Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
5.43
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Continue telling the story.
Storytelling Roll: 6k4=29
Sosuke has spent one Void Point to enhance a roll. He has two Void Points remaining.
You turn away from the Gunso, looking back toward the mob. There's no point in engaging them in debate, and they aren't the ones you need to stall. No, you only need to distract the crowd. The Crane you are reasonably sure won't attack unless provoked, and sadly you can't be sure of the same from your own Clan. But if you can waste enough time then maybe you can get out of this situation without anyone dying.
Including yourself, if you can manage it.
"It was a pleasant evening in Mura Sabishii Toshi, the moon hanging in the sky to bring light through the sakura trees," you say. "I had been invited to dinner by my good friends Shirou and Bayushi Mataru. Daidoji Hosaru accompanied us, for we had matters of great import to discuss. Little did we know, however, that we would be fighting for our lives within the hour!"
"Don't you ignore us!" the woman shouts, moving to face you. "We aren't finished!"
You step to the side, keeping your eyes on the assembled Crab Samurai. Thankfully, they appear to be giving you more attention then their Gunso. By the expressions of the men and women in the front you can tell they're still confused, and that's something you can take advantage of. The longer they're off balance the better your chance of success.
Now if only you could keep the sweat from beading on your forehead. There are so many eyes… you wipe your brow and run a few fingers through your long black hair, moving your arm into an expansive gesture to hide the motion.
"We spoke of how best to ensure precious supplies were delivered to our Clan as our food was brought, gazing out from the balcony toward the city below. The efforts of Yasuki Kitano had been thwarted again and again, and we sought an amicable solution to this dilemma. But, just as we thought we might have an answer, assassins struck!"
"Stop this, Hiruma Sosuke," the man growls from behind you. "I will not warn you again."
"They jumped from the other balcony with knives in hand," you go on. "Thinking quickly, I picked up the table and charged, taking two over the side. The others had already rushed my companions, but found themselves unable to overcome their stalwart defense! Indeed, Daidoji Hosaru was masterful with his spear, striking down-"
The world explodes into a cascade of stars as pain erupts from the back of your skull. Those stars fade away into darkness as everything tilts, and your head hits the ground with a crunch. Vision blurry, sound coming as if through water, you cannot make sense of anything. Your thoughts spread out like hot mud, refusing to take shape, and you feel yourself falling…
A hand touches your face, the sensation a point of reference amongst the fading chaos of your mind. With a gasp you claw your way back to full consciousness, coughing to get the dirt out of your mouth. Throbbing pain forces your eyes closed, but after a few moments it fades enough for you to keep them open without too much effort.
Hosaru is crouched over you, his eyes wide with panic. His expression eases when he sees you rouse, and then outrage overtakes everything as he rises to his feet and whirls on the Gunso with his spear held at the ready.
"Come closer and your blood joins his on the ground!" Hosaru roars. "Have you lost your mind?"
"No," the man says, massaging his fist. "But it seems he has."
With a trembling hand you reach behind your head and feel wetness. When you look at your fingers they are coated with blood, and you can't tell if it's from the punch or from hitting the ground. Those last few seconds are lost, and you probably won't be getting them back.
A glance to the crowd reveals they're even more surprised now, but their anger is returning. Whether their ire toward the Crane or at you being struck you have no idea. Regardless, you're losing ground and can't take the risk of them getting riled up further.
"I am thinking clearly," you mutter, rising to one knee. The motion sends a swirling bout of nausea through you, and you pause to keep from falling over again. "Which is more than I can say for the both of you."
"You're not making any sense!" the woman shouts. "Protecting a Clan that housed a betrayer… We're doing this for you!"
"And did I ask you to?" you snap, settling a hand on your knee to steady yourself. "I'm more than capable of fighting my own battles!"
She opens her mouth to respond, but snaps it shut as a hush overtakes the mob. You look over your shoulder to see people moving out of the way, the throng parting in a hurry as someone makes their way to the front. The tension in the air increases, but whereas before it was like a smothering blanket now it feels like a boulder has been set on your shoulders to push you right into the ground.
The towering form of Hida Tanaka comes into view, arms behind his back as if inspecting a legion preparing for battle. His eyebrows raised in pensive question, he looks every inch a commander. Only the tightness in his jaw reveals the lie behind his serenity, a single throbbing vein giving truth the smoldering rage just beneath the surface.
He stops a few paces to the side of you, his glances toward the blood staining your kimono before his eyes return to the paling Gunso. They step back, bowing low on reflex. Hida Tanaka acknowledges this with a nod, and then turns to he can address both them and the crowd with a face that could be carved from granite.
"Hida Atsuki, Toritaka Hino. I did not approve of this gathering," he says, voice soft like the drawing of a blade. "Someone explain this. Now."
[] Remain silent.
[] Write in.
Storytelling Roll: 6k4=29
Sosuke has spent one Void Point to enhance a roll. He has two Void Points remaining.
You turn away from the Gunso, looking back toward the mob. There's no point in engaging them in debate, and they aren't the ones you need to stall. No, you only need to distract the crowd. The Crane you are reasonably sure won't attack unless provoked, and sadly you can't be sure of the same from your own Clan. But if you can waste enough time then maybe you can get out of this situation without anyone dying.
Including yourself, if you can manage it.
"It was a pleasant evening in Mura Sabishii Toshi, the moon hanging in the sky to bring light through the sakura trees," you say. "I had been invited to dinner by my good friends Shirou and Bayushi Mataru. Daidoji Hosaru accompanied us, for we had matters of great import to discuss. Little did we know, however, that we would be fighting for our lives within the hour!"
"Don't you ignore us!" the woman shouts, moving to face you. "We aren't finished!"
You step to the side, keeping your eyes on the assembled Crab Samurai. Thankfully, they appear to be giving you more attention then their Gunso. By the expressions of the men and women in the front you can tell they're still confused, and that's something you can take advantage of. The longer they're off balance the better your chance of success.
Now if only you could keep the sweat from beading on your forehead. There are so many eyes… you wipe your brow and run a few fingers through your long black hair, moving your arm into an expansive gesture to hide the motion.
"We spoke of how best to ensure precious supplies were delivered to our Clan as our food was brought, gazing out from the balcony toward the city below. The efforts of Yasuki Kitano had been thwarted again and again, and we sought an amicable solution to this dilemma. But, just as we thought we might have an answer, assassins struck!"
"Stop this, Hiruma Sosuke," the man growls from behind you. "I will not warn you again."
"They jumped from the other balcony with knives in hand," you go on. "Thinking quickly, I picked up the table and charged, taking two over the side. The others had already rushed my companions, but found themselves unable to overcome their stalwart defense! Indeed, Daidoji Hosaru was masterful with his spear, striking down-"
The world explodes into a cascade of stars as pain erupts from the back of your skull. Those stars fade away into darkness as everything tilts, and your head hits the ground with a crunch. Vision blurry, sound coming as if through water, you cannot make sense of anything. Your thoughts spread out like hot mud, refusing to take shape, and you feel yourself falling…
A hand touches your face, the sensation a point of reference amongst the fading chaos of your mind. With a gasp you claw your way back to full consciousness, coughing to get the dirt out of your mouth. Throbbing pain forces your eyes closed, but after a few moments it fades enough for you to keep them open without too much effort.
Hosaru is crouched over you, his eyes wide with panic. His expression eases when he sees you rouse, and then outrage overtakes everything as he rises to his feet and whirls on the Gunso with his spear held at the ready.
"Come closer and your blood joins his on the ground!" Hosaru roars. "Have you lost your mind?"
"No," the man says, massaging his fist. "But it seems he has."
With a trembling hand you reach behind your head and feel wetness. When you look at your fingers they are coated with blood, and you can't tell if it's from the punch or from hitting the ground. Those last few seconds are lost, and you probably won't be getting them back.
A glance to the crowd reveals they're even more surprised now, but their anger is returning. Whether their ire toward the Crane or at you being struck you have no idea. Regardless, you're losing ground and can't take the risk of them getting riled up further.
"I am thinking clearly," you mutter, rising to one knee. The motion sends a swirling bout of nausea through you, and you pause to keep from falling over again. "Which is more than I can say for the both of you."
"You're not making any sense!" the woman shouts. "Protecting a Clan that housed a betrayer… We're doing this for you!"
"And did I ask you to?" you snap, settling a hand on your knee to steady yourself. "I'm more than capable of fighting my own battles!"
She opens her mouth to respond, but snaps it shut as a hush overtakes the mob. You look over your shoulder to see people moving out of the way, the throng parting in a hurry as someone makes their way to the front. The tension in the air increases, but whereas before it was like a smothering blanket now it feels like a boulder has been set on your shoulders to push you right into the ground.
The towering form of Hida Tanaka comes into view, arms behind his back as if inspecting a legion preparing for battle. His eyebrows raised in pensive question, he looks every inch a commander. Only the tightness in his jaw reveals the lie behind his serenity, a single throbbing vein giving truth the smoldering rage just beneath the surface.
He stops a few paces to the side of you, his glances toward the blood staining your kimono before his eyes return to the paling Gunso. They step back, bowing low on reflex. Hida Tanaka acknowledges this with a nod, and then turns to he can address both them and the crowd with a face that could be carved from granite.
"Hida Atsuki, Toritaka Hino. I did not approve of this gathering," he says, voice soft like the drawing of a blade. "Someone explain this. Now."
[] Remain silent.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Sirrocco
Pedantic
This is a more interesting question than it appears to be, and I am too tired to cover all the bases. Things I notice...
- We're surrounded by Crab who have seen varying amounts of what's been going on. Any story we provide is going to have to compete with that.
- Hida Tanaka is here because of our message that there was likely to be an altercation. He's also a high-ranking Rokugani, and therefore can be expected to be hypercompetent in his areas of expertise. As a general, I can pretty much guarantee that he can read a crowd of soldiers Pretty Darned Well.
- If we do not speak, then Daidoji Hosaru might. If he does not, then the two Gunso will have to. If they do, and they *don't* immediately apologize and take all blame, they're pretty much screwed. They're here against explicit orders, based on an assertion that their leadership lied to them, and Hida Tanaka knows what's up.
various reasonable options...
[] Say nothing
[] Speak up. Say that you were simply telling a story about your good friend, the honorable Daidoji Hosaru. It's the face-saving Rokugani thing to do, and it's not *technically* a lie, but it's pretty close, and both Hida Tanaka and the onlookers will know it.
[] Speak up. State that you have seen a pattern of behavior that suggests that there is some sort of oni or evil spirit of wrath afflicting the camp, and that you acted to try to prevent it.
[] Say nothing. If the Gunso act as honor demands, and acknowledge their errors, mention that you have some things that you would like to discuss with him before he decides on a punishment, that may serve as partial explanation of their acts, but that perhaps best spoken of in private. Then give him the "I've been seeing evidence of a mindbender" spiel
[] I'm sure there are more.
Evidence: There is a great and inexplicable hostility, and you've been seeing it jump around. First, there was the inexplicably obstructionist Crane - opposing even the will of the Daidoji Trading Council in order to obstruct the Crab. Then it came to his bodyguard, the Kakita, who wasn't just coming after us personally, but was also trying to get the Lion riled up (and who's justification was "the magistrates took my master. I blame Sousuke"). Then it seems to have jumped to our own minion, and then to the Gunso. In all cases, they were behaving in a way to undermine the defense against the Shadowlands, and in all cases it seemed irrationally so. It is enough to see a pattern, and it is not implausible, given who we face, that such a thing could be attacking us.
- We're surrounded by Crab who have seen varying amounts of what's been going on. Any story we provide is going to have to compete with that.
- Hida Tanaka is here because of our message that there was likely to be an altercation. He's also a high-ranking Rokugani, and therefore can be expected to be hypercompetent in his areas of expertise. As a general, I can pretty much guarantee that he can read a crowd of soldiers Pretty Darned Well.
- If we do not speak, then Daidoji Hosaru might. If he does not, then the two Gunso will have to. If they do, and they *don't* immediately apologize and take all blame, they're pretty much screwed. They're here against explicit orders, based on an assertion that their leadership lied to them, and Hida Tanaka knows what's up.
various reasonable options...
[] Say nothing
[] Speak up. Say that you were simply telling a story about your good friend, the honorable Daidoji Hosaru. It's the face-saving Rokugani thing to do, and it's not *technically* a lie, but it's pretty close, and both Hida Tanaka and the onlookers will know it.
[] Speak up. State that you have seen a pattern of behavior that suggests that there is some sort of oni or evil spirit of wrath afflicting the camp, and that you acted to try to prevent it.
[] Say nothing. If the Gunso act as honor demands, and acknowledge their errors, mention that you have some things that you would like to discuss with him before he decides on a punishment, that may serve as partial explanation of their acts, but that perhaps best spoken of in private. Then give him the "I've been seeing evidence of a mindbender" spiel
[] I'm sure there are more.
Evidence: There is a great and inexplicable hostility, and you've been seeing it jump around. First, there was the inexplicably obstructionist Crane - opposing even the will of the Daidoji Trading Council in order to obstruct the Crab. Then it came to his bodyguard, the Kakita, who wasn't just coming after us personally, but was also trying to get the Lion riled up (and who's justification was "the magistrates took my master. I blame Sousuke"). Then it seems to have jumped to our own minion, and then to the Gunso. In all cases, they were behaving in a way to undermine the defense against the Shadowlands, and in all cases it seemed irrationally so. It is enough to see a pattern, and it is not implausible, given who we face, that such a thing could be attacking us.
Hmm, a point of consideration: Everybody had reasonably close contact. Perhaps the spirit Oni cannot jump hosts at long range. Which means it's still around. If we get some Kuni or Shugenja here, they may find it.
- Location
- Earth
[X] Point to the man "The Gunso here believed to know my honor better them myself,and to know the honor and well-being of the Crab, better then yourself, Hida-sama. His belief in what my honor should be he defended by attacking me cowardly from behind, and the honor of the Crab he defended by going behind your back and against your orders, seeking to provoke strife between the Clan and our allies. The lady and those gathered here were open to being educated to the erroneous news they had heard, he on the other hand took council only of his pride and rage, and was more then willing to spill my blood and undermine our Clan."
Pull out the weed by the roots, and prune the garden. If he is a true Crab, he'll fall on his sword, and if he isn't, we want him dead anyway. After spilling our blood before the Crane, this really only ends in death. And a convenient scapegoat can clear much air.
Pull out the weed by the roots, and prune the garden. If he is a true Crab, he'll fall on his sword, and if he isn't, we want him dead anyway. After spilling our blood before the Crane, this really only ends in death. And a convenient scapegoat can clear much air.
Last edited:
- Location
- Mists of Albion
[x] Speak up. Say that you were simply telling a story about your good friend, the honorable Daidoji Hosaru. It's the face-saving Rokugani thing to do, and it's not *technically* a lie, but it's pretty close, and both Hida Tanaka and the onlookers will know it.
- Location
- Austrlia
[] Point to the man "The Gunso here believed to know my honor better them myself,and to know the honor and well-being of the Crab, better then yourself, Hida-sama. His belief in what my honor should be he defended by attacking me cowardly from behind, and the honor of the Crab he defended by going behind your back and against your orders, seeking to provoke strife between the Clan and our allies. The lady and those gathered here were open to being educated to the erroneous news they had heard, he on the other hand took council only of his pride and rage, and was more then willing to spill my blood and undermine our Clan."
This'll start a war between the Crab and Crane.
This is Rokogan. Blunt truth is pretty much never the right choice.
[] Speak up. Say that you were simply telling a story about your good friend, the honorable Daidoji Hosaru. It's the face-saving Rokugani thing to do, and it's not *technically* a lie, but it's pretty close, and both Hida Tanaka and the onlookers will know it.
Gives everybody a chance to calm down. Won't fix anything but this very issue, but that's a good thing.
[] Speak up. State that you have seen a pattern of behavior that suggests that there is some sort of oni or evil spirit of wrath afflicting the camp, and that you acted to try to prevent it.
This......
This might, I repeat, might, fix everything.
Or, it might be seen a a massive insult, after all, this implies that the gathered crowd is being touched/infulenced by something of the Shadowlands.
Given that it's Crab, and to protect Crane, it might not be seen that way, and we do have a pretty solid rep.
I'm going to go for it.
[X] Speak up. State that you have seen a pattern of behavior that suggests that there is some sort of oni or evil spirit of wrath afflicting the camp, and that you acted to try to prevent it.
This'll start a war between the Crab and Crane.
This is Rokogan. Blunt truth is pretty much never the right choice.
[] Speak up. Say that you were simply telling a story about your good friend, the honorable Daidoji Hosaru. It's the face-saving Rokugani thing to do, and it's not *technically* a lie, but it's pretty close, and both Hida Tanaka and the onlookers will know it.
Gives everybody a chance to calm down. Won't fix anything but this very issue, but that's a good thing.
[] Speak up. State that you have seen a pattern of behavior that suggests that there is some sort of oni or evil spirit of wrath afflicting the camp, and that you acted to try to prevent it.
This......
This might, I repeat, might, fix everything.
Or, it might be seen a a massive insult, after all, this implies that the gathered crowd is being touched/infulenced by something of the Shadowlands.
Given that it's Crab, and to protect Crane, it might not be seen that way, and we do have a pretty solid rep.
I'm going to go for it.
[X] Speak up. State that you have seen a pattern of behavior that suggests that there is some sort of oni or evil spirit of wrath afflicting the camp, and that you acted to try to prevent it.
- Location
- Austrlia
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[X] Speak up. State that you have seen a pattern of behavior that suggests that there is some sort of oni or evil spirit of wrath afflicting the camp, and that you acted to try to prevent it.
If there is a shadowlands spirit, we certainly do not want to announce our suspicions in public. That would be stupid.
- Location
- Denmark
[x] Speak up. Say that you were simply telling a story about your good friend, the honorable Daidoji Hosaru. It's the face-saving Rokugani thing to do, and it's not *technically* a lie, but it's pretty close, and both Hida Tanaka and the onlookers will know it.
Last edited:
DarkLight140
Credit to Team
- Location
- Lost in my thoughts
The "I was just telling a story" vote is too blatantly a not-lie and doesn't actually offer Hida Tanaka the explanation he's just demanded. If we assume that the only information he has is what the guy we grabbed and sent to him told him, then what he actually needs is not just face-saving for all but also to be informed of the immediate circumstances so that he can appropriately handle this. Yes, he knows all the relevant background information, but for all he knows some Crane cheated at gambling or something as the direct cause of the confrontation instead of it being about the assassination attempt.
So how about something like...
[x] "It seems some conflicting information has been spreading about the death of Kakita Ryoichi. Before the rumors could cause any unfortunate results, I was discussing with these honorable samurai the appropriate way to treat our Crane allies."
This actually tells him exactly what's going on, while both being entirely honest and understating the situation to the point that everyone can still say nothing significant happened if Hida Tanaka believes that's the appropriate course of action.
It doesn't bring up the magical manipulation thing, but then, saying "there's an evil mind controlling spirit making people murder each other all through the army!" is one of those lines that should NOT be shared in front of a crowd no matter how true it is or isn't.
So how about something like...
[x] "It seems some conflicting information has been spreading about the death of Kakita Ryoichi. Before the rumors could cause any unfortunate results, I was discussing with these honorable samurai the appropriate way to treat our Crane allies."
This actually tells him exactly what's going on, while both being entirely honest and understating the situation to the point that everyone can still say nothing significant happened if Hida Tanaka believes that's the appropriate course of action.
It doesn't bring up the magical manipulation thing, but then, saying "there's an evil mind controlling spirit making people murder each other all through the army!" is one of those lines that should NOT be shared in front of a crowd no matter how true it is or isn't.
Last edited:
SirLagginton
Shadow Cabal Caerbannog Bun-Bun
- Location
- Arrrghhh
[x] "It seems some conflicting information has been spreading about the death of Kakita Ryoichi. Before the rumors could cause any unfortunate results, I was discussing with these honorable samurai the appropriate way to treat our Crane allies."
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
It bears repeating. That gunso is an idiot.
Striking Sousuke in the back in front of a whole crowd? Boy he dead.
Striking Sousuke in the back in front of a whole crowd? Boy he dead.
