Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
Osano-wo: This is my Bushi. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
2.110
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
After a moment you shrug and follow after Shirou. Whether or not the monk is correct, and something is different about you that garnered the attention of a Fortune, is of little matter right now. Today you have made a promise to your friend to follow his lead. It is only right that promises should be kept.
You walk out the door just a few steps behind Shirou, who takes a moment to bow to the monk sweeping he steps. You bow as well, and then follow after him as he makes his way down the path. Soon enough you are away from the quiet streets and back amongst the hustle and bustle.
Shirou keeps a bit ahead of you, gently forming a path through the crowds as you walk along the street. He doesn't shove anyone out of the way, though considering his relative size compared to most it would be a simple matter for him to do so. No, instead he merely holds his hands up in supplication and apologizes for any intrusion, and people nod and back away. The resulting space is more than enough for you to follow after him.
Good to see that even in this den of merchants people still respect monks, you think to yourself.
Eventually Shirou stops before a small building set between a jewelers shop and a clothing store. The sign above shows a serpentine form amongst flowers, with the words "The Jasmine Dragon" set beneath in fine letters.
"I believe some refreshment is in order," Shirou says. He turns to you and grins. "What say you, Sosuke-sama?"
"I'm following you, my friend," you respond, unable to hide your own grin at Shirou's good cheer. "But if you want my opinion, tea would not be remiss."
You both go inside, and see while the teahouse is not especially wide, it is quite long. A few other patrons are sitting around, drinking tea and playing games of Go or Shogi. The building goes back a fair way until you see the counter where the proprietor sits, the entire back wall almost entirely covered with containers of tea. Only a small stairway to the second floor breaks up the truly impressive collection.
"Ah! Welcome, honored guests!" the owner calls out, stepping forth with arms extended. He is an older man, and balding though his face is covered with a long beard. His eyes are surrounded with laugh lines, and on his red kimono you see the Mon of both the Isawa and the Phoenix Clan. "Please, sit and relax! The Jasmine Dragon welcomes all who come to ease the burdens of the day."
"My thanks, Isawa-sama," Shirou says back, bowing. He takes a table near by, and you join him on the other side. A serving woman comes by a few seconds later to take your orders, and Shirou greets her with a polite nod. "Green tea, please."
"Jasmine for myself," you respond. "And a little rice if any is available."
"We can certainly supply that, esteemed Samurai," the woman says with a smile, bowing to you before heading off.
"What a nice place," Shirou says, observing the room. "Everyone seems so relaxed. A teahouse needs a peaceful atmosphere, I think." He smiles. "How better to truly enjoy tea?"
[] Write in.
After a moment you shrug and follow after Shirou. Whether or not the monk is correct, and something is different about you that garnered the attention of a Fortune, is of little matter right now. Today you have made a promise to your friend to follow his lead. It is only right that promises should be kept.
You walk out the door just a few steps behind Shirou, who takes a moment to bow to the monk sweeping he steps. You bow as well, and then follow after him as he makes his way down the path. Soon enough you are away from the quiet streets and back amongst the hustle and bustle.
Shirou keeps a bit ahead of you, gently forming a path through the crowds as you walk along the street. He doesn't shove anyone out of the way, though considering his relative size compared to most it would be a simple matter for him to do so. No, instead he merely holds his hands up in supplication and apologizes for any intrusion, and people nod and back away. The resulting space is more than enough for you to follow after him.
Good to see that even in this den of merchants people still respect monks, you think to yourself.
Eventually Shirou stops before a small building set between a jewelers shop and a clothing store. The sign above shows a serpentine form amongst flowers, with the words "The Jasmine Dragon" set beneath in fine letters.
"I believe some refreshment is in order," Shirou says. He turns to you and grins. "What say you, Sosuke-sama?"
"I'm following you, my friend," you respond, unable to hide your own grin at Shirou's good cheer. "But if you want my opinion, tea would not be remiss."
You both go inside, and see while the teahouse is not especially wide, it is quite long. A few other patrons are sitting around, drinking tea and playing games of Go or Shogi. The building goes back a fair way until you see the counter where the proprietor sits, the entire back wall almost entirely covered with containers of tea. Only a small stairway to the second floor breaks up the truly impressive collection.
"Ah! Welcome, honored guests!" the owner calls out, stepping forth with arms extended. He is an older man, and balding though his face is covered with a long beard. His eyes are surrounded with laugh lines, and on his red kimono you see the Mon of both the Isawa and the Phoenix Clan. "Please, sit and relax! The Jasmine Dragon welcomes all who come to ease the burdens of the day."
"My thanks, Isawa-sama," Shirou says back, bowing. He takes a table near by, and you join him on the other side. A serving woman comes by a few seconds later to take your orders, and Shirou greets her with a polite nod. "Green tea, please."
"Jasmine for myself," you respond. "And a little rice if any is available."
"We can certainly supply that, esteemed Samurai," the woman says with a smile, bowing to you before heading off.
"What a nice place," Shirou says, observing the room. "Everyone seems so relaxed. A teahouse needs a peaceful atmosphere, I think." He smiles. "How better to truly enjoy tea?"
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[jk] Tea while exercising?
Cannongerbil
I came here to nep at you
- Location
- Soviet Lunar Base
[x] gman391
Finbar
Generic Minion #314
- Location
- Sydney
"Well, Traditionally, having some ambient music playing softly in the background will help. Perhaps some thing to view, such as falling leaves or a particularly well done picture. You could have a simple garden as well. However, I've often found the best thing to accompany Tea and enhance it's sensation, is to share it with good friends."
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] gman391
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
I'll admit I'm a bit surprised no one has commented on the cameo yet.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
What ya mean with cameo, WK? There's no-
Wait
> The Jasmine Dragon
> Lots of tabletop games
> Old Isawa guy with long beard
... Iroh, is that you?
Wait
> The Jasmine Dragon
> Lots of tabletop games
> Old Isawa guy with long beard
... Iroh, is that you?
Last edited:
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
So the owner is a Fire shugenja who's also part of a secret society devoted to finding and aiding Void shugenja?
Sirrocco
Pedantic
The Isawa aren't really known for their *secrecy* in finding and aiding/acquiring Void Shugenja.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
Just because everyone knows it exists doesn't prevent it from being a secret society.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Finbar
Generic Minion #314
- Location
- Sydney
Personally, i like the Scorpion.
You know where you stand with them.
Everyone and Everything is a tool to be used in further service to their Daimyo.
Full Stop. Period. End of Explanation.
It's refreshing really. They don't have the self serving greed of the Crane, nor the Self Righteous Arrogance of the Lion.
They will lie, cheat, steal, assassinate, destroy reputations, anything.....so long as it furthers their Lord whom they are in service to. In turn, the various Daimyo will do the same in the service of the Clan Head, who will do the same (With ALLLLLL the tools) in service to the Emperor.
So long as you arent needed as their Tool, they are wonderful people.
Of course, if you ARE a useful tool, then life is about to get very very challenging, likely only briefly.
You know where you stand with them.
Everyone and Everything is a tool to be used in further service to their Daimyo.
Full Stop. Period. End of Explanation.
It's refreshing really. They don't have the self serving greed of the Crane, nor the Self Righteous Arrogance of the Lion.
They will lie, cheat, steal, assassinate, destroy reputations, anything.....so long as it furthers their Lord whom they are in service to. In turn, the various Daimyo will do the same in the service of the Clan Head, who will do the same (With ALLLLLL the tools) in service to the Emperor.
So long as you arent needed as their Tool, they are wonderful people.
Of course, if you ARE a useful tool, then life is about to get very very challenging, likely only briefly.
As a Crane Player, I take offense to that. But this probably belongs in the Megathread (Which everyone should totally read through for my snippets) Shameless Mantis style selfpromotion is immediately dueled by Crane and slain.
2.111
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] gman391
You gaze about the teahouse. Everyone is indeed very calm and at ease. You see Samurai of the Lion, Unicorn and Dragon lands lounging about and simply taking in the day with a refreshing beverage. There's no tension between them, here, no inter-clan rivalries. There is just the afternoon, and tea.
"With good friends?" you ask, answering Shirou's question with one of your own.
"A good answer!" he exclaims, though he keeps his voice down out of respect for the other patrons.
"Indeed," says the Isawa, coming by with your tea. He settles down two cups, and places a kettle of hot water in the middle. "Fine tea can only truly be enjoyed amongst fine company."
"My thanks, Isawa-san," you say.
"It is no trouble," the old man responds. He looks at you with a gentle expression. "I merely wanted to handle your tea personally. It's my own small way of giving thanks for all the Crab do for the Empire."
You blink a bit in surprise, and the Phoenix Samurai chuckles. That mirth soon fade away, though, and his face grows solemn as his eyes go over your armor. He shakes his head with forlornly.
"It is such a terrible burden that has been placed on you, and all of the Crab Clan," he says softly. "To guard Rokugan against the essence of evil itself. That you would wear such heavy armor like it was everyday garb…"
"Such is my training," you respond, a little put off by the man's display of melancholy. "I must always be ready to perform my duty."
"And because of this, the Emerald Empire lives," the Isawa says, giving you a sad smile. He leans down to pour the water into the cups, the steaming liquid mixing with the tealeaves already set at the bottom. "For which I can give nothing but my utmost gratitude." He looks up, and his expression has returned to his former good cheer. "May you rest and be at peace within the Jasmine Dragon, Hiruma-san."
You stare after the man as he goes wandering to the other end of the room, sitting down next to a Unicorn Samurai and starting up a conversation. That was… odd. The man went from cheerful, to solemn, and then back to cheerful in the span of about a minute. You get the impression this isn't an irregular occurrence from the old Phoenix.
It is not as if the whole affair was an unseemly display of emotion, or anything of that nature. Even still, it approaches a bit too close for your own comfort. Better to move on from the event entirely.
"So," you say, turning back to Shirou. "What kind of tea do you usually get Shirou-san?"
"I am a fan of green tea," he says before taking a sip of his drink. He sighs in contentment. "The flavor resonates with me."
You nod. You can understand the sentiment. You have no particularly favorite tea, but green is always a solid pick. You take a sip of your jasmine tea, and immediately flavor rushes past your tongue like a gentle wave. It is forceful, but not overpowering. A pleasant mix of subtlety and strength that almost takes you off guard, and you have to restrain the urge to look at your cup in shock.
This is really good tea, you think to yourself before taking another sip. Shirou chose well.
[] Play a game.
[] Leave the teahouse after finishing your drinks.
[] Write in.
You gaze about the teahouse. Everyone is indeed very calm and at ease. You see Samurai of the Lion, Unicorn and Dragon lands lounging about and simply taking in the day with a refreshing beverage. There's no tension between them, here, no inter-clan rivalries. There is just the afternoon, and tea.
"With good friends?" you ask, answering Shirou's question with one of your own.
"A good answer!" he exclaims, though he keeps his voice down out of respect for the other patrons.
"Indeed," says the Isawa, coming by with your tea. He settles down two cups, and places a kettle of hot water in the middle. "Fine tea can only truly be enjoyed amongst fine company."
"My thanks, Isawa-san," you say.
"It is no trouble," the old man responds. He looks at you with a gentle expression. "I merely wanted to handle your tea personally. It's my own small way of giving thanks for all the Crab do for the Empire."
You blink a bit in surprise, and the Phoenix Samurai chuckles. That mirth soon fade away, though, and his face grows solemn as his eyes go over your armor. He shakes his head with forlornly.
"It is such a terrible burden that has been placed on you, and all of the Crab Clan," he says softly. "To guard Rokugan against the essence of evil itself. That you would wear such heavy armor like it was everyday garb…"
"Such is my training," you respond, a little put off by the man's display of melancholy. "I must always be ready to perform my duty."
"And because of this, the Emerald Empire lives," the Isawa says, giving you a sad smile. He leans down to pour the water into the cups, the steaming liquid mixing with the tealeaves already set at the bottom. "For which I can give nothing but my utmost gratitude." He looks up, and his expression has returned to his former good cheer. "May you rest and be at peace within the Jasmine Dragon, Hiruma-san."
You stare after the man as he goes wandering to the other end of the room, sitting down next to a Unicorn Samurai and starting up a conversation. That was… odd. The man went from cheerful, to solemn, and then back to cheerful in the span of about a minute. You get the impression this isn't an irregular occurrence from the old Phoenix.
It is not as if the whole affair was an unseemly display of emotion, or anything of that nature. Even still, it approaches a bit too close for your own comfort. Better to move on from the event entirely.
"So," you say, turning back to Shirou. "What kind of tea do you usually get Shirou-san?"
"I am a fan of green tea," he says before taking a sip of his drink. He sighs in contentment. "The flavor resonates with me."
You nod. You can understand the sentiment. You have no particularly favorite tea, but green is always a solid pick. You take a sip of your jasmine tea, and immediately flavor rushes past your tongue like a gentle wave. It is forceful, but not overpowering. A pleasant mix of subtlety and strength that almost takes you off guard, and you have to restrain the urge to look at your cup in shock.
This is really good tea, you think to yourself before taking another sip. Shirou chose well.
[] Play a game.
[] Leave the teahouse after finishing your drinks.
[] Write in.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
The man doesn't have any heraldry aside from the Phoenix and Isawa Mons, and seems to just be running a tea shop. By the looks of it, he's retired. So while he's certainly worth respect because of his age, he doesn't appear to be of higher status than you. At least, not now at any rate.
By default Samurai who live to old age can usually be assumed to be higher status than a fresh hohei like Sosuke. But fair enough.
Finbar
Generic Minion #314
- Location
- Sydney
Plus you have the way the Isawa communicated
It's coming across, to me at least, that the Isawa has experienced the Shadows of Rokugan in some way. Perhaps he encountered shadowlands creatures and it went badly, or a Mahou User...... that doesnt matter. The point is, it's comng across to me that he has expereinced it in some way and is thanking the Crab that his Clan is the one that faces them regularly.
It's coming across, to me at least, that the Isawa has experienced the Shadows of Rokugan in some way. Perhaps he encountered shadowlands creatures and it went badly, or a Mahou User...... that doesnt matter. The point is, it's comng across to me that he has expereinced it in some way and is thanking the Crab that his Clan is the one that faces them regularly.