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

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[X] Evade the question.

[X] "Daidoji-san... as you doubtless know, I volunteered to represent Doji-san in the duel against Matsu Heijiko. If not for Kakita-san's timely intervention, it would have been me who fell to her blade in Doji-san's defense. So, no, Daidoji-san, I was not her enemy, nor am I yours."

"As to who her enemy could be? I do not know." This is true enough. The culprit is likely someone who is or has access to maho, and someone who would benefit from the Crane's misfortune - but that is very nearly 'everyone, everywhere.'

You fix Daidoji-san with a steely look, and show some of the anger in your heart. "But I would dearly like to. To be honest Daidoji-san, I had hoped to ask you if there was anything that you knew about this matter." Also technically true, but giving the impression that we know much less than we do.

-[X] If he gives us any information, offer our analyses of that information, possibly trying to lead him in the correct direction if we think we can do it safely.

-[X] If he does not or does a 'I asked first,' simply apologize and say "there is little that I can tell you at this time, Daidoji-san. If that changes, however, I will most assuredly do so."
 
[X] Evade the question.

[X] "Daidoji-san... as you doubtless know, I volunteered to represent Doji-san in the duel against Matsu Heijiko. If not for Kakita-san's timely intervention, it would have been me who fell to her blade in Doji-san's defense. So, no, Daidoji-san, I was not her enemy, nor am I yours."

"As to who her enemy could be? I do not know." This is true enough. The culprit is likely someone who is or has access to maho, and someone who would benefit from the Crane's misfortune - but that is very nearly 'everyone, everywhere.'

You fix Daidoji-san with a steely look, and show some of the anger in your heart. "But I would dearly like to. To be honest Daidoji-san, I had hoped to ask you if there was anything that you knew about this matter." Also technically true, but giving the impression that we know much less than we do.

-[X] If he gives us any information, offer our analyses of that information, possibly trying to lead him in the correct direction if we think we can do it safely.

-[X] If he does not or does a 'I asked first,' simply apologize and say "there is little that I can tell you at this time, Daidoji-san. If that changes, however, I will most assuredly do so."
 
[X] Evade the question.

[X] "Daidoji-san... as you doubtless know, I volunteered to represent Doji-san in the duel against Matsu Heijiko. If not for Kakita-san's timely intervention, it would have been me who fell to her blade in Doji-san's defense. So, no, Daidoji-san, I was not her enemy, nor am I yours."

"As to who her enemy could be? I do not know." This is true enough. The culprit is likely someone who is or has access to maho, and someone who would benefit from the Crane's misfortune - but that is very nearly 'everyone, everywhere.'

You fix Daidoji-san with a steely look, and show some of the anger in your heart. "But I would dearly like to. To be honest Daidoji-san, I had hoped to ask you if there was anything that you knew about this matter." Also technically true, but giving the impression that we know much less than we do.

-[X] If he gives us any information, offer our analyses of that information, possibly trying to lead him in the correct direction if we think we can do it safely.

-[X] If he does not or does a 'I asked first,' simply apologize and say "there is little that I can tell you at this time, Daidoji-san. If that changes, however, I will most assuredly do so."
 
OK, vote closed. Looks like we're going with the quoted option, courtesy of (I think) @storybookknight, and expending a Free Raise on the roll as well.

I'll get to writing it up shortly.

The winning vote said:
[X] Evade the question.

[X] "Daidoji-san... as you doubtless know, I volunteered to represent Doji-san in the duel against Matsu Heijiko. If not for Kakita-san's timely intervention, it would have been me who fell to her blade in Doji-san's defense. So, no, Daidoji-san, I was not her enemy, nor am I yours."

"As to who her enemy could be? I do not know." This is true enough. The culprit is likely someone who is or has access to maho, and someone who would benefit from the Crane's misfortune - but that is very nearly 'everyone, everywhere.'

You fix Daidoji-san with a steely look, and show some of the anger in your heart. "But I would dearly like to. To be honest Daidoji-san, I had hoped to ask you if there was anything that you knew about this matter." Also technically true, but giving the impression that we know much less than we do.

-[X] If he gives us any information, offer our analyses of that information, possibly trying to lead him in the correct direction if we think we can do it safely.

-[X] If he does not or does a 'I asked first,' simply apologize and say "there is little that I can tell you at this time, Daidoji-san. If that changes, however, I will most assuredly do so."

-[X] Void dem sincerity rolls.
-[X] I, @The Laurent , have decided to waste a Free Raise on this, just because we can't afford yet another possible ally alienated by our sheer incompetence.

If someone argues that a Free Raise is overkill, I'll remove this, since I want to use these efficiently. Or if a Void point is enough for success.
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5.16 - The importance of being sincere
  • Threadmarks
    • For a moment, you are tempted - the Daidoji have a reputation as excellent scouts and trackers, and if there is some kind of ongoing conspiracy interfering with events here then Chen's assistance could be invaluable. Except... your lord commanded you to remain silent. Perhaps you could bring this to her and ask for her direct permission, but that is about all that you could safely hope to achieve.

    Of course, you can hardly tell Chen that. Now, how to handle this...

    "Daidoji-san... as you doubtless know, I volunteered to represent Doji-san in her duel against Matsu Heijiko. If it were not for Kakita-san's intervention, I would have been to one to fall to her blade." You pause there, partly for emphasis and partly because you cannot deny the truth of your own words. You made a narrow escape that day indeed. "So no, Daidoji-san. I was not her enemy, and I am not yours."

    Now comes the tricky part. You would prefer to maintain reasonably positive relations with the Crane, and that will be much easier to achieve if you do not have to worry about any lingering hostility from Chen because he feels that you lied to him. With that in mind, you fix him with a steely gaze and put as much sincerity into your voice as you can.

    "As for who her enemy might be? I do not know... but I would dearly like to." You allow yourself to grimace slightly. "To be honest, Daidoji-san, I was hoping to ask if you knew anything about the matter."

    Naoto's Sincerity with Void: 7k5 = 73
    Chen's investigation: ??? = ???

    For a long moment, Daidoji Chen stares at you. Then he sighs and lowers his gaze. "I suppose I cannot fairly expect all of the answers to fall into my lap when I ask." He says in a heavy tone of voice. "I'm afraid I do not know anything either, Soshi-san."

    Chen's sincerity ??? = ???
    Naoto's Investigation/Perception: 5k2 = 24

    He appears to be telling the truth, though judging by the fatigue you can hear hidden behind his words he wishes he had something more to offer. You can certainly sympathize to an extent - the thought of having all of your Clan's efforts resting on you for the duration of a court is not a pleasant one.

    "Then it appears there is little to be done, Daidoji-san." You say with a sigh. "Still, rest assured that if I do learn anything I shall bring it to your attention promptly."

    Chen smiles thinly. "I suppose there are worse things to base our interactions on. Very well, Soshi-san. I will remember this, and do likewise."

    Nodding, the two of you return to playing Go.

    -/-

    Naoto has impressed Daidoji Chen with his sincerity and convinced the Crane to view him as a potential friend in this hostile place. Daidoji Chen is now an Ally with Influence 2 (some political influence due to effective position of Crane Ambassador) and Devotion 2 (willing to risk his honour to assist you, albeit secretly).

    Although acting under orders, Naoto still lied to a fellow samurai and deliberately mislead them. This use of Sincerity counts as a Low skill, and Naoto loses 3 points of honour as a result.

    -/-

    21st Day of the Boar

    You are in your chambers, practicing your calligraphy with a careful and deliberate focus. You have made allies in this court, and chances are you will want to keep in contact with them via letter in the years to come. It be hooves you to represent your Clan and Family in the best possible light for such things, and that means being able to write with a sufficiently beautiful hand.

    There is a small scratch on the doorframe, and you set down your brush.

    "Enter."

    The door slides open and one of Pale Oak's fellow heimin bows to you. "Apologies for disturbing you, Soshi-sama. There is someone here requesting to see you."

    Who has come to visit?
    [ ] Asako Tani, Phoenix ambassador
    [ ] Otomo Kairyu, Imperial representative
    [ ] Matsu Nimuro, son of the Daimyo

    QM's note - This is obviously a meta-vote of sorts, since Naoto has no influence over who has come to say hello.

    Congratulations to @storybookknight, your write-in (combined with an obscenely good roll) has managed to net you your second ally of the court.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [] Otomo Kairyu, Imperial representative

    Both he and Nimuro sound interesting.

    Edit:
    Screw it, changing my vote to Nimuro.

    [X] Matsu Nimuro, son of the Daimyo
     
    Maugan Ra said:
    -/-

    Naoto has impressed Daidoji Chen with his sincerity and convinced the Crane to view him as a potential friend in this hostile place. Daidoji Chen is now an Ally with Influence 2 (some political influence due to effective position of Crane Ambassador) and Devotion 2 (willing to risk his honour to assist you, albeit secretly).

    Although acting under orders, Naoto still lied to a fellow samurai and deliberately mislead them. This use of Sincerity counts as a Low skill, and Naoto loses 3 points of honour as a result.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Well, that kind of defeats the point of hiding Chens detect sincerity roll. Out of interest. What did he get?
    Maugan Ra said:
    QM's note - This is obviously a meta-vote of sorts, since Naoto has no influence over who has come to say hello.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Or does he?
     
    Ah well. There goes our perfect streak of never losing honor. We're Scorpion, so it was bound to happen eventually... but at least it was for a good cause. And hey! Crane ally get!

    [X] Matsu Nimuro, son of the Daimyo

    Since we've already talked to Asako Tani and Otomo Kairyu a little bit, it'd be interesting to see one of the players in the court that we have not yet spoken with. And I'm really quite curious as to why he might wish to speak to us....
     
    A bit of analysis:
    [ ] Asako Tani, Phoenix ambassador
    The established option. We have put a bit of effort in getting good relations. This is the option most likely to result in some kind of deal, request or aliance at court. Probably the safest option, but also one where we risk all our current progress. Clerely defined as part of our job.
    [ ] Otomo Kairyu, Imperial representative
    The Test Option. The Otomo could want anything. But It will probably be yet another kind of Game, where we are tested. He is currently an Ally, but his perogative is conflict. He may be intrested in the new stance of the Matsu. Genji did mention that they were now not going to war out of spite and stubborness. Also, the Heimin might be getting to trouble again.
    [ ] Matsu Nimuro, son of the Daimyo
    WIld Card option. Not really sure why he would be visting. The only interaction we've had is with his people through Ginsei and the trial of the Sword + what happened while we were drunk. So this might be a chance to repay him. Or he might be coming to us because we are the most Honorable of the Scorpion present(I think). Warning though, Bayushi is working the Lion and we have little idea what she is doing, apart from trying to establish friendly relartions. This would be out of our purview and is likely the most dangerous option, but it may also be the most rewarding one if we can walk the Razors edge. Being near a Matsus cub is a very dangerous place to stand as a Scorpion.

    In Conclusion: While we have spend time with Tani recently, we decided not to push it. Thus, it only makes sense that she might come to us with something since we have been investing time in her but not pushing for anything specific. I'd rather see what she has for us and build on it, then go into more wild wild rides. So:

    [X] Asako Tani, Phoenix ambassador

    @Maugan Ra : Did we tell Pale Oak about the Crab restoraunt where everyone is armed? Seems like a good place to keep an eye on, nyet?
     
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