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

[Maugan Ra]

[x] Provide an alibi for Strong Birch at the time he was alleged to have been discussing smuggling.
-[x] Additionally, provide evidence that the doshin Taru was not merely mistaken, but actively malicious in making his accusation - abusing the trust of his superiors for his own petty vendettas.

[x] Spend more time with Doji Mariko. Teach her some Go. Continue to flirt, but not quite as shamelessly.
[x] Speak more with Asako Tani.
[x] After providing the evidence that Pale Oak gets for you, see if you can actually attend a showing at the Five Arches with that yoriki. I should imagine that Strong Birch would be willing to arrange that one should occur at an appropriate time.

Click to shrink...

The Seventh Day of the Boar

The small black pebble makes a click as you place it down on the board, completing the encirclement of the ever-shrinking arrangement of white pieces in the centre. Doji Mariko looks down at the board in disappointment, her fan fluttering in momentary distress.

"It appears you have me in a poor position, Soshi-san. Yet I could have sworn I was winning..." She muses, her tone light but hiding serious distress behind it. "Truly, I do not think you are being fair on a complete novice."

You merely smile. "Ah, but Doji-sama, I am a Scorpion." You say with all the understated menace you can squeeze into the words. "We are well known for being ruthless and untrustworthy. If you believed such a notorious villain as I would play fair, then I am afraid you have only yourself to blame."

Mariko laughs, abandoning the sorrowful facade, and makes a swatting motion at you with her fan. "Oh, how cruel. Not only do you crush my pleasant illusions, but then you mock me for them. Truly, I begin to wonder if you have a heart in that chest of yours, or merely a lump of mountain ice."

"Press your ear to my chest and find out." You suggest, delighting in the faint blush that colors Mariko's cheeks for a brief moment before she regains control of herself. Doji Mariko, you have learned, is a woman who has always wanted to know what it is like to break the rules. As a loyal Crane she would never disgrace her Clan and family by actually doing so, yet she cannot deny being intrigued by the mere suggestion of it all the same. It has been surprisingly enjoyable, playing up to the stereotype of the villainous yet charming Scorpion during these little meetings, so much so that you need to remind yourself to exercise a degree of restraint every now and then. The Crane are not your allies, and could very well be your enemy, after all.

You have a nasty suspicion that the moment you forget that will be the moment you die.

Still, there is no call for overt hostility either, and until things are decided one way or another this is an enjoyable enough way to pass the time. You are making good on your promise to teach Mariko how to play Go, and she in turn is tutoring you in the delicate art of poetry. The fact that in the process you are slowly gaining her trust and working your way into her confidence in order to learn and exploit her secrets is a bonus, as is the flirting. All in all, there seems little reason not to simply enjoy this time together, and let the rest sort itself out.

Still, you cannot help but notice that Kakita Sekawa has been avoiding you. You've met Chen, and normally you would expect a degree of interest from the remaining member of the delegation, but the duelist seems intent on ignoring you... or giving the impression that he's ignoring you. That could be troublesome.

One thing at a time.

-/-

The court sessions are slowly settling into something of a routine by this stage, every delegation having gathered at least a general idea of their rivals and potential allies in the first few days of careful conversation. Now the true plans are being put into place, covert meetings are arranged as preparations for events yet to come are finalized. On the surface all is calm, the delegates merely taking the time to enjoy one another's company, but you are quite sure that there is a great deal going on below the surface that simply means nothing to you without the proper context.

Still, right now you are enjoying a brisk debate with Asako Tani, walking side by side through the corridors and halls of the court. The topic is theology, which is not entirely surprising, given the emphasis that the Phoenix Clan places on spiritual matters. In many ways they are the founders of Rokugan's religion - the Kami Shiba was the one to record the conversation between Shinsei and the First Hantei, thereby creating the Tao, and it was his children who worked on finding a harmonious balance between the revealed wisdom of the Little Teacher and the existing systems of worship centered around the Fortunes.

"Ah, this reminds me of one of the most interesting periods of history." Asako Tani says with a slight smile. She appears to be greatly enjoying the chance to converse with one who has studied so many different topics, and every exchange leaves each of you with new pieces of knowledge to add to your own. "Are you familiar with the so-called Heresy of the Five Rings, Soshi-san?"

You cast your mind back to your history lessons, identifying the period in question. Fortunately it was fairly prominent, rather than some obscure theological dispute between different orders of the brotherhood, and as such you bring the pertinent facts to mind quite quickly.

"Ah, yes, the teachings of... the monk Gorinno, I believe." You say thoughtfully. "He held that there should be one Great Clan for each of the Five Rings, and that any imbalance in such a perfect arrangement would be reflected in increasing strife and disharmony in the Empire."

"A tad simplistic, looking back, but on the surface his ideas do sound reasonable." Tani comments, though her smile belies her serious words.

"Indeed, Asako-sama, and doubtless many would have liked to believe that the problems of the world could be solved in such an elegant fashion." You say dryly. "It was merely unfortunate that both the Crane and Scorpion could make strong claim on being the Clan of Air. And while Gorinno-san's solution of simply combining the two Clans to make one is likewise elegantly simple, I suspect the honourable monk might have been disappointed with the outcome."

"And yet, neither Clan was able to make a successful theological argument against the Five Rings Order." Tani replies, a note of gentle teasing in her voice. "Perhaps if your ancestors had been more like my own you would have prevailed on your own strength, rather than needing the assistance of the Brotherhood and Gorinno's own disgrace to succeed."

"Ah, there's that Phoenix arrogance I've heard so much about." You retort, though without any genuine venom. "I know this may shock you, Asako-sama, but we don't actually spend all of our days lamenting our failure to be more like the Isawa."

"And thank the Fortunes for that." Asako Tani says with a laugh. "The Empire might not well survive the attentions of two Isawa families." She pauses, and looks at you in curiousity. "Out of interest, Soshi-san, what are your spiritual beliefs? Shinsei tells us that there are many roads to walk, but I am curious which one calls to you the most."

Respond
[ ] Write in

QM's note - This is once again a chance for you guys to flesh out some more of Naoto's character, specifically in the vein of how he feels about religion. Is he a highly superstitious sort who prays to the Fortunes every night before bed? Does he dream of retiring to a monastery and pursuing enlightenment? Does he just not give the matter much thought?

Note that while some degree of spiritualism is expected of a samurai, there is no one particular doctrine that unites them all. A samurai who seeks enlightenment in the movement of the courts and one who retreats to a distant hideaway to meditate for days are both equally likely possibilities.

 

[Maugan Ra]

You consider the question for a moment. The Scorpion have never really been a highly spiritual Clan, at least not in any way recognizable to the rest of the Empire. True, you can think of dozens or even hundreds of minor rituals and observances that you and your kin undertake on a regular basis, but you've never felt particularly pious while doing them. It is more of a matter of practicality than anything else - the Fortunes exist, and command sufficient power and authority that they must be respected and obeyed. The lesser kami exist, thus rites and rituals have been developed to most effectively interact with them.

Perhaps your ancestors might have felt differently, but after the Coup it is little surprise that the modern Scorpion are not as religious as once they were. That the Hantei were the rightful rulers of Rokugan was never contested, descended as they were from the First among the Kami and annointed with the ultimate authority by the heavens themselves. The Scorpion accepted that as the natural state of the universe, but when the time came and necessity called, they still marched upon the Imperial City and slaughtered the Hantei to the last man. It is hard to retain the same reverence for the Celestial Order after something like that, no matter how pure your intentions.

Still, that was not what Asako Tani asked, and a reasonably honest answer to her question seems harmless enough.

"I suppose I would be described as something of a Fortunist, Asako-sama." You say easily. "If it is my fate, then perhaps one day I shall retire and seek enlightenment in the study of Shinsei's words. Today, however, I am concerned more with my duty and my family and the influence of Heaven upon them both. Saibankan-no-Kami, for example, could hardly fail to influence a descendent of his born of two magistrates."

There are several other Fortunes you could name, but your reverence of such beings is a personal, private thing. You are a Scorpion, and even in matters such as this you hold your secrets close.

"Interesting." Asako Tani says thoughtfully, declining to specify or elaborate. You consider pressing the matter, but on balance decide that the benefits do not justify the costs. Instead, you allow your conversation to drift to other topics, and the two of you spend much of court that day engrossed in such debates.

-/-

The Eighth Day of the Boar

You stand in one of the many streets branching off from the main approach to the magistrates's station, observing some of the wares being advertised by a heimin merchant who seems determined to limit his interactions with you as much as he can in order to avoid giving unintentional insult. The carvings and artwork he has on display are interesting, it is true, but not nearly so much as the severed head impaled on a spear point further up the street.

"Our unfortunate doshin, I assume." You say quietly, as though considering some of the wares. At your side is Pale Oak, acting the part of the loyal scribe and assistant... which, in fairness, he is.

"Hai, Soshi-dono." He says mildly. "It appears the Lion are prone to exceptionally harsh judgements when it comes to things such as betrayal and dereliction of duty. An anonymous donation of the good doshin's personal journal seems to be all the evidence they required."

You nod slowly, understanding now why the Lion you spoke to earlier seemed so willing to believe your testimony. Your word that Strong Birch had been absent from the theater at the appropriate time would probably have been sufficient to clear his name in any case, but you were somewhat surprised by the speed with which the magistrates accepted the evidence and processed the case. In retrospect, they probably assumed you were providing them with a way to save face regarding the corruption of one of their own - if the prisoner is released because of a samurai's testimony, there is no dishonour involved, whereas admitting that one of their doshin had deliberately falsified evidence would have been much more shameful.

"Will it stand up to further scrutiny?" You keep your voice casual. You doubt that anyone would want to reopen such a potential scandalous case for anything but the most serious of reasons, but it is always better to double-check.

"It should. I took it from his house." Pale Oak says with a small smile. "Sometimes, the Fortunes truly do smile upon us. Ah, here is our innocent man now."

You turn as the gates to the magistrate's building open and the man you assume to be Strong Birch is released from within. He is a tall man, slightly portly and with a few spots of grey in his dark hair, generally unremarkable. It does not take him long to spot you - your Clan colors are rather distinctive in this Lion-dominated city - and he all but runs across the intervening distance to prostrate himself at your feet.

"My most sincere and profuse thanks, samurai-sama." He says, his voice muffled by the way his face is pressed to the ground. "I am unworthy of such mercy and righteous justice, but if there is any way I might even begin to repay you for this, you have but to ask."

-/-

Respond
[ ] Write in

Naoto has shown true kindness to one beneath his station, going out of his way to have an innocent man released unharmed at the request of a simple servant. He has earned four points of Honour.

 

[Maugan Ra]

[x] "You are most welcome, Strong Birch-san. All citizens of the Empire deserve Justice, and all loyal servants deserve Compassion. It pleases me that I could provide you with both. As for repayment? I hear that you run an excellent theater - one that I intend to attend a time or two, now that this unpleasantness is behind us. I merely ask that you continue to perform your duties to your Lord with the excellence you have shown thus far, and perhaps that you remember me fondly from time to time."
[x] Indicate in an appropriate fashion that he may rise. All is well.

Click to shrink...

Strong Birch rises at your gesture, his eyes shining with unshed tears Viewing things from his perspective, you suspect that you may have just validated every belief and teaching he has ever heard about the Celestial Order and the rewards of a righteous life.

"May your ancestors watch over you and all the Fortunes bless you, samurai-sama." He says, controlling his momentary display of emotion. "I shall do as you say. It may take a little time to make sure the theater is in order and get performances running again, but I shall endeavor to make sure there is no delay."

"That is all that any can ask of you, Birch-san." You say, catching a glimpse of Pale Oak out of the corner of your eye. Your scribe makes an enquiring gesture, and you nod. "Pale Oak-san, go with him and make sure that everything is in order."

"Of course, Soshi-dono." Your assistant says respectfully, gesturing for Strong Birch to lead the way. The manager bows deeply to you again and then hurries off, an air of vitality and purpose around him. You watch the two of them depart, and smile to yourself. Yes, things are going very nicely.

-/-

Later that night

You are standing atop a cliff, looking out over the ocean. The waves crash against the rocks, and the salt air stings pleasantly against your exposed face. You are not wearing your mask, but somehow the thought does not bother you. Clearly, you are dreaming, and as such little details like that are not to be fretted over. Instead, you can simply enjoy the beauty of this scene.

There is a storm brewing in the distance, and already you can see roiling thunderclouds spreading out across the horizon. Lightning flashes in their depths, and the sound of thunder shakes your very bones, but you do not feel afraid. What is there to fear within your own mind?

"You are a very interesting young man, Soshi Naoto-san."

You turn at the voice, moving languidly as though underwater. A short distance along the cliff side, someone has set up a small table and placed two cups of tea on it. Sitting on the far side of it is an elderly man dressed in homespun peasant's garb, his eyes shielded by a wide brimmed hat. The grass around him sways in the wide, which is growing increasingly strong, but he seems untouched by it. There is a sash of brilliant blue wrapped around his waist.

"I... do not think I know you." You say softly, unconcerned with proper etiquette, for you are dreaming and such things are for the waking world.

"Yes you do. We've never met, but you're a studious sort. You'll work it out soon enough." The old man says with a kindly smile, before gesturing to the tea set before him. "In the mean time, sit down."

You consider this, then shrug and move forwards. The grass around your feet brushes up against you as you move, and by the time you sit down, the vast sea behind you has been replaced by a rolling plain. This too seems normal, so you reach out and pick up the teacup, bringing it to your lips. It tastes like sunlight and stormclouds.

"That was a good thing you did back there. Your motivations could be better, but that's between you and your ancestors." The old man says, picking up his own teacup. "It caught her eye, and she asked me to take a proper look. So far, I like what I see."

Your lips quirk into a smile. "Well, I appreciate the compliment, jii-san, but I can only see one of you. Do I get to meet my other mysterious admirer?"

The old man chuckles. "You already have. It's just that you're not used to thinking on the right sort of scale."

In the distance, the storm speaks again, and thunder rumbles out over the land. You can feel it right in the very core of your being, and for a moment you think it sounds rather like...

A Dragon.

On the other side of the table Megumi-no-kami, Fortune of Heroic Guidance, smiles at you. "It was good to meet you, Soshi-san. Stay on the path you are walking, and perhaps we will see each other again. In the mean time... a token of our esteem."

Overhead, the Thunder Dragon roars once more, a sound far beyond anything any mortal could hope to produce passing over and through you like a wave. The tiniest spark of divine power brushes against your innermost being, and like a flower blooming under the sun you feel your soul respond.

-/-

QM's notes - Merry Christmas, SV! As a present and sign of divine favour, the Thunder Dragon has looked into your soul and unlocked a small fraction of your true potential. You may choose a single Ring, and receive the relevant trait increases to raise it by one.

Which ring do you augment?
[ ] Fire
[ ] Water
[ ] Earth
[ ] Air
[ ] Void

In addition, Soshi Naoto has learned a considerable amount over the past few days. He has made significant gains for his Clan and gained several useful allies, and for that he is awarded six experience points, for a current total of seven. The next update will begin the Festival of the River of Stars.

What do you spend your experience on?
[ ] Write in

 

[Maugan Ra]

You jerk awake, breathing heavily and soaked in sweat. Outside your window, the sun's light is just barely beginning to illuminate the horizon, and you can hear the distant sound of Matsu warriors preparing for their morning training routine. You glance around quickly, almost frantically, but there is no sign of the old man or the dragon... if indeed they were ever there in the first place.

Megumi-no-kami... Fortune of Heroic Guidance...

No, that was real, in so much as anything glimpsed within the realm of Yumi-do can ever hope to be. You've never dreamt of being visited by a Fortune before, and nothing that has happened recently would give you reason to believe that it was a false vision inspired by events in the waking world. Besides, it had a ring of truth to it that you don't think you could fake, especially not within the confines of your own mind. For reasons of their own, the gods themselves saw fit to contact you in your dreams.

That is... you do not have the words, and so instead you focus on the practicalities of the situation. For one, who if anyone you tell about this. Your instinctive response is to keep it secret - who would believe you, after all? Well, Bayushi Kimoko perhaps, but your superior has enough to deal with without wondering if her subordinate is drawing the attention of such supreme beings, never mind the possibility that he is simply mad. If the fortunes had commanded that you do something, then perhaps it would be different, for you would need permission before you could obey... but they seemed just generally interested in you.

Truthfully, that scares you more than anything else you have ever experienced.

Shaking your head, you rise from your sleeping roll and begin the process of cleansing yourself before you can get dressed for the day. You cannot allow this to render you paralyzed with indecision, and you still have a job to do.

-/-

Bayushi Kimoko studies you thoughtfully for a long moment as you stand awaiting your orders. Perhaps she can see something about you that is different, some after effect of your dream-vision that left its mark on your body or mind? Certainly you feel... different, in a way that is hard to describe. Your movements are more fluid, your thoughts fractionally faster, and there is a curious lightness within your chest that makes your body seem less weighty than before. All subtle things, hard to pinpoint, but there even so. It seems the Dragon's touch has awoken something within your spirit, and you don't know whether the thought you fill you with awe or dread.

"I take it you have plans for today, Soshi-san?" You superior breaks the silence eventually, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. You nod seriously.

"Unless you have orders for me, Bayushi-sama, I had intended to spend the day with Doji Mariko-sama." You say tentatively. "It seems... counter-productive, to allow the Festival of the River of Stars to pass us by."

That earns you a low laugh, rich and genuine, and Bayushi Kimoko waves her fan at you in dismissal. "Go and enjoy yourself, Soshi-san. You are only young once, and this sort of thing should not be missed. Yogo-san, I take it you do not have similar plans?"

"No, Bayushi-sama." Yogo Hanzo says quietly, his expression hidden by his full face demon-mask. "I have not yet broken my curse. As such, attending a festival celebrating love seems... unwise."

You hide a wince before it can form, wondering just how differently your life would have gone if you had been born Yogo rather than Soshi. To know that falling in love would condemn you to betray that which you cared for the most... it is a grim fate your cousins labour under.

Still,you have been dismissed, and there seems little more to say. You bow politely to your fellow Scorpions, then turn and depart.

-/-

You find Doji Mariko strolling along the perimeter of the castle, shading herself from the harsh winter sun with a delicate-seeming parasol. In contrast to your expectations, she seems to have dressed down for the ocassion, picking a relatively plain kimono of blue and white and eschewing any of the finer jewelry or makeup that she doubtless has in her possession. After a moment's thought, you make the connection to your own habitually understated garb, and wonder at her intentions. There are several messages one could take from such a choice, after all.

"Soshi-san. A wonderful day, is it not?" The Crane samurai says with a soft smile, looking up at the skies - which are indeed crisp and clear, providing no obstruction to the light of Lady Amaterasu.

"Indeed, Doji-sama. It seems a fine portent." You reply, moving closer while keeping enough distance to be properly respectful.

"You know, I feel I will find it much harder to enjoy such a fine day if you insist on referring to me in such formal tones." Mariko says lightly, almost whimsically. "I think 'san' would be perfectly appropriate for everything outside of court itself."

"Personally, I feel quite sure that any day spent in your company would be easy to enjoy." You say smoothly. "But if that is your wish, I shall be happy to comply, Doji-san."

The samurai-ko laughs lightly at that, a delighted glitter in her eyes. "Flattery suits you, Soshi-san. Still, while I could spend all day listening to it and never tire, I feel I should ask if you have any more specific plans."

"Indeed I do, Doji-san." You respond, for you have given the matter some thought. "I thought we might start..."

Pick one:
[ ] ...by attending a play
[ ] ...by taking a walk where we can enjoy the landscape
[ ] ...by visiting a tea-house
[ ] ...by seeing the celebrations the local townsfolk are organizing.
[ ] Write in

QM's note - You can potentially do multiple things over the course of the day, since it is currently before midday and the Festival lasts until late into the night. This is a decision of where you want to start.

Note also that you do not have to spend all day with Doji Mariko. She will feel rejected if you leave too soon, but you can always choose to go your separate ways for a few hours and then meet up later if you can think of something else you would like to do.

 

[Maugan Ra]

"...by attending a play. I have heard good things about the Five Arches theater in town, and the manager has agreed to reserve us seats."

Technically, that last part isn't strictly true, but you're reasonably certain that Strong Birch will be willing to admit you at virtually any time you happen to ask. His gratitude should last at least as long as the Winter Court, at least.

"That sounds quite lovely." Doji Mariko says with a warm smile. "I have heard that the Scorpion are keen students and practitioners of the acting arts."

As she speaks she begins to walk towards the exit from the fortress, and you fall into step alongside her. There is a certain protocol to such things, and you are careful not to walk too close, but there seems little chance that anyone watching will fail to divine that some form of relationship exists between the two of you. Still, as in all things, superficial appearance is of greater import than actual truth.

"You have heard correctly. The most famous tend to come from the Shosuro, but every Scorpion family boasts at least a few notable actors." You explain, for conversation is expected here and this is as safe a topic as any. "I am told there is a town in the Shosuro lands known as the 'Painted Village', where every inhabitant is an actor-in-training. Each year they tear down and redesign the entire layout, and the inhabitants adopt different roles and live their lives in them for an extended period."

"Truly? That is a mark of impressive dedication." Mariko says in a faintly awed voice, and you see that the common understanding of the Crane's appreciation for art is if anything understated. "I have heard of master artisans among the Kakita who dedicate themselves so utterly to their craft, but for an entire settlement to participate is something else entirely. Have you ever trained as an actor, Soshi-san?"

"I am afraid I have not, Doji-san." You confess. "It always seemed to me that such a craft is one that should be pursued with dedication. I would need to set aside a period of time from my other duties to spend exclusively on learning the techniques. Perhaps some day."

As you converse, Doji Mariko telling you of some of the plays she has seen in Crane lands, you make your way into the town. The buildings have been strung with thin lines, and each is festooned with small pieces of colored paper or silk. Tradition dictates that those wishing for good fortune in love over the coming year, be it in the specific or abstract, should write their desires on the paper and suspend them in the wind where they will be visible to the heavens. Of course, those who would keep secrets would be best advised to employ indirect wording, if they hope to avoid revealing their desires to those unscrupulous to take advantage of them.

Everywhere, the streets are thronged with people like you, both samurai and heimin taking time off from their duties to enjoy the festival and the company of those they love (or are at least attracted to). The true festivities will not begin until the stars themselves become visible, but already there are stalls offering sweet foodstuffs and impromptu displays of song and dance being organized on the street corners. Overall, the mood is surprisingly joyous for such a normally severe city, and you can even see a large number of Matsu samurai indulging in the opportunity to pursue matters of the heart for a day. And then...

"Crane."

The word cuts through the street like an unsheathed sword, carrying enough naked hostility in it to draw the attention of everyone within earshot. Others turn to see what has caught their neighbours eye, and with surprising speed a collection of several dozen witnesses is assembled. Doji Mariko closes her eyes for a brief moment, then fixes a pleasant smile on otherwise perfectly controlled features and turns to face the source of the voice.

"May I help you, Lion-san?" She says lightly, but you note the lack of a truly respectful honorific. Then you turn and study the one who has spoken.

It is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a samurai-ko of the Matsu family, dressed in the gold and brown of her Clan and staring at Doji Mariko with an unnerving intensity. Her long dark hair is pulled back away from her face, and her hands are calloused in the way of one who studies the art of the sword. She is wearing her swords at her waist, and seems quite prepared to use them.

"You insult our daimyo, spit in the face of our hospitality, and then have the nerve to walk our streets as though nothing is wrong?" The Matsu demands, and there is a gentle swell of supporting remarks from the surrounding crowd. It seems that the Crane's conduct in the opening of the court has begun to filter down to the rank and file, the story likely becoming heavily distorted along the way.

Mariko's expression remains calm, as composed as though she was merely answering some minor enquiry. "I don't see that anything is wrong, Matsu-san."

"Of course not. A true samurai would understand such matters, and would not need to be educated on them." The Matsu says, her every word chosen with deliberate care and her eyes shining with vicious purpose. "You, on the other hand, are nothing more than a jumped-up geisha with delusions of grandeur."

For a brief, terrible moment, the entire streets is utterly silent, the magnitude of the insult registering in everyone's mind with awful clarity. The Matsu is not drunk, she is not in any way impaired - for reasons of her own, she is quite deliberately offering massive and deadly insult to the Crane, in front of far too many witnesses to ever hide the outcome. There is only one way that Mariko can reasonably respond to this, and she takes it with an air of icy calm.

"You insult me, Matsu-san." She says quietly. "I challenge you to a duel."

The Matsu samurai-ko grins fiercely. "I accept. Will you pick up a blade yourself, or rely on the skills of another?"

There is a momentary pause here, and you know that you have a choice to make.

Respond
[ ] Volunteer to act as Mariko's champion
[ ] Remain silent

QM's note - As Doji Mariko does not carry a katana, she is entitled to have a champion represent her in a duel, which can be any friend or relative willing to step up. If you do not volunteer, the expected outcome would be that either Kakita Sekawa or Daidoji Chen would take the role for themselves.

For an insult of that magnitude, in front of so many witnesses, the standard expectation would be a duel to the death. If Mariko's champion loses, she would be expected to commit seppuku.

 

[Maugan Ra]

There is a brief window of opportunity here, one momentary chance to make serious progress in your relationship with the Crane and thereby fulfil your objectives. It is one that you do not think you can afford to miss, and while you regret that the timing makes it impossible to consult with Bayushi Kimoko, you seize the opportunity with both hands.

"Matsu-sama, whatever your quarrel is with Doji Mariko-san, you are being unspeakably rude." You say quietly, pitching your voice to carry easily to the ears of all those present and making sure to inject just the right note of menace into your words. You are a Scorpion, after all, and it is time to act like one. "This is, if nothing else, a gross failure of courtesy."

The Matsu turns to face you, and if looks could kill you suspect her gaze would cut you in two. "I will not be lectured on Bushido by a Scorpion. This is no business of yours, and if you value your life you will stay out of it."

"But that is just it, Matsu-sama." You say calmly, allowing your hand to touch the hilt of your katana as you match gazes with the furious samurai-ko. "By insulting Doji-san in this fashion, you insult me by association. If your rage is such that it overwhelms all propriety, if it can only be quenched by steel and blood, then I shall be your opponent."

A ripple of whispering comments spreads out through the street around you, and the Matsu's eyes widen in surprise. Whatever outcome she expected, this is clearly not it. Still, she is no coward, and after a moment she simply nods curtly. Smiling, you turn towards Doji Mariko.

"With your permission, of course, Doji-san?"

Mariko seems to hesitate for a brief moment, doubtless weighing up the known skills of her Kakita champion against your own mysterious resources. Then her eyes harden as she comes to a decision, and she bows shallowly to you. "Your assistance is appreciated, Soshi-san. You have my thanks, and that of my family."

You return her bow, then turn back towards the Matsu. "I will of course need to obtain the permission of my lord, Bayushi Kimoko-sama." You say calmly, enjoying the way that your opponent's eyes widen slightly at the name. It appears that your superior's reputation has spread somewhat. "Provide me with your name, Matsu-sama, and I will have a message sent to you once she has made her decision."

The Lion straightens at that. "My name is Matsu Heijiko. Remember it, Scorpion, for it is the name of the one who kills you."

You smile and bow shallowly. "A pleasure to meet you, Matsu Heijiko-san. Now, if that is all, I do still have plans for the rest of the day."

Heijiko colors slightly at that, but simply shakes her head and turns to depart, vanishing quickly into the bustling streets. Slowly, the crowd disperses, though more than a few of the Lion present are studying you with an evaluating look in their eyes as they depart.

-/-

It is several minutes later when Doji Mariko speaks once more, the two of you having resumed your walk towards the Five Arches. You have sent a quick note with a messenger back to the castle to inform Bayushi Kimoko, not wishing to interrupt whatever else she is currently doing but preferring to inform her directly rather than allowing her to hear of it from someone else. Otherwise, the two of you have remained silent, lost in your own thoughts.

"I feel I must apologize, Soshi-san." Mariko says quietly, holding her fan in such a way as to obscure her mouth. "I have forced you into a most unfortunate situation."

"The decision was mine, Doji-san." You say calmly, hiding your curiousity. An apology is not what you were expecting.

"And yet it was my conduct that made such a decision necessary in the first place." She says with a soft sigh. "I knew how the Matsu would react when I did not bring a gift. Heavens, I suspect even a child could have predicted it."

You hesitate for a brief moment, then take a gamble. "You do only as your lord commands, Doji-san. No samurai can fault you for that."

"Hm. I merely wish I understood why my lord commanded such a thing." Mariko all but whispers, as though speaking to herself. "The letter was genuine, and bore the Champion's own seal, but it is such a bizarre change of instructions..."

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[Maugan Ra]

In that one brief moment, everything seems to fall into place, and you are forced to limit your reaction as much as you can for fear of disgracing yourself with overt displays of emotion. Even so it appears that Doji Mariko is a sufficiently fine courtier as to pick up on what little reaction you do display, looking at you and raising an eyebrow. Thinking quickly, you weave what you hope is a coherent narrative out of what an appropriately sincere samurai should know.

"A letter? Just a letter?" You say quietly, seeking clarification. "For such a bizarre change of instructions?"

"Delivered by an official courier from Kyuden Doji, yes." Mariko responds cautiously. "I had thought it strange, but my Champion is highly involved in the reconstruction works. I can only presume he came into possession of new information at a late moment, and had to rely upon such methods to contact those who had already begun their assigned journeys."

You are on dangerous ground here, for the peril that could result from an incautious word would be dire indeed. And yet, every instinct you have tells you that there are great rewards available here, if you can but navigate the delicate path between such troubled waters. Choosing your words with great care, you press on.

"Doji-san, are you sure your instructions are to the benefit of your lord?" You say, pitching your voice so that it does not carry much further than the two of you. "There are... many things that can be done with letters."

You would have expected Doji Mariko to react with shock and outrage to the merest suggestion of such a thing, or at the very least incredulous disbelief, but she controls herself perfectly. No, that is not quite right. It is not that those emotions are controlled, it is that they are not present at all. Indeed, if anything you would say that the Crane looks... resigned.

"I am a samurai. I serve at the command and pleasure of my lord. My life and death are his to do with as he wishes." She says quietly, still walking at a calm and measured pace. "It is not my place to doubt, or to question his motives. If I am given instruction and have no reason to doubt its authenticity, then it is my duty to carry it out."

She falls silent at that, and you find you have no words. Suddenly, you understand why your Clan has always scorned the more restrictive and limiting aspects of custom and etiquette, why they have embraced the shadows and all of their crafts with such dedication. A Scorpion would be able to admit the possibility that their orders were faked, that someone was attempting to exploit their loyalty. To you, there is no shame in such thinking, for your sensei made sure you were aware of such options even if you never learned to employ them personally.

But Mariko is a Crane. Not only would her training have made little to no mention of such tactics, she has likely been brought up to believe that even displaying knowledge of them or thinking of them as a possibility is dishonourable. If the letter does not appear obviously fraudulent (and the chances are delicate correspondence such as this would have been written in a genuine Clan cipher), then she has no viable way to pursue the investigation. Who could she ask to authenticate a letter from the Clan Champion? Who could she confess her doubts to without appearing disloyal? And even if there was such an avenue available, you suspect it would take time to pursue, and if it arrived while she was already en route to Shiro Matsu... well, no wonder she feels resigned. Able to see the trap around her, but denied any means of escaping it.

Except, perhaps, through you.

Slowly, you nod. "I see. An unfortunate situation, Doji-san."

"Indeed." She says quietly. "And one I do not much wish to reflect upon. For now... ah, this must be the theater? Let us set aside such dire thoughts, and focus on appreciating the performance."

-/-

It takes only a little effort to arrange seats for yourself and Doji Mariko at the next play. As you expected, Strong Birch is absolutely delighted to be of service, and his attitude appears to have spread throughout the rest of the theater's staff - all heimin, but well presented and apparently rather well spoken people all the same. They escort you into the audience chamber with all speed, and quickly find you a spot with a fine view of the stage and comfortable cushions to support you as you kneel. You begin to make enquiries about payment, but are informed that such things are waived during the festival - a lie, you are quite sure, but one you are willing to accept.

As is perhaps to be expected in the lands of the Lion, the Five Arches specializes in the controlled and stylized form of acting known as noh. It is a sharp contrast to the more energetic and lively kabuki traditionally favored by the Scorpion, but you suppose it is probably a much better fit for the exceptionally strict and disciplined Lion. Indeed, as you look around the audience you can see at least a couple of dozen samurai from the Lion who have taken the time to attend the performance, in addition to a large number of peasants who come from the more refined and intellectual portions of society (all of whom have left plenty of space between themselves and the nearest samurai). If there are any attendees from the other delegations here, you do not spot them before the lanterns are extinguished and the play begins.

It begins in darkness, with the lights turned down and all of the audience waiting in silence. Then a single candle is lit, cradled in the hands of a single actor in the middle of the stage. He is dressed in robes of the deepest black, and on his face is one of the masks common to noh performances. Where most such masks would have a stylized and exaggerated expression on them, however, this one is perfectly smooth and blank. Aside from the two small slits for eyes and another for the mouth, it is utterly featureless.

"In the beginning, there was Nothing." The actor says slowly, his voice deep and smooth, almost like that of one still half-asleep. "No time or space. No light or darkness. No fire or earth or water or air. Not even the void. There was only I, and I was Nothing."

You recognize the story instantly. This is how the world came to be, as relayed to mankind by the Fortunes themselves, and it is a story that every Rokugani is taught at least once. Still, most plays that touch upon the subject would have cast one of the Fortunes themselves in the narrators role. To cast what appears to be a representation of something which does not exist is an unusual, even unprecedented step.

"It was then that I became aware of myself, and perceived that there was Nothing." The actor says, touching one hand lightly to his chest. "I was perfectly alone, for there was nothing but I and I was Nothing. In that moment, I knew Fear."

In the darkness around the actor there is a flurry of movement, and dim light of the candle picking out a myriad of plains and edges, lending shape to the previously formless shadows. Clearly, the actor is no longer alone upon the stage.

"Afraid of my own isolation, I wished to change it. I wanted for a companion, that my fear might be assuaged and my loneliness ended. And so, I knew Desire."

All around the stage, other candles and lanterns are ignited, small pools of light illuminating the darkness and revealing the growing number of other actors moving onto the stage, each richly attired in sharp contrast to the somber garb of the main narrator.

"It was then that I understood my mistake. I was Nothing, but from my Fear and my Desire had been created Something. My perfect stillness, my very existence was to be undone, for where there is something there cannot be Nothing. In that moment, that first moment, I knew Regret."

Now the lights are brought back up in full, revealing the full cast of the play in all their magnificent finery, thronging around and moving past each other in a carefully controlled dance of absolute anarchy. The stage is all but filled by them, and the pressure of their presence forces the original narrator towards the edges of the stage. But instead of exiting entirely, he pauses there on the threshold and turns to face the audience once more.

"Thus was the world created, born from accident and sin."

All at once, the actors all lift their lanterns and extinguish them once more, plunging the stage into darkness as the introductory scene is concluded.

Doji Mariko takes the opportunity presented by the brief pause to learn over and whisper in your ear, her breath warm against your skin.

"An unusual choice of play, Soshi-san. The manager is quite inspired. How did you come to know him?"

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[Maugan Ra]

That is a question that could mean everything or nothing, but for the moment you decide you might as well stick to being reasonably honest. If Mariko cares enough she can probably find this out from another source, so lying would be counter-productive. Still, that doesn't mean you need to provide the whole truth.

"There was a misunderstanding with the magistrates that caused him some trouble." You say blandly, making sure not to speak louder than a whisper. Samurai with an affection for the theater can get very upset when they hear people talking during the performances, and you are already slated for one duel to the death this month. "It came to my attention, and I was able to assist him with the matter."

Mariko shoots you a look, but evidently decides that a more in-depth questioning will have to wait for a more appropriate venue. Instead, she simply nods and turns her attention back to the play.

As you watch, light returns to the stage and reveals three more actors, their masks displaying only the most basic and understated of expressions. They stand together in a line, while the narrator in his featureless mask lurks at the outer edges of the stage and continues the story.

"From Nothing the world had been born, but it was fractured and disordered, bereft of form and meaning. The elements mingled freely, creating and destroying one another but never yielding anything that could last. Eons passed, and as wood floats and stone sinks the world slowly began to order itself according to its most fundamental of traits. Thus were the Spiritual Realms formed, and from that first spark of order came the First Gods."

The three actors move forwards and bow to the audience, before turning and surveying the stage around them. "None who came after them ever knew their names or faces, but without their efforts the world would not have come to be. Thus, they are known as the Three Gods Whose Names Cannot Be Spoken."

As you watch, the Three Gods finish their survey of the stage and turn to face one another. Their voices are utterly without inflection or emotion, calm and composed as though reading directly from a script... indeed, if none ever heard them speak, then such records would be the only way to know what they said or how. You wonder if that was a deliberate choice on the part of the theater, or if these particular actors are simply not very good.

"The land is chaotic. It must be given order, lest it fall back into Nothing." Says the first.

"But such is beyond our abilities." Replies the second.

"Then we know what must be done." Concludes the third.

With this, the three actors produce fans and hold them out towards the audience, before kneeling and drawing them across their own bellies. You nod in understanding - the actors are heimin, and thus cannot possess swords or anything which pretends to be one. Thus, they use fans as an stand-in, and perform an act that loosely resembles but does not outright mimic seppuku in order to convey the right image to their audience without overstepping their bounds.

As the Three Nameless Gods collapse to the ground, two more actors arrive on the stage, each dressed resplendently in beautiful costumes that identify them each at a glance. Lady Amaterasu, Goddess of the Sun, is clad in gold and yellow and wears a beautiful mask fixed in an expression of benevolent joy. Lord Onnotangu, God of the Moon, is adorned in silver and black and wears a mask befitting of a stern and demanding patriarch. They are followed onto the stage by a number of other actors, each dressed in non-specific clothing and without the identity offered by a mask.

From there, the story continues in a more traditional manner. You watch as the Sun and the Moon name themselves and their fellow actors, each of whom then dons a stylized mask representing their element or identity - water and fire, earth and sky, fox and rat and so on. Each bows in honour of the highest of the gods as they are named before retreating from the stage, and you suspect they have departed to take up new roles in a few moments.

Curiously, you notice the actor playing Lord Moon looks at the narrator for a brief moment, but merely chooses to incline his head without bestowing a name. The narrator nods back, and the story continues.

From there, you watch as the two main actors convey their building romance, and the pursuit of the sun by the moon that establishes the endless cycle of day and night. Eventually they meet in the centre of the stage, and when they part they are joined by nine other actors, making a full dozen before you - quite possibly the entire compliment of staff for an establishment of this size.

You frown, leaning forwards slightly as you understand what you are seeing. Nine other actors... oh, that is a bold choice, for there is no denying who they are meant to represent. The narrator confirms their identities a moment later.

"From the union of the Sun and Moon were born nine children, each the perfect example of their finest virtues. Noble Hantei, who knew the hearts of men. Bold Hida, who stood undaunted before any threat. Gentle Doji, who soothed even the most troubled of hearts. Togashi the Visionary, who knew what the future would hold. Honourable Akodo, whose soul never wavered. Wise Shiba, who found truth in the most unlikely of places. Cunning Bayushi, who saw what others could not. Compassionate Shinjo, who loved and cared for all."

A ripple of tension goes through the audience as the final Kami steps forwards, and you have to admire the composure of the actor who has been scripted to play such an unusual role. "And proud Fu Leng, of which little is known."

This is a bold choice indeed, and you begin to wonder if you went through all of the trouble to have Strong Birch acquitted only to see him executed for heresy less than a day later. It is not technically illegal to portray the Fallen Kami in a theatrical work, especially one focused before his fall, but then it is not illegal for a samurai to slay a peasant either. All it would take is for one member of the audience to decide that this is blasphemous and start cutting down actors with his sword, and all of your hard work would be undone.

Still, the actors seem to be playing it reasonably safe beyond that point. The play actually appears to be centered around the life that the Kami lead in Heaven, and the series of events that they participated in and the lessons that they learned from each. Noh is a heavily stylized acting method, so you are not surprised to see that most of the Kami are portrayed in their essential, almost exaggerated forms, but at least the performance appears suitably respectful of each. You watch as Doji navigates delicate arguments and brings peace with a word, as Akodo triumphs over peril through the strength of his ideals, and as Bayushi devises ways past problems that none of them others can overcome. Each act gives you an unusual insight into the skills and character of each of the Kami, albeit by providing more than enough room for debate, and there seems to be a rather distinct message of unity leading to triumph running through the whole performance.

Considering the events of the Second Day of Thunder, that is no surprise.

But all plays rely on a building tension and eventual climax, and in this one the catalyst is provided by Lord Moon. While Amaterasu displays pride and approval as her children overcome each challenge placed before they, Onnotangu grows increasingly wrathful and suspicious. Eventually the inevitable happens, and Lord Moon decides that his children have become a threat to his own power and position. In a surprisingly powerful scene for such a subdued acting style, he catches and consumes them all in turn, save for Hantei, who is smuggled to safety by his sorrowful mother. As the last of the Kami is devoured, the light dims and the stage is veiled in darkness once again, save for the faint light held by the narrator.

"Thus did the Age of Heaven end, and the Age of Mortals begin. Much joy and sorrow was to come, and it is not over yet... but that, my lords, is a story for another day."

The narrator extinguishes his own candle, and darkness descends once again.

Slowly, the light come back up, revealing the empty stage, and you realize that the performance is over. All around you the rest of the audience realises it as well, and begins to converse among themselves, sharing thoughts and opinions on what they have just seen. You close your eyes and allow the sound to wash over you, seeking to divine the general mood. It seems... mixed. Some voices are pleased and intrigued, others are confused and doubtful, and a few verge towards outright anger. At the very least, you suspect that the Five Arches will enjoy a considerable boost in popularity (or perhaps notoriety) after this.

"An... interesting play, Soshi-san." Mariko says thoughtfully. "What did you think of it?"

It occurs to you that responding will likely get you drawn into the ongoing discussions all around you. The Matsu are not the most cultured of families, but they are still samurai, and enough of them respect the theater and its craft to have their opinions of you shaped by your own views on what you just saw.

Best to choose your words carefully...

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[Maugan Ra]

You think for a moment, but hesitating for too long will only taint your words as being deliberately artificial rather than chosen from the heart. Fortunately, it does not take you long to put your thoughts in order - aided by the fact that you were expecting a question like this before too long.

"I think it was a fine performance, portraying well both the benefits of virtue as well as the Three Sins we must ever be on guard against." You reply, pitching your voice so that it carries to at least the nearest members of the audience. Some of them will overhear anyway, and you would rather avoid the problems that might come from unfortunate misunderstandings. "Uplifting in how it showed what can be achieved through sacrifice and the many working together towards a common goal... but also cautionary, because we must always be vigilant against such things that would bring even the mightiest to ruin."

A number of the surrounding members of the audience have turned to face you while you were explaining your viewpoint, the overwhelming majority of them members of the Matsu family. Fortunately, most of them seem to be thoughtful or supportive rather than angrily confrontational, so you are at least assured that you will probably not be challenged to another duel outright.

"Educational or not, Soshi-sama, I do not think such a play is appropriate." One of the Lions - an Ikoma by the mon on her kimono - says deliberately. "To see heimin presuming to claim insight into the Heavenly lives of the Kami... such is a step too far, even for actors."

Naoto's Courtier roll: 7k4 = 38

Hmm. It appears they do not want to concede the point entirely without contention, but that is to be expecting when you are a Scorpion in Shiro Matsu. Fortunately, you think you have an answer for this one, playing on the Lion's own reverence for the established order.

"On the contrary, Ikoma-sama, I believe this is precisely what we should encourage the heimin to be doing." You say smoothly. "This is their ancestry as much as ours - humanity came from the mingling of blood and tears shed as a result of this incident. The blood of heaven flows in the veins of all mortals, and while theirs might run thinner than ours, I would never seek to deny them that. The Celestial Order is only strengthened when men take lessons from the deeds of their ancestors."

The Ikoma nods slowly, unwilling to contest your point when it is founded on such a basic theological point. That is probably enough, but you figure you might as well add in one final remark. "Still, if you would prefer that only samurai speak of such lofty things, I could always send an invitation to my cousins among the Shosuro."

Your impromptu opponent laughs freely, rather less restrained than you would have expected - but then, these are the Ikoma. "Your point is well made, Soshi-sama. Clearly, I should not have tried to match words with a Scorpion on their home territory."

You incline your head respectfully, aware that both rebuking and agreeing with the Ikoma could end poorly, and the audience members begin to disperse, heading back out onto the street and to their next destination. You and Mariko go with them, blinking slightly as you emerge into the sunlight - it is now slightly after midday.

"Deftly handled, Soshi-san." Mariko murmurs to you. "Now, where shall we go next?"

Choose your next destination:
[ ] Find something to eat
- [ ] What sort of meal are you looking for?
[ ] Observe the local's celebrations
[ ] Let Mariko decide
[ ] Write in

-/-

Between your actions in the street and your answer in the theater, Soshi Naoto has demonstrated himself to be courageous, civilized and cultured in front of numerous witnesses. Word of this will slowly spread. You gain one point of Glory.

QM's note - Happy new year, SV!

 

[Maugan Ra]

[x] Pick a nice restraunt, favored by the Ikoma.

"I had thought we might find something to eat." You comment. "There is a restraunt near here favoured by samurai of the Ikoma family, and it would not do to be distracted from the festivities to come by mere hunger."

"Quite so, Soshi-san." Mariko says softly, her lips quirking into an amused smile. "You appear to have given all of this much thought. Lead on."

"Well, I am a Scorpion, Doji-san." You reply with a faint smile of your own. "I have heard it said that the Matsu believe it improper to ever consider a course of action for more than seven breaths, but what works for them is perhaps less certain for the rest of us."

"I had heard something along those lines." Mariko agrees as the two of you make your way through the streets. You can already see signs of the upcoming festival all around you - the trees are decorated with paper strips, lanterns are being placed in prominent positions, and there is a general air of cheerfulness slowly suffusing the city. "Something about the honourable course of action never taking more than seven breaths to determine, and the lack of any need to consider something which is not honourable?"

"The commitment that our cousins among the Lion display to Bushido is indeed remarkable." You comment lightly. Were you speaking with another Scorpion you might make a remark about their devotion blinding them, but the Crane are renowned as being just as dedicated to their principles, if a bit more refined about how they express them. Instead, you leave it there, instead focusing on getting to your destination rather than becoming embarrassingly lost.

The Seven Mountains Restraunt is located at the end of a minor street leading off from one of the main thoroughfares, and doubtlessly relies more on word of mouth than obvious advertising to attract clientele. For an establishment in such an austere city it is surprisingly heavily decorated - the paper walls are covered in beautiful drawings of montain scenery and proud leonine forms silhouetted against the skyline, while the wooden pillars are cut from dark wood and engraved with intricate flower patterns. The interior is reasonably conventional, and speaking to the servant at the door gets you and Mariko seated swiftly, with cushions to ensure your comfort on the hard wooden floor.

There are many other samurai within, most currently eating, and looking around you can see more than a few couples out enjoying the chance to be together in public without shame. As you predicted, the mon of the Ikoma is by far the most frequent, though there appears to be a number of Kitsu here as well. None of them, however, hold a candle to the massive form of the samurai who just walked in through a small side door.

"Honourable patrons!" He proclaims in a loud voice, drawing the attention of everyone within. His hair is pulled back into a topknot and his kimono is protected by a thick apron. "May the blessings of the Fortunes be upon you this day! I am Ikoma Hanryu, the primary ryorishi for this fine establishment, and it is my Honour and pleasure to cook for you today!"

His hands, which you note are surprisingly slender compared to his considerable bulk, withdraw a pair of wickedly sharp knives from his belt. "Many are the culinary traditions of our glorious Empire, but there are none such as that practiced by my family." He proclaims, flicking the knives into the air and then catching them again in a brilliant arc of gleaming steel. "My ancestor was blessed with the patronage of Koji-no-kami herself, and he has passed her divine lessons down to every generation that followed. I would therefore invite you to offer a small prayer to the Fortune after you leave, just as I do every night, in thanks for her unmatched beneficence. In the meantime, my daughter shall provide some light entertainment for you while I prepare your meals."

Having said his piece, the boisterous chef retreats back to his kitchen, and a young girl in a beautiful kimono comes out and kneels by the entrance, biwa in hand. She bows to you all, tests the strings on her instrument a couple of times, then launches into a hauntingly beautiful song that provides an excellent backdrop to the overall setting.

"What a marvelous place." Mariko comments softly. "Truly, you must be perceptive indeed to have found it in such a short period of time, Soshi-san."

You incline your head at the compliment. "I have found that one can learn much, Doji-san, simply by paying attention and listening to the world around us."

"Wise words." She replies, still smiling gently. "Though it does remind me of a question I would ask. Your name has come up more than once in court, Soshi-san, and while you have made a most favourable impression many are also surprised. Your adherence to Bushido is, perhaps, more pronounced than many might expect from your Clan. Have I simply been watching the wrong plays?"

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