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

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Something interesting to note: we were given a choice of which mission to accompany. She was assigned to one. In-character, we obviously don't want to let her know this, but it might be a useful observation to file away in so far as that we are not being treated like an ordinary samurai by our clan's leadership.

Also, does Shasa have any visible scars? It's rather remarkable that she kept the Dangerous Beauty advantage despite serving on the wall; either she's incredibly good, or there's something a bit odd going on there.
 
The Sandman said:
Something interesting to note: we were given a choice of which mission to accompany. She was assigned to one. In-character, we obviously don't want to let her know this, but it might be a useful observation to file away in so far as that we are not being treated like an ordinary samurai by our clan's leadership.

Also, does Shasa have any visible scars? It's rather remarkable that she kept the Dangerous Beauty advantage despite serving on the wall; either she's incredibly good, or there's something a bit odd going on there.
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It's also worth noting that she's here because she requested to be assigned as a yojimbo. We're here because we were specifically picked. Thinking it through, the most likely chain of events...
- Shasa goes through her "I want to be Yasuki-trained, but they're making me train as a Hida." thing. Doing what she can to make the best of a bad situation, she asks to be a yojimbo to a courtier... *any* courtier.
- Yasuki Goro is assigned to speak with the Dragon. Some other courtier, probably a Yasuki, is assigned to the Crane.
- By some means or other, both Goro and the Crane-assigned diplomat decide that they want us specifically. It is possible that this is as a result of Goro noting our value and discussing it, it is possible that each comes to the conclusion independently.
- Additionally, Goro grabs Shasa out of the pool of "peopel who have asked" for reasons of his own.

It occurs to me... Shasa was assigned to the Hida school by her parents... but she is an adult now. If she can somehow manage to impress a sensei of the Yasuki school, and develop enough insight, there's nothing stopping her from taking levels in courtier. Indeed - if she can find a way to make herself useful enough diplomatically on this trip, she's got a pretty solid shot at it.

I'm thinking that that might be a bit much to lay on her this vote, but it might be worth fitting into another vote later on.

EtchedSteel said:
I sense Sirrocco vote to be a bit harsh on the matter. I couldn't notice that yesterday because fatigue/headache born from sleep deprivation mostly, but overall is fine, it will encourage Sasha on seek enlightment among this journey.
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It may come across as harsh, but I'm more trying to play him as a bit clueless, and very much a guy. She mentions a problem, he immediately jumps to ideas on how to improve the situation. It's possible that this won't fly well in Shasa-land for a variety of reasons (especially if she was playing for sympathy) but it's pretty much exactly what he'd do.

Hopefully, it will encourage Shasa to find *some* way of improving her ability to contribute to the overall diplomatic effort. Enlightenment is certainly a possibility, though.
 
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    "Have you asked him?" you ask, taking another sip of tea. "When I have spoken with Yasuki-sama on such matters, I have found him interesting and insightful. We are to engage in the courtier's art, and I am sure that your looks will come into play, but it may be that his purpose for having you here is not so simple."

    "I have not spoken with him on the matter," Shasa says. She frowns before tapping her fingers over he hand, and you get the impression she feels uncomfortable. "It is not something I feel exactly… comfortable addressing. He is our superior. If he feels I need to know his plans, he will tell me. I wouldn't want to presume above my station."

    "I think perhaps you misjudge him," you say. "Even if he doesn't have any other purpose for you yet, if you do wish to serve as more than a sure blade and a pretty face, and can think of some other benefit that you could bring to the clan on this trip, I suspect he would at least entertain the idea."

    "Maybe so…" Shasa says. She puts a hand under her chin in thought. "I just wish I had a bit more to offer from the beginning." She gives you a tight smile. "I will admit I've always want to learn more of the courtier's art, but sadly this was not to be."

    "Perhaps... well, we are going to the lands of the Dragon," you begin, not entirely sure where you're going with this. "They seem more focused on enlightenment than most other clans. Perhaps if you seek enlightenment along the way, and study the Tao of Shinsei, you would have something to discuss with our hosts when we arrive? I'm sure that they would find a pretty face who had some understanding of subjects dear to their heart more compelling than a pretty face alone."

    "So you think I'm pretty, then?" Shasa says, her smile becoming much lighter. Her eyes twinkle a little. "I didn't realize you thought such, Sosuke-san."

    Your face goes beet red as you realize just what you've said.

    "That is… I…" you stutter.

    Shasa lifts up a hand and giggles into the back of it. "Please, Sosuke-san, I meant it in jest! I'm well aware of my appearance."

    "Ah… I see," you say, trying to force the blood down from your cheeks. You are only marginally successful. "I appear to be making a fool of myself… My apologies, Shasa-san."

    "You don't need to apologize," Shasa says, still smiling. "If anything, I owe you one. I shouldn't tease you." Her smile fades, and she sighs. "Learning more of the Tao might be a good idea just for where we are heading, but even still it might be good to know a bit more about the courtier's art before we reach Dragon Lands."

    Shasa takes another sip of tea, but while she does that your mind is hard at work. It is obvious Shasa does not want to overstep herself with Yasuki Goro. But why would this be the case? The man is very affable for someone with his standing, and seems approachable enough.

    Then again, you think. He's mostly acted like that with me…

    The answer hits you almost like a physical blow. Of course! Yasuki Goro approached you because of the glory you won during the Battle of Skulking Shadows. He originally spoke with you because of your fame, and you built a proper rapport from there. But Shasa doesn't have that advantage.

    I might need to start taking better notice of my growing reputation… you think to yourself.

    Musing on the subject, the glory you won has paid off in certain ways. It was what allowed your parents to convince Hida Tanaka to grant permission for your armor. It was why you are a part of an important diplomatic mission for the Clan. And that's just the most immediately obvious. There might be a hundred little things the fame attached to your name has done to make people's perception of you different than that of other Samurai.

    Which again returns to the fact that Shasa doesn't have that advantage. She can't fall back on her name to help her approach your mutual superiors. That makes the proposition of broaching such topics as possible courtier training rather more problematic for her, and even potentially risky.

    [] Offer to introduce the idea to Yasuki Goro for Shasa.
    [] Encourage her to approach Yasuki Goro herself.
    [] Write in.
     
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    • [X] Encourage her to approach Yasuki Goro herself.

    Doing it for her makes her look weak and not confident. Even if he rejects her, it'll be better overall if she goes herself.
     
    Write in [x]:

    "While I know it is hard, I believe that someone with your abilities and quickness of mind would make great use of the courtier's art, and think that Yasuki-sama will see it too. Still if Yasuki-sama should in his wisdom say that he will not teach you...then there may be another way, the Scorpion might be well...Scorpion, but they know the courtier's art well. As we travel through those lands, you may be able to find someone or a scroll to give you some grounding in what to do."

    A shrug

    "If I can assist you in this I will Shasha-san, but I truly believe you can do this."
     
    [x] Offer to approach him on her behalf, to ask for his guidance on what she might do to prepare now so as to be most useful when we arrive.
    - [x] "Yasuki-sama... he is a skilled diplomat, and thinks on these things at levels well beyond us - just as we know the wearing of armor and bearing of weapons at levels well beyond that of mere ashigaru. Perhaps he will agree that our mission is best served by you learning of the courtier's art, and offer instruction on how to improve. Perhaps he will have another way. Regardless, I suspect that following his advice on the matter will position you best to be of service to the clan in our immediate task - and the better you can serve to the clan on this trip, the better your prospects for continued diplomatic postings and training afterwards."

    Ridiculously Average Guy said:
    [X] Encourage her to approach Yasuki Goro herself.

    Doing it for her makes her look weak and not confident. Even if he rejects her, it'll be better overall if she goes herself.
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    That's... not how this particular culture works.
     
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    Yeah, better to not make her that kind of favor. It would be like first talk with her all over again.

    []"While I know it is hard, I believe that someone with your abilities and quickness of mind would make great use of the courtier's art, and think that Yasuki-sama will see it too."
    []"Still if Yasuki-sama should in his wisdom say that he will not teach you...then there may be another way, the Scorpion might be well...Scorpion, but they know the courtier's art well."
    []"As we travel through those lands, you may be able to find someone or a scroll to give you some grounding in what to do."
    [] Shrug.
    -[]"If I can assist you in this I will Shasha-san, but I truly believe you can do this."

    Butchered gman's vote, so it can be seen more as a vote. This sound be easier to read. (no offense intended gman, your idea is good).

    TBH, I love this write-ins.

    EDIT: Forgot this all works with recomendations. Given our fame and glory... hmm...

    Yeah, dealing with Scorpion is ill adviced. Better not get too involve with ninjas Shadow(ish) Samurais.

    [x] Sirrocco
     
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    overmind said:
    I'm confused as to how this culture works myself.:???:

    [x] Sirrocco
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    "Vague fusion of ancient Japan." is probably a decent first-order approximation. Beyond that, I'd invite you to read the copious available fic. You pick it up after a while.

    I'm a bit concerned abotu encouraging her to deal with the Scorpion. The Scorpion are... not safe. They can be especially not safe to owe favors to, and their courtier style is based pretty heavily on secrets, lies, and bringing dishonor upon their foes.
     
    Sirrocco said:
    "Vague fusion of ancient Japan." is probably a decent first-order approximation. Beyond that, I'd invite you to read the copious available fic. You pick it up after a while.

    I'm a bit concerned abotu encouraging her to deal with the Scorpion. The Scorpion are... not safe. They can be especially not safe to owe favors to, and their courtier style is based pretty heavily on secrets, lies, and bringing dishonor upon their foes.
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    Sousuke's solution to that sort of problem is probably HIDA Smash.

    And it's not a great option but the other one is the Crane and we're obligated to hate them more than the Scorpion so...
     
    Sirrocco said:
    "Vague fusion of ancient Japan." is probably a decent first-order approximation. Beyond that, I'd invite you to read the copious available fic. You pick it up after a while.

    I'm a bit concerned abotu encouraging her to deal with the Scorpion. The Scorpion are... not safe. They can be especially not safe to owe favors to, and their courtier style is based pretty heavily on secrets, lies, and bringing dishonor upon their foes.
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    Heh, makes me wonder what would happen if the one that loves us is from the Scorpion.
     
    Sirrocco said:
    A Scorpion who gives you their loyalty can be an excellent spouse. Scorpion are really good at loyalty. It's just everyone else in the world that they are not loyal to who's in trouble.
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    I think the problem regarding that is less "having a scorpion as spouse wpuld be nice", and more "said spouse has the urge to kill any woman near Sosuke.", because Yandere trait.
     
    EtchedSteel said:
    I think the problem regarding that is less "having a scorpion as spouse wpuld be nice", and more "said spouse has the urge to kill any woman near Sosuke.", because Yandere trait.
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    "Someone, somewhere is desperately in love with you, and will do anything to have you"

    Well, if they successfully become our spouse, then they have us, so it's all good, right? Right?

    Sadly, actually marrying your obsessed stalker is not necessarily trivial in Rokugan.
     
    [x] Offer to approach him on her behalf, to ask for his guidance on what she might do to prepare now so as to be most useful when we arrive.
    - [x] "Yasuki-sama... he is a skilled diplomat, and thinks on these things at levels well beyond us - just as we know the wearing of armor and bearing of weapons at levels well beyond that of mere ashigaru. Perhaps he will agree that our mission is best served by you learning of the courtier's art, and offer instruction on how to improve. Perhaps he will have another way. Regardless, I suspect that following his advice on the matter will position you best to be of service to the clan in our immediate task - and the better you can serve to the clan on this trip, the better your prospects for continued diplomatic postings and training afterwards."
    - [x] "As well, if we go to Yasuki-sama to ask for courtier training, that is a request and an obligation. If he himself decides that courtier training is the better answer, that is him acting in service to the clan. I find that among Crab, it is better to simply act as best you can in service to the Clan, and let others do likewise. At least, it has served me well."

    The Tiny squid is good at write-in. ._.
     
    Sirrocco said:
    I find that among Crab, it is better to simply act as best you can in service to the Clan, and let others do likewise.
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    Isn't this hilariously condescending? Both of us are Crab and have been amongst Crab our entire lives. Saying that she doesn't already know how to act amongst her own clan is as good a way to insultingly call her socially incompetent as I can think of.

    The rest of it seems fine, but I really don't like this line.
     
    DarkLight140 said:
    Isn't this hilariously condescending? Both of us are Crab and have been amongst Crab our entire lives. Saying that she doesn't already know how to act amongst her own clan is as good a way to insultingly call her socially incompetent as I can think of.

    The rest of it seems fine, but I really don't like this line.
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    I had intended it partially as a subtle reprimand - subtle enough that even he didn't necessarily realize what he was saying. Note that the conversation thus far has gone something like this:

    Shasa: I think I am here just to be a pretty face. This displeases me.
    Sousuke: Here are ways that I can think of that you could become more than that, for the good of the clan.
    Shasa: I think instead that you (my social superior) should ask a favor of Goro (your social superior), and get him to give me what I want (courtier training). That would help.

    She's behaving in a very courtier-like way, but she's basically asking us to owe Goro a favor on her behalf. That's... less than cool.
     
    Sirrocco said:
    I had intended it partially as a subtle reprimand - subtle enough that even he didn't necessarily realize what he was saying. Note that the conversation thus far has gone something like this:

    Shasa: I think I am here just to be a pretty face. This displeases me.
    Sousuke: Here are ways that I can think of that you could become more than that, for the good of the clan.
    Shasa: I think instead that you (my social superior) should ask a favor of Goro (your social superior), and get him to give me what I want (courtier training). That would help.

    She's behaving in a very courtier-like way, but she's basically asking us to owe Goro a favor on her behalf. That's... less than cool.
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    Well, to be completely fair, Shasa's not really asked you to do anything for her. She's merely made note of some of her concerns about approaching Yasuki Goro on the subject.
     
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    • [x] Sirrocco


    The more you think on the matter, the more you realize just what advantages you have been enjoying that other Samurai like Shasa do not. You've taken it for granted, and it has colored the way you have handled certain situations. Perhaps not blatantly, and certainly not ways immediately obvious, but it has all the same.

    It is not a shameful thing. Glory is something to be sought, after all, for it means you have achieved great renown for your own deeds and for your Clan. But it is a tool for you to control, not something that should influence you without even realizing that it is there.

    To that end, you think about how you might be able to use it to help a fellow member of the Clan.

    "If you wish," you begin slowly. You're a little uncomfortable with what you're considering, but you move on anyway. "I could approach Yasuki-sama on this subject."

    Shasa's eyes go wide. "You would do that for me?"

    "Yasuki-sama..." you begin, looking for the right words. "He is a skilled diplomat, and thinks on these things at levels well beyond us - just as we know the wearing of armor and bearing of weapons at levels well beyond that of mere Ashigaru. Perhaps he will agree that you learning of the courtier's art best serves our mission. Perhaps he will have another way."

    "I see," Shasa says, nodding. "Yes. It is, of course, best to leave this to Yasuki-sama's judgement. He would be most knowledgeable about such matters." She smiles at you. "Even still, I am happy you would broach this topic with him."

    "It's no trouble, Shasa-san," you say, managing to not notice too greatly just how pretty her smile is. "I suspect that following his advice on the matter will position you best to be of service to the clan in our immediate task - and the better you can serve to the clan on this trip, the better your prospects for continued diplomatic postings and training afterwards."

    "Assuredly so," Shasa says. She stand up and bows to you. "My thanks, Sosuke-san. Both for this favor and for the conversation. This has been a most enjoyable evening."

    "And my thanks to you, Shasa-san," you say as you rise, bowing in return. "For the pleasant company. I'm always happy to speak with you."

    "Then we shall have to do so more in the future," Shasa says, smiling again. She moves to the door. "A good night to you, Sosuke-san. Sleep well."

    "And to you, Shasa-san," you respond.

    Shasa nods her head in acknowledgement, and then exits the room. You sit back down a e closes the door, staring at your tea cup. There's about a fourth of the drink left, and you down it in one gulp. It is lukewarm by this point, but you still get a vigorous, slightly bitter taste as the liquid passes your lips. You savor that taste or a moment as you enjoy the silence.

    This has been an interesting day, to say the least. You've done much today, and maybe even realized a few things about yourself and your position in the world. It is a heady prospect, realizing just what influence you might hold thanks to the renown attached to your name. This could be a great tool for both you and your Clan, if used properly.

    But if used improperly… It could be something that causes great damage.

    The thought makes you shudder, and you quickly push it aside. There will be time enough to muse about such things. Right now you are feeling quite tired thanks to both the training with Shirou and the lightning bolt that fell so close to you. You consider the simple bed set on the far end of the room. It is late, yes, but not so late that it would be odd for you to do a few things more before you retire should you choose to.

    [] Sleep.
    [] Do something else. (Write in.)
     
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