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

[Maugan Ra]

"I will of course need to consult my lord, Otomo-sama, but subject to her approval I would be honored to accompany you." You say with only the slightest degree of hesitation. The Otomo is planning something, or working on some scheme in which your assistance will prove valuable, of this you have no doubt. It is simply the specifics which escape your immediate comprehension. That is a situation which can be remedied with a few questions.

"If I am to serve as your Yojimbo, Otomo-sama, I believe I must ask if there are any specific threats I should be aware of." You open cautiously. Yojimbo tend to be assigned for a lifetime, or at the very least for the duration of a court, so borrowing one from another Clan for only a single meeting seems most unusual. The obvious reason would be that Otomo Kairyu expects to be attacked or otherwise threatened during it, though who would make such a move against an Imperial functionary is another question entirely.

"Hm. A valid question." The courtier allows. "As with all things, it comes back to the Emperor. Lord Toturi-dono, long may he reign, has conceived of a potential way in which the Empire may be strengthened and its prosperity ensured. Being a wise and insightful man, he has commanded that my family provide him with all of the information he requires in order to make a truly informed judgement on the matter. My talks with Kitsu Ami will allow me to gather some of that information."

You blink in momentary surprise. It is one thing to know that the Imperial families work closely with the Son of Heaven, it is quite another to meet one acting on the direct orders of such an exalted being. Then your mind moves past the initial shock and dissects that deliberately vague set of statements in search of the truth behind them.

"Forgiveness, Otomo-sama, but that would appear to suggest that only those who are directly opposed to the strength and prosperity of the Empire would be inclined to pose a direct threat to your mission." You say cautiously. You are not so blind as to assume that all of the Otomo or the Emperor's other advisors would agree on the best selection of information to present to their lord, but you don't need a Yojimbo to defend against threats like that.

Otomo Kairyu smiles and takes a sip of his tea. "Precisely, Soshi-san."

-/-

You are still mulling over the possible meanings of that reply hours later, after court has already started. It is only when your opponent coughs slightly than you realize you have been staring at the Go board in contemplative silence for too long.

"My apologies, Daidoji-san." You say, placing a piece upon the board and sitting back again. "I have many duties of late, and my mind wanders under the weight of my thoughts. There is no slight intended against your impeccable skills."

Daidoji Chen simply smiles thinly, contemplating the board in turn. "You do not need to apologize, Soshi-san. Nor do you need to make excuses." His smile grows slightly more pronounced. "I am quite familiar with the distraction posed to a young man by thoughts of a beautiful woman."

Despite yourself, you colour slightly, and curse internally as you work to regain your composure. "Are you married, then, Daidoji-san?"

"A widower, actually." The Crane says with a deliberately bland tone. "But rest assured, I am not going to pose a threat to your wellbeing if you decide to pursue Doji-sama any further."

You blink a few more times, utterly wrong footed, before falling back on the teachings of your sensei - sometimes, it is best to admit weakness and take refuge within. "Ah. Am I truly so obvious, Daidoji-san?"

"Not at all, Soshi-san, and I apologize for being so direct about this." Chen replies. "But I was trained as a Bushi, not a courtier, so my skill at speaking in metaphor and allegory is often insufficient. My family are the defenders of the Doji, and it is that which concerns me the most."

There is no particularly tone or inflection to his voice, and his stance is still perfectly relaxed, but you cannot avoid a sudden surge of tension as the Crane Bushi looks at you. "I am curious, however - is this merely a pleasant diversion you are intent upon, or something more serious?"

Respond:
- [ ] A pleasant diversion
- [ ] Serious interest
- [ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

Conveniently, all of the votes actually tend towards the same general outcome, so I'll write with that in mind.

-/-

This is not a question to be answered lightly, for although Daidoji Chen is apparently not romantically involved with Doji Mariko, he is still her bodyguard and fellow Crane. The 'Iron Crane' are renowned for making problems to their Clan go away, whether that means via economic incentives or a battlefield assassination, so it would not do to give the impression that you could pose a threat to his charge. That would likely end... poorly.

"To a large degree, that will depend on Doji-sama. She is a fine samurai - as charming as she is cunning." You say thoughtfully, though it occurs to you that not all samurai would be inclined to view comments on their cunning from a Scorpion in a positive light. "Any thought of pursuing something more serious would at the very least require that I learn more about her. One must tread delicately in matters such as this, for I would never wish to place her in a position where she must choose between her duty and her heart."

"I feel confident that any true samurai would place their duty before mere personal concerns." Chen says in tones of quiet warning, and you nod in agreement.

"Naturally. Still, it is better not to be placed in such a position to begin with, yes?" You wait for Chen to signal agreement, which he does with a grudging nod. "If such a conflict of interest could be avoided, however... I believe we might both enjoy the beauty of the winter snow."

The Daidoji appears to consider this for a long moment, and you steadfastly refuse to tense up or otherwise behave in a way not befitting of your station. Eventually, he nods once more, and smiles slightly in understated approval.

"Well, you seem to understand the potential risks, and I cannot ask for more." He allows, making another move on the Go board. "I might advise you to keep an eye on Sekawa-san, however."

You pause, holding your own playing piece in your hand. "The Kakita duelist?"

"Indeed. If I am not mistaken, he is quite smitten with his old childhood friend." Chen says, unashamedly enjoying himself. "I do hope you won't let something like that discourage you."

-/-

Later on in the evening, as you are returning to your quarters, you catch sight of one of the servants assigned to your wing acting rather oddly. It is the young woman that you asked about possible sources of entertainment in the town, and she is lurking in the door to a small side passageway near the entrance to your delegation's assigned quarters. When she sees you, she steps out and bows deeply to you.

"Greetings, samurai-sama." She says, her voice quavering slightly. "Please forgive me for coming forwards like this, but I need help and do not know where else to turn."

You study her, intrigued. It appears that your policy of being courteous towards the heimin might be paying off - everything about their reactions has indicated that your behaviour is quite different from that which they receive at the hands of their own lords, and now one of them is approaching you on her own initiative because of it. Silently, you gesture for her to continue, trying to remember her name - Wren, that was it.

"It is... my uncle, samurai-sama." She says uncertainly. "The one who works at the Theater? He has been arrested by the magistrates. They will not tell me what for, but I am sure he is innocent - he is a loyal man, and has never broken a law in his life. Please, can you do something?"

Respond
- [ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

"I will see what I can do." You say simply, aware that you are not promising much but still managing to give a fine impression of your willingness to help. "However, I will need information - anything you can tell me would be useful. For example, do you know when he was arrested, or anything of the circumstances? Did the magistrate tell you anything at all?"

The peasant woman all but falls over herself bowing in gratitude for your assistance, no matter how limited. "Fortunes bless you, samurai-sama." She says, still not daring to even approach looking you in the eye. "My uncle - his name is Strong Birch - was arrested yesterday. The magistrates took him from his place of work, in the Five Arches theater - they say he is a smuggler, that he has violated trade tariffs. He's not even a merchant!"

Wren takes a moment to control herself before continuing, evidently not wishing to be seen as immature or otherwise incapable. "The magistrates will not tell me anything, and I dare not press my luck, for they would not be kind to one who has forgotten her place. But... the doshin assigned to our district, Taru, I have heard him arguing with my uncle before. He likes to drink when off duty, and there have been troubles before. I think... I think he is lying to his superiors, and trying to use their borrowed authority to crush those who would stand up to him."

She falls silent at that, as though not quite daring to believe in her own boldness. You nod slowly, filing away the details in your mind.

"You should return to your duties, Wren-san." You say quietly, honouring the peasant by using her name. "I will look into this, and we will see what transpires."

The servant bows to you again, then hurries off. You stay there for a moment, contemplating the possibilities. If the doshin is indeed corrupt, then quietly resolving the issue before it becomes a public matter and brings shame to the magistrate in question would be the best course of action. The question is how to do that.

-/-

The next morning, you make sure to properly bathe and dress in a kimono of suitable if understated quality before calling upon Otomo Kairyu. At his request, you are not wearing armour, likely because of the image it would project to those he intends to meet. However you still have the benefit of your swords to call upon, and you have known more than one enemy to hesitate when confronted with the menacing form of a Bayushi Bushi.

Otomo Kairyu is, for his part, dressed relatively simply, in a business-like kimono of gold and brown. You doubt the use of Lion colors was an accident, nor the visible wakizashi hanging from his side. Of course, the true defense of an Otomo is their authority and their well known connection to the Emperor. Only a fool or a traitor attacks a member of the Imperial families - at least where anyone else can see.

"Soshi-san." He greets you with a nod. "I trust you are ready?"

"Hai, Otomo-sama." You say with a short bow. "Lead on. I will follow, and serve as your blade."

"Hopefully not a precaution that will become necessary, but the Empire was not built on hope alone." Kairyu says with a small smile. "We are heading into the town first - Kitsu Ami's offices are located there."

With that he heads off, moving with the deliberately slowed pace of a man well aware of his own importance and determined not to hurry for anyone or anything. You fall into pace at his side and slightly behind him, the traditional position of a Yojimbo, and busy yourself with discreetly observing the surroundings for potential threats.

Truthfully, you would be immensely surprised if there was trouble before you had even left the confines of Shiro Matsu proper, but since any harm to the Otomo would demand you open your own belly in shame, you feel a little extra caution is warrented.

It is only as you pass through the walls and head towards the town itself that Otomo Kairyu deigns to speak once more.

"You family have a long history of law enforcement, do they not Soshi-san?" He asks in an almost conversational fashion, and you have to stop yourself from turning all of your attention towards him (and away from the surroundings) as you respond.

"Hai, Otomo-sama. The Soshi Magistrates are said to be trained in the same techniques that Soshi Saibankan taught to his own yoriki, after the original establishment of the magistrate system."

"And yet you yourself did not train in your family's school." The Otomo comments quietly. You remain silent, unsure of how to answer the observation or even if an answer is required. "Are any of your immediate relatives magistrates, Soshi-san?"

Respond:
- [ ] Write in

QM's note - This is largely an excuse for me to foster some of the character background detail off on you lot. Naoto's family will come up in the future, and I'd like to see what ideas you have for them, as well as how it might have influenced his own character.

Similarly, if you have any suggestions for why Naoto was trained as a Bushi rather than in his family school (which could be anything from a political arrangement to an embarrassing incident in his youth) feel free to share.

 

[Maugan Ra]

"Hai, Otomo-sama. Both of my parents are magistrates." You say calmly, and with a degree of pride. Most graduates of a magistrate school find themselves working as yoriki or watchmen, but your family has produced enough fine samurai over the years that both your mother and father secured appointments as true Clan Magistrates. It is a great expression of trust on the part of your superiors, and it makes the rest of your statement somewhat difficult to admit to, but you are not about to lie to a valued ally. "I did not follow in their footsteps, as they deemed me... ill-tempered, and unsuited to carry on the traditions."

Otomo Kairyu raises an eyebrow at that, evidently surprised that you would be so honest. Filial loyalty is incredibly important in Rokugan, and to admit that you were a disappointment to your own parents would normally be a mark of serious shame. Fortunately there are advantages to being a Scorpion, and where some would believe this truth to be a crippling weakness, you have long since turned it into a strength. You know who and what you are, and that forms an unshakeable foundation that supports everything you say and do.

"Truly, Soshi-san?" Kairyu asks, and you sense that he is genuinely interested, instead of simply making polite conversation. "I should not have thought it, based on my experience of you so far."

"You are too kind, Otomo-sama." You reply modestly, still scanning the surroundings as you make your way into town and begin moving down one of the main streets towards the magistrate station. There are a great many people about, primarily heimin and the occasional eta, but they all give you and your ward an appropriate amount of space. "My mouth was 'almost bigger than my brain', to use a precise quotation, and that was a source of frustration to many. Eventually I was sent to study with the Bayushi, in hopes that they might make me into a useful asset to the Clan."

You pause for a moment, thinking back over all that you have said and done so far on your assignment to Bayushi Kimoko's delegation. This mission is important to you personally - quite aside from its value to the Clan, performing well here will hopefully allow you to reconcile with your parents and the rest of your immediate family. It is something you truly desire, even knowing that desire itself is a sin. "It... seems to have worked."

Investigation (Notice)/Perception 3k2 = 21

You cannot say precisely what it is that alerts you to the danger. Perhaps it is the sudden shadow cast by someone moving in front of the weak winter sunlight. Perhaps it is a flurry of movement in the corner of your vision. Perhaps it is even the guidance of your ancestors themselves. All you know is that your gaze snaps to one of the nearby rooftops almost of its own accord, your hand flying to the hilt of your sword.

There is a figure crouched there, clad in simple peasant's garb and wearing a mask of badly stained cloth that obscures their features. They have a bow in their hands, and have knocked an arrow to the string in readiness to fire. As adrenaline floods your system, you see them raise the bow with an almost agonizing slowness, aiming directly towards you. No, not at you - at the man you are protecting.

Someone is firing a bow at Otomo Kairyu. You have spotted them early enough to choose your own response. What do you do?
[ ] Interpose yourself and take the hit.
[ ] Shove Otomo Kairyu out of the way. Dignity is for those still alive to value it.
[ ] Throw a random peasant into the line of fire. Their life is of less worth than a samurai of the Imperial Families.
[ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

Reflexes/Kenjutsu + Void 6k4 = 29

There is no time for thought, no opportunity for careful reflection and a thorough consideration of options and consequences. Even now you can see the assassin's fingers releasing the string to his bow, see the arrow shivering as it leaps towards its target. There is only time to act.

Your sword clears its sheathe with the faintest of ringing sounds, flashing in the light as you swing it around in a tight arc. The sound and motion draw the eye of almost everyone in the street, for a thousand years of consistent history have bred a reverence for the katana into the people of Rokugan - samurai and peasant alike are draw to the sudden release of steel and as such dozens of eyes come to rest upon you in that one brief instant.

The arrow flies straight and true, slashing through the air with a faint hissing noise, and the razor edge of your blade intercepts it barely more than arm's length from Otomo Kairyu's vulnerable torso. Wood splits apart under the force, fragments radiating out in a broad arc that carries them safely clear of your ward, and you allow yourself to breath for the first moment since spotting the assailant.

Otomo Kairyu looks down at the splintered remains of the arrow, shock causing his On to slip for the briefest moment and reveal the genuine sense of alarm he feels. You look away to spare him the shame of any witness to such a momentary loss of control, instead holding your sword out and pointed directly towards the masked archer on the roof.

"That bowman is attacking Otomo-sama!" You roar, as loudly and clearly as if you were on the battlefield, and all across the street people stiffen to attention. "Try to take him alive!"

There are half a dozen Lion samurai on the street, a patrol of some kind having emerged from an adjoining alley just in time to witness everything, and they react with commendable speed. Four of them turn and charge off towards the bowman, the crowds parting around them like waves before a ship's keel, while the other two close upon you and the Otomo at a flat run.

If the assassin feels angry or frustrated at the failure of their ambush, it does not show in their stance. Instead, they abandon the bow where they kneel and turn to flee, dropping down on the far side of the building and vanishing from your line of sight.

The two Lion samurai slide to a halt around you, immediately turning outwards to scan the surrounding crowd and watch for any other possible attackers. Grudgingly, you have to admit that the speed of their trained reactions are impressive, especially since you did not see any kind of actual signal being relayed between members of the patrol before it split up. It seems safe enough to take your own eyes off the crowd for the brief moment required to check on your temporary superior.

"Otomo-sama, are you injured?" You ask, your voice calm and businesslike.

"I am unharmed, Soshi-san." Otomo Kairyu replies with equal restraint, his mask of self control back in place. "Your skill and dedication are to be commended. For now, I believe getting to our destination swiftly would be the best course of action."

You take the suggestion as the order it is, turning back to the two Lions who appear to have volunteered themselves as additional escorts. "Otomo-sama is to meet with the magistrate Kitsu Ami-same at her office. The quickest and least vulnerable route, please."

One of the Lions nods sharply, all inter-clan conflict forgotten in the face of this attack, and together the four of you hurry off through the streets.

-/-

Soshi Naoto has saved the life of an Imperial dignitary in broad daylight in front of dozens of witnesses, and in a particularly dramatic and memorable style to boot. He gains two points of Glory.

Otomo Kairyu will remember this. He is now an Ally with Moderate Influence and a single point of Devotion.

-/-

The magistrate's station is, as perhaps is to be expected from a Matsu facility, built rather like a small fortress in the midst of the town. Lion Samurai guard the entrances and other access points with ceaseless vigilance, making sure that the station remains sacrosanct against any who would seek to free those held within or harm the samurai engaged in their sacred duty.

There are no more assailants along the way, but you and your escorting Lion do not slow down, swiftly escorting Otomo Kairyu within the walls and only then daring to relax. The Imperial is escorted inside and a samurai dispatched to notify the magistrate of his arrival, but a quick conversation makes it clear that the initial briefing is to be a private one, and thus you are momentarily left to your own devices.

It seems inevitable that Otomo Kairyu will summon you again before too long, if only because he wants to leave or otherwise requires your assistance, but until then you potentially have a window of opportunity here. What will you do with it?

What do you wish to do?
[ ] Wait patiently to be summoned
[ ] Speak to one of the yoriki (samurai assistants to the magistrate)
[ ] Speak to one of the doshin (peasant assistants to the magistrate)
[ ] Go and study the prisoners currently being held here
[ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

It would not do to wander too far, you conclude, for the summons from Ikoma Kairyu or the local magistrate may come at any time. Even so, that still leaves you with several options, and after a moment's thought you decide to see if you can speak with one of Kitsu Ami's yoriki. A settlement the size of Shiro Matsu might have half a dozen true magistrates, of which it sounds as though the Kitsu is the most senior, but so few samurai could never truly hope to impose law and order over so many other people. Thus, it has long been a tradition and eventually legal right for a magistrate to second other samurai to her own household, in order to assist in investigating crimes and confronting those responsible. You are unlikely to find a better source of information on the law than one who stands at the side of those who enforce it.

It does not take long to locate one possible source. There is a small desk set up in the corner of the compound, covered in scrolls and a detailed map of the local area. Studying it with careful intensity is a thin, almost cadaverous looking samurai who bears the mon of the Ikoma family upon his kimono. He looks up and then straightens as you approach.

"Soshi-sama." He says in a voice made dry and hoarse by too many years of frequent shouting. "I was hoping to speak with you. I am Ikoma Ganyu, yoriki to the magistrate Kitsu Ami."

You bow to him politely. "A pleasure to meet you, Ikoma-sama, and please - no such honorifics are necessary. I am but a humble bushi."

"A humble Bushi who saved my lord from a considerable degree of embarrassment." Ganyu replies dryly. "For that, you have in turn earned the right to refer to me as peer and not superior."

Embarrassment? Your mind flits through the possibilities for a moment before deducing the likely answer. If Otomo Kairyu had been murdered in the streets, it is likely that much shame would have fallen upon those whose job it is to keep the streets safe for guests to walk upon. That the attempt was made at all is doubtless something of an embarrassment, but there is much to be said for mitigating the problem through swift action, and as a result the local magistrates will probably be positively inclined to you for the moment. The trick is figuring out how far you can push that without causing their opinion to go sour.

"My thanks, Ikoma-san." You say smoothly, not allowing your thoughts to show on your face. "You said you were hoping to speak to me?"

"Hmm, yes. I would like to record your testimony about the incident, while the memory is fresh in your mind." Ganyu explains. "Would you be willing to provide such assistance?"

"Naturally." You reply, as is polite. "Where should I begin?"

For the next five or ten minutes, Ikoma Ganyu questions you most thoroughly about the brief encounter, asking questions about the assailants tactics and equipment that you do your best to answer. He takes few notes, only jotting down an errant word or phrase here and there, and you can only assume that his memory is sufficiently precise to make up for the reduced records. Eventually he concludes the brief interview and frowns to himself, staring at the map of Shiro Matsu laid out before him.

"As I suspected. Thank you, Soshi-san, you have been most helpful." He says thoughtfully. "As a Yojimbo, however temporary, you will doubtless be pleased to hear that this was almost certainly not an attack aimed at Otomo Kairyu-sama specifically. Rather, it was targeted at an agent of the Imperial Bureaucracy."

You raise one eyebrow in polite inquiry. "Forgiveness, Ikoma-san, but I would not normally expect a lone attacker to engage in what sounds like open rebellion."

"It is a lingering problem." Ikoma Ganyu grudgingly admits. "There was a great deal of social upheaval and confusion during the days leading up to the Second Day of Thunder. That created an environment in which certain lawless and dishonorable types could thrive. With the glorious ascension of Toturi-dono to the Emerald Throne, Imperial Law and stability is being reintroduced to the land once again. Some find this unwelcome, and seek to deliberately destabilize the process. We are hunting them down and purging them, of course, and I suspect that our operations were what made them desperate enough to try something of this magnitude."

He stops, as though surprised with himself for being so forthcoming.

You have the opportunity to try and steer the conversation in a particular direction here. Please decide what you will ask about.
[ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

"To cut a weed out by the roots is hard and tiring work, but necessary if one hopes to truly destroy it." You observe, falling back on the traditional elements of polite discourse and employing metaphor and allegory rather than speaking directly. "Your dedication and perseverance are to be commended, Ikoma-san."

"You are too kind, Soshi-san." The slender yoriki says, inclining his head in recognition of the compliment. "Too many are inclined to overlook the work that the magistrates do. There is no shame in this, for as Akodo-no-Kami said 'a true samurai is modest', but it does make our work somewhat harder than it might otherwise be."

Ganyu is being surprisingly forthcoming and open with you, considering that you have just met, and you begin to suspect that his cadaverous build is probably due more to accumulated stress than any simple illness. Considering how proud and bloodthirsty the Matsu are reputed to be, the work of a magistrate's assistant here is probably a constant balancing act, with bared steel awaiting one who tips too far in the wrong direction. Perhaps if the Matsu were more considerate it wouldn't be so easy to manipulate their less appreciated kin? Their loss, your gain.

"That seems strange to me, Ikoma-san, but then I am of the Soshi. Our family has always been highly involved with the legal system, and both of my parents are magistrates themselves, so I suppose my perspective is uncommon." You say casually, with the air of a samurai making friendly conversation while he awaits his next set of orders. "Still, one would hope that there are not too many differences. Presumably you are as involved with traffic through the pass as we are?"

"Ah, Beiden Pass." Ikoma Ganyu says with a long-suffering sigh. "Truly, it is an honour to serve my Clan in such a strategically important and historically significant location, but there is no denying that my life would be vastly simpler without it. Every Clan, Great and Minor, sends traffic through it on a regular basis, and all of that traffic must be monitored and protected. My specific task is to maintain the records of all that passes through, that it might be provided to the magistrates upon request. I begin to fear that the ink will stain my fingers permanently."

You raise an eyebrow at this, thinking of Pale Oak. The yoriki seems to have much the same role as the heimin... but Pale Oak, as you understand it, operates with the benefits of a full support network and several assistants. If Ikoma Ganyu is supposed to do all of that by himself, then he must be tremendously overworked. You suspect there is someone else out there doing much the same thing but only providing the information to military officers, and another for economics, since it would make no sense to have a magistrate's assistant do all of the work for the entirety of Shiro Matsu. A serious amount of duplicated work is being produced if that is the case, but inter-departmental cooperation has never been a common element in Rokugani bureaucracy.

"Interesting. Ikoma-san, I have something of a request." You say carefully, making sure to frame this in the right fashion. "As part of my duties to Bayushi Kimoko-sama, I am responsible for providing regular briefings on similar topics to those you provide for your own superiors. I brought several peasant scribes and other assistants with me for this purpose. Might it be possible to arrange for them to observe your own work at a convenient juncture? Doubtless we could learn a great deal from your example, including ways to improve the service I provide to my lord."

Ikoma Ganyu's eyes light up at the suggestion. The same considerations that disallow a practical gift make it effectively impossible to outright loan him some trained scribes to assist in his work, but by framing it as a request you have given him enough room to sidestep any issues that might arise from obtaining such support outside his Clan. Besides, peasants are peasants, and thus not thought of in terms of Clan affiliation for the most part - it is likely that most of his fellow Lions simply won't even think to ask about such matters.

"That sounds like a fine idea, Soshi-san." He says, hiding his enthusiasm as much as propriety dictates. "I will have to consult with my own superior's first, of course. In the mean time, since you are our guest in Shiro Matsu, perhaps I might use some of my free time and help show you around our fine city."

You nod politely, noting that he likely doesn't want the rest of his comrades being immediately aware of such negotiations. "That would be very much appreciated, Ikoma-san. I have heard many fine things about the actors and storytellers of the Lion, and have been thinking of going to see a play at some point when my own lord does not require my services." You pause for a moment, just long enough to disguise the deliberate nature of your enquiries. "I have heard that the Five Arches theater is quite well regarded?"

Ganyu winces, before swiftly smoothing out his expression once more. "The Five Arches is indeed a fine establishment, Soshi-san, but I would not recommend it at the present." He says politely. "We currently have the theater's manager in custody on suspicion of smuggling. One of the doshin overheard a conversation between him and an unknown party regarding the concealment of contraband goods within the theater. An unfortunate business, but hopefully one that can be resolved quickly, and then the Arches can be reopened under a different manager."

How do you proceed?
[ ] Press for the manager's release.
- [ ] What argument do you use?
[ ] Abandon the manager and arrange a meeting with Ganyu elsewhere.

QM's note - If you choose to press for Strong Birch's release, there are multiple different angles you could pursue. I will be determining how successful you are with a Courtier and/or Sincerity roll, with the TN determined by how convincing your argument is.

 

[Maugan Ra]

You nod thoughtfully, seemingly considering the import of what Ikoma Ganyu has imparted to you. There is an art to steering a conversation, for one must be both charismatic or manipulative enough to control the flow of conversation while also being subtle enough to avoid anyone realizing what you are doing. Fortunately, the Ikoma is not a trained courtier, and likely has limited experience with people trying to do the sort of things you have been taught. The stage has therefore been set, and all that remains is to follow through.

"Oh? That is... surprising." You say slowly, as though weighing your options. "The Soshi family... we have sources, you understand, and I was given certain information before I came here. None of it mentioned the Five Arches Theater in any way."

Ikoma Ganyu frowns. "I'm not sure what you are implying here, Soshi-san. Unless you mean that your family is involved with the smuggling into and out of Shiro Matsu?"

They might very well be, come to think of it, but you're far too junior to be told about it if they were and not stupid enough to admit to it in any case. Instead, you sidestep the not-quite-accusation. "It is a facet of our magistrate's traditions and methodologies, Ikoma-san. We are patient hunters, tracking our prey back to the nest rather than slaying them as soon as we become aware of their existence." You say smoothly, remembering your parents explaining this very issue to you when you were younger.

"Ah. And of course, any smuggling through Beiden Pass would have to pass through both of our lands. I can see why you would keep tabs on such things." Ganyu says thoughtfully. He glances at you sharply. "Naturally, your family would have informed my superiors before taking any action against such a network."

Well, no, but a small lie in the interests of politeness won't hurt. "Naturally, Ikoma-san, which is why I am concerned. If he was smuggling, then our sources are woefully misinformed. I would like a chance to look into that." You shrug in what you hope is a disarming manner. "And if he is not smuggling, why, it seems a shame to disrupt the management of such a fine theater."

Ikoma Ganyu says nothing, merely studying you with a peculiar intensity. You would rather hope that he respond and give you an opening to present your request, but he does not seem inclined to do any such thing. Rather than allow an uncomfortable silence to build, you decide to take your chances and press on.

"Ikoma-san, would you be willing to hold back on putting him to the question, as a favour to me? I would like a chance to look into this before anything, ah, permanent happened."

Courtier/Awareness 6k3 = 27

Ikoma Ganyu says nothing for a moment, before glancing down at one of the scrolls on his table. "Hmm. In truth, it is a low priority case at the moment, especially given recent events." He says thoughtfully. "My superiors are likely to assign resources to other cases before something so simple. I imagine you have, oh, two or three days?"

"That would be quite sufficient, Ikoma-san." You say gratefully, aware that propriety prevents him from actually admitting to changing the schedule on your request. He will likely want recompense for this at some point, or else will count it against the good name you have been building with the Lion thus far, but that can be addressed at a later date.

Before you can say anything else, the door to the magistrates office opens and a servant emerges to pass on a message. You are summoned to Otomo Kairyu's side.

-/-

You find the Otomo and the magistrate he is here to see seated across a low table from one another, each seemingly enjoying a cup of gently steaming tea. Except while Otomo Kairyu may be composed, Kitsu Ami has a certain set to her shoulders and a look in her eyes which speak of mounting irritation and stress. You note the absence of a katana and the satchel full of scrolls resting not too far from her side - the magistrate is a Shugenja, then. An unusual occupation for a priest of the Kami, but not an impossible one.

Spoiler: Kitsu Ami

"Ah, Soshi-san, good." Otomo Kairyu says cheerfully. "I was hoping to get a second opinion of sorts. Your response to a hypothetical situation, to be precise."

"Of course, Otomo-sama." You say warily, knowing that there is more to this than meets the eye but unsure where precisely he is going with it. "Might I ask the details of the situation?"

"You are confronted with a vexing conundrum, Soshi-san. A mounting pile of evidence seems to indicate that there is an organized and directed effort to undermine law and order in a city you are sworn to manage." The Otomo says, and it does not escape you how the magistrate's fingers tense slightly around her cup of tea. "There is never any direct evidence of collaboration, and all of the perpetrators - a mix of heimin and eta - believe they are acting independently, but the simple matter of timing and unconscious coordination makes that unlikely. Your lord has commanded you resolve the issue with all possible haste. How, then, do you proceed?"

Respond
[ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

Opposing vote.

[x] As a purely hypothetical situation, Otomo-sama? it would depend on what resources I had available to me. The things that you can expect Lion magistrates to be willing to do and the things that you can expect Scorpion magistrates to be willing to do are not the same. I have learned from the stories of my family about the proper way to approach such a situation. You must follow the creature back to its lair. Perhaps you catch some of the obvious patsies and seek to extract from them their commonalities. Perhaps you leave some of them to run free for a time, so that they can be watched and followed. Perhaps you seek to turn the loyalties of some, so that they can be used to draw out others. I have learned of these ways, but I have not learned their proper execution. Proper execution requires magistrates who are trained in these techniques and willing to apply them.
[x] Thus, if I were not already in a city of my own Clan, I would go to the Scorpion for assistance. The Scorpion are by formal decree the Emperor's Under Hand. Seeking out shadowy conspiracies that might threaten the Empire is exactly what we are here for. Obviously there are diplomatic concerns, but barring significant hostilities, I suspect the Scorpion would be quite reasonable. My clan is eager to serve the will of the Emperor in any way we can.

Click to shrink...

You think fast, taking in the scenario presented to you and considering all of the possible implications in any potential answer. Otomo Kairyu is being almost transparent in how obviously the 'hypothetical' situation applies to something the Lion are currently working on, and you need to balance the prestige provided by a useful and insightful answer with the danger of offending the chief magistrate of Shiro Matsu with an indelicate response.

"As a purely hypothetical situation, Otomo-sama?" You ask mildly, buying time while you sort through the last few possibilities and construct the best possible answer. "Well, it would depend on the resources that were available to me. Certainly this is a matter for the magistrates, but what you can expect a Lion Magistrate to be able and willing to do would not be the same as what you might expect of a Scorpion magistrate."

Kitsu Ami inclines her head, taking a sip of her tea before speaking. Her voice is exceptionally smooth, each word flowing into the next like a river across rocks - which, depending on how much time she spends communing with the elemental kami, might be a more literal description than would otherwise be the case.

"An astute observation, Soshi-san." She says calmly, though there is a distinctly pointed edge to her words as she glances at the Otomo sitting across from her. "It is an unfortunate necessity that material resources alone can constrain a samurai's actions, no matter how pure their heart."

"And yet one must also consider the role that sheer intelligence can play in such matters, allowing a perceptive man to see a path beyond the eyes of those less gifted." Otomo Kairyu says serenely, and you have to work to avoid visibly flinching as the Kitsu's eyes harden at the veiled insult. You are reasonably sure that the honourable magistrate will not be inclined to take violent action against a member of the Imperial Families, but if she does... well, you would either have to move quickly, or be smeared against the walls by an angry water spirit. If Otomo Kairyu understands the danger of the situation, it does not show in his expression or his tone, however. "Please, Soshi-san, enlighten me on these differences in ability between the Clans."

"I have learned from the stories of my parents how the Soshi would approach the situation, Otomo-sama." You say carefully, striving to avoid insult, for you are not nearly as protected from harm as the man you are meant to be guarding. "We would seek to follow the creatures back to their lair. Perhaps we might aim to capture some of the more obvious dupes, and under interrogation reveal the common elements that bind them together. Or perhaps we would identify them but restrain from capturing them, in order to see who they spoke with or where they went. In certain cases, we might seek to turn the loyalties of key members, and use our new agents to identify and subdue the rest."

"And do you think that such methods would work well here, Soshi-san?" Kitsu Ami says with dangerous softness, abandoning the pretense that this is merely a hypothetical situation under discussion.

"I could not say, Kitsu-sama." You reply politely, aware of the precipice you are approaching and determined not to step over it. "I have learned of these techniques from the stories of my family, but I have never been trained in them directly. Proper execution, and the understanding of whether to employ them in the first place, requires both an understanding of the local situation and magistrates trained and willing to act in such a manner."

"Alas, duty rarely allows for ideal circumstances." Otomo Kairyu interjects, still smiling pleasantly. "Assume that you do not have such agents at your disposal, Soshi-san. How do you proceed."

All at once, you see the choice laid out before you. Otomo Kairyu has brought you in here as a representative of the Scorpion, and is for some unknown reason deliberately insulting and belittling the Lion magistrates in order to spark a conflict. Unable to strike back at an Imperial, there is a disturbingly high chance that Kistu Ami will transfer her hostility towards you and your Clan, which would likely result in all manner of consequences detrimental to your assigned mission here. This, you cannot allow, and in a flash of insight you believe you can identify a way to avoid that problem entirely. Fortunes favour the bold, after all, and with that in mind you collect yourself and then commit.

"If I were not in a city of my own Clan, Otomo-sama, I would go to the Scorpion for assistance." You say calmly, before shifting your gaze back towards the Kitsu. "The Scorpion are, by formal decree, the Emperor's Underhand, just as the Lion are his Right. Seeking out shadowy conspiracies that might threaten the Empire or its citizens is precisely the sort of duty we are meant for. Obviously there might be diplomatic concerns, but barring unusual hostilities I suspect the Scorpion would be quite reasonable and happy to assist. My Clan is always eager to serve the Emperor, in any way that we can."

And just like that, you have sidestepped the building confrontation and turned it to your advantage. By presenting the Scorpion as potential allies wishing to help, rather than as the superior option looking to supplant, you have defused and redirected the growing hostility in the room and harnessed it for your own benefit. You can see by the glint in Kitsu Ami's eyes that she understands the path presented to her, and her smile seems somewhat more genuine now, if still as sharp as before.

"A fine suggestion, Soshi-san, and one worth acting on." She says with false pleasantness, seizing on the opportunity to thwart the Otomo's evident intentions in the most courteous and honourable fashion possible. "Please, convey a request for a meeting from me to Bayushi-san, at a time that would be convenient for her. I believe we may have a considerable amount to discuss."

Otomo Kairyu shoots you a glance, his On slipping for a brief moment to reveal a blend of irritation and amusement in his eyes. "Well spoken indeed, Soshi-san. Still, I believe my business is concluded here, and I wish to return to Shiro Matsu."

"Of course, Otomo-sama." You say politely, resisting the urge to sigh in relief. Provided that no one else tries to murder you on the way back, you'd have to say that this day is going pretty well so far.

-/-

There are no more attacks on the way back to the castle. You therefore have the opportunity to spend the rest of the day on an activity of your choosing. Please select one of the following options (it is assumed that you will make a report to Kimoko beforehand)
[ ] Investigating the Five Arches
[ ] Seeking out Pale Oak
[ ] Spending time with Doji Mariko
[ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

Later that day, you find yourself back in your quarters, making your report to Bayushi Kimoko. The senior bushi is still recovering from her wounds, and her torso is tightly wound with bandages, but she seems in good spirits and will likely be fully recovered within a few more days - testament to both her personal fortitude and the beneficence of the spirits.

"In essence, then, Soshi-san..." She says, smiling beneath her half-mask. "Otomo Kairyu now owes you his life, you've made a positive impression on the local magistrates and you've set things up so that we can thoroughly infiltrate their law enforcement at several levels... while leaving them with the impression that this was their own idea or is otherwise to their own advantage."

"I do not wish to brag, Bayushi-sama... but yes." You say neutrally, trying very hard not to sound too satisfied with yourself. The courts, it seems, offer both great risk and great rewards for those willing to dare them and able to navigate their way through with sufficient skill.

"Very good, Soshi-san. I shall have to remember to send a letter to your sensei, congratulating them on training such an effective samurai." Despite yourself, you flush with pleasure.

"You honour me, Bayushi-sama. How should I proceed from here?"

Kimoko leans back and considers that one at length, silently turning over possibilities in her mind. You wait patiently, content to remain quiet until your superior has an answer for you.

"For now, Soshi-san... I believe discretion is in order." Kimoko says at last. "Finish this business with the peasant, and then stand back for a time. Rumours will already be flying, and you will have attracted a degree of attention. We must take the time to allow the court's eyes to turn to other matters, lest they see fit to take more direct action against you."

"You believe I may be in danger, Bayushi-sama?" You ask, concerned but not afraid.

"You are a samurai, Soshi-san. You are never more than three feet from death." Bayushi Kimoko replies chidingly. "But yes. You have proven yourself an efficient and capable subordinate. Anyone who seeks to impede our mission here is increasingly likely to target you. Act with discretion for the immediate future, and give me time to provide cover with a distraction... and to properly consolidate the gains you have made with the magistrates."

"Of course, Bayushi-sama." You say, bowing your head.

-/-

It is drawing towards late evening by the time you manage to arrange a meeting with Pale Oak, the scribe having been absent for most of the day on one errand or another. Only now have you both managed to find the time to sit down and have a quiet conversation, relying on his staff and Hanzo's wards to deter any eavesdroppers.

"My humblest apologies for my absence, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak says sincerely, bowing deeply to you. "I would normally make sure to coordinate my actions with your own to best suit your intended goals, but developments here required my personal involvement in order to be resolved in the most satisfactory fashion."

You gave levelly at the heimin for a long moment, wondering what secrets he hides behind his obedient exterior. Still, for all that his absence was inconvenient, he remains one of your most useful tools here at the moment, and you have no real cause to doubt his loyalty.

"Apology accepted, Pale Oak-san. The scrolls you left for me were sufficiently informative to make up for your own absence." You say after a sufficient pause. "On which note, I have been working on your request regarding the magistrates."

Speaking swiftly, you lay out what you observed and the actions you have taken in that regard, your scribe and likely spy listening attentively. By the time you have finished, the heimin is smiling broadly.

"Ah, that is most excellent, Soshi-dono. I believe that will be all that I need - barring any direct action from the daimyo and her agents, we should be deeply embedded in Shiro Matsu by winter's end." He says in tones of absolute satisfaction. "As time passes, I believe the services we can provide to you will only increase. Is there anything I can assist you with presently?"

"Tell me of the Five Arches theater. I understand the manager has been arrested for smuggling, and I intend to testify to his innocence." You say crisply. "How honest am I going to have to be?"

Pale Oak blinks in momentary surprise, but opts not to ask why, for such would be far beyond his rights as a servant. "The Five Arches, Soshi-dono? It is a perfectly legal establishment, unconnected to illegal activities of any kind. There are criminal rings operating within Shiro Matsu, including smugglers, but I do not believe any of them are involved with a theater."

"Hm. Good to know." You say thoughtfully. "I need a degree of evidence to support my own testimony for best effect. Can you provide it?"

"Naturally, Soshi-dono. The only question is the degree." Pale Oak says with a smile.

Pale Oak can provide the following forms of 'evidence' to support your testimony. Please select which options you instruct him to pursue. You can select more than one, but increasingly complicated arrangements will take more time and involve more points of potential failure.

[ ] Provide an alibi for Strong Birch at the time he was alleged to have been discussing smuggling.
- [ ] (Optional) Have a genuine criminal framed for being in the area at the time.
[ ] Have the doshin Taru blackmailed or threatened into retracting his testimony
[ ] Have evidence planted in Taru's lodgings that indicate he is a smuggler.
[ ] Have Taru killed.
- [ ] (Optional) Make it look like an accident.
- [ ] (Optional) Make it look like the unknown rebels did it.
[ ] Write in

-/-

There are two days remaining until the next scheduled event. Each day can contain up to two notable actions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The resolution of the Strong Birch side quest will take one action, so you have three other choices remaining.

Viable options include spending time with NPCs, investigating a particular rumor or possibility, training in a particular skill or combat style, or almost anything else you could imagine.

How do you spend the remaining time?
[ ] Write in (x3)