Remove ads

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

Reader mode
Okay so they want us for our Jigokou knowledge and killing.

So first!

We need Info about these gangs.

[x] Ask Mataru about the gangs and how they work, we need understand what we're barreling into.
--Thank him for the information he gives.
----Then go ask Sasha how she's feeling.
 
To be honest, while they are fairly blatant about using us as a meat shield, that's kinda what we're built for. And we got a shiny new trade deal out of it, so we can't complain too much. Plus being the tip of the spear has its advantages in the glory department. Let's just make sure that we get as much support as quickly as possible after the initial charge so we aren't left surrounded.
 
Remove ads
2.54
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] gman391


    "So," you say, filling the short silence that has gathered. "These gangs… How exactly do they work?"

    "Hmm?" Mataru says. "Well, the Spiders of Bone aren't really a gang by all rights. They're just a group that's somehow snuck its way into all the other gangs without giving away too much attention."

    "That aside, I'm a little concerned about the fact that there are at least three gangs of such note in this city," Shasa says. "If they're as large as they've been implied to be, why have you all not stomped them out yet?"

    "Why do that when you can influence them?" Mataru responds, waving a hand. "There's always going to be gangs and crime and other things happening in the dark. We've got our fists around their leaders' throats, and they know who truly holds power here."

    "You allow them to exist to control them?" you ask, incredulous. "For what purpose? Surely these criminals can't be of any true use to you."

    "Heh." Mataru grins, looking at both you and Shasa. "Sometimes I forget the rest of the Empire doesn't share our sense of the long view."

    Your narrow your eyes. "Please explain."

    "Say we crushed these gangs, as we could," Mataru says, ticking off points on his fingers. "Eventually more will pop back up. We'll know little about them and have to go through the effort of ferreting these new groups out in order to break them again. And then we'll just have to do the same thing all over in a few years." He lets his hands drop. "Better to just have ones we know and can keep pressure on. Much less work that way."

    "So it's all just to avoid distraction?" you ask.

    "Not entirely," Mataru says, grinning. "But that's something for another time, I think."

    As if on cue, four servants come into the room carrying hot water, poultices and bandages. They all make their way to each of you, examining your wounds and cleaning them thoroughly with hot water. They clean up your arm quickly despite the obvious care they are taking to not aggravate your injury further. It's actually quite impressive.

    After that comes a terrible smelling cream that is smeared over the cut that stings like a hundred tiny needles. You wince slightly, but give no voice to your discomfort. You will not shame yourself by giving an excessive display. Especially not for something that is as minor as this.

    After the cream come the bandages. They wrap the gauze around your bicep, completely covering the wound. It is not so tight as to get in the way of your motion or block the flow of blood to the limb, but certainly set firmly enough to ensure no further bleeding and to help prevent infection.

    All of this is accomplished in less than five minutes. A fine display of medical care as you've ever seen, and you've been under the ministrations of many healers in your relatively short life. Claws and swords are, sadly, still stronger than flesh no matter how you've toughened your body. One does not fight in wars with the creatures of Jigoku without often requiring bandages.

    One of the servants, an older man in fine clothing despite his peasant status, bows deeply to all of you. The other three servants do the same, just one step behind him.

    "If it would please my honored Lords," he says, not raising his head. "We can have a room prepared for a meal, unless, of course, my Lords all desire to eat alone. This too can be arranged, as well as showing my Lords to their rooms should they desire to end the evening now in sleep."

    [] Encourage everyone to eat together.
    [] Eat alone.
    [] Go to bed.

    Sosuke has received medical treatment, and has recovered 5 Wounds and has 69 Wounds remaining.
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • 2.55
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Encourage everyone to eat together.


    "I'm all for a little more food," you say. "Fighting always gives me a bit of an appetite." You turn to the others. "Anyone else interested in joining me?"

    "I'll take that offer," Mataru says. He stands up, putting more weight on his uninjured leg, but for the most part seems much better than he was a few minutes ago. "I didn't get a chance to actually finish my meal before that attack."

    "I, too, could use some more sustenance," Shirou says. "The body is the temple of the spirit, and must be cared for."

    "I'll leave you all to it then," Shasa says. She stands and walks to the door, and one of the servants rises to open it for her. "I'm still quite sated from my earlier mean, and I think I'm going to get an early evening. There will be work to do tomorrow."

    You get to your feet and bow to her. "Then I wish you a good evening, Shasa-san."

    "The same to you, Sosuke-san," Shasa says, bowing to you as well. Then, with one of the servants in tow to show her to her room, she heads out.

    "We shall take you to a dining room, my lords," the older servant says again.

    The three servants lead you down the hallway, deeper into the castle. Shadows flicker and dance in the candlelight, the illumination not enough to disperse the entirety of the gloom. Even here, within the safety of Kyuden Bayushi proper, you can't help but eye those shadows warily.

    Was there a purpose in not providing enough light for the hall? Was there a purpose in everything the Scorpion did? Or was that just the image they gave to hide their true intentions? Again and again your thoughts swirl about this as you are led, but you can find no answer.

    If it exists anywhere, it rests within those shadows. And they will not give up their secrets to you.

    The dining room is about the same size as the sitting room was, and just as well furnished. A polished wood table is set with roasted chicken and grilled fish atop steamed vegetables, with plates of rice and dumplings as well. Little cups of sauces are strewn about, ready for you to place atop your food. There are even some sweet bean pastries there for dessert.

    It's actually quite a fancy meal. Just enough for about three people… Which makes you wonder how exactly they got the number right. You were only walking in the hallway for a few minutes at most. Did they get everything set out in such a short time?

    I'm overthinking things, you muse, shaking your head slightly. This night's gotten me paranoid.

    You sit down at one end and start putting food on your plate. The others do likewise, and within moments you are digging into your meal. The meat is succulent and flavorful, and the vegetables have been treated in some kind of creamy sauce that adds richness to their taste. It's far better than the street meal you had at the theater.

    "Very nice," Mataru says, pouring a little soy over his fish before taking a bite. He allows himself a little groan of pleasure. "My Lady certainly knows how to treat guests." He grins. "Glad I could get in on it."

    "It's all a bit much for me," Shirou says, partaking mostly of the rice and a little chicken. "Too much flavor defeats the point, I think. Man must eat to live, not live to eat."

    "To each their own," Mataru says with a shrug. He turns back to you, his expression thoughtful.

    "Something on your mind?" you ask.

    "Well… Kind of," he says. He struggles with himself a little bit, as if considering what to say. Then he takes a deep breath and soldiers on. "Your companion, Hiruma Shasa-san. She is very beautiful. I hope I am not being too rude for my asking, but is she seeing anyone currently?"

    [] Write in.
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • Reader mode
    You must login or register to reply here.
    Remove ads
    Back
    Top