- Location
- Canada
[X]Sirrocco
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
3.31
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Sirrocco
Sincerity Roll: 4k3=18
Courtier Roll: 5k3=20
"You seem much recovered, Shinjo-san," you say as you sit down, the chair creaking a little beneath your bulk. "It is good to see you so animated."
"You mean it is good to see me sober," Wanli responds, grinning wryly. "We in the Vindicators are trained to be hardy." She takes a sip of water. "I'm completely over the effects of the alcohol now, just need to get some water in me."
"You are of the Moto Vindicator School?" you ask, motioning to the two Mons on her armor. "That certainly explains a great deal."
"Most who see this would believe I was of the Moto Bushi School," she replies, setting her cup down. "The Vindicators aren't all that large a School."
You nod in agreement. Most people thought of either the Moto Bushi or the Utaku Battle Maidens when they thought of the Unicorn, and of the Shinjo Bushi. The Vindicators, however, are not that well known. The Crab Clan, on the other hand, knows them quite well. They do much the same work as you, after all.
The Vindicators hunt creatures of the Shadowlands, most specifically Unicorn who have fallen to the Taint. In a way it is a school designed to hunt traitors, for they emerged in response to the corruption of Moto Tsume and his fall to Jigoku. He and many of his men became some of the Shadowlands strongest warriors, a deep shame the Vindicators were created to purge.
"But we are not here to speak about my School," Shinjo Wanli says, leaning forward and pitching her voice low. "You said you had word for me about my situation, Hiruma-san?"
You nod. "First, I wish to express my regrets for what I cannot do. I am sorry, Shinjo-san. I cannot arrange your passage, or take your letters for you. The Shadowlands are rising, and our embassy to the Dragon is too important to risk the offense that might come of acting so directly."
"I see," the Unicorn Samurai says, sighing and leaning back. "Well, I expected as much."
"I have however, spoken with my superior, Yasuki Goro," you continue. "And he has come up with a way in which your mission might still be fulfilled in part - perhaps in whole."
"How so?" she asks, sitting up straighter, her attention grabbed. "anything at all would be useful."
"If you are dealing with remnants of Moto Shinichiro's army, then they no doubt have copies of people made from shadows within them," you say. "These creatures created from the Egg of P'an Ku are related to the Nothing, which has often allied with the Shadowlands." You motion a hand toward yourself. "Which my Clan is sworn to fight. As such, it's only natural that I would seek further information, and if it was important I would bring it to the Dragon and tell them my source."
"So… You're saying that you would get around all the trouble of helping me by setting the Dragon up to summon me themselves?" she asks, eyes wide. She laughs and leans back again, shaking her head. "What a twisty scheme."
"It is not as I would have preferred it. I understand that this is, at best, asking you to bend in your Duty in a lesser way in the hopes of fulfilling it in a greater way, but it is what I have to offer." You lean forward. "If we are incorrect, and your message is not somehow pertaining to the Nothing or Jikogu, the chance that we can help you diminishes. But if you wish us to try anyway, I am still willing to pass it on to my superior in the hopes that he may achieve something. It is up to you."
Shinjo Wanli nods, but says nothing. She stares down at the table for several minutes, looking at her food. You do not disturb her. This is an important decision she has to make, and you won't pressure her into it. Her choices, along with any honor or shame they bring, are her own.
It is the proper way of things. The actions of others can bring honor or shame to a person, but it is always ones own actions that can uplift someone the most or send them tumbling to the ground. Responsibility is key to being Samurai, responsibility to one's Clan and oneself. It is unwise to shirk either lightly, for death is preferable to dishonor.
"You have been very kind to me," she says at last, still not looking up. "I am grateful, though I admit I don't fully understand."
"I can empathize with you, Shinjo-san," you respond. "The Unicorn have suffered these last years, and we of the Crab well know the scorn of the other Clans." You take a deep breath. "Though I won't deny I seek some gain from our interaction. The Shadowlands are on the move, and my Clan is going to need all the help it can get."
The Unicorn Samurai nods, and then looks up. Her expression is set, her lips drawn into a tight smile. It is her eyes, especially, that stand out to you. There is almost a fire in them, born from the kindness you have shown and the hope your words have provided. This woman has suffered humiliation in pursuit of duty, and received no reward. The chance you offer is all the more precious because of it.
"I tell you this because I feel you can help me," she says. "And because the Crab have ever been allies of the Unicorn." She leans in so close that she's almost sprawled across the table. "We captured one of those bandits when he crossed into our territory, and questioned him thoroughly. Their leader is a copy of Moto Shinichiro himself, born from the Egg of P'an Ku." Shinjo Wanli takes a breath, steadying herself. "A semblance of the Great Traitor lives."
[] Write in.
Sincerity Roll: 4k3=18
Courtier Roll: 5k3=20
"You seem much recovered, Shinjo-san," you say as you sit down, the chair creaking a little beneath your bulk. "It is good to see you so animated."
"You mean it is good to see me sober," Wanli responds, grinning wryly. "We in the Vindicators are trained to be hardy." She takes a sip of water. "I'm completely over the effects of the alcohol now, just need to get some water in me."
"You are of the Moto Vindicator School?" you ask, motioning to the two Mons on her armor. "That certainly explains a great deal."
"Most who see this would believe I was of the Moto Bushi School," she replies, setting her cup down. "The Vindicators aren't all that large a School."
You nod in agreement. Most people thought of either the Moto Bushi or the Utaku Battle Maidens when they thought of the Unicorn, and of the Shinjo Bushi. The Vindicators, however, are not that well known. The Crab Clan, on the other hand, knows them quite well. They do much the same work as you, after all.
The Vindicators hunt creatures of the Shadowlands, most specifically Unicorn who have fallen to the Taint. In a way it is a school designed to hunt traitors, for they emerged in response to the corruption of Moto Tsume and his fall to Jigoku. He and many of his men became some of the Shadowlands strongest warriors, a deep shame the Vindicators were created to purge.
"But we are not here to speak about my School," Shinjo Wanli says, leaning forward and pitching her voice low. "You said you had word for me about my situation, Hiruma-san?"
You nod. "First, I wish to express my regrets for what I cannot do. I am sorry, Shinjo-san. I cannot arrange your passage, or take your letters for you. The Shadowlands are rising, and our embassy to the Dragon is too important to risk the offense that might come of acting so directly."
"I see," the Unicorn Samurai says, sighing and leaning back. "Well, I expected as much."
"I have however, spoken with my superior, Yasuki Goro," you continue. "And he has come up with a way in which your mission might still be fulfilled in part - perhaps in whole."
"How so?" she asks, sitting up straighter, her attention grabbed. "anything at all would be useful."
"If you are dealing with remnants of Moto Shinichiro's army, then they no doubt have copies of people made from shadows within them," you say. "These creatures created from the Egg of P'an Ku are related to the Nothing, which has often allied with the Shadowlands." You motion a hand toward yourself. "Which my Clan is sworn to fight. As such, it's only natural that I would seek further information, and if it was important I would bring it to the Dragon and tell them my source."
"So… You're saying that you would get around all the trouble of helping me by setting the Dragon up to summon me themselves?" she asks, eyes wide. She laughs and leans back again, shaking her head. "What a twisty scheme."
"It is not as I would have preferred it. I understand that this is, at best, asking you to bend in your Duty in a lesser way in the hopes of fulfilling it in a greater way, but it is what I have to offer." You lean forward. "If we are incorrect, and your message is not somehow pertaining to the Nothing or Jikogu, the chance that we can help you diminishes. But if you wish us to try anyway, I am still willing to pass it on to my superior in the hopes that he may achieve something. It is up to you."
Shinjo Wanli nods, but says nothing. She stares down at the table for several minutes, looking at her food. You do not disturb her. This is an important decision she has to make, and you won't pressure her into it. Her choices, along with any honor or shame they bring, are her own.
It is the proper way of things. The actions of others can bring honor or shame to a person, but it is always ones own actions that can uplift someone the most or send them tumbling to the ground. Responsibility is key to being Samurai, responsibility to one's Clan and oneself. It is unwise to shirk either lightly, for death is preferable to dishonor.
"You have been very kind to me," she says at last, still not looking up. "I am grateful, though I admit I don't fully understand."
"I can empathize with you, Shinjo-san," you respond. "The Unicorn have suffered these last years, and we of the Crab well know the scorn of the other Clans." You take a deep breath. "Though I won't deny I seek some gain from our interaction. The Shadowlands are on the move, and my Clan is going to need all the help it can get."
The Unicorn Samurai nods, and then looks up. Her expression is set, her lips drawn into a tight smile. It is her eyes, especially, that stand out to you. There is almost a fire in them, born from the kindness you have shown and the hope your words have provided. This woman has suffered humiliation in pursuit of duty, and received no reward. The chance you offer is all the more precious because of it.
"I tell you this because I feel you can help me," she says. "And because the Crab have ever been allies of the Unicorn." She leans in so close that she's almost sprawled across the table. "We captured one of those bandits when he crossed into our territory, and questioned him thoroughly. Their leader is a copy of Moto Shinichiro himself, born from the Egg of P'an Ku." Shinjo Wanli takes a breath, steadying herself. "A semblance of the Great Traitor lives."
[] Write in.
Last edited:
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
A magically-created clone of an evil dude who was allied with the Nothing (which is often related to the Shadowlands) is leading a group of bandits.
[x] Stop, Think and Speak
"I see."
Moto Shinchiro, a visionary, a mad man, and the source of the Unicorn's Disgrace. A Generation ago he rode with his false army created from the Egg of Pan'Ku and wreaked havoc upon the Empire. A Generation ago he was defeated. But if a twisted shadow of him still lives...then it is only right that his clan puts an end to it as they should have done with him.
"I will inform them of this, surely they will understand what must be done for Honour's sake."
"I see."
Moto Shinchiro, a visionary, a mad man, and the source of the Unicorn's Disgrace. A Generation ago he rode with his false army created from the Egg of Pan'Ku and wreaked havoc upon the Empire. A Generation ago he was defeated. But if a twisted shadow of him still lives...then it is only right that his clan puts an end to it as they should have done with him.
"I will inform them of this, surely they will understand what must be done for Honour's sake."
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Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Moto Shinichiro was a hero of the Unicorn, standing with his companions against conspiracy and darkness. He helped save the entire Empire from the Shadowlands, then he turned around and tried to conquer the Empire because he was tired of the distrust and scorn the Unicorn often received.
Here's the recent history of the world if you wish a bit more detail.
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DarkLight140
Credit to Team
- Location
- Lost in my thoughts
It occurs to me that we personally shouldn't be informing any "them" of anything, and neither should we be telling anyone what must happen- particularly if those anyones are from another Clan than we are and probably higher-ranking to boot. We should be just taking this information to Yasuki-sama and letting him handle it in his properly diplomatic way.
This phrasing should be avoided for that reason. Using it either makes us dishonest or locks us into social foolishness.
Their honor compels them as well, therefore they would not do different, so why not say so? Maybe change it to something like "and they will certainly allow you and yours to make things right."?
Sure why not.
The "would not deny your honor it's duty" bit feels rather weird, at least in terms of how the sentence is constructed. I'd go with the Unicorn honor being more implied than outright mentioned, nor any explicit statement about what would be honorable. Perhaps "I'll inform them of this and the Dragon will certainly see that the honorable thing is done."?
A bit Crane-ish, but still, we are a rather unique Crab Bushi...
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] gman391
I think we sohuld add also the protection of the Empire not just the Honour on this matter, since it implies that not only is it about honour but also duty.
You dont just snub unicorns if you do not involve them but actively puting the Empire in peril.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] gman391
3.32
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
Your eyes go wide at the revelation. This is… Well, you didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't anything like this. After all, who could be prepared for the news that one of the Empire's most infamous traitors was still alive?
Well, not truly alive. You don't understand all the specifics, but creatures created from the Egg of P'an Ku aren't living beings as you understand the term. They're created from a shadow substance, like living darkness disguising itself as flesh. The utility is such a tool is obvious, and would be terrifying even without its obvious connection to the foul power of the Nothing.
"I see," you say, trying to gather your thoughts. "That is… Well, that is certainly a great cause for concern."
Moto Shinchiro… He was once a hero, standing alongside the likes of Kakita Zhuge, Asako Akio and Takano Roukan. With his comrades he helped the Tiger Clan cleanse Otosan-uchi, destroy the City of Bone and push back the Shadow Dragon. It is unfortunate that all of that was eclipsed by his dishonorable actions. Moto Shinichiro was a visionary, a mad man, and the source of the Unicorn's Disgrace.
A Generation ago he rode with his false army created from the Egg of Pan'Ku and wreaked havoc upon the Empire. A Generation ago he was defeated, slain by Moto Naleesh after Takano Roukan called the ghosts of his home for aid. If a twisted shadow of him still lives, then it is only right that his Clan puts an end to his remnants just as they did the original.
"I will inform the Dragon of this," you say. "Surely they will understand what must be done for Honor's sake."
"I hope they believe you," Shinjo Wanli says. She slumps in her seat, as if the telling of her secret has drained her. "Tonbo-sama did not. From her expression, I think she believed me lying in order to sway her decision."
"I don't think you would tell falsehoods about something like this," you respond. "I don't think anyone would. For many, Moto Shinichiro's actions are still too fresh in their minds."
"Yes," Shinjo Wanli says softly. "They are." She clenches her hands into fists, her arms shaking. "That man, that horrid man. He did this to us, brought all the scorn and distrust we were working so hard to overcome right back down on our heads." She covers her eyes with her hand. "All that and more… I would slay him, if I could. Spill his blood to help wash away our shame just as Moto Naleesh-sama did."
You blink at Shinjo Wanli's words. A strong reaction from her is not unexpected, considering everything Moto Shinichiro did, but this is something else again. The pain in her tone, her body language… Well, even if you hadn't had so much training and experience with reading people, you would have been able to see it.
This is more than just a mission for her. This is something deeply personal, a drive she wants to see completed. No wonder, then, she was able to put up with three months of humiliation in order to achieve her goals. Her emotions are bubbling beneath the surface, kept in check only by an iron grip upon her feelings.
Shinjo Wanli is a woman both strong in will and filled with desperation. It is a dangerous mix, and one that must be handled carefully. Anything less might spell disaster not only for herself, but also for all those around her.
[] Write in.
Your eyes go wide at the revelation. This is… Well, you didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't anything like this. After all, who could be prepared for the news that one of the Empire's most infamous traitors was still alive?
Well, not truly alive. You don't understand all the specifics, but creatures created from the Egg of P'an Ku aren't living beings as you understand the term. They're created from a shadow substance, like living darkness disguising itself as flesh. The utility is such a tool is obvious, and would be terrifying even without its obvious connection to the foul power of the Nothing.
"I see," you say, trying to gather your thoughts. "That is… Well, that is certainly a great cause for concern."
Moto Shinchiro… He was once a hero, standing alongside the likes of Kakita Zhuge, Asako Akio and Takano Roukan. With his comrades he helped the Tiger Clan cleanse Otosan-uchi, destroy the City of Bone and push back the Shadow Dragon. It is unfortunate that all of that was eclipsed by his dishonorable actions. Moto Shinichiro was a visionary, a mad man, and the source of the Unicorn's Disgrace.
A Generation ago he rode with his false army created from the Egg of Pan'Ku and wreaked havoc upon the Empire. A Generation ago he was defeated, slain by Moto Naleesh after Takano Roukan called the ghosts of his home for aid. If a twisted shadow of him still lives, then it is only right that his Clan puts an end to his remnants just as they did the original.
"I will inform the Dragon of this," you say. "Surely they will understand what must be done for Honor's sake."
"I hope they believe you," Shinjo Wanli says. She slumps in her seat, as if the telling of her secret has drained her. "Tonbo-sama did not. From her expression, I think she believed me lying in order to sway her decision."
"I don't think you would tell falsehoods about something like this," you respond. "I don't think anyone would. For many, Moto Shinichiro's actions are still too fresh in their minds."
"Yes," Shinjo Wanli says softly. "They are." She clenches her hands into fists, her arms shaking. "That man, that horrid man. He did this to us, brought all the scorn and distrust we were working so hard to overcome right back down on our heads." She covers her eyes with her hand. "All that and more… I would slay him, if I could. Spill his blood to help wash away our shame just as Moto Naleesh-sama did."
You blink at Shinjo Wanli's words. A strong reaction from her is not unexpected, considering everything Moto Shinichiro did, but this is something else again. The pain in her tone, her body language… Well, even if you hadn't had so much training and experience with reading people, you would have been able to see it.
This is more than just a mission for her. This is something deeply personal, a drive she wants to see completed. No wonder, then, she was able to put up with three months of humiliation in order to achieve her goals. Her emotions are bubbling beneath the surface, kept in check only by an iron grip upon her feelings.
Shinjo Wanli is a woman both strong in will and filled with desperation. It is a dangerous mix, and one that must be handled carefully. Anything less might spell disaster not only for herself, but also for all those around her.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
I see what you did here, WK.
And yes, this being personal for her makes sense. The Unicorn may have suffered by the deeds of a single man, but showing such anger...
Either she's related to Shinichiro, or Moto Shinichiro did something to one of her relatives.
Something to think on the later. Not sure if we're who should bring up this matter.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] Don't bring it up.