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
-
[x] Return to the castle.
[x] Seek out Goro, detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advise.
Muh honor.
[x] Seek out Goro, detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advise.
Muh honor.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Return to the castle.
[x] Seek out Goro, detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advise.
[x] Seek out Goro, detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advise.
- Location
- Canada
[x] Return to the castle.
[x] Seek out Goro, detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advise.
[x] Seek out Goro, detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advise.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] Return to the castle.
[x] Seek out Goro, and request an audience with him. Make sure that it is private.
[x] Detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advice.
[x] Note the thing that occurred to you - that there is at least a faction of the Unicorn who wishes desperately to cleanse their shame. You're not sure if this is the place or time to exploit it, but it seems to you like helping to defend Rokugan from a concerted assault by Jikogu might serve as a way for them to do that in part - especially with the help of the Scorpion to sell it in the courts.
...because Yasuki Goro-sama really does seem to enjoy finding ways to rack up additional clan advantage that have nothing to do with his stated mission.
[x] Seek out Goro, and request an audience with him. Make sure that it is private.
[x] Detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advice.
[x] Note the thing that occurred to you - that there is at least a faction of the Unicorn who wishes desperately to cleanse their shame. You're not sure if this is the place or time to exploit it, but it seems to you like helping to defend Rokugan from a concerted assault by Jikogu might serve as a way for them to do that in part - especially with the help of the Scorpion to sell it in the courts.
...because Yasuki Goro-sama really does seem to enjoy finding ways to rack up additional clan advantage that have nothing to do with his stated mission.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
[x] Return to the castle.
[x] Seek out Goro, and request an audience with him. Make sure that it is private.
[x] Detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advice.
[x] Note the thing that occurred to you - that there is at least a faction of the Unicorn who wishes desperately to cleanse their shame. You're not sure if this is the place or time to exploit it, but it seems to you like helping to defend Rokugan from a concerted assault by Jikogu might serve as a way for them to do that in part - especially with the help of the Scorpion to sell it in the courts.
[x] Seek out Goro, and request an audience with him. Make sure that it is private.
[x] Detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advice.
[x] Note the thing that occurred to you - that there is at least a faction of the Unicorn who wishes desperately to cleanse their shame. You're not sure if this is the place or time to exploit it, but it seems to you like helping to defend Rokugan from a concerted assault by Jikogu might serve as a way for them to do that in part - especially with the help of the Scorpion to sell it in the courts.
- Location
- Canada
[x] Sirrocco
Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
[x] Return to the castle.
[x] Seek out Goro, and request an audience with him. Make sure that it is private.
[x] Detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advice.
[x] Note the thing that occurred to you - that there is at least a faction of the Unicorn who wishes desperately to cleanse their shame. You're not sure if this is the place or time to exploit it, but it seems to you like helping to defend Rokugan from a concerted assault by Jikogu might serve as a way for them to do that in part - especially with the help of the Scorpion to sell it in the courts.
[x] Seek out Goro, and request an audience with him. Make sure that it is private.
[x] Detail the events and what the Unicorn samurai let slip and ask for advice.
[x] Note the thing that occurred to you - that there is at least a faction of the Unicorn who wishes desperately to cleanse their shame. You're not sure if this is the place or time to exploit it, but it seems to you like helping to defend Rokugan from a concerted assault by Jikogu might serve as a way for them to do that in part - especially with the help of the Scorpion to sell it in the courts.
3.28
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Sirrocco
You glance at Shirou, who keeps his face impassive. He looks back at you and smiles. Your friend has an odd sense of humor, because it is very obvious to you he's refraining from laughing. You're not sure whether or not it would be at his own words or at the situation itself, but you don't doubt the monk is keeping a great deal of mirth contained.
"It's not like I intend to," you mutter, rubbing your head and looking down to hide your embarrassed expression. "It just kind of… happens."
"So I've noticed!" Shirou exclaims, still smiling. "At least things are never boring, wouldn't you say?"
"I could do with a little more boredom sometimes, Shirou-san," you say as you begin your walk back to the castle. "Just for a little change of pace."
It does not take you long to walk back to Kyuden Tonbo proper, and the guards do not stop you from entering. You are a guest, after all, and your presence is well known by this point. Shirou does not follow you up the stairs, instead taking his leave to seek refreshment elsewhere in the castle.
Yasuki Goro's door is closed, just as you left it hardly an hour before. You don't imagine he has left his chambers, since he seemed intent to get some writing done in his journal. It is best to check here first. He might have gone elsewhere, but you know full well the danger in making assumptions. All too often they put people in danger, and could cost lives. Just like with Shasa…
A sudden wave of nausea overtakes you, and you have to steady yourself with a hand on the wall as your memories turn back to the cave. You can hear the laughter of the Oni, feel the phantom aches of wounds. But it is smell, more than anything that assaults you the strongest. The scent of blood almost makes you retch, and you have to force yourself to breathe evenly.
It takes you a few minutes to force the feelings away, to focus on right now instead of what happened then. You are not in the cave anymore. You are in Kyuden Tonbo, within the holdings of the Dragonfly and at the doorstep of the Dragon Clan. There is no need for this feeling, this urge to fight or flee. There are no enemies here. You are safe.
You repeat those thoughts to yourself until your anxiety fades. Even as it does, you feel troubles. This isn't the first time you've felt this way… You were struck by similar queasiness back in Tangan-mura. You'd written it off as just sorrow for Shasa, and perhaps it still is. It's not been even a month since her death. It would not be strange for grief to still strike you so strongly.
But you can't shake the feeling that perhaps it is something more, that maybe your battle with the Oni left wounds beyond just the physical. Wounds that have not yet healed, that may never heal.
Those are thoughts for another time, though. You've more pressing matters right now. Yasuki Goro can use what you've learned, and that can help that Clan. You stand straight and take several deep breaths, mostly recovered from the incident. Raising a hand, you knock lightly on the door.
"You may enter," your lord calls from within.
You open the door and bow low, though you take in the room in that time. Yasuki Goro has set more papers on his desk, a few of them folded up. He appears to be writing letters, no doubt appraising your Clan Champion Hida Tanaka on your caravan's progress. He's also likely sending letters off to other contacts. The courtier is nothing if not dedicated in his duties.
"Sosuke-san?" he asks, chuckling with amusement. He rests his head on his hand and looks at you, smiling. "Back so soon? Did you not find anything interesting while in the city?"
"On the contrary, Yasuki-sama," you say as you close the door behind you. "I've returned precisely because I found something interesting."
"Oh? And you believe you need to report it to me?" he asks, sitting up straighter. His smile widens. "I must say, Sosuke-san, you always do seem to get yourself wrapped up in something no matter where we go." He waves a hand. "So, what happened?"
"While exploring the city with Shirou-san, we came across an altercation between some Ronin and a Unicorn Samurai," you answer, noting in the back of your mind that even your Lord seems to be taking note of your tendency toward exciting encounters. "The Ronin backed down swiftly when I made it obvious I wouldn't let the Unicorn fight alone, and in my conversation with her she revealed matters I believed you might find of interest."
"A Unicorn, here?" Yasuki Goro asks, blinking in surprise. "How very odd." He settles back down, steepling his fingers and resting his chin upon them. "So, then, what exactly did she say?"
[] Write in.
You glance at Shirou, who keeps his face impassive. He looks back at you and smiles. Your friend has an odd sense of humor, because it is very obvious to you he's refraining from laughing. You're not sure whether or not it would be at his own words or at the situation itself, but you don't doubt the monk is keeping a great deal of mirth contained.
"It's not like I intend to," you mutter, rubbing your head and looking down to hide your embarrassed expression. "It just kind of… happens."
"So I've noticed!" Shirou exclaims, still smiling. "At least things are never boring, wouldn't you say?"
"I could do with a little more boredom sometimes, Shirou-san," you say as you begin your walk back to the castle. "Just for a little change of pace."
It does not take you long to walk back to Kyuden Tonbo proper, and the guards do not stop you from entering. You are a guest, after all, and your presence is well known by this point. Shirou does not follow you up the stairs, instead taking his leave to seek refreshment elsewhere in the castle.
Yasuki Goro's door is closed, just as you left it hardly an hour before. You don't imagine he has left his chambers, since he seemed intent to get some writing done in his journal. It is best to check here first. He might have gone elsewhere, but you know full well the danger in making assumptions. All too often they put people in danger, and could cost lives. Just like with Shasa…
A sudden wave of nausea overtakes you, and you have to steady yourself with a hand on the wall as your memories turn back to the cave. You can hear the laughter of the Oni, feel the phantom aches of wounds. But it is smell, more than anything that assaults you the strongest. The scent of blood almost makes you retch, and you have to force yourself to breathe evenly.
It takes you a few minutes to force the feelings away, to focus on right now instead of what happened then. You are not in the cave anymore. You are in Kyuden Tonbo, within the holdings of the Dragonfly and at the doorstep of the Dragon Clan. There is no need for this feeling, this urge to fight or flee. There are no enemies here. You are safe.
You repeat those thoughts to yourself until your anxiety fades. Even as it does, you feel troubles. This isn't the first time you've felt this way… You were struck by similar queasiness back in Tangan-mura. You'd written it off as just sorrow for Shasa, and perhaps it still is. It's not been even a month since her death. It would not be strange for grief to still strike you so strongly.
But you can't shake the feeling that perhaps it is something more, that maybe your battle with the Oni left wounds beyond just the physical. Wounds that have not yet healed, that may never heal.
Those are thoughts for another time, though. You've more pressing matters right now. Yasuki Goro can use what you've learned, and that can help that Clan. You stand straight and take several deep breaths, mostly recovered from the incident. Raising a hand, you knock lightly on the door.
"You may enter," your lord calls from within.
You open the door and bow low, though you take in the room in that time. Yasuki Goro has set more papers on his desk, a few of them folded up. He appears to be writing letters, no doubt appraising your Clan Champion Hida Tanaka on your caravan's progress. He's also likely sending letters off to other contacts. The courtier is nothing if not dedicated in his duties.
"Sosuke-san?" he asks, chuckling with amusement. He rests his head on his hand and looks at you, smiling. "Back so soon? Did you not find anything interesting while in the city?"
"On the contrary, Yasuki-sama," you say as you close the door behind you. "I've returned precisely because I found something interesting."
"Oh? And you believe you need to report it to me?" he asks, sitting up straighter. His smile widens. "I must say, Sosuke-san, you always do seem to get yourself wrapped up in something no matter where we go." He waves a hand. "So, what happened?"
"While exploring the city with Shirou-san, we came across an altercation between some Ronin and a Unicorn Samurai," you answer, noting in the back of your mind that even your Lord seems to be taking note of your tendency toward exciting encounters. "The Ronin backed down swiftly when I made it obvious I wouldn't let the Unicorn fight alone, and in my conversation with her she revealed matters I believed you might find of interest."
"A Unicorn, here?" Yasuki Goro asks, blinking in surprise. "How very odd." He settles back down, steepling his fingers and resting his chin upon them. "So, then, what exactly did she say?"
[] Write in.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] It took some time for the story to come out in full, but my understanding of it was this. There are some among the Unicorn who feel quite keenly the dishonor of Moto Shinichiro's rampage. There are rumors that in addition to his other harms, he may have left bandits in his wake. The clan sent letters offering assistance, in the hopes of cleansing some of their shame. They were refused. It is possible that they were turned back by the dragonfly, without ever being considered by the dragon themselves.
[x] The Unicorn Clan Champion then gave permission to this samurai - Shinjo Wanli - to try to gain permission to hunt them down herself. He also gave her some confidential correspondence - intended from one champion to another. By her description, she has been here over three months, and in that time has sought to show herself worthy - volunteering eagerly to hunt bandits whenever the opportunity arose, seeking enlightenment at the shrines, even performing menial tasks.
[x] A few days ago, Tonbo Akane-sama complemented her service and dedication... and then informed her that as a Unicorn, she would never be permitted entrance into Dragon lands, and her missives would never be permitted to cross their borders. She is now desperate and demoralized, to the point that she welcomed even small kindnesses as a starving woman might welcome rice.
[x] I see the shallows of a few things here. I bring them to you, as I expect that you might see their depths. She herself appears competent and honorable, and has enough of the good opinion of the Unicorn Clan Champion to be given a task of some import. She would be grateful for any conclusion to this situation better than that which Tonbo Akane-sama has given her.
[x] Her Champion has placed some import on this missive - it was intended as a secret, though Tonbo Akane-sama now knows it - and might be grateful to have it make its way safely to the Dragon. The Unicorn as a clan feel their dishonor keenly, and wish to cleanse themselves of it as best they can. The best cavalry in Rokugan craves a chance to regain honor on the eve of a great battle with the Shadowlands, and we have the support in the courts of of the Scorpion. I cannot help but think that this can be turned to advantage in some way.
[x] At the same time, assuming that the story is true, any attempt to aid the Samurai-ko is likely to displease Tonbo Akane-sama. She has influence in the courts of the Dragon, and our mission here is potentially fragile. Further, even if she does nothing, we could easily harm our embassy by visibly aligning ourselves with the Unicorn, or by any action that might cast aspersions on our most honorable hostess. Finally, if the Dragon share her opinions of the Unicorn in full - a possibility that cannot be discounted - or even simply wish to appear so, then anything we do to change the situation here at all could be seen as offensive by them.
[x] This tangle is beyond my abilities to unravel, and so I bring it to you.
[x] The Unicorn Clan Champion then gave permission to this samurai - Shinjo Wanli - to try to gain permission to hunt them down herself. He also gave her some confidential correspondence - intended from one champion to another. By her description, she has been here over three months, and in that time has sought to show herself worthy - volunteering eagerly to hunt bandits whenever the opportunity arose, seeking enlightenment at the shrines, even performing menial tasks.
[x] A few days ago, Tonbo Akane-sama complemented her service and dedication... and then informed her that as a Unicorn, she would never be permitted entrance into Dragon lands, and her missives would never be permitted to cross their borders. She is now desperate and demoralized, to the point that she welcomed even small kindnesses as a starving woman might welcome rice.
[x] I see the shallows of a few things here. I bring them to you, as I expect that you might see their depths. She herself appears competent and honorable, and has enough of the good opinion of the Unicorn Clan Champion to be given a task of some import. She would be grateful for any conclusion to this situation better than that which Tonbo Akane-sama has given her.
[x] Her Champion has placed some import on this missive - it was intended as a secret, though Tonbo Akane-sama now knows it - and might be grateful to have it make its way safely to the Dragon. The Unicorn as a clan feel their dishonor keenly, and wish to cleanse themselves of it as best they can. The best cavalry in Rokugan craves a chance to regain honor on the eve of a great battle with the Shadowlands, and we have the support in the courts of of the Scorpion. I cannot help but think that this can be turned to advantage in some way.
[x] At the same time, assuming that the story is true, any attempt to aid the Samurai-ko is likely to displease Tonbo Akane-sama. She has influence in the courts of the Dragon, and our mission here is potentially fragile. Further, even if she does nothing, we could easily harm our embassy by visibly aligning ourselves with the Unicorn, or by any action that might cast aspersions on our most honorable hostess. Finally, if the Dragon share her opinions of the Unicorn in full - a possibility that cannot be discounted - or even simply wish to appear so, then anything we do to change the situation here at all could be seen as offensive by them.
[x] This tangle is beyond my abilities to unravel, and so I bring it to you.
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GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
[X]Sirrocco
- Location
- Canada
[x] Sirrocco
That was a rather large wall of text. Still, it works rather well.
That was a rather large wall of text. Still, it works rather well.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Hmmm...
Alright, I would like to make a request. I encourage write ins because I want to give as much autonomy as possible, but this wall of text seems a little much. I mean, I'll certainly use it if it gets all the votes, but I'd really prefer something more streamlined and formatted. Ot, barring that, perhaps write ins more along the lines of what we see in Panopticon Quest, which are basically little segments of the story written out? You know, like crafting this vote as if Sosuke was actually speaking his dialogue?
I hope this isn't too much trouble. I don't like being bothersome, but managing something like this is a fair bit of work for me. I can certainly do it, and will if it's what gets consensus, but something sleeker and more trimmed would be appreciated.
Alright, I would like to make a request. I encourage write ins because I want to give as much autonomy as possible, but this wall of text seems a little much. I mean, I'll certainly use it if it gets all the votes, but I'd really prefer something more streamlined and formatted. Ot, barring that, perhaps write ins more along the lines of what we see in Panopticon Quest, which are basically little segments of the story written out? You know, like crafting this vote as if Sosuke was actually speaking his dialogue?
I hope this isn't too much trouble. I don't like being bothersome, but managing something like this is a fair bit of work for me. I can certainly do it, and will if it's what gets consensus, but something sleeker and more trimmed would be appreciated.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
I think the current vote can be condenced into:
[x]Tell your superior about Shinjo Wanli and what she told you, the reasons why she's staying in Kyuden Tonbo and her current situation. Don't skimp on details, since there's really no need to do so.
-[x]Make sure to express the Unicorn's willingness to seize an opportunity to cleanse their past shame brougth by Moto Shinichiro.
-[x]Make sure to express your thoughts on the matter. How helpful would be to aid the Unicorn on this... and the risks this entails for your caravan's mission, being this the reason why you bring this to him.
Since most of what we're going to say is the same thing we've experienced in the last hours - updates -, I don't think there's need to give a full speech about this. If you guys want, I will edit this to actual speech.
Thoughts?
[x]Tell your superior about Shinjo Wanli and what she told you, the reasons why she's staying in Kyuden Tonbo and her current situation. Don't skimp on details, since there's really no need to do so.
-[x]Make sure to express the Unicorn's willingness to seize an opportunity to cleanse their past shame brougth by Moto Shinichiro.
-[x]Make sure to express your thoughts on the matter. How helpful would be to aid the Unicorn on this... and the risks this entails for your caravan's mission, being this the reason why you bring this to him.
Since most of what we're going to say is the same thing we've experienced in the last hours - updates -, I don't think there's need to give a full speech about this. If you guys want, I will edit this to actual speech.
Thoughts?
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Honestly, I couldn't figure out quite what you wanted. I figured we'd already given the vote for "tell him what we know - oh, and be sure to mention that a fair amount of the Unicorn might be recruitable" and you stopped in the middle of that with a pure open-ended "[ ] Write in" choice. I figured you wanted something of a rough draft to start with - something you could butcher for bits of prose.
Still, if the more abbreviated format is what you want, I will happily vote
[x] EtchedSteel
Which, I believe, should drag everyone else along with me.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
I'm sorry for the confusion. I tend to break off updates at points I feel are natural, and I wanted to give you all a chance to determine what exactly you wanted to say. It's just here there was so much that I wasn't sure how much I could use or discard and still do right by your vote. I want to be sure I'm not taking your decision, and by extension the consensus, into a direction you did not intend. It's something I take very seriously.
So again, I apologize if things weren't clear. I would like to be as open as possible to ensure there's as much autonomy as possible for the players, and I can see I haven't quite been hitting that mark. I'll do my best to be better about that.
Please don't be afraid to craft extensive write ins. This is perfectly acceptable, and I don't want to discourage them. I'd just prefer if they were formatted into proper paragraphs, which would make it a lot easier for me to pull from the write in. I'd be able to see all the beginning and ending points, and could better craft a conversation around them.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Thank you so much for your patience. I really appreciate it, and this will be a lot easier for me to craft into a conversation.
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