In Thunder's Echo
It is a time of legends.
The year is 1130 of the Isawa Calendar. Two years...
It is a time of legends.
The year is 1130 of the Isawa Calendar. Two years...
In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
- Created
- Status
- Ongoing
- Watchers
- 175
- Recent readers
- 0
- Threadmarks
- 137
-
Statistics (137 threadmarks, 120k words)
User Total Sirrocco 5 Maugan Ra 130 mothematics 1 primemountain 1
Introduction and Character Sheet
- Location
- London, England
In Thunder's Echo
It is a time of legends.
The year is 1130 of the Isawa Calendar. Two years ago, the assembled samurai of Rokugan set aside their differences and united for the greatest battle the Empire has seen in over a thousand years of unbroken history. With skill and honour they took to the field against the demonic forces of the Fallen Kami, and with the favour of the Heavens themselves triumphed. The Seven Thunders confronted and slew the Dark God of the Shadowlands in the throne room of the Imperial Palace, proving once more the power and virtue of mortal man.
In the wake of that triumph, the eyes of the Empire turned towards peace, for the Clan Wars that preceded the Second Day of Thunder had done incredible damage to the land and it's people. Emperor Toturi I, the first of a new Imperial Dynasty, ascended to the Jade Throne and began to oversee the long and arduous process of rebuilding. He issued new Imperial Charters to each of the Great Clans, and together they turned their eyes towards the future.
It is here that our story begins. The Empire is in a fragile state, for the wounds it incurred were deep and despite the brief unity displayed on the battlefield many still harbour serious grudges and debts of honour that might yet bring them into conflict. It is an uncertain world, for while none can contest the fitness of Emperor Toturi to rule his ascension has still signified an unprecedented change in Rokugan's culture, and many now give thought to changing other institutions and traditions that have stood unchallenged for millennia.
Yet it is also a time of opportunity, and hope. With so many dead on the field of battle and such turmoil in the courts, there has never been a better time for young and ambitious samurai to leave their mark on history, and shape the course of an Empire. Will you be one such architect? Time, and the blessing of the Fortunes, will tell.
GM's Note
So, welcome to my Legend of the Five Rings quest. If you aren't already familiar with Glory of the Emerald Empire, the Crab quest being run by Winged Knight, I would highly recommend checking that out as well. It's a lot of fun, and Hiruma Sosuke is developing an impressive story all of his own.
That said, this quest is going to be treading some rather different ground. For one, the time period is different, and will be diverging increasingly further from canon events as we go on. For another, this is going to be a primarily Court-focused quest, where cunning and etiquette are considerably more important than how well you can swing a sword. This is not to say that a martial character would be completely useless - Samurai are all warriors, after all, and there is always a need for duelists and Yojimbo - but they will definitely be at a relative disadvantage in most cases and may be somewhat out of the limelight.
The first arc will involve your character being sent as part of a senior courtier's retinue to an important court being held in a neighboring land. Further details will be dependent on which Clan you are from and the character you end up building.
With that said - let the voting commence.
Character Sheet
Name Soshi Naoto
School: Bayushi Bushi
Insight Rank: 2
Insight: 163
Honour: 4.7 (What is Expected)
Glory: 4.4
Status: 2.0 (Clan Diplomat)
Current XP: 12
Inventory
Light armour
Sturdy Clothing
Daisho
1 other weapon
Traveling Pack
Rings
Awareness: 4
Reflexes: 4
Air: 4
Strength: 2
Perception: 2
Water: 2
Agility: 3
Intelligence: 4
Fire: 3
Stamina: 2
Willpower: 2
Earth: 2
Void: 2
Skills:
High Skills
Artisan (Poetry) 1
Calligraphy 2
Courtier (Manipulation) 3
Etiquette 3
Games: Go 1
Investigation 3
Sincerity 2
Bugei Skills
Battle 2
Defense 2
Iaijutsu 3
Kenjutsu 3
Merchant Skills
Commerce 1
Low Skills
Temptation 1
Skill Masteries:
Courtier 3 - You gain an additional +3 insight over your normal amount.
Etiquette 3 - You gain an additional +3 insight over the normal amount.
Iaijutsu 3 - You may draw a katana as a free action.
Investigation 3 - You may choose to make a second Investigate (Search) check without increasing the TN.
Kenjutsu 3 - You add +1k0 to the damage roll when wielding a sword.
School Techniques/Katas
The Way of the Scorpion - Scorpion Bushi always seem to get the drop on their opponents. You gain a bonus of +1k1 to your initiative rolls, and increase your armour TN by 5 when being attacked by someone with a lower initiative.
Pincers and Tail - The infamous Scorpion Feint has been the demise of many samurai. You may take the Feint maneuver for one Raise rather than two.
Strength of the Scorpion - This kata may be activated as a simple action (or as a free action when beginning an Iaijutsu duel), and remains in effect for the duration of any given skirmish or battle. Once per round, after successfully employing the Feint maneuver, you may raise your final damage inflicted by +3 wounds.
Advantages
Ally (Otomo Kairyu) - Influence 2, Devotion 1. The Imperial Bureaucrat is now a firm ally of yours. He has a moderate degree of influence and resources to call upon, and will go out of his way to aid you, but will not compromise his honour.
Ally (Daidoji Chen) - Influence 2, Devotion 2. The Crane scout and Iron Warrior believes you share a common cause. He has some limited degree of influence in the form of a de-facto ambassadorial position, and is willing to risk his honour to help you if it can be done secretly.
Crab Hands - You count as having one skill rank in every weapon skill. Does not stack with actual purchased skill ranks.
Dangerous Beauty - You are remarkably attractive, and add +1k0 to all Temptation rolls with the opposite sex.
Sage - You count as having one skill rank in every Lore skill, with the exception of the Forbidden lores. This does not stack with actual purchased skill ranks.
Disadvantages
Combat Stats
Initiative: 7k5
Attack (Katana): 6k3 for 6k2 damage
Armour TN: 25 (+5 for armour and/or +5 for higher initiative)
Wounds
Healthy (+0): 10
Nicked (+3): 14
Grazed (+5): 18
Hurt (+10): 22
Injured (+15): 26
Crippled (+20): 30
Down (+40): 34
Out (Dying): 38
Naoto is currently Healthy and is not suffering from any Conditions
Miscellaneous
1 Free Raise held by @primemountain
Last edited:
Family and School selection
- Location
- London, England
You are a Scorpion, a member of one of the most feared and mistrusted Clans in all of Rokugan. You walk in the shadows, willing to do what others cannot, willing to say what they will not, sacrificing your honour for the good of the Empire. Seven years ago, your Clan turned on the Emperor himself, seeking to extinguish the Hantei line rather than risk the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy that might well bring down all of humanity.
You failed. The Last Hantei survived, and the Scorpion were stripped of their Clan status, named criminals and outcasts in the eyes of the Empire. Though you were just a child when this occurred, it has marked you indelibly, and you spent your early years without family or name to call your own. At least, not officially. In truth, the Scorpion were prepared for this, and sent their children into hiding to wait and continue their education until the time was right. It might have been illegal for you and your companions to call yourself Scorpions, but that was who and what you were, and it was a thought that kept you warm through even the coldest night.
Two years ago, you were proven correct. Fu Leng returned, possessing the body of the last of the Hantei emperors and seeking to spread his darkness over all of Rokugan. When the time came for the Great Clans to oppose him, your hidden brethren cast off their disguises and joined the fight with pride, while Bayushi Kachiko took her place as one of the Seven Thunders who opposed the enemy directly. Now you work to capitalize on that great victory, to regain your place in history and prove to the new Emperor that his decision to pardon and trust you was the correct one.
Just remember - Loyalty in all things.
But there are many kinds of Scorpion, and many paths they walk. Before we begin our story, we must first examine the details, that we might better know our lead performer.
Among the Samurai, there is relative equality between men and women. Both can be warriors or courtiers, and the Clan has been ruled by both before. There are no gender restrictions on your schools among the Scorpion. That said, there are still certain expectations that will depend on your gender, and certain NPCs may react differently to you based on such things.
What gender are you?
- [ ] Male
- [ ] Female
After your Gempukku, where a child becomes an adult, it is often traditional for a Samurai to choose their own name. Many imbue this event with some significance - a samurai who takes the name of a glorious ancestor is signaling their intent to mimic or learn from that example, and many will take note of it... including the ancestor themselves.
What is your personal name?
- [ ] Write in
Aside from a samurai's Clan, perhaps the most important thing is their family. It shapes their upbringing, their expectations, and how the world outside their estate reacts to them.
What is your family?
- [ ] Bayushi. The lords of the Clan, the Bayushi have made themselves the iconic Scorpion family in the eyes of many. They deliberately act to draw the attention of others, being both charming and deceptive, hiding their intricate schemes and sinister agenda behind a sincere smile.
- [ ] Shosuro. Descended from the first of Bayushi's servants, the Shosuro embody all that is subtle and covert about the Scorpion. They train their children to move without notice, be it in the wilderness or the courts, and to carry out the commands of their lords with quiet efficiency and murderous precision.
- [ ] Soshi. The first of the Scorpion Shugenja families, the Soshi family specialize in providing magical and spiritual assistance to their lords. They are calm and quiet, the very best at accomplishing their goals without giving the slightest hint that they have done anything at all.
- [ ] Yogo. Sinister and feared even compared to the other Scorpion, the Yogo are morbid and reserved. Their line has been cursed by Fu Leng, such that every true born member will one day betray the thing they love the most, and this has shaped their outlook and behavior throughout all of history.
Most Samurai attend one of the schools that bears their family name, but this is by no means guaranteed. The Scorpion have little regard for mere tradition when it comes to this moment - a child can only attend one school, and if their talents and attitude indicate that they will best serve the Clan in a particular function then that is what they will be trained to do.
Which school did you attend?
- [ ] The Bayushi Courtier. The Scorpion have a skill and presence in the courts second only to that of the Crane, and their reputation is certainly more fearsome. Courtiers are trained to read the weaknesses of others, to exploit their secrets and ensnare them in a web of lies and intrigue.
- [ ] The Bayushi Bushi. All samurai are warriors, and the court is a battlefield like any other. The Scorpion recognize this, and as such train their Bushi to serve here as well as in the field. They are duelists and Yojimbo, able to comport themselves in a civilized fashion while serving as the murderous instruments of their lords.
- [ ] The Soshi Shugenja. The Soshi understand as few others do that the Kami are, above all else, fundamentally inhuman. They can and will do almost anything if properly entreated. The Shugenja of this school focus on Air magic, specializing in illusions and deceptions, and can invoke the Kami without any giving any indication that they are casting spells at all.
- [ ] The Soshi Magistrates. The Scorpion have a strong tradition of law enforcement, and indeed it was Soshi Saibankan who first helped codify the laws of the Empire and established the Magistrate tradition. Students of this school learn how to keep the peace through fear and carefully applied violence, disabling and interrogating their targets before metting out the appropriate punishment... or, perhaps, recruiting them.
- [ ] The Shosuro Actors. The Scorpion are famous for their actors, and graduates of this school are acknowledged masters in the field, sought out by other Clans and important personages of all kinds. They practice an extreme form of method acting, subsuming their own identities and taking on the roles of those they would portray until they alter their very thoughts. Of course, as the Scorpion have long since learned, there are many more covert uses for someone able to flawlessly adopt a false identity at will...
- [ ] The Shosuro Infiltrators. Very few beyond the borders of the Scorpion Clan know that this school exists, and those who do know to stay silent or meet an unfortunate end, for this is where the Scorpion train their covert operatives. Spies, assassins and saboteurs, the Shosuro carry out their work with grim efficiency and absolute discretion. After all, as everyone knows, there is no such thing as a ninja.
- [ ] The Yogo Wardmasters. The Yogo are the unquestioned masters of Ward magic in Rokugan - spells that protect or influence areas rather than specific targets. They keep the secrets of the Scorpion safe behind magical walls, and have even mastered the art of imbuing spells into specially prepared pieces of parchment for rapid deployment in the field.
Background packages
- Location
- London, England
These are the first of the packages I have come up with. If you can think of your own that you'd like to suggest, please do so.
For the purposes of spending leftover XP or designing your own background packages, the following costs are involved. You have a budget of 40xp.
Raising a trait costs (4x new rating)XP.
Buying a skill costs (new rating)XP
Advantages and disadvantages have their own unique costs, though disadvantages give you XP.
Raising Void costs (6x new rating)XP.
Court Training - 18xp
Your school training already focused on making sure you could comport yourself reasonably well in a courtly setting, but you have chosen to expand your knowledge.
- Raise Courtier to 2
- Raise Etiquette to 2
- Gain Lore: Heraldry at 1
- Gain Lore: Bushido at 1
- Raise Awareness to 3
Bushi Training - 7xp
You are a warrior first and foremost, and you need to be able to handle yourself in a fight if you are not to fail in your duty.
- Raise Defense to 2
- Raise Kenjutsu to 2
- Gain Kyujutsu at 1
- Gain Knives at 1
- Gain Battle at 1
Duelist Training - 17xp
The art of the duel is one of Rokugan's most ancient and respected traditions, and you must be able to represent your lord correctly in one.
- Raise Iaijutsu to 3
- Gain a mastery ability allowing you to draw a katana as a free action.
- Raise Reflexes to 3
Theology training - 21xp
You are a spiritual sort, and have spent a lot of time with the monks and the Shugenja studying the secrets of the cosmos.
- Gain Meditation at 1
- Gain Tea Ceremony at 1
- Gain Lore: Theology at 1
- Raise Void to 3
Sword in one hand, Scroll in another - 18xp
Akodo-no-Kami was the first to describe a true Samurai as being both warrior and scholar. You have taken this to heart, and dedicated yourself to learning about many different fields and many different weapons.
- Raise Agility to 3
- Gain 'Sage' advantage, allowing you to count as having a minimum of one rank in every Lore skill.
- Gain 'Crab Hands' advantage, allowing you to count as having a minimum of one rank in every weapon skill.
No honour in the shadows - 1xp
To survive after the Scorpion Coup, you and many of your immediate family were hidden away and protected by the Shosuro Infiltrators. The knowledge that you owe your survival to ninja while honourable samurai attempted to hunt you down has affected your perspective quite noticeably.
- Gain the 'Failure of Bushido: Honour' disadvantage
- Gain the 'Dark Secret' disadvantage.
- Gain Stealth at 2
- Gain Temptation at 1
- Gain Medicine at 1
- Gain Ninjitsu at 1
- Gain Intimidation at 1
- Gain Athletics at 1
The People's Scorpion - 2xp
Survival after the Clan Coup meant hiding out where no true samurai would go and dealing with the lower classes as equals and even occasionally superiors. The experience taught you that even the lowest ranks of society can hold people of great intelligence and virtue, which allows you to deal with them very easily but has shaken your view of the celestial order.
- Gain 'Disbeliever' disadvantage.
- Gain Ebisu's Blessing, giving you a +1k1 to all social rolls when dealing with people who are not members of the Samurai caste.
- Gain Commerce at 1
For the purposes of spending leftover XP or designing your own background packages, the following costs are involved. You have a budget of 40xp.
Raising a trait costs (4x new rating)XP.
Buying a skill costs (new rating)XP
Advantages and disadvantages have their own unique costs, though disadvantages give you XP.
Raising Void costs (6x new rating)XP.
Court Training - 18xp
Your school training already focused on making sure you could comport yourself reasonably well in a courtly setting, but you have chosen to expand your knowledge.
- Raise Courtier to 2
- Raise Etiquette to 2
- Gain Lore: Heraldry at 1
- Gain Lore: Bushido at 1
- Raise Awareness to 3
Bushi Training - 7xp
You are a warrior first and foremost, and you need to be able to handle yourself in a fight if you are not to fail in your duty.
- Raise Defense to 2
- Raise Kenjutsu to 2
- Gain Kyujutsu at 1
- Gain Knives at 1
- Gain Battle at 1
Duelist Training - 17xp
The art of the duel is one of Rokugan's most ancient and respected traditions, and you must be able to represent your lord correctly in one.
- Raise Iaijutsu to 3
- Gain a mastery ability allowing you to draw a katana as a free action.
- Raise Reflexes to 3
Theology training - 21xp
You are a spiritual sort, and have spent a lot of time with the monks and the Shugenja studying the secrets of the cosmos.
- Gain Meditation at 1
- Gain Tea Ceremony at 1
- Gain Lore: Theology at 1
- Raise Void to 3
Sword in one hand, Scroll in another - 18xp
Akodo-no-Kami was the first to describe a true Samurai as being both warrior and scholar. You have taken this to heart, and dedicated yourself to learning about many different fields and many different weapons.
- Raise Agility to 3
- Gain 'Sage' advantage, allowing you to count as having a minimum of one rank in every Lore skill.
- Gain 'Crab Hands' advantage, allowing you to count as having a minimum of one rank in every weapon skill.
No honour in the shadows - 1xp
To survive after the Scorpion Coup, you and many of your immediate family were hidden away and protected by the Shosuro Infiltrators. The knowledge that you owe your survival to ninja while honourable samurai attempted to hunt you down has affected your perspective quite noticeably.
- Gain the 'Failure of Bushido: Honour' disadvantage
- Gain the 'Dark Secret' disadvantage.
- Gain Stealth at 2
- Gain Temptation at 1
- Gain Medicine at 1
- Gain Ninjitsu at 1
- Gain Intimidation at 1
- Gain Athletics at 1
The People's Scorpion - 2xp
Survival after the Clan Coup meant hiding out where no true samurai would go and dealing with the lower classes as equals and even occasionally superiors. The experience taught you that even the lowest ranks of society can hold people of great intelligence and virtue, which allows you to deal with them very easily but has shaken your view of the celestial order.
- Gain 'Disbeliever' disadvantage.
- Gain Ebisu's Blessing, giving you a +1k1 to all social rolls when dealing with people who are not members of the Samurai caste.
- Gain Commerce at 1
Last edited:
1.1 - Beiden Pass
- Location
- London, England
Beiden Pass.
How many battles have been fought here, over the eleven centuries since the Kami descended from the Heavens and founded the Empire? You doubt anyone truly knows, for no matter how meticulous the historians are there will always be some things which manage to be overlooked. Some clashes are not worth remembering, while others simply get lost in the tide.
The pass is one of the primary trading links connecting the north and south halves of Rokugan, as well as being one of the very few passages wide enough to move an army through the Spine of the World in good order. It is perhaps the premier strategic location in all of Rokugan, and everyone from bandits to samurai to the demon hordes of Jigoku have fought and died here, their blood soaking into the hard mountain stone. You've seen the memorials, the dozens of shrines scattered throughout the pass, each holding a record of everyone who died in that spot and when. It seems wrong to pass them by without stopping to offer a prayer for the departed, but there are simply so many that you lack the time.
Winter is almost upon you, and already you can see the snowline crawling down the slopes of the mountains around you. The air is cold, every breath like a blast of ice in your lungs, and you estimate it will be a matter of weeks at the most before Beiden becomes utterly impassable. More than enough time to reach your destination, though in your heart you would not complain if a sudden snowfall were to block the pass and force you to turn back. It would save you from spending the rest of the winter at Shiro Matsu, after all.
But no, you have your orders and you will carry them out. Shiro Matsu dominates the northern end of Beiden Pass, and the samurai stationed there have full authority over every caravan and messenger that passes through. It is vitally important, then, that your Clan retain reasonably good relations with the Matsu, and part of that means accepting the invitations that they send out to their Winter Court. It will be a harsh and uncomfortable winter, but you are used to such things, and there is no sense in complaining about what you cannot change.
Sighing, you nudge your pony into motion and move back towards the caravan. Courtesy may have demanded that the Matsu issue you invitations, but there was evidently no requirement for them to send more than the bare minimum. As such, there are only three Samurai in your party - you, Yogo Hanzo and Bayushi Kimoko. The rest of your little caravan is made up of the peasants that will do most of the actual work once you are there - merchants and administrators for the most part, charged with negotiating all of the fine details surrounding trade tariffs and rice shipments.
You might as well take the opportunity to get to know some of them better - this is your first time meeting any of them, and you are likely to be stuck together for a considerable length of time during the court.
Who do you speak to?
- [ ] Bayushi Kimoko, the leader of your delegation. Surprisingly not a courtier, but rather a veteran Bushi with streaks of grey in her hair.
- [ ] Yogo Hanzo, a quiet and intense man with the markings of a Shugenja.
- [ ] Pale Oak, the most senior of the merchants.
Character portrait options
- Location
- London, England
OK, I think I have enough time to write another update tonight, and the vote is sufficiently weighted that I can have you go speak to your fellow Bushi easily enough.
First, though, I'll formalize the matter of deciding upon your appearance. Might as well get that over with.
Which of the following character portraits would you like to represent Soshi Naoto?
[ ] Player submitted option
First, though, I'll formalize the matter of deciding upon your appearance. Might as well get that over with.
Which of the following character portraits would you like to represent Soshi Naoto?
[ ] Player submitted option
1.2 Meeting Bayushi Kimoko
- Location
- London, England
Nodding to yourself, you nudge your pony forwards towards the front of the caravan. You don't consider yourself a particularly exceptional rider - leave that for the Unicorn - but you can stay in the saddle easily enough, and the ponies you've been given are either well trained or just sufficiently indifferent to everything that they've given you no trouble so far.
Bayushi Kimoko is a tall, almost regal looking woman who rides like she was born in the saddle. Her mask is a pale white shell that covers the left side of her face almost completely - curiously, there does not appear to be any kind of gap for her left eye, hinting at some form of injury or other defect. The most notable thing as far as you are concerned, however, is the streaks of grey in her otherwise lustrous black hair. Most samurai retire from active duty when they start showing such signs of their age, either shaving their head and becoming a monk or taking up a teaching position somewhere. The Scorpion in particular tend to favour the latter option, and you have always associated elderly samurai with great wisdom and respect.
It is not an easy road your Clan walks, after all, and simply surviving to old age is a mark of great skill or luck.
The samurai-ko looks over at you as you ride up on her right side, and inclines her head to you - actually bowing while on horseback is a difficult affair.
"Soshi-san." She acknowledges. "Did you wish to speak?"
"Hai, Bayushi-sama." You reply, making sure that your tone is properly respectful. "I seek a better understanding of my intended role upon our arrival, that I might better serve the Clan."
Kimoko smiles, very faintly. "A well worded request. And a surprising one - are you not more curious about my history, and why I have been selected to command this delegation?"
You pause for a moment. "Will such knowledge be of use in carrying out my duties, Bayushi-sama?"
"It might well be, Soshi-san." Your commander replies. "For one thing, I am quite certain that I am less knowledgeable about a great many topics than you are, if your sensei are to be believed."
You flush slightly at the implied praise of your teachers, but say nothing. After a moment, Kimoko continues. "Your duties, then, will be to observe and document. Anything and everything that you can learn, either from the Matsu or anyone else they have invited to court, may well be of use. I'm sure I don't have to instruct you in methodology."
You nod silently. This is approximately what you were expecting, for the Soshi have always served as the silent and discrete gatherers of information for their lords. There are many ways of acquiring such knowledge, from simple observation to covert infiltration, though you would judge yourself more suited to the former.
"I have never met a Matsu, Bayushi-sama." You say cautiously. "Might I ask for advice in what to expect?"
"The Matsu are... direct." Kimoko says with a kind of deliberate emphasis that could mean everything or nothing. "On the battlefield, they favour headlong charges and trust to their own skill and courage to see them through. In the courts, they will issue blunt questions and speak with great passion, no matter how sensitive the topic. For example, you can almost certainly expect one of them to bring up the attempted Coup."
Your superior looks at you with a glint of curiousity in her one visible eye. "What do you think about that? I am interested in the thoughts of the younger generation on such matters."
Respond:
[ ] It was the right thing to do, no matter the cost. If we had succeeded, Rokugan need never have experienced a second Day of Thunder.
[ ] I must judge by results. The coup did not achieve it's goals and cost us greatly. It seems obvious that another way would have been the better choice.
[ ] The Champion commanded, we obeyed. What else is there?
[ ] Write in.
Bayushi Kimoko is a tall, almost regal looking woman who rides like she was born in the saddle. Her mask is a pale white shell that covers the left side of her face almost completely - curiously, there does not appear to be any kind of gap for her left eye, hinting at some form of injury or other defect. The most notable thing as far as you are concerned, however, is the streaks of grey in her otherwise lustrous black hair. Most samurai retire from active duty when they start showing such signs of their age, either shaving their head and becoming a monk or taking up a teaching position somewhere. The Scorpion in particular tend to favour the latter option, and you have always associated elderly samurai with great wisdom and respect.
It is not an easy road your Clan walks, after all, and simply surviving to old age is a mark of great skill or luck.
The samurai-ko looks over at you as you ride up on her right side, and inclines her head to you - actually bowing while on horseback is a difficult affair.
"Soshi-san." She acknowledges. "Did you wish to speak?"
"Hai, Bayushi-sama." You reply, making sure that your tone is properly respectful. "I seek a better understanding of my intended role upon our arrival, that I might better serve the Clan."
Kimoko smiles, very faintly. "A well worded request. And a surprising one - are you not more curious about my history, and why I have been selected to command this delegation?"
You pause for a moment. "Will such knowledge be of use in carrying out my duties, Bayushi-sama?"
"It might well be, Soshi-san." Your commander replies. "For one thing, I am quite certain that I am less knowledgeable about a great many topics than you are, if your sensei are to be believed."
You flush slightly at the implied praise of your teachers, but say nothing. After a moment, Kimoko continues. "Your duties, then, will be to observe and document. Anything and everything that you can learn, either from the Matsu or anyone else they have invited to court, may well be of use. I'm sure I don't have to instruct you in methodology."
You nod silently. This is approximately what you were expecting, for the Soshi have always served as the silent and discrete gatherers of information for their lords. There are many ways of acquiring such knowledge, from simple observation to covert infiltration, though you would judge yourself more suited to the former.
"I have never met a Matsu, Bayushi-sama." You say cautiously. "Might I ask for advice in what to expect?"
"The Matsu are... direct." Kimoko says with a kind of deliberate emphasis that could mean everything or nothing. "On the battlefield, they favour headlong charges and trust to their own skill and courage to see them through. In the courts, they will issue blunt questions and speak with great passion, no matter how sensitive the topic. For example, you can almost certainly expect one of them to bring up the attempted Coup."
Your superior looks at you with a glint of curiousity in her one visible eye. "What do you think about that? I am interested in the thoughts of the younger generation on such matters."
Respond:
[ ] It was the right thing to do, no matter the cost. If we had succeeded, Rokugan need never have experienced a second Day of Thunder.
[ ] I must judge by results. The coup did not achieve it's goals and cost us greatly. It seems obvious that another way would have been the better choice.
[ ] The Champion commanded, we obeyed. What else is there?
[ ] Write in.
1.3 An honest opinion
- Location
- London, England
You flinch slightly, for that is perhaps the most loaded question you have ever heard. You cannot predict how your superior will react to your answer, but neither can you realistically expect to lie, for Bayushi Kimoko has almost certainly been trained to detect such attempts. It crosses your mind to attempt a deflection... but again, no, you must assume that your superior will not be fooled by such things.
"We acted as we saw best. We did as our lords saw fit." That is the expected answer, and to some degree the safest one. Samurai are expected to obey the commands of their lords, even unto death, and while other Clans might expect seppuku in protest over a dishonourable command the Scorpion rarely find themselves embracing such things. And yet... it is also not enough, at least in your own mind.
"And then... we failed to do even that." You shake your head, conscious of the sudden sharpness in Kimoko's gaze. "I cannot predict what else might have happened. I cannot question my lord's decision, nor can I render judgement on an issue above my head. All I know is what it cost the Empire, and our Clan, and that we must live with the consequences today."
Bayushi Kimoko is silent for a moment, then nods thoughtfully. "A reasonable answer, one provided with caution and the appropriate degree of sincerity." She says slowly. "You must be prepared to answer many hard questions in your time at Shiro Matsu, for the Lion are apt to seize on any weakness and gnaw at it relentlessly."
She looks away, returning her gaze to the path ahead. "Still, in this particular field you may have an advantage. When the truth of the Last Hantei's possession was made known, the Lion were riven with discord. A considerable portion of their Clan was inclined to support him anyway, even if it would mean casting in their lot with the forces of Jigoku. Eventually their Champion - a Matsu, no less - committed Seppuku over the matter and leadership passed to the ronin named Toturi, who led them against the enemy."
You cannot help but be somewhat shocked by this revelation, for the lessons you were taught held no mention of a split within the Lion Clan. It is not difficult to see why, since you doubt it was made public outside of the higher ranks of the Clan, and voicing any suspicions to that effect in the wake of the Second Day of Thunder would have only given cause for insult and retaliation.
"It seems to me that the Matsu would seek to avoid the topic, then, Bayushi-sama." You say slowly. "For fear of unflattering comparisons to our own decision."
"They might. Certainly the prospect of being forced to debate such a thing in open court is likely more than most of them would be willing to stomach." Kimoko allows. "Or they might seek to use it to provoke a duel, which they naturally feel confident of winning. Predicting such things is often difficult."
She pauses, then turns to look at you again. "I would advise you to pay attention to the Heimin. Fortunes know the Matsu will not, and that can be a potent advantage if carefully applied."
Looking up at the passing mountains, you suspect you have time for another conversation before you reach the end of Beiden Pass and enter the lands of the Lion.
Choose one:
[ ] Speak to Pale Oak.
[ ] Speak to Yogo Hanzo.
[ ] Ask Bayushi Kimoko about something else.
- [ ] What?
"We acted as we saw best. We did as our lords saw fit." That is the expected answer, and to some degree the safest one. Samurai are expected to obey the commands of their lords, even unto death, and while other Clans might expect seppuku in protest over a dishonourable command the Scorpion rarely find themselves embracing such things. And yet... it is also not enough, at least in your own mind.
"And then... we failed to do even that." You shake your head, conscious of the sudden sharpness in Kimoko's gaze. "I cannot predict what else might have happened. I cannot question my lord's decision, nor can I render judgement on an issue above my head. All I know is what it cost the Empire, and our Clan, and that we must live with the consequences today."
Bayushi Kimoko is silent for a moment, then nods thoughtfully. "A reasonable answer, one provided with caution and the appropriate degree of sincerity." She says slowly. "You must be prepared to answer many hard questions in your time at Shiro Matsu, for the Lion are apt to seize on any weakness and gnaw at it relentlessly."
She looks away, returning her gaze to the path ahead. "Still, in this particular field you may have an advantage. When the truth of the Last Hantei's possession was made known, the Lion were riven with discord. A considerable portion of their Clan was inclined to support him anyway, even if it would mean casting in their lot with the forces of Jigoku. Eventually their Champion - a Matsu, no less - committed Seppuku over the matter and leadership passed to the ronin named Toturi, who led them against the enemy."
You cannot help but be somewhat shocked by this revelation, for the lessons you were taught held no mention of a split within the Lion Clan. It is not difficult to see why, since you doubt it was made public outside of the higher ranks of the Clan, and voicing any suspicions to that effect in the wake of the Second Day of Thunder would have only given cause for insult and retaliation.
"It seems to me that the Matsu would seek to avoid the topic, then, Bayushi-sama." You say slowly. "For fear of unflattering comparisons to our own decision."
"They might. Certainly the prospect of being forced to debate such a thing in open court is likely more than most of them would be willing to stomach." Kimoko allows. "Or they might seek to use it to provoke a duel, which they naturally feel confident of winning. Predicting such things is often difficult."
She pauses, then turns to look at you again. "I would advise you to pay attention to the Heimin. Fortunes know the Matsu will not, and that can be a potent advantage if carefully applied."
Looking up at the passing mountains, you suspect you have time for another conversation before you reach the end of Beiden Pass and enter the lands of the Lion.
Choose one:
[ ] Speak to Pale Oak.
[ ] Speak to Yogo Hanzo.
[ ] Ask Bayushi Kimoko about something else.
- [ ] What?
1.4 - Meeting Pale Oak
- Location
- London, England
Taking the not-so-subtle hint for what it is, you bow to your commander once more and then leave her to her thoughts. Your presence on this mission you can understand, for you are young and relatively unproven, but Bayushi Kimoko appears to be a veteran. Strange to waist such a warrior in a winter spent at Shiro Matsu. Then again, it might not be a waste - if the Matsu are all that you have heard them to be, perhaps someone like the commander is the best choice?
Mulling this over, you move back within the small convoy to approach the Heimin contingent. There are two dozens of the peasants, ranging from Ashigaru to provide some form of guard to the merchants seated on their steadily rolling wagons. They have brought trade goods of many different kinds, all neatly packed into crates that have been secured in their place with strongly knotted ropes, and your limited understanding of commercial ventures suggests that they plan to use these as samples to encourage trade agreements rather than by profiting off of them directly.
Financial matters are generally considered to be beneath the samurai, but they can be an important source of leverage and incentive, so you feel it is within your remit to at least pay attention to them.
The leader of the peasants, the merchant Pale Oak, is a large man with a shaven head seated on the foremost wagon. His clothes are of a decidedly simple cut, and were it not for his company you might have mistaken him for a monk. He bows deeply to you as you approach, pressing his forehead to the wagon's floor.
"Greetings, samurai-dono." He says, his tone filled with enough deference that it verges on groveling. "How may this humble servant assist you?"
"That is precisely what I had intended to ask, Pale Oak-san." You say calmly. The use of the peasant's name is perhaps a touch more respect than is necessary, given your respective social stations, but loyalty is better enforced if you can provide him with a positive example to compare to any later treatment he might receive from others. "What are your duties here?"
"I am a scribe, samurai-dono, as was my father and his father before him." Pale Oak replies, keeping his forehead pressed to the floor until you make a small gesture for him to rise. "My family have been charged with recording the details of all trade through Beiden Pass, that our lords may be provided with all relevant information whenever it is required."
You pause for a moment, then turn to regard Pale Oak more closely. If that means what you think it might mean, then the Heimin might well be of considerable value. Still, best not to make too many assumptions just yet. "What kind of details, Pale Oak-san?"
The scribe remains completely deferential, but you could swear you see something resembling a pleased smile flick across his expression for a moment before being suppressed. If so, there is no sign of it in his tone.
"All kinds of details, samurai-dono." He replies evenly. "Quantities of trade goods being moved through the pass, their points of origin and their destinations. The identities and affiliations of those who transport them, along with the dates of their arrival and predicted travel times. We make meticulous records of everything, which we provide to our lords as requested."
There is a pause here. "Sometimes, our lords identify an error or two that we have made, obvious to their superior perspective. Naturally we correct such problematic entries immediately."
You smile slightly from behind your mask. "And who is your lord, scribe-san?"
Pale Oak looks thoughtful. "Our last assigned supervisor was one of your cousins, Soshi-dono. I believe he was slain in the course of his duties during the recent battles. Until we receive word otherwise, it is my assumption that the ideal course of action would be to provide our information and services to the nearest identifiable relative of our lord - which in this case would be you, Soshi-dono."
Another pause. "Is there any information or assistance you currently require, Soshi-dono?"
Respond:
[ ] Write in
Mulling this over, you move back within the small convoy to approach the Heimin contingent. There are two dozens of the peasants, ranging from Ashigaru to provide some form of guard to the merchants seated on their steadily rolling wagons. They have brought trade goods of many different kinds, all neatly packed into crates that have been secured in their place with strongly knotted ropes, and your limited understanding of commercial ventures suggests that they plan to use these as samples to encourage trade agreements rather than by profiting off of them directly.
Financial matters are generally considered to be beneath the samurai, but they can be an important source of leverage and incentive, so you feel it is within your remit to at least pay attention to them.
The leader of the peasants, the merchant Pale Oak, is a large man with a shaven head seated on the foremost wagon. His clothes are of a decidedly simple cut, and were it not for his company you might have mistaken him for a monk. He bows deeply to you as you approach, pressing his forehead to the wagon's floor.
"Greetings, samurai-dono." He says, his tone filled with enough deference that it verges on groveling. "How may this humble servant assist you?"
"That is precisely what I had intended to ask, Pale Oak-san." You say calmly. The use of the peasant's name is perhaps a touch more respect than is necessary, given your respective social stations, but loyalty is better enforced if you can provide him with a positive example to compare to any later treatment he might receive from others. "What are your duties here?"
"I am a scribe, samurai-dono, as was my father and his father before him." Pale Oak replies, keeping his forehead pressed to the floor until you make a small gesture for him to rise. "My family have been charged with recording the details of all trade through Beiden Pass, that our lords may be provided with all relevant information whenever it is required."
You pause for a moment, then turn to regard Pale Oak more closely. If that means what you think it might mean, then the Heimin might well be of considerable value. Still, best not to make too many assumptions just yet. "What kind of details, Pale Oak-san?"
The scribe remains completely deferential, but you could swear you see something resembling a pleased smile flick across his expression for a moment before being suppressed. If so, there is no sign of it in his tone.
"All kinds of details, samurai-dono." He replies evenly. "Quantities of trade goods being moved through the pass, their points of origin and their destinations. The identities and affiliations of those who transport them, along with the dates of their arrival and predicted travel times. We make meticulous records of everything, which we provide to our lords as requested."
There is a pause here. "Sometimes, our lords identify an error or two that we have made, obvious to their superior perspective. Naturally we correct such problematic entries immediately."
You smile slightly from behind your mask. "And who is your lord, scribe-san?"
Pale Oak looks thoughtful. "Our last assigned supervisor was one of your cousins, Soshi-dono. I believe he was slain in the course of his duties during the recent battles. Until we receive word otherwise, it is my assumption that the ideal course of action would be to provide our information and services to the nearest identifiable relative of our lord - which in this case would be you, Soshi-dono."
Another pause. "Is there any information or assistance you currently require, Soshi-dono?"
Respond:
[ ] Write in
Bonus - Sirrocco discusses court objectives
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Ah. A good and loyal retainer of the Scorpion Clan, behaving exactly as he should.
Love the bit where he basically says "...and we'll be happy to fudge the books for you and not ask questions, if that's what you need." Also love the bit where he says "Well, of course we work for *you*, Samurai-dono." Also, this guy is a *lot* more than a simple scribe.
So. Our primary ability of interest to the Scorpion is our ability to acquire information, wedded to the broad base of knowledge that we already have. We are to wield this as best we can in service to the mission. That gives us the following basic objectives, in decreasing order of importance/focus.
- Keep the pass open. Make sure that we come of this Winter court still on reasonably good terms with the Matsu. Bonus points for any improvement in overall relations we can manage. This is why we are here. If we manage this and nothing else, the results will be acceptable but unimpressive to the clan.
- Acquire useful information/insight on... well, basically everything. In the short term, this means playing the equivalent of spymaster for Bayushi Kimiko, making sure that she has the information she needs to act. Bonus points if we can come up with anything useful for the merchants in their attempts to establish and improve trade for the clan. We don't know what Yogo Hanzo is here for, but feeding him useful and pertinent information is also a good thing. In the long term, this means accumulating an understanding of the Matsu Winter Court and the people in it - blackmail and otherwise - for use by more skilled members of the family. We should expect to be debriefed heavily once we get home.
- Acquire resources/assets in general, of almost any kind. There probably won't be much of an opportunity for this, but our Clan is poor and hungry. In this day and age, a good Scorpion is *always* on the lookout for little ways to improve the overall position of the Clan - be it favors, resources, deals, or whatever. This also extends to ending any small threats we can end, though that's something of a dangerous game. Merely *wounding* a foe will only make him implacable. If we are to strike, we must ensure that our target is destroyed... and given our primary objective, that the Matsu approve of their destruction (or at least do not mind). Of course, making friends is also useful. Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to let an eager young Crane think they're suborning us. These things are always easier when you let your target write the script for themselves. Regardless, it is well to keep our eyes open.
- Ingratiate ourselves to our hosts. This is a low-priority objective, and can be sacrificed if need be, but being on good terms with them personally is directly useful for our first objective, and also makes it more likely that they'll want us to return for the next winter court. Given that our second objective is essentially "become a subject matter expert on the Matsu Winter Court", becoming a welcome guest would mean that we'd be in a much better position to come back in the years to come, and most directly exploit that subject matter expertise. That sort of thing is useful to the clan, regardless of our personal opinions on the matter.
Given that, the following things occur to me.
- We should ask Pale Oak what sorts of information he and the merchants would find useful that they do not have. If we're to keep our eyes open, it would be well to know what to keep them open for.
- We should do the same for Yogo Hanzo, when we get the opportunity.
- It would be useful to know what we trade to the Matsu, and what they trade to us. Actually, it would be useful to know what we import and export in general. It would *also* be useful to know who we compete with on the export side. Unusual events or recent changes in flow are likewise handy, and may imply many other useful things.
- The Matsu have some personal issues about honor and the Shadowlands and the whole Emperor/Fu Leng/Scorpion Coup thing. This can be a tool, in limited ways, but is *highly* likely to turn in our hand and cut us if we try to use ti as such in any way other than subtly and defensively.
- The Matsu are really big on Martial Prowess. Given that we're trying to get along with them, we're pretty much guaranteed to want to toss them complements from time to time (often to sweeten or remove the sting from other things we're saying). Saying nice things about their obvious martial prowess, especially by comparison with our own clan, costs us little to nothing, doesn't undercut any sort of point we'd actually want to make, and will generally be accepted at face value and taken well.
So, given all that, what do we want *here*?
[x] It occurs to me that it would be useful to have an overview - so that when the conversation touches on this or that good, I know whether we are buying or selling. Likewise, for those things we are selling, I think it might be useful to know which of the other clans might be competing with us. For all that we among the samurai strive not to touch the buying and selling of goods, it can certainly touch us.
[x] For more immediate information, I have heard that shifting in the flow of goods heralds a shifting in the flow of armies. I would like to know if there have been any significant changes lately in who is buying what, or selling what. Additionally, if there has been anything... unusual coming through the pass, that would be good to know.
[x] As well, there is no reason the flow of information should be only one-way. We are both loyal servants to the Scorpion Clan. It only makes sense that if I become aware of something you might find useful, I should share it with you. Unfortunately, I do not actually know what sorts of information you might find useful in your attempts to develop trade agreements. Perhaps you could enlighten me?
[x] Our clan, and all of Rokugan, have indeed lost many of late. Did my cousin leave you with any ongoing instructions or particular projects?
Love the bit where he basically says "...and we'll be happy to fudge the books for you and not ask questions, if that's what you need." Also love the bit where he says "Well, of course we work for *you*, Samurai-dono." Also, this guy is a *lot* more than a simple scribe.
So. Our primary ability of interest to the Scorpion is our ability to acquire information, wedded to the broad base of knowledge that we already have. We are to wield this as best we can in service to the mission. That gives us the following basic objectives, in decreasing order of importance/focus.
- Keep the pass open. Make sure that we come of this Winter court still on reasonably good terms with the Matsu. Bonus points for any improvement in overall relations we can manage. This is why we are here. If we manage this and nothing else, the results will be acceptable but unimpressive to the clan.
- Acquire useful information/insight on... well, basically everything. In the short term, this means playing the equivalent of spymaster for Bayushi Kimiko, making sure that she has the information she needs to act. Bonus points if we can come up with anything useful for the merchants in their attempts to establish and improve trade for the clan. We don't know what Yogo Hanzo is here for, but feeding him useful and pertinent information is also a good thing. In the long term, this means accumulating an understanding of the Matsu Winter Court and the people in it - blackmail and otherwise - for use by more skilled members of the family. We should expect to be debriefed heavily once we get home.
- Acquire resources/assets in general, of almost any kind. There probably won't be much of an opportunity for this, but our Clan is poor and hungry. In this day and age, a good Scorpion is *always* on the lookout for little ways to improve the overall position of the Clan - be it favors, resources, deals, or whatever. This also extends to ending any small threats we can end, though that's something of a dangerous game. Merely *wounding* a foe will only make him implacable. If we are to strike, we must ensure that our target is destroyed... and given our primary objective, that the Matsu approve of their destruction (or at least do not mind). Of course, making friends is also useful. Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to let an eager young Crane think they're suborning us. These things are always easier when you let your target write the script for themselves. Regardless, it is well to keep our eyes open.
- Ingratiate ourselves to our hosts. This is a low-priority objective, and can be sacrificed if need be, but being on good terms with them personally is directly useful for our first objective, and also makes it more likely that they'll want us to return for the next winter court. Given that our second objective is essentially "become a subject matter expert on the Matsu Winter Court", becoming a welcome guest would mean that we'd be in a much better position to come back in the years to come, and most directly exploit that subject matter expertise. That sort of thing is useful to the clan, regardless of our personal opinions on the matter.
Given that, the following things occur to me.
- We should ask Pale Oak what sorts of information he and the merchants would find useful that they do not have. If we're to keep our eyes open, it would be well to know what to keep them open for.
- We should do the same for Yogo Hanzo, when we get the opportunity.
- It would be useful to know what we trade to the Matsu, and what they trade to us. Actually, it would be useful to know what we import and export in general. It would *also* be useful to know who we compete with on the export side. Unusual events or recent changes in flow are likewise handy, and may imply many other useful things.
- The Matsu have some personal issues about honor and the Shadowlands and the whole Emperor/Fu Leng/Scorpion Coup thing. This can be a tool, in limited ways, but is *highly* likely to turn in our hand and cut us if we try to use ti as such in any way other than subtly and defensively.
- The Matsu are really big on Martial Prowess. Given that we're trying to get along with them, we're pretty much guaranteed to want to toss them complements from time to time (often to sweeten or remove the sting from other things we're saying). Saying nice things about their obvious martial prowess, especially by comparison with our own clan, costs us little to nothing, doesn't undercut any sort of point we'd actually want to make, and will generally be accepted at face value and taken well.
So, given all that, what do we want *here*?
[x] It occurs to me that it would be useful to have an overview - so that when the conversation touches on this or that good, I know whether we are buying or selling. Likewise, for those things we are selling, I think it might be useful to know which of the other clans might be competing with us. For all that we among the samurai strive not to touch the buying and selling of goods, it can certainly touch us.
[x] For more immediate information, I have heard that shifting in the flow of goods heralds a shifting in the flow of armies. I would like to know if there have been any significant changes lately in who is buying what, or selling what. Additionally, if there has been anything... unusual coming through the pass, that would be good to know.
[x] As well, there is no reason the flow of information should be only one-way. We are both loyal servants to the Scorpion Clan. It only makes sense that if I become aware of something you might find useful, I should share it with you. Unfortunately, I do not actually know what sorts of information you might find useful in your attempts to develop trade agreements. Perhaps you could enlighten me?
[x] Our clan, and all of Rokugan, have indeed lost many of late. Did my cousin leave you with any ongoing instructions or particular projects?
Last edited:
1.5 - Discussing trade
- Location
- London, England
You nod slowly, now understanding why someone like Pale Oak would be sent on a mission like this. His is not an uncommon story, if taken in broad strokes - many among the Heimin strive to find a niche for themselves, providing a useful service to their Samurai lords in exchange for stability and protection. It is far too soon to make any definitive judgements about the matter, but if all goes well you suspect you might very well have a useful servant in the making here. Time, and the winter court, will tell. In the meantime...
"It occurs to me, Pale Oak-san, that it would be useful to have an overview of the situation." You say carefully. "Conversation at Winter Court may touch upon many subjects, and if talk of a certain type of goods occurs I should like to know if we are buying or selling. The details of precise costs I would leave in your hands, but... give me a summary."
Officially, samurai are not supposed to dirty their hands with financial matters. At the same time, however, you are called upon to serve your clan as best you can, and you are not so foolish as to discount the impact that trade and material resources can have on a Clan's fortunes. You would be a poor Scorpion indeed if you allowed mere social convention to prevent you from serving your Clan.
"Of course, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak says, his tone slightly distant in the manner of one sorting through his own knowledge and memories. "At present, the primary needs of the Scorpion Clan are in the materials necessary for rebuilding. Wood and paper suitable for construction, along with food and Koku to support the labourers, are likely to be our primary imports for the near future. Many of the battles that occurred in recent years inflicted considerable damage on the cities, although fortunately most sides preferred to capture and make use of the infrastructure rather than destroy it."
You cannot help but smile grimly behind your mask. Had the Scorpion Clan been legally extant during that time you suspect more than a few samurai from the other Clans would have deliberately destroyed the cities and farmland, but presented with the notion of unclaimed resources they instead opted to preserve and secure them. The fortunes show their favour in the oddest ways sometimes.
"In terms of resources, the Scorpion have a comparative abundance of iron and a small supply of Jade from the mines under our control. The Bayushi and Yogo farmlands remain prosperous, so you may negotiate in the knowledge that a food surplus is likely. And of course we continue to supply the Empire with the greatest quantity and variety of medicinal herbs available anywhere. All of these are likely to be in demand by anyone looking to rebuild and resupply their armies. The Jade should be in particular demand, for obvious reasons."
"Very interesting, Pale Oak-san." You say thoughtfully. "In your estimation, who is the most likely to directly compete with us in such matters?"
"The Lion and the Crane, Soshi-dono." The scribe answers instantly. "For specific products... The Lion and the Crane traditionally have surplus food, though the Lion prefer to keep theirs for military supply rather than trade it. The Phoenix are known to be the best source of lumber and paper. The Crab have iron and Jade in great quantities, though I have never seen them trade the latter. And I am given to understand there is a new Great Clan, the Mantis... I apologize, I do not know them, beyond the fact that they dominate the naval trade. If I might offer some advice..."
"You may." You permit with a nod.
"The true strength of the Scorpion in such matters is geographical, not financial, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak explains. "Between Beiden Pass and the River of Gold, the Scorpion control the primary trade links for the entirety of the southern Empire, and everyone knows it. Access to those trade routes is likely to be the primary topic of any negotiation that arises at Shiro Matsu."
"I see. Thank you for your insight, Pale Oak-san. In the future, I would also appreciate if you informed me of any changes in what comes through the Pass."
The scribe nods, not needing any further explanation. "Of course, Soshi-dono. I must warn you that with the recent... disruption, it may take some time to determine what the new 'normal' is."
"A fact of which many are well aware, Pale Oak-san." You say in acceptance. "I shall endeavor to provide you with the relevant information where I can. However, I am unsure which kind of information is likely to be of use in your work. Perhaps you could enlighten me?"
"Of course, Soshi-dono." The scribe says, looking thoughtful. "Primarily, anything you could discover about the intentions and personalities of Shiro Matsu's magistrates would be very useful. My work is likely to bring me into contact with them on a frequent basis, and knowing what to expect would be highly useful."
"I shall keep that in mind, Pale Oak-san." You say, though in truth you had thought to investigate such things in any case. There are too many Matsu for you to influence or predict them all, so it becomes much more important to identify who is actually going to be directly relevant to your work in the future.
Ahead of you, the end of the pass is approaching. Already you can see a small force of samurai in the colors of the Lion Clan advancing to meet you. As the junior samurai here, it will be your job to act as first point of contact for such foot soldiers. Time to see if your Sensei were right about your skills...
How do you approach this?
[ ] With bold confidence. The Matsu will react poorly to anything they might see as a weakness.
[ ] With polite deference. This is Matsu land, and they are unlikely to be amused at anyone who does not show them the appropriate level of respect.
[ ] Write in.
"It occurs to me, Pale Oak-san, that it would be useful to have an overview of the situation." You say carefully. "Conversation at Winter Court may touch upon many subjects, and if talk of a certain type of goods occurs I should like to know if we are buying or selling. The details of precise costs I would leave in your hands, but... give me a summary."
Officially, samurai are not supposed to dirty their hands with financial matters. At the same time, however, you are called upon to serve your clan as best you can, and you are not so foolish as to discount the impact that trade and material resources can have on a Clan's fortunes. You would be a poor Scorpion indeed if you allowed mere social convention to prevent you from serving your Clan.
"Of course, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak says, his tone slightly distant in the manner of one sorting through his own knowledge and memories. "At present, the primary needs of the Scorpion Clan are in the materials necessary for rebuilding. Wood and paper suitable for construction, along with food and Koku to support the labourers, are likely to be our primary imports for the near future. Many of the battles that occurred in recent years inflicted considerable damage on the cities, although fortunately most sides preferred to capture and make use of the infrastructure rather than destroy it."
You cannot help but smile grimly behind your mask. Had the Scorpion Clan been legally extant during that time you suspect more than a few samurai from the other Clans would have deliberately destroyed the cities and farmland, but presented with the notion of unclaimed resources they instead opted to preserve and secure them. The fortunes show their favour in the oddest ways sometimes.
"In terms of resources, the Scorpion have a comparative abundance of iron and a small supply of Jade from the mines under our control. The Bayushi and Yogo farmlands remain prosperous, so you may negotiate in the knowledge that a food surplus is likely. And of course we continue to supply the Empire with the greatest quantity and variety of medicinal herbs available anywhere. All of these are likely to be in demand by anyone looking to rebuild and resupply their armies. The Jade should be in particular demand, for obvious reasons."
"Very interesting, Pale Oak-san." You say thoughtfully. "In your estimation, who is the most likely to directly compete with us in such matters?"
"The Lion and the Crane, Soshi-dono." The scribe answers instantly. "For specific products... The Lion and the Crane traditionally have surplus food, though the Lion prefer to keep theirs for military supply rather than trade it. The Phoenix are known to be the best source of lumber and paper. The Crab have iron and Jade in great quantities, though I have never seen them trade the latter. And I am given to understand there is a new Great Clan, the Mantis... I apologize, I do not know them, beyond the fact that they dominate the naval trade. If I might offer some advice..."
"You may." You permit with a nod.
"The true strength of the Scorpion in such matters is geographical, not financial, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak explains. "Between Beiden Pass and the River of Gold, the Scorpion control the primary trade links for the entirety of the southern Empire, and everyone knows it. Access to those trade routes is likely to be the primary topic of any negotiation that arises at Shiro Matsu."
"I see. Thank you for your insight, Pale Oak-san. In the future, I would also appreciate if you informed me of any changes in what comes through the Pass."
The scribe nods, not needing any further explanation. "Of course, Soshi-dono. I must warn you that with the recent... disruption, it may take some time to determine what the new 'normal' is."
"A fact of which many are well aware, Pale Oak-san." You say in acceptance. "I shall endeavor to provide you with the relevant information where I can. However, I am unsure which kind of information is likely to be of use in your work. Perhaps you could enlighten me?"
"Of course, Soshi-dono." The scribe says, looking thoughtful. "Primarily, anything you could discover about the intentions and personalities of Shiro Matsu's magistrates would be very useful. My work is likely to bring me into contact with them on a frequent basis, and knowing what to expect would be highly useful."
"I shall keep that in mind, Pale Oak-san." You say, though in truth you had thought to investigate such things in any case. There are too many Matsu for you to influence or predict them all, so it becomes much more important to identify who is actually going to be directly relevant to your work in the future.
Ahead of you, the end of the pass is approaching. Already you can see a small force of samurai in the colors of the Lion Clan advancing to meet you. As the junior samurai here, it will be your job to act as first point of contact for such foot soldiers. Time to see if your Sensei were right about your skills...
How do you approach this?
[ ] With bold confidence. The Matsu will react poorly to anything they might see as a weakness.
[ ] With polite deference. This is Matsu land, and they are unlikely to be amused at anyone who does not show them the appropriate level of respect.
[ ] Write in.