- Location
- Virginia
[X]Plan Duty - but formal
Burden of the Emerald Empire (A Legend of the Five Rings Tale)
- Thread starter gman391
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- Leeds
[x] Sirocco
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[x] Sirocco
Crafter of War
The Dorf
- Location
- Bend
[x] Sirocco
- Location
- Bulgaria
[x] Sirocco
- Location
- Leeds
Welcome to the thread, Simon. Andersen
An impressivelikehug bombing.
An impressive
Winter Court XVIII: Commanding the Phoenix
--Sirrocco+Deadly Snark
It was untenable to tell the Phoenix to go home and be family women and men. Not only would the Isawa take that as implicit permission to undermine the Jade Champion in the next generation but not now. It was also just a waste of resources, the Phoenix were going to do something and letting the priests and magical masters of Rokugan get up to their own devices without oversight was just asking for something bad to happen. Like 'Hmm what if we had two islands off the coast' or something. Minoru didn't need that in her life and neither did you, so while you weren't sure the Phoenix really were ready to return to the stage of Rokugan. You wouldn't deny them in having a new purpose. However, one thing was absolutely clear, you were not allowing the Jade Champion to go vacant.
"You seek to have the Jade Champion set aside until such a time as when the position is needed again." You say slowly. "That is absolutely not going to happen. Horiuchi Shem-Zhe has served with honour and distinction, I will not have him remembered by some as another Yogo Yoshi" Your voice firm.
Naomi's face is a neutral mask, as if trying to hide that someone had put vinegar in her sake.
"The Lion are my Right Hand, and yet the Shogun serves as my advisor in military matters. The Crane are my Left Hand, and yet the Imperial Advisor serves as my advisor in political matters. The Unicorn serve as my Eyes into the world, yet the Imperial Commissioner advises me on foreign matters. All the Clans and the Council serve the Empire in their own ways and in their own methods, why then should the Phoenix be any different?" You ask rhetorically.
Naomi just continues to stand firm, prideful still but respectful,.
"However, your words have merit Agasha Naomi-san, if the Phoenix truly are recovered as you say, then I am not so vain glorious and filled with pride as to keep my Wisdom shackled. The Empire is beset by enough that you will draw your blades and serve as your ancestors served Hantei-no-kami, and my grandfather. Thus I will in a week call for a council of your leaders, to proclaim the new charter of the Phoenix. I trust that this satisfies my honoured vassal?" You ask.
The Agasha blinks for a moment before bowing low.
"Hai, Emperor, the Council will await your proclamation in the Grove of the Five Masters at this time in a week."
"I look forward to seeing what you have done to rebuild Naka Kuro's work" You say.
Naomi doesn't raise her form but gives a small nod.
You rise smoothly walking away from the Phoenix and towards the Garden of No Mind, with Yuriko and Etsuko flanking you.
"A new charter my Emperor? The other clans will ask the same, or in the case of the Lion to have one at all..." Yuriko says quietly.
"It seems like a good way to allow my daughter to step out of my shadow," you muse.
"Two years is far too long to put off that way." Yuriko says.
"I don't see how the Phoenix have earned the privilege myself." Etsuko says tersely. "If it weren't for your actions with the Mantis, I think they have have folded to them going by the old stories told of '72 about Naizen's original plan before the Shadow Dragon made itself known."
"That was over a decade ago Tsuruch-san, things change. The Phoenix are assured of good will for our Emperor's reign, but his intentions to hand it to his daughter are clear, and the dowager Empress will be a former Lion, it's only natural that they want to regain their recognition." Yuriko says.
"Shiba-san does more for that marching out west as she does at her age than anything the Elemental Masters do." Etsuko says.
"Regardless, the Phoenix have declared their need for purpose, and so I shall give them one. What sort of lord would ignore his vassal's heartfelt words?" You ask.
"Of course Tenno, but indulge your vassal's curiosity, what charter will you give?" Etsuko asks.
That part you still needed to work on.
"Something distinct from their current one, involving magic that does not interfere with the Jade Champion position." You say. "I'll need some time to put it into proper language of course."
"The Tao" Yuriko muses.
"The Tao?" You ask.
"There's an old story about how in the Reign of the Shining Prince, the Tao was nearly destroyed, but only by the dutiful work of the Asako and Isawa was it recovered from history. From this the truth of Shintaoism was discovered. Then there was the New Tao...although it hasn't gained popularity." Yuriko muses .
The New Tao was a record of the last conversation between your Grandfather and the Hooded Ronin now widely accepted as one of Shinsei's reincarnations. It was...esoteric even in comparison to the Tao of Shinsei. The Dragon seemed to like it but then it was perfectly suited to them in many ways.
Still recovery of the Tao...
"Wasn't there a similar attempt on the Dragon codices of the Tao during the War of Lying Darkness?" You ask.
Yuriko frowns in though. "I believe so? They did lose their burial records for a time..."
Etsuko looks between the two of you. "So what their job is to preserve knowledge?"
"Not all knowledge, the Ikoma and Kitsune families would be most put out to lose their purposes of archiving the Wars and Imperial Histories, but Religious knowledge? Magical knowledge? There is something to that I think." Yuriko says.
"I'll need to word it so they can't use it as an excuse to pry, they're still half convinced the Soshi and Horiuchi are heretics." You say.
"Tie it back into the Shintao? The Soshi have evidence that their style of magic has no connection to Lord Isawo or the Shintao movement, the same goes for the Horiuchi."
"That opens up the Crab, Crane and Scorpion still. Lord Yogo definitely learned his magic at Lord Isawa's knee, so did Lord Kuni so they say." You say.
"And the Asahina draw lineage through the Isawa." Etsuko shakes her head. "Just be stricter about it and restrict it to elemental kami"
"Make it so their charter is to preserve the Elemental magic of Isawa along with the Shintao?" Yuriko asks.
"Yes, let the Jade Champion or the Emperor have a veto power if needed." Etsuko says.
"There's something to that I imagine. I'll work on it in the week" You say
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30th Day of the Rat (Mid Winter)
The Garden of the Five Masters was a sacred place, created by the second and so far last Grand Master of the Elements. It was here where Naka Kuro had taught the Elemental Masters, and it was here where he had said his final goodbye to the Empire before his great sacrifice in the War Against the Lying Darkness.
It had nearly been destroyed in Iuchiban's rampage so it was said, but you saw no signs of that here. Instead what you saw was beautiful, with no sign of any destruction wrought. A wide pond covered in countless lotus flowers with each petal blooming a different colour, above it graceful willows danced slightly in a continuous breeze that caused a tinkling of wind chimes. Gentle stone cradles holding a single piece of crystal that danced with an inner flame dotted the sides of the pond providing light at any time of the day.
It was peaceful here, but a testament to the skills of the Masters as well.
Before you the Elemental Council along with the Asako Daimyo, Agasha Daimyo, and the Shiba Karo, Shiba Nagamasa. You were alone save for your Seppun guard, Isshin and a scribe meant to take down your words, while a more public declaration would be made, the Council was in no mood to let the whole court into this sacred place.
You look at them, their eyes dancing faintly with the elemental kami that surged through their senses. The noon day sun was not going to stay much longer.
A breath as you speak.
"Hear me O Phoenix, Hear me, the sons of Shiba and Isawa, the Daughters of Asako and Agasha. Hear your Emperor now and in this place. Hear of how I recognize your strength, my Grandfather left you a mighty burden, to recover from the losses you took, to regain the strength of magic you once held lightly. To be reborn as the Phoenix is reborn, stronger than ever yet wiser for the rebirth.
It is with all honour and respect that I declare that the Charter of Toturi I, fulfilled by the noble samurai of the Phoenix clan. " You say.
The Phoenix are too canny to show their pride at the statement, too canny to show the joy that they not the other clans were the first to fulfill their charter. Yet, you were not ignorant you could see the dancing twinkle in the Master of Air's hair, the serene inhalation of the Mistress of Earth. Oh yes, they were pleased to be acknowledged.
"So it is with every confidence that I charge you anew, Phoenix. For you have shown you are worthy of a new duty, one that will honour your past, and look forward to your bright future.
"Thus I charge you to do these three things, to protect and nurture the Tao of Shinsei, to understand and protect the Tao of the Hooded Ronin, to husband and grow the wisdom of the Elemental Kami. This is now your duty."
The Elemental Masters blinked for a moment, not showing their confusion openly, beyond slight eyebrow twitches.
"For while the Jade Champion remains as a trusted advisor in matters spiritual defending the land from heretical and foreign magic, along with advising him on heavenly matters, that leaves the Champion without the time or the ability to do what I have asked of you. For without the Tao of Shinsei we cannot understand Enlightenment as our ancestors saw it, without the Tao of the Hidden ronin we cannot understand Enlightenment as the Thunders saw it, without the Elemental kami we cannot be the stewards of Ningen-do that Lady Sun commands of us. So I will charge the noble Phoenix, to in righteousness, wisdom and compassion do these things for me and my descendants until such a time as they declare this mandate fulfilled."
A long silence drifts between you and them, before the oldest of the Isawa Ochiai knelt down and kowtowed towards you. One by one the rest of the Phoenix followed her lead, only when all had done so did the old Mistress of Fire speak.
"We hear your command, O Emperor, and obey them as we obeyed your Grandfather and Hantei-no-kami. In this the Phoenix swear"
"In this the Phoenix swear" the other samurai echoed.
"Then rise noble Phoenix, and bear your charter proudly." You say simply.
Then the moment is gone. You know the Phoenix aren't totally happy with the Jade Champion still being a thing, but they can hardly argue against your words. No the charter is done.
In many ways the Winter Court is done, for in the next year, the last great challenge of your reign will come, and you can do nothing more for it.
AN: The next few updates are going to be war updates, but done in a different style from before. We will be alternating between Minoru out west, and Hisao back home each dealing with the war in their own way. Because of that no vote this time as I try to get Minoru's voice right for the next update.
It was untenable to tell the Phoenix to go home and be family women and men. Not only would the Isawa take that as implicit permission to undermine the Jade Champion in the next generation but not now. It was also just a waste of resources, the Phoenix were going to do something and letting the priests and magical masters of Rokugan get up to their own devices without oversight was just asking for something bad to happen. Like 'Hmm what if we had two islands off the coast' or something. Minoru didn't need that in her life and neither did you, so while you weren't sure the Phoenix really were ready to return to the stage of Rokugan. You wouldn't deny them in having a new purpose. However, one thing was absolutely clear, you were not allowing the Jade Champion to go vacant.
"You seek to have the Jade Champion set aside until such a time as when the position is needed again." You say slowly. "That is absolutely not going to happen. Horiuchi Shem-Zhe has served with honour and distinction, I will not have him remembered by some as another Yogo Yoshi" Your voice firm.
Naomi's face is a neutral mask, as if trying to hide that someone had put vinegar in her sake.
"The Lion are my Right Hand, and yet the Shogun serves as my advisor in military matters. The Crane are my Left Hand, and yet the Imperial Advisor serves as my advisor in political matters. The Unicorn serve as my Eyes into the world, yet the Imperial Commissioner advises me on foreign matters. All the Clans and the Council serve the Empire in their own ways and in their own methods, why then should the Phoenix be any different?" You ask rhetorically.
Naomi just continues to stand firm, prideful still but respectful,.
"However, your words have merit Agasha Naomi-san, if the Phoenix truly are recovered as you say, then I am not so vain glorious and filled with pride as to keep my Wisdom shackled. The Empire is beset by enough that you will draw your blades and serve as your ancestors served Hantei-no-kami, and my grandfather. Thus I will in a week call for a council of your leaders, to proclaim the new charter of the Phoenix. I trust that this satisfies my honoured vassal?" You ask.
The Agasha blinks for a moment before bowing low.
"Hai, Emperor, the Council will await your proclamation in the Grove of the Five Masters at this time in a week."
"I look forward to seeing what you have done to rebuild Naka Kuro's work" You say.
Naomi doesn't raise her form but gives a small nod.
You rise smoothly walking away from the Phoenix and towards the Garden of No Mind, with Yuriko and Etsuko flanking you.
"A new charter my Emperor? The other clans will ask the same, or in the case of the Lion to have one at all..." Yuriko says quietly.
"It seems like a good way to allow my daughter to step out of my shadow," you muse.
"Two years is far too long to put off that way." Yuriko says.
"I don't see how the Phoenix have earned the privilege myself." Etsuko says tersely. "If it weren't for your actions with the Mantis, I think they have have folded to them going by the old stories told of '72 about Naizen's original plan before the Shadow Dragon made itself known."
"That was over a decade ago Tsuruch-san, things change. The Phoenix are assured of good will for our Emperor's reign, but his intentions to hand it to his daughter are clear, and the dowager Empress will be a former Lion, it's only natural that they want to regain their recognition." Yuriko says.
"Shiba-san does more for that marching out west as she does at her age than anything the Elemental Masters do." Etsuko says.
"Regardless, the Phoenix have declared their need for purpose, and so I shall give them one. What sort of lord would ignore his vassal's heartfelt words?" You ask.
"Of course Tenno, but indulge your vassal's curiosity, what charter will you give?" Etsuko asks.
That part you still needed to work on.
"Something distinct from their current one, involving magic that does not interfere with the Jade Champion position." You say. "I'll need some time to put it into proper language of course."
"The Tao" Yuriko muses.
"The Tao?" You ask.
"There's an old story about how in the Reign of the Shining Prince, the Tao was nearly destroyed, but only by the dutiful work of the Asako and Isawa was it recovered from history. From this the truth of Shintaoism was discovered. Then there was the New Tao...although it hasn't gained popularity." Yuriko muses .
The New Tao was a record of the last conversation between your Grandfather and the Hooded Ronin now widely accepted as one of Shinsei's reincarnations. It was...esoteric even in comparison to the Tao of Shinsei. The Dragon seemed to like it but then it was perfectly suited to them in many ways.
Still recovery of the Tao...
"Wasn't there a similar attempt on the Dragon codices of the Tao during the War of Lying Darkness?" You ask.
Yuriko frowns in though. "I believe so? They did lose their burial records for a time..."
Etsuko looks between the two of you. "So what their job is to preserve knowledge?"
"Not all knowledge, the Ikoma and Kitsune families would be most put out to lose their purposes of archiving the Wars and Imperial Histories, but Religious knowledge? Magical knowledge? There is something to that I think." Yuriko says.
"I'll need to word it so they can't use it as an excuse to pry, they're still half convinced the Soshi and Horiuchi are heretics." You say.
"Tie it back into the Shintao? The Soshi have evidence that their style of magic has no connection to Lord Isawo or the Shintao movement, the same goes for the Horiuchi."
"That opens up the Crab, Crane and Scorpion still. Lord Yogo definitely learned his magic at Lord Isawa's knee, so did Lord Kuni so they say." You say.
"And the Asahina draw lineage through the Isawa." Etsuko shakes her head. "Just be stricter about it and restrict it to elemental kami"
"Make it so their charter is to preserve the Elemental magic of Isawa along with the Shintao?" Yuriko asks.
"Yes, let the Jade Champion or the Emperor have a veto power if needed." Etsuko says.
"There's something to that I imagine. I'll work on it in the week" You say
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30th Day of the Rat (Mid Winter)
The Garden of the Five Masters was a sacred place, created by the second and so far last Grand Master of the Elements. It was here where Naka Kuro had taught the Elemental Masters, and it was here where he had said his final goodbye to the Empire before his great sacrifice in the War Against the Lying Darkness.
It had nearly been destroyed in Iuchiban's rampage so it was said, but you saw no signs of that here. Instead what you saw was beautiful, with no sign of any destruction wrought. A wide pond covered in countless lotus flowers with each petal blooming a different colour, above it graceful willows danced slightly in a continuous breeze that caused a tinkling of wind chimes. Gentle stone cradles holding a single piece of crystal that danced with an inner flame dotted the sides of the pond providing light at any time of the day.
It was peaceful here, but a testament to the skills of the Masters as well.
Before you the Elemental Council along with the Asako Daimyo, Agasha Daimyo, and the Shiba Karo, Shiba Nagamasa. You were alone save for your Seppun guard, Isshin and a scribe meant to take down your words, while a more public declaration would be made, the Council was in no mood to let the whole court into this sacred place.
You look at them, their eyes dancing faintly with the elemental kami that surged through their senses. The noon day sun was not going to stay much longer.
A breath as you speak.
"Hear me O Phoenix, Hear me, the sons of Shiba and Isawa, the Daughters of Asako and Agasha. Hear your Emperor now and in this place. Hear of how I recognize your strength, my Grandfather left you a mighty burden, to recover from the losses you took, to regain the strength of magic you once held lightly. To be reborn as the Phoenix is reborn, stronger than ever yet wiser for the rebirth.
It is with all honour and respect that I declare that the Charter of Toturi I, fulfilled by the noble samurai of the Phoenix clan. " You say.
The Phoenix are too canny to show their pride at the statement, too canny to show the joy that they not the other clans were the first to fulfill their charter. Yet, you were not ignorant you could see the dancing twinkle in the Master of Air's hair, the serene inhalation of the Mistress of Earth. Oh yes, they were pleased to be acknowledged.
"So it is with every confidence that I charge you anew, Phoenix. For you have shown you are worthy of a new duty, one that will honour your past, and look forward to your bright future.
"Thus I charge you to do these three things, to protect and nurture the Tao of Shinsei, to understand and protect the Tao of the Hooded Ronin, to husband and grow the wisdom of the Elemental Kami. This is now your duty."
The Elemental Masters blinked for a moment, not showing their confusion openly, beyond slight eyebrow twitches.
"For while the Jade Champion remains as a trusted advisor in matters spiritual defending the land from heretical and foreign magic, along with advising him on heavenly matters, that leaves the Champion without the time or the ability to do what I have asked of you. For without the Tao of Shinsei we cannot understand Enlightenment as our ancestors saw it, without the Tao of the Hidden ronin we cannot understand Enlightenment as the Thunders saw it, without the Elemental kami we cannot be the stewards of Ningen-do that Lady Sun commands of us. So I will charge the noble Phoenix, to in righteousness, wisdom and compassion do these things for me and my descendants until such a time as they declare this mandate fulfilled."
A long silence drifts between you and them, before the oldest of the Isawa Ochiai knelt down and kowtowed towards you. One by one the rest of the Phoenix followed her lead, only when all had done so did the old Mistress of Fire speak.
"We hear your command, O Emperor, and obey them as we obeyed your Grandfather and Hantei-no-kami. In this the Phoenix swear"
"In this the Phoenix swear" the other samurai echoed.
"Then rise noble Phoenix, and bear your charter proudly." You say simply.
Then the moment is gone. You know the Phoenix aren't totally happy with the Jade Champion still being a thing, but they can hardly argue against your words. No the charter is done.
In many ways the Winter Court is done, for in the next year, the last great challenge of your reign will come, and you can do nothing more for it.
AN: The next few updates are going to be war updates, but done in a different style from before. We will be alternating between Minoru out west, and Hisao back home each dealing with the war in their own way. Because of that no vote this time as I try to get Minoru's voice right for the next update.
- Location
- Leeds
Ah, I see that Hisao is canny enough to not make any blunders I was vaguely aware of.
Crafter of War
The Dorf
- Location
- Bend
...is this our first winter court where we didn't have an assassination attempt? Or is this update just a figment of my imagination?
- Location
- Leeds
There was that other one where we thought there might be something but it turned out to be a totally unrelated murder.
No, while Hisao has had more assassination attempts than many Emperors, many of his winter courts don't involve assassination on him, neither of the Lion courts did for example. However some involve an assassination on someone else (First Phoenix Court, Second Unicorn) Although most Winter courts do have some sort of drama.
Year 19: The Princess's Tale I
12th day, Month of the Dragon, Nineteenth year of Toturi IV (Early Spring)
You reach over to pull out the water skin by your side and bring it to your lips. The lukewarm water fills your mouth tasting faintly of the months of travel put on it. When you were young you would have called this water terrible. Now that you are nearly nineteen summers, its still terrible, you just know better than to complain out loud about it.
Aoshi gives you a wan smile, as the warm heat of the desert wind blows through you both. The Jeweled City, the heart of trade for half a continent, an oasis of civilization, was still too damn hot for you. Used to the cold springs of the Phoenix lands and gentle summers, you just knew you were going to cook alive here in the sweltering heat of the summer.
The Burning Sands had a different rhythm of war than Rokugan proper, during the Spring and Fall is when you could fight, the winter was too consumed with sand storms, and the summer...well, Lady Shinjo's gaze was especially harsh here for whatever reason.
"My Lady, do you need more water?" A faintly female but low voice asks.
You turn to see the hulking form of Teru, one of the Monks from the Order of Kisada. Beside Teru in an odd show of counterpoint was slim almost tiny man also of the order named Soka You were glad your father trusted you enough to go off and do this, but you wish that he hadn't arranged for Teru and Soka to serve as your body guards.
A Seppun or two would have been fine, the Order of Kisada famously though answered to no one but your father. Thus you had minders who fussed over you more than you needed.
"I'm fine." you say tersely. "What's the story on the scouts?" You ask.
Aoshi gives you a soft look and you feel warm inside, Fortunes you wish you were somewhere...never mind that.
"Yodotai are moving slow, building massive supply stations in the desert so that the Unicorn can't just cut them off at the knees, but the Senpet are still harrying them along with the Third Baraunghar," He says. "The Shogun has yet to give you a formal command as to where your needed though. I think she's waiting for you to show initiative."
"Initiative huh?" you ask looking across the desert sands. "So what are problems we can solve then?"
Soka speaks up now, whisper quiet but somehow still loud.
"Hmm, there are of course numerous things that need to be done, digging ditches, fortifying supplies, checking over the sand dunes for new hidden passages. Drilling over the ashigaru for work in desert environments, managing the people, it all depends my Lady on what you think would best show your initiative."
Best show your initiative, that came down to your strengths and weaknesses. Sensei and your father had always been very clear that you could never lie to yourself about those things. Lie to others if you must (but don't if you can help it) but never yourself.
You weren't the best swordswoman, you were better than many, the Tengu would never let a poor swordswoman leave their tutelage, but not the best. You had seen the glittering blades of the Lion Sword Saints, Mirumoto Heavenly Blades and the Crane Kenshinzen, you knew what true mastery was. No your training under Doji-sensei gave you more of an appreciation for the arts and court, but you didn't enjoy it as well as you could do it. However, you also knew that when it came to spirits you were out of your depth, not out of lack of care. Just lack of well, reason to focus on it.
No either managing a diplomatic dispute or a fight somewhere, that was the best way to show initiative to the Shogun. A single warrior can turn the tide of a battle, but it was much easier with a unit, and to earn a unit you had to convince Hida Ginchiyo it was a good idea. Your father had told her to treat you fairly like any other new recruit. Which on the one hand you were grateful for him not bundling you in a blanket of as many spears as he could find, but on the other it made your plan harder to do.
Your father had made his mark after he ascended, he had struggled for years to prove to the clans that he was a worthy successor to your grandfather. If you could prove that you were worthy before your ascension things would be so much better, and easier to rule the Empire as it *should* be ruled, instead of having to compromise what was best for the people.
Leaning back you realize you have to decide a way forward. Your father was a courtier (who could break people in half), his father a courtier (who could break people in half), but your great grandfather, the legendary Toturi I was a warrior tried and true, the greatest strategist of his age, and your great aunt had followed that mold.
Take after your aunt, or your father...
[] Take after your Aunt (Follows the Warrior Queen route, more combat and fighting less political intrigue)
[] Take after your Father (Follows the High Queen route, more intrigue and diplomacy and less fighting)
AN: Sorry for the long break, but here we go into the home stretch of the quest. I hope you guys all enjoy it.
You reach over to pull out the water skin by your side and bring it to your lips. The lukewarm water fills your mouth tasting faintly of the months of travel put on it. When you were young you would have called this water terrible. Now that you are nearly nineteen summers, its still terrible, you just know better than to complain out loud about it.
Aoshi gives you a wan smile, as the warm heat of the desert wind blows through you both. The Jeweled City, the heart of trade for half a continent, an oasis of civilization, was still too damn hot for you. Used to the cold springs of the Phoenix lands and gentle summers, you just knew you were going to cook alive here in the sweltering heat of the summer.
The Burning Sands had a different rhythm of war than Rokugan proper, during the Spring and Fall is when you could fight, the winter was too consumed with sand storms, and the summer...well, Lady Shinjo's gaze was especially harsh here for whatever reason.
"My Lady, do you need more water?" A faintly female but low voice asks.
You turn to see the hulking form of Teru, one of the Monks from the Order of Kisada. Beside Teru in an odd show of counterpoint was slim almost tiny man also of the order named Soka You were glad your father trusted you enough to go off and do this, but you wish that he hadn't arranged for Teru and Soka to serve as your body guards.
A Seppun or two would have been fine, the Order of Kisada famously though answered to no one but your father. Thus you had minders who fussed over you more than you needed.
"I'm fine." you say tersely. "What's the story on the scouts?" You ask.
Aoshi gives you a soft look and you feel warm inside, Fortunes you wish you were somewhere...never mind that.
"Yodotai are moving slow, building massive supply stations in the desert so that the Unicorn can't just cut them off at the knees, but the Senpet are still harrying them along with the Third Baraunghar," He says. "The Shogun has yet to give you a formal command as to where your needed though. I think she's waiting for you to show initiative."
"Initiative huh?" you ask looking across the desert sands. "So what are problems we can solve then?"
Soka speaks up now, whisper quiet but somehow still loud.
"Hmm, there are of course numerous things that need to be done, digging ditches, fortifying supplies, checking over the sand dunes for new hidden passages. Drilling over the ashigaru for work in desert environments, managing the people, it all depends my Lady on what you think would best show your initiative."
Best show your initiative, that came down to your strengths and weaknesses. Sensei and your father had always been very clear that you could never lie to yourself about those things. Lie to others if you must (but don't if you can help it) but never yourself.
You weren't the best swordswoman, you were better than many, the Tengu would never let a poor swordswoman leave their tutelage, but not the best. You had seen the glittering blades of the Lion Sword Saints, Mirumoto Heavenly Blades and the Crane Kenshinzen, you knew what true mastery was. No your training under Doji-sensei gave you more of an appreciation for the arts and court, but you didn't enjoy it as well as you could do it. However, you also knew that when it came to spirits you were out of your depth, not out of lack of care. Just lack of well, reason to focus on it.
No either managing a diplomatic dispute or a fight somewhere, that was the best way to show initiative to the Shogun. A single warrior can turn the tide of a battle, but it was much easier with a unit, and to earn a unit you had to convince Hida Ginchiyo it was a good idea. Your father had told her to treat you fairly like any other new recruit. Which on the one hand you were grateful for him not bundling you in a blanket of as many spears as he could find, but on the other it made your plan harder to do.
Your father had made his mark after he ascended, he had struggled for years to prove to the clans that he was a worthy successor to your grandfather. If you could prove that you were worthy before your ascension things would be so much better, and easier to rule the Empire as it *should* be ruled, instead of having to compromise what was best for the people.
Leaning back you realize you have to decide a way forward. Your father was a courtier (who could break people in half), his father a courtier (who could break people in half), but your great grandfather, the legendary Toturi I was a warrior tried and true, the greatest strategist of his age, and your great aunt had followed that mold.
Take after your aunt, or your father...
[] Take after your Aunt (Follows the Warrior Queen route, more combat and fighting less political intrigue)
[] Take after your Father (Follows the High Queen route, more intrigue and diplomacy and less fighting)
AN: Sorry for the long break, but here we go into the home stretch of the quest. I hope you guys all enjoy it.
- Location
- Bulgaria
[X] Take after your Father (Follows the High Queen route, more intrigue and diplomacy and less fighting)
- Location
- Virginia
[X] Take after your Father (Follows the High Queen route, more intrigue and diplomacy and less fighting)
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[X] Take after your Father (Follows the High Queen route, more intrigue and diplomacy and less fighting)
- Location
- Leeds
This option doesn't deserve to be swept.
[X] Take after your Aunt (Follows the Warrior Queen route, more combat and fighting less political intrigue)
[X] Take after your Aunt (Follows the Warrior Queen route, more combat and fighting less political intrigue)
- Location
- Germany
[X] Take after your Father (Follows the High Queen route, more intrigue and diplomacy and less fighting)
I mean, if possible, I'd have her go after our dad's favourite concubine, for spy queen sounds amazing, but there's a reason Scorps are usually not quite close to the throne.
I mean, if possible, I'd have her go after our dad's favourite concubine, for spy queen sounds amazing, but there's a reason Scorps are usually not quite close to the throne.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
On my side... I just don't see her contributing all that much to the current fight by focusing on the blade. She'll be one bushi among many. At least by trying to go the diplomatic route she has something that she can leverage usefully that isn't exactly the same as what hundreds or thousands of other samurai fresh from their gempukku have to offer.
I mean, for the want of a sword a battle is lost and all that. But fair enough.