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

My first bandwagon...

*sniff*

I feel so proud.

I have this fear he is going be all like "THEN LET ME SHOW YOU TRUE MAGNIFICENCE OF A NOH PLAY"

In that case we sit there and like it. Or pretend to like it at the very least. Fortunately Rokugani etiquette forbids public displays of emotion, so sitting there in stony-faced silence is an acceptable substitute for any kind of active display of interest or enjoyment.
 
[x] "It is merely a matter of personal preference, Scorpion-sama - while I am sure the actors here are very skilled, I generally find kabuki more engaging."
- [x] If pressed, claim a lack of schooling in the performing arts makes you unworthy to offer commentary on the different styles.
 
[x] "It is merely a matter of personal preference, Scorpion-sama - while I am sure the actors here are very skilled, I generally find kabuki more engaging."
- [x] If pressed, claim a lack of schooling in the performing arts makes you unworthy to offer commentary on the different styles.
 
4.15
[x] "It is merely a matter of personal preference, Scorpion-sama - while I am sure the actors here are very skilled, I generally find kabuki more engaging."
- [x] If pressed, claim a lack of schooling in the performing arts makes you unworthy to offer commentary on the different styles.

Courtier Role: 5k3=25


You take the space of a single heartbeat to properly observe the Scorpion and the Crane to take their measure. The Scorpion is a short, older woman with her hair tied up into a bun with bells set atop the sticks holding it together. The Crane, meanwhile, is a younger man with sharp, blocky features uncommon to a Clan that prides itself on grace.

Both are staring at you rather intently, though with different focus. The Crane merely seems curious, measuring you the same way you are measuring him. The Scorpion, however, is waiting impatiently for your answer to her question. She pulls a fan out of her sleeves, and taps it inside the elbow of her other arm as she glares at you.

For a brief moment you consider telling this woman exactly how you feel about Noh plays, that they're boring and nonsensical. Perhaps in the form of clever wordplay… But then you decide against giving insult. You've heard artists can be very animated about their profession, and you've little desire to spark a potential duel.

Still, you're going to need to give the woman a response. You can't see her mouth beneath her veil, but her eyes are smoldering. You briefly wonder how she even heard your words, much less your disappointed tone, from behind the doors. But then again, she is apparently a performer. She likely has trained her hearing to catch specific cues.

"It is merely a matter of personal preference, Scorpion-sama," you reply, giving her a bow. It's not quite an apology, but hopefully showing proper respect will help mollify her ire. "While I am sure the actors here are very skilled, I generally find Kabuki more engaging."

"Hmph, typical of the Crab Clan," the Scorpion says, turning her head to the side such that the bells woven into her hair jingle softly. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. If you're so enraptured with Kabuki, then head north toward the Senzai-za." She waves a hand back up the street. "It's a huge, garish thing with all sorts of disturbing noises coming from inside. You can't miss it."

"I must admit I am disappointed," the Crane says, shaking his head ruefully. "I had hoped that perhaps you might be coming to experience the best performances the Empire has to offer. Subtle performances of grace and beauty rather than the loud blatancy of Kabuki."

"I'm afraid I can't give much commentary on such matters," you reply, coldness forming in your stomach. This almost feels like you're walking into a trap. "I do not have much schooling in the performing arts, so I cannot speak much for the different styles. I only know what I enjoy."

The Scorpion snorts her amusement, but the Crane furrows his brow and looks intently at you. He never stopped measuring you, of course. He is a Crane, and they are always observing their surroundings in order to strike with commentary of some sort or another. What he says next, however, makes you blink in surprise.

"I must beg your pardon if I presume, Crab-sama, but would you be the one known as Hiruma Sosuke?"

"I have the honor of being that man, yes," you reply, bowing to the Crane as proper introductions come underway. "Might I know your names as well, if I may be so bold as to ask?"

"I am Kakita Tenshu, an artisan, and this is my compatriot Shosuro Miohime," Tenshu replies, bowing back. "It is good to meet you, though I cannot deny some confusion over your words."

"I'm not certain what you mean, Kakita-sama," you reply, your eyes narrowing. "I've told you nothing that is not true, unless you are saying you do not believe me."

"I assure you I have no such intention, Hiruma-sama," Tenshu responds. "No doubt you have spoken nothing but the truth. It is simply that you have a reputation for being a story teller of some impressive skill, so I must admit puzzlement when you speak of lack of schooling in the performing arts."

"Oh yes! I have heard much the same!" Shosuro Miohime says, her eyes crinkling as she smiles behind her veil. "Might you do us the honor of sharing a tale with some of our actors then, Hiruma-sama? Of your exploits, perhaps?" She unfolds her fan and casually holds it across the lower half of her face, further hiding her expression save for the amusement in her gaze. "It may be that we could even write a play about it, forever immortalized in the magnificence that is Noh theater."

[] Write in.
 
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[X] All of your experience is self taught and focused on properly telling a story. You lack a formal schooling on all the nuances of each art.
-[X] You have no problem with telling a short story of your exploits though. Short. No offense intended, but you're here to see others perform, not give one yourself.

No good at this whole social stuff honestly.
 
*Sigh* Can we meet ONE Crane that doesn't try and fuck us over Amaterasu-Sama? Is that to much to ask for? Just one?
 
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Hmm. Might be worth it to spend a Void Point on the storytelling roll just so we can further spread the legend of fighty crab guy.
 
[X] My storytelling skills are mostly self-taught, rather than a formal education.
-[X] However, I would be willing to share a tale with you all. But not of my exploits, even though I happened to be involved. This particular tale is one about a unusually heroic nezumi I once knew...
-[X] Spend void-point.
 
*Sigh* Can we meet ONE Crane that doesn't try and fuck us over Amaterasu-Sama? Is that to much to ask for? Just one?
Considering we ganked her...probably? I mean yeah Amaterasu was asking for it, but she's probably not nicely inclined towards us.

[x] "To think stories of me telling stories reached even here. If the honourable Samurai wish it, I shall of course tell you this tale in a more appropriate setting than the street. It is after all a tale of the Crab with all that entails."

Wait see what they make of that.
"If you want to say name a place where I can find you and when, I would gladly meet you there. Although it would be a shame to miss the play you so generously pointed out."

Eloquent shrug.
"I would caution you that I am a self taught story teller, it is not likely up to the standards of Toshi Ranbo where the Ikoma Bards ply their skills more than I ever have."


-------------------------------------------------
Net goals: Get our possible humiliation done later (check)
Imply that they're gigantic wimps (check)
Imply that they have no idea what a good story is by putting an ancestral enemy of both their clans on a higher pedestal (check)

Not give reason for a duel (check)
 
Considering we ganked her...probably? I mean yeah Amaterasu was asking for it, but she's probably not nicely inclined towards us.
*blinks*
Amaterasu literally gave Yakamo permission to take over as the sun and he acted as her second during her jigai, which saved her great indignity and allowed her to die in peace. I think it's safe to say she approved of him.
 
[x] "To think stories of me telling stories reached even here. If the honourable Samurai wish it, I shall of course tell you this tale in a more appropriate setting than the street. It is after all a tale of the Crab with all that entails."
 
[x] "To think stories of me telling stories reached even here. If the honourable Samurai wish it, I shall of course tell you this tale in a more appropriate setting than the street. It is after all a tale of the Crab with all that entails."
 
[jk] "I am Hiruma Sosuke of the Crab! Slayer of demons, smasher of the Lost, Ogreslayer, Hida Yakumo reborn and all around badass! The women look upon me with lust, the men with envy! The ground shakes and cities tremble where I walk, dragons descend from the skies to bask in my glory and Gods take notice when I speak!I am the fucking Wall and the effing Sun combined baby! Is that a good enough introduction or should I go on?"
 
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[x] "I am Hiruma Sosuke of the Crab! Slayer of demons, smasher of the Lost, Ogreslayer, Hida Yakumo reborn and all around badass! The women look upon me with lust, the men with envy! The ground shakes and cities tremble where I walk, dragons descend from the skies to bask in my glory and Gods take notice when I speak!I am the fucking Wall and the effing Sun combined baby! Is that a good enough introduction or should I go on?"

Pretty sure bravado isn't a good thing in rokugani culture.
 
Pretty sure bravado isn't a good thing in rokugani culture.

Bragging of our deeds in a warrior culture... I think they might end thinking were being shameless and perhaps arrogant if we do, yes.

Hmm... sharing a story to immortalize in Noh and to a Scorpion woman no less. Perhaps we should share that time Sosuke was on Kyuden Bayushi and fough that lost? It clearly involves the Scorpion and in fact, the Scorpio dude did a lot there to assist us so I think its appropriate here.

We lose nothing with share it. Most probably is that it will be shapen into something where the Scorpion will be presented in better lights than the Crab here.

...

In the other hand, that's what perhaps this Soshuro wants.
 
This is a play-house in the capitol of the Empire. *Yes* we want pro-Crab propaganda here. Why *wouldn't* we want pro-Crab propaganda here? If it means that we miss watching some Kabuki? Duty in all things. A little play does not compare.

As for what to tell...
- Our Gempukku: A solid tale, but not one that impels to action. Mostly useful to get people to *think* about the Shadowlands, when they'd rather not.
- Our time in Scorpion lands: It's a strong one, but I suspect there are already other Shosuro writing plays about it. That's really the only downside, though, and I suspect that those plays and this play will show in different locations.
- Our time in Lion lands: doesn't reflect *all* that well on us, and doesn't really sell much.
- dealing with Ogre, Oni and bloodspeaker: no. Just no.
- Time among the Dragonfly: the story is an interesting one, but not one we want to spread around. We like the dragon.
- Dealing with the shadows among the Dragon: an interesting one. We'd have to trim it, and shift emphasis in various ways to be appropriately flattering to the appropriate people, but it could turn out very nicely, and it's pretty much guaranteed to be a story that no one's heard before. Only problem is that the villain of the piece is the Shadow, rather than Jikogu, but I get the feelign that most people just don't track that hard on the difference.

Hmm... perhaps we let the playwright herself choose.

[x] "To think word of my storytelling has reached even here. If the honourable Samurai wish it, I shall of course tell you a tale - though perhaps there might be a more appropriate venue than the street. I speak of what is, and the threats that we all face. I have heard that there are some who find that disturbing."
-[x] "I am honored that you think my humble stories might be adequate inspiration for your own writing, and would be honored again if you find it to be so in truth. I shall do what I can to spin the tale well."
-[x] "I have three stories that I think might be suitable. I could tell you of the Nezumi, and my part in the Battle of Skulking Shadows. I could tell you of my time at Kyuden Bayushi, and the vile creature that was ended there. I could tell you of our recent experiences in the lands of the Dragon, and the mighty battle that was fought in that place. Which would you prefer?"
-[x] Spend a void point. Try to spin the story both to be appealing to the playwright and useful for influencing her and the audience to at least consider being supportive in the coming war.
-[x] After you're done, do what you have to do to get out without offending anyone.
 
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I think that covers it all.

[x] Sirocco

I also wonder what our companions are doing here. But the looks of it, they might be wanting to see our storytelling again.
 
[X] Sirroco

I like it. And our parents are truly gonna wonder where he brash youth that had left in the envoy have gone once we get back...
 
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