Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] gman391
[x] Interact with the Ashigaru
-[x] Ask them how the hills are treating them.
[x] Interact with the Ashigaru
-[x] Ask them how the hills are treating them.
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
2.118
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman and EtchedSteel
"You are very welcome, Shasa-san," you say. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No, Sosuke-san," Shasa replies. She wipes a bit of sweat from her brow, frowning. "I thank you, but I believe I just need a bit of time to myself to think. I fear my poor sleep is giving me some distraction. It's likely best that I focus on riding for the time being."
"Very well," you reply, bowing in your saddle. "Until we talk again, Shasa-san."
"Until then, Sosuke-san," Shasa says, bowing back.
You move your horse away from her, heading closer to the wagon where both Shirou and the Ashigaru are set up. However, it is not the monk who holds your interest right now. You've not paid much attention to the Ashigaru these last few weeks, the most interaction you've had with them being within the first few days of your journey.
Frankly, that might be a mistake you'll need to correct. These men serve a vital function within your caravan, ensuring that the camp is safe and providing aid against potential threats. In many ways they are the backbone of the group, making the support for you and Shasa. That is worthy of respect and acknowledgement.
It is Jinbei who notices you first as you approach, giving a hasty walking bow. The others follow suit, taking care not to bump into each other or hit anything with their spears. You respond with your own bow, greeting the peasant soldiers with a smile.
"Greetings," you say. "I hope these hills aren't treating you too badly."
"A good morning to you, my Lord," Hoshi says. "May this day find you well." He looked out at the hilly landscape. "As for the terrain… Well, it's not too bad yet. Nothing we can't handle."
"It'll be worse when we hit the mountains proper," Batou says, looking glum. "We might have to lash one of the other horse to the wagon to get it up the incline. I've heard Dragon lands are all up so high they touch the clouds! It'll take some work getting ourselves up there."
"Hope not," Kazu says. "That'd mean one of the Lords would have to walk."
"I am fine with that," you respond. "I have marched on my feet before, and will do so again. If it means getting to the lands of the Dragon Clan with all our supplies, I will do so gladly. The mission comes before comfort, after all."
"Well, no need for that yet, my Lord," Rota responds. "We're still a ways off from the mountains yet. Can't even see them from here."
"Give it a few days," Jinbei replies. "Those peaks aren't called 'The Great Wall of the North' for nothing."
"A fair point," you say. You cup your chin in thought. "I wonder if they are taller than the Spine of the World Mountains?"
"I don't think so, my Lord," Hoshi says. "I mean, how could they be? The Spine of the World has mountains going up so high they might even touch the Heavens! Surely nothing could compete with that."
"Perhaps you are right," you say. "Even still, I'm looking forward to seeing them."
"I can understand the feeling, my Lord," Jinbei says. "I've never been this far north before. We've seen so much… I can't help but wonder what the Dragon will be like. After all, the Lion and the Scorpion were both very different. I figure the Dragon must be as well."
[] Write in.
"You are very welcome, Shasa-san," you say. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No, Sosuke-san," Shasa replies. She wipes a bit of sweat from her brow, frowning. "I thank you, but I believe I just need a bit of time to myself to think. I fear my poor sleep is giving me some distraction. It's likely best that I focus on riding for the time being."
"Very well," you reply, bowing in your saddle. "Until we talk again, Shasa-san."
"Until then, Sosuke-san," Shasa says, bowing back.
You move your horse away from her, heading closer to the wagon where both Shirou and the Ashigaru are set up. However, it is not the monk who holds your interest right now. You've not paid much attention to the Ashigaru these last few weeks, the most interaction you've had with them being within the first few days of your journey.
Frankly, that might be a mistake you'll need to correct. These men serve a vital function within your caravan, ensuring that the camp is safe and providing aid against potential threats. In many ways they are the backbone of the group, making the support for you and Shasa. That is worthy of respect and acknowledgement.
It is Jinbei who notices you first as you approach, giving a hasty walking bow. The others follow suit, taking care not to bump into each other or hit anything with their spears. You respond with your own bow, greeting the peasant soldiers with a smile.
"Greetings," you say. "I hope these hills aren't treating you too badly."
"A good morning to you, my Lord," Hoshi says. "May this day find you well." He looked out at the hilly landscape. "As for the terrain… Well, it's not too bad yet. Nothing we can't handle."
"It'll be worse when we hit the mountains proper," Batou says, looking glum. "We might have to lash one of the other horse to the wagon to get it up the incline. I've heard Dragon lands are all up so high they touch the clouds! It'll take some work getting ourselves up there."
"Hope not," Kazu says. "That'd mean one of the Lords would have to walk."
"I am fine with that," you respond. "I have marched on my feet before, and will do so again. If it means getting to the lands of the Dragon Clan with all our supplies, I will do so gladly. The mission comes before comfort, after all."
"Well, no need for that yet, my Lord," Rota responds. "We're still a ways off from the mountains yet. Can't even see them from here."
"Give it a few days," Jinbei replies. "Those peaks aren't called 'The Great Wall of the North' for nothing."
"A fair point," you say. You cup your chin in thought. "I wonder if they are taller than the Spine of the World Mountains?"
"I don't think so, my Lord," Hoshi says. "I mean, how could they be? The Spine of the World has mountains going up so high they might even touch the Heavens! Surely nothing could compete with that."
"Perhaps you are right," you say. "Even still, I'm looking forward to seeing them."
"I can understand the feeling, my Lord," Jinbei says. "I've never been this far north before. We've seen so much… I can't help but wonder what the Dragon will be like. After all, the Lion and the Scorpion were both very different. I figure the Dragon must be as well."
[] Write in.
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[x] Write in: "Well I figure they have to be a little different to live in those mountains of theirs. Still, if I had to guess, I think they'd be a strange combination of myself and Shirou-san...after all this is the home of the Ise-zumi. Before that though we have to make our way to Kyuden Tonbo...where I'm sure we'll find out just how high those mountains are."
Let them respond, then
"Alright, I won't trouble you farther."
Go talk to Yasuki Goro about Kyuden Tonbo
Let them respond, then
"Alright, I won't trouble you farther."
Go talk to Yasuki Goro about Kyuden Tonbo
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Gman391
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
[x] Gman391
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
I apologize for the spotty updates these last two weeks. The holiday season has shot my sleeping habits right to hell, so I've been very tired and that makes it hard to focus on writing. I'm going to take steps to fix this, so hopefully I'll be back to the regular update schedule soon.
2.119
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
Jinbei brings up something you've given a bit of thought to as well. The Scorpion were very different from what you imagined, both portraying and shattering the stereotypes you had of them. The Lion, in contrast, seemed to hold up to the rumors you have heard of them.
But experiencing the people of those two Clans is very different than simply hearing about them, and your perceptions have changed as a consequence. It is has been an enlightening experience. Frankly, you can only consider yourself having grown as a person from this new knowledge.
So what, indeed, shall the Dragon be like when you finally reach them? Such an intriguing thought, and clearly you are not the only one to have had it.
"Well," you say. "I figure they have to be a little different to live in those mountains of theirs."
You grin, and the Ashigaru chuckle a little in response to your words. It's a common enough sentiment amongst the Crab, and likely even the rest of Rokugan. From all you've heard, the Dragon are… odd.
"Still, if I had to guess," you go on. "I think they'd be a strange combination of myself and Shirou-san. After all, this is the home of the Ise-zumi. Before that though we have to make our way to Kyuden Tonbo, where I'm sure we'll find out just how high those mountains are."
"Of course, my Lord," Batou says. "I only hope the Dragonfly don't have us wait too long at Kyuden Tonbo. The sooner we reach the Dragon, the sooner Yasuki-sama can proceed with negotiations."
"They're the gatekeepers for the Dragon, if rumor holds up," Kazu says. "So a message should get through to let us pass soon enough, I figure."
"No doubt," you say. You give the Ashigaru a nod, to which they bow in response. "A good afternoon to you."
The Ashigaru wish you a good day back, and you head away toward the head of the caravan. Yasuki Goro is there, as always, looking on ahead. The cheer you saw yesterday from his is gone, replaced by a look of stoicism. He seems very deep in thought.
No doubt about the talks ahead, you think to yourself.
Such matters are things you can only speculate about, likely incorrectly. The nature of diplomacy has been revealed to you often during this journey. You are, right now, far more skilled in the art of the courts than you were back before you set out. Even still, Yasuki Goro no doubt stands far above you where such things are concerned.
He looks at you out of the corner of his eye as you approach, and then turns toward you fully as you bow. He bows back, his expression softening.
"Sosuke-san," he says. "Nice of you to visit me up at the front." He grins. "I take it you have more questions you would like to ask me?"
"You are astute as ever, my Lord," you respond. "If Yasuki-sama would grace me with a few moments of his time, I would like to ask of his knowledge about the Dragonfly."
"Understandable," Yasuki Goro responds, nodding. "All right, Sosuke-san. What would you like to know?"
[] Write in.
Jinbei brings up something you've given a bit of thought to as well. The Scorpion were very different from what you imagined, both portraying and shattering the stereotypes you had of them. The Lion, in contrast, seemed to hold up to the rumors you have heard of them.
But experiencing the people of those two Clans is very different than simply hearing about them, and your perceptions have changed as a consequence. It is has been an enlightening experience. Frankly, you can only consider yourself having grown as a person from this new knowledge.
So what, indeed, shall the Dragon be like when you finally reach them? Such an intriguing thought, and clearly you are not the only one to have had it.
"Well," you say. "I figure they have to be a little different to live in those mountains of theirs."
You grin, and the Ashigaru chuckle a little in response to your words. It's a common enough sentiment amongst the Crab, and likely even the rest of Rokugan. From all you've heard, the Dragon are… odd.
"Still, if I had to guess," you go on. "I think they'd be a strange combination of myself and Shirou-san. After all, this is the home of the Ise-zumi. Before that though we have to make our way to Kyuden Tonbo, where I'm sure we'll find out just how high those mountains are."
"Of course, my Lord," Batou says. "I only hope the Dragonfly don't have us wait too long at Kyuden Tonbo. The sooner we reach the Dragon, the sooner Yasuki-sama can proceed with negotiations."
"They're the gatekeepers for the Dragon, if rumor holds up," Kazu says. "So a message should get through to let us pass soon enough, I figure."
"No doubt," you say. You give the Ashigaru a nod, to which they bow in response. "A good afternoon to you."
The Ashigaru wish you a good day back, and you head away toward the head of the caravan. Yasuki Goro is there, as always, looking on ahead. The cheer you saw yesterday from his is gone, replaced by a look of stoicism. He seems very deep in thought.
No doubt about the talks ahead, you think to yourself.
Such matters are things you can only speculate about, likely incorrectly. The nature of diplomacy has been revealed to you often during this journey. You are, right now, far more skilled in the art of the courts than you were back before you set out. Even still, Yasuki Goro no doubt stands far above you where such things are concerned.
He looks at you out of the corner of his eye as you approach, and then turns toward you fully as you bow. He bows back, his expression softening.
"Sosuke-san," he says. "Nice of you to visit me up at the front." He grins. "I take it you have more questions you would like to ask me?"
"You are astute as ever, my Lord," you respond. "If Yasuki-sama would grace me with a few moments of his time, I would like to ask of his knowledge about the Dragonfly."
"Understandable," Yasuki Goro responds, nodding. "All right, Sosuke-san. What would you like to know?"
[] Write in.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Somethign like...
- what his primary and secondary objectives are (that he's willign to tell us)
- what role he thinks we might play in serving those objectives
- if there's any particular impression/face he'd wish us to project to the dragonfly
- what sorts of things resonate with them in particular, and what sorts of things should be avoided.
- other stuff?
It's 3 in the morning where I am, though - I've not the brain to compose it well.
- what his primary and secondary objectives are (that he's willign to tell us)
- what role he thinks we might play in serving those objectives
- if there's any particular impression/face he'd wish us to project to the dragonfly
- what sorts of things resonate with them in particular, and what sorts of things should be avoided.
- other stuff?
It's 3 in the morning where I am, though - I've not the brain to compose it well.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] gman391
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] gman391
cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
[Q] What is thy bidding my master?
2.120
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
"What do you think of them, my lord?" you ask. "I've no real knowledge of the Dragonfly, aside from their duties as gatekeepers for the Dragon."
"What do I think of them?" Yasuki Goro asks, putting hand to his chin in thought. "An interesting question, for I've never dealt with them myself. I have, however, met with those who have done so."
You blink a little in surprise, something your superior notes. He grins at you from beneath his hand, showing his teeth. You get the feeling he's taking some amusement at your shock.
"Surprised, lad? You shouldn't be. It's not as if I know all there is in this world," he says. "To speak truthfully, this is my first real interaction within the courts of the Dragon. Our Clans are so far apart that we've never interacted all that much." He frowns. "Well, aside from one major incident involving a duel and the events that followed after… But it's best we don't mention that while we're there."
"Ah… You mean the duel between Hida Yakamo and Mirumoto Satsu?" you ask. "Where the Crab Thunder beat the man to death with his tetsubo?"
"Yes," Yasuki Goro responds. "While many have moved past that incident, considering it was a century ago, none have forgotten it. It could easily raise ire even amongst the ever patient Dragon."
"I will make sure to never bring the event up, my Lord," you say.
"Very good," Yasuki Goro responds. "But back to your original question, the Dragonfly have all but centered themselves around the Dragon Clan, so much so that they're practically another Family. If the Dragon do not wish to meet with someone, the Dragonfly will not let them pass."
"Is there a chance they'd turn us aside?" you ask.
"They would not be so rude as that," Yasuki Goro says. "But they would come up with a number of excuses, like the weather being uncooperative or that landslides had blocked the path up into the mountains."
"So they would lie?" you ask, your voice aghast. "Would they really treat dignitaries with such dishonor?"
"Not a true lie," Yasuki Goro responds. "For the weather and paths up to the mountains are often plagued with such troubles. However, they might simply… overstate the severity of the issues, and one can be waiting for weeks at a time before either the Dragon change their minds or the visitors give up and leave."
"This seems to be treading a fine line," you mutter. "I'm not sure I like it."
"You certainly wouldn't be the first to feel that way," your superior replies. "But I don't think we'll have to wait too long. Word of our coming has likely reached the Dragon by this point, and I can think of no reason why they would not meet with us."
"My thanks for taking the time to enlighten me, Yasuki-sama," you respond. "Is there anything you wish for me to do in Kyuden Tonbo?"
"I do not believe I will require anything," Yasuki Goro answers. "We will be dealing with the Dragon, not the Dragonfly. Unless the situation changes, it is best we not draw too much attention to ourselves and just make our way as swiftly as we're able."
"As you command my lord."
"Do you have any other questions, Sosuke-san?" Yasuki Goro asks. "There is little else to do but talk or ride in silence for the time being."
[] Write in.
[] Timeskip to Kyuden Tonbo.
"What do you think of them, my lord?" you ask. "I've no real knowledge of the Dragonfly, aside from their duties as gatekeepers for the Dragon."
"What do I think of them?" Yasuki Goro asks, putting hand to his chin in thought. "An interesting question, for I've never dealt with them myself. I have, however, met with those who have done so."
You blink a little in surprise, something your superior notes. He grins at you from beneath his hand, showing his teeth. You get the feeling he's taking some amusement at your shock.
"Surprised, lad? You shouldn't be. It's not as if I know all there is in this world," he says. "To speak truthfully, this is my first real interaction within the courts of the Dragon. Our Clans are so far apart that we've never interacted all that much." He frowns. "Well, aside from one major incident involving a duel and the events that followed after… But it's best we don't mention that while we're there."
"Ah… You mean the duel between Hida Yakamo and Mirumoto Satsu?" you ask. "Where the Crab Thunder beat the man to death with his tetsubo?"
"Yes," Yasuki Goro responds. "While many have moved past that incident, considering it was a century ago, none have forgotten it. It could easily raise ire even amongst the ever patient Dragon."
"I will make sure to never bring the event up, my Lord," you say.
"Very good," Yasuki Goro responds. "But back to your original question, the Dragonfly have all but centered themselves around the Dragon Clan, so much so that they're practically another Family. If the Dragon do not wish to meet with someone, the Dragonfly will not let them pass."
"Is there a chance they'd turn us aside?" you ask.
"They would not be so rude as that," Yasuki Goro says. "But they would come up with a number of excuses, like the weather being uncooperative or that landslides had blocked the path up into the mountains."
"So they would lie?" you ask, your voice aghast. "Would they really treat dignitaries with such dishonor?"
"Not a true lie," Yasuki Goro responds. "For the weather and paths up to the mountains are often plagued with such troubles. However, they might simply… overstate the severity of the issues, and one can be waiting for weeks at a time before either the Dragon change their minds or the visitors give up and leave."
"This seems to be treading a fine line," you mutter. "I'm not sure I like it."
"You certainly wouldn't be the first to feel that way," your superior replies. "But I don't think we'll have to wait too long. Word of our coming has likely reached the Dragon by this point, and I can think of no reason why they would not meet with us."
"My thanks for taking the time to enlighten me, Yasuki-sama," you respond. "Is there anything you wish for me to do in Kyuden Tonbo?"
"I do not believe I will require anything," Yasuki Goro answers. "We will be dealing with the Dragon, not the Dragonfly. Unless the situation changes, it is best we not draw too much attention to ourselves and just make our way as swiftly as we're able."
"As you command my lord."
"Do you have any other questions, Sosuke-san?" Yasuki Goro asks. "There is little else to do but talk or ride in silence for the time being."
[] Write in.
[] Timeskip to Kyuden Tonbo.
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[x] Timeskip to Kyuden Tonbo