In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)

[Sirrocco]

Interesting. From the looks of things (the way we were treated when we arrived), our people probably get a bit of harassment coming through the pass already - there's a bit of room for improvement. Getting our relations with them up above "vaguely annoyed" isn't critical, but it would be useful to cut down that much more on the harassment, and... well, the Matsu aren't ever going to stop being a clan full of easily enraged berserkers. Having a bit more political capital to play with means that there's more safety margin for whoever has to be here next year.

Given that, it would be well to get on the Lion's good side (as far as they have one). Given *that*, we want to figure out which Lion to start working on, and how. Optimal start for us would be some lower-ranking Ikoma on the one side (there's bound to be a few) and one of the more reasonable magistrates on the other. The Ikoma would probably be best for introducing us to the magistrate, and we might be able to get the phoenix to introduce us to the Ikoma, if we can't manage to get an in there ourselves.

There are a lot of things that are vying for our immediate attention in terms of getting introduced to people, but "Meet the Lion magistrates" should be *fairly* high on our list - the sooner we can get that sort of information to Pale Oak-san, the better it'll be for him, and, by extension, for our mercantile attempts. That's a well we'll likely be drawing from more than once, so the more we can feed into it, the better.

If the Lion winds up being royally pissed at the Crab, so that Yasuki trade finds it easier to pass via Scorpion caravans? So much the better. I don't think that'll happen - the crab are being subdued in their opposition, and they can interact with the Matsu on their own level, but it wouldn't be a bad thing by any means.

I am a bit perplexed, though, about what the Matsu Diamyo wants. Let's dig it out. She's a Matsu. She likes armies, battle, and, at her rank, leading armies into battle. The Clan Wars were, for her, that shining moment in history that will never come again where she and her clan could simply reach out and smite those other clans who had pissed them off and played fancy games in the courts. They wreaked blood and death in recompense for every grievance and none could truly stand against them and it was glorious. Sure, this whole "shadowlands" thing was something of a concern, but it wasn't that big a deal - for the most part, it just meant another army that was even more honorable to slaughter than most armies. She followed her beloved Champion Matsu Tsuko into battle against the enemies of the emperor and everything was good. Then the Second Day of Thunder happened. Matsu Tsuko commited seppuku in the hopes of breaking the Emperor's control of her clan - choosing Toturi as her second. The lion split on a matter of honor as to who wanted to defend the Emperor and who wanted to defend Rokugan, and came to blows with one another (given her later behavior, it is likely that Ketsui was on the "defend the emperor" side of things). Then *Toturi* of all people comes down the hill and rallies them against the Shadowlands, then kills the emperor, then becomes the Emperor... and shows no real favor to the clan of his birth. Oh... and now she's been elevated to Matsu Diamyo - which means first that she now has to work directly for a bloody Ikoma, and second that she has to attend to formal duties. Well, fine then.

Oh, wait - no, it's worse. When Toturi hit the throne, that also meant that rather than a particularly weak emperor, now there's a particularly strong one, who's ready to crack down *hard* on anyone who starts up even a petty little brushfire war over a few measly square miles of easily justified contested border. Rather that train her troops (...and for what? What war could she train them for?) she has to hold this bloody Winter Court, full of people who are better at doing courts than she is, none of whom like or respect her. Worse than that, she can't even *make* them respect her. Well.

So... what does this mean?
- She hates us all, and she wants us to know that. She'd like nothing better than for someone to give her an excuse to kill them in a duel (she's an excellent duelist) or give her an honorable excuse to go to war (...even a small war. Is that too much to ask?) This is why the Crane brought the Kakita - because their overall strategy here is "make friends with everyone who is not the Matsu by pissing the Matsu way the hell off", and they want to give her reason to *not* challenge their courtier to a duel. Mind you, having her challenge their courtier to a duel anyway, and die by the blade of their Kakita... well, that wouldn't be a *bad* thing, by any means. Depending on how good that Kakita really is, it may even be on their list of objectives.

- The Ikoma, on the whole, are *not* on board with her plans. Their diamyo - the current Clan Champion - sees her as a loose cannon that he'd really like to reign in as best he can, and maybe, *maybe* start rebuilding some of the horribly shattered relationships they have with the other clans - preferably while working back into the Emperor's good graces. They'd probably be quietly grateful for some assistance along those lines... and for Naoto, quiet gratitude is the best kind of gratitude.

- The reason she responded so well to the Unicorn is that they gave her what no one else did - respect. They attempted to curry her favor as if she was a warrior and an honored and respected foe. As far as she's concerned, being seen as an honored and respected foe feels really good right now.

- The message those tantos were sending? "Hey - we beat the **** out of all of you. Also, you might want to have some weapons close at hand basically at all times. Just saying."

and I'm out. More later, probably.

I love the fact that Naoto has enough across-the-board lore that I can very nearly hit the wiki as an in-character act.

 

[Maugan Ra]

At the invitation, the attendees all rise to their feet in a flurry of motion and rising tide of (softly spoken) conversation. Bayushi Kimoko casts her gaze across the hall, sizing up each group in turn, and turns to regard you and Hanzo.

"Well, that was enlightening." She says in a calm, conversational tone of voice. "I rather imagine we're going to see a line or two drawn quite shortly. It should be interesting to observe."

There is a slight stress placed upon that last word, containing the order that you and Yogo Hanzo are both perceptive enough to pick up on. The three of you trade meaningless observations for a few moments more, then slowly drift apart in the sea of shifting bodies around you, seeking to identify and assess the major players in a bit more detail.

Personally, you move over towards the edge of the Hall, staying clear of the rapidly forming groups of conversing samurai in favour of inspecting the numerous works of art hung along the walls. They really are quite impressive, if of something of a bolder and more martial style than you might expect to find elsewhere, but you are more concerned with the excuse they provide for staying near the perimeter. From here you have a much easier time surveying the different trends that are already developing among the guests and other assorted attendees.

The majority of the samurai present are from the Lion Clan, as is perhaps to be expected, and they seem largely inclined to stick together rather than engage samurai from outside of their clan on anything resembling equal footing. There are exceptions - a pair of samurai wearing the Kitsu Mon have engaged the Dragon delegate in what seems to be a conversation about swordsmanship - but the overall pattern there is clear.

Near the far wall, the Crab and Crane delegations are speaking with one another. There is a degree of tension there, likely to do with the bad history the two Clans share regarding the Yasuki family, but the exchange seems fairly amicable so far. No one is reaching for their swords at any rate, and given the character of the Court so far that's probably the best you can hope for.

Yogo Hanzo appears to have fallen into a discussion with the Iuchi Shugenja from the Unicorn, and based on the way the two of them are drawing only the most cursory attention from the surrounding crowds the topic is likely only accessible to those who can speak with the Kami. Meanwhile the rest of the Unicorn are speaking to the Mantis about something, though it is difficult to tell what - they seem fairly animated, though, so presumably they've found something resembling common ground.

Otomo Kairyu has disappeared, as has Ikoma Genji, which leads you to suspect they are likely taking the opportunity provided to discuss some finer point of administrative business. All of which leaves the Phoenix, who are...

"A pleasant evening, is it not, Soshi-san?"

...right beside you, apparently. Your training was comprehensive enough that you manage to restrain the urge to visibly startle, instead turning to face Asako Tani as she steps around the nearest pillar.

Spoiler: Asako Tani

"Very much so, Asako-sama." You reply, bowing lower than she does in appropriate levels of deference. You cannot see the Shiba that serves as her Yojimbo, but you would be very surprised if he isn't somewhere nearby keeping an eye on the two of you. "I see the art has caught your attention as well?"

That is a polite fiction and you both know it - she has deliberately approached you, which means she has some sort of goal in mind, but as always with such things the appearance is more important than the substance. The Phoenix nods in agreement, turning to regard the nearest of the paintings, and you note that she is carrying a katana of her own. An unusual choice for someone who appears to be a courtier, but presumably she feels her skills sufficient to make the implicit statement.

"It is rather striking, isn't it? Bold, perhaps even fierce, and very eye-catching. Much like the Lion themselves in that way." She muses, glancing over at you. "Are you an artist, Soshi-san?"

There is often value in concealing your strengths and weaknesses, but claiming knowledge of a topic that someone wishes to discuss in depth is a sure method to obtain disaster, and so you shake your head. "I am afraid not, Asako-sama. I have an appreciation for the arts, but it is merely that of an interested amateur. My training has always been in more... cerebral pursuits."

"A fortunate coincidence." Asako Tani says, smiling as she lies to your face. "So was mine, though circumstances encouraged me to broaden my studies before too long. Have you a preferred area of study?"

What do you wish to discuss?
- [ ] Write in

GM's note - Thanks to Sage and your Intelligence you can pick almost any topic and avoid the embarrassment of ignorance. The primary impact of your choice is going to be the impression that the Phoenix have of you.

 

[Maugan Ra]

The Crab Clan

The Crab are a divisive subject in Rokugan today. Having stood guard against the Shadowlands on their great Kaiu Wall for over a millennium, after the Scorpion Coup and the ascendence of the Last Hantei they struck a deal with Jigoku and attempted to conquer the Empire. Crab armies, accompanied by demons and hordes of other horrific monsters, marched north into the heartland of the Empire. In 1128, they engaged and annihilated a Lion army under the command of Matsu Tsuko, and blockaded the Imperial City. After preparing for a short time, their champion Hida Kisada stormed the palace at the head of his army, aiming to kill the sickly child that he expected to find and seat himself upon the Emerald Throne.

What he found waiting for him was Fu Leng.

The Fallen Kami engaged Kisada in single combat and spent the next few minutes casually tossing the Champion through walls and solid pillars before embedding the Ancestral Sword of the Hantei in his gut. While this was going on the Crab's shadowlands allies turned on them and, with the advantage of complete surprise, inflicting serious casualties.

Realizing the depth of his mistake, Kisada retreated to the Wall and regrouped with his remaining soldiers, before marching back north to take part in the Second Day of Thunder. Victorious, he then spent the next two years slowly dying from the wound that Fu Leng had inflicted on him, finally passing away earlier this year.

At his funeral, Emperor Toturi declared Kisada to be the Fortune of Persistence, elevating him to the Celestial Heavens.

The current Crab Champion is Hida Yakamo, Kisada's son and the Clan Thunder. He lost his arm during the Scorpion Coup, had it replaced with a graft from a demon, then famously tore it from his own body when he realized the treachery of the Shadowlands. He currently has an arm of solid Jade, which no one knows the source of.

You have no idea of what the Crab Clan have done beyond that or what their current goals and alliances are like.

 

[Maugan Ra]

Dragon Clan

The current era is one of change and confusion for all of Rokugan, but perhaps none more so than the Dragon. For most of recorded history the children of Togashi have been content to stay in their own territory, located in the mountains near the northern border of Rokugan, pursuing enlightenment and observing the world below. They were strange and enigmatic, acting according to their own arcane insights and deciding on courses of action that rarely made much sense to the rest of Rokugan. Dragon armies would ocassionally march out of their mountains and intervene in ongoing conflicts in some unusual and precise fashion, then return home without a word of explanation. For a thousand years, the rest of the Empire wondered at the reasoning behind this, or else dismissed the Clan as being largely irrelevant.

Two years ago, the reasoning behind the Dragon's strange history finally became clear. Togashi Yokuni, the Dragon Clan champion, revealed himself to the world as Togashi-no-Kami, one of the first founders of the Empire and Fu Leng's one surviving brother. For a thousand years he had been guiding his Clan with prophetic foresight in preparation for this day. He commits his forces to the preservation of the Brotherhood of Shinsei, lends forces to Toruri the Black, convinces Bayushi Kachiko to stay in the capital and weaken Fu Leng, and otherwise does everything in his power to prepare the people of Rokugan for the Second Day of Thunder.

When the day came, he accompanied the Seven Thunders into the Imperial Palace and confronted Fu Leng. The Dark Kami cut Togashi down, mortally wounding him, but in his last moments the Dragon Champion turned to the Thunder Mirumoto Hitomi and commanded her to cut open his heart. Within was the last Black Scroll, which fully freed and empowered Fu Leng... and also made him mortal. With his last breath, Togashi gave his life to ensure that the mortal champions of the Empire could finish the job and defeat his fallen brother, slaying Fu Leng for good.

In the aftermath of the Second Day of Thunder, Mirumoto Hitmoi claimed the title of Dragon Clan Champion, being accepted unanimously by the Clan. She and her Clan returned to their mountains, seeking to understand what this change would mean for them as a people - their ancient Duty, to watch for the return of Fu Leng, had been fulfilled, and their immortal leader had finally perished. No one knows what the Dragon intend to do next - not even they themselves.

You don't know a lot about what the Clan as a whole intends or desires, but you know enough to make some guesses about their Champion. Mirumoto Hitomi is famous for her feud with the now Crab Champion Hida Yakamo - he killed her beloved brother years ago, and she dedicated herself to revenge. They met in duels three times, once during the Scorpion Coup, once during the Clan Wars and once during the Second Day of Thunder. In the first, Hitomi took Yakamo's arm and had to be dragged away by her kin before she murdered him. In the second, he took her arm in the Battle of Beiden Pass. In the third, she defeated him utterly (having found him weakened by a fight with an Oni) but left him alive in the knowledge that she could have killed him. It seems unlikely she will have forgotten him or the Crab entirely.

Secondly, the Mirumoto are known to have an enduring rivalry with the Kakita second only to that of the Matsu, one built around competing styles of dueling and general swordsmanship. It is something of a tradition for students of the two competing schools to duel when they meet, and given that the Crane have brought a Kakita to court you can likely expect to see a clash between the two of them at some point.

Finally, Mirumoto Hitomi herself is acting increasingly... strange. The hand she lost to Yakamo was replaced with one of living Obsidian, though again none know where she obtained it, and given that material's association with the Taint and Madness it can only be speculated what grafting it into your body would do. In addition to this, she seems to have obtained a portion of Togashi's divine essence after slaying him, which has empowered her even as it has changed her perspective. Now the Dragon Clan act in strange and mysterious ways even compared to their previous history, and none who have met the reclusive new champion can get a read on her thoughts or motivations.

 

[Maugan Ra]

Mantis Clan

Rokugan is a highly conservative nation, with social policies and a structured political system that has remained largely identical for over a thousand years. Individuals come and go, philosophies rise and fall, but there are certain constants that have remained all but unchanged since the very foundation of the Empire itself. It is a nation built by the Kami, children of the Sun and Moon, and it is ruled by their descendants.

The Mantis are not descended from a Kami. Their founder was Kaimetsu-Uo, the legitimate son of Hida Osano-Wo and his Matsu wife, and who was perhaps the first recorded samurai to forswear allegiance to his birth Clan. It is believed that they were the first samurai to ever willingly become ronin, though they retained a spiritual connection with their founder's divine father (who became the Fortune of Fire and Thunder), and they left what many considered to be Rokugan proper in order to claim territory of their own on the Islands of Silk and Spice. There they established a port and developed a school and philosophy of their own, creating and exploiting a dominance of the sea trade to become fantastically wealthy. Even so, legally they were still little more than ronin, and their habit for ocassional piracy did not endear them to the rest of the Empire.

In 429, the Mantis (as they called themselves) were finally invited to send an emissary to the Imperial Winter Court. Their Champion Gusai met the Emperor face to face, and claimed that steel was stronger than any amount of pretty words or cunning schemes. Amused, the Emperor offered to make him a lord if he could prove it. Gusai did so by drawing a hidden dagger and touching it to the Emperor's throat. For this act, the Mantis were granted Minor Clan status and dominion over their islands. Gusai himself was executed and his body thrown to the sharks.

For the next six centuries the Mantis continued to expand their navy and their financial operations, soon coming to absolutely dominate any kind of sea-going trade or warfare, though their minor status meant they didn't get as much respect as they might perhaps deserve within the rest of the Empire. They traded and warred with the gaijin, refined their ship designs and continued to pursue their own ambitions. Still, while none know how their history might have turned out if things had continued on that course, it seems unlikely they would have ever risen much further.

During the Clan Wars, the Mantis Champion Yoritomo recognized that the Minor Clans could never hope to oppose or even really survive the aggression of the Great Clans by standing on their own. He formed Yoritomo's Alliance, drawing together many of the minor clans so that they could support and reinforce one another, and in so doing have a notable impact on the course of the War as a whole. They fought on behalf of many different factions at various different times - it was Alliance ships that transported the Crab to Otosan Uchi, and Alliance forces that defended Crane lands after the battlefield losses prevented the Doji from effectively defending themselves.

On the Second Day of Thunder, Yoritomo delivered an ultimatum to Toturi - recognize the Mantis as a Great Clan, or see the Alliance depart before the battle began. Recognizing the need for every warrior he could acquire, Toturi agreed, and after the battle was over kept his word. The Mantis were elevated to the status of a Great Clan, the first to achieve such heights in over a thousand years.

Today, the Mantis are in a very strong position. Their trading networks and exclusive access to certain resources have made them exceptionally wealthy, and given that their territory lies off shore they had only the most minimal amount of rebuilding to do. They have a strong alliance with the Crane, which gives them much needed political support, and it is widely believed that several members of the Alliance are considering joining the Yoritomo family as part of the Mantis Clan. Given their relatively minor status for much of the Empire's history they even lack any major enemies in the other Clans.

The Mantis are strong, wealthy, highly ambitious and in the middle of a growth period. The only thing they lack is recognition by the more conservative elements of Rokugani society, such as the Lion.

 

[Maugan Ra]

Phoenix Clan

The Phoenix are in many ways the exception to a large number of rules the rest of the Empire holds to be self-evident. Samurai are warriors, sworn to kill and be killed, but the Phoenix are pacifists. The Great Clans are ruled by the children of the Kami, but Shiba knelt before Isawa. Shugenja are rare and train in specialized techniques, but the Phoenix boast masters of every element and field of study, including the world-changing Void magic. These differences have led to numerous misunderstandings and conflicts throughout the Clan's history.

The Clan War was brutal and unrelenting to the Phoenix, but in many ways the suffering that they endured came about as the result of their own actions. They were among the first to detect the growing darkness that was building to threaten Rokugan, and it was their Master of Earth Isawa Tadaka who brought back word of the gathering army of Yogo Junzo in the shadowlands. Pressured by growing Lion attacks on their borders, the Elemental Masters began to make ever more dangerous and risky decisions in their desire to understand and so defeat the coming darkness. They delved into topics that none should study, summoned and bound Oni in order to interrogate them, and eventually opened the Black Scrolls in their possession in order to learn their secrets.

In an absolute sense, these tactics were successful. The Phoenix learned a great deal about their enemy and his plans, and with that knowledge were able to take decisive action to slow and disrupt Fu Leng's ascension. They shattered cults, blasted apart armies of demons with elemental magic and provided many of the other Clans with information and support that was vital to the war effort.

Unfortunately, there was a price to pay for such success. Opening the Black Scrolls infects the Elemental Masters with the Shadowlands Taint, and from them it spreads to many of the Clan's Shugenja. Some are slain by their Yojimbo before they can do much harm, but far too many become truly Lost and either run amock or join forces with Fu Leng. The Second Day of Thunder costs the Phoenix all of their Elemental Masters, except for Isawa Kaede the Master of Void, as well as claiming the life of their Clan Champion.

Today, the Phoenix are a much reduced force. They were never a particularly large Clan, but their casualties and the damage inflicted to their lands has led some to believe that they might never be able to recover entirely. Shiba Tsukune, the new Clan Champion, is aggressively recruiting new Shugenja from anywhere she can, while the Clan as a whole focuses almost exclusively upon rebuilding and campaigning for an extended period of peace. They are not without claws - Naka Kuro, Grandmaster of the Elements has joined their ranks, and you have heard rumor that Isawa Kaede has been selected by the heavens to serve as the Oracle of Void - but unless things change severely the Phoenix are likely to spend the next generation recovering from the harm inflicted by this one.

 

[Maugan Ra]

"I have many interests, Asako-sama, though in truth they are all so interwoven and connected that picking just one is difficult." You answer, opting to display broad competence rather than narrow specialization. "History ties into geography which ties into spiritual matters and so on."

"A surprisingly theological way of looking at the world." Tani comments, the two of you slowly beginning to walk along the edge of the hall. It is harder to eavesdrop on a moving target, especially if you want to avoid being obvious about it, and while you doubt anyone is actually spying on you already there's no sense in taking chances. "Surely you must reach an end point eventually, though, as the river runs to the sea."

"And from the sea the water rises once more to become clouds." You counter gently. "I have yet to find any question that can be answered without provoking further questions. Perhaps your own field of study is different?"

"Not so much as you might think." Tani says thoughtfully, producing a wooden fan emblazoned with her family mon from inside her sleeve. "I am what my Clan calls a Loremaster. My duty is to study many different fields of knowledge, and from them construct a frame of reference that I might use to examine contemporary topics."

"An interesting approach, Asako-sama." You say, and mean it. The Scorpion are the Clan of Secrets, after all, and what is a secret but knowledge that you alone possess? No servant of Bayushi will ever dismiss the value of information, whether it be applied to the court or the battlefield. "My instinct would be to assume that such a technique is more easily applied to situations where the contributing factors are consistent."

Side by side, the two of you exit the main hall and move into one of the side corridors. Guests at Winter Court at generally given the full freedom of the castle, with the exception of those areas which are of military significance, so no one questions you just yet.

"That does help, but the world is less chaotic than you might assume." Asako Tani says, a small smile on her lips. "The courtiers might obfuscate and deceive one another from dawn to dusk, but it does not change the impact a drought is having on their border territories, or the objectives they hold as a result."

"And thus is geography applied to politics." You nod, turning and heading for the nearest flight of stairs leading up to the balcony overlooking the hall. Speaking there would give both reasonable levels of privacy and an excellent vantage point for observation. "One might likewise assume that knowing a samurai's family history and the deeds of their ancestors would allow you to predict their likely course of action."

"Subject, of course, to an understanding of Bushido and how they relate to it." Tani clarifies. "The actions of an individual human are in many ways more difficult to predict than general societal trends, especially when you operate from a distant overview."

"I imagine it would be frustrating to see all of one's observations rendered erroneous by man's failure to act in honourable fashion." You observe with a smile that is warmly returned. The irony of a Scorpion remarking on the moral failings of another is not lost on either of you. "Though perhaps one could compensate by knowing how pious the individual was."

"That can be useful, but one must compliment it with a broader base of theological knowledge." The Loremaster agrees as the two of you emerge onto the balcony. As expected, there are numerous works of art on display up here, each of their individual plinths, and between them are several tables set with Go boards. "A devout adherent of Bishamon will behave quite differently from one who primarily reveres Hotei."

"I have heard that our Mantis friends have particular reverence for Osano-Wo." You note thoughtfully, pausing by the balcony railing and looking down over the gently swirling crowd. "One might be inclined to believe them brash and forceful, if so."

"Often to the point of outright insult." The Phoenix agrees, joining you by the balcony. You distinctly remember several incidents involving the Mantis and the Phoenix which did not end well for anyone involved, so inviting comment on them seemed like a good way to get your companion to speak freely. Still, Tani is far too pious to simply leave that statement there. "An unfortunately common consequence when mere fallible mortals attempt to directly imitate the perfection of the Celestial Heavens."

The Asako turns to you with a curious expression on her face. "I have heard that the Scorpion maintain similar reverence for Hotei. Forgive me, Soshi-san, but I have always wondered about that. The Fortune of Contentment seems like an unusual patron for your Clan to take."

"Ah, that is simple, Asako-sama." You reply with a smile, remembering when your sensei first explained this to you. "We are the Clan of Loyalty, and a truly loyal samurai will always be content, for he knows and accepts the world and his place in it."

Asako Tani seems inclined to respond, but before she can a sudden disturbance in the hall below draws the attention of both of you. The various courtiers and bushi are slowly moving to the side of the hall, like water rippling away from a sudden impact. In the centre of the room, Matsu Ketsui is speaking with Bayushi Kimoko, her stance radiating hostility like hot coals.

Both samurai have one hand on the hilt of their swords.

What do you do?
[ ] Take advantage of the distraction
- [ ] To do what?
[ ] Observe Matsu Ketsui, in hopes of better understanding the local ruler.
[ ] Observe Bayushi Kimoko, in hopes of improving your own skills by following her example.
[ ] Observe the guests and how they react.
[ ] Intervene
- [ ] In what fashion?
[ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

Watching the unfolding confrontation from on high, you manage to tear your eyes away from your superior and the local Daimyo in order to focus on the rest of the guests. You can only assume that whatever is going on down there is part of some scheme by Bayushi Kimoko, and there will not be a better chance to observe the other emissaries in an unguarded moment than while they are disracted by something so obvious.

"Is that a challenge, Scorpion?" You hear Matsu Ketsui say in a low and deadly voice. "Strange, to find one of your Clan willing to step out of the shadows and actually face the consequences of your actions."

"My Clan has spent the last decade doing nothing but that, Matsu-sama." Kimoko responds in a deceptively light tone. "Roar as much as you like, we are not afraid of you."

The Crane are perfectly calm and composed... too much so. Someone who was truly calm would be more relaxed, but the children of Doji have frozen in place, unwilling to move so much as an inch for fear of revealing their emotions. Next to them, the Crab are leaning forwards and all but vibrating with anticipation, none more so than the two gigantic Hida bushi.

"You should be." You risk a quick glance at Matsu Ketsui, who is slowly shifting into a battle stance. Her golden eyes gleam with bloodthirsty excitement, and you look away with a suppressed shudder. "If you draw that blade, I will have your blood."

Next to you, Asako Tani appears outwardly composed, but her hand is clenching the railing so hard you almost expect the wood to splinter beneath her grip. It is a tension mirrored by the Unicorn below you, who seem torn between getting clear of the incoming disaster and drawing their own swords to join in.

"And I yours. Experience counts for a lot, and I have twenty years on you." Kimoko appears almost insanely calm, perhaps even detached, but from your current position you cannot see her expression. You can see the expression on the face of the Mantis courtier, who appears outright intrigued by this development, in the manner of a veteran sailor eying the horizon.

"Yes, I see the grey in your hair. Your mind must be failing at the same rate as your body, if you think a few years makes you anywhere near my equal."

The Dragon is absolutely serene... but the Lion around him are most certainly not. Most of them appear outright incredulous, as though they cannot quite believe what is happening in front of their eyes, but among the rest the most common emotion you can see is approval.

Struck by inspiration, you rapidly check the family mons each of the Lion wear, and swiftly find your suspicions confirmed. The Matsu in the hall are fierce and eager, surprised to see someone blatantly challenging their daimyo but oddly supportive of the action. Yet there is no hostility in them directed towards their own leader, as you might ordinarily suppose.

Slowly, you smile to yourself as understanding materializes. The Matsu are a family of warriors, samurai who pride themselves on charging into the very jaws of death without fear or hesitation. Bayushi Kimoko already has a reputation here, judging by her words and the encounter you had with the patrol on the way to the court. She is perhaps the one Scorpion that the Matsu might truly come to respect, and by acting this way in front of them she is reinforcing that image and building something resembling common ground... and in so doing, distancing herself from the Crane.

The Scorpion send warriors, who come with gifts and fearlessly challenge our finest. The Crane send courtiers with nothing but poisoned words who freeze in the face of danger.

"An interesting theory, Matsu-sama." Kimoko says with calm deliberation. Ever so slowly, she draws her sword, exposing the first inch of polished steel to the sound of a hundred subdued gasps. "Perhaps we should test it?"

For a brief moment, everything seems to hang in the balance. And then...

"An excellent idea, Bayushi-sama!" Ikoma Genji says in a loud and booming voice, striding back into the chamber with Otomo Kairyu on his heels. "Can I therefore take it that you will be entering the tournament we intend to hold in three days time?"

There is a faint click as Kimoko's sword returns to the sheath. Your superior bows to the Ikoma, a pleased smile on her face. "I should be honoured to do so, Ikoma-sama. It has been years since I have been able to truly test myself against fellow warriors, and I welcome the chance."

"Spoken like a true Samurai." Matsu Kentsui says with an air of grudging approval. "Let any who wish to prove themselves true children of the Kami register their names with my Karo before the event begins."

There is a ripple of interested murmurs breaking out across the hall at that exchange, and you notice that both Ikoma Genji and Doji Mariko glance up at you for a brief moment, as though making a note of what you look like. If you had to guess, you would conclude that you have just been identified as the point of contact for anyone who wants to deal with the Scorpion and not speak to a bloodthirsty lunatic.

Bayushi Kimoko looks up at you as well, and with a flick of her fan summons you to her side. You nod, then turn to Asako Tani.

"I apologize for the interruption, Asako-sama, but my lord requires my presence." You say politely. "I very much enjoyed our conversation, though."

"Likewise, Soshi-san." The Phoenix replies. "Hopefully we can continue at a later date."

The two of you bow to one another, and then part ways.

Do you wish to enter the fighting tournament yourself?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No

 

[Maugan Ra]

Schedule of the Winter Court

Winter spans four months - the Boar, Rat, Ox and Tiger (December - March). The following events are being sponsored or otherwise officially run by the Matsu, with the expectation that anything intended to occur in the rest of the court will be arranged by the guests themselves.

The Month of the Boar
- 1st day of the Boar: Opening of the Court. Gifts are exchanged between guest and host and introductions are made.

- 4th Day of the Boar: Display of Steel. This is a Kenjutsu tournament between all who wish to participate. Guests will each face a graduate of the Matsu Berserker school in a match to third blood in order to determine their worthiness, after which they will oppose one another in ranked matches through successive rounds of first blood elimination until a final victor is found. Note that fatalities will not be permitted, and that Shugenja trained in the healing arts will be on hand to ensure survival.

- 9th Day of the Boar: Festival of the River of Stars. This is a celebration of love and romance, and there will be many artistic works displayed and stories told, while the trees and other appropriate places are strung with paper ribbons bearing heartfelt wishes and prayers from those who desire the blessing of the heavens upon their romance.

- 15th Day of the Boar: Winding River Banquet. A formal dinner is held in the gardens, with guests seated around a small stream. Cups of rice wine are floated down the stream on pieces of wood, and samurai are expected to drink these and then recite a poem. This process is repeated until everyone is too drunk to safely continue.

- 23rd Day of the Boar: Festival of Lights. This is the shortest day in the year, and Rokugani traditionally mark it by lighting a great number of torches and lanterns and otherwise invoke fire in its role as light-bringer. This year there will be a contest of scouts, seeing who can navigate a dark obstacle course in order to deliver a package to their lord without being detected.

Month of the Rat

- 1st Day of the Rat: Bowman's Wager. This is an archery contest held between all samurai who wish to compete. The victor is to be rewarded with a prize from every participating Clan (though the victor's own Clan usually takes possession of the more political ones).

- 7th to 9th Days of the Rat: Festival of the Moon's Wrath. During this period, all Rokugani maintain a careful silence in order to venerate and appease Lord Moon. It is believed that uttering so much as a word during this time will draw the Moon's wrath, with fearful results.

- 20th - 23rd Days of the Rat: Hachiman's Tournament. The Fortune of Battles is honoured with three days of mock battles, military discussions and games of strategy, including a tournament of Go played before the eyes of the entire Court.

- 28th Day of the Rat: Koshin's race. In acknowledgement of the Fortune of Roads and of the importance Beiden Pass plays in the Empire's history, this day features a race back and forth along the Pass. Given the heavy snow and extended distance this is more a contest of endurance rather than speed.

Month of the Ox

- 3rd Day of the Ox: Jurojin's blessings. This day is dedicated to the Fortune of Longevity, and involves a story-telling contest. Every Samurai at court will tell of a lesson they have learned during the preceding year, before the eyes of their fellow guests and several animals. Emphasizing certain elements to make a better story is permissible, but since it is believed that the Fortune himself can see out through the eyes of the animals present, actual lying is believed to be both blasphemous and spectacularly unwise.

- 10th Day of the Ox: The Day of Waiting. In honour of Emma-O, many samurai choose to spend this day in quiet contemplation and meditation. The Matsu have a tradition of fasting for an extended period while surrounded by an array of incredibly delicious and nourishing food, which they may not touch, as an exercise in discipline.

- 18th Day of the Ox: In honour of Tengen, Fortune of Writing and Literature, this day will involve presentations of calligraphy. The contestant may choose the topic, and all guests cast their votes for the superior work.

Month of the Tiger

- 10th Day of the Tiger - Festival of Uzume. In reverence of the Fortune of Dancing, this day is given over to displays and contests of many different kinds of dance.

- 25th Day of the Tiger: Yozo's Vengeance. This day is thought to be sacred to the Fortune of Vengeance, and it is believed proper to resolve any feuds exclusive to the Winter Court by this day, one way or the other.

- 28th Day of the Tiger: New Year's Eve. This ceremony is one of cleaning and preparation for the start of the new year. Every home and temple is cleaning and ritually purified as thoroughly as possible, and bells are rung to drive away evil spirits.

 

[Maugan Ra]

After the rather dramatic conclusion to the first day of court, your delegation spends much of the evening in your quarters, quietly discussing what you have learned about the personalities and intentions of the representatives from the other Clans. Yogo Hanzo seems reasonably confident that he can handle speaking to the Unicorn and the Dragon, though he is also willing to make introductions for the two of you if other developments require it.

Halfway through your deliberations a low ranking Lion samurai arrives with a scroll detailing the full schedule of the Court, as well as an invitation for Bayushi Kimoko to dine with the Matsu Daimyo the following evening. Your superior accepts with a smile, waiting until the Lion has gone before turning back to you.

"I expect I will be fully occupied with the Matsu for most of the court." She says thoughtfully. "I believe I can handle the higher level negotiations with them. Soshi-san, prioritize the Crane for the moment. They hate the Lion and the Lion hate them, so being on good terms with both allows us to act as intermediaries."

"Hai, Bayushi-sama." You say with a nod. "I believe I can arrange that."

-/-

Your sleep is not particularly comfortable, for the quarters that the Lion have provided are spartan in the extreme. Still, you are not so thin skinned as to complain about such minor problems. You do not dream.

The next morning, you are woken to the sound of a hundred roaring voices, backed by the endless clatter of wood against wood. It appears that the Lion rise with the sun, and have no intention of slacking on their training just because of the cold air. There are several units already moving through a series of katas and exercise routines on the parade ground outside, and they are far from quiet. Grimacing, you make a mental note to avoid late nights, since recovering with extended rest the following morning seems like it will be somewhat difficult.

A servant brings a message along with your food, confirming your invitation to play Go with Daidoji Chen. A quick check confirms that the standard schedule will be followed here - court is officially open until noon, after which the rest of the day is left free for the guests to occupy themselves. After a moment's consideration, you write back with a request to play during court itself, on the upper balcony, so that you might be near at hand if your lord requires your services.

Chen agrees, and so the morning finds you once again on the balcony that you used to speak with Asako Tani the evening before. Several of the Go boards here are occupied already, primarily by Lion officers, but you spot the Daidoji at the far end of the balcony sitting by a spare board in a location where he can view the entire hall with a glance. This seems appropriate, but you are somewhat surprised to note that Doji Mariko has located a cushion and is kneeling next to the board as well.

Spoiler: Doji Mariko

This is an unexpectedly direct step. Normally you would have expected the Crane to keep contact between you to a minimum initially, allowing Chen to get a good feel for your personality before introducing you to his superior, but it seems they have opted to skip that initial step. Still, you can't exactly turn around now, and so you fix your On in place and approach the board.

"Ah, Soshi-san, good to see you." Daidoji Chen says, rising and bowing to you politely as you approach. "Please, allow me to introduce Doji Mariko."

The Crane courtier smiles at you and likewise bows, though not as deeply as her subordinate. "Good morning, Soshi-san. I hope I am not intruding - Daidoji-san is instructing me in the game and believed it would be educational to witness a match between him and an opponent from outside the Clan."

"That sounds like a fine idea, Doji-sama." You reply, bowing to them both and taking your seat on the other side of the Go table. "I myself have never played anyone outside of my Clan. I hope the experience will be educational for us all."

Doji Mariko smiles. "I'm sure it will be, Soshi-san."

How do you wish to play?
[ ] Play to win
[ ] Play to lose (non-obviously)
[ ] Play to prolong the game and thus conversation.

It would be rude to remain silent during the game. What will you talk about?
[ ] Allow the Crane to set the tone
[ ] Choose a topic to speak about (write in)