cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
[X] Go up to the balconies
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
[X] Go up to the balconies
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
[X] Go up to the balconies
Good points have been made.
Good points have been made.
[x] 
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X] Up to the balconies, you go.
FunkyEntropy
Occasionally insightful, possibly grumpy
- Location
- Los Angeles
To have the correct number of syllables (and a bit of artistic license):
Young crab does not fly
He strides the earth and survives
The pecking of birds
Sirrocco
Pedantic
How is that a different number of syllables?
FunkyEntropy
Occasionally insightful, possibly grumpy
- Location
- Los Angeles
I did my revision based on someone else catching the mid line having eight syllables. Quoted the original post without checking for edits.
Behold the power of posting before coffee!
4.40
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Go up to the balconies
"I believe we should go to the balconies, Yasuki-sama," you reply after a moment's thought. "We're here to observe and determine how best we can help. It would be more difficult to do that if we allow ourselves to be targets for whatever political games are playing out on the floor."
Yasuki Goro nods, grinning at you. "Good lad. There might be something we could do on the floor… But lacking information it leaves us open to being taken by surprise. A cautious approach is best for now."
You both make your way toward the stairs, swiftly reaching the balconies overlooking the floor. As you thought, there are several game tables set up for courtiers to amuse themselves with even as they listen in on events below them. Quite a few already have people sitting down, stones and tiles clacking on wood as diplomats from the various Clans test their wits against each other in muted conversation.
But all of them are keeping one eye and ear toward the floor, taking stock of events even as they engage with their fellows. And it is all done behind the polite fiction that the balconies and the floor are two entirely different worlds… The very thought almost makes you laugh. Everyone in the balconies is watching what goes on down there like hawks, and you're certain the people on the floor are paying attention to what goes on here as well.
Even still, the illusion of separation can have power. Appearances matter in the wider Empire, these lands so distant from your home in so many ways. You can grasp the importance of that, though even now after all you've experienced it is still bewildering.
You follow Yasuki Goro over to the ledge, looking down at the floor. From up here you can better see the various groups, as well as their interactions. Courtiers walk around the room in conversation, arranging deals behind their fans and subtle words. Up in the balconies the murmuring din has lessened, and along with the greater vantage you have an easier time focusing on just what is going on.
The Crane, naturally, have the largest contingent of diplomats. Considering where you are, this is unsurprising. What is surprising, however, is the sizeable contingent of Mantis Samurai. They're easily the next largest group, barely matched by the combined weight of the Minor Clans. Among those present they are some of the most animated, rivaled only by the few Ikoma you see within the throng, throwing their hands up as they loom over those they speak with.
"So many…" you whisper, eyes wide.
"Indeed, though their numbers are not terribly surprising," Yasuki Goro says, his gaze following yours. "This is a major trading port, and if there's one thing the Mantis Clan excels at it is making profit."
You nod, turning your attention back to the floor again. In moments you spot movement coming from behind one of the dividers separating the room. A tall, thin man walks toward the Daidoji overseeing the court. By his side is a small woman, walking with the resolute step of a warrior. Both wear the Mon of the Crab Clan, and you lean forward to get a better look at what your delegation is doing.
Before they can approach the eight Samurai sitting on looking over the proceedings, however, another man interposes himself.
"Ah, Yasuki Kitano-san!" the Crane Courtier says loudly, throwing his arms out wide. He is a portly man, though not obese. Next to the stick thin figure of the Yasuki, however, he seems almost hulking. Right behind him is Kakita Ryoichi, his glare obvious even form this height. Several eyes turn to the both of them at this loud announcement. "To what do I owe the pleasure of once again enjoying your engaging company on this fine day of court?"
"Doji Noboru-san," Kitano replies, nodding. By his side the small woman locks her eyes with Ryoichi's. "It is my hope you are well this day, though I must admit some concern for your memory should you ask me these questions. After all, you should understand why I am here."
"Ah, but of course!" Noboru says as he pulls a fan from his expansive sleeves. "How could I be so foolish. You are here to request my Clan grant yours supplies to aid in war." The fan snaps open, hiding the smile that rings true in his voice. "As your Clan did the year before, and the year before that. It's always so interesting listening to the latest reasoning for why we should be so generous."
Yasuki Kitano's lips tighten into a thin line, his eyes narrowing. "You know the reasoning."
"Of course I do!" Noboru says. He looks around the room, gathering a few chuckles from the onlookers. "We all do. It is not as if the Crab have changed the spirit of their entreaties even if they attempt to alter the wording of their… requests. And, of course, it isn't as if my Clan alone has been approached by yours over these many years."
"Because that spirit rings as true then as it does now," Kitano says back, the barest hint of heat entering his tone. "I'd think you would appreciate our candor. We have no need to deceive or cajole."
"Honesty is to be admired, of course! It is a virtue of prominence," Noboru responds. "But it isn't the only virtue. There are others of equal import, and one might argue that honesty taken to excess lacks courtesy. And what kind of society would we have should we deny courtesy?" The fanned himself and looked about the room again. "I shudder at the very thought."
You blink, parsing through the words as they echo throughout the now much quieter chamber. There is a conversation happening here, but it isn't the same as the one appearing on the face of things. But what lies beneath this tense conversation on the virtues of Bushido…
"They've been going at it like this for weeks now," a soft voice says from beside you. With the barest jolt of alarm, you look away from the floor to see Bayushi Mataru observing the proceedings. "Greetings, my friend. I hope you have been well."
"It has been… a journey, Mataru-san," you reply, turning to bow to him. "I hope you have had good fortune."
"Of a sort," Mataru says, grinning as he bows back to you. Then he looks down at the floor and rises with a grimace. "Mostly it's just been listening to these arguments that go nowhere."
"You're not the only one frustrated," comes the voice of Daidoji Hosaru from behind you. This time you keep your composure, turning to see him standing on Yasuki Goro's opposite side. Your superior, meanwhile, does not respond to these events. He has eyes only for the floor. "So, you two really do know each other."
"So it seems, Daidoji-sama," Mataru says, his smile returning. "Though I'm almost certain I informed you of this earlier."
"Perhaps so. I fear the memory is the first thing to go with old age," the Crane Samurai replies. He waves a hand to the floor and glances at you. "So, Hiruma-san. What do you think of the court so far?"
[] Write in.
"I believe we should go to the balconies, Yasuki-sama," you reply after a moment's thought. "We're here to observe and determine how best we can help. It would be more difficult to do that if we allow ourselves to be targets for whatever political games are playing out on the floor."
Yasuki Goro nods, grinning at you. "Good lad. There might be something we could do on the floor… But lacking information it leaves us open to being taken by surprise. A cautious approach is best for now."
You both make your way toward the stairs, swiftly reaching the balconies overlooking the floor. As you thought, there are several game tables set up for courtiers to amuse themselves with even as they listen in on events below them. Quite a few already have people sitting down, stones and tiles clacking on wood as diplomats from the various Clans test their wits against each other in muted conversation.
But all of them are keeping one eye and ear toward the floor, taking stock of events even as they engage with their fellows. And it is all done behind the polite fiction that the balconies and the floor are two entirely different worlds… The very thought almost makes you laugh. Everyone in the balconies is watching what goes on down there like hawks, and you're certain the people on the floor are paying attention to what goes on here as well.
Even still, the illusion of separation can have power. Appearances matter in the wider Empire, these lands so distant from your home in so many ways. You can grasp the importance of that, though even now after all you've experienced it is still bewildering.
You follow Yasuki Goro over to the ledge, looking down at the floor. From up here you can better see the various groups, as well as their interactions. Courtiers walk around the room in conversation, arranging deals behind their fans and subtle words. Up in the balconies the murmuring din has lessened, and along with the greater vantage you have an easier time focusing on just what is going on.
The Crane, naturally, have the largest contingent of diplomats. Considering where you are, this is unsurprising. What is surprising, however, is the sizeable contingent of Mantis Samurai. They're easily the next largest group, barely matched by the combined weight of the Minor Clans. Among those present they are some of the most animated, rivaled only by the few Ikoma you see within the throng, throwing their hands up as they loom over those they speak with.
"So many…" you whisper, eyes wide.
"Indeed, though their numbers are not terribly surprising," Yasuki Goro says, his gaze following yours. "This is a major trading port, and if there's one thing the Mantis Clan excels at it is making profit."
You nod, turning your attention back to the floor again. In moments you spot movement coming from behind one of the dividers separating the room. A tall, thin man walks toward the Daidoji overseeing the court. By his side is a small woman, walking with the resolute step of a warrior. Both wear the Mon of the Crab Clan, and you lean forward to get a better look at what your delegation is doing.
Before they can approach the eight Samurai sitting on looking over the proceedings, however, another man interposes himself.
"Ah, Yasuki Kitano-san!" the Crane Courtier says loudly, throwing his arms out wide. He is a portly man, though not obese. Next to the stick thin figure of the Yasuki, however, he seems almost hulking. Right behind him is Kakita Ryoichi, his glare obvious even form this height. Several eyes turn to the both of them at this loud announcement. "To what do I owe the pleasure of once again enjoying your engaging company on this fine day of court?"
"Doji Noboru-san," Kitano replies, nodding. By his side the small woman locks her eyes with Ryoichi's. "It is my hope you are well this day, though I must admit some concern for your memory should you ask me these questions. After all, you should understand why I am here."
"Ah, but of course!" Noboru says as he pulls a fan from his expansive sleeves. "How could I be so foolish. You are here to request my Clan grant yours supplies to aid in war." The fan snaps open, hiding the smile that rings true in his voice. "As your Clan did the year before, and the year before that. It's always so interesting listening to the latest reasoning for why we should be so generous."
Yasuki Kitano's lips tighten into a thin line, his eyes narrowing. "You know the reasoning."
"Of course I do!" Noboru says. He looks around the room, gathering a few chuckles from the onlookers. "We all do. It is not as if the Crab have changed the spirit of their entreaties even if they attempt to alter the wording of their… requests. And, of course, it isn't as if my Clan alone has been approached by yours over these many years."
"Because that spirit rings as true then as it does now," Kitano says back, the barest hint of heat entering his tone. "I'd think you would appreciate our candor. We have no need to deceive or cajole."
"Honesty is to be admired, of course! It is a virtue of prominence," Noboru responds. "But it isn't the only virtue. There are others of equal import, and one might argue that honesty taken to excess lacks courtesy. And what kind of society would we have should we deny courtesy?" The fanned himself and looked about the room again. "I shudder at the very thought."
You blink, parsing through the words as they echo throughout the now much quieter chamber. There is a conversation happening here, but it isn't the same as the one appearing on the face of things. But what lies beneath this tense conversation on the virtues of Bushido…
"They've been going at it like this for weeks now," a soft voice says from beside you. With the barest jolt of alarm, you look away from the floor to see Bayushi Mataru observing the proceedings. "Greetings, my friend. I hope you have been well."
"It has been… a journey, Mataru-san," you reply, turning to bow to him. "I hope you have had good fortune."
"Of a sort," Mataru says, grinning as he bows back to you. Then he looks down at the floor and rises with a grimace. "Mostly it's just been listening to these arguments that go nowhere."
"You're not the only one frustrated," comes the voice of Daidoji Hosaru from behind you. This time you keep your composure, turning to see him standing on Yasuki Goro's opposite side. Your superior, meanwhile, does not respond to these events. He has eyes only for the floor. "So, you two really do know each other."
"So it seems, Daidoji-sama," Mataru says, his smile returning. "Though I'm almost certain I informed you of this earlier."
"Perhaps so. I fear the memory is the first thing to go with old age," the Crane Samurai replies. He waves a hand to the floor and glances at you. "So, Hiruma-san. What do you think of the court so far?"
[] Write in.
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FunkyEntropy
Occasionally insightful, possibly grumpy
- Location
- Los Angeles
I have a feeling that we're going to wind up telling a story on the floor of the court, and that it's going to be the climax of Crane arc.
So business as usual for us.
So business as usual for us.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Hi everyone! I hate to bother, but does anyone have ideas for a vote?
DarkLight140
Credit to Team
- Location
- Lost in my thoughts
[x] It brings me to new heights of appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Yasuki family on my Clan's behalf.
Edit: This is more an answer to the immediate question and less a viable course of action, obviously, but I'm low on time at the moment and sharing shared opinions as we wait and observe won't hurt us.
Edit: This is more an answer to the immediate question and less a viable course of action, obviously, but I'm low on time at the moment and sharing shared opinions as we wait and observe won't hurt us.
Last edited:
- Location
- Leeds
If you need to write something please give us a non canon response to Max's JK.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
"I wasn't aware you knew of the animals within the realms of the Ivory Kingdoms," Hosaru replies, eyes widening slightly with surprise. "Did you read of them in some book, or by some oddity happen upon them inside the Empire? I know the Lion Clan keeps large cats, but those are, well, lions."
"Oh yes, I encountered them..." you begin, then frown as you trail off. "Actually, I'm not entirely sure."
You've experienced a great many things on your journey, much of it terrifying and horrible. You would never outright admit to fear, of course. But that doesn't preclude you from having a healthy sense of caution. Regardless, you've never seen a cheetah so you're just as confused as anyone why you spoke as you did.
"Sosuke-san, what's a treadmill?" Mataru asks. "Is it some kind go gaijin artifact?"
"Something very odd is happening here," you mutter, eyes narrowing as you cup your chin in thought. "But for the life of me I'm not entirely sure what."
"Ah, so everything is normal for you then," Mataru says, nodding. He grins and turns his attention back to the floor, where the two Yojimbo are desperately attempting to keep their respective courtiers from killing each other. Noboru is bellowing furiously as he hits Kitano in the face with his fan, while the Yasuki has a deathgrip around the Doji's throat. "I'm glad to see things haven't changed."
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- Location
- Leeds
Curse your insistence on consistent character knowledge.
Alright for the serious vote Darklights vote seems safe enough, although I wonder if we should compliment the Crane lest there be Kakkita Ryoichi's brother, Kakkita Ryachi, choose to take offence.
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[x] It brings me to new heights of appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Yasuki family on my Clan's behalf.
Rokugan canonically has watermills, though, so it's not like a treadmill is a stretch.
FunkyEntropy
Occasionally insightful, possibly grumpy
- Location
- Los Angeles
I'm worried about the way this response is worded as it's very easy to construe as a slight against the Crane and someone could take offense if they were so inclined.
[x] Breathe
"It is a field of battle, one that the Crane have prepared very well. They hold all the high points making it difficult to push forward without their consent. Not impossible, but close enough so that it often is easier to to withdraw than contest the field."
Look toward the Mantis. "But while the Crane have prepared the field, and hold the key positions, they aren't alone. Both the Mantis and the Minor Clan Alliance seem to hold significant portions of ground, not enough to truly contest the Crane position but enough that the Crane must keep an eye on them."
Turn gaze back down to the court.
"This leaves the Crab in the position of having to push forward into prepared defenses, doable, but time consuming and slow."
"It is a field of battle, one that the Crane have prepared very well. They hold all the high points making it difficult to push forward without their consent. Not impossible, but close enough so that it often is easier to to withdraw than contest the field."
Look toward the Mantis. "But while the Crane have prepared the field, and hold the key positions, they aren't alone. Both the Mantis and the Minor Clan Alliance seem to hold significant portions of ground, not enough to truly contest the Crane position but enough that the Crane must keep an eye on them."
Turn gaze back down to the court.
"This leaves the Crab in the position of having to push forward into prepared defenses, doable, but time consuming and slow."
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] Doji Noboru... interposes himself. His words are deflections for the sake of deflection. He wishes to ensure that our delegation never speaks to anyone of import, as that ensures that nothing can be done. He is skilled enough at deflection that so long as he does nothing else it is very difficult to get past him, and he seems perfectly happy to spend the entire day wasting time, if need be, only to come back the next day to do it again. This will continue unless and until someone can move him out of position or break his strategy.
[x] He is skilled, and has surely prepared for all eventualities he can think of. He would not be so self-assured if he did not think his position unassailable. As such, if we are to remove the obstacle, by whatever means, it will have to be by a means he does not expect and has not created a counter for. The angle of attack must be unexpected... and, of course, such things are only ever unexpected once.
[x] Oh! The court in general? It has taught me things. I had not before understood the fortifications of the crane, but this place is well-fortified indeed.
[x] He is skilled, and has surely prepared for all eventualities he can think of. He would not be so self-assured if he did not think his position unassailable. As such, if we are to remove the obstacle, by whatever means, it will have to be by a means he does not expect and has not created a counter for. The angle of attack must be unexpected... and, of course, such things are only ever unexpected once.
[x] Oh! The court in general? It has taught me things. I had not before understood the fortifications of the crane, but this place is well-fortified indeed.