Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[X] Ask about Daidoji Hosaru
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
[x] Ask about Doji Noboru.
- Location
- Leeds
I just think the easiest way to learn what we'll be doing in this section is by asking what the Crab are already doing.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Ask about Doji Noboru.
Or the evil laughter of the children's playing?
Or the evil laughter of the children's playing?
4.30
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Ask about Doji Noboru.
A quick glance reveals most of the patrons here are Ashigaru or Daidoji Samurai. They enjoy food, tea and sake in equal measure, making use of this time to relax. It would seem almost like home, if it were not for the fact that the peasants and Samurai are sitting apart from each other. It isn't as if the separation between the classes doesn't exist in your lands, but it seems more enforced here.
Your Clan respects the Daidoji Family for the actions of Daidoji Masashigi, coming to the Crab's aid in the Battle of the Tidal Landbridge. Of all Samurai, and especially the Crane, they have the most understanding of what the Crab endures. They have fought your Clan many times in past conflicts, but they hold many similarities to the Crab in mentality and tactics.
And yet there are also great differences between them and your people, as seen here by how far apart the Samurai and peasants sit from each other. It's a firm reminder that no matter the relations between the Daidoji and the Crab, they are not fellow Clan members. You would do well to remember that, lest you cause trouble for your lord.
But there is still a possible opportunity here.
"You mentioned Doji Noboru-sama earlier," you say as tea and crackers are brought to your table. There is a moment's pause in the discussion as you order food, and then you continue. "He's the one discussing matters of trade with the Crab diplomat, yes?"
"He is indeed," Hosaru replies, taking a sip of his sake. He's not touched his tea at all. "And he's been doing it for almost two months now, with the talks going around in circles." He waves a hand, which almost draws attention away from his grimace. "It's a wonder he's even bothering with this if he's not going to budge on even a single point."
So he doesn't care for the man, you think to yourself, keeping your expression completely smooth. A smile would give your intentions away, and you can't have that. There's my opening.
"Would you mind telling me what kind of man he is?" you ask. "I've been on the road, and in the north, for some time so I'm afraid I'm not up to date on what's going on here." You pause to take a sip of your tea. "But I imagine Doji Noboru-sama must be a person worthy of note if he's as averse to compromise as you say."
Daidoji Hosaru looks at you from half lidded eyes. "All right, if we're going to do this I'm going to set some ground rules."
You blink. "I'm sorry?"
"No need to apologize, you're just doing your duty and trying to gather information for your Clan," Hosaru says back. He takes another sip of his drink, but when he puts it down his face is as hard as steel. "And I'm fine with that, to a point. But I'm not going to betray the Crane no matter how much I dislike the man, so keep that in mind as you ask your questions. Do I make myself clear?"
The weight of the man's gaze reminds you of your Sensei, judging and harsh. You can tell there will be no give on this matter, and that testing the edges of Hosaru's tolerance will have… consequences. You're not entirely certain what that will entail, but you're fairly certain you do not wish to find out.
"I understand completely," you answer. "I'll take care not to press too far."
"Good!" Hosaru replies, a smile returning to his lips as his friendly demeanor returns. That smile only widens when your food is placed on the table, grilled fish and vegetables along with plenty of rice. As well, you see to your great pleasure, plates of fried vegetables and tempura. "Then I shall indulge some of your curiosity while we indulge in this delicious meal. I believe that's only fair, don't you think?"
[] Write in.
A quick glance reveals most of the patrons here are Ashigaru or Daidoji Samurai. They enjoy food, tea and sake in equal measure, making use of this time to relax. It would seem almost like home, if it were not for the fact that the peasants and Samurai are sitting apart from each other. It isn't as if the separation between the classes doesn't exist in your lands, but it seems more enforced here.
Your Clan respects the Daidoji Family for the actions of Daidoji Masashigi, coming to the Crab's aid in the Battle of the Tidal Landbridge. Of all Samurai, and especially the Crane, they have the most understanding of what the Crab endures. They have fought your Clan many times in past conflicts, but they hold many similarities to the Crab in mentality and tactics.
And yet there are also great differences between them and your people, as seen here by how far apart the Samurai and peasants sit from each other. It's a firm reminder that no matter the relations between the Daidoji and the Crab, they are not fellow Clan members. You would do well to remember that, lest you cause trouble for your lord.
But there is still a possible opportunity here.
"You mentioned Doji Noboru-sama earlier," you say as tea and crackers are brought to your table. There is a moment's pause in the discussion as you order food, and then you continue. "He's the one discussing matters of trade with the Crab diplomat, yes?"
"He is indeed," Hosaru replies, taking a sip of his sake. He's not touched his tea at all. "And he's been doing it for almost two months now, with the talks going around in circles." He waves a hand, which almost draws attention away from his grimace. "It's a wonder he's even bothering with this if he's not going to budge on even a single point."
So he doesn't care for the man, you think to yourself, keeping your expression completely smooth. A smile would give your intentions away, and you can't have that. There's my opening.
"Would you mind telling me what kind of man he is?" you ask. "I've been on the road, and in the north, for some time so I'm afraid I'm not up to date on what's going on here." You pause to take a sip of your tea. "But I imagine Doji Noboru-sama must be a person worthy of note if he's as averse to compromise as you say."
Daidoji Hosaru looks at you from half lidded eyes. "All right, if we're going to do this I'm going to set some ground rules."
You blink. "I'm sorry?"
"No need to apologize, you're just doing your duty and trying to gather information for your Clan," Hosaru says back. He takes another sip of his drink, but when he puts it down his face is as hard as steel. "And I'm fine with that, to a point. But I'm not going to betray the Crane no matter how much I dislike the man, so keep that in mind as you ask your questions. Do I make myself clear?"
The weight of the man's gaze reminds you of your Sensei, judging and harsh. You can tell there will be no give on this matter, and that testing the edges of Hosaru's tolerance will have… consequences. You're not entirely certain what that will entail, but you're fairly certain you do not wish to find out.
"I understand completely," you answer. "I'll take care not to press too far."
"Good!" Hosaru replies, a smile returning to his lips as his friendly demeanor returns. That smile only widens when your food is placed on the table, grilled fish and vegetables along with plenty of rice. As well, you see to your great pleasure, plates of fried vegetables and tempura. "Then I shall indulge some of your curiosity while we indulge in this delicious meal. I believe that's only fair, don't you think?"
[] Write in.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
As a first go....
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
Useful information for us, potentially useful for Yasuki Goro, and pretty far from anything that might have Hosaru betraying his clan.
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
Useful information for us, potentially useful for Yasuki Goro, and pretty far from anything that might have Hosaru betraying his clan.
- Location
- Leeds
[Q] Whats his guards schedules?
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
- Location
- Earth Aleph
[x] I understand and apologise. Please understand that I have only just arrived and know nothing of what the goals of the various players here are. That said, what do you believe would work out to benefit both our clans?
I like tiny squid's:
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
FunkyEntropy
Occasionally insightful, possibly grumpy
- Location
- Los Angeles
Wow, this guy is way more blunt than us, the Crab.
[X] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
You might be surprised with how few fucks the Daidoji have historically given on several matters despite being a Family of the Crane. Talking bluntly with a member of the Crab Clan doesn't even manage to hit the list of top fifty, much less the top ten.
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Frankly those Doji and Kakita who can deal with the Crab do so partially by going 'fuck it' and going a lot more blunt in dealing with them IMO.
(And by cutting down on the snobbery)
(Getting wounded in a battle with a Shadowlands infiltrator doesn't hurt, mind...)
(And by cutting down on the snobbery)
(Getting wounded in a battle with a Shadowlands infiltrator doesn't hurt, mind...)
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Is like one more day in the office.
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
[x] "Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours. What do you feel that you *can* tell us? If nothing else, I am likely to encounter this man in person at some point, and I would not wish to offend him. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing? What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
I didn't mention it at the time, but I realized yesterday that I have officially surpassed 300,000 words written for this Quest. I'm kind of amazed, actually. This is the longest single work, fanfiction or otherwise, I have ever created. It would not have been possible without all of you participating, and I cannot thank you enough for your time and patience. This has been a fantastic experience for me, and I'm so glad you all have been there every step of the way.
So again, thank you. It means so much to me that you all enjoy and care enough about this Quest to participate regularly. There's still a great deal of Hiruma Sosuke's story left to see, so let's keep going all the way to the end. I'm sure it's going to be amazing.
So again, thank you. It means so much to me that you all enjoy and care enough about this Quest to participate regularly. There's still a great deal of Hiruma Sosuke's story left to see, so let's keep going all the way to the end. I'm sure it's going to be amazing.
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- Location
- Leeds
Now I am curious what the previous record holder was.