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Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)

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[X] Timeskip to departure next morning.
-[X] Write-in: Once you are on the road again, inquire Goro-sama about how he got the promise by going the opposite way. Shasa-san may wish to hear this as well
 
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    • [x] Timeskip to departure next morning.


    What little remains of the dinner continues mostly in silence, save for some small talk between Yasuki Goro and Kiyoshi, with Shasa occasionally commenting. You, however, remain quiet. You've really said all you need to by this point, and you're still trying to comprehend just what happened.

    A promise to speak to her Daimyo was not an oath to stand by your Clan in war, but it is still a major commitment. If Kiyoshi did not present her words well, or if her Lord found the subject displeasing, he would be well within his rights to punish her. That she was undertaking this risk means a great deal, and no matter how you look at the situation you can't really deduce how your superior managed to achieve this result.

    As you all head back to the Stalking Lion to turn in for the night, you make a promise to yourself to figure this all out. One way or another, you must find an answer. Only then will you be able to better realize what exactly your words accomplished this evening.

    And with that understanding, hopefully bring victory for the Crab.

    o\O/o
    ​
    The next morning sees your caravan up bright and early, and within the hour you are once more on the road amongst the vast plains of the Lion. The highway does not take a path straight north, instead curving to the East in the direction of Toshi Ranbo. If you stayed on this path, you'd eventually find yourself within the Imperial Capital within a week.

    Which would make for a fascinating destination by any measure, but that is not where your mission is taking you. As soon as you can, your party must cross the River of the Drowned Merchant to truly venture into Dragon territory. The stream is fairly wide, serving as a natural barrier for the Lion and the Dragon, but can be crossed quite easily at certain points.

    And once past that barrier, you will almost be at the end of your journey. The mountainous home of the Dragon awaits you. All too soon you will enact your lord's plan, and hopefully gain a sizable portion of the recently discovered Jade the followers of Togashi have discovered.

    A plan that, by your reckoning, involves you doing exactly what you did last night. Your superior requires the telling of your story to help sway the Dragon, but that obviously isn't everything. You've had time to think on the matter, but even now you can't really put a finger on just how Yasuki Goro managed to get that promise from Kiyoshi. It is a puzzle to you.

    And one you are determined to solve. After all, it must be done so you can better understand your upcoming duties. You ride up to the head of the caravan, where Yasuki Goro has taken his customary spot, and bow in your saddle to him.

    "Yasuki-sama," you say. "I hope the day finds you well."

    "It does indeed, Sosuke-san," the courtier says, bowing to you. When he rises, you see a smile on his face. You get the feeling he has been expecting your approach. "But what of yourself? Tell me, how are you this fine day?"

    [] Write in.
     
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    • [x] Write in: "Yasuki-sama, I cannot say there is need, I am after all just a yojimbo, but if Yasuki-sama permits, I would ask for his insight into what happened last night."

    ---If yes

    "Yasuki-sama, I have been informed many times that those outside our lands hate speaking of the Taint, yet last night it was spoken openly, and you acknowledged that they find it uncomfortable, yet some how managed to gain Ikoma-sama to at least speak for you, I do not know how you did that. If you are willing could you guide me through this? I sense that it is some sort of feint only with words, but I do not see the opening that you laid." shrug.

    ---- If no

    "Thank you Yasuki-sama, I shall not waste more of your time then." Bow politely and go ask Sasha.
     
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    • [x] gman


    "I am doing well, Yasuki-sama," you answer. "I can't say I've come to you with any real driving concern, but I would beg your indulgence a moment if you would allow it." You take a deep breath. "I know I am just a Yojimbo, and my place is to serve without question, but if Yasuki-sama permits I would ask for his insight into what happened last night."

    "I was wondering when you might come to me about that," Yasuki Goro says, his smile widening. "Feel free to ask what you wish, Sosuke-san."

    Your superior seems to be in a good mood. That's really no surprise, when you think about it. The dinner with Kiyoshi went even better than could be expected, what with her promising to speak with her Daimyo on the issue of movement from the Shadowlands. You suspect this was an unexpected gain for Yasuki Goro, hence his cheer.

    Which really makes it all the more imperative you find out what happened, if only to ensure your lord has continued reason to be happy.

    "Yasuki-sama," you begin. "I have been informed many times that those outside our lands hate speaking of the Taint, yet last night it was spoken openly, and you acknowledged that they find it uncomfortable, and some how managed to gain Ikoma-sama to at least speak for you, I do not know how you did that." You shake your head in wonderment at it all. "If my lord is willing, could you guide me through this? I sense that it is some sort of feint only with words, but I do not see the opening that you laid."

    "Ah, but Sosuke-san," Yasuki Goro begins. "I didn't lay any opening at all. You did."

    You blink. "I'm sorry, my lord? I don't think I understand."

    "Think about it, lad," the courtier goes on. "With your words you set an enchanting picture of enemies in the dark, of brave struggles against a terrible foe. And when things looked their bleakest, it was many standing as one that carried the day!" He nods to you. "With an atmosphere like that all I really had to do was acknowledge Kiyoshi-sama's own discomfort, withholding judgement, to nudge her in the proper direction. Especially since she was likely already most of the way toward that decision before I even spoke."

    "But Yasuki-sama," you say. "How did acknowledging her feelings convince Kiyoshi-sama to speak to her lord?"

    "Because, Sosuke-san," Yasuki Goro says, suddenly much more somber. "In many ways we are very simple creatures." He sighs. "Often all we really want is someone to recognize our concerns, to understand even if we don't agree." He smiles again, but its softer than the one before. "Such things can mean a great deal. And with that acknowledgement, you can often bring people to your way of thinking if the mood is right."

    You nod, though you're not entirely certain you fully understand what your superior is saying. It was a feint of some sort, but it appears that you were the one to set the stage for it. That tells you that the atmosphere can have as much impact on a conversation as the words being spoken. Something you hadn't considered before.

    Though you suppose it only makes sense. Things like weather can influence a battle to aid or hamper the combatants. This sounds like it is something similar, and you will have to keep it in mind for the future.

    [] Continue talking. (write in.)
    [] Timeskip to Rugashi.
    [] Timeskip to Shiro Sano Ken Hayai.
    [] Timeskip to border village Tangan Mura.
     
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    • I still find it funny that Sosuke manages to find a way to relate everything to a sort of battle plan; like it was a physical foeman to be defeated. It's certainly and interesting quirk.

    Any case, not sure where each of those towns are sooooo...
     
    Rugashi is a fairly prosperous border city near the Dragon border

    Shiro sano Ken Hayai is the seat of the Kitsu family and the home of the Castle of the Swift Sword Dojo, the largest dojo for Akodo samurai there is. At one time the finest minds and sensei in the empire made their home there, but with the Lion Unicorn war in the past dividing it from the Lion's Core Lands, its prestige has dwindled somewhat.

    Tangan Mura is a simple border village that WK made up far as I know.

    Kind of surprised we aren't time skipping to Kyuden Tonbo in all honesty. According to tradition those who wished to speak to the Dragon must first wait there.

    Now that, that is out of the way, to the actual vote.

    [x] Continue talking: Write in:
    "Yasuki-sama is most kind to a simple bushi, if he permits one more question, I would ask how does one perceive the currents of court?"
     
    gman391 said:
    Kind of surprised we aren't time skipping to Kyuden Tonbo in all honesty. According to tradition those who wished to speak to the Dragon must first wait there.
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    You're still a bit too far from Kyuden Tonbo for that large a jump in time. Tangan Mura is a village on the other side of the river you're going to have to travel through anyway, which is why it's an option.

    Also, gonna need some more votes.
     
    Winged Knight said:
    You're still a bit too far from Kyuden Tonbo for that large a jump in time. Tangan Mura is a village on the other side of the river you're going to have to travel through anyway, which is why it's an option.

    Also, gonna need some more votes.
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    I think you're unlikely to get votes here due to the lack of setting knowledge in people like me. I have no real preference due to having no idea what we will be doing at these places.
     
    Hydroplatypus said:
    I think you're unlikely to get votes here due to the lack of setting knowledge in people like me. I have no real preference due to having no idea what we will be doing at these places.
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    A fair point. To help mitigate this issue a bit, I've added links to the relevant Wiki pages for both Rugashi and Shiro Sano Ken Hayai. Tongan Mura has no wiki page because, as Gman said, I made up the village whole cloth. I hope this helps a little.

    In fact, when traveling to new places I think I'll just make this the standard form. Should hopefully be useful for those less familiar with L5R.
     
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    I'd suggest Shiro Sano Ken Hayai. Rugashi is indeed a natural home to the Yasuki, but that's not what we're here for. What we're here for is to build support for the coming war effort among the Great Clans en route to dealing with the Dragon. Rugashi is a center of commerce, but it doesn't have a whole lot of political or military power. Shiro Sano Ken Hayai has influence.

    Also, I honestly think it's a poor choice tactically, but RP-wise, I'm having difficulty justifying *not* raising storytelling from our last stop.

    Incidentally, does that dinner net us any exp?

    [x] spend 3 exp. Perform (Storytelling) to 3.
    [x] timeskip to Shiro Sano Ken Hayai.
     
    Sirrocco said:
    Incidentally, does that dinner net us any exp?
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    It did, actually! I was gonna save it for next update, but I'll let y'all have it now.

    Sosuke has grasped an opportunity to test his skills, and the result has both confused and amazed him. By taking the initiative he has pushed past social boundaries with mere words, achieving results he never would have thought possible. This event has expanded his view of the world, and as such he has earned 2 Experience points.

    He has also surprised those who believed him but a simple Bushi, and impressed one who is from a Family of acclaimed storytellers. Though the audience was small, word will eventually spread of his prowess. Because of this he has earned 1 point of Glory.
     
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    • [x] Timeskip to Rugashi.


    Your journey continues without much incident. The lands of the Lion Clan are very well maintained, and so deep into their territory you see soldiers going up and down the roads many times a day as your travels. This only makes sense, considering the size of the Lion army. Between these constant patrols and the numerous forts across the countryside, there is little chance for banditry.

    Not that you let your guard down as your caravan makes its way across the road, of course. You still have a duty to perform, and the risk of infiltrators is still something that must be considered. And really, the idea of leaving your Lord's protection to Samurai of another Clan just doesn't sit well with you.

    You pass by many villages of varying size as you travel the Imperial highway, the inhabitants of these communities giving your party the proper respect. The peasants seem more… cowed, if that is the correct word, than those of Crab Lands. They bow almost to the ground as you ride by, and approach unseemliness in their haste to accommodate your group when directly addressed.

    It is only natural that the peasantry serve the Samurai, of course. That is the way of things, how the Celestial Order is aligned. Even still, you wonder at just how the Lion treat their commoners if this utter meekness is the typical response to seeing members of the upper class. You can't deny that your thoughts give you some ill feelings.

    After a week on the road you eventually reach a truly sizable community. Rugashi is a well-known point of trade for all Clans who did business with the Lion. As such, it is a city of decent size and bustling with activity. As your party ventures past the gate, the guards waving you in after seeing your papers, you can see hundreds of people going about their business within the city.

    Almost all of said business being mercantile, of course. You grimace a bit at the constant exchange of money taking place around you. People are moving about almost with currency in fist, throwing it around in exchange for almost any product you can imagine. Such actions are distasteful, and the grinning faces of the merchants around you sours your mood.

    But you keep your thoughts to yourself. Despite the… unpleasantness at the sight of such things, you know it is necessary. Merchants might not produce anything themselves, but they are still necessary for the Empire to function. This is apparent even to the Lion, whose views of Bushido are much stricter than your own Clan's.

    Eventually you make your way to an inn named "The Stalwart Spearman." The plaque above its arches depicts an armored man wielding a long spear, enemies dead at his feet even as more approach. It is rather typical of the naming patterns you have seen for inns in Lion lands. It always seems to be either warriors or the animal the Clan is named after. Rather straightforward, really.

    "Well," Yasuki Goro says as he dismounts. "It really is about time to resupply." He looks toward the wagon as the servants handle your luggage, frowning. "We're close to our destination now, but it won't do to run out of the necessities before we get there."

    "Will you require our assistance, Yasuki-sama?" Shasa asks.

    "I do not think so," the courtier says. He looks about the street, with all its various shops, and smiles. "Yes, I believe I shall be just fine on my own. It's been a little while since I've had the opportunity to indulge in the fine art of making a deal." He glances at you and Shasa. "I doubt you two would be much interested in such things."

    You manage to keep from wincing at the thought. Money is, of course, just another tool to be used for your Clan's never ending war with the Shadowlands. Koku helps the Crab feed its soldiers and maintain its weapons, after all. The sheer practicality of the matter prevents too much squeamishness. You must do what is necessary in order to prevail.

    Even still, that doesn't mean you have to enjoy it.

    [] Ask, politely, to accompany him as he gathers supplies.
    [] Ask that he at least have some of the Ashigaru nearby.
    [] Write in.
     
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    • [X] Ask, politely, to accompany him as he gathers supplies.

    You post at odd times WK.

    Unless Goro thinks that us being with him would somehow hurt his chances (i.e Brash trait flare-up) he should probably have as much protection as possible, or would the presence of a Bushi would limit the types of business he can do?
     
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