Burden of the Emerald Empire (A Legend of the Five Rings Tale)
- Thread starter gman391
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- Leeds
No input on the write in? It seems to be doing what the Otomo do best.
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
There are two major invasions in near future. If "Otomo thing" instead of just movement of "restrain Emperor" losing cohesion would result in Clan Wars MK N it can seriously backfire.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
I did have input - thus the bit about "summon my emerald champion".
I assume that the various absurdly capable people in the Emerald Empire are reasonably competent. Thus, if the Otomo as they are could trivially crush this sort of rebellion, we wouldn't be fretting about it. For that matter, the Clans wouldn't have brought it. Also, we wouldn't be fretting about it, nor would our family. By extension, this isn't the blatantly obvious solve-everything plan. This is a "pick your suck" vote, so presumably there's some suck behind this one.
My personal read on the write-in is that the plan is risky. We basically have to put off the Clans long enough to start sniffing around and breaking up their coalition while they're entirely aware that that's what we're doing. We'll probably have to spend some political capital (and other resources) on pulling people out of the pack, but the bigger deal is that it might not work - and if the Clans hold strong on this one, we're back where we started, their coalition is stronger for having been tested, and we lose prestige because everyone knows that we tried to break them and failed. If there were simply no other tolerable options, I'd probably go for it, but for right now, I'm not feeling lucky.
- Location
- Dreiländereck
[x] Allow Kaneka to retire
[X] Do not accept. Her failure was not her fault
[X] Allow Kasuga Tenzan to redeem himself by committing seppuku
Uncle.
But that is politics for you, sausage making all around and with the QMs explanation of the option I feel reasonably ok with this.
[X] Do not accept. Her failure was not her fault
[X] Allow Kasuga Tenzan to redeem himself by committing seppuku
Uncle.
But that is politics for you, sausage making all around and with the QMs explanation of the option I feel reasonably ok with this.
[X] Allow Kaneka to retire
[X] Do not accept. Her failure was not her fault
[X] Allow Kasuga Tenzan to redeem himself by committing seppuku
[X] Do not accept. Her failure was not her fault
[X] Allow Kasuga Tenzan to redeem himself by committing seppuku
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
[X] Sirrocco
[X] Allow Kaneka to retire
[X] Do not accept. Her failure was not her fault
[X] Allow Kasuga Tenzan to redeem himself by committing seppuku
[X] Do not accept. Her failure was not her fault
[X] Allow Kasuga Tenzan to redeem himself by committing seppuku
The Otomo are still capable but their power has waned a great deal from the days of the Hantei. Which in turn makes them less adept at managing the Clans. This is due to a combination of factors.
1) A lot of them died over the previous 70 years. In the days before the coup, the Otomo could match the Doji for number of courtiers they can afford to distribute, and manage the Imperial Bureaucracy at the same time. But between the Scorpion Coup, a plague, and the loss of their greatest holding, they can't do that anymore. They can maintain the Bureaucracy or a courtier in every court, they've for the most part chosen the former as it's the main thing that has kept the Empire going in light of all the internal unrest.
2) Much of the power and legitimacy of the Otomo derived from their close kinship with the Hantei, most Otomo of note can trace their lineage back to one Emperor or another. These familial bonds enabled them to act without fear of reprisal should the Hantei decide it was a bad call. The Toturi by contrast have while maintaining a deep friendship with the Otomo, have yet to marry an Otomo into the family. (Naseru was slated too do so, but instead ended up marrying Ryoko)
3) The Otomo have been forced to expend much of their influence and treasure over the years just to stay a float, this means they don't have the reserves to react quickly to new things.
Meta OTL I suspect this is the main reason that the Lion/Crane and later Scorpion/Crab alliances were allowed to happen at all in universe. The Otomo had simply run out of gas and institutional support to keep doing that thing they do.
ITTL the Otomo are still active, but focused on the rebuilding efforts. Although I intend to have one attempt to become your kizoku.
So that informational stuff out of the way, let's have a tally.
1) A lot of them died over the previous 70 years. In the days before the coup, the Otomo could match the Doji for number of courtiers they can afford to distribute, and manage the Imperial Bureaucracy at the same time. But between the Scorpion Coup, a plague, and the loss of their greatest holding, they can't do that anymore. They can maintain the Bureaucracy or a courtier in every court, they've for the most part chosen the former as it's the main thing that has kept the Empire going in light of all the internal unrest.
2) Much of the power and legitimacy of the Otomo derived from their close kinship with the Hantei, most Otomo of note can trace their lineage back to one Emperor or another. These familial bonds enabled them to act without fear of reprisal should the Hantei decide it was a bad call. The Toturi by contrast have while maintaining a deep friendship with the Otomo, have yet to marry an Otomo into the family. (Naseru was slated too do so, but instead ended up marrying Ryoko)
3) The Otomo have been forced to expend much of their influence and treasure over the years just to stay a float, this means they don't have the reserves to react quickly to new things.
Meta OTL I suspect this is the main reason that the Lion/Crane and later Scorpion/Crab alliances were allowed to happen at all in universe. The Otomo had simply run out of gas and institutional support to keep doing that thing they do.
ITTL the Otomo are still active, but focused on the rebuilding efforts. Although I intend to have one attempt to become your kizoku.
So that informational stuff out of the way, let's have a tally.
- Location
- Leeds
Sounds like something to put on our to do list.
Year 2: Victory and Birth
You sigh. In spite of everything, you have to let your Uncle fall on your sword.
"Alright, we'll do it your way Lord Kaneka"
Kaneka nods. "Let me make a few notices first, I need to help pick my successor but, it will be done Tenno"
You turn to Akane.
"I have repeatedly asked you for great things, and you have failed, but it has never been through fault of your own, stay your blade Kitsuki-san. If there is anyone in my court to blame, it is that incompetent Kasuga Tangen."
"I'll have his seppukku offer within the week" Akane says.
You nod.
"Dismissed then, Uncle...thank you"
Kaneka gives a wry smile. "It'd be nice to retire...even if I'll miss the wife"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Year 2, Month of the Boar 3rd day
In retrospect, you probably should have considered that the your vassals would blink. Then you had been so used to them being iron willed, determined people who had forged their path through the chaos that it had honestly never occurred to you.
You wonder if it had occurred to your Uncle. A part of you suspects it had, and that his sacrifice had been a carefully planned gambit from the start. However, you had no proof on that, and it wasn't worth the trouble to bring it up. In the end you had won this political conflict decisively. When news had come out that Kaneka would rather retire than allow himself to become the heir, things had escalated quickly.
The careful political maneuverings that had united the Clans shattered between Kaneka's loyalists, and those in it for power. Kaneka's loyalists had no interest in an outcome where he wasn't poised to become the next Emperor, and thus had broken ranks in a mad bid to make sure the man stayed where he was. The unexpected turn around by the Unicorn had been particularly brutal as Akane and the Otomo exploited this split to its fullest.
The net effect had been that your laws had gone through, and the Articles of Heaven and Man, were now being distributed through out the land as ironclad law. Your magistrates even now were catching numerous people who had before hidden behind vaguely worded or confusing laws, it was in a word a magnificent thing. You hadn't even lost Kaneka, as you had been able to deny his retirement.
However, you were all together happy, even as you were musing over the replacement you had made for Kasuga Tangen. The fat man had actually managed a fairly decent gut cut, even if his second had acted far too quickly. In the end Akane and your mother had managed to find three people to potentially replace him.
In the end you had gone with the...
[] Bayushi (+5 to the Scorpion, -5 Crane, -5 Lion. No lock)
[] Otomo (No penalties)
[] Kasuga (No penalties)
Time would tell how they fit into things.
You're jolted out of your thoughts when Kanasuke runs into your office.
"My Emperor, the Empress...she has gone into labour." He says in a rush.
Your thoughts are knocked from your head. It's happening, at long last its happening, your child is being born.
Dear gods, you were going to be a father. You didn't know how to feel about this at all. Would they be safe? Would they be alive? Your mind goes around in a worry.
"My Emperor...do you wish to come wait with her?"
You look down at the now jumbled words you were writing, none of this makes sense, your train of thought ruined. Burning the letter, you nod.
In the Imperial birthing chambers, you see Horiuchi Shem-Zhe standing guard in the Crab fashion over the entrance way, no doubt he has already ensured every protection for your wife and child that he can think of. However it's a nice touch and will definitely reassure your mother.
Inside you see Kaname laid out on a futon, the midwives of the Seppun and Otomo busily helping and guiding her. You see your wife looking up at you, a slight smile that you are here for her. With little thought you kneel down beside her.
"I'm here." You say.
She nods.
"Thank you"
Kaname's pinches as she focuses inward. Another contraction? A midwife soothingly says that she is doing fine.
After a few moments, Kaname again focuses on you.
"Forgive me, I'm rather distracted..." she says.
You just shake your head.
"If there was any thing to be distracted by...what can I do?"
"My Emperor" an old woman speaks up. "Hold her hand."
You blush a little, but take Kaname's hand in yours, hoping that it helps.
Kaname manages a little smile before she again seems to look inward.
"...they aren't so bad..."
"Don't worry, you are in good hands" You say.
It feels lame even to you, but it's also all you can do. You've felt trapped before, unsure before, but the sheer level of inability to do anything, that's new. So you hold Kaname's hand and do what you can. At the prodding of the old woman, you simply talk, and try to keep things positive, talking about how you see your future child. How strong Kaname is to go through this. You just talk about things you'd like to do with your child, and all the things he or she will be able to do.
Hours pass as you babble, stopping to eat and drink as needed. Finally the contractions begin to quicken and intensify. Kaname's warm hand becomes a vice grip, as she tells you to shut up. So you do, and watch. Watch as your wife becomes slick with sweat and effort. Watch as the pain breaks through her self control and erupts in screams. Watch as the labour becomes harder faster.
Watch as Kaname alternates between prayers to the gods and swearing at you for doing this to her. Watch as nearly a day passes...and a final scream erupts from your wife as the last push comes.
Gingerly you squeeze her hand with your own now bruising fingers. You can see a flurry of activity as a swaddling cloth is brought forward, and your child is cleansed of the water, blood and other substances. Purified by shugenja prayers, and finally brought to you.
"It's a girl my Emperor"
"Hai..."
"She's beautiful isn't she?" Kaname whispers, sitting up to lean into you and look at your daughter.
"Hai"
Words catch in your through, this little thing, this baby, is your daughter, your heir, and suddenly the world feels much bigger than it did even a minute ago. Doing things for the Toturi had been abstract...doing things for your daughter...that couldn't be abstract at all. She was yours, and you couldn't help but think you'd fight the world for her sake.
"What's her name?" Asks the midwife.
"Her name is..."
[] Write in (Caveat, must be Japanese)
"Alright, we'll do it your way Lord Kaneka"
Kaneka nods. "Let me make a few notices first, I need to help pick my successor but, it will be done Tenno"
You turn to Akane.
"I have repeatedly asked you for great things, and you have failed, but it has never been through fault of your own, stay your blade Kitsuki-san. If there is anyone in my court to blame, it is that incompetent Kasuga Tangen."
"I'll have his seppukku offer within the week" Akane says.
You nod.
"Dismissed then, Uncle...thank you"
Kaneka gives a wry smile. "It'd be nice to retire...even if I'll miss the wife"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Year 2, Month of the Boar 3rd day
In retrospect, you probably should have considered that the your vassals would blink. Then you had been so used to them being iron willed, determined people who had forged their path through the chaos that it had honestly never occurred to you.
You wonder if it had occurred to your Uncle. A part of you suspects it had, and that his sacrifice had been a carefully planned gambit from the start. However, you had no proof on that, and it wasn't worth the trouble to bring it up. In the end you had won this political conflict decisively. When news had come out that Kaneka would rather retire than allow himself to become the heir, things had escalated quickly.
The careful political maneuverings that had united the Clans shattered between Kaneka's loyalists, and those in it for power. Kaneka's loyalists had no interest in an outcome where he wasn't poised to become the next Emperor, and thus had broken ranks in a mad bid to make sure the man stayed where he was. The unexpected turn around by the Unicorn had been particularly brutal as Akane and the Otomo exploited this split to its fullest.
The net effect had been that your laws had gone through, and the Articles of Heaven and Man, were now being distributed through out the land as ironclad law. Your magistrates even now were catching numerous people who had before hidden behind vaguely worded or confusing laws, it was in a word a magnificent thing. You hadn't even lost Kaneka, as you had been able to deny his retirement.
However, you were all together happy, even as you were musing over the replacement you had made for Kasuga Tangen. The fat man had actually managed a fairly decent gut cut, even if his second had acted far too quickly. In the end Akane and your mother had managed to find three people to potentially replace him.
- Kasuga Emi
-
Air Skill: 3
Favour: Discernment
Young scion of the Tortoise Clan, Kasuga Emi has had the good fortune to not been involved in Tangen's recent failures. Indeed she was the woman who was closest to managing to capture the traitorous Usharo off the coast of the Isles of Silk and Spice. It was only a sudden storm from a traitorous Yoritomo that stopped her. In the end she has proven herself to be a reasonably effective counter intelligence agent. Although preferring to look like a demure ingénue, rumour has it that she has personally killed over a dozen samurai found to be traitors to the Throne
- Otomo Kotaro
-
Air Skill 3
Favor: Balance
Young protege of the legendary Otomo daimyo, Hoketuhime. Kotaro has become something of 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
- Bayushi Sunetra
-
Air skill 4
Favour: Infiltration
While her looks belie it, Bayushi Sunetra has had a long and storied career in the courts of the night as they are termed, and even still takes to the field on occasion. She was a deciding influence in destroying the Shadowed Tower conspiracy and the Second Gozaku. Rumours abound that she even had something of a relationship with Toturi III, which may be true, but never proven. That said she is likely amongst the greatest spies that the Scorpion have ever produced. However, while she is somewhat loyal to the Toturi due to the association with Toturi III, it is well known that her loyalty to the Scorpion is stronger. Thus while no doubt quite capable of discovering everyone's secrets, how much of that will go to you is in question. Still her skills are incredible.
In the end you had gone with the...
[] Bayushi (+5 to the Scorpion, -5 Crane, -5 Lion. No lock)
[] Otomo (No penalties)
[] Kasuga (No penalties)
Time would tell how they fit into things.
You're jolted out of your thoughts when Kanasuke runs into your office.
"My Emperor, the Empress...she has gone into labour." He says in a rush.
Your thoughts are knocked from your head. It's happening, at long last its happening, your child is being born.
Dear gods, you were going to be a father. You didn't know how to feel about this at all. Would they be safe? Would they be alive? Your mind goes around in a worry.
"My Emperor...do you wish to come wait with her?"
You look down at the now jumbled words you were writing, none of this makes sense, your train of thought ruined. Burning the letter, you nod.
In the Imperial birthing chambers, you see Horiuchi Shem-Zhe standing guard in the Crab fashion over the entrance way, no doubt he has already ensured every protection for your wife and child that he can think of. However it's a nice touch and will definitely reassure your mother.
Inside you see Kaname laid out on a futon, the midwives of the Seppun and Otomo busily helping and guiding her. You see your wife looking up at you, a slight smile that you are here for her. With little thought you kneel down beside her.
"I'm here." You say.
She nods.
"Thank you"
Kaname's pinches as she focuses inward. Another contraction? A midwife soothingly says that she is doing fine.
After a few moments, Kaname again focuses on you.
"Forgive me, I'm rather distracted..." she says.
You just shake your head.
"If there was any thing to be distracted by...what can I do?"
"My Emperor" an old woman speaks up. "Hold her hand."
You blush a little, but take Kaname's hand in yours, hoping that it helps.
Kaname manages a little smile before she again seems to look inward.
"...they aren't so bad..."
"Don't worry, you are in good hands" You say.
It feels lame even to you, but it's also all you can do. You've felt trapped before, unsure before, but the sheer level of inability to do anything, that's new. So you hold Kaname's hand and do what you can. At the prodding of the old woman, you simply talk, and try to keep things positive, talking about how you see your future child. How strong Kaname is to go through this. You just talk about things you'd like to do with your child, and all the things he or she will be able to do.
Hours pass as you babble, stopping to eat and drink as needed. Finally the contractions begin to quicken and intensify. Kaname's warm hand becomes a vice grip, as she tells you to shut up. So you do, and watch. Watch as your wife becomes slick with sweat and effort. Watch as the pain breaks through her self control and erupts in screams. Watch as the labour becomes harder faster.
Watch as Kaname alternates between prayers to the gods and swearing at you for doing this to her. Watch as nearly a day passes...and a final scream erupts from your wife as the last push comes.
Gingerly you squeeze her hand with your own now bruising fingers. You can see a flurry of activity as a swaddling cloth is brought forward, and your child is cleansed of the water, blood and other substances. Purified by shugenja prayers, and finally brought to you.
"It's a girl my Emperor"
"Hai..."
"She's beautiful isn't she?" Kaname whispers, sitting up to lean into you and look at your daughter.
"Hai"
Words catch in your through, this little thing, this baby, is your daughter, your heir, and suddenly the world feels much bigger than it did even a minute ago. Doing things for the Toturi had been abstract...doing things for your daughter...that couldn't be abstract at all. She was yours, and you couldn't help but think you'd fight the world for her sake.
"What's her name?" Asks the midwife.
"Her name is..."
[] Write in (Caveat, must be Japanese)
Last edited:
- Location
- Should be a bit higher
[X] Otomo
"Her name is..."
[X] Minoru
Congratulations we have an Imperial Heir.
Let's hope this child "bears fruit" for the Dynasty and all...
"Her name is..."
[X] Minoru
Congratulations we have an Imperial Heir.
Let's hope this child "bears fruit" for the Dynasty and all...
- Location
- Leeds
Wow that Scorp.
God I'm tempted. If there were a lock I think I'd bite however as it is 5 relations and not certain loyalty is a fairly high price
[X] Otomo
God I'm tempted. If there were a lock I think I'd bite however as it is 5 relations and not certain loyalty is a fairly high price
[X] Otomo
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[X] Minoru
[X] Bayushi (+5 to the Scorpion, -5 Crane, -5 Lion. No lock)
[] Otomo (No penalties)
[] Kasuga (No penalties)
The Bayushi has 4 ranks in Air, which would make her the most skilled correct? Considering we are after a spymaster is the relationship penalty worth the extra dot in Air?
The Kasuga has already accomplished the job we would want for her by being a counter intelligence agent. (Plus continuing the tradition of choosing the Pretty lady. Also applies to the Scorpion.)
Leaning towards the Most Skilled considering we just demanded the "resignation" of the previous holder of the Office because he sucked so much at it.
[X] Bayushi (+5 to the Scorpion, -5 Crane, -5 Lion. No lock)
[] Otomo (No penalties)
[] Kasuga (No penalties)
The Bayushi has 4 ranks in Air, which would make her the most skilled correct? Considering we are after a spymaster is the relationship penalty worth the extra dot in Air?
The Kasuga has already accomplished the job we would want for her by being a counter intelligence agent. (Plus continuing the tradition of choosing the Pretty lady. Also applies to the Scorpion.)
Leaning towards the Most Skilled considering we just demanded the "resignation" of the previous holder of the Office because he sucked so much at it.
[X] Kasuga (No penalties)
[X] Minoru
[X] Minoru
- Location
- Leeds
Yeah but do you want the least loyal member of the council to be the spymaster.
Or to put another way have you ever played CKII?
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
Actually, I haven't played CKII, despite playing in quite a few quests modeled after the system.
And regarding the Least Loyal bit, One of the Council is always going to be the least loyal to us anyway.
Besides her having split loyalties is a price, but one I am willing to pay for having the most qualified candidate when we just had the last guy killed for incompetence already? Likely he wasn't fully loyal to us to begin with, considering how little he did his job.
On the fall of Kasuga Taigen.
Taigen is in many ways a man born at the wrong time. In any other era he would have served competently if without distinction, and perhaps been embarrassed by one or two scandals but never seriously failed in anything. Although an alright politician, he's found himself repeatedly out of his depth as people far better at the game than he ever was are playing and that's one of the key differences between Taigen in this timeline and the other. In OTL there were notable conspiracies, (which he failed to make much headway on) but he did eventually manage that crisis and achieve a position where in he was thought of as a decent place holder.
Here though, the conspiracy and shadow games never really stopped, and as such he's never really been able to get a handle on things, even as his agents are continually suborned, murdered or just blind sided. The man grew up as a petty thief and never really managed to transcend that mind set, settling for quickness over scope.
It's perhaps a trifle unfair to the man who master minded the Minor Clan Alliance, but then the Minor Clan Alliance seems to be a natural state of things at least to me, so I don't give him much credit for that.
So yeah, Taigen basically was just ill suited to be a spymaster in a time when you needed one.
Taigen is in many ways a man born at the wrong time. In any other era he would have served competently if without distinction, and perhaps been embarrassed by one or two scandals but never seriously failed in anything. Although an alright politician, he's found himself repeatedly out of his depth as people far better at the game than he ever was are playing and that's one of the key differences between Taigen in this timeline and the other. In OTL there were notable conspiracies, (which he failed to make much headway on) but he did eventually manage that crisis and achieve a position where in he was thought of as a decent place holder.
Here though, the conspiracy and shadow games never really stopped, and as such he's never really been able to get a handle on things, even as his agents are continually suborned, murdered or just blind sided. The man grew up as a petty thief and never really managed to transcend that mind set, settling for quickness over scope.
It's perhaps a trifle unfair to the man who master minded the Minor Clan Alliance, but then the Minor Clan Alliance seems to be a natural state of things at least to me, so I don't give him much credit for that.
So yeah, Taigen basically was just ill suited to be a spymaster in a time when you needed one.
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
...
He essentially was "safe" spymaster when you need competent one.
...
...
[X] Bayushi (+5 to the Scorpion, -5 Crane, -5 Lion. No lock)
- Location
- Dreiländereck
Yay, cute baby.
[X] Otomo (No penalties)
[X] Yuuki
I searched for female japanese names and I like this one. Depending on the Kanjiis used Yuu means excellence, superiority, gentleness, distant, leisurely while ki means hope, brightness or living.
If Iunderstood things correctly, it is past 1 am here.
[X] Otomo (No penalties)
[X] Yuuki
I searched for female japanese names and I like this one. Depending on the Kanjiis used Yuu means excellence, superiority, gentleness, distant, leisurely while ki means hope, brightness or living.
If Iunderstood things correctly, it is past 1 am here.