Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
A question for my Questers. What do you think the musical theme for this Quest would be? Is there any music you think fits the Quest as a whole, pr perhaps even just specific parts? It's something I've been curious about for a little while now.
Cannongerbil
I came here to nep at you
- Location
- Soviet Lunar Base
[x] Sirrocco
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
[x] Sirrocco
And you can't go wrong with Sword of the Stranger. The final swordfight is, quite frankly, one of if not the best I've seen in any medium.
And you can't go wrong with Sword of the Stranger. The final swordfight is, quite frankly, one of if not the best I've seen in any medium.
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
[x] Sirrocco
2.52
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Sirrocco
Courtier Roll: 4k3=19
Etiquette Roll: 6k3=25
You are silent as all eyes in the room turn to you and Shasa. This… You aren't exactly certain what this is. You feel like you're walking across a narrow path, and to either side is a pit that goes down forever. One false step will send you tumbling.
Your opinion has been requested, which means weight has been given to your words above and beyond what they might normally have, given your station. The weight of responsibility is pressing down on your shoulders. It is an unfamiliar pressure, an one you do not think you are ready for.
"Yasuki-sama," Shasa says, drawing everyone's attention. "I will, of course, adhere to whatever your decision might be on this matter. If my opinion is desired, then I will say that normally I would be all for hunting these lowlifes." She gives a little sigh "While the destruction of the Tainted is normally given the highest priority, I believe a things stand now it is secondary to our mission. We must reach the lands of the Dragon without delay."
"I see," Yasuki Goro says with a nod. "And you, Sosuke-san? What are your thoughts?"
The focus is now settled on you, and you have to keep from sweating. Shasa gave a good answer, you think. The mission is important, and the Scorpion are asking for a fair bit in making this favor. The presence of the Tainted alone is not enough to risk delay in performing the duty handed to you by Hida Tanaka, not as the situation currently exists.
Now you merely need to express that. You inhale, gathering your courage. This is a test of Court, of diplomacy. You will experience all this and more within the lands of the Dragon. It is time to make use of what you have learned.
"I am torn, Yasuki-sama," you say, taking care with your words. "You know that I loathe Jigoku and all its creatures, all its works. Were I somehow here on my own business I would be only too happy to assist, both to aid in thwarting whatever designs they might have on this city and for the pure joy at destroying that filth."
"But?" Yasuki Goro asks, leaning forward. "I'm guessing you don't feel that way here."
"My Lord is perceptive, as I already knew," you respond. "We are Crab. Duty compels us in all things, and I have been informed that my duty is in the success of our diplomatic mission to the Dragon. If it provides no aid to the mission, and no broader benefit to the Clan, then I must advise that we not delay our mission for such things, no matter how my heart might desire otherwise."
"So you would just leave the Tainted behind and continue on your way?" Asami asks, crossing her arms. "How uncharacteristic for the Crab. I would not have thought you would do such a thing."
Your face flushes a little, and you exhale just a tad too loudly. That was almost an insult. Almost. It is but a few steps away from naming you a coward, but does not yet cross that line. You take hold of your temper before it can flare. The Magistrate's words have not gone so far as to warrant challenging her to a duel. Not yet.
A response, however, is needed. You cannot allow her words to go unanswered.
"Yasuki-sama, it is true that every blow struck against the Taint is an aid to us all, but I have great respect for the skill of the Magistrates of the Scorpion Clan," you say, glancing briefly at Asami. "I am sure that, now that she has a prisoner to interrogate, the honorable magistrate will be able to handle this matter without our aid. Especially here, in the shadow of Kyuden Bayushi, on a matter that the esteemed Daimyo herself has shown interest."
Asami's eyes widen a little behind her mask, taking the intent of your words for what it is. In a roundabout way, you have put the attention on the woman and her own skills. With, perhaps, a subtle jab that they might not be up to task if she desires the aid of outside help in these matters. After all, what does it say on her that she makes such a request?
The corners of your lips go up just a fraction at the Magistrate's surprise. You may not be as skilled as many in this arena, but you know how to respond to attacks well enough. Expressing your thoughts with grace might yet be a skill you struggle with, but when it comes to rebuking attacks you are not without resources. You're most certainly not someone who will just let others walk all over him.
"So I take it the issue is you don't feel the need to get involved as matters are now?" Bayushi Chisata says, giving a small smile. You're not sure if it for you, or for the room in general. "And if the situation were to change?"
"That would depend on how exactly things change," Yasuki Goro says, his eyes narrowing.
"The Shadowlands stir," Bayushi Chisata says. "This is known. But to what degree does it stir? That is the question." She leans back, completely at ease. But despite that you get the impression of a wall. The woman is revealing nothing, save perhaps a faint glimmer of amusement. "And the Crab will go to war. But wars require resources as much as they require troops."
"Such is the way of things," Yasuki Goro says. "Armies cannot stand alone."
"Just so," Bayushi Chisata says. "And the Crab have ever needed resources to sustain its vast armies. So vast the land itself cannot produce enough food for you all." She pulls an ornate crimson fan from her robes and lazily waves it at her face. "In fact, it seems the only product the Crab produce with any true surplus is tea."
"We grow it in abundance," Yasuki Goro says, nodding. "No finer tea will be found in all the Empire."
"I do enjoy the tea from your lands," Bayushi Chisata says, ceasing her waving and bringing the fan up to cover her lower face. "My Lord Bayushi Gosaro-sama is also known to enjoy Crab tea leaves. If, perhaps, I were to suggest to him that a new trade agreement be written, Scorpion rice for Crab tea, might that not change the situation as it currently rests?"
"I believe it would," Yasuki Goro says, grinning. "Yes, that would work fine."
"So I take it there is no issue with a short delay in your trip?"
"In truth," Yasuki Goro says. "A little time away from the road might do us some good. And if we might aid in destroying Shadowlands filth while we recuperate, then all the better."
Bayushi Chisata drops her fan and smiles. "I am glad we could reach an accord."
"As am I," Yasuki Goro says. He turns to you, still grinning. "We will be staying for a few days. In that time I'd like if you could find these villains and purge them from the face of the Rokugan. It would be a pleasing note to continue our journey upon."
"Of course, Yasuki-sama," you say in time with Shasa, both of you bowing low.
"Till tomorrow, then" Bayushi Chisata says. "I'm sure that reprobate that was captured will be well ready to speak by then. In the meantime, rest within the castle. You will come to no danger." Her fan snaps closed. "I guarantee it."
"My deepest gratitude, Bayushi Chisata-sama," you say, bowing to her.
"Your hospitality is most appreciated," Shasa says, bowing as well.
"It is no trouble," Bayushi Chisata says. "A servant will show you to your rooms after you have had a meal."
The conversation is obviously finished by that point, and Yarato leads you all back to the sitting room to wait for the servants to come and address all your injuries. After that will likely be dinner, and then you will probably get some sleep. After all, it' been a fairly hectic evening.
You look around the room. Shasa is sitting down at the table, making herself a little tea. Shirou, meanwhile has apparently decided now is a good time to meditate in one corner of the room. Mataru, for his part, is inspecting his leg injury and wincing as he does so.
You could speak with one, or any, of them while you wait. Or you could simply sit in silence for the servants to come. The choice is yours.
[] Interact with Shasa. (Write in.)
[] Interact with Shirou. (Write in.)
[] Interact with Mataru. (Write in.)
[] Wait in silence.
Courtier Roll: 4k3=19
Etiquette Roll: 6k3=25
You are silent as all eyes in the room turn to you and Shasa. This… You aren't exactly certain what this is. You feel like you're walking across a narrow path, and to either side is a pit that goes down forever. One false step will send you tumbling.
Your opinion has been requested, which means weight has been given to your words above and beyond what they might normally have, given your station. The weight of responsibility is pressing down on your shoulders. It is an unfamiliar pressure, an one you do not think you are ready for.
"Yasuki-sama," Shasa says, drawing everyone's attention. "I will, of course, adhere to whatever your decision might be on this matter. If my opinion is desired, then I will say that normally I would be all for hunting these lowlifes." She gives a little sigh "While the destruction of the Tainted is normally given the highest priority, I believe a things stand now it is secondary to our mission. We must reach the lands of the Dragon without delay."
"I see," Yasuki Goro says with a nod. "And you, Sosuke-san? What are your thoughts?"
The focus is now settled on you, and you have to keep from sweating. Shasa gave a good answer, you think. The mission is important, and the Scorpion are asking for a fair bit in making this favor. The presence of the Tainted alone is not enough to risk delay in performing the duty handed to you by Hida Tanaka, not as the situation currently exists.
Now you merely need to express that. You inhale, gathering your courage. This is a test of Court, of diplomacy. You will experience all this and more within the lands of the Dragon. It is time to make use of what you have learned.
"I am torn, Yasuki-sama," you say, taking care with your words. "You know that I loathe Jigoku and all its creatures, all its works. Were I somehow here on my own business I would be only too happy to assist, both to aid in thwarting whatever designs they might have on this city and for the pure joy at destroying that filth."
"But?" Yasuki Goro asks, leaning forward. "I'm guessing you don't feel that way here."
"My Lord is perceptive, as I already knew," you respond. "We are Crab. Duty compels us in all things, and I have been informed that my duty is in the success of our diplomatic mission to the Dragon. If it provides no aid to the mission, and no broader benefit to the Clan, then I must advise that we not delay our mission for such things, no matter how my heart might desire otherwise."
"So you would just leave the Tainted behind and continue on your way?" Asami asks, crossing her arms. "How uncharacteristic for the Crab. I would not have thought you would do such a thing."
Your face flushes a little, and you exhale just a tad too loudly. That was almost an insult. Almost. It is but a few steps away from naming you a coward, but does not yet cross that line. You take hold of your temper before it can flare. The Magistrate's words have not gone so far as to warrant challenging her to a duel. Not yet.
A response, however, is needed. You cannot allow her words to go unanswered.
"Yasuki-sama, it is true that every blow struck against the Taint is an aid to us all, but I have great respect for the skill of the Magistrates of the Scorpion Clan," you say, glancing briefly at Asami. "I am sure that, now that she has a prisoner to interrogate, the honorable magistrate will be able to handle this matter without our aid. Especially here, in the shadow of Kyuden Bayushi, on a matter that the esteemed Daimyo herself has shown interest."
Asami's eyes widen a little behind her mask, taking the intent of your words for what it is. In a roundabout way, you have put the attention on the woman and her own skills. With, perhaps, a subtle jab that they might not be up to task if she desires the aid of outside help in these matters. After all, what does it say on her that she makes such a request?
The corners of your lips go up just a fraction at the Magistrate's surprise. You may not be as skilled as many in this arena, but you know how to respond to attacks well enough. Expressing your thoughts with grace might yet be a skill you struggle with, but when it comes to rebuking attacks you are not without resources. You're most certainly not someone who will just let others walk all over him.
"So I take it the issue is you don't feel the need to get involved as matters are now?" Bayushi Chisata says, giving a small smile. You're not sure if it for you, or for the room in general. "And if the situation were to change?"
"That would depend on how exactly things change," Yasuki Goro says, his eyes narrowing.
"The Shadowlands stir," Bayushi Chisata says. "This is known. But to what degree does it stir? That is the question." She leans back, completely at ease. But despite that you get the impression of a wall. The woman is revealing nothing, save perhaps a faint glimmer of amusement. "And the Crab will go to war. But wars require resources as much as they require troops."
"Such is the way of things," Yasuki Goro says. "Armies cannot stand alone."
"Just so," Bayushi Chisata says. "And the Crab have ever needed resources to sustain its vast armies. So vast the land itself cannot produce enough food for you all." She pulls an ornate crimson fan from her robes and lazily waves it at her face. "In fact, it seems the only product the Crab produce with any true surplus is tea."
"We grow it in abundance," Yasuki Goro says, nodding. "No finer tea will be found in all the Empire."
"I do enjoy the tea from your lands," Bayushi Chisata says, ceasing her waving and bringing the fan up to cover her lower face. "My Lord Bayushi Gosaro-sama is also known to enjoy Crab tea leaves. If, perhaps, I were to suggest to him that a new trade agreement be written, Scorpion rice for Crab tea, might that not change the situation as it currently rests?"
"I believe it would," Yasuki Goro says, grinning. "Yes, that would work fine."
"So I take it there is no issue with a short delay in your trip?"
"In truth," Yasuki Goro says. "A little time away from the road might do us some good. And if we might aid in destroying Shadowlands filth while we recuperate, then all the better."
Bayushi Chisata drops her fan and smiles. "I am glad we could reach an accord."
"As am I," Yasuki Goro says. He turns to you, still grinning. "We will be staying for a few days. In that time I'd like if you could find these villains and purge them from the face of the Rokugan. It would be a pleasing note to continue our journey upon."
"Of course, Yasuki-sama," you say in time with Shasa, both of you bowing low.
"Till tomorrow, then" Bayushi Chisata says. "I'm sure that reprobate that was captured will be well ready to speak by then. In the meantime, rest within the castle. You will come to no danger." Her fan snaps closed. "I guarantee it."
"My deepest gratitude, Bayushi Chisata-sama," you say, bowing to her.
"Your hospitality is most appreciated," Shasa says, bowing as well.
"It is no trouble," Bayushi Chisata says. "A servant will show you to your rooms after you have had a meal."
The conversation is obviously finished by that point, and Yarato leads you all back to the sitting room to wait for the servants to come and address all your injuries. After that will likely be dinner, and then you will probably get some sleep. After all, it' been a fairly hectic evening.
You look around the room. Shasa is sitting down at the table, making herself a little tea. Shirou, meanwhile has apparently decided now is a good time to meditate in one corner of the room. Mataru, for his part, is inspecting his leg injury and wincing as he does so.
You could speak with one, or any, of them while you wait. Or you could simply sit in silence for the servants to come. The choice is yours.
[] Interact with Shasa. (Write in.)
[] Interact with Shirou. (Write in.)
[] Interact with Mataru. (Write in.)
[] Wait in silence.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Shiny. 
Side note for future reference. If this infiltration is as deep and wide-reaching as I suspect it to be, I would guess that the Scorpion might be well served by the aid of some Kuni Witch Hunters, scouring their lands for the tainted (probably in exchange for some manner of aid in the courts, helping us get resources from other clans). Uncovering such a thing here might also point to similar infiltrations elsewhere - which in turn would help to underscore the seriousness of the Shadowlands threat. Now is not the time to bring it up, but if/when the time should come...
Alternately, Yasuki Goro is entirely capable of coming up with such a thought on his own while offstage, and broaching the topic with our hostess without us being involved at all.
Side note for future reference. If this infiltration is as deep and wide-reaching as I suspect it to be, I would guess that the Scorpion might be well served by the aid of some Kuni Witch Hunters, scouring their lands for the tainted (probably in exchange for some manner of aid in the courts, helping us get resources from other clans). Uncovering such a thing here might also point to similar infiltrations elsewhere - which in turn would help to underscore the seriousness of the Shadowlands threat. Now is not the time to bring it up, but if/when the time should come...
Alternately, Yasuki Goro is entirely capable of coming up with such a thought on his own while offstage, and broaching the topic with our hostess without us being involved at all.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Nah, I would call them average. Most of the rolls were with exploding dice, that "luck" wouldn't last forever.
Good thing we didn't succumbed to the "brash" trait. That woukd have been awful.
Now, what do to here? Now we've goven freedom once again... Perhaps talk with Mataru so we might get info about what do we (sosuke and shasa) should expect about our role in this investigation... I need to think.
Preemptive voting?
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Talk to Matarou.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
Gah! There must be something more to do. Anything but remain silent.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
Gah! There must be something more to do. Anything but remain silent.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] Interact with Shirou. (So what has attaining your bit of enlightenment been like?)
- Location
- Canada
[x] Talk to Matarou.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
After this, I think it's worth talking to Shasa. She handled herself alright in there, and it would be one of her first tastes of real politics. Might be worth hearing what she has to say.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
After this, I think it's worth talking to Shasa. She handled herself alright in there, and it would be one of her first tastes of real politics. Might be worth hearing what she has to say.
Cannongerbil
I came here to nep at you
- Location
- Soviet Lunar Base
[x] Talk to Matarou.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Just letting everyone know about a scheduling update. For the time being I'm going to shift to updating the Quest on weekdays. The reason is twofold. One, I'm finding myself just writing for the Quest every day and not updating my fan fiction. I'd like to write other things as well, you know? Two, I want to avoid burnout. I enjoy this Quest, and I'd like to keep running it. This is me being proactive on that front.
Also, just so everyone knows, my Mother's birthday is next week and I'm going to visit her for it. I'll try my best, but chances are decent there might not be an update on Thursday and Friday. I just wanted everyone to be aware so there wasn't any surprise.
Thanks again for consistently engaging in this little journey of mine. I'm constantly amazed that so many people seem to enjoy it enough to vote and hold discussions over the plot. It's because of you that this experience has been so delightful for me. Seriously, you guys are awesome.
Also, just so everyone knows, my Mother's birthday is next week and I'm going to visit her for it. I'll try my best, but chances are decent there might not be an update on Thursday and Friday. I just wanted everyone to be aware so there wasn't any surprise.
Thanks again for consistently engaging in this little journey of mine. I'm constantly amazed that so many people seem to enjoy it enough to vote and hold discussions over the plot. It's because of you that this experience has been so delightful for me. Seriously, you guys are awesome.
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@Winged Knight
Real life always comes first and if you had chosen to update the quest instead of attending your mother's birthday, I'd probably post a series of sad kittens as a response for not being considerate to her.
Real life always comes first and if you had chosen to update the quest instead of attending your mother's birthday, I'd probably post a series of sad kittens as a response for not being considerate to her.
2.53
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Talk to Mataru.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
You make your way to Mataru and sit down next to him. The man is still looking over his wound, keeping pressure on it with a rag flinching occasionally. The cut is not very deep, but the knife's blade was wide. A fair bit of the flesh of his thigh is sliced open, though the bleeding has apparently slowed down to a trickle that is held in check by the blood darkened cloth.
"Are you all right?" you ask, trying to get a better look at the injury. "That doesn't appear to be a small cut."
"Looks worse than it feels," Mataru responds, his grin only slightly forced. "Though I'll admit, it doesn't feel all that pleasant." He winces. "That Tainted woman really got her revenge on me."
"Do you think this injury will require a Shugenja?" you ask.
"Like I said, not as bad as it looks," Mataru responds. "It's mostly just flesh and nothing vital. Lucky, really." His grin widens and becomes a bit more natural. "But then again, I've always been lucky."
"I'm glad that it doesn't appear too serious," you respond. "You were a great help, and I wouldn't wish you to suffer permanent damage."
"I'll be fine with some bandages, some food and some sleep," Mataru says. "Though I must say, you and Hiruma Shasa-san are quite impressive."
You blink. "Oh?"
"Your wound is easily as bad as mine, but you hardly seem to notice it," Mataru says, motioning to your arm with his free hand. "And Shasa has many cuts as well. Yet you both don't appear much bothered by it."
"The Crab cannot falter," Shasa says as she lets her tea cool. "Above all else, even strength, we must be sturdy like the earth itself. We of the Hida Bushi School train our endurance so that we can better exemplify this."
"I can tell," Mataru says. He pulls the rag away and frowns, but the wound appears to have stopped bleeding entirely now. "I'll admit I've been trained a bit more for speed than for taking hits."
"That has its uses as well," you say. "Especially with a weapon with reach, like your naginata."
"True enough," Mataru responds. "Even still, I think my stamina could use improving. I'll make a note to train in that regard when this is all over."
"As you wish," you say. "Speaking of the days to come, do you have any idea of what is to be our role in this investigation?"
"Likely as a consultant on matters pertaining to the Tainted," Mataru says. He ties the rag around his leg before leaning back on both hands. "We are not ignorant of the Shadowlands, but it is just fact that none know the dangers of Jigoku so well as the Crab."
He makes a good point. Aside from perhaps the Phoenix, it is the Crab that hold more knowledge than anyone of the Shadowlands and the Taint. The Kuni have made it the work of generations to understand the Enemy, of deciphering the intelligence brought back by the Hiruma, and they share that information freely amongst the warriors of the Clan to better ensure the line is held.
The Kami Akodo, who was without doubt one of the most brilliant military minds to ever exist, says this himself in his book Leadership. 'Sending an army without a scout is like leaping from a mountain without looking below.' And the Crab have sent many scouts, and learned much. All information you and Shasa have, and can share with the Scorpion to help handle these villains who have attacked you this evening.
"That would make sense," you say. "I will gladly share what I know in order to help with this matter."
"As will I," Shasa says before taking a sip of her tea. "Anything that helps in putting down scum like this is something I can get behind."
"I'm happy to hear it," Mataru says. "And I doubt your role will just be for information. Very likely you'll be requested to be included in the vanguard of the assault that is no doubt to come."
"Really?" you ask, a bit taken aback. "Wouldn't the Magistrate Asami-sama wish for that honor?"
"Oh, she'll likely be there," Mataru says with a chuckle. "But again, the Crab fight the Tainted far more often than the Scorpion do. Best to have the experts at the front, where they can be the tip of the spear that plunges into the enemy's heart."
You nod, letting the man's words sink in. What he says makes sense. You and Shasa have fought the Lost before, as well as other monsters from within the depths of the Shadowlands. You have years of experience in fighting inhuman creatures. They are not nearly as unknown to you as they are to those of the other Clans, so why not have you both involved in the attack?
Knowledge and strength is what you bring to the table. With knowledge, the Scorpion will better understand what to expect of the enemy. With strength, you can bolster their forces with your own experience and prowess. It is not a bad use of your abilities.
It is a shame you can't help much in the actual investigation itself, but that is not where your skills lie. You are a wall, a barrier between monsters and the realm of humanity. You know the enemy, and can fight the enemy. There is no shame in accepting the help of others in order to find the enemy.
You just hope that they are discovered soon, and that you are not left waiting for too long.
[] Write in.
-[x] Ask him for his wound, and if he's okay.
-[x] Ask about what would be our role in this investigation.
You make your way to Mataru and sit down next to him. The man is still looking over his wound, keeping pressure on it with a rag flinching occasionally. The cut is not very deep, but the knife's blade was wide. A fair bit of the flesh of his thigh is sliced open, though the bleeding has apparently slowed down to a trickle that is held in check by the blood darkened cloth.
"Are you all right?" you ask, trying to get a better look at the injury. "That doesn't appear to be a small cut."
"Looks worse than it feels," Mataru responds, his grin only slightly forced. "Though I'll admit, it doesn't feel all that pleasant." He winces. "That Tainted woman really got her revenge on me."
"Do you think this injury will require a Shugenja?" you ask.
"Like I said, not as bad as it looks," Mataru responds. "It's mostly just flesh and nothing vital. Lucky, really." His grin widens and becomes a bit more natural. "But then again, I've always been lucky."
"I'm glad that it doesn't appear too serious," you respond. "You were a great help, and I wouldn't wish you to suffer permanent damage."
"I'll be fine with some bandages, some food and some sleep," Mataru says. "Though I must say, you and Hiruma Shasa-san are quite impressive."
You blink. "Oh?"
"Your wound is easily as bad as mine, but you hardly seem to notice it," Mataru says, motioning to your arm with his free hand. "And Shasa has many cuts as well. Yet you both don't appear much bothered by it."
"The Crab cannot falter," Shasa says as she lets her tea cool. "Above all else, even strength, we must be sturdy like the earth itself. We of the Hida Bushi School train our endurance so that we can better exemplify this."
"I can tell," Mataru says. He pulls the rag away and frowns, but the wound appears to have stopped bleeding entirely now. "I'll admit I've been trained a bit more for speed than for taking hits."
"That has its uses as well," you say. "Especially with a weapon with reach, like your naginata."
"True enough," Mataru responds. "Even still, I think my stamina could use improving. I'll make a note to train in that regard when this is all over."
"As you wish," you say. "Speaking of the days to come, do you have any idea of what is to be our role in this investigation?"
"Likely as a consultant on matters pertaining to the Tainted," Mataru says. He ties the rag around his leg before leaning back on both hands. "We are not ignorant of the Shadowlands, but it is just fact that none know the dangers of Jigoku so well as the Crab."
He makes a good point. Aside from perhaps the Phoenix, it is the Crab that hold more knowledge than anyone of the Shadowlands and the Taint. The Kuni have made it the work of generations to understand the Enemy, of deciphering the intelligence brought back by the Hiruma, and they share that information freely amongst the warriors of the Clan to better ensure the line is held.
The Kami Akodo, who was without doubt one of the most brilliant military minds to ever exist, says this himself in his book Leadership. 'Sending an army without a scout is like leaping from a mountain without looking below.' And the Crab have sent many scouts, and learned much. All information you and Shasa have, and can share with the Scorpion to help handle these villains who have attacked you this evening.
"That would make sense," you say. "I will gladly share what I know in order to help with this matter."
"As will I," Shasa says before taking a sip of her tea. "Anything that helps in putting down scum like this is something I can get behind."
"I'm happy to hear it," Mataru says. "And I doubt your role will just be for information. Very likely you'll be requested to be included in the vanguard of the assault that is no doubt to come."
"Really?" you ask, a bit taken aback. "Wouldn't the Magistrate Asami-sama wish for that honor?"
"Oh, she'll likely be there," Mataru says with a chuckle. "But again, the Crab fight the Tainted far more often than the Scorpion do. Best to have the experts at the front, where they can be the tip of the spear that plunges into the enemy's heart."
You nod, letting the man's words sink in. What he says makes sense. You and Shasa have fought the Lost before, as well as other monsters from within the depths of the Shadowlands. You have years of experience in fighting inhuman creatures. They are not nearly as unknown to you as they are to those of the other Clans, so why not have you both involved in the attack?
Knowledge and strength is what you bring to the table. With knowledge, the Scorpion will better understand what to expect of the enemy. With strength, you can bolster their forces with your own experience and prowess. It is not a bad use of your abilities.
It is a shame you can't help much in the actual investigation itself, but that is not where your skills lie. You are a wall, a barrier between monsters and the realm of humanity. You know the enemy, and can fight the enemy. There is no shame in accepting the help of others in order to find the enemy.
You just hope that they are discovered soon, and that you are not left waiting for too long.
[] Write in.
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