Night
Widow Null
- Location
- Hoff
I've had that on my list since the beginning, but it was at that point I was pretty much like "welp, best case scenario: we never realize IC what we're dealing with". I don't think that is a viable outcome now.
In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
I've had that on my list since the beginning, but it was at that point I was pretty much like "welp, best case scenario: we never realize IC what we're dealing with". I don't think that is a viable outcome now.
Not something we could have followed up on IC.
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
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A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
Out of curiosity, what other hints were there?
I know. And, like I said, not something that would've really helped given how Mariko had already received and carried out her falsified orders.
Still, kinda stings.
- Location
- London, England
Hmm... nah, that'd be too easy. Some of those hints are still directly relevant to precisely what your enemy is doing at the moment, and I don't want to spoil it.
GilliamYaeger
M'crazy.
So, we've got strong evidence for Nothing involvement in this shit. The problem is, we don't know what the Lying Darkness even is, and we don't seem to have any way to learn about it in time to stop whatever its planning.
...Would Kimoko know about it?
...Would Kimoko know about it?
Night
Widow Null
- Location
- Hoff
Shadow-branding is a closely guarded Soshi family secret. We're more likely to know than she is, and neither of us are likely to know considering we weren't trained in the right school.
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
The people who know about it are likely the Kuroiban...so probably not, though it's still a possibility.
EDIT: Oh shit, I forgot the Soshi still practice Shadow Branding. Our daimyo and any sensei in the Soshi Shugenja school probably know.
So IC we know it is bad stuff, probably Shadowlands shit (which is scary but not quite pant shitting yet). This means our first reaction should be first to give this information to Bayushi and then to the Lion, we lay out that the plans are a forgery and that we think it is something really bad, most likely Shadowlands. Obviously it is the Lying Nothing, but getting people thinking that it is something mystic and evil is a start.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
So... various thoughts...
- We should tell Ikoma Genji what's going on. He wanted to know if his good friend the Doji Champion was to blame. We have clear evidence (the differences in writing style) that he was not. We can talk with him about strategy on how to present this a bit as well. Fortunately, we now have pretty solid evidence (both IC and OOC) that Daidoji Chen was *not* in on this ('cause, you know, he has a face) so we can bring him in for the reveal if appropriate (probably useful for long-term friendliness between the clans). Mind you, we probably don't want the reveal to kick in at least until the recent Glorious Matsu Victory is no longer particularly on people's minds. Obviously, we should tell Bayushi Kimoko about what's going on *first*.
- At some point, we should likely tell Otomo-sama as well (about the forgery and the shadow-thing, though not about our dealings with the Ikoma). It seems pertinent to his concerns, and will likely earn us a few points. Having the imperial side on the lookout for such things is also likely to help.
- We should absolutely be writing letters to our superiors back in the Scorpion lands. This is the sort of thing they need to know about, and sooner rather than later. In particular, even IC, we can tell that as the Emperor's Under Hand, this is going to be a pretty big threat that our family is going to need to deal with.
- We should remember that Yogo Hanzo is Darn Handy for things like this, and remember to ask him for assistance more often in the future. Also, we should do something nice for the man.
- The other thing that the Lying Darkness is doing is probably those random anti-Empire revolutionaries out there. Nondescript, with nothing particular in common... yeah.
- One of the clues was the one that I personally have been trying hard not to include in IC logic - the "Lying Darkness messes with the Crane Clan mail" was the start of the Crane Clan Civil War in the OTL.
- We should tell Ikoma Genji what's going on. He wanted to know if his good friend the Doji Champion was to blame. We have clear evidence (the differences in writing style) that he was not. We can talk with him about strategy on how to present this a bit as well. Fortunately, we now have pretty solid evidence (both IC and OOC) that Daidoji Chen was *not* in on this ('cause, you know, he has a face) so we can bring him in for the reveal if appropriate (probably useful for long-term friendliness between the clans). Mind you, we probably don't want the reveal to kick in at least until the recent Glorious Matsu Victory is no longer particularly on people's minds. Obviously, we should tell Bayushi Kimoko about what's going on *first*.
- At some point, we should likely tell Otomo-sama as well (about the forgery and the shadow-thing, though not about our dealings with the Ikoma). It seems pertinent to his concerns, and will likely earn us a few points. Having the imperial side on the lookout for such things is also likely to help.
- We should absolutely be writing letters to our superiors back in the Scorpion lands. This is the sort of thing they need to know about, and sooner rather than later. In particular, even IC, we can tell that as the Emperor's Under Hand, this is going to be a pretty big threat that our family is going to need to deal with.
- We should remember that Yogo Hanzo is Darn Handy for things like this, and remember to ask him for assistance more often in the future. Also, we should do something nice for the man.
- The other thing that the Lying Darkness is doing is probably those random anti-Empire revolutionaries out there. Nondescript, with nothing particular in common... yeah.
- One of the clues was the one that I personally have been trying hard not to include in IC logic - the "Lying Darkness messes with the Crane Clan mail" was the start of the Crane Clan Civil War in the OTL.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
In fact, didn't the war against the darkness started when someone thought it was a good idea to replace the Crab's champion with a shadowy copy and almost succeed in destroying the clan?
... Would the Dragon's gift be also a foreshadowing of this? What else might be concealed in the dark that we have ignored? This doesn't look well.
... Would the Dragon's gift be also a foreshadowing of this? What else might be concealed in the dark that we have ignored? This doesn't look well.
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
Not Crab, Crane. And I'm not sure that was wholly the case (not to mention the fact that the artifact used was the Egg of P'an Ku, which has nothing to do with the Shadow as far as I know).
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
... I swear I typed Crane there... God dammit, autocorrect.
So neither event is related? I see. Huh... I better go to sleep.
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
Well, canonically Doji Kuwanan was manipulated by the Shadow into trying to ambush Yoritomo when he was about to take control of Scorpion lands, followed by Yoritomo being allegedly manipulated into invading the Phoenix lands.... I swear I typed Crane there... God dammit, autocorrect.
So neither event is related? I see. Huh... I better go to sleep.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
The Egg of P'an Ku has been used on both the Crane and Lion Champions, but I'm pretty sure that the War Against the Shadow was kicked off after they kidnapped Emperor Toturi (and then, some time later, he was rescued, and then, sometime after *that*, it was determined that the Shadow had done it). The false Hoturi was before that (actually before the current game) and the whole Tamago thing was well after.
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
If we need more confirmation of the scroll and it's "issues" it may be possible to get the Phoenix involved. After all they don't need to see the contents of the scroll to speak to the kami.
Either way we should kick this up the chain to our immediate boss and then (if he concurs) inform the Ikoma that someone falsified the Crane orders.
Also, thinking about it, if the Crane mail is being intercepted/manipulated we can potentially offer Daidoji Chen the services of the Scorpion in making sure his message gets through untouched (except by us).
Either way we should kick this up the chain to our immediate boss and then (if he concurs) inform the Ikoma that someone falsified the Crane orders.
Also, thinking about it, if the Crane mail is being intercepted/manipulated we can potentially offer Daidoji Chen the services of the Scorpion in making sure his message gets through untouched (except by us).
- Location
- Earth
[X] Blood drains from your face as you quietly ask: "Yogo-san. Do you know of anything that could make the earth Kami respond as such? For I've heard of only one, and if so, this matter has become urgent."
[X] If he offers no further details apart from what we already know, take quick but steady steps towards Bayushi-sama. This needs be reported immediately.
-[X] Secure both Scrolls with us. We are not letting them out of our sight to disappear. Keep our sword arm clear. Until this information is relayed we are at high risk.
[X] Recount our investigation of the letter, our conclusions, and then Yogo-sans participation. Then expand on what we have learned over the years, how the only thing we had heard that would cause such a response is the Taint. This has changed from a plot against some Cranes, into a possible threat for the whole Empire. Shadowland creatures(or other equally foul things) are forging official orders from the Crane Champion. They could do untold harm.
-[X] If allowed or asked suggest we gather Ikoma Genji as the one who approached us, Doji Mariko as the highest present Crane and the victim of this plot and Otomo Kairyu as the highest present imperial official. We can present our evidence then. The letter was delivered by an official Crane courier. An attempt by something that seemed human was made on Otomo-sama, but it somehow escaped in the middle of Shiro Matsu. We fear our enemy may be able to assume Human form, and thus prefer on dealing with the people we have had the most contact with, and who we do not fear may be impostors.
-[X] Doji Mariko sepuku can bloody well wait. This is a threat to the whole Empire and we need her point of view as the victim as well as the head of the Crane delegation dispatched to Shiro Matsu. Her seal of approval on any official response or warning to come from the meeting will give it greater weight among the Crane, and make it far more likely to be believed as true, rather than as a Scorpion plot. We need her alive for this, even if, just for a couple of days. Surely her Honor can tolerate such necessity in service to the Empire?
--[X] It might be prudent to ask Genji to arrange for some Lion Shugenja to be present as well, so they can confirm what Yogo-san sensed. He could also Invite Kitsu Ami, or another of the Lions magistrates to come and check our work to also ease their minds.
--[X] There is a Phoenix Loremaster at court. Asking Asoka Tani about the earth Kamis response might not go askew, if we ask casually enough and in the right hypothetical way, though this is likely not a priority it should also not be a big effort.
--[X] Everything about this matter should be handled discreetly, as we do not want to cause undue alarm and panic or warn our Enemy we are on to them.
---[X] Listen to when our Lord speaks and consider her orders, offering what knowledge we can to help her make informed decisions. That is why we were sent here.
****
Welp, I'm open to suggestions.
[X] If he offers no further details apart from what we already know, take quick but steady steps towards Bayushi-sama. This needs be reported immediately.
-[X] Secure both Scrolls with us. We are not letting them out of our sight to disappear. Keep our sword arm clear. Until this information is relayed we are at high risk.
[X] Recount our investigation of the letter, our conclusions, and then Yogo-sans participation. Then expand on what we have learned over the years, how the only thing we had heard that would cause such a response is the Taint. This has changed from a plot against some Cranes, into a possible threat for the whole Empire. Shadowland creatures(or other equally foul things) are forging official orders from the Crane Champion. They could do untold harm.
-[X] If allowed or asked suggest we gather Ikoma Genji as the one who approached us, Doji Mariko as the highest present Crane and the victim of this plot and Otomo Kairyu as the highest present imperial official. We can present our evidence then. The letter was delivered by an official Crane courier. An attempt by something that seemed human was made on Otomo-sama, but it somehow escaped in the middle of Shiro Matsu. We fear our enemy may be able to assume Human form, and thus prefer on dealing with the people we have had the most contact with, and who we do not fear may be impostors.
-[X] Doji Mariko sepuku can bloody well wait. This is a threat to the whole Empire and we need her point of view as the victim as well as the head of the Crane delegation dispatched to Shiro Matsu. Her seal of approval on any official response or warning to come from the meeting will give it greater weight among the Crane, and make it far more likely to be believed as true, rather than as a Scorpion plot. We need her alive for this, even if, just for a couple of days. Surely her Honor can tolerate such necessity in service to the Empire?
--[X] It might be prudent to ask Genji to arrange for some Lion Shugenja to be present as well, so they can confirm what Yogo-san sensed. He could also Invite Kitsu Ami, or another of the Lions magistrates to come and check our work to also ease their minds.
--[X] There is a Phoenix Loremaster at court. Asking Asoka Tani about the earth Kamis response might not go askew, if we ask casually enough and in the right hypothetical way, though this is likely not a priority it should also not be a big effort.
--[X] Everything about this matter should be handled discreetly, as we do not want to cause undue alarm and panic or warn our Enemy we are on to them.
---[X] Listen to when our Lord speaks and consider her orders, offering what knowledge we can to help her make informed decisions. That is why we were sent here.
****
Welp, I'm open to suggestions.
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- Location
- Leeds
Wow thats long.
Perhaps part of the problem was that we forgot what Naoto actually knows and what is Meta. If someone had mentioned that no one should know about the nothing that narrated the play I think it would have got more attention. Instead those who did know forgot Naoto didn't and those who didn't carried on in blissful ignorance.
Time to reread the story.
- Location
- United States
You are wrong in saying that Daidoji is cleared of suspicion because he has a face. The Nothing is called the faceless because it has no true shape or form, but can imitate forms or reproduce the shapes of those it has absorbed. What we are about to enter is illuminati rokugan....
Oh, and if anything we are thinking shadowlands, not shadow tainted.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Okay. I'll be more precise, and less glib.You are wrong in saying that Daidoji is cleared of suspicion because he has a face. The Nothing is called the faceless because it has no true shape or form, but can imitate forms or reproduce the shapes of those it has absorbed. What we are about to enter is illuminati rokugan....
Oh, and if anything we are thinking shadowlands, not shadow tainted.
The primary reason to suspect him, IC and OOC, was the idea that this was some sort of internal Crane thing - a struggle over the intentions of the clan. This was primarily because of the difficulties inherent in forging - both access to the Clan Champion's stamp and access to the Crane Clan cipher. There was also the fact that it was plausible that some Crane might wish to take a few pieces out of the Lion in the courts, in a form of revenge. Now we know that their access to the stamp was limited to a print of the stamp which they in turn copied by hand. We further know that there was something Freakishly Wrong about the person who did this thing - and the Crane are not known for their interest in dabbling in the Freakishly Wrong. Indeed, they are notable for basically not having shadowlands-tainted personalities (other than, eventually, the Asahina diamyo, but that happens later than this). If it's a "twisted freakish wrong thing" plot, it is *highly unlikely* to be a Crane plot. As such, both IC and OOC, we have very little reason to suspect Daidoji Chen any more than any other random person we know. IC, the fact that he's Crane (and has a face) makes it even less likely.
Oh. I just spotted another bit of foreshadowing. What gift did Doji Mariko present to the Lion?
@primemountain - there are things we can do, and there are things we cannot do. Delaying Doji Mariko's jigai is one of those things we simply cannot do - not without paying costs that it could not possibly be worth. It would dishonor us. It would dishonor her. At this point, there is literally no authority we could possibly appeal to that could stay her execution. It's not happening. Having it happen "discreetly" is even more implausible. At this point, if we need a Crane witness, our best bet is to convince Daidoji Chen.
Also, Bayushi Kimiko is not here, and dashing off to speak with her isn't going to win any points for discreet either. We are not currently under a heavy time limit here. We do want to send word to the other Scorpion, as word of these events may make their way to other places over the next few days, and having them know sooner rather than later may be important, but at this Winter Court, all of the things that are happening rapidly have, in essence, already happened.
"Gathering" is likewise less than discreet - and unnecessary. We can handle this just fine one conversation at a time.
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- Location
- Earth
I am not sure if this request is rude. If so I apologize. But could the people with OTL and OOC knowledge not discuss it too much in thread? Or mark it with spoilers or in some other clear way as being OTL and OOC?
Some people who do not notice that it is OTL and OOC may being to think it is IC knowledge and act as if it was. I would prefer to avoid the confusion.
@Night : We literally cannot think that it is the Nothing IC, as we do not know that is a thing.
The Nothing as a whole falls under Forrbiden Lore. We do not have it.
Some people who do not notice that it is OTL and OOC may being to think it is IC knowledge and act as if it was. I would prefer to avoid the confusion.
@Night : We literally cannot think that it is the Nothing IC, as we do not know that is a thing.
The Nothing as a whole falls under Forrbiden Lore. We do not have it.