Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
Ultimately either way she's going to try and play us. I would wager if I had money that is, that she noticed how close we came to breaking decorum, so this entire thing is a trap. Either way say nothing and she gets to tangle with Goro for a bit until she pisses us off enough to break face.
Or we say something and she uses it to piss us off to make us break face. We're the weak link here, and she knows that if she's even a half way competent courtier.
Or we say something and she uses it to piss us off to make us break face. We're the weak link here, and she knows that if she's even a half way competent courtier.
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
we still have full void points right...
couldn't we use those to resist brash rolls?
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
you're right,,,, I was just suggesting it because it seemed like good idea and common sense,
So lets do:
[x] tiny squid + keep void points ready to resist brash.
True but we do not have so many void points.
Fortunes help us if we have to make a courtier check and we're out of void.
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
arrrgh this is such a frustrating situation. cross you fingers I guess.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
For what is worth, we have still both void points. I guess we're safe to use this one here.
Opening our mouth actually might require a courtier roll. With all said and done, well... Idk, it feels like it would be better to say silent but.
Actually, @Winged Knight. Can I get an etiquette roll regarding if it's safe for a yojimbo to speak instead of his superior? Also, the last line. The one with a forced smile/willingness for changing the subject.
It smells like she want us to talk.
Opening our mouth actually might require a courtier roll. With all said and done, well... Idk, it feels like it would be better to say silent but.
Actually, @Winged Knight. Can I get an etiquette roll regarding if it's safe for a yojimbo to speak instead of his superior? Also, the last line. The one with a forced smile/willingness for changing the subject.
It smells like she want us to talk.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[X] Sirrocco
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[x] Sirrocco
Ninja'd, I was hoping to hit then with Humble Blunt Truth.
In the game of face, being willing to admit weakness is a good tool for the strengthening of a position. We aren't good enough to be more subtle than this anyways.
Ninja'd, I was hoping to hit then with Humble Blunt Truth.
In the game of face, being willing to admit weakness is a good tool for the strengthening of a position. We aren't good enough to be more subtle than this anyways.
Brandark
Disrespect the law, and you disrespect me.
Again, please consider remaining silent. We're initiating a verbal exchange with a Crane courtier. We're challenging one of her strongest points with one of our weak ones. Not to mention the many other small disadvantages that add up with this out of turn dialogue.
Sosuke is not the only competent person in the setting who has to assume direct control to get anything done. This stuff is exactly what Goro's here for. What do we lose by trusting in him?
This is not only risky. It's an unnecessary risk.
Sosuke is not the only competent person in the setting who has to assume direct control to get anything done. This stuff is exactly what Goro's here for. What do we lose by trusting in him?
This is not only risky. It's an unnecessary risk.
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Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
After thinking over this situation again and again I think @Brandark is right. Staying Silent is the safest option. these negotiations are too critical to mess up. While the Scorpion Courtier may have well provided us an opening we could take advantage of it should be pointed out that as said earlier We are a Crab Bushi, we are skilled at killing things good by bashing them in the head until they are a pulpy mass. Let's leave the word play to Yasuki Goro, the man that we are attending to as his Yojimbo.
so yet again I'm changing my vote...
[x] remain silent.
I like the squidman's plan and all but Now I think that our best course of action is discretion. Let our courtier do his job, we can speak our peace when called upon.
so yet again I'm changing my vote...
[x] remain silent.
I like the squidman's plan and all but Now I think that our best course of action is discretion. Let our courtier do his job, we can speak our peace when called upon.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
As far as social goes, we are a surprisingly strong crab. We have glory. We have honor. We have decent social dice. Social is a weak point for the Hida Bushi school as a whole, but it is by no means a weak point for us - particularly when carefully functioning in our areas of competence within it (which we are here).
I would ask which "many other small disadvantages" you are talking about. I've noted a number of potential disadvantages of speaking out of turn, but I believe that this particular write-in avoids the significant majority of them. If I am missing others, I'd like to know about them, and may change my vote.
Sousuke is by no means the only competent person around, and we haven't been acting like he is. We've stepped aside in favor of the Yasuki Smoothness many times before. Additionally, trusting in him is not the point. If I believed that he were positioned to exploit this opening as we are, I would absolutely remain silent and let him do his thing. I'm certain he'd do it better. This, however, is an opening that I don't believe he can exploit as well. It requires a degree of playing the Big Dumb Hida - something that we can get away with, and he cannot. It also involves our own fame and history - things he can use at one remove, but not directly.
As for risk, you are correct. It does bear some risk. The risk has been controlled for, but it is there. That risk is not necessary. If we remain silent, nothing bad will happen. That's not the question, however. The question is whether or not the risk is worthwhile.
Again I note that I'm not saying that your conclusions are inherently wrong conclusions. The write-in may actually be the worse idea. I don't think it is, but I could be wrong. I'm saying that it appears to me that the either the logic that you're using is flawed (in which case I'm attempting to correct you) or I'm missing something (in which case I'm asking you to correct *me*).
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Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Etiquette Roll: 6k3=29
Investigation/Awareness Roll: 6k3=44
Sosuke notices the Doji is uncomfortable because this touches close to the subject of the Shadowlands, which is usually distasteful and to be avoided. However, the Bayushi associated the Doji's own assertion to Sosuke and the battle he was in, connecting an event relating to the Shadowlands to her own statement about greatness. That means, in a roundabout way, the subject has been opened up for discussion in a fairly acceptable manner.
So she's trying to deflect the conversation away from this, because she finds the matter discomforting and she can't just dismiss the point without looking as if she's going back on her own earlier declaration.
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Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
In that case then
[x] Tiny squid
Because I think we have a chance to open the Crane up to bigger things from Yasuki Goro.
bookwyrm
Doom of Public Libraries
- Location
- Wichita, Kansas
[X] Tiny squid
If the Crane is forced to devote brainpower and energy to tip-toeing around the Shadowlands- and construct all her positions and arguements with that extra layer of complexity and social rules- then she's fighting us with a pretty decent handicap. We can afford to be proactive (esp. since I'm pretty sure even the clans that like the Crane would be completely fine with some Crab delivered humble pie)
If the Crane is forced to devote brainpower and energy to tip-toeing around the Shadowlands- and construct all her positions and arguements with that extra layer of complexity and social rules- then she's fighting us with a pretty decent handicap. We can afford to be proactive (esp. since I'm pretty sure even the clans that like the Crane would be completely fine with some Crab delivered humble pie)
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
My thank you, WK. Really appreciated.
Well, then we do like what Crab do and press on.
[x] Sirocco
3.65
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Sirrocco
Courtier Roll: 6k3=26
You settle back, ready to let the meal proceed with your silence, when something catches your eye. The Doji… She appears uncomfortable. Of course, the nature of the conversation is touching on to the Shadowlands, so that only makes sense for someone with the soft sensibilities of the Crane Clan.
But could it have been more than that? You nearly lost your temper before Yasuki Goro stopped you. Could that have been intentional? It is no great secret that your delegation is here for the Dragon's jade, and the Crane apparently desire it as well…
By chance you catch a glimpse at the Doji, and see her eyes upon you. She's nervous, and in a startling moment of clarity you realize it's not just from the subject matter. This woman wanted to stoke the fires of your anger, to embarrass yourself and your Lord in open court. You're not entirely certain how you know this, but whether through your increased experience or random chance you do not doubt that it is true.
She's trapped, you realize suddenly. Her words have been connected to me, and she's trying to back away from them without making it obvious.
You restrain the urge to frown, and instead keep your expression completely neutral. Anger surges briefly in your gut, but you push it down. That merely serves the Crane's purpose, and would silence. If she has a chance to move the conversation away from this mistake she's made, then you'll never be able to corner her again. She'd have the advantage, and would almost certainly keep pressing you until you snapped.
She cannot be allowed that chance.
"Doji-sama, I apologize, but I feel that I must inform you that your sources were mistaken," you say, keeping your voice calm and level. "I saw the plans of the enemy before the assault, and though I was unconscious for the battle itself, I saw the damage of the aftermath, and I spoke with many who were at Shinsei's Last Hope. I was also summoned to speak with Kuni Mayu-sama herself only a few hours after the attack. She informed me that there were three hundred dead, and over six hundred wounded - and that was in the town of Shinsei's Last Hope alone."
"A harrowing battle!" the Ikoma says. "Truly it can never be said that the Crab are not willing to lay down their lives for duty, even against foes that hold no honor!" She crosses her arms and nods. "Their sacrifice is a testament to us all."
"Harrowing indeed," the Bayushi comments. "And so many casualties… I've not heard of such an attack from the south in some time."
"Kuni-sama told me that it was the largest assault she'd seen in twenty years - far more than just some minor raid," you continue, glancing over at the Doji. "I have always been confused why so many among the Crane seemed to care so little about the threats that we all face. If the news that gets to the Crane lands in these matters is so inaccurate, that would explain many things."
"I can assure you, Hiruma-san, that we hear much that is true," the Doji replies, her smile renewing as if it had never faltered. "Though I must admit, I find your recollection of the battle interesting. It must have been galling indeed to sleep through such fraught times while your Clan fought." She taps her fan on her chin in thought. "Of course, there's also the matter of the unfortunate location of this town... Why, I've never heard of it before! To think there would be people living in such a dangerous place! No doubt they suffer raids frequently, as with your own Shiro Hiruma, settled so many days march into that corrupted waste." She sighs. "I imagine they must all blend together after some time. It must be so terribly difficult to keep track of them all."
Your eyes widen at the woman's words, and their implication. She's thrown doubt onto everything you said, and she hasn't spoken even a word of falsehood. Oh, the phrasing says more than what actually happened, but you can see where it's going all the same. With this, she has trivialized all of your testimony. She has portrayed such battles as common for the Shadowlands, and thus not worth any special consideration.
The room feels like it's shaking... No, not the room. Your whole body is shaking in rage. How dare she doubt your word, make light of the sacrifice your Clan makes! What does she know of duty? What does she know of death and war and honor? Your people die every day so that she can live in comfort and peace! You find yourself reaching for your tetsubo, and only just stop yourself from doing something foolish.
It's not your own will that allows you to resist the urge. The Doji is smirking at you, behind her fan. The sight cools your anger rather than enflaming it, however, for you realize she is once more trying to spark you to furious indignation. If you loudly deny her words, or even worse assault her, then your position is that much weaker. You will look like you're throwing a tantrum, and that will make it just that much more difficult for you and your Lord to be taken seriously.
To simply let the comment stand, however, would give back what ground you've gained and allows the Crane an advantage. You are loathe to do that, but now that you examine things with a clearer head there doesn't seem to be much choice. As things stand, to speak would open up more chance for harm than silence.
"I heard that Hiruma-san was essential to the battle," came a voice from the Phoenix delegation, snapping you out of your thoughts. A middle-aged man with snow-white hair sits there amongst the Shiba guards, his chin rested on steepled fingers. "If he had not allowed word of the assault to reach the proper ears, then the strength of the Crab would not have been brought to bear in its full measure against the invading force. Even the mightiest of us can fall if we are caught unawares."
"Asako Akio-sama!" Yasuki Goro exclaims, looking genuinely shocked for the first time you've ever seen. He bows low in his seat. "Please forgive me, for I did not see you."
Your jaw drops. Asako Akio… The Elemental Master of Fire himself? This is one of the most powerful people in the whole of the Empire, one of the Heroes of Otosan-uchi! What in the name of all the Heavens is he doing here? This isn't a session of Winter Court, after all. Could this small meeting in Dragon lands truly be worth his time?
"There is nothing to forgive," Akio replies, smiling. "I hadn't planned to make much of a scene, in truth. I'm only here to discuss the transferal of the Yotsu Family's lands, after all. But, as an avid student of history, I felt I had to clarify the point at hand."
"My thanks, Asako-sama, for your understanding," Yasuki Goro says back. "But please, allow me to express my gratitude with some entertainment to go along with our meal!" He turns to you, motioning with a hand. "It seems there is some confusion over the Battle of Skulking Shadows, and while it is true that Sosuke-san did not participate in the conflict itself, he was instrumental in the days preceding it. A such, if Sosuke-san is willing, I think we might all do well with a rousing story of his time before the battle!"
"While I am certain Hiruma-san's tale would no doubt be entertaining," the Doji says. "Are we sure it is a proper topic for a feast?" She turns a hand to the Ikoma. "If we wish for a diversion to go along with the gracious delicacies provided by our esteemed host, then would not it be more fitting for an Ikoma Bard to provide it? Amongst all the Empire there are few that can match them in the telling of stories."
"You flatter me, Doji-san, and I am honored by your words," the Ikoma replies, bowing her head. "But I've heard some tell of Hiruma-san's oratory skills, and I find myself curious about them. Assuming our host is willing, I would desire to hear his words."
"I will allow this," Kitsuki Ryojiro says from where he sits at the head of the table, resting his head on his fist as his elbow "If Hiruma-san is willing, then let him tell us this tale."
All eyes turn to you.
[] Tell the story.
[] Politely decline.
[] Write in.
Courtier Roll: 6k3=26
You settle back, ready to let the meal proceed with your silence, when something catches your eye. The Doji… She appears uncomfortable. Of course, the nature of the conversation is touching on to the Shadowlands, so that only makes sense for someone with the soft sensibilities of the Crane Clan.
But could it have been more than that? You nearly lost your temper before Yasuki Goro stopped you. Could that have been intentional? It is no great secret that your delegation is here for the Dragon's jade, and the Crane apparently desire it as well…
By chance you catch a glimpse at the Doji, and see her eyes upon you. She's nervous, and in a startling moment of clarity you realize it's not just from the subject matter. This woman wanted to stoke the fires of your anger, to embarrass yourself and your Lord in open court. You're not entirely certain how you know this, but whether through your increased experience or random chance you do not doubt that it is true.
She's trapped, you realize suddenly. Her words have been connected to me, and she's trying to back away from them without making it obvious.
You restrain the urge to frown, and instead keep your expression completely neutral. Anger surges briefly in your gut, but you push it down. That merely serves the Crane's purpose, and would silence. If she has a chance to move the conversation away from this mistake she's made, then you'll never be able to corner her again. She'd have the advantage, and would almost certainly keep pressing you until you snapped.
She cannot be allowed that chance.
"Doji-sama, I apologize, but I feel that I must inform you that your sources were mistaken," you say, keeping your voice calm and level. "I saw the plans of the enemy before the assault, and though I was unconscious for the battle itself, I saw the damage of the aftermath, and I spoke with many who were at Shinsei's Last Hope. I was also summoned to speak with Kuni Mayu-sama herself only a few hours after the attack. She informed me that there were three hundred dead, and over six hundred wounded - and that was in the town of Shinsei's Last Hope alone."
"A harrowing battle!" the Ikoma says. "Truly it can never be said that the Crab are not willing to lay down their lives for duty, even against foes that hold no honor!" She crosses her arms and nods. "Their sacrifice is a testament to us all."
"Harrowing indeed," the Bayushi comments. "And so many casualties… I've not heard of such an attack from the south in some time."
"Kuni-sama told me that it was the largest assault she'd seen in twenty years - far more than just some minor raid," you continue, glancing over at the Doji. "I have always been confused why so many among the Crane seemed to care so little about the threats that we all face. If the news that gets to the Crane lands in these matters is so inaccurate, that would explain many things."
"I can assure you, Hiruma-san, that we hear much that is true," the Doji replies, her smile renewing as if it had never faltered. "Though I must admit, I find your recollection of the battle interesting. It must have been galling indeed to sleep through such fraught times while your Clan fought." She taps her fan on her chin in thought. "Of course, there's also the matter of the unfortunate location of this town... Why, I've never heard of it before! To think there would be people living in such a dangerous place! No doubt they suffer raids frequently, as with your own Shiro Hiruma, settled so many days march into that corrupted waste." She sighs. "I imagine they must all blend together after some time. It must be so terribly difficult to keep track of them all."
Your eyes widen at the woman's words, and their implication. She's thrown doubt onto everything you said, and she hasn't spoken even a word of falsehood. Oh, the phrasing says more than what actually happened, but you can see where it's going all the same. With this, she has trivialized all of your testimony. She has portrayed such battles as common for the Shadowlands, and thus not worth any special consideration.
The room feels like it's shaking... No, not the room. Your whole body is shaking in rage. How dare she doubt your word, make light of the sacrifice your Clan makes! What does she know of duty? What does she know of death and war and honor? Your people die every day so that she can live in comfort and peace! You find yourself reaching for your tetsubo, and only just stop yourself from doing something foolish.
It's not your own will that allows you to resist the urge. The Doji is smirking at you, behind her fan. The sight cools your anger rather than enflaming it, however, for you realize she is once more trying to spark you to furious indignation. If you loudly deny her words, or even worse assault her, then your position is that much weaker. You will look like you're throwing a tantrum, and that will make it just that much more difficult for you and your Lord to be taken seriously.
To simply let the comment stand, however, would give back what ground you've gained and allows the Crane an advantage. You are loathe to do that, but now that you examine things with a clearer head there doesn't seem to be much choice. As things stand, to speak would open up more chance for harm than silence.
"I heard that Hiruma-san was essential to the battle," came a voice from the Phoenix delegation, snapping you out of your thoughts. A middle-aged man with snow-white hair sits there amongst the Shiba guards, his chin rested on steepled fingers. "If he had not allowed word of the assault to reach the proper ears, then the strength of the Crab would not have been brought to bear in its full measure against the invading force. Even the mightiest of us can fall if we are caught unawares."
"Asako Akio-sama!" Yasuki Goro exclaims, looking genuinely shocked for the first time you've ever seen. He bows low in his seat. "Please forgive me, for I did not see you."
Your jaw drops. Asako Akio… The Elemental Master of Fire himself? This is one of the most powerful people in the whole of the Empire, one of the Heroes of Otosan-uchi! What in the name of all the Heavens is he doing here? This isn't a session of Winter Court, after all. Could this small meeting in Dragon lands truly be worth his time?
"There is nothing to forgive," Akio replies, smiling. "I hadn't planned to make much of a scene, in truth. I'm only here to discuss the transferal of the Yotsu Family's lands, after all. But, as an avid student of history, I felt I had to clarify the point at hand."
"My thanks, Asako-sama, for your understanding," Yasuki Goro says back. "But please, allow me to express my gratitude with some entertainment to go along with our meal!" He turns to you, motioning with a hand. "It seems there is some confusion over the Battle of Skulking Shadows, and while it is true that Sosuke-san did not participate in the conflict itself, he was instrumental in the days preceding it. A such, if Sosuke-san is willing, I think we might all do well with a rousing story of his time before the battle!"
"While I am certain Hiruma-san's tale would no doubt be entertaining," the Doji says. "Are we sure it is a proper topic for a feast?" She turns a hand to the Ikoma. "If we wish for a diversion to go along with the gracious delicacies provided by our esteemed host, then would not it be more fitting for an Ikoma Bard to provide it? Amongst all the Empire there are few that can match them in the telling of stories."
"You flatter me, Doji-san, and I am honored by your words," the Ikoma replies, bowing her head. "But I've heard some tell of Hiruma-san's oratory skills, and I find myself curious about them. Assuming our host is willing, I would desire to hear his words."
"I will allow this," Kitsuki Ryojiro says from where he sits at the head of the table, resting his head on his fist as his elbow "If Hiruma-san is willing, then let him tell us this tale."
All eyes turn to you.
[] Tell the story.
[] Politely decline.
[] Write in.
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[X] Tell the story.