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

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[x] Write-in: The steel in the Tetsubo
Bushido is... it is the steel at the core of the tetsubo. A tetsubo made of poor steel will still strike as hard, but over time it may warp, or shatter when it is most needed. Good steel, though, can be trusted to serve through far worse conditions. Our honor is what gives us strength to stand against the darkness. Courage and Duty give us strength directly, in those times of greatest need, to stand up and do battle when otherwise the will might falter and fall to fear. The rest, though, are not less important just because they apply to other times than direct battle. They shape us and our actions so that we can be trusted and depended on, so that many can fight as one, focused upon the enemy rather than dangers from within, and so that those that serve us can do so with all of *their* will, knowing that they serve honorable men and women, rather than monsters.

Of course, as a Crab, Duty is most important in my own life. The Duty given to us is such that it demands no less. Of the others, though, Compassion is something of a personal favorite. It reminds us why we fight, and what we truly fight for, and it helps us to lift up and support our allies when they would falter or fall, so that they can serve beside us again in the next battle.

Kitsu-san, Mirumoto-san... obviously we all seek to be more honorable in all things, but I am sure we all also have tenents that we focus on. What aspects of Bushido do you find most important for you?

/**********************/

not because I had any objection to gman's write-in, just because I saw the prompt and wanted to write something, and given that I've written something it seemed a little odd to *not* make it a vote
 
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I cannot resist writing things in here even when flagrantly unnecessary and possibly counterproductive. Send help.


[x] Write-in: Do Not Pursue

"Your phrasing is worthy of note, Kitsu-san; the pursuit of honor, an eternal chase from which one might be distracted by other concerns. I have never found it to be so.

"Perhaps in this matter we of the Crab are fortunate to have a darkness so close to us, for each of us knows that the storied Wall upon which we stand is only the physical part of the true Wall, the full scope of that which stands to protect all of Rokugan. Stone and mortar beneath our feet must mesh flawlessly with duty and courage within each of us, or the Wall buckles. Courtesy and honesty must reign amongst its defenders, or the whispers of dark things distract us as their claws bring them across it. Compassion must be always at the forefront of our minds, for the selfish callousness of enemy is what the very Wall stands against. And to be less than sincere would be to scoff at the solemn purpose which has unified us for centuries on end, encouraging others to make light of it in turn and leave us undermined from behind.

"Bushido is not a set of rules to be memorized and carefully followed. Stand against the horrors that lurk beyond the Wall in all ways, in body, mind, and spirit, and you will find that bushido is within your actions already. The only way to fight the darkness is to become the light. So when you discuss the pursuit of honor, Kitsu-san, I can only reply that honor is not something to be pursued. Stand, be the Wall, and honor shall come to you."
 
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    • [x] Sirrocco


    You cup your chin in thought, considering Himawari's question. Her query is intriguing, and not just because she apparently doesn't care about discussing the topic of the Shadowlands openly. You have, of course, given a good deal of thought to the Seven Virtues of Bushido. The context that Himawari is placing them in with her question, however, is one you've not considered.

    Or have you? It would be a lie to say that the Crab do not take a pragmatic approach to life and war. It simply cannot be avoided when you fight the enemies that crawl up from the Festering Pit. But while this does mean your Clan will often forsake social niceties, might it also mean they would also put aside honor to gain advantage in the eternal war?

    Almost you would have taken such a question as an insult, but Himawari seems genuinely curious. The Lion's expression is open, her emerald eyes filled with curiosity. Frankly, to speak on these matters is… refreshing. It's not something you've had much chance to do amongst those not of your own Clan.

    "Bushido is... It is the steel at the core of the tetsubo," you say, idly taking a bite of your cooling food. "A tetsubo made of poor steel will still strike as hard, but over time it may warp, or shatter when it is most needed. Good steel, though, can be trusted to serve through far worse conditions. Our honor is what gives us strength to stand against the darkness."

    "An interesting comparison," Himawari says, steepling her hands as she observes you. "You hold Bushido as both a weapon and armor to protect against the depredations of the world." She nods. "I can appreciate that."

    "Courage and Duty give us strength directly in those times of greatest need, to stand up and do battle when otherwise the will might falter and fall to fear," you continue. "The rest, though, are not less important. They shape us and our actions so that we can be trusted and depended on. So that many can fight as one, focused upon the enemy rather than dangers from within, and so that those that serve us can do so with all of their will, knowing they follow honorable men and women rather than monsters."

    "And would you say there is any Virtue you hold paramount?" Himawari asks, leaning forward.

    "Of course," you respond. "As a Crab, Duty is most important in my own life. The Duty given to us is such that it demands no less. Of the others, though, Compassion is something of a personal favorite. It reminds us why we fight, and what we truly fight for. It helps us to lift up and support our allies when they would falter or fall, so that they can serve beside us again in the next battle.

    "Beautiful words, Hiruma-san," Hanabi says. She's gazing at you with her chin on her hands, smiling widely. She appears almost… enraptured. "You speak with such wisdom! Truly your experience and knowledge of honor is something to be lauded!"

    You can't help but quirk an eyebrow at that. Nothing you said was worth that kind of praise. You've experienced much in your short life, and endured hardship. These lessons have been carved into both your spirit and flesh, but it is something anyone could come to in time. It is not as if you are revealing some great insight. To be so enthralled by your opinion is strange…

    Then again, Hanabi is a Dragon. By your reckoning they're probably all a little odd, living up here in the mountains all the time. They really should get out more and experience the world.

    "Kitsu-san, Mirumoto-san," you say, moving along from the Dragon's peculiar reaction. "Obviously we all seek to be more honorable in all things, but I am sure we all also have tenets that we focus on. What aspects of Bushido do you find most important for you?"

    "Oh, I believe in Duty as well!" Hanabi says quickly, practically jumping in her seat. "Duty is a cornerstone for everything! Without it, there would be nothing to support all the other Virtues!"

    "As a Lion, I hold all aspects of Bushido in equal standing," Himawari says, nodding with a stoic countenance. Then she grinned. "But if I am being honest, I have a special affection for Courage."

    Himawari stands up and bows to you, and you promptly rise to return the courtesy. The Lion Samurai looks at you with a thoughtful expression, her green eyes considering. You don't know exactly what she is seeing in you, but from her smile you figure she's pleased with what she has found.

    "You are an intriguing man, Hiruma Sosuke-san," she says. "I hope we have more chances to speak during your time here."

    "I would not be averse to that, Kitsu-san," you respond, smiling back at her. "I greatly enjoyed our conversation."

    "I did as well," she replies. She bows once more. "Until we meet again."

    You stare after Himawari as she leaves, unsure of what to make of her. You get the impression she was looking for something with her questions. What exactly she sought, you've no idea. You were a little too distracted trying to prevent violence from breaking out.

    "That woman is strange," Hanabi whispers. "I cannot tell what she is thinking."

    You glance at Hanabi out of the corner of your eye, silently noting the irony of the Dragon calling the Lion strange. However, you cannot deny the truth in her words. Kitsu Himawari has hidden depths, and whatever rests within them is peculiar indeed.


    [] Continue speaking with Hanabi (Write in)
    [] Politely excuse yourself and go do something else. (Write in.)
     
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    • Well that ended well and without someone challenging someone else to a duel. Lets uhh...do we talk to our...admirer? Go else where?
     
    My instinct here is to split and do something else at the moment, like preparing for our inevitable speech time or getting some training time in.

    That said, I wouldn't mind the grand tour either.
     
    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -with one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform> How do you pass your days?
     
    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -with one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform> How do you pass your days?

    Lets not feed the Yandere hatred for the lion.
     
    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -with one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform> How do you pass your days?

    Mhmm
     
    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -[x] With one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform? How do you pass your days?

    Looks good to me. Feed our Yandere's attention-hunger a bit more, and get some additional information out of her.
     
    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -[x] With one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform? How do you pass your days?
     
    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -[x] With one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform? How do you pass your days?

    I had completely forgotten about this awesome quest. Sniff. I cried a little for Sasha. I liked her. sniff sniff Still, she died well and I guess that's... good?
     
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    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -[x] With one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform? How do you pass your days?
     
    [x] Continue speaking with Hanabi
    -[x] With one thing and another you never told me what you do here Hanabi-San. What duties do you perform? How do you pass your days?

    Well, crap. I like The Lion more than her. Which is bad because Yandere.
     
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