Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
That's probably Speak of the Devil, his PMMM/Sandman crossover fic.
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
aledeth
The Flesh is Weak
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[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
- Sheffield
[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?"
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[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
Hey man, you keep on writin' and we'll keep on readin'. 's some good stuff you've got here.
4.31
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Sirrocco
Courtier Roll: 5k3=30
Investigation/Awareness Roll: 6k3=28
"Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours," you respond as you heap a generous portion of tempura on to your plate. "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."
Hosaru glances up as he makes a simple plate of grilled fish and rice, along with some vegetables. For all that he enjoys expensive sake, he doesn't seem to hold any strong desire for rich food. Well, that simply means there's more fried vegetables for you, then. You're well on your way to making a small mountain next to your tempura when the Crane speaks again.
"'Us?' Hiruma-sama?" he asks, looking at you, then toward your companions. "Are the Crab now aligned with both the Dragon and Lion Clans, as well as the Brotherhood of Shinsei?" He gives you a wry grin. "I didn't realize your Clan had made so many allies in the last few months."
"Sosuke-san has done great things for the Dragon!" Hanabi snaps, her eyes like daggers as she glares at Hosaru. Though in truth, she hasn't stopped glaring since she met the man. "And we recognize that fact."
"I am merely on a journey, and thus don't represent my Clan in any major political capacity," Himawari says as she prepares a modest plate of vegetables and rice. "Though I must admit Sosuke-san has left a favorable impression upon the Lion."
"Ah, so these favorable relations are just with Hiruma-sama, then?" Hosaru asks, his gaze measuring. "Well, I suppose that's all right." He looks toward Shirou, who is has set his plate with grilled fish. "And what of you, Monk-san?"
"I'm here because Sosuke-sama is my friend, as well as to let the experiences of life further shape my both my body and spirit," Shirou replies. He looks up from his food and smiles. "It's certainly not been boring."
"Well, I suppose I should have expected an answer like that from a monk," Hosaru says. He takes a moment enjoy a few bites of his food, washing it down with a drink of his sake before continuing. "I mean no offense, but you don't strike me as the political type just by looking at you."
"One should never judge a person purely by how they first appear, lest they overlook hidden depths," Shirou replies gravely, nodding his head. Then he smiles. "But in this case, Daidoji-sama, you would be correct. I am acting on my own initiative."
The lingering remnants of tension within the Crane Samurai's posture fade away with Shirou's words. It is hardly noticeable, and in truth you weren't aware of it until the man finally relaxed, but you notice a few signs. It seems Daidoji Hosaru may not be as easygoing as he appears.
But then again, at your best guess he apparently believed the Crab, Lion and Dragon had entered into an alliance without his knowledge. Such a thing would have left the Crane almost surrounded. That's even before the Brotherhood were added into the picture, which would bring its own myriad troubles for the Crane Clan.
All that read into a single word, and how quickly the man investigated to see if his suspicions were correct… You hadn't even realized that a simple slip of the tongue might lead to this kind of conversation. And this is merely what you have noticed. For all you know, Hosaru has determined a great deal more this short exchange.
The thoughts of the Crane are circuitous indeed, you muse as you slowly chew on your rice. Even among the Daidoji they twist and turn, looking for messages hidden within even the slightest breath.
"That's good to know," Hosaru says, giving Shirou a nod. "It's always… interesting, when the Brotherhood gets involved in the matters of the Clans."
"Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing when I meet Doji Noboru?" you ask, bringing the discussion back on topic. "What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
"Not much," Hosaru answers, his smile turning into a grimace. "Doji Noboru seems to have made it a matter of personal pride to ensure the Crab make no headway in negotiations, though he covers it up with solid reasoning. He'll likely find issue with you no matter what you do." He sighs. "Even more, he has connections with a number of important people. Which, I suppose, is part of the reason he's even having the opportunity to do this."
Your eyes narrow, and after taking a few bites of your delicious tempura you ask "What do you mean by that?"
"This isn't the Doji's usual area of interest, both in diplomacy and location," Daidoji Hosaru says back. "As this is a matter of commerce, and being discussed within Mura Sabishii Toshi, this should be under the purview of the Daidoji Trading Council." He leans forward, pitching his voice low. "I'll be honest, while the Council doesn't care for the Yasuki Family at all they would still eventually make a deal. Oh, they'd likely do their best to see the Crab pay exorbitantly for whatever agreement is reached, but an agreement would be made in time. It wouldn't be as matters stand now, with discussions spiraling around with no destination."
[] Ask more about Doji Noboru.
[] Ask about Daidoji Hosaru.
[] Ask about Kakita Ryoichi.
[] Write in.
Courtier Roll: 5k3=30
Investigation/Awareness Roll: 6k3=28
"Each man's honor is his own, and I would not wish to tread upon yours," you respond as you heap a generous portion of tempura on to your plate. "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."
Hosaru glances up as he makes a simple plate of grilled fish and rice, along with some vegetables. For all that he enjoys expensive sake, he doesn't seem to hold any strong desire for rich food. Well, that simply means there's more fried vegetables for you, then. You're well on your way to making a small mountain next to your tempura when the Crane speaks again.
"'Us?' Hiruma-sama?" he asks, looking at you, then toward your companions. "Are the Crab now aligned with both the Dragon and Lion Clans, as well as the Brotherhood of Shinsei?" He gives you a wry grin. "I didn't realize your Clan had made so many allies in the last few months."
"Sosuke-san has done great things for the Dragon!" Hanabi snaps, her eyes like daggers as she glares at Hosaru. Though in truth, she hasn't stopped glaring since she met the man. "And we recognize that fact."
"I am merely on a journey, and thus don't represent my Clan in any major political capacity," Himawari says as she prepares a modest plate of vegetables and rice. "Though I must admit Sosuke-san has left a favorable impression upon the Lion."
"Ah, so these favorable relations are just with Hiruma-sama, then?" Hosaru asks, his gaze measuring. "Well, I suppose that's all right." He looks toward Shirou, who is has set his plate with grilled fish. "And what of you, Monk-san?"
"I'm here because Sosuke-sama is my friend, as well as to let the experiences of life further shape my both my body and spirit," Shirou replies. He looks up from his food and smiles. "It's certainly not been boring."
"Well, I suppose I should have expected an answer like that from a monk," Hosaru says. He takes a moment enjoy a few bites of his food, washing it down with a drink of his sake before continuing. "I mean no offense, but you don't strike me as the political type just by looking at you."
"One should never judge a person purely by how they first appear, lest they overlook hidden depths," Shirou replies gravely, nodding his head. Then he smiles. "But in this case, Daidoji-sama, you would be correct. I am acting on my own initiative."
The lingering remnants of tension within the Crane Samurai's posture fade away with Shirou's words. It is hardly noticeable, and in truth you weren't aware of it until the man finally relaxed, but you notice a few signs. It seems Daidoji Hosaru may not be as easygoing as he appears.
But then again, at your best guess he apparently believed the Crab, Lion and Dragon had entered into an alliance without his knowledge. Such a thing would have left the Crane almost surrounded. That's even before the Brotherhood were added into the picture, which would bring its own myriad troubles for the Crane Clan.
All that read into a single word, and how quickly the man investigated to see if his suspicions were correct… You hadn't even realized that a simple slip of the tongue might lead to this kind of conversation. And this is merely what you have noticed. For all you know, Hosaru has determined a great deal more this short exchange.
The thoughts of the Crane are circuitous indeed, you muse as you slowly chew on your rice. Even among the Daidoji they twist and turn, looking for messages hidden within even the slightest breath.
"That's good to know," Hosaru says, giving Shirou a nod. "It's always… interesting, when the Brotherhood gets involved in the matters of the Clans."
"Is there anything in particular that I should avoid saying or doing when I meet Doji Noboru?" you ask, bringing the discussion back on topic. "What could I do to make the inevitable interactions to come more pleasant for all involved?"
"Not much," Hosaru answers, his smile turning into a grimace. "Doji Noboru seems to have made it a matter of personal pride to ensure the Crab make no headway in negotiations, though he covers it up with solid reasoning. He'll likely find issue with you no matter what you do." He sighs. "Even more, he has connections with a number of important people. Which, I suppose, is part of the reason he's even having the opportunity to do this."
Your eyes narrow, and after taking a few bites of your delicious tempura you ask "What do you mean by that?"
"This isn't the Doji's usual area of interest, both in diplomacy and location," Daidoji Hosaru says back. "As this is a matter of commerce, and being discussed within Mura Sabishii Toshi, this should be under the purview of the Daidoji Trading Council." He leans forward, pitching his voice low. "I'll be honest, while the Council doesn't care for the Yasuki Family at all they would still eventually make a deal. Oh, they'd likely do their best to see the Crab pay exorbitantly for whatever agreement is reached, but an agreement would be made in time. It wouldn't be as matters stand now, with discussions spiraling around with no destination."
[] Ask more about Doji Noboru.
[] Ask about Daidoji Hosaru.
[] Ask about Kakita Ryoichi.
[] Write in.
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Usernames
Merc gonna merc ya
Jesus christ fuck the crane. I dunno about you but I rather make sure i don't do stupid trade deals with the first and perhaps only line of defense against the literal forces of hell.
Like, can we just put this stupid shit to some abandon corner when it comes to the matters of the forces of nothingness and of hell? This is why evil will always survive and will likely win some day.
Cause good isdumb self defeating.
Like, can we just put this stupid shit to some abandon corner when it comes to the matters of the forces of nothingness and of hell? This is why evil will always survive and will likely win some day.
Cause good is
Actually, in a cosmological setting sense It's literally impossible to permanently destroy either Tengoku or Jigoku.
. Even if one is utterly triumphant, the other will reemerge, although only the Celestial Dragon knows this. Anyway, in this area the Crab flat-out do their job too well for their own good. None of the other clans get a first-hand view of how dangerous the Shadowlands actually is, because the number of times the forces of Jigoku have gotten past the Crab in bulk, IIRC, can be counted on one hand. And if those near-savages in the Crab can do it, it can't be that difficult, surely.
The Crab, frankly, also don't help matters through their outright contempt for the Crane most of the time. It's unclear who started the hostilities, but stealing a family from the Crane helped matters exactly none (the Yasuki).
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
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[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
- Location
- Austrlia
[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
- Location
- Earth Aleph
[x] Ask about Daidoji Hosaru
[x] "Considering that trade will be beneficial to both our Clans, what can we do to resolve the situation?"
Not certain if we want to mention the infiltrators that we found in scorpion territory.
[x] "Considering that trade will be beneficial to both our Clans, what can we do to resolve the situation?"
Not certain if we want to mention the infiltrators that we found in scorpion territory.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
Well, we bite.
Well, we bite.
[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
[x] "Well, then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council? If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your clan."
4.32
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Sirrocco
Courtier Roll: 5k3=42
That is… remarkably blunt. But then again, Daidoji Hosaru has repeatedly shown himself as an incredibly forthright man. There must be a limit somewhere, of course, but so far you haven't appeared to reach it despite the older man's earlier warning. With luck, and prudence, that will hopefully remain the case.
Hosaru's concerns are not without merit, and you wouldn't dream of asking him to do anything that would harm the Crane Clan. For all that this would benefit the Crab, the idea of pushing a Samurai to betray his own Clan leaves a foul taste in your mouth. You quickly deaden this taste with copious amounts of tempura and fried vegetables.
But what if instead you could convince him that your Clan's two interests were in alignment? Once again you believe there is opportunity here. At first you were merely seeking information, but if you could make the first steps to an actual alliance? That could be a boon beyond measure in overcoming this obstacle.
"Well then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council?" you ask, setting down your chopsticks. "If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your Clan."
Daidoji Hosaru does not respond immediately, instead taking a few moments to partake of his food. His eyes do not leave you as he eats, however. It is obvious he is judging you, his gaze measuring. No doubt he is weighing each of your words carefully, assessing them even as he puts aside his utensils and takes a sip of his sake.
"It seems rumors about you were correct. Hiruma Sosuke-sama," he says at last, setting down his cup. It is the first time it has left his hand. "You are remarkably well spoken."
"You do me too much honor, Daidoji-sama," you respond. "I only express what I believe to be to the benefit of everyone involved."
"Very well spoken," Hosaru says, smiling wryly with a shake of his head. "Just like those Scorpion Samurai who have often come to us with words very similar to your own."
"Scorpion?" Shirou asks, pausing in replenishing his tea. "You have been approached by Scorpion Samurai with similar proposals to Sosuke-sama's?"
"Not so much myself, but my superiors have," Hosaru answers. "They have made comments that it is odd Doji Noboru has taken such prominence in these talks, and odder still that he stalls any progress." He waves a hand. "As if we could not notice such things ourselves. But hearing you… Well, let's just say I'm feeling a bit more inclined to consider their views now."
"Why would my words inspire more trust in these matters?" you ask. "I am but a mere Nikutai of the Crab Clan, and no one of any great importance."
"And I'm just a Gunso of the Crane, but that doesn't mean our opinions can't hold weight," the Crane Samurai replies. "The words of the Scorpion are always to be met with deep consideration for you never know what is hidden beneath the surface. If they come with an offer of cooperation, especially on matters of another Clan, then it must be examined carefully lest you stumble into an unseen pitfall."
"And my words change these considerations?" you ask.
"They do when they're from a member of the Clan in question," Hosaru says back. "The Scorpion have offered their assistance in helping the Daidoji Trading Council regain control of discussions. We have held off on accepting this offer, but if the Scorpion are truly on your side then perhaps they might have good intentions for mine. Or as close as they can get, in any event."
"Do you believe your superiors will reconsider, Daidoji-sama?" Shirou asks, finally refilling his drink. "Will they be willing to work with the Scorpion?"
"Not immediately," Hosaru responds. "They'll likely want some kind of proof the Scorpion and the Crab truly stand together. If the Crab can vouchsafe the intentions of the Scorpion, then perhaps headway can be made to removing Doji Noboru from these proceedings and a proper arrangement made between our two Clans."
[] Write in.
Courtier Roll: 5k3=42
That is… remarkably blunt. But then again, Daidoji Hosaru has repeatedly shown himself as an incredibly forthright man. There must be a limit somewhere, of course, but so far you haven't appeared to reach it despite the older man's earlier warning. With luck, and prudence, that will hopefully remain the case.
Hosaru's concerns are not without merit, and you wouldn't dream of asking him to do anything that would harm the Crane Clan. For all that this would benefit the Crab, the idea of pushing a Samurai to betray his own Clan leaves a foul taste in your mouth. You quickly deaden this taste with copious amounts of tempura and fried vegetables.
But what if instead you could convince him that your Clan's two interests were in alignment? Once again you believe there is opportunity here. At first you were merely seeking information, but if you could make the first steps to an actual alliance? That could be a boon beyond measure in overcoming this obstacle.
"Well then, if it is not inappropriate to ask, is there any insight that you could offer as to what we might say or do to help put the Crane side of the discussion back under the control of the Daidoji Trading Council?" you ask, setting down your chopsticks. "If they are the ones who should by right be in charge here, it would seem that seeking that would not, in and of itself, be against the interests of your Clan."
Daidoji Hosaru does not respond immediately, instead taking a few moments to partake of his food. His eyes do not leave you as he eats, however. It is obvious he is judging you, his gaze measuring. No doubt he is weighing each of your words carefully, assessing them even as he puts aside his utensils and takes a sip of his sake.
"It seems rumors about you were correct. Hiruma Sosuke-sama," he says at last, setting down his cup. It is the first time it has left his hand. "You are remarkably well spoken."
"You do me too much honor, Daidoji-sama," you respond. "I only express what I believe to be to the benefit of everyone involved."
"Very well spoken," Hosaru says, smiling wryly with a shake of his head. "Just like those Scorpion Samurai who have often come to us with words very similar to your own."
"Scorpion?" Shirou asks, pausing in replenishing his tea. "You have been approached by Scorpion Samurai with similar proposals to Sosuke-sama's?"
"Not so much myself, but my superiors have," Hosaru answers. "They have made comments that it is odd Doji Noboru has taken such prominence in these talks, and odder still that he stalls any progress." He waves a hand. "As if we could not notice such things ourselves. But hearing you… Well, let's just say I'm feeling a bit more inclined to consider their views now."
"Why would my words inspire more trust in these matters?" you ask. "I am but a mere Nikutai of the Crab Clan, and no one of any great importance."
"And I'm just a Gunso of the Crane, but that doesn't mean our opinions can't hold weight," the Crane Samurai replies. "The words of the Scorpion are always to be met with deep consideration for you never know what is hidden beneath the surface. If they come with an offer of cooperation, especially on matters of another Clan, then it must be examined carefully lest you stumble into an unseen pitfall."
"And my words change these considerations?" you ask.
"They do when they're from a member of the Clan in question," Hosaru says back. "The Scorpion have offered their assistance in helping the Daidoji Trading Council regain control of discussions. We have held off on accepting this offer, but if the Scorpion are truly on your side then perhaps they might have good intentions for mine. Or as close as they can get, in any event."
"Do you believe your superiors will reconsider, Daidoji-sama?" Shirou asks, finally refilling his drink. "Will they be willing to work with the Scorpion?"
"Not immediately," Hosaru responds. "They'll likely want some kind of proof the Scorpion and the Crab truly stand together. If the Crab can vouchsafe the intentions of the Scorpion, then perhaps headway can be made to removing Doji Noboru from these proceedings and a proper arrangement made between our two Clans."
[] Write in.
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GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
How interesting. It seems we really did make a good impression on the Scorpion for them to be going out of their way like this.
Though I suppose it'd be hard not to realize the import of the coming storm after such corruption was found within their own cities.
Though I suppose it'd be hard not to realize the import of the coming storm after such corruption was found within their own cities.
I suspect we also may have earned the loyalty of a few Scorpion while there.
And to a Scorpion, that matters.
- Location
- Leeds
[X] Well then, could you tell me about the Scorpion?
Or something like that seems to be the next thing we want to know.
Or something like that seems to be the next thing we want to know.