Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Oh, I'm totally on board with Plan Redeem the Yandere. It's something of a theme for the character, it's our best chance of avoiding Terrible Outcomes from Mirumoto Hanabi, and so forth. Also, Hanabi's a lot more likely to join us on the Wall and fight at our side than the standard Scorpion Courtier Wife would be... and isn't that what really matters?
I'm just saying that Scorpion brides are not an inherently terrible idea, particularly for Honorable Crab Warriors. Of course, if Hanabi weren't here, the theoretical Scorpion bride would *still* have to compete with Himawari, Wanli, and likely a few other interested young ladies - all of which would have advantages and disadvantages.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
To add to the Scorpion discussion, competent Scorpion (in other words, the truly dangerous ones) aren't going to do what amounts to putting a deep-cover agent in a position where their feelings about that position might interfere with your work. If your Scorpion bride/husband gets along with you and you have any meaningful degree of personal Status/Glory, the implication is that your actions are neutral or beneficial to the Scorpion. If they wanted to ruin you, they'd set you up with a spouse you despise and thus whose very presence harms your position.
Because the idea that your spouse is spying on you on behalf of their Clan? To some extent that has to be assumed in any inter-Clan marriage period, unless you actively prevent them from staying in touch with their family (a highly problematic decision, for obvious reasons). The Scorpion, being the most proficient spies in Rokugan, would know better than any other Clan that they can therefore expect said spouse to be kept away from information they might find useful when at all possible, and wouldn't count on that person as a major source of intel.
At the same time, actively attacking the Scorpion while married to one is probably a good way to have your marriage end with a murder-suicide.
Because the idea that your spouse is spying on you on behalf of their Clan? To some extent that has to be assumed in any inter-Clan marriage period, unless you actively prevent them from staying in touch with their family (a highly problematic decision, for obvious reasons). The Scorpion, being the most proficient spies in Rokugan, would know better than any other Clan that they can therefore expect said spouse to be kept away from information they might find useful when at all possible, and wouldn't count on that person as a major source of intel.
At the same time, actively attacking the Scorpion while married to one is probably a good way to have your marriage end with a murder-suicide.
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
Frankly speaking attacking any clan while being married to it's member is suicide. With Scorpions it just involves indirect actions too. And for Cranes for that matter - your Crane wife will find way to utterly ruin your reputation forcing suicide while smelling like roses herself if you ever dare to go against Crane.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Depends on the Crane in question. The Crane virtue is excellence, and you *can* find Crane who can be convinced to not care *all* that much about their clan of origin. This is one of the ones where Scorpion loyalty cuts the other way. However, it's certainly true enough of the time to make it a rule of thumb.
3.67
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Remain silent.
There's nothing more to say after having completed your tale, so you do not speak. It would ruin the atmosphere, would weaken what you have created. How amazing words are, if told in just the right way. These men and women are strong of arm and will, but a simple story has left them speechless. Once again you wonder if there might actually be something to artistic pursuits if they can produce such results.
This is not something most Bushi of any Clan focus on, least of all the Crab. That isn't an opinion, merely fact that can be discovered through easy observation. Your people are too focused on the eternal war to spend time on such matters, and while the warriors of the other Clans may dabble in the arts they don't find it so important. All save for the Crane, whose Bushi do try to hone such crafts as much as they do their skills with the sword.
The irony is not lost on you as you glance at the Doji. She's staring in your direction with wide eyes, her mouth open in shock. No doubt she did not expect a Crab to be so skilled in something that wasn't based in violence. You would grin at her, if your own surprise didn't still overwhelm you. You understand her reaction perfectly, for yours isn't much different.
But, as with all things, silence cannot go on forever.
"Hiruma-san, truly the rumors of your skills were not exaggerated," the Ikoma says exuberantly, smiling at you. As she speaks, everyone else blinks their eyes and seem to recover from their stupor. "That was masterfully told!"
"I must agree," says Togashi Aoko from where she stands, nodding. "It was a powerful tale, full of twists and turns I did not expect." She looks to Yasuki Goro. "You certainly did not fall short of your intention, Yasuki-san. I have certainly been entertained." She waves a hand to take in the room. "As, I believe, were we all."
"The story was well spoken and powerfully enunciated," the Doji says softly, giving you a measuring look. Her surprise has fallen away, her expression revealing nothing. "You have some surprising skill in this art, Hiruma-san. "
That is a very careful compliment, praising you for the skill of the telling and not for the story itself. It's an action that befits one of the Crane, presenting what is expected and not giving away even a hair more. It's certainly a clever way of seeming gracious while in truth not giving away much at all.
"My thanks," you say to them, bowing in your seat. "I am happy my performance provided entertainment for your meal."
"Oh, it did indeed," the Ikoma says. She turns to Yasuki Goro. "Tell me, Yasuki-san, was the attack truly so well coordinated as Hiruma-san said? What he described certainly seemed like a focused assault to keep both strongholds off balance and unable to help each other."
"I would have to say yes, Ikoma-san," Yasuki Goro replies. "The Battle of Skulking Shadows was surprisingly well planned, perhaps even disturbingly so. It spoke of a greater intellect than some random warmonger amongst the hordes."
"It is good, then, that there has not been any further such attacks," the Doji says. "I must praise your people, Yasuki-san, for dispatching such scoundrels despite their dishonorable tactics."
"There have been a few skirmishes afterward," Yasuki Goro responds. "But none of those have been so well managed as that first conflict."
"I can only pray it remains so," the Doji says, smiling. "Though even if there was another such attack, I have no doubt the Crab would prevail. It must be a dreadful thing to fight such foes so often, but your people weather such trials admirably. It is a testament to the strength of the Crab."
"I can't help but agree, Doji-san," the Bayushi says. "I am glad my people were able to see that strength close at hand when the Crab helped us dealing with some rather disreputable fellows." He looks at your delegation and grins. "Why, I believe it was Yasuki-san and company who were those very Crab, helping us root out one of those Lost ones who had wormed his way into our lands."
"The Scorpion allowed such a thing to happen?" the Ikoma asks with a snort of amusement. "I would have believed your people more capable of handling such matters."
"I assure you we had the matter well in hand after the rogues revealed themselves to assault Yasuki-san's subordinates," the Bayushi replies. "I suppose these madmen simply could not look past their hatred of the ones who have denied them for so many centuries. Their location was a simple matter to discover after that." He motions toward your group with a hand. "The Crab Clan's further assistance into the matter was appreciated, as I'm sure Yasuki-san and Hiruma-san can elaborate upon."
"We were indeed involved in that incident, and lent our aid as was deemed appropriate with the permission of Bayushi Chisata-sama," Yasuki Goro says. "I was not part of the assault myself, but Sosuke-san was amongst those at the forefront of the attack upon the enemy there."
[] Say something to give support to Yasuki Goro. (Write in)
[] Remain silent.
[] Write in.
There's nothing more to say after having completed your tale, so you do not speak. It would ruin the atmosphere, would weaken what you have created. How amazing words are, if told in just the right way. These men and women are strong of arm and will, but a simple story has left them speechless. Once again you wonder if there might actually be something to artistic pursuits if they can produce such results.
This is not something most Bushi of any Clan focus on, least of all the Crab. That isn't an opinion, merely fact that can be discovered through easy observation. Your people are too focused on the eternal war to spend time on such matters, and while the warriors of the other Clans may dabble in the arts they don't find it so important. All save for the Crane, whose Bushi do try to hone such crafts as much as they do their skills with the sword.
The irony is not lost on you as you glance at the Doji. She's staring in your direction with wide eyes, her mouth open in shock. No doubt she did not expect a Crab to be so skilled in something that wasn't based in violence. You would grin at her, if your own surprise didn't still overwhelm you. You understand her reaction perfectly, for yours isn't much different.
But, as with all things, silence cannot go on forever.
"Hiruma-san, truly the rumors of your skills were not exaggerated," the Ikoma says exuberantly, smiling at you. As she speaks, everyone else blinks their eyes and seem to recover from their stupor. "That was masterfully told!"
"I must agree," says Togashi Aoko from where she stands, nodding. "It was a powerful tale, full of twists and turns I did not expect." She looks to Yasuki Goro. "You certainly did not fall short of your intention, Yasuki-san. I have certainly been entertained." She waves a hand to take in the room. "As, I believe, were we all."
"The story was well spoken and powerfully enunciated," the Doji says softly, giving you a measuring look. Her surprise has fallen away, her expression revealing nothing. "You have some surprising skill in this art, Hiruma-san. "
That is a very careful compliment, praising you for the skill of the telling and not for the story itself. It's an action that befits one of the Crane, presenting what is expected and not giving away even a hair more. It's certainly a clever way of seeming gracious while in truth not giving away much at all.
"My thanks," you say to them, bowing in your seat. "I am happy my performance provided entertainment for your meal."
"Oh, it did indeed," the Ikoma says. She turns to Yasuki Goro. "Tell me, Yasuki-san, was the attack truly so well coordinated as Hiruma-san said? What he described certainly seemed like a focused assault to keep both strongholds off balance and unable to help each other."
"I would have to say yes, Ikoma-san," Yasuki Goro replies. "The Battle of Skulking Shadows was surprisingly well planned, perhaps even disturbingly so. It spoke of a greater intellect than some random warmonger amongst the hordes."
"It is good, then, that there has not been any further such attacks," the Doji says. "I must praise your people, Yasuki-san, for dispatching such scoundrels despite their dishonorable tactics."
"There have been a few skirmishes afterward," Yasuki Goro responds. "But none of those have been so well managed as that first conflict."
"I can only pray it remains so," the Doji says, smiling. "Though even if there was another such attack, I have no doubt the Crab would prevail. It must be a dreadful thing to fight such foes so often, but your people weather such trials admirably. It is a testament to the strength of the Crab."
"I can't help but agree, Doji-san," the Bayushi says. "I am glad my people were able to see that strength close at hand when the Crab helped us dealing with some rather disreputable fellows." He looks at your delegation and grins. "Why, I believe it was Yasuki-san and company who were those very Crab, helping us root out one of those Lost ones who had wormed his way into our lands."
"The Scorpion allowed such a thing to happen?" the Ikoma asks with a snort of amusement. "I would have believed your people more capable of handling such matters."
"I assure you we had the matter well in hand after the rogues revealed themselves to assault Yasuki-san's subordinates," the Bayushi replies. "I suppose these madmen simply could not look past their hatred of the ones who have denied them for so many centuries. Their location was a simple matter to discover after that." He motions toward your group with a hand. "The Crab Clan's further assistance into the matter was appreciated, as I'm sure Yasuki-san and Hiruma-san can elaborate upon."
"We were indeed involved in that incident, and lent our aid as was deemed appropriate with the permission of Bayushi Chisata-sama," Yasuki Goro says. "I was not part of the assault myself, but Sosuke-san was amongst those at the forefront of the attack upon the enemy there."
[] Say something to give support to Yasuki Goro. (Write in)
[] Remain silent.
[] Write in.
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bookwyrm
Doom of Public Libraries
- Location
- Wichita, Kansas
This Crane is gooood. In as bad a position as she can get dueling with the Crab, legitimately shocked and through off balance by our story, and she is already aggressively building up how big and usual the battle is and drawing attention to the fact that not been repeated. She's probably aiming for "If they survived this they don't need our help" and "how long have the Crab faced things like this again?". Too bad right after us the Scorpion come out swinging- If the prospect of Shadowland stuff on Scorpion turf doesn't light a fire under some of the Clans then nothing but a proper world-ending invasion will.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
- [x] Impress upon the room both the disturbing implications of a substantial Tainted infiltration that far into the Empire, including one of the truly Lost, and the ways in which one entirely consumed by Jigoku might give themselves away where one still somewhat human might not.
- [x] Emphasize that the Scorpion, so far as we observed, were thoroughly competent at eliminating the Tainted once they knew to look for them, but that if even the Scorpion could miss the initial warning signs of Jigoku's involvement the other Clans should be especially wary of similar infiltration in their own lands. The goal is to portray it as "the people best at spotting hidden things still needed to know to look for the Tainted before they could find them, so the rest of you are even less likely to have noticed without prior warning", not to inadvertently insult the Scorpion.
[X] Plan Sirrocco
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Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
Well it's good but it would be a lot better if she hadn't implied that such battles were a routine part of living in the Shadowlands 5 minutes ago. It's rather apparent that she's scrambling for a line at the moment because holy shit this is not going according to her plans since it honestly appears like she has no goddamn idea what the Shadowlands are like (which is true) and thus her words have no real weight to them.
[X] Give a summary of our time at Kyuden Bayushi
- [x] Impress upon the room both the disturbing implications of a substantial Tainted infiltration that far into the Empire, including one of the truly Lost, and the ways in which one entirely consumed by Jigoku might give themselves away where one still somewhat human might not.
- [x] Emphasize that the Scorpion, so far as we observed, were thoroughly competent at eliminating the Tainted once they knew to look for them, but that if even the Scorpion could miss the initial warning signs of Jigoku's involvement the other Clans should be especially wary of similar infiltration in their own lands. The goal is to portray it as "the people best at spotting hidden things still needed to know to look for the Tainted before they could find them, so the rest of you are even less likely to have noticed without prior warning", not to inadvertently insult the Scorpion.
I like this.
- [x] Impress upon the room both the disturbing implications of a substantial Tainted infiltration that far into the Empire, including one of the truly Lost, and the ways in which one entirely consumed by Jigoku might give themselves away where one still somewhat human might not.
- [x] Emphasize that the Scorpion, so far as we observed, were thoroughly competent at eliminating the Tainted once they knew to look for them, but that if even the Scorpion could miss the initial warning signs of Jigoku's involvement the other Clans should be especially wary of similar infiltration in their own lands. The goal is to portray it as "the people best at spotting hidden things still needed to know to look for the Tainted before they could find them, so the rest of you are even less likely to have noticed without prior warning", not to inadvertently insult the Scorpion.
I like this.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Well, Yasuki-sama has directly referenced us again, so we do want to say *something*. Not sure what, though.
Crane diplomat is Crane diplomat. I admit, I did not give her enough credit.
The Scorpion have revealed a weakness in order to give us this opportunity - we should be sure that we mitigate that as much as possible - focus on the stealthiness of technique they used. Possibly put a bit of an underline on the fact that he was using Heimen, and turning them into effective combatants. The other lands often oppress their underclasses more, and the spectre of those rising up against them, with tainted gifts might increase the perceived threat level.
Also, we need to throw in something to counter the Crane's "well, obviously they aren't doing anything" comment. Let's see what we can pull from the archives...
- He made it clear that he was being stealthy, but not by personal choice - that he was obeying the commands of a higher power.
- It was also clear that he was targeting us personally... though it may well be best to leave that particular part out. Seems liek the sort of thing the Crane could sieze on.
...and while I do this
[] Give a summary of our time at Kyuden Bayushi
- [] Impress upon the room both the disturbing implications of a substantial Tainted infiltration that far into the Empire, including one of the truly Lost, and the ways in which one entirely consumed by Jigoku might give themselves away where one still somewhat human might not.
- [] Emphasize that the Scorpion, so far as we observed, were thoroughly competent at eliminating the Tainted once they knew to look for them, but that if even the Scorpion could miss the initial warning signs of Jigoku's involvement the other Clans should be especially wary of similar infiltration in their own lands. The goal is to portray it as "the people best at spotting hidden things still needed to know to look for the Tainted before they could find them, so the rest of you are even less likely to have noticed without prior warning", not to inadvertently insult the Scorpion.
- [] Mention that the Lost samurai in question was so far gone that he could taint others without their knowledge or consent. He hid himself among the lower classes, and over time those he was near were corrupted into tainted warriors. If he had not been discovered then, his forces would only have grown in power, as they embraced the tainted gifts more fully and corrupted more of the innocent.
- [] Make clear that there was evidence that he was working directly for a higher power - and that this had all the marks of being part of a larger strategy. He mentioned that he was hiding but not by his own choice, and so forth.
- [] Don't mention any of the personal tie-in. This should not be about us.
Huh. That's... awfully long for a description of a summary. Let's see if we can boil it down a tch. Also do a bit of archive-diving for Pertinent Details.
[x] "Yes, Yasuki-sama. If you and the other notables at this table wish it, I can summarize the events."
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
That's... well, that's what I'd want to say. Still a little on the long side. Edit it to add in the "If you want I can" at the beginning. Should be about right.
Alternately, we could offer to *recount* it, blow another void point, and make *another* storytelling roll, but I'm thinking that hitting them with another full story so quickly after the last one might be excessive - and would surely diminish the impact of the first if we didn't do so well. Also, it might be nice to have more than one void point floating around.
Crane diplomat is Crane diplomat. I admit, I did not give her enough credit.
The Scorpion have revealed a weakness in order to give us this opportunity - we should be sure that we mitigate that as much as possible - focus on the stealthiness of technique they used. Possibly put a bit of an underline on the fact that he was using Heimen, and turning them into effective combatants. The other lands often oppress their underclasses more, and the spectre of those rising up against them, with tainted gifts might increase the perceived threat level.
Also, we need to throw in something to counter the Crane's "well, obviously they aren't doing anything" comment. Let's see what we can pull from the archives...
- He made it clear that he was being stealthy, but not by personal choice - that he was obeying the commands of a higher power.
- It was also clear that he was targeting us personally... though it may well be best to leave that particular part out. Seems liek the sort of thing the Crane could sieze on.
...and while I do this
[] Give a summary of our time at Kyuden Bayushi
- [] Impress upon the room both the disturbing implications of a substantial Tainted infiltration that far into the Empire, including one of the truly Lost, and the ways in which one entirely consumed by Jigoku might give themselves away where one still somewhat human might not.
- [] Emphasize that the Scorpion, so far as we observed, were thoroughly competent at eliminating the Tainted once they knew to look for them, but that if even the Scorpion could miss the initial warning signs of Jigoku's involvement the other Clans should be especially wary of similar infiltration in their own lands. The goal is to portray it as "the people best at spotting hidden things still needed to know to look for the Tainted before they could find them, so the rest of you are even less likely to have noticed without prior warning", not to inadvertently insult the Scorpion.
- [] Mention that the Lost samurai in question was so far gone that he could taint others without their knowledge or consent. He hid himself among the lower classes, and over time those he was near were corrupted into tainted warriors. If he had not been discovered then, his forces would only have grown in power, as they embraced the tainted gifts more fully and corrupted more of the innocent.
- [] Make clear that there was evidence that he was working directly for a higher power - and that this had all the marks of being part of a larger strategy. He mentioned that he was hiding but not by his own choice, and so forth.
- [] Don't mention any of the personal tie-in. This should not be about us.
Huh. That's... awfully long for a description of a summary. Let's see if we can boil it down a tch. Also do a bit of archive-diving for Pertinent Details.
[x] "Yes, Yasuki-sama. If you and the other notables at this table wish it, I can summarize the events."
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
That's... well, that's what I'd want to say. Still a little on the long side. Edit it to add in the "If you want I can" at the beginning. Should be about right.
Alternately, we could offer to *recount* it, blow another void point, and make *another* storytelling roll, but I'm thinking that hitting them with another full story so quickly after the last one might be excessive - and would surely diminish the impact of the first if we didn't do so well. Also, it might be nice to have more than one void point floating around.
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Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
I'd rather not have to blow our last Void Point, if we can help it. Other wise that looks good.
[x] Tiny Squid.
Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
Really I found her argument to be kinda weak? I mean while she certainly recovered quickly enough her argument basically boils down to "You're a big clan you can take it." and given that we've already told the Togashi "Why yes we can take it, it would be very painful." it isn't really something that's new. Add this to how she's clearly backtracking from her earlier position of "Oh these types of battles are a dime a dozen in the Shadowlands surely." she seems to be grasping at straws. I mean she's a Crane so she's grasping at straws elegantly but that really doesn't change much.
No it's an effective argument, precisely because we told the Togashi we can take it. Admitting you are weak is a huge loss of face, no samurai likes doing it. She's trying to put us into a position where we have to. She doesn't like it but as a spur of the moment plan goes it's not the worst.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Our discussions with the Togashi haven't been heard by anyone other than ourselves, Yasuki Goro, and the Togashi. They might percolate to the Kitsuki diamyo, or they might not.
The point was, she was able to, at least superficially, prevent the discussion from getting away from her in spite of us pulling that off (and do so elegantly).
Also, it amuses me that the vote is a three-way tie now, with two votes each for my long construction, TheSandman's shorter meta-construction, and "Hai".
edit: the only guy that really matters here is the Kitsuki diamyo. He's a competent courtier, and we have no idea what he's thinking. He undoubtedly has selfish reasons for wanting to help the Crane. They'll give him stuff, and we won't. Also, their help in the courts really means something, and ours generally doesn't. The only questions that really matter are "Who does he want to give the jade to?" and "Can he justify doing that without appearing dishonorable?" Right now, we're working on the former, but that's a pretty hard sell in some ways. The Crane, however, is being surprisingly effective at shutting down our ability to affect the latter.
The point was, she was able to, at least superficially, prevent the discussion from getting away from her in spite of us pulling that off (and do so elegantly).
Also, it amuses me that the vote is a three-way tie now, with two votes each for my long construction, TheSandman's shorter meta-construction, and "Hai".
edit: the only guy that really matters here is the Kitsuki diamyo. He's a competent courtier, and we have no idea what he's thinking. He undoubtedly has selfish reasons for wanting to help the Crane. They'll give him stuff, and we won't. Also, their help in the courts really means something, and ours generally doesn't. The only questions that really matter are "Who does he want to give the jade to?" and "Can he justify doing that without appearing dishonorable?" Right now, we're working on the former, but that's a pretty hard sell in some ways. The Crane, however, is being surprisingly effective at shutting down our ability to affect the latter.
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[x] "Yes, Yasuki-sama. If you and the other notables at this table wish it, I can summarize the events."
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
Even better.
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
Even better.
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
[x] "Yes, Yasuki-sama. If you and the other notables at this table wish it, I can summarize the events."
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
- Location
- The Old World
[x] "Yes, Yasuki-sama. If you and the other notables at this table wish it, I can summarize the events."
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
The squid has spoken!
[x] "The Lost samurai had hidden among the eta. He chose places where questions would not be asked, and was far enough gone to corrupt others with his presence over time. There were signs - strength, toughness, greenish-brown skin, and the smell of rot on those he corrupted. His changes were more extreme, but they were able to disguise them well enough so long as they were not sought for, and stayed in places where no one inquired too closely."
[x] "His minions attacked my companions and I while we were taking in one of the Shosuro's excellent plays. The taint made them surprisingly effective for their caste, but we were able to manage them without undue difficulty, and the magistrates arrived quickly enough to end the fight themselves. As I gave my testimony, I was able to show the signs and give some additional insight into the tainted from my studies. Between that and their own investigations of the incident, they were able to track the tainted to their lair with impressive speed."
[x] "Once the enemy was found, my companions and I were happy to assist the magistrates in their final assault. The Lost Samurai was actually pleased to see us - he had been hiding on the orders of another, and threw off the cloak of stealth only too readily. He was an enormous brute of a man, with shark teeth, who left craters in the floor with his blows. Between the magistrates and my companions and I, we were able to defeat him and his minions, but it was no easy task."
[x] "Still, we were lucky. Had he not been stopped, he surely would have tainted more of the eta, and the tainted powers of those he had claimed would have increased. I do not know under what plan he did this, but I am certain he was only a small part of it. The plan as a whole, I am sure, continues, and we would do well to prepare for its unveiling."
[x] If it appears at any point that Yasuki-sama might wish us to stop talking, stop talking.
The squid has spoken!
- Location
- Canada
[x] Tiny Squid.
All hail our tentacled overlord.
All hail our tentacled overlord.
