Burden of the Emerald Empire (A Legend of the Five Rings Tale)
- Thread starter gman391
- Start date
- Fantasy
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[X] You will debate Hagaos yourself, in the coming week you will prepare, challenge yourself, and when a week passes you will make that man eat his words with your own.
Time to have the Brotherhood of Shinsei give Hisao a cram review course.
Time to have the Brotherhood of Shinsei give Hisao a cram review course.
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place
Somebody import popcorn
- Location
- Moon-Station
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place
Sirrocco
Pedantic
So... the first thing I notice is that we have the same Void as Shem-Zhe.
The second thing I notice is that we are Emperor, and we have declared that any priest of the Zanj who enters our border dies, and he defies that edict.
Simply by demonstrating that he can openly defy the edict, and having us permit him to do this thing, he wins points. Further, if we play by his rules, he cannot lose. There's no way we'll convince him, and the only audience he'll have is our people.
He's... basically making the same play he did last time, cranked up a notch. He's using his control over the flow of jade to try to coerce us to give him access to our people, so that he can convert them. He's also the high priest of an expansionist religion. He's never going to stop trying to convert us. It's not in him.
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
- Having Shem-Zhe lose a debate is less meaningful than having the Emperor lose the debate, and letting him poke Shem-Zhe and learn about him is less important than him being able to learn the same things about us.
- I strongly suspect that whatever technique he is using to be present here doesn't leave enough of him available that he *can* be trapped and killed. The sword of an honorable samurai was woefully insufficient, and that's actually a pretty high bar in Rokugan. If we can do this thing, then I want to (the word of the Emperor is law) but if we can't, then trying and failing when we could not possibly succeed gains us nothing, and just makes him look good. (Making the attempt and failing where there was a meaningful possibility of success is still worth it, as it drives home to him the idea that flouting our law is not safe for him. If it *is* safe for him, though....)
- A big part of his payoff here is getting an audience, and being able to convince them to follow his God, or at least consider it. There is absolutely no reason for us to give him this thing. You only hold public debates when you have something to win by it. There's nothing for us to win here. He has no influence currently in Rokugan. I see no reason to give him the chance to get any. We will be there to hear what he has to say, and if the Emperor Himself is not enough audience for the man...?
Thoughts? This is just the first response that I came up with. Even if there's nothing inherently wrong with it, I'm sure it could be further refined.
The second thing I notice is that we are Emperor, and we have declared that any priest of the Zanj who enters our border dies, and he defies that edict.
Simply by demonstrating that he can openly defy the edict, and having us permit him to do this thing, he wins points. Further, if we play by his rules, he cannot lose. There's no way we'll convince him, and the only audience he'll have is our people.
He's... basically making the same play he did last time, cranked up a notch. He's using his control over the flow of jade to try to coerce us to give him access to our people, so that he can convert them. He's also the high priest of an expansionist religion. He's never going to stop trying to convert us. It's not in him.
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
- Having Shem-Zhe lose a debate is less meaningful than having the Emperor lose the debate, and letting him poke Shem-Zhe and learn about him is less important than him being able to learn the same things about us.
- I strongly suspect that whatever technique he is using to be present here doesn't leave enough of him available that he *can* be trapped and killed. The sword of an honorable samurai was woefully insufficient, and that's actually a pretty high bar in Rokugan. If we can do this thing, then I want to (the word of the Emperor is law) but if we can't, then trying and failing when we could not possibly succeed gains us nothing, and just makes him look good. (Making the attempt and failing where there was a meaningful possibility of success is still worth it, as it drives home to him the idea that flouting our law is not safe for him. If it *is* safe for him, though....)
- A big part of his payoff here is getting an audience, and being able to convince them to follow his God, or at least consider it. There is absolutely no reason for us to give him this thing. You only hold public debates when you have something to win by it. There's nothing for us to win here. He has no influence currently in Rokugan. I see no reason to give him the chance to get any. We will be there to hear what he has to say, and if the Emperor Himself is not enough audience for the man...?
Thoughts? This is just the first response that I came up with. Even if there's nothing inherently wrong with it, I'm sure it could be further refined.
- Location
- Bulgaria
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
@Sirrocco
Slight clarification. The Hantei declared that any foreigner who enters into Rokugan is to be killed on sight, so this isn't a new edict. Granted Toturi modified it to allow for invitations and the Naga to exist. But the fundamental rule of no foreigners is from centuries back. Hisao was very emphatic that the rule still applied to the Zanj though.
Slight clarification. The Hantei declared that any foreigner who enters into Rokugan is to be killed on sight, so this isn't a new edict. Granted Toturi modified it to allow for invitations and the Naga to exist. But the fundamental rule of no foreigners is from centuries back. Hisao was very emphatic that the rule still applied to the Zanj though.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
The Miharu/Hidden Guard are the Seppun elite shugenja group meant to handle all of your supernatural defending needs. Technically no one is supposed to know they exist hence the name In practice the Master of the Hidden Guard is typically one of the most powerful Shugenja in Rokugan and thus they've been noticed as a thing. Hard to keep a low profile when blasting oni as it were.
- Location
- Virginia
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
overmind
Ruler of the Swarm
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
- Location
- Leeds
We must have punishments between nothing and seppukku.
[X] You are no priest, thus you will ask Horiuchi Shem-Zhe to debate in your place.
-[X] Have the Hidden guard attempt to discern how he is achieving his projection, and if there is enough of him here to actually trap and kill him. If there is, and they can, have them do so. You warned the Zanj. You really did. If there is not, then attempting when there is no chance of success is all cost and no benefit.
-[X] You will attend this debate, along with your guard, and whoever is necessary to attempt to learn the secrets behind his technique. Other than that, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are to be emptied. There will be no other audience.
Winter Court XIII: The Quiet Debate
Month of the Rat 27th day
The sun shone brightly as the cool winter winds blew away the clouds. The snow seemed to dance in the wind as you stood in the central courtyard. Beside you Horiuchi Shem-Zhe say on a small stool over a large cauldron of water as he prayed through his own ways for guidance from the Fortunes and the Kami in this coming debate.
If you didn't show up, Hagaos would just preach to everyone there and lay bare your own inability to stop him. If you did, you gave them that one thing they had wanted several years ago. However, as per your usual idiom, you had decided on the third option. You had arrived but you would not debate him, indeed you would be showing your back to him the entire time and allowing Shem-Zhe to take the lead.
You had also emptied the courtyard and the surroundings of any spectators. Only the Hidden Guard surrounded the area, and behind you Isshin stood looking grim.
"It's noon, he said under the light of the sun...he might well be more powerful at this time" Isshin says.
Shem-Zhe looks up from his cauldron. "Regardless the kami stand ready, we've spoken to those where you met him first. If we are correct, then the lashes that the guard prepare should catch him."
There's a silence then as a flash of flame appears in front of you. It crackles as great stone ropes erupt from the ground and wrap around the flame seeking to tie the fire down and snuff it out. More and more stone moves directed by the Miharu, and it seems like their power is enough.
And then a single arm emerges from the fire through the web of stone and touches one strand then another, with each touch an ashen symbol appears and the stone crumbles.
The web collapses, and Issaos Hagaos, walks out with a smile.
"That was a good one Toturi! But you cannot chain down the fires of freedom so easily!"
You just scowls a little.
"Iuchi-san I leave it to you." You say and turn around.
Hagaos doesn't say anything, but you want to imagine his chagrin, that he knows you've beaten him this time.
Instead he says.
"Even a single life brought to freedom brings joy the Creator of Light and Shadow. Iuchi Shem-Zhe thank you for listening to me."
"You will not thank me Hagaos when I prove you wrong." Shem-Zhe says.
"Many have tried to douse the flame of liberation in my chest my friend. I hold no ill will. Even a single ember becomes a great flame in time. Did you wish to open or shall I?" Hagaos asks.
"You may go first." Shem Zhe says.
"Very well, I invoke Yehem, may he bless us this day and guides us to the truth his bright light." Hagaos says.
"With in the heart of every man, every woman, every child burns a need, a sacred need to be free, to follow their own path, to make their own choices. We all feel it deep inside. To be our own masters to rule ourselves not in the name of distant ones who do not care for us, but in for us. For the people around us that we so love. In the name of this freedom Isatu came to us with the words of Yehem. With these words my people cast off their bonds, they became free, free to chose their own way, free to live and love, free to escape the bond of a dark world and transcend to an eternal paradise of light.
Tell me then what does the way of Shintao offer? Cycles upon cycles of death and rebirth where in you are punished for things you cannot even remember doing how is this fair? You hope, hope, that you follow enough things well to some day be allowed to one heaven, not the original, but one set aside so that we humans never tread on the feet of gods, can you truly say this is just. You who sacrifice so much receive so little for your devotion?" Hagaos finishes.
Shem Zhe listens.
"You speak of the freedom we all desire, you speak of the need to make our own way, to make our path, and how your god freed you from slavery. Then you ask how it is fair that we must go through the wheel to have a chance at heaven. How we are to be punished for things we do not even recall doing.
"Nonsense. The nature of a soul does not change so easily and we have always learned better from the burned hand then the gentle admonishment. Every life teaches and purifies the soul, every life has us grow and change to become better, stronger. Yes some lives are worse than others, some lessons are more painful than others, but that is true of anything. The gods do not hold our hands or presume us to be mere children incapable of attaining enlightenment on our own. Instead we are taught how, given a path, and all can reach it if they try. You speak so reverently of freedom, because you fought for it, you struggled for it. We fight for and struggle for enlightenment and transcendence and through this way we receive a reward greater than any paradise of light, a paradise of the soul that cannot be taken away." Shem Zhe says.
"And what of those who by your teachings are trapped forever in the realms of hell? They are abandoned because there is nothing to be done for them. Yet your gods do nothing about this. They do not seek to make it so they can escape at some point." Hagaos asks.
"Even there escape is possible it takes time but it is obtained with your own effort. You speak of freedom, but no freedom is universal. You are not free to be a monster in your own lands, you are not free to do what you will. If there is a universal need for freedom, then there is also a universal need for order, for duty. One that your people acknowledge." Shem Zhe says.
"Freedom comes only with integrity, of stoking your fire without consuming another, from that the need for hearths comes. Order only exists to keep the freedom intact, where as yours exist only to smother it out."
"Order is the only thing that keeps us safe from the madness that infests the south."
"Or is it the only thing stopping you from truly overcoming it? You think only in the past, not seeing the future potential."
"You do not know them if you think that allowing our passions unchecked would do anything but damn us all. It was passion that the Lady of Blood used to attack our people, whatever the Zanj endured, it is not equivalent to what we endure. You have not fought the demons we have, the Senpet are but children compared to the monsters we face. Our gods created our way so that we could survive and thrive. Where was your god then?"
Hagaos says nothing for sometime.
"I had assumed the tales of the South were overblown, but I will have to go see them myself before I answer your challenge my friend. I concede this round to you."
With that another flash of light and you turn around. Shem Zhe sags a little as he sits back on the stool putting his hand in the freezing water and smiling.
"What happened? I thought we had him." You ask.
"It seems we planned for fire and air but not for void, combining fire and void is not usually possible. I will have to ask the Agasha about it. Give me sometime and I can track him down" Shem-Zhe says.
"I have been informed" Isshin says. "That the Miharu are also willing to go, and bring this criminal down allowing the Jade magistrates to focus on other things."
[] Task Shem Zhe with it
[] Task the Miharu with it.
AN: Still not happy, but time's a wasting. This will be the last post of
The sun shone brightly as the cool winter winds blew away the clouds. The snow seemed to dance in the wind as you stood in the central courtyard. Beside you Horiuchi Shem-Zhe say on a small stool over a large cauldron of water as he prayed through his own ways for guidance from the Fortunes and the Kami in this coming debate.
If you didn't show up, Hagaos would just preach to everyone there and lay bare your own inability to stop him. If you did, you gave them that one thing they had wanted several years ago. However, as per your usual idiom, you had decided on the third option. You had arrived but you would not debate him, indeed you would be showing your back to him the entire time and allowing Shem-Zhe to take the lead.
You had also emptied the courtyard and the surroundings of any spectators. Only the Hidden Guard surrounded the area, and behind you Isshin stood looking grim.
"It's noon, he said under the light of the sun...he might well be more powerful at this time" Isshin says.
Shem-Zhe looks up from his cauldron. "Regardless the kami stand ready, we've spoken to those where you met him first. If we are correct, then the lashes that the guard prepare should catch him."
There's a silence then as a flash of flame appears in front of you. It crackles as great stone ropes erupt from the ground and wrap around the flame seeking to tie the fire down and snuff it out. More and more stone moves directed by the Miharu, and it seems like their power is enough.
And then a single arm emerges from the fire through the web of stone and touches one strand then another, with each touch an ashen symbol appears and the stone crumbles.
The web collapses, and Issaos Hagaos, walks out with a smile.
"That was a good one Toturi! But you cannot chain down the fires of freedom so easily!"
You just scowls a little.
"Iuchi-san I leave it to you." You say and turn around.
Hagaos doesn't say anything, but you want to imagine his chagrin, that he knows you've beaten him this time.
Instead he says.
"Even a single life brought to freedom brings joy the Creator of Light and Shadow. Iuchi Shem-Zhe thank you for listening to me."
"You will not thank me Hagaos when I prove you wrong." Shem-Zhe says.
"Many have tried to douse the flame of liberation in my chest my friend. I hold no ill will. Even a single ember becomes a great flame in time. Did you wish to open or shall I?" Hagaos asks.
"You may go first." Shem Zhe says.
"Very well, I invoke Yehem, may he bless us this day and guides us to the truth his bright light." Hagaos says.
"With in the heart of every man, every woman, every child burns a need, a sacred need to be free, to follow their own path, to make their own choices. We all feel it deep inside. To be our own masters to rule ourselves not in the name of distant ones who do not care for us, but in for us. For the people around us that we so love. In the name of this freedom Isatu came to us with the words of Yehem. With these words my people cast off their bonds, they became free, free to chose their own way, free to live and love, free to escape the bond of a dark world and transcend to an eternal paradise of light.
Tell me then what does the way of Shintao offer? Cycles upon cycles of death and rebirth where in you are punished for things you cannot even remember doing how is this fair? You hope, hope, that you follow enough things well to some day be allowed to one heaven, not the original, but one set aside so that we humans never tread on the feet of gods, can you truly say this is just. You who sacrifice so much receive so little for your devotion?" Hagaos finishes.
Shem Zhe listens.
"You speak of the freedom we all desire, you speak of the need to make our own way, to make our path, and how your god freed you from slavery. Then you ask how it is fair that we must go through the wheel to have a chance at heaven. How we are to be punished for things we do not even recall doing.
"Nonsense. The nature of a soul does not change so easily and we have always learned better from the burned hand then the gentle admonishment. Every life teaches and purifies the soul, every life has us grow and change to become better, stronger. Yes some lives are worse than others, some lessons are more painful than others, but that is true of anything. The gods do not hold our hands or presume us to be mere children incapable of attaining enlightenment on our own. Instead we are taught how, given a path, and all can reach it if they try. You speak so reverently of freedom, because you fought for it, you struggled for it. We fight for and struggle for enlightenment and transcendence and through this way we receive a reward greater than any paradise of light, a paradise of the soul that cannot be taken away." Shem Zhe says.
"And what of those who by your teachings are trapped forever in the realms of hell? They are abandoned because there is nothing to be done for them. Yet your gods do nothing about this. They do not seek to make it so they can escape at some point." Hagaos asks.
"Even there escape is possible it takes time but it is obtained with your own effort. You speak of freedom, but no freedom is universal. You are not free to be a monster in your own lands, you are not free to do what you will. If there is a universal need for freedom, then there is also a universal need for order, for duty. One that your people acknowledge." Shem Zhe says.
"Freedom comes only with integrity, of stoking your fire without consuming another, from that the need for hearths comes. Order only exists to keep the freedom intact, where as yours exist only to smother it out."
"Order is the only thing that keeps us safe from the madness that infests the south."
"Or is it the only thing stopping you from truly overcoming it? You think only in the past, not seeing the future potential."
"You do not know them if you think that allowing our passions unchecked would do anything but damn us all. It was passion that the Lady of Blood used to attack our people, whatever the Zanj endured, it is not equivalent to what we endure. You have not fought the demons we have, the Senpet are but children compared to the monsters we face. Our gods created our way so that we could survive and thrive. Where was your god then?"
Hagaos says nothing for sometime.
"I had assumed the tales of the South were overblown, but I will have to go see them myself before I answer your challenge my friend. I concede this round to you."
With that another flash of light and you turn around. Shem Zhe sags a little as he sits back on the stool putting his hand in the freezing water and smiling.
"What happened? I thought we had him." You ask.
"It seems we planned for fire and air but not for void, combining fire and void is not usually possible. I will have to ask the Agasha about it. Give me sometime and I can track him down" Shem-Zhe says.
"I have been informed" Isshin says. "That the Miharu are also willing to go, and bring this criminal down allowing the Jade magistrates to focus on other things."
[] Task Shem Zhe with it
[] Task the Miharu with it.
AN: Still not happy, but time's a wasting. This will be the last post of
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
[X] Task the Miharu with it.
I want Shem Zhe ready to respond to whatever catastrophe happens. The Miharu can take this chance to redeem their honor.
I want Shem Zhe ready to respond to whatever catastrophe happens. The Miharu can take this chance to redeem their honor.
- Location
- Leeds
[X] Task the Miharu with it.
- Location
- Moon-Station
[X] Task the Miharu with it.
- Location
- Bulgaria
[X] Task the Miharu with it.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[X] Task the Miharu with it.
Hello. I have been gone a week. Back now.
Hello. I have been gone a week. Back now.
Might I trouble you to tell us how this sentence was supposed to end?
Winter court. Man I'm lazy this month
Year 14: Young and Old
14th Year of Toturi IV's Reign, Month of the Hare, 24th day. (Early Spring)
The return from the City of Rich Frog had been both more and less eventful than you'd hoped. More because you just as you had stopped in at Shiro Akodo briefly to see your brother, his wife had gone into labor, leaving you as the proud uncle of a young boy that had wailed so loudly it had woken the entire keep up. At least that is what they're saying. You don't think that little Nazeru was quite that loud, even if you did hear it yourself. Still you're happy for them, even if it meant delaying your own journey by a few days. Maybe this will finally make them stop fighting.
A part of you really doubts it.
While that part was fine, the fact that your Miharu still hadn't found Hagaos...annoyed you immensely. They said they would have him soon, but promises were while not worthless, significantly less concrete than one would think given the tenet of sincerity in Bushido.
All of which brings you here to your council meeting. The first one since Akane had passed. The Imperial Council goes through the routine of prostration, and acceptance before rising. You, Noritoshi and Shem-Zhe all share a glance. When had you all gotten old? The three newest members of the council not a one of them was over thirty summers if that.
With a mental shrug you decide to ignore that your father had had graying hair before even reaching your age. Granted he had died the next year but...enough of that time to focus.
"Doji-san, shall we begin?" You ask.
Yuriko nods.
"The Maiden's Court was a success in many ways, while the Unicorn and Lion are unlikely to ever be true friends, their relations have thawed from the experience and both they and the Minor Clans are gratified about your decision to choose the newest Minor Clan to visit. "Minato of the Catfish Clan has said that he hopes you can visit him soon."
Ah Minato, you should check in on him one of these days. Eh, he's probably fine.
"I see so a success, and of my message to the interested parties?"
Yuriko takes out a fan unfolding it to hide her blush.
"It is known that next winter court will involve a competition for your hand my Emperor. Bayushi Paneki-san has yet to reply to this particular plan but there's no reason he won't be amenable to it. The prestige alone is good for his clan, a debut of sorts."
Ginchiyo snorts.
"As if we need reminders of the Scorpion."
"Hida-san" Yuriko says lowering her fan to fix Ginchiyo with an intense stare. "Please don't interrupt."
Ginchiyo is about to say something, but Noritoshi and Shem-Zhe join with Yuriko, and the Hida seems to back down.
You give a slight nod. Hida Ginchiyo is from Kotaro's reports absolutely brilliant in warfare and the troops seem to fear and love her in equal measure. But her political instincts...that was something you'd have to have someone beat into her. Your uncle might get through to her, the hero worship the Hida woman had for him was no secret.
Filing that thought away, you raise a hand for Yuriko to continue.
"On some what less personal but still important news for the Empire. It seems that Togashi Satsu-san has stepped down after his injuries, there was a time when it seemed that he would recover but... he has appointed Mirumoto Kei-san as his successor, while not traditional, and thus technically within the Imperial remit. Togash-san has asked you grant this citing the need for the Togashi to focus on integrating the Hoshi and Hitomi orders." Yuriko says.
You search your memory.
"Mirumoto Kei, she made a name for herself in the War of Rich Frog yes? And Later during the War of Silk and Steel?" You ask.
"Hai, Togashi-san would know more of her than I but her record shows a dutiful, strong woman with a proven track record as leader of the Mirumoto." Yuriko answers.
You look at Shiko.
Shiko shrugs a little.
"Ask a man who has not been to the ocean in three years what its like and he'll tell you clear as day what he remembers, whether the ocean is still like that, well that's a different question. Mirumoto-sama will be a fine champion, but will gaze north as Togashi-dono did." She says.
You think for a moment, and can't come up with a reason to deny Kei the championship even if you could, there's no point.
"My assent is given. Other business Doji-san?"
"Moto Chinhua-san went to the Scorpion winter court this year, stole a ride from us she did, seems to have hit off quite well with Bayushi-san, I can encourage this, or discourage it if the Emperor wills." Yuriko says.
Its clear she wants to encourage it, equally clear that it might not be in your best interest. Ninjas don't exist, but you definitely don't want ninja horses to become a thing in the imagination either.
"I see, Kakita-san?"
"I hate to be the boor who repeats the same song at every party." He glances to see if either of the Crab take the bait, but they don't.
"But I must once again bring up the matter of Otosan Uchi. While the peasants are beginning to fill it up again flowing in from Eight Wheel City, there is no official law in there, the Tortoise are doing what they can, but they lack the numbers to adequately do anything without the Great Clans providing support. Naturally no one wishes to provoke you without orders to interfere. Given that the prohibition on bringing armies to the Capitals is still in place" Nortioshi says.
"So we have left that Otosan Uchi is liable to become another Zayko Toshi if nothing is done, and for the old capital to become that...I apologize my Emperor, but it is wrong. I request permission to withdraw the Emerald Legion from its normal duties to invest and bring law back to the city. This will be a project that takes some time, so we will have to recruit more Magistrates." He finishes.
"Should we not just decide the matter of Otosan Uchi? If it is to be invested as an Imperial City granted it to one of the Imperial families, and send the Imperial Blessing there." Ginchiyo says.
"The Imperial Blessing is not to be used on Imperial lands by the order of Hantei XI, there were concerns after that particular crisis" Noritoshi says.
You frown.
"What happens if we leave it."
Noritoshi trembles. "I cannot guarantee the sanctity of the Forbidden City if we leave it." he says simply
Chitose speaks. "Ano...I have plans drawn up to begin explorations in the Spine of the World to try and find Jade mines...but I believe we should shelve it if things are that dire."
You look at her with a raised eye. Noritoshi seems torn between being grateful, and the fact that a Yasuki is helping him. On the one hand you do want Jade away from those....Zanj. But Noritoshi's prediction of the Forbidden palace being desecrated brought it's own worries.
Shem-Zhe shrugs. "I can continue work on missionaries without putting everything into it, but...I expect them to step things up after what happened." He says. Neither advocating for himself or Noritoshi.
Ginchiyo waves a hand.
"The Imperial Legion is strong, but I intend to begin fortification of the Jewelled City this month one way or another." She says.
Shiko looks at her strangely.
"Burrowing into sand does not make the seagull look away, but draws other clams to their doom. From what was said last, little has changed, but the other Powers will require Hida-san to work with them to achieve what she wants, meaning the Emperor must give assent to achieve it..."
[] Work to encourage the Scorpion Unicorn alliance and keep it from ruffling too many feathers. TN 25 (+5 Unicorn, Scorpion, -5 Lion, Crab)
[] Recall the Emerald Legion and settle the matter of Otosan Uchi once and for all. TN 25 (No positives or negatives, unlocks further choices)
[] Fortified the Jeweled City. TN 30 (+5 Crab, Lion, -5 Crane, Unicorn)
[] Survey the Spine of the World to find a Jade Mine. Variable TN +5 Scorpion, Crab, -5 Phoenix, Dragon
[] Prepare for the next missionary effort by the Zanj. TN25 (+5 Phoenix, Dragon, -5 Unicorn, Crane
AN: Old colours no longer available on new SV makes me sad, hopefully the new ones grow on me. Hope you guys enjoy.
The return from the City of Rich Frog had been both more and less eventful than you'd hoped. More because you just as you had stopped in at Shiro Akodo briefly to see your brother, his wife had gone into labor, leaving you as the proud uncle of a young boy that had wailed so loudly it had woken the entire keep up. At least that is what they're saying. You don't think that little Nazeru was quite that loud, even if you did hear it yourself. Still you're happy for them, even if it meant delaying your own journey by a few days. Maybe this will finally make them stop fighting.
A part of you really doubts it.
While that part was fine, the fact that your Miharu still hadn't found Hagaos...annoyed you immensely. They said they would have him soon, but promises were while not worthless, significantly less concrete than one would think given the tenet of sincerity in Bushido.
All of which brings you here to your council meeting. The first one since Akane had passed. The Imperial Council goes through the routine of prostration, and acceptance before rising. You, Noritoshi and Shem-Zhe all share a glance. When had you all gotten old? The three newest members of the council not a one of them was over thirty summers if that.
With a mental shrug you decide to ignore that your father had had graying hair before even reaching your age. Granted he had died the next year but...enough of that time to focus.
"Doji-san, shall we begin?" You ask.
Yuriko nods.
"The Maiden's Court was a success in many ways, while the Unicorn and Lion are unlikely to ever be true friends, their relations have thawed from the experience and both they and the Minor Clans are gratified about your decision to choose the newest Minor Clan to visit. "Minato of the Catfish Clan has said that he hopes you can visit him soon."
Ah Minato, you should check in on him one of these days. Eh, he's probably fine.
"I see so a success, and of my message to the interested parties?"
Yuriko takes out a fan unfolding it to hide her blush.
"It is known that next winter court will involve a competition for your hand my Emperor. Bayushi Paneki-san has yet to reply to this particular plan but there's no reason he won't be amenable to it. The prestige alone is good for his clan, a debut of sorts."
Ginchiyo snorts.
"As if we need reminders of the Scorpion."
"Hida-san" Yuriko says lowering her fan to fix Ginchiyo with an intense stare. "Please don't interrupt."
Ginchiyo is about to say something, but Noritoshi and Shem-Zhe join with Yuriko, and the Hida seems to back down.
You give a slight nod. Hida Ginchiyo is from Kotaro's reports absolutely brilliant in warfare and the troops seem to fear and love her in equal measure. But her political instincts...that was something you'd have to have someone beat into her. Your uncle might get through to her, the hero worship the Hida woman had for him was no secret.
Filing that thought away, you raise a hand for Yuriko to continue.
"On some what less personal but still important news for the Empire. It seems that Togashi Satsu-san has stepped down after his injuries, there was a time when it seemed that he would recover but... he has appointed Mirumoto Kei-san as his successor, while not traditional, and thus technically within the Imperial remit. Togash-san has asked you grant this citing the need for the Togashi to focus on integrating the Hoshi and Hitomi orders." Yuriko says.
You search your memory.
"Mirumoto Kei, she made a name for herself in the War of Rich Frog yes? And Later during the War of Silk and Steel?" You ask.
"Hai, Togashi-san would know more of her than I but her record shows a dutiful, strong woman with a proven track record as leader of the Mirumoto." Yuriko answers.
You look at Shiko.
Shiko shrugs a little.
"Ask a man who has not been to the ocean in three years what its like and he'll tell you clear as day what he remembers, whether the ocean is still like that, well that's a different question. Mirumoto-sama will be a fine champion, but will gaze north as Togashi-dono did." She says.
You think for a moment, and can't come up with a reason to deny Kei the championship even if you could, there's no point.
"My assent is given. Other business Doji-san?"
"Moto Chinhua-san went to the Scorpion winter court this year, stole a ride from us she did, seems to have hit off quite well with Bayushi-san, I can encourage this, or discourage it if the Emperor wills." Yuriko says.
Its clear she wants to encourage it, equally clear that it might not be in your best interest. Ninjas don't exist, but you definitely don't want ninja horses to become a thing in the imagination either.
"I see, Kakita-san?"
"I hate to be the boor who repeats the same song at every party." He glances to see if either of the Crab take the bait, but they don't.
"But I must once again bring up the matter of Otosan Uchi. While the peasants are beginning to fill it up again flowing in from Eight Wheel City, there is no official law in there, the Tortoise are doing what they can, but they lack the numbers to adequately do anything without the Great Clans providing support. Naturally no one wishes to provoke you without orders to interfere. Given that the prohibition on bringing armies to the Capitals is still in place" Nortioshi says.
"So we have left that Otosan Uchi is liable to become another Zayko Toshi if nothing is done, and for the old capital to become that...I apologize my Emperor, but it is wrong. I request permission to withdraw the Emerald Legion from its normal duties to invest and bring law back to the city. This will be a project that takes some time, so we will have to recruit more Magistrates." He finishes.
"Should we not just decide the matter of Otosan Uchi? If it is to be invested as an Imperial City granted it to one of the Imperial families, and send the Imperial Blessing there." Ginchiyo says.
"The Imperial Blessing is not to be used on Imperial lands by the order of Hantei XI, there were concerns after that particular crisis" Noritoshi says.
You frown.
"What happens if we leave it."
Noritoshi trembles. "I cannot guarantee the sanctity of the Forbidden City if we leave it." he says simply
Chitose speaks. "Ano...I have plans drawn up to begin explorations in the Spine of the World to try and find Jade mines...but I believe we should shelve it if things are that dire."
You look at her with a raised eye. Noritoshi seems torn between being grateful, and the fact that a Yasuki is helping him. On the one hand you do want Jade away from those....Zanj. But Noritoshi's prediction of the Forbidden palace being desecrated brought it's own worries.
Shem-Zhe shrugs. "I can continue work on missionaries without putting everything into it, but...I expect them to step things up after what happened." He says. Neither advocating for himself or Noritoshi.
Ginchiyo waves a hand.
"The Imperial Legion is strong, but I intend to begin fortification of the Jewelled City this month one way or another." She says.
Shiko looks at her strangely.
"Burrowing into sand does not make the seagull look away, but draws other clams to their doom. From what was said last, little has changed, but the other Powers will require Hida-san to work with them to achieve what she wants, meaning the Emperor must give assent to achieve it..."
[] Work to encourage the Scorpion Unicorn alliance and keep it from ruffling too many feathers. TN 25 (+5 Unicorn, Scorpion, -5 Lion, Crab)
[] Recall the Emerald Legion and settle the matter of Otosan Uchi once and for all. TN 25 (No positives or negatives, unlocks further choices)
[] Fortified the Jeweled City. TN 30 (+5 Crab, Lion, -5 Crane, Unicorn)
[] Survey the Spine of the World to find a Jade Mine. Variable TN +5 Scorpion, Crab, -5 Phoenix, Dragon
[] Prepare for the next missionary effort by the Zanj. TN25 (+5 Phoenix, Dragon, -5 Unicorn, Crane
AN: Old colours no longer available on new SV makes me sad, hopefully the new ones grow on me. Hope you guys enjoy.