
60: The Emperor is a decent friend
50: The Emperor is to be respected, no more no less.
40: The Emperor has ruled somewhat against what we like
30: The Emperor is not our friend, but not a hated enemy either
20: The Emperor is against us, this must be stopped.
10: The Emperor is our enemy
0: The Emperor has to be stopped
If the Clan rating goes to zero, it will do something drastic, although what that is varies from clan to clan, it is never positive for Toturi IV. There are certain things such as appointing a Clan Member to your Imperial Advisors, or arranging a marriage between the Toturi and a Clan that can hard lock a Clan Rating for a number of years. Meaning that until those years are up, that Clan will never have a Clan Rating lower than what it is hard locked to. However, breaking a marriage or firing an Advisor has the opposite effect. When making this choice, you will be told how long and to what rating the Clan is hard locked.
Foreign Power Mechanics
The wide world beyond the Emerald Empire will not stay silent forever. When it comes to the Imperial doorstep, it must be dealt with one way or another, the wish to go into isolation may be strong, but not always practical. With this mind, other Empires have three ratings.
Opinion Rating which works more or less along the same scale as that of the Clans (100 is good, 0 is bad)
Military Rating, a measure of military ability compared to the Emerald Empire.
Economic Rating, a measure of relative wealth compared to the Emerald Empire
This is along a five point scale Going from weakest to strongest
Pitiable: This Empire barely even has an economy or a military
Poor: This Empire is feeling cash strapped or has few armies, but it survives for now
Average: Neither especially better or worse compared to the Emerald Empire
Strong: Doing better than the Empire but not unbelievably so.
Incredible: Much stronger than the Emerald Empire in a very potent way.
Dynasty Mechanics
When I the QM call for a pregnancy roll, a player may then do the following:
Roll a d10. If you get a 9 or higher, a child is made. You gain a +1 bonus for each 3 month period you try to make a child. (So if you tried for a year to get a kid, by the end you'd have a +4 to the roll)
If you roll a 10, reroll, if it lands on another 10 its twins.
If a child is made roll another d10. Evens it's a boy, odds its a girl. (In the case of twins repeat this)
Shugenja potential will be rolled by me when your child is born.
Example
FunkEdgemaster sees my request for a roll
He rolls 1d10 and gets 9 (So one child)
He then rolls another 1d10 and gets 5 (Thus it's a girl)
FunkEdgemaster is then done rolling.
Second example
DanceMagicFlame sees my request for a roll, now the playerbase has been voted previously to try for a child but failed, so they currently have a +1 bonus
She rolls a 1d10 and gets 8, with the +1 that equals to 9 and that means that a pregnancy happens
She rolls another 1d10 and gets 4 (thus it's a boy)
DanceMagicFlame is done rolling
Third Example
WolfWindNinja sees my request for a roll. As before the playerbase has voted to try for a child
She rolls a d10 and gets 9, the +1 turns it into a 10
She then rolls another d10 and gets 10 again, this means you have twins on the way.
She then rolls a d10 for each child getting 2 and 8, so it's twin girls.
WolfWindNinja is done rolling
(Source Seung Chang Hong)
Tsuruchi Etsuko/ Favours: Reform
Earth Skill: 3
Personality: Originally a bounty hunter by trade. She was known as one of the best hunters in the northern half of the Empire with a startlingly ability to find anyone and the pin them to ground with a well placed barrage of arrows. Revealed as a skill warrior, she tends to follow the new forms of society believing that just as each spring brings renewal and change, so must each dynasty. An honest soul, her cheerful demeanor belies the fearsome reputation she has gained.
Shogun
Hida Ginchiyo
Fire Skill: 5 Favour: Defence
Personality: Born of a common Hida couple. Ginchiyo forced herself through the ranks on sheer drive and skill. Intensely focused and loyal, she has spent time training with the famed Kaiu and Akodo when it comes to defending ground. One of the early success stories of the Toturi Legion reforms. Ginchiyo is determined not only to repay the Toturi back but carve out the Shogun position for good.
Jade Champion Champion
Horiuchi Shem-Zhe
Void Skill 3. Favours: Reform
Personality, a quiet young man with a tremendous gift in the kami and true genius for blending the ways of Meishodo or name magic with the more traditional elemental magic. That said he has for several years served as Moto Chagatai's personal problem solver in matters regarding magic, and done well for himself. A pacifist at heart, he wishes to find a way to prevent more orphans in the Empire, while at the same time protecting everyone. To that end he has become a skilled shugenja and well versed in matters of theology and investigation.
Imperial Advisor
Doji Yuriko
Skill 4 Diplomacy
At twenty five summers, Yuriko is stepping into the role of Imperial Advisor largely on the strength of her mediation between the Phoenix, Crane and Scorpion a few years ago which drew the notice of Kitsuki Akane, who quietly recruited her into the Imperial Bureaucracy and set her a number of tasks, largely working to contain cracks in the Minor Clan Alliance to the benefit of the Empire as well as soothing tempers as the legion was expanded. While young she has a wealth of contacts and an infectious charm that sees her making inroads everywhere, her favourite tactic is to use art to draw people together. Preferring deflection and circumspection to blunt directness she is often taking advice on the best method going forward.
Imperial Treasurer
Yasuki Chitose
Skill 4: Growth
The young great grand niece of Yasuki Taka, Chitose graduated her gempukku a few years ago. And quickly found herself overseeing a large portion of Sundan Mizu province for the Yasuki by dint of her talent for finding other like herself who were young and eager to prove their worth and cultivating them. Through this she created a sophisticated network of villages and cities who would supply her and her lords well in the War of Stolen Fortresses, being the key reason that the Crab simply didn't stall out due to the loss of their main supply base. Talented she would duel another young prodigy in the Daidoji economically for several months.
A gifted people person who makes deep connections, it's known that she tends to favour a slow and steady approach to things.
Imperial Commissioner
Togashi Shiko Air 4, Balanced
It is rare for the Togashi to involve themselves in the political process of anything, rarer still for them to actually excel at it. Shiko despite her name appears to most as a very soft if perplexing woman who is fond of jokes and riddles, in many ways she is too open, too obvious for many to consider her a canny manipulator.
Which is perhaps why she is, as she smoothly but quietly worked in the background of the Foreign ministry overseeing a thousand minor details while ensuring that others could work to their utmost, it was she who first spotted the heresy, she who figured out that the Zanji had jade, and she who wrote the first tract against their faith. Always just out of sight, Shiko like many Togashi favours a balanced approach to the outsiders, it is folly to turn them completely away, it is equally folly to invite them in. She seems to have a particular fondness for the few remnants of the Yobanjin that survived Toturi Sezaru's Last Sacrifice
Otomo Kotaro
Air Skill 3
Favor: Balance
Young protege of the legendary Otomo daimyo, Hoketuhime. Kotaro has become a spy master in the Otomo, having adapted traditional Otomo methods to the new lack of resources, he is capable of both offensive spy operations and defensive. Although it is unrecorded for obvious reasons. Some suspect that he is the man behind the continued unrest that the Lion face within their own ranks, but nothing has been proven. What is known is that under his direction Toshi Ranbo has found itself cleansed of a number of conspiracies. From a personal level, he employs a cool but broad charm, always willing to endure an insult to repay it, and perhaps most importantly, is utterly loyal to the Imperial Throne.
Akodo Takeshi
Your younger brother and newly ascended champion of the Lion. While the bonds of family are strong indeed. Long training by the Matsu, Akodo, Ikoma and Kitsu have instilled the Akodo adage of 'Every Lion is my brother' quiet strongly.
Empress
Toturi no Matsu Kana
Skill 3 (Void)
The newly chosen Empress, Kana comes to throne several years after the deceased Empress Toturi Kaname. Dedicated to the Empire and her husband, the young woman seeks to make up with pure willpower and guts what she lacks in particular refinement. A gifted priestess of the kami she's known for using her gifts to help whoever needs it. Time will tell if she can begin to approach the place of the former Empress
Heir
Toturi Minoru, your daughter had originally intended to school at the famed Kakita Academy under the master artisan Doji Aoshi, currently best friends with another Doji and a precocious scamp. Having decided to fulfill a promise, she's currently in the mysterious Kawa forest with her friend learning from a Kenku instead, one wonders where she got her reckless behavior.
Daughter
Toturi Yuina, your second daughter and Ishiken, it almost seems like she knows you already some days. A sleepy teenager, her white hair has whispers of her great uncle's famed talent with the mystical void magic. She currently travels along the Southern Coasts and Isles of Silk and Spice. Considered a full Ishi now, she's not as powerful as the famed Sezaru, but far more stable.
Concubine
Shosuro Ayumi
Relationship: Love
Air 3
History: The granddaughter of exiles to the Burning Sands, Ayumi was trained in the courtly ways of the Bayushi and show exceptional skill for it at a young age. Melding this with the physical training of her birth family she became a potent and active force in a number of minor courts. When it came time for the Empire to move against the Burning Sands, she volunteered, going into the deserts to learn and collect information for the Empire. It was her skills that saw the discovery of the Golem Factory, and she now is offered again, a woman with exception abilities and understanding of the Burning Sands. For several years she served as Hisao's eyes and ears to the outside world. After a disastrous attack on the Imperial Advisor was framed on the Scorpion she prepared herself to die, when Hisao instead put all his faith and trust in her, Ayumi began in turn to fall for him. This she kept secret for several years until a sin sword compelled her to confess. In the aftermath she became the Emperor's first and so far only concubine.
The Twins: Kouya and Kaya
Your adorable twins toddlers by your Concubine Shosuro Ayumi.
While young, Kouya and Kaiya are a handful going by the noise they make. Very close to each other they're very athletic. Still quite young it remains to be seen who they'll grow into but it seems likely that they will be bushi of some sort.
Foreign Powers
Yodotai
Head of State: Leonid Heraclius
Envoy: Angelos Cyril
Opinion: 0 (At War)
Military: Impressive
Economy: Poor
Senpet
Head of State: Tiu CXXV
Envoy: Ahmes of Lurant
Opinion 40
Military: Average
Economy: Strong
Pelmyrians
Head of State: Tsar Vladimir the Iron Fisted
Envoy: Bogadana the Golden
Opinion: 40
Military: Average
Economy: Poor
Naga Tribes
Head of State: High Lord Qatol
Envoy: Dashmar the Ambassador
Opinion: 60
Military: Strong
Economy: Weak
Ivory Kingdoms
Head of State: Padishah Purugupta
Envoy: Kavita of House Zaman
Opinion 40
Military Power: Strong
Economic Power: Strong
Zanj
Head of State: Liberator Abenet Yessuf
Envoy: None
Opinion: 20
Military: Impressive
Economy: Average
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] Nobi
Edited to do wind cus veekie
Currently voting for earth mother because administrative skills might matter, but honestly water might be an equally good choice. Or water instead of wind. idk.
But wind + earth covers both the social aspects and admin aspects of the emperor role.
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
[X] Shinjo Haruko, the fastest blade west of Kyuden Kakita by most accounts, and the one time she did spar with you, you could barely move before her blade was at your neck. While not quite her speed, you did inherit some of her skill in martial matters (+1 Fire)
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
At some point we will have a L5R unicorn quest, even if in this case it is our mother. Plus having the Unicorn with good starting relations is always good. Lion will fall in line due to duty and honor, so being able to call on the other major military clan is a good thing (Crab are too tied to the wall).
Oh and the Fire will help as Emperors are targets, plus the Shadowlands always threatens.
[X] Otomo Hoketuhime, mistress of all she surveyed and consummate politician, with her husband she had wielded unmatched power in the courts. It's no surprise that you too had a little of that skill within you. (+1 Air)
[X] The Ways of Creation, of building and ordering things. (+1 Earth)
[X] Hisao - meaning long lived man(Here is hoping he is *winks*)
If anyone has questions about mechanics, please tag me and I'll try to answer.
Right now the tally looks like...bit of a mix on the mother, but a strong preference for Ways of Court
Adhoc vote count started by gman391 on Jun 12, 2017 at 9:36 PM, finished with 8 posts and 4 votes.
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] Nobi
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
[X] Shinjo Haruko, the fastest blade west of Kyuden Kakita by most accounts, and the one time she did spar with you, you could barely move before her blade was at your neck. While not quite her speed, you did inherit some of her skill in martial matters (+1 Fire)
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
[X] Otomo Hoketuhime, mistress of all she surveyed and consummate politician, with her husband she had wielded unmatched power in the courts. It's no surprise that you too had a little of that skill within you. (+1 Air)
[X] The Ways of Creation, of building and ordering things. (+1 Earth)
[X] Hisao - meaning long lived man(Here is hoping he is *winks*)
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] The Ways of Creation, of building and ordering things. (+1 Earth)
So... long-term it behooves us to specialize, but not too hard.
[X] The Ways of Creation, of building and ordering things. (+1 Earth)
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] Nobi
From an entirely gamist perspective, though, short-term, doubling up on element pick gets us more effective exp right now, and it gives us a solid go-to element for when things get dicey. We don't really know what our advisors are going to look like, other than Kaneka (who's pretty solid), so we can't really pick based on that (unless we want to go the all-fire route and start the game with 8k4 to our Fighting People stat. Personally, I like building. I'd probably go earth/water/wind for the trio, but let's start with earth.
Side note: the Mantis are down at 20. We might want to do something about that
[X] Shinjo Haruko, the fastest blade west of Kyuden Kakita by most accounts, and the one time she did spar with you, you could barely move before her blade was at your neck. While not quite her speed, you did inherit some of her skill in martial matters (+1 Fire)
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
[JK] Theodore
[X] Hisao - meaning long lived man(Here is hoping he is *winks*)
[X] The Ways of Creation, of building and ordering things. (+1 Earth)
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] The Ways of Magic, of the elements and the heavens. (+1 Void)
[P] Fu-Leng
No sir, that name is not suspicious at all
Nay mah magic, come on people Let's play magical boy emperor, you know how fun that will be
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
From an entirely gamist perspective, though, short-term, doubling up on element pick gets us more effective exp right now, and it gives us a solid go-to element for when things get dicey. We don't really know what our advisors are going to look like, other than Kaneka (who's pretty solid), so we can't really pick based on that (unless we want to go the all-fire route and start the game with 8k4 to our Fighting People stat. Personally, I like building. I'd probably go earth/water/wind for the trio, but let's start with earth.
Side note: the Mantis are down at 20. We might want to do something about that
From an entirely gamist perspective, Air is the social ring and we all know that the most important thing for the Emperor to do is manage courts and keep all the clans at each others throats but not quite tearing them out.
[X] Otomo Hoketuhime, mistress of all she surveyed and consummate politician, with her husband she had wielded unmatched power in the courts. It's no surprise that you too had a little of that skill within you. (+1 Air)
[X] The Ways of Creation, of building and ordering things. (+1 Earth)
Inserted tally
So looks like no one is winning in names. But clear majority on wanting to be a Kaiu baby. I blame Winged Knight. Currently there is a tie between Air and Earth for your second stat boost. So I'll keep this open a little longer.
Adhoc vote count started by gman391 on Jun 13, 2017 at 1:33 AM, finished with 18 posts and 11 votes.
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] Shinjo Haruko, the fastest blade west of Kyuden Kakita by most accounts, and the one time she did spar with you, you could barely move before her blade was at your neck. While not quite her speed, you did inherit some of her skill in martial matters (+1 Fire)
[X] Otomo Hoketuhime, mistress of all she surveyed and consummate politician, with her husband she had wielded unmatched power in the courts. It's no surprise that you too had a little of that skill within you. (+1 Air)
[X] Kaiu Ryoko, The Architect some call her, given her ability to build most anything anywhere and make it last, you're inclined to agree with them. While you never could quite follow what she said in her letters about math and such, you did pick up some of it, making you a skilled steward in your own right. (+1 Earth)
[X] The Ways of Court of subtlety and communication. (+1 Air)
[X] Hisao - meaning long lived man(Here is hoping he is *winks*)
Your name was...you suppose it did not matter now. You were Tenno, Heika the Mikado and Ruler of the Emerald Empire. Blessed by the Sun and the Moon themselves, you were meant for great things. While in your heart you would always be Hisao, the name your father gave you in hope you'd live up to it. You'd never had the heart to change it even with your gempukku. That didn't matter now, in time perhaps a favoured advisor or partner might utter your name again...but you did not think that likely. So best to get used to being called Tenno or Heika or whatever.
You look out from the Steel throne at your assembled vassals. In this room were the most powerful men and women in the Empire. At their command tens of thousands fought and died, at their command countless peasants lived and prayed, and naturally they all hate each other. Hida Kuon master of the Crab, legendary berserker who grew up fighting against all comers. Doji Domtai, the fierce lady of the Crane who was raised a warrior first but has embraced the Crane with all her heart. Togashi Satsu, enigmatic ruler of the Dragon, what he knows is much less important than how he says it. Ikoma Otemi, the reserved regent of the Lion, seeking to give the best to his young lord. Yoritomo Naizen a raging storm of power and ambition, being a Great Clan is not enough for him. Shiba Tsukimi, the compassionate warrior of the Phoenix who sought peace in a land that refused to grant it. Bayushi Paneki a cunning man who had wrestled with not one but two different conspiracies that spanned an Empire and came out the victor. Last but hardly least was Moto Chagatai the Khan of the Unicorn whose sheer will and courage had seen him carve out a place for the Unicorn in blood and sweat.
All of the were legends in their own way, and yet now they were to bow to you.
You are a fair hand at people, and find their hidden interests all too apparent.
In an over complex nexus of war, the Ikoma Otemi and Doji Domotai both regarded Togashi Satsu and Hida Kuon with distaste due to their ongoing wars with each other. Hida Kuon was half glaring at Bayushi Paneki and Domotai over his wars with both of them.
So right as you took the throne four of your vassals were already at war. While a truce might be called for your coronation, dealing with that will be among the first things on your agenda. While it might be enough just to tell Satsu to apologize for seemingly at random attacking the Crane, same for Paneki and his assassination attempts on Hida Kisada. The Third Yasuki War would prove your greatest challenge...at least you hope it is. What kind of madman hopes for a greater challenge than solving a near thousand year old feud?
Turning your gaze over to the rest of your vassals, you remember why you started with the simple ones first. Moto Chagatai and Yoritomo Naizen, Khan of the Unicorn and Champion of the Mantis, both looked at you with frustration, their burning ambition chafed at being commanded by a child. At least according to them. That you were blessed makes their frustration all the more palpable as it seems the Heavens themselves are telling the pair to fall in line.
Which left Shiba Tsukimi, Champion of the Phoenix as your only vassal that did not begin with a problem...naturally you expected the Elemental Council to somehow screw that up for her and you. That was after all the Phoenix way as Sensei used to tell you.
Hida Kuon grunts and is the first to advance to in front of the dais and kow-to before you, with far more respect than most would expect. But then, you are Crab too after a fashion.
"Mighty Tenno, I Hida Kuon, Champion of the Crab, pledge my Clan, my Honour to your service, what would you have me do?"
This is long established ritual, borrowed from the Hantei.
"Lord Hida Kuon, I see the strength of Hida-no-kami in you, I command you to defend our lands against the foulness of Jigokou, and to rule my people well."
"Thank you Tenno, it shall be as you command." Kuon says.
He gets up and retreats back to the others.
Completely unwilling to be upstaged by a Crab, Doji Domotai advances next. Her graceful movements a counterpoint to the rolling rock that is Hida Kuon. She too commits kow-tow. A distant part of you laments that she is married.
"Magnificent Heika, I Doji Domotai, Champion of the Crane, pledge my clan and my honour to your service, what would you have me do?"
"Lady Doji Domotai, I see the grace of Doji-no-kami in your form. I command you to use that grace for as my left hand and to rule my people well."
"Thank you Heika, it shall be as you command." she says.
Domotai raises and returns to the rest of the group still standing away from Kuon.
If Domotai was graceful, then Paneki is silken in his movements. What political calculation compelled him to go next, you are unsure.
He approaches, and making sure that no one but you can see him, he removes his mask and kowtows to you.
"Gracious Mikado, I Bayushi Paneki, Champion of the Scorpion, pledge my Clan, and my loyalty to your service. What is your command for me?"
"Lord Bayushi Paneki, I see the cunning of Bayushi-no-kami in your eyes. I command you to use that cunning as my underhand against all threats, and rule my people well"
"Your will is done Mikado" Paneki says, rising and placing his mask back on.
As he returns, you glance over the five remaining, you expect Chagatai and Naizen will be last to pledge fealty. However, will Tsukimi or...okay then it's Satsu.
Togashi Satsu approaches the throne and kowtows not once but three times.
"Wise Tenno, I am Togashi Satsu, Champion of the Dragon Clan, I pledge my clan and my honour to your service. What is your will?"
"Lord Togashi Satsu, I see the wisdom of Togashi-no-kami in your words. I command you to use that in pursuit of the truth, and wisdom."
Satsu openly breaks decorum by smiling at you before returning back to his place in the crowd. Did he intentionally decide to stand near Domotai? Hmm...might be more to that war than you thought.
Ikoma Otemi steps forward, walking with rigid precision as he kowtows.
"Righteous Tenno, I Ikoma Otemi, on behalf of my charge, pledge the Lion Clan and my self to your service. What is your command?"
Here the ritual shifts. While Otemi doubtless has some blood of Akodo-no-kami in him, he is not a Champion truly.
"Lord Ikoma Otemi, I accept your pledge and away the day when your charge is ready to present himself. I command you to take care of the Lion and your charge to the best of your ability."
"It will be done Tenno" Otemi intones.
Tsukimi steps forward next. Like Satsu she kowtows herself three times. While not the graceful movements of Domotai or Paneki, there is something...sincere in her movements, that you have not grasped in others.
"Holy Mikado, I Shiba Tsukimi, Champion of the Phoenix, bring the Pledge of the Elemental Council and myself to your service. The Phoenix is at your command, only speak the words." She says.
"Lady Shiba Tsukimi, the piety of Shiba-no-kami still shines in you today. I command you to seek the ways of Heaven and to rule over my people well. Let the Council know that I accept their pledge."
Tsukimi raises seemingly happier than anyone else to have you on the throne. Now why would that be? You have brought peace of course, but your brother could have done that too...more questions.
Your eyes turn to Chagatai and Naizen. They both seem to be preparing themselves. Their reluctance could be spun as a good and bad thing...but regardless you suspect both will be head aches in the future.
Chagatai steps forward, his strength tensing along his body as he kowtows himself to you.
"Khan of Khans, I Khan Moto Chagatai come before you to pledge the Unicorn and my own horse to your sevice. What is your command?"
You project as best you can.
"Khan Moto Chagatai, I accept your pledge, I see the strength of the desert in you. I command you to bring justice to the outside world as it is needed and to rule my people well."
"As the Khan of Khans commands" Chagatai says.
You have no reason to believe he is anything but sincere, and yet, you know that he had to fight hard with himself to put that out there, even with the blessings of the heavens. Father did not leave you a united Empire that is for sure.
Naizen doesn't quite sigh as he approaches and kowtows in the appropriate spot.
"Triumphant Heika, I Yoritomo Naizen, Champion of the Mantis Clan, pledge my clan and myself to your service. What order do you have for me?"
"Lord Yoritomo Naizen, the determination of Yoritomo-no-kami burns brightly in you. I order you to master the waves for me, and to rule my people well."
"As you wish Heika" He says.
You can all bit feel the relief coming off your uncle as Naizen retreats. The eight Champions kneel before you. Now ritual falls away and you must make your will for the Empire as a whole known, this is your first official decision of your reign, better make it a good one. Still you have thought of this and you will speak about...
[] The need to rebuild the courts and ensure that the ways of diplomacy again become the primary means by which the Empire solves its disputes (57% chance to succeed. +5 to Crane and Scorpion, -5 to Lion and Crab)
[] The need to rebuild the ruined infrastructure of the Empire. To repair not only the roads and other buildings, but also reinforce the laws and law keepers (85% chance to succeed. +5 to Phoenix and Scorpion. -5 to Unicorn and Mantis)
[] The need to rebuild the Imperial Legions so that when the next world shattering crisis occurs, your armies can meet it head on before anyone else suffers. (43% chance to succeed. +5 to Lion and Crab. -5 to Phoenix and Crane
[] The need to focus on ensuring that once again people and goods can move freely and grow without plagues or other disturbances. To once again have the realm prosper. (29% chance to succeed. +5 to Mantis and Crane. -5 to Scorpion and Dragon
[] The need to rebuild the connection of the people to the heavens. To purify ruined lands and construct new temples to the Fortunes. (29% Chance to succeed. +5 to Dragon and Phoenix. -5 Mantis and Lion)
Yoritomo was named a Fortune, (Of Determination) in this timeline and thus gets the title. Rumours that Toturi III only did this to placate the Mantis are spurious heresy.
[X] The need to rebuild the ruined infrastructure of the Empire. To repair not only the roads and other buildings, but also reinforce the laws and law keepers (85% chance to succeed. +5 to Phoenix and Scorpion. -5 to Unicorn and Mantis)
Yoritomo was named a Fortune, (Of Determination) in this timeline and thus gets the title. Rumours that Toturi III only did this to placate the Mantis are spurious heresy.
(Source Seung Chang Hong)
