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

[x] "How did she die, I see the Mantis reputation is not unfounded. She died doing her duty, as all Samurai should. I trust our host if she deems you need to know about a matter between the Scorpion and the Lion, she will inform you, but I will not be so ungracious a guest as to ignore her will when she is standing right here."
 
[x] "How did she die, I see the Mantis reputation is not unfounded. She died doing her duty, as all Samurai should. I trust our host if she deems you need to know about a matter between the Scorpion and the Lion, she will inform you, but I will not be so ungracious a guest as to ignore her will when she is standing right here."
 
Sorry, still trying to get back into the swing of the Quest, as it were. Hrm, I'm not sure about that vote, though if nothing comes up in the next short while then that'll be it...
 
I'm also working on a vote, but you have no one but yourself to blame for the delay @Maugan Ra . We care about the character and the quest, so we want to do it right. Sirroccos points are helping me refine my vote, but I am still archive diving to improve it. I'll get something up for the rest to judge and refine in the next couple of hours.
 
[x]Plan Speech 1.1:
-[x]"Bayushi-sama died doing her Duty, Yoritomo-san. As the Mantis guard the sea, the Scorpion protect against those that would hide from the sight of the Empire. Many fall unseen and un-mourned but by the few who know of their secret sacrifice. Bayushi-sama was assassinated in the middle of Shiro Matsu in broad daylight. She fell, sword in hand, having laid low multiple of her assailants."

-[x]"The enemy must have grown truly desperate to hatch so brazen a plot and reveal themselves so openly. It was easy to dismiss the attack on Otomo-sama as the work of a single traitorous heimin. This? This speaks of numbers, cunning, funding... This was organized. Something moves among the shadows of Shiro Matsu and it seems displeased by our efforts here so far. I wonder what plot could we have foiled to draw their ire?"

-[x]Finish with a thanks:"I would like to thank Matsu-sama for lending us the services of the Kitsu to help Yogo-san recover."
*********
Still not quite satisfied, but figured I would get it out there. It informs everyone that there is some kind of shadow threat and to be on the lookout, but it does give the Matsu a black eye publicly. One they deserve, but still.

As for what is to be shared with the Matsu in private, well they never really asked us now did they? All they did ask for is our testemony when we returned. If they want to know, they can damn well ask and bargain for the knowledge. We are Scorpion, we trade secrets, not just give them out.

EDIT: + we've yet to hear back from our superiours. When was that supposed to come back? The answer to the letters she sent?

EDIT1: Removed pointed look.
 
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[x] primemountain

Looks good to me so far, yeah. Somewhat hesitant that it might give away a bit too much about our guesswork/investigation, but shouldn't be too much, I hope.
 
Eh. Yogo is officially alive and here. Just his testemony is enough for most of that(multiple attackers, face removal, at this point the enemy know we know about all that and we are not revealing face removal in public, only organisation). The only thing we might be giving away is the plot thing, that I am hesitant on, and suspicions that the attack on Otomo might be related. Note that we never say they are related.

I am mentioning the plot thing as a reminder at a time and place where it will be effective and paint Naoto as working against the assasins in the mind of the daimyo as well as give a clear motive for framing him, apart from using his face to bypass security. And since she will likely be the one to ultimately judge us I figure it is worth it. Also it may aim Daidoji against them if he belives these people caused the death of his charge by hatching the plot we foiled.

EDIT: As a reminder to newcomers, we stopped, hopefully, a war from braking out between Crane and Lion.
 
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[x] primemountain

I see no issues with the vote. It address everything I would be worried about so there's that.
 
[x] primemountain


Not sure I'd include the pointed look. That particular bit isn't one we necessarily want to bring out here. Others might see it as well, and the Lion and Crane will know what we're talking about. Really, it's not ours to tell.

I also feel like we're talking up the foe a bit here (which can be good) and then not providing any sort of reassurance/suggestions/conclusion (less good). Might want to include something like "If any are concerned that such things might occur in their own lands, I note that the Soshi magistrates are trained specifically for handling situations like these and can be made available. As always, we are well aware of our duties as the Under Hand."

The thanks for helping Yogo-san feels a little awkward, but I agree that we ought to have some sort of expression of appreciation/solidarity there, and I can't think of anything else that we can say that might fit with the theme.

Not sure on wording, but I hope this helps.
 
I've x'd my minimalist answer. Implies we weren't there, that we have confidence in our hosts, that of course we're going to act when we know enough. Actually gives away very little of whats going on to the enemies in the audience.

I don't want to be giving passionate speeches at this time and even saying that the boss went down swinging is a needless confirmation of our knowledge. Let them wonder.
 
Hmm. I'll agree on the pointed look, it is a bit much for a Scorpion, though the Matsu daymio may not catch on without it. Hopefully, her advisor will.

As for the Soshi magistrate bit, I have some issues with it. Doing so here and now is an insult to the Matsu(meaning they can not deal with it themselves) but also closes the door for any negotiations to actually getting Soshi magistrates into another Clans Holdings.

After all, we just declared that calling them is admiting they are concerned their own magistrates are unable or insufficient to deal with the threat. After that, calling on the Soshi would be seen as a lack of confidance in your own people as well as an insult to them and few would do it.

Though I do agree about it needing some kind of reasurance. And that a better transition for the last part would help. I'm just not sure how to word it. I'll edit out the look and give the other matters some more thought.
 
Okay. I can certainly see that the wording might be better... but it's basically the same idea that we sold to the Lion the first time. "Hey, we're specialists at this - this is, in fact, our Emperor-appointed job." I'll agree that implying that the gathered nobles might be concerned is the wrong way to sell it. I really don't have the ergs to come up with a better way to sell it right now, though.

It's also true that this may be the wrong time to try to sell the idea. We can't really be properly self-deprecating here, and that was part of the bit that sold it the first time.

Basically, the fear is a tool (even if it's a tool that we'd never admit to using, and they'd never admit to having been effective on them). You don't have to use it for reassurance/salesmanship, but you should absolutely direct it towards *something*.
 
7.04 - First Day of Court
Well. This is not precisely what you might call a surprise - the court was always going to need some kind of explanation for your lord's death - but even so you are a little surprised at the Mantis for pushing for an explanation so quickly. Perhaps they truly are as brash as their reputation suggests? Still, a question has been asked and an answer must be provided. Fortunately, you have spent some time considering how best to do just that.

"Bayushi-sama died doing her duty, Yoritomo-san." You say, quite calmly, and if there is a hint of frost in your tone surely such a thing is excusable under the circumstances. "As the Mantis guard the sea from those who would strike at the Empire, so do the Scorpion guard the shadows against those who would hide from the Empire. For most this means a quiet end, unseen and unmourned by any save the few who know of our secret sacrifices. But not Bayushi-sama."

You look around at the gathered dignitaries, all of whom are currently hanging on your every word, but where once such a sight would have caused you to smile beneath your mask, now... now, there is nothing. Just the cold touch of the falling snow, and the iron weight of duty.

"Bayushi Kimoko-sama was assassinated in broad daylight, in the middle of Shiro Matsu. She fell with her sword in hand, having laid low several of her assailants... but still she fell." You say sharply, and there is a slight gathering of tension from many of the watching Lion. It would be easy for you to turn this into a criticism of them, for the safety of one's guests is a key part of a host's duties... but you have no such thoughts in mind. Instead, you will use this event to unify the Clans against their enemy, and in so doing deny that for any gain they might have otherwise obtained. "The enemy must have grown truly desperate to hatch so brazen a plot, and to reveal themselves so openly."

You gesture towards Otomo Kairyu, who is watching the proceedings with an expression carved from granite.

"It was easy to dismiss the attack on Otomo-sama as the act of a single treacherous heimin." You say calmly, keeping your tone even as you link the two events in the public eye. "But this? This speaks of numbers, of extensive funds and the wit to employ them. It was organized. Something moves among the shadows of Shiro Matsu, and it seems displeased by our efforts thus far. I can only wonder what plot it is that we might have foiled, to draw such ire."

Your intent had been to fall silent there, to leave the question unaddressed in the minds of your peers as a rhetorical point... but it appears that not everyone is content with such ambiguity.

"War." Matsu Ketsui says, her tone one of boundless fury held in check by discipline alone. "You disrupted plans for a war, Soshi-san."

"Matsu-sama?" You ask, and there is no need to mask your surprise. If she intends to say what you think she might...

"Your lord came to me before her death, Soshi-san. She spoke of a discovery that she had made - that the instructions given to Doji Mariko by her Clan Champion had been replaced by forged copies." The Daimyo says bluntly. "There was little proof to be had, and so I did not act. Now, though, the enemy has added their own testimony to that of their victim - an entire delegation, assaulted under my own roof, samurai and heimin alike cut down to hide all record of what they might have uncovered."

You... really, truly doubt that Bayushi Kimoko did anything of the sort. More likely it was Ikoma Genji, fulfilling his duty to keep his lord appraised of your covert discussions. Still, Kimoko is unable to correct the story and none are likely to doubt Ketsui anywhere they might be overheard, so the truth of the matter is irrelevant.

"You are... saying that someone interfered with my Clan's correspondence, in an attempt to push us into war, Matsu-sama?" Daidoji Chen says slowly, a strange light in his eye as he glances between the Daimyo and you.

"I am." Matsu Ketsui responds, no hesitation in her tone as she decides the shape of Rokugani politics for a year or more. "Such an act infuriates me. War is a matter of honour and glory, the crucible of heroes throughout history. That someone would seek to use war, to use the Matsu, as their tool of political advantage... it is an insult of unimaginable scope. One that will be answered in full."

"Ah?" Yasuki Mia raises one eyebrow. "Then Doji-san's death was..."

"Insults given under false pretenses are still insults, and I would never ask my samurai to stand silent when confronted with them." Ketsui replies bluntly. "That said... Doji-san paid for the insult with her life, and so too did her champion. I am content to leave the matter at that. There will be no war between Lion and Crane, not this year."

The reactions of the assembled dignitaries remind you of a rippling pond, disturbed by the impact of a thrown stone. There is an opportunity there, and without a moment's hesitation you seize it.

"As you say, Matsu-sama." You bow to the Daimyo politely. "I would like to thank you for the services of the Kitsu shugenja in restoring Yogo-san to full health."

Matsu Ketsui turns a baleful gaze upon you... and then returns the bow, dipping considerably lower than entirely necessary. "And I should like to thank you, Soshi-san, for the aid of your Clan in this matter. It is a debt that will be long remembered."

-/-

Soshi Naoto has been publicly thanked by a Family Daimyo for his aid in uncovering an enemy of her Clan. Moreover, said thanks was delivered in such a way as to imply something close to an outright alliance between her Clan and yours.

Naoto gains five points of glory (most of it has gone posthumously to Bayushi Kimoko), bringing him up to 4.3.


-/-

28th Day of the Boar

The next day, you prepare yourself for Court.

In the past you could stay in the shadows, staying on the balcony with the Go tables or accomplishing other tasks in and around Shiro Matsu, but that is no longer possible. Your are now your Clan's officially appointed representative, and as such you need to involve yourself in the actual business of the courtiers, at least for the first half of the day. You must see and be seen, protecting and promoting the interests of your Clan and your allies with words and guile.

To that end, you take extra care to dress appropriately - in a kimono of slightly higher quality than you otherwise might favour - and turn up at court slightly earlier than you otherwise might. One of the servants at the entrance takes your sword to be cleaned (an offer not universally extended to all of the guests, you note in passing), and then you are permitted entry to the main hall once again.

Looking around, you can see that there are already two distinct groups of guests assembled, locked in fierce (though polite) debate with one another. You will need to decide if you wish to join a conversation - and who to support - or whether you want to stay uncommitted for the moment by admiring the artwork or otherwise stalling.

Nearby, you can see Yasuki Mia and Yoritomo Harike, both accompanied by their respective Yojimbo, squaring off against Mirumoto Masaru. On the other side of the room Asako Tani is discussing something with Iuchi Moshan, the two of them occasionally taking the effort to invite comment from their respective bodyguards. Both conversations are being watched by a number of the local Lion samurai, few of whom seem to be participating, while everyone else is scattered around the room in ones and twos.

How do you proceed?

[ ] Join the conversation between Mia, Harike and Masaru
- [ ] And support the Mantis and Crab
- [ ] And support the Dragon

[ ] Join the conversation between Tani and Moshan
- [ ] And support the Phoenix
- [ ] And support the Unicorn

[ ] Find something else to do (write in)

You might notice that I'm asking who you will support in any given conversation before you know what the topic of discussion is or what both sides are advocating.

This is entirely deliberate. Such conversations in a Rokugani court are much more about who you support and how well than they are about the substance of your opinion, and only very rarely is what you say actually considered in any depth. Fortunately, they are also very rarely taken as a sign of genuine feeling, and will not make much in the way of enemies - more than one pair of Rokugani courtiers have maintained a furious rivalry in public while enjoying a heartfelt friendship or even romance in private.

That said there will also be moments when you are expected to give your personal opinion on something, untainted by Clan politics, and I will make a point of highlighting these moments when they occur.
 
Okay...

So the Mantis and the Crab are somewhat, at least in public, supporting one another.

The Dragon came alone and is alone.. if we defend him we have little to gain and if we go against him we would join two other clans... so not that much to gain.

The Phoenix and the unicorn is easier to decide, as we had some contact with the Phoenix.

But before we decide.

@Maugan Ra what do we know about the present situation of the Cort? Did we manage the get any information from our old boss belongings on what is happening or what each other clan seems to want?
 
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But before we decide.

@Maugan Ra what do we know about the present situation of the Cort? Did we manage the get any information from our old boss belongings on what is happening or what each other clan seems to want?

Nope. The first month or so of court was almost entirely spent getting to know one another and 'testing the waters', which Kimoko apparently didn't keep notes on. Serious discussions will be starting now.

Yes this means you are at a bit of a disadvantage, but that's what happens when someone up and murders the leader of your delegation partway into the court.
 
[X] Join the conversation between Tani and Moshan
- [X] And support the Phoenix

No need to stand out or do something unexpected.
 
Well... I will have to do some rereading to see what we do know about the other delegations...
@Maugan Ra
And what about the delegations that were in contact with our Yogo? Do he have. Any information to us about them?
 
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[X] Join the conversation between Tani and Moshan
- [X] And support the Phoenix

No need to stand out or do something unexpected.
To tell the truth, we gain more by not joining any conversation than by joining.

We already are a power and have some connections with the Lions... they will come to us.

@Maugan Ra
Do we know with delegations are not receiving the sword polisher?
 
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