mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Mantis are Best Clan this is known yes 
In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
CrabMantis are Best Clan this is known yes
Mantis are Best Clan this is known yes
How about we strangle that particular tangent in its infancy before it gets out of control, yeah? Everyone has their favorite clan; let's leave it at that.
Lore check - Phoenix Clan
- Location
- London, England
Phoenix Clan
The Phoenix are in many ways the exception to a large number of rules the rest of the Empire holds to be self-evident. Samurai are warriors, sworn to kill and be killed, but the Phoenix are pacifists. The Great Clans are ruled by the children of the Kami, but Shiba knelt before Isawa. Shugenja are rare and train in specialized techniques, but the Phoenix boast masters of every element and field of study, including the world-changing Void magic. These differences have led to numerous misunderstandings and conflicts throughout the Clan's history.
The Clan War was brutal and unrelenting to the Phoenix, but in many ways the suffering that they endured came about as the result of their own actions. They were among the first to detect the growing darkness that was building to threaten Rokugan, and it was their Master of Earth Isawa Tadaka who brought back word of the gathering army of Yogo Junzo in the shadowlands. Pressured by growing Lion attacks on their borders, the Elemental Masters began to make ever more dangerous and risky decisions in their desire to understand and so defeat the coming darkness. They delved into topics that none should study, summoned and bound Oni in order to interrogate them, and eventually opened the Black Scrolls in their possession in order to learn their secrets.
In an absolute sense, these tactics were successful. The Phoenix learned a great deal about their enemy and his plans, and with that knowledge were able to take decisive action to slow and disrupt Fu Leng's ascension. They shattered cults, blasted apart armies of demons with elemental magic and provided many of the other Clans with information and support that was vital to the war effort.
Unfortunately, there was a price to pay for such success. Opening the Black Scrolls infects the Elemental Masters with the Shadowlands Taint, and from them it spreads to many of the Clan's Shugenja. Some are slain by their Yojimbo before they can do much harm, but far too many become truly Lost and either run amock or join forces with Fu Leng. The Second Day of Thunder costs the Phoenix all of their Elemental Masters, except for Isawa Kaede the Master of Void, as well as claiming the life of their Clan Champion.
Today, the Phoenix are a much reduced force. They were never a particularly large Clan, but their casualties and the damage inflicted to their lands has led some to believe that they might never be able to recover entirely. Shiba Tsukune, the new Clan Champion, is aggressively recruiting new Shugenja from anywhere she can, while the Clan as a whole focuses almost exclusively upon rebuilding and campaigning for an extended period of peace. They are not without claws - Naka Kuro, Grandmaster of the Elements has joined their ranks, and you have heard rumor that Isawa Kaede has been selected by the heavens to serve as the Oracle of Void - but unless things change severely the Phoenix are likely to spend the next generation recovering from the harm inflicted by this one.
The Phoenix are in many ways the exception to a large number of rules the rest of the Empire holds to be self-evident. Samurai are warriors, sworn to kill and be killed, but the Phoenix are pacifists. The Great Clans are ruled by the children of the Kami, but Shiba knelt before Isawa. Shugenja are rare and train in specialized techniques, but the Phoenix boast masters of every element and field of study, including the world-changing Void magic. These differences have led to numerous misunderstandings and conflicts throughout the Clan's history.
The Clan War was brutal and unrelenting to the Phoenix, but in many ways the suffering that they endured came about as the result of their own actions. They were among the first to detect the growing darkness that was building to threaten Rokugan, and it was their Master of Earth Isawa Tadaka who brought back word of the gathering army of Yogo Junzo in the shadowlands. Pressured by growing Lion attacks on their borders, the Elemental Masters began to make ever more dangerous and risky decisions in their desire to understand and so defeat the coming darkness. They delved into topics that none should study, summoned and bound Oni in order to interrogate them, and eventually opened the Black Scrolls in their possession in order to learn their secrets.
In an absolute sense, these tactics were successful. The Phoenix learned a great deal about their enemy and his plans, and with that knowledge were able to take decisive action to slow and disrupt Fu Leng's ascension. They shattered cults, blasted apart armies of demons with elemental magic and provided many of the other Clans with information and support that was vital to the war effort.
Unfortunately, there was a price to pay for such success. Opening the Black Scrolls infects the Elemental Masters with the Shadowlands Taint, and from them it spreads to many of the Clan's Shugenja. Some are slain by their Yojimbo before they can do much harm, but far too many become truly Lost and either run amock or join forces with Fu Leng. The Second Day of Thunder costs the Phoenix all of their Elemental Masters, except for Isawa Kaede the Master of Void, as well as claiming the life of their Clan Champion.
Today, the Phoenix are a much reduced force. They were never a particularly large Clan, but their casualties and the damage inflicted to their lands has led some to believe that they might never be able to recover entirely. Shiba Tsukune, the new Clan Champion, is aggressively recruiting new Shugenja from anywhere she can, while the Clan as a whole focuses almost exclusively upon rebuilding and campaigning for an extended period of peace. They are not without claws - Naka Kuro, Grandmaster of the Elements has joined their ranks, and you have heard rumor that Isawa Kaede has been selected by the heavens to serve as the Oracle of Void - but unless things change severely the Phoenix are likely to spend the next generation recovering from the harm inflicted by this one.
al103
Grumpy Russian Bear (SV edition)
- Location
- Russia, Krasnoyarsk
It's kinda easy to see why dragons decided to NOPE that...
Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
Hida Yakumo did nothing wrong. Nothing.
While the lore-snippets are nice, I'm not really happy that they're delaying the main update.
Perhaps do the next update, where we talk with Tani, and write the lore-snippets afterwards, while we players decide what to do next?
Or maybe space them out one between each update or when it becomes relevant? We need to know the "state of the world" eventually, but we don't need to know it right now, and I wouldn't want to kill your enthusiasm.
And the sharks in the seas near Rokugan were fed for generations afterwards on his balls alone.
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
I'll be unsurprised if we see the Unicorn and Mantis hammer out trade agreements and even an alliance here. The two of them both feel like outsiders when compared to all the other Great Clans, and both deal heavily in trade (Mantis more than Unicorn).
I'd honestly like to get trade agreements and deals with the Mantis going, but their heir Yoritomo Aramasu is an ex-Scorpion who hates his former Clan for seemingly abandoning him.
- Location
- London, England
Not at this point in the timeline, he's not. Bayushi Kachiko is Clan Champion and you've not been exiled to the Burning Sands or anything.
The last story update was less than 24 hours ago, and I was specifically asked for lore posts on all of the Clans. Wait until my story post is actually delayed before you get unhappy about it, yes?
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
Oops. I thought that had already happened for some reason.
- Location
- Leeds
From every forum goers viewpoint every update should be posted at most half an hour after they vote.
*shrug* Not really unhappy; I just prefer story-updates over lore snippets. The latter are well-written and I appreciate the effort you put into them, but the former are what I'm really curious about and want to see more of. Sorry if that should offend you.
There's that, too, yeah. Though obviously the update being posted the very instant after the vote closes would be vastly preferable.
Okay, that sounds like some serious unpleasantness that we should probably do our best to avoid if we can.Oops. I thought that had already happened for some reason.
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
From what I recall it's going to involve Toturi's kidnapping, subsequent corruption by the Lying Darkness, and the Scorpion being framed. The only Scorpion who doesn't get exiled is Bayushi Yojiro, who is funnily enough a Scorpion who follows Bushido whenever he can.
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EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
*pants* caught up. >_<
[x] gman391
Given this is an alternate timeline, we kind of not know what will happen. Maugan Ra pretty much stated it once in the megathread and I think once again in this quest.
[x] gman391
Given this is an alternate timeline, we kind of not know what will happen. Maugan Ra pretty much stated it once in the megathread and I think once again in this quest.
1.17 - A conversation with Asako Tani
- Location
- London, England
"I have many interests, Asako-sama, though in truth they are all so interwoven and connected that picking just one is difficult." You answer, opting to display broad competence rather than narrow specialization. "History ties into geography which ties into spiritual matters and so on."
"A surprisingly theological way of looking at the world." Tani comments, the two of you slowly beginning to walk along the edge of the hall. It is harder to eavesdrop on a moving target, especially if you want to avoid being obvious about it, and while you doubt anyone is actually spying on you already there's no sense in taking chances. "Surely you must reach an end point eventually, though, as the river runs to the sea."
"And from the sea the water rises once more to become clouds." You counter gently. "I have yet to find any question that can be answered without provoking further questions. Perhaps your own field of study is different?"
"Not so much as you might think." Tani says thoughtfully, producing a wooden fan emblazoned with her family mon from inside her sleeve. "I am what my Clan calls a Loremaster. My duty is to study many different fields of knowledge, and from them construct a frame of reference that I might use to examine contemporary topics."
"An interesting approach, Asako-sama." You say, and mean it. The Scorpion are the Clan of Secrets, after all, and what is a secret but knowledge that you alone possess? No servant of Bayushi will ever dismiss the value of information, whether it be applied to the court or the battlefield. "My instinct would be to assume that such a technique is more easily applied to situations where the contributing factors are consistent."
Side by side, the two of you exit the main hall and move into one of the side corridors. Guests at Winter Court at generally given the full freedom of the castle, with the exception of those areas which are of military significance, so no one questions you just yet.
"That does help, but the world is less chaotic than you might assume." Asako Tani says, a small smile on her lips. "The courtiers might obfuscate and deceive one another from dawn to dusk, but it does not change the impact a drought is having on their border territories, or the objectives they hold as a result."
"And thus is geography applied to politics." You nod, turning and heading for the nearest flight of stairs leading up to the balcony overlooking the hall. Speaking there would give both reasonable levels of privacy and an excellent vantage point for observation. "One might likewise assume that knowing a samurai's family history and the deeds of their ancestors would allow you to predict their likely course of action."
"Subject, of course, to an understanding of Bushido and how they relate to it." Tani clarifies. "The actions of an individual human are in many ways more difficult to predict than general societal trends, especially when you operate from a distant overview."
"I imagine it would be frustrating to see all of one's observations rendered erroneous by man's failure to act in honourable fashion." You observe with a smile that is warmly returned. The irony of a Scorpion remarking on the moral failings of another is not lost on either of you. "Though perhaps one could compensate by knowing how pious the individual was."
"That can be useful, but one must compliment it with a broader base of theological knowledge." The Loremaster agrees as the two of you emerge onto the balcony. As expected, there are numerous works of art on display up here, each of their individual plinths, and between them are several tables set with Go boards. "A devout adherent of Bishamon will behave quite differently from one who primarily reveres Hotei."
"I have heard that our Mantis friends have particular reverence for Osano-Wo." You note thoughtfully, pausing by the balcony railing and looking down over the gently swirling crowd. "One might be inclined to believe them brash and forceful, if so."
"Often to the point of outright insult." The Phoenix agrees, joining you by the balcony. You distinctly remember several incidents involving the Mantis and the Phoenix which did not end well for anyone involved, so inviting comment on them seemed like a good way to get your companion to speak freely. Still, Tani is far too pious to simply leave that statement there. "An unfortunately common consequence when mere fallible mortals attempt to directly imitate the perfection of the Celestial Heavens."
The Asako turns to you with a curious expression on her face. "I have heard that the Scorpion maintain similar reverence for Hotei. Forgive me, Soshi-san, but I have always wondered about that. The Fortune of Contentment seems like an unusual patron for your Clan to take."
"Ah, that is simple, Asako-sama." You reply with a smile, remembering when your sensei first explained this to you. "We are the Clan of Loyalty, and a truly loyal samurai will always be content, for he knows and accepts the world and his place in it."
Asako Tani seems inclined to respond, but before she can a sudden disturbance in the hall below draws the attention of both of you. The various courtiers and bushi are slowly moving to the side of the hall, like water rippling away from a sudden impact. In the centre of the room, Matsu Ketsui is speaking with Bayushi Kimoko, her stance radiating hostility like hot coals.
Both samurai have one hand on the hilt of their swords.
What do you do?
[ ] Take advantage of the distraction
- [ ] To do what?
[ ] Observe Matsu Ketsui, in hopes of better understanding the local ruler.
[ ] Observe Bayushi Kimoko, in hopes of improving your own skills by following her example.
[ ] Observe the guests and how they react.
[ ] Intervene
- [ ] In what fashion?
[ ] Write in
"A surprisingly theological way of looking at the world." Tani comments, the two of you slowly beginning to walk along the edge of the hall. It is harder to eavesdrop on a moving target, especially if you want to avoid being obvious about it, and while you doubt anyone is actually spying on you already there's no sense in taking chances. "Surely you must reach an end point eventually, though, as the river runs to the sea."
"And from the sea the water rises once more to become clouds." You counter gently. "I have yet to find any question that can be answered without provoking further questions. Perhaps your own field of study is different?"
"Not so much as you might think." Tani says thoughtfully, producing a wooden fan emblazoned with her family mon from inside her sleeve. "I am what my Clan calls a Loremaster. My duty is to study many different fields of knowledge, and from them construct a frame of reference that I might use to examine contemporary topics."
"An interesting approach, Asako-sama." You say, and mean it. The Scorpion are the Clan of Secrets, after all, and what is a secret but knowledge that you alone possess? No servant of Bayushi will ever dismiss the value of information, whether it be applied to the court or the battlefield. "My instinct would be to assume that such a technique is more easily applied to situations where the contributing factors are consistent."
Side by side, the two of you exit the main hall and move into one of the side corridors. Guests at Winter Court at generally given the full freedom of the castle, with the exception of those areas which are of military significance, so no one questions you just yet.
"That does help, but the world is less chaotic than you might assume." Asako Tani says, a small smile on her lips. "The courtiers might obfuscate and deceive one another from dawn to dusk, but it does not change the impact a drought is having on their border territories, or the objectives they hold as a result."
"And thus is geography applied to politics." You nod, turning and heading for the nearest flight of stairs leading up to the balcony overlooking the hall. Speaking there would give both reasonable levels of privacy and an excellent vantage point for observation. "One might likewise assume that knowing a samurai's family history and the deeds of their ancestors would allow you to predict their likely course of action."
"Subject, of course, to an understanding of Bushido and how they relate to it." Tani clarifies. "The actions of an individual human are in many ways more difficult to predict than general societal trends, especially when you operate from a distant overview."
"I imagine it would be frustrating to see all of one's observations rendered erroneous by man's failure to act in honourable fashion." You observe with a smile that is warmly returned. The irony of a Scorpion remarking on the moral failings of another is not lost on either of you. "Though perhaps one could compensate by knowing how pious the individual was."
"That can be useful, but one must compliment it with a broader base of theological knowledge." The Loremaster agrees as the two of you emerge onto the balcony. As expected, there are numerous works of art on display up here, each of their individual plinths, and between them are several tables set with Go boards. "A devout adherent of Bishamon will behave quite differently from one who primarily reveres Hotei."
"I have heard that our Mantis friends have particular reverence for Osano-Wo." You note thoughtfully, pausing by the balcony railing and looking down over the gently swirling crowd. "One might be inclined to believe them brash and forceful, if so."
"Often to the point of outright insult." The Phoenix agrees, joining you by the balcony. You distinctly remember several incidents involving the Mantis and the Phoenix which did not end well for anyone involved, so inviting comment on them seemed like a good way to get your companion to speak freely. Still, Tani is far too pious to simply leave that statement there. "An unfortunately common consequence when mere fallible mortals attempt to directly imitate the perfection of the Celestial Heavens."
The Asako turns to you with a curious expression on her face. "I have heard that the Scorpion maintain similar reverence for Hotei. Forgive me, Soshi-san, but I have always wondered about that. The Fortune of Contentment seems like an unusual patron for your Clan to take."
"Ah, that is simple, Asako-sama." You reply with a smile, remembering when your sensei first explained this to you. "We are the Clan of Loyalty, and a truly loyal samurai will always be content, for he knows and accepts the world and his place in it."
Asako Tani seems inclined to respond, but before she can a sudden disturbance in the hall below draws the attention of both of you. The various courtiers and bushi are slowly moving to the side of the hall, like water rippling away from a sudden impact. In the centre of the room, Matsu Ketsui is speaking with Bayushi Kimoko, her stance radiating hostility like hot coals.
Both samurai have one hand on the hilt of their swords.
What do you do?
[ ] Take advantage of the distraction
- [ ] To do what?
[ ] Observe Matsu Ketsui, in hopes of better understanding the local ruler.
[ ] Observe Bayushi Kimoko, in hopes of improving your own skills by following her example.
[ ] Observe the guests and how they react.
[ ] Intervene
- [ ] In what fashion?
[ ] Write in
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
I don't see any way to take advantage of the distraction, or do I see any necessity in doing so. Observing either of them could be useful, but there will be opportunities for both later. Intervention...I believe Kimoko can handle herself or defuse the situation on her own. Getting in there ourselves, mediocre Bushi that we are, will only draw unwelcome attention to ourselves and likely serve no purpose.
On the other hand, observing the guests' reaction to this fleeting moment will tell us a great deal about them.
[X] Observe the guests and how they react.
On the other hand, observing the guests' reaction to this fleeting moment will tell us a great deal about them.
[X] Observe the guests and how they react.
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I like this woman. Of course that's probably her intent, but, hey. I can't really say this--or the incoming situation--was unexpected.
I really don't think intervening between something going on above our heads like this is going to net us anything we want. Not really. Observing would be very useful is the first thing that pops to mind--what with it being our job and all--so I think that we should be doing that. In particular I think we should watch the Lion present, the Matsu and the Ikoma, for how they feel about what's about to go down.
Tentatively:
[X] Observe the guests and how they react.
-[X] Pay especial attention to the Lion.
I really don't think intervening between something going on above our heads like this is going to net us anything we want. Not really. Observing would be very useful is the first thing that pops to mind--what with it being our job and all--so I think that we should be doing that. In particular I think we should watch the Lion present, the Matsu and the Ikoma, for how they feel about what's about to go down.
Tentatively:
[X] Observe the guests and how they react.
-[X] Pay especial attention to the Lion.
[x] Observe the guests and how they react.
Interesting discussion with Tani. Given the shared penchant for broad studies of lore, we might be able to build up a long-term friendship here that might become rather useful in the long run.
As for Kimiko, I think it's pretty safe to say that this is a play of hers in one way or another. It'd probably best not to stick our nose into that and possibly screw things up.
Thus, the best choice here (unless Sirrocco, gman, etc come up with something better) seems to be to do our main duty and gather what information we can.
Interesting discussion with Tani. Given the shared penchant for broad studies of lore, we might be able to build up a long-term friendship here that might become rather useful in the long run.
As for Kimiko, I think it's pretty safe to say that this is a play of hers in one way or another. It'd probably best not to stick our nose into that and possibly screw things up.
Thus, the best choice here (unless Sirrocco, gman, etc come up with something better) seems to be to do our main duty and gather what information we can.
