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

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Hmm, free ogres, even if they dislike the taint are still tainted, right? Because if so, I really can't see we just putting aside our side of the grudge either. We might be more diplomatic than the average crab bushi, but we still are a crab bushi. We do not negotiate with the Tainted. We do not even start to consider it until the very fate of the Empire hangs in the balance. At most we let the very lightly tainted remain alive under careful controlled and observation without letting them make any actual decisions.

And as such, even if the Ogre have nothing to do with the kidnapping, we should very much want to bash his skull in if he's any more than the barest hint of the taint, and we certainly do not make an ally with such being. Next you'll be saying we should accept the Spider as a great clan. :p

That said, it might not be worth our time go out of our way to find him and bash his skull in, specially if he does keeps mostly to himself. Maybe we could suggest that they seek help of an imperial affiliated magistrate or something, someone that could stomp without causing any major diplomatic incident or precipitating a war? Or maybe suggest Kuni Witchhunters or something like that, that while cause some diplomatic incidents, are still unlikely to cause a war with the village in the middle?

Of course, that's assuming Goro-sama doesn't decide to, in fact, stop and help them ourselves.
 
[x] gman391

Basically, they are tainted, but they may or may not spread the taint, and they probably aren't doomed to grow ever more tainted and eventually insane in the way that tainted humans are.

Still, I see the moral calculus as somethign like this.

- The Ogre may or may not be the child-stealer. I tend to think not, though I admit that we know little.

- Our primary obligation is to our Duty - to speak with the Dragon. Seeking out whatever is troubling this village is going to take time. Getting into a fight with an intelligent ogre who has a sword that he has crafted for himself? That has a decent chance of getting us killed. It is not cowardice to acknowledge that getting ourselves killed here, on a side matter, would be harmful to the clan, and by extension, harmful to the ability of Rokugan to repel the inevitable invasion. The inevitable invasion is a *much* bigger deal than some random ogre, especially if he's not actually harming anyone.

- Our primary-sub-two obligation is to obey Yasuki Goro - and we are now deferring to his authority, as is right and proper.

- As a secondary obligation, saving the peasants from their troubles? Compassion does call for it. If this can be done without taking on a fight with the ogre and quite possible getting killed by it, that would be all to the good. If it is indeed the Ogre doing this, however... well, assuming that Yasuki Goro permits us to do anything about it, the filth of the Shadowlands preying on the simple folk of the Empire is not to be tolerated. Additionally, if it is indeed what is going on, the Dragon may be interested to hear that the Shadowlands threat has spread this close to their borders.

Now I wonder... is there some way we could roll something to see if we remember our dreams IC? In the dreams, this guy was pretty clearly killing off kids, and being led by tainted kami. It may well be the same guy.
 
It also might be very much worth it to see if somehow we're dealing with an actual untainted ogre, for a practical reason: it might offer insight into how to remove the Taint from an area without killing the area itself, or to restoring life to a cleansed area. The ability to restore the Kuni and Hiruma Wastes would be of incalculable value to the Clan.

And as a practical matter, knowledge of something this bizarre going on right on their southern border is probably enough to get the Dragon to expedite our passage through Kyuden Tonbo.

On a completely different subject, food in the Dragon lands is likely to seem odd to us. Aside from the possibility of encountering goat mountain tuna, there's the likelihood of butter tea and other such dairy-based concoctions meant to keep the body going in the high mountains (because let's face it, the Dragon are basically a not-Tibet inhabited by kinda-sorta Japanese).

I also hope that the military potential of fireworks occurs to us, should we see a display of hanabi by the Tamori. Cannon and guns may be banned by Rokugani law (and possibly operate under alien metaphysics to boot), but rockets aren't, and I can see uses both for signal flares and bursting charges along the Wall. Imagine the damage you could do, for example, by taking a bit of jade powder, putting it in the nose of a rocket, and then having that rocket explode within a crowd of Shadowlands monsters.
 
The Sandman said:
I also hope that the military potential of fireworks occurs to us, should we see a display of hanabi by the Tamori. Cannon and guns may be banned by Rokugani law (and possibly operate under alien metaphysics to boot), but rockets aren't, and I can see uses both for signal flares and bursting charges along the Wall. Imagine the damage you could do, for example, by taking a bit of jade powder, putting it in the nose of a rocket, and then having that rocket explode within a crowd of Shadowlands monsters.
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Within a crowd? Bitch please.

Jade fireworks that explode above Tainted armies and rain a fine dust of Jade over everything. Its like holy napalm.
 
The Sandman said:
It also might be very much worth it to see if somehow we're dealing with an actual untainted ogre, for a practical reason: it might offer insight into how to remove the Taint from an area without killing the area itself, or to restoring life to a cleansed area. The ability to restore the Kuni and Hiruma Wastes would be of incalculable value to the Clan.

And as a practical matter, knowledge of something this bizarre going on right on their southern border is probably enough to get the Dragon to expedite our passage through Kyuden Tonbo.

On a completely different subject, food in the Dragon lands is likely to seem odd to us. Aside from the possibility of encountering goat mountain tuna, there's the likelihood of butter tea and other such dairy-based concoctions meant to keep the body going in the high mountains (because let's face it, the Dragon are basically a not-Tibet inhabited by kinda-sorta Japanese).

I also hope that the military potential of fireworks occurs to us, should we see a display of hanabi by the Tamori. Cannon and guns may be banned by Rokugani law (and possibly operate under alien metaphysics to boot), but rockets aren't, and I can see uses both for signal flares and bursting charges along the Wall. Imagine the damage you could do, for example, by taking a bit of jade powder, putting it in the nose of a rocket, and then having that rocket explode within a crowd of Shadowlands monsters.
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Hmm...

Jade powder glued to the outside of a ceramic container with a bursting charge? So it actually penetrates their skin?
 
GilliamYaeger said:
Within a crowd? Bitch please.

Jade fireworks that explode above Tainted armies and rain a fine dust of Jade over everything. Its like holy napalm.
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That would work wonderfully. Crystal as well, assuming that crystal can also be ground to a powder without losing its properties.

Ghost_msl said:
Hmm...

Jade powder glued to the outside of a ceramic container with a bursting charge? So it actually penetrates their skin?
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Yep. Jade shrapnel, more or less, although with powder on metal rather than actual chunks of jade (jade being a bit too rare to use so profligately).

And of course, somewhat more mundane things would work acceptably on smaller Shadowlands threats like goblins (jade-free shrapnel or regular incendiary rockets, for example).

Flares would help during night attacks; being able to see what's happening could save many lives on the wall.

Signal flares would also be an excellent way for villages not on the wall to provide warning of Shadowlands activity or attack, potentially even quickly enough for a response to arrive before the village is dead.

For regular communications, of course, some sort of optical telegraph (whether semaphore or heliograph) would be ideal for the Crab. A line along the Wall, with extensions to the major holdings, would allow an incredible boost in the ability to shift troops in response to Shadowlands movements. The potential diplomatic and commercial applications of extending such lines beyond clan territory, of course, would be quickly recognized by the Yasuki, as well as the benefit to the clan of being the first to build and operate such a system.

...and come to think of it, that's something we might also reasonably get the idea for while in Dragon lands. The Dragon must have some way of quickly communicating between their castles, and relay ponies aren't really a viable option given how mountainous their territory is, so it seems reasonable that they use flags or fires or some such as an alternative.
 
Sirrocco said:
Now I wonder... is there some way we could roll something to see if we remember our dreams IC? In the dreams, this guy was pretty clearly killing off kids, and being led by tainted kami. It may well be the same guy.
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Hmm... might help as well, yes.

@Winged Knight, may I request an intelligence roll? Is for remembering the dream (nightmare?) we had before leaving Rugashi. The one about Khosa.
 
Sosuke does remember the last strange dream he had, yes. He's only got a very fuzzy recollection of the one at Shinden Osano-wo, however, because that night's sleep ended with him freaking the hell out.

In any event, vote locked. I'll begin writing the update after I get home from work. aiming for a double today to make up for missing yesterday.
 
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    • [x] Gman


    You look down at Hikaru as she weeps, and you clench your fists. You are angry, and it is difficult to contain. What is happening here is a tragedy… No, more than that it is something that should not be. These people have been undergoing horror and sorrow, and cannot seek recompense out of fear a war will break out with their village in the middle.

    It isn't right! Samurai have a duty to protect the peasantry. That is one of the most important reasons why you are given the right to rule Rokugan through the Celestial Order. The peasants serve the Samurai, and the Samurai defend the peasants. For the Heimin to be afraid of Samurai coming to save them is more than just wrong, it is a slap in the face to everything you believe in.

    You want to help them. You want to find the cause of these kidnappings and break its bones beneath your Tetsubo. But despite your feelings, you do not act upon them. You have a duty to more than just yourself. Your greatest obligation is to the Empire, acted upon through serving the interests of your Clan. As such, it is not your decision to make.

    But you know whose it is.

    You step inside the inn, and see Yasuki Goro is still discussing matters with an obviously uncomfortable innkeeper. You approach him and bow low, kneeling upon the ground. Your superior looks at you in bewilderment, his eyebrows rising in surprise.

    "Sosuke-san?" he asks. "What is going on?"

    "My Lord, I have just heard news that children within this village are being kidnapped," you answer. "They believe it might have something to do with an ogre who passed through just a few weeks ago."

    "An ogre?" Yasuki Goro asks. "But we saw no destruction on our way in."

    "It was apparently intelligent, and could speak. It crafted a sword within the village forge and then left," you answer. "In light of all this, I would like to make a request of you, my Lord."

    "I believe I see where this is going," your superior says. "Speak your mind, Sosuke-san."

    Yasuki-sama, I am aware that our task is of great import," you say. "Thus if you judge it of greater import than helping these peasants, I will understand. However, my Lord, I would ask of you to let me go and handle the matter. The notion of the Southern Foe being here makes my blood run hot and my hands itch for a chance to swing my tetsubo at it." You bow your head lower. "I leave it in your honorable hands my lord."

    "This explains why everyone has been so afraid of us," Yasuki Goro says, almost as if to himself. "Being so close to three different Clans, any one of them sending troops to handle this matter might spark the others into responding." He cups a hand beneath his chin. "Which means if we were to get involved, it might save the Dragon the risk of starting a war should they discover this village's troubles…"

    You hear footsteps behind you, and a glance reveals that Shasa and Shirou have followed you inside. Shasa appears troubled, and Shirou concerned. When you look back, Yasuki Goro motions with a hand for you to rise. You do so, and when you stand you see your superior has a smile upon his face.

    "Sosuke-san," he says. "You have presented us with a grand opportunity for the coming negotiations. I want you, Shasa-san and Shirou-san to track down this ogre and discover if it is the cause of the kidnappings. If it is, kill it. If not, then find out what is causing these disappearances. I will be protected enough for now with the Ashigaru." He nods at you. "I trust you three are more than adequate for this task. Seek this evil, and destroy it."

    [] Write in.
     
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    • Gogogo Honorable Yasuki Goro-sama!

    Goro-sama is best boss.

    Now, a plan of approach? Seems like...

    - find out what we can int eh village (which way did the ogre come in, which way did he go out, were there any patterns to the disappearances)
    - see if we can get any native that might know the area and nearby woods (and, in particular, know when somehting might seem out of place) to go with us and guide us
    - Figure out who we're bringing along, and if we want to make any particular preparations
    - Head out searching
     
    We should go talk to the Smith first, he's probably had the most interaction with the Ogre. Then find a local huntsman to get us there

    So
    [x] Go interrogate the smith about the whereabouts of the ogre
    [x] Go find huntsman to help us find the thing
    [x] Go find the ogre.

    Removed for different vote
     
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    Still worth asking if the abductions had anything in common. Might just get us a bunch of red herrings, but might tell us something useful. For example, if the children were spirited away out of their beds, or disappeared without noise while in easy earshot... well, Ogre means of capturing small children would often tend to be loud. If it was a "you wander too far outside of the village and disappear", then it would be informative to know if it was one particular direction away from the village, or anywhere around - stuff like that.

    The ages of the children might also be pertinent.
     
    I'm okay with that plan. Red herring or not, there's always some worth in the information.

    On regarding the huntsman. Hmm... I just hope there's some peasants who wants to help despise the terror they're feeling.
     
    Just letting y'all know that if you come up with a plan of action that gets consensus in the next few hours, I can possibly manage another update.
     
    [x] Plan Droman

    - Give the appropriate amount of respect and thanks as is necessary to the situation
    - Ask one of our Ashigaru or more prominent companions to keep an eye on the outside crowds as we address them. Note anything suspicious or off, or someone who leaves after we speak to go somewhere else.
    - Exit his presence, and inform the villagers that you have been granted leave to attend to the ... killings.
    - Request that everyone who has lost a child to meet with you, to provide some descriptor of their loved one.
    - Request that anyone who interacted with the ogre or was in his presence significantly to provide what details they could. Focus on the smith for this, did he want the sword for a reason?
    - Request that any who know the woods well join us as guides into the area, to seek both the ogre and if he is not culpable, the true criminals.
    - Once this has all been arranged, confer with companions over anything odd, interrogate anyone who stood out, then head into the forests to proceed with the next stage.
    - Look for the ogre, as it's doubtful he would be very savvy in hiding his tracks. Also look for visible signs of Taint, perhaps there is something greater afoot than a single ogre with a large sword randomly killing children. A sorcerer or cultist might be at play here. Or just a random pedophile or cannibal, you suppose.
     
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    Droman said:
    [x] Plan Droman

    - Give the appropriate amount of respect and thanks as is necessary to the situation
    - Ask one of our Ashigaru or more prominent companions to keep an eye on the outside crowds as we address them. Note anything suspicious or off.
    - Exit his presence, and inform the villagers that you have been granted leave to attend to the ... killings.
    - Request that everyone who has lost a child to meet with you, to provide some descriptor of their loved one.
    - Request that anyone who interacted with the ogre or was in his presence significantly to provide what details they could. Focus on the smith for this, did he want the sword for a reason?
    - Request that any who know the woods well join us as guides into the area, to seek both the ogre and if he is not culpable, the true criminals.
    - While doing all this, ensure truth and purity of information by using a small amount of jade we have as a tester, touching it to those we speak to to capture tainted folk.
    - Once this has all been arranged, confer with companions over anything odd, interrogate anyone tainted, then head into the forests to proceed with the next stage.
    - Look for the ogre, as it's doubtful he would be very savvy in hiding his tracks. Also look for visible signs of Taint, perhaps there is something greater afoot than a single ogre with a large sword randomly killing children. A sorcerer or cultist might be at play here. Or just a random pedophile or cannibal, you suppose.
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    I'm fine with everything except the part where we openly and blatantly test everyone for Taint. That stuff's taboo in most of Rokugan and the peasants are liable to get very nervous if some big foreign samurai starts up an inquisition for heretics tainted. They wouldn't attack us but many might clam up or even quietly disappear until the big scary samurai, who would be all but accusing them of being devil-worshipers, leaves. And yes I'm talking about non-tainted people.
     
    Blaster90 said:
    I'm fine with everything except the part where we openly and blatantly test everyone for Taint. That stuff's taboo in most of Rokugan and the peasants are liable to get very nervous if some big foreign samurai starts up an inquisition for heretics tainted. They wouldn't attack us but many might clam up or even quietly disappear until the big scary samurai, who would be all but accusing them of being devil-worshipers, leaves. And yes I'm talking about non-tainted people.
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    Edited to reflect that.
     
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