[X] "It embarrasses me to say it, but I've found I my not have given studying the way of the brush the importance it deserves. Now, I find I do not know enough to even determine how little I know. I feel concerned that, should I send off a missive or try to recite a poem, I will make a laughingstock of myself. If you found the time to give me your honest assessment of some of my work, it would do a lot to set my mind at ease. Perhaps we could also find the time to play a game ourselves. When learning one should engage a variety of opponents, as each brings to the fore a different aspect of ones own play."
In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
My take on that was that it was essentially flirting, meaning that "your company and goodwill" is basically discretely asking her out on a date. In other words: "What do I want? I want you." Potentially hazardous, but it would throw her off balance
Not sure if this is what Sirrocco intended, though.
Honestly, I think you're either splitting hairs, or you rather severely misunderstood things, considering how you went on about help with calligraphy/poetry being a huge thing.
Also, I frankly rather doubt that we'll be able to avoid "being in her debt" by just offering some Go games; that'd kinda run against the point of the technique she's using.
But, whatever works for you, I guess. I just don't really get your reasoning, here. *shrug*
I have to admit that this is both a very interesting take on the comment/phrasing, and a very intriguing one. Now I kinda wish you'd included that in your vote.My take on that was that it was essentially flirting, meaning that "your company and goodwill" is basically discretely asking her out on a date. In other words: "What do I want? I want you." Potentially hazardous, but it would throw her off balance
Not sure if this is what Sirrocco intended, though.
Which reminds me;
[x] Jaertin
[x] Jaertin
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
[X] "It embarrasses me to say it, but I've found I my not have given studying the way of the brush the importance it deserves. Now, I find I do not know enough to even determine how little I know. I feel concerned that, should I send off a missive or try to recite a poem, I will make a laughingstock of myself. If you found the time to give me your honest assessment of some of my work, it would do a lot to set mymind at ease. Perhaps we could also find the time to play a game ourselves. When learning one should engage a variety of opponents, as each brings to the fore a different aspect of ones own play."
[X] "It embarrasses me to say it, but I've found I my not have given studying the way of the brush the importance it deserves. Now, I find I do not know enough to even determine how little I know. I feel concerned that, should I send off a missive or try to recite a poem, I will make a laughingstock of myself. If you found the time to give me your honest assessment of some of my work, it would do a lot to set mymind at ease. Perhaps we could also find the time to play a game ourselves. When learning one should engage a variety of opponents, as each brings to the fore a different aspect of ones own play."
[X] "It embarrasses me to say it, but I've found I my not have given studying the way of the brush the importance it deserves. Now, I find I do not know enough to even determine how little I know. I feel concerned that, should I send off a missive or try to recite a poem, I will make a laughingstock of myself. If you found the time to give me your honest assessment of some of my work, it would do a lot to set mymind at ease. Perhaps we could also find the time to play a game ourselves. When learning one should engage a variety of opponents, as each brings to the fore a different aspect of ones own play."
- Location
- London, England
OK, looks like we have something approaching consensus. I'll see if I can get a post up later today.
Though fair warning, I've just started a new job, and it's rather more exhausting than I had initially expected. My update rate might slow down a bit as a result, though hopefully I can compensate for that.
In response to the question about training - if you get someone to agree to train you, I will award the appropriate skill ranks free of charge rather than requiring you to spend XP on it. Since I don't have to worry about balance between two PCs, I can encourage a more organic and perhaps more rapid character growth.
And yes, the Crane are moving much more quickly than you would normally expect here. There are reasons for that.
Though fair warning, I've just started a new job, and it's rather more exhausting than I had initially expected. My update rate might slow down a bit as a result, though hopefully I can compensate for that.
In response to the question about training - if you get someone to agree to train you, I will award the appropriate skill ranks free of charge rather than requiring you to spend XP on it. Since I don't have to worry about balance between two PCs, I can encourage a more organic and perhaps more rapid character growth.
And yes, the Crane are moving much more quickly than you would normally expect here. There are reasons for that.
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
I don't suppose your new job comes the possibility of a transfer to Australia? I need someone to run a good L5R game for me
(only partially joking here).
2.3 - Auspicious Invitations
- Location
- London, England
As you move through the final exchange of pieces with Daidoji Chen, you consider the situation presented to you. The Crane are offering to assist you, and you have just held a conversation regarding the benefits of cooperation between multiple Clans. A request for assistance in an area that the Crane are know to specialize in would seem the ideal choice, and if you really do need help... well, revealing a weakness in a way that suits you is a traditional Scorpion tactic for a reason.
"It embarasses me to admit it, Doji-sama, but while I have learned to apply my skills to matters of strategy I have not given the way of the brush the same level of attention." You say carefully, for there is a fine line between asking for help and allowing oneself to appear as an incompetent fool. Even this small opening would be enough for a courtier of Mariko's training to leverage into a painful blow, but fortunately she takes a less hostile stance.
"There is no shame in such things, Soshi-san. Even the greatest masters of the Kakita honed their skills over a lifetime of study and practice." She says with a flutter of her fan. "I have no doubt that with time and effort, a mind as keen as yours will produce works every bit as fine."
That is... quite a compliment. The Kakita artisans are the finest in the Empire, challenged only in certain narrow areas by specialists from the other Clans. Encouraged, you press on.
"You honour me with such words, Doji-sama, and I had intended to hone my skills appropriately. Unfortunately the command to attend Court came before I could turn my full attention to the matter, and now I find I do not even know how much I do not know." You shrug slightly in a gesture of calculated helplessness. "I find myself... concerned that I shall attempt to write an invitation or recite a poem, misjudge my own efforts and make something of a laughing stock of myself."
"It is natural for any dutiful samurai to be concerned with such things, especially when displaying them in the public setting for the first time." Doji Mariko says sympathetically. "I am sure you will do excellently. Still, if it would set your mind at ease, perhaps I might offer my own humble assistance in the matter?"
"Such would be greatly appreciated, Doji-sama." You say politely, making sure your tone conveys the gratitude that propriety forbids your expression displaying. "If you could find the time to give an honest assessment of some of my work, I am sure my skills can only improve."
"You are kind to say so, Soshi-san. It is the duty of the Crane, as handed down to us by the Son of Heaven, to cultivate such skills and the appreciation for them among all of Rokugan." Mariko replies with a warm smile. "Perhaps we might discuss the matter in more depth tomorrow? The quarters assigned to our Clan should serve to guarantee privacy while we review your work."
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Doji-sama. Perhaps we might also find time to play a game ourselves - one should seek out a variety of opponents when learning, as each encounter brings new aspects of one's own skills to the fore." You say smoothly, before turning your attention back to Chen and his ritual acknowledgement of defeat.
It would of course be quite rude to simply end things there, so you play several more games with the Crane, winning a narrow majority of them. Your conversation meanders through numerous topics, from history to philosophy, but none are politically charged or laced with half a dozen hidden meanings. It is, for once, sincere appreciation of good company.
-/-
When you return to your quarters later that day, you find that a small note has been left under an unlit candle by the side of your bed. The brushwork is simple and direct, almost crude, though you lack the training to determine anything more from it.
Soshi Naoto
There are important matters that we must discuss, relating to the future prospects of both our clans, discussions which cannot be held within Shiro Matsu. I would therefore invite you to attend me this evening at the House of the Mountain Swallow, a highly reputable establishment in Shiro Matsu Toshi. The okaa-san will know to expect you.
I must stress that absolute discretion in this matter is of paramount importance.
There is no name, but where a signature would normally be placed the author has etched the open Tori-arch symbol of the Ikoma family.
Do you wish to attend?
[ ] Yes
- [ ] Write in with any preparations or reconnaissance you wish to perform ahead of time.
[ ] No
"It embarasses me to admit it, Doji-sama, but while I have learned to apply my skills to matters of strategy I have not given the way of the brush the same level of attention." You say carefully, for there is a fine line between asking for help and allowing oneself to appear as an incompetent fool. Even this small opening would be enough for a courtier of Mariko's training to leverage into a painful blow, but fortunately she takes a less hostile stance.
"There is no shame in such things, Soshi-san. Even the greatest masters of the Kakita honed their skills over a lifetime of study and practice." She says with a flutter of her fan. "I have no doubt that with time and effort, a mind as keen as yours will produce works every bit as fine."
That is... quite a compliment. The Kakita artisans are the finest in the Empire, challenged only in certain narrow areas by specialists from the other Clans. Encouraged, you press on.
"You honour me with such words, Doji-sama, and I had intended to hone my skills appropriately. Unfortunately the command to attend Court came before I could turn my full attention to the matter, and now I find I do not even know how much I do not know." You shrug slightly in a gesture of calculated helplessness. "I find myself... concerned that I shall attempt to write an invitation or recite a poem, misjudge my own efforts and make something of a laughing stock of myself."
"It is natural for any dutiful samurai to be concerned with such things, especially when displaying them in the public setting for the first time." Doji Mariko says sympathetically. "I am sure you will do excellently. Still, if it would set your mind at ease, perhaps I might offer my own humble assistance in the matter?"
"Such would be greatly appreciated, Doji-sama." You say politely, making sure your tone conveys the gratitude that propriety forbids your expression displaying. "If you could find the time to give an honest assessment of some of my work, I am sure my skills can only improve."
"You are kind to say so, Soshi-san. It is the duty of the Crane, as handed down to us by the Son of Heaven, to cultivate such skills and the appreciation for them among all of Rokugan." Mariko replies with a warm smile. "Perhaps we might discuss the matter in more depth tomorrow? The quarters assigned to our Clan should serve to guarantee privacy while we review your work."
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Doji-sama. Perhaps we might also find time to play a game ourselves - one should seek out a variety of opponents when learning, as each encounter brings new aspects of one's own skills to the fore." You say smoothly, before turning your attention back to Chen and his ritual acknowledgement of defeat.
It would of course be quite rude to simply end things there, so you play several more games with the Crane, winning a narrow majority of them. Your conversation meanders through numerous topics, from history to philosophy, but none are politically charged or laced with half a dozen hidden meanings. It is, for once, sincere appreciation of good company.
-/-
When you return to your quarters later that day, you find that a small note has been left under an unlit candle by the side of your bed. The brushwork is simple and direct, almost crude, though you lack the training to determine anything more from it.
Soshi Naoto
There are important matters that we must discuss, relating to the future prospects of both our clans, discussions which cannot be held within Shiro Matsu. I would therefore invite you to attend me this evening at the House of the Mountain Swallow, a highly reputable establishment in Shiro Matsu Toshi. The okaa-san will know to expect you.
I must stress that absolute discretion in this matter is of paramount importance.
There is no name, but where a signature would normally be placed the author has etched the open Tori-arch symbol of the Ikoma family.
Do you wish to attend?
[ ] Yes
- [ ] Write in with any preparations or reconnaissance you wish to perform ahead of time.
[ ] No
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Well. If I had to wager a guess, we've got the attention of one of the Ikoma's Shadow. They're... worried, going by that note. Very worried. Perhaps related to Bayushi Kimoko's relationship with Matsu Ketsui? Maybe?
I'd try my hand at thoughts but as I'm going to bed soon I think I'll have to pass; regardless, though, I can't really see a reason to not attend this meeting.
I'd try my hand at thoughts but as I'm going to bed soon I think I'll have to pass; regardless, though, I can't really see a reason to not attend this meeting.
Wade Garrett
Just trying to do the right thing
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
For starters, we definitely need to let our boss know what's up here. If nothing else, so she can know where to start looking if we don't come back.
As for preparations... definitely inform Kimoko about the message. Even if it's asking for discretion, I rather doubt that keeping our superior in the dark is a good idea, here.
Aside from that... not sure. We could try to gather some information about the location by asking some general questions about the castle town and potential entertainment within, then narrow them down and ask a few questions about the establishment, alongside with a few others in order to disguise our interest.
We're probably not likely to be in any danger - at least not this early - but we could, perhaps, ask Hanzo whether there are any spells he could cast that might help us out in some way. Don't really know enough about L5R magic to be sure about that, though, or have any idea regarding the specifics.
Well, assuming I don't forget my ideas over night...
Aside from that... not sure. We could try to gather some information about the location by asking some general questions about the castle town and potential entertainment within, then narrow them down and ask a few questions about the establishment, alongside with a few others in order to disguise our interest.
We're probably not likely to be in any danger - at least not this early - but we could, perhaps, ask Hanzo whether there are any spells he could cast that might help us out in some way. Don't really know enough about L5R magic to be sure about that, though, or have any idea regarding the specifics.
Understandable if you slow down a bit, and I don't think anyone will begrudge you for it. Maybe just give yourself a little time to get used to your new job, then see how and where things go from there.
Hm... I can think of some possibilities. Gonna have to see about writing them out tomorrow; bit late for me at the moment.
Well, assuming I don't forget my ideas over night...
Sirrocco
Pedantic
We've been expecting the Ikoma to reach out to us. All to the good, if that's what this is. I strongly suspect that it is, too - we haven't done anything that would offend anyone enough to make them wish us particular harm, and so far as we know, none of the clans have a *particular* hate-on for the Scorpion - not enough to attempt to kill us this early.
Certainly, letting our superior know is worthwhile - and either she or our Yozo friend may have the training that we lack. Pale Oak almost certainly has that training - though letting him know of it may be inviting trouble. Still, I *think* he's discreet enough.
If we had better contacts in the Heimen that care for our rooms, we might be able to get some useful information from them, but we haven't had a whole lot of time, and haven't really pushed it yet.
If this is on the straight and level, it's probably about the Ikoma/Matsu issues. That's the only reason I can think of why an Ikoma would wish to speak away from Shiro Matsu. If so, that's even better, as it is exactly what we would wish to talk about. It's also...
Well, the Ikoma are *also* moving very quickly. They're rushed, or they're on a deadline. That's... interesting. It's possible that there's some serious overall issue pushing them - perhaps just the absolute fiasco that this Court looks like it might descend to, but I wouldn't think so. It might be in reaction to Bayushi Kimiko or perhaps the upcoming kenjutsu tournament. If it's in reaction to Bayushi Kimiko... well, she's dining with the Matsu Diamyo this evening. That's usefully distracting to *both* of them.
Now, actually keeping this from our boss is not in and of itself important (or even a particularly good idea). Presenting the image of having done so, however, might be of significant importance - showing, in effect, reliability in discretion, if those we are speaking with find they cannot trust her (and I would expect that most would not trust her). On the flip side, it might mark us as gullible. Not telling anyone what the mysterious letter said because the mysterious letter said not to? really? Still, I think the appearance of discretion is advised here.
Random side thought... it would be almost perfectly in character for Bayushi Kimiko, given a kenjutsu duel of the variety we're about to go into, to launch an attack that simply accepted that the enemy would be able to score a single hit on her (perhaps even a heavy one) in order to score two hits on them.
Of course, there is also what to do with what's left of the day. Huh.
Rough idea of plan...
[x] Verify that Yogo-san has the wards against being overheard up (unless you are certain already).
[x] Mention obliquely to Bayushi Kimiko that you've been invited to dine by someone who cherishes discretion and that you intend to go. Indicate where she can find the letter (now hidden securely), for the unlikely event that you do not return and she has to figure out who to wreak bloody revenge on
[x] Also comment to her about how quickly certain unnamed parties seem to be moving. We're not sure what it means, but it certainly means *something*, and that's information she might be able to use.
[x] Somehow arrange a meeting with Pale Oak. In that meeting, ask him to look into the identities of the more important of the people on the Lion side who might be keeping track of the state of their resources. Samurai would be preferred, but knowing the name/position/etc of the Heimen would also be useful.
[x] Ask Yogo-san if he can provide you with some sort of a ward you could carry with you that would allow you to either prevent or cure drugging or poisoning. If he can, take one.
[x] When comes time to head out, wear a relatively subdued outfit, as normal.
[x] At some point before you depart, approach one of the Heimen servants of the Lion assigned to your wing. Express a desire to experience the town, and ask if they have any suggestions for reputable tea-houses, entertainment venues, and so on. Be kind, polite, and engage with them as a person.
[x] If it turns out that we have extra time on our hands prior to the evening and nothing to do with it, go out and get some exercise with your sword forms. You *do* have a kenjutsu tournament in a few days.
Tweaks and challenges welcome.
We're telling Bayushi-sama where to find the missive rather than revealing it to her directly to make it easier for her to sell not knowing about it. It's highly likely that there will be people at the dinner she's going to that will be good at reading people, and almost any of them figuring out about our indiscretion might very easily propagate back to Ikoma ears one way or another. If Bayushi Kimiko is confident in her abilities with Sincerity, then she can read it herself. If not, she doesn't have to - and in either case, we personally didn't show it to her (which might make a few of our own Sincerity rolls a bit easier).
We're asking Yogo-san about the anti-poison/drug ward because the chances that someone might try to pull something like that seem to me higher than the chances that they'd try to kill us outright. Fortunately, that sort of thing is usually slow enough that we should be able to trigger a detox if we have a detox we can trigger.
We're asking Pale Oak-san about the Lion stuff because it's information we'll want later, and now's as good a tie as any to pass the request on. There's a non-zero chance that this is Otomo-sama, rather than the Ikoma (really, it could be *anyone*) in which case any information we might have on hand (or even just the fact that we're looking into it for him) might be helpful.
We're asking the servant for advice both to start with convincing the servants that we're not a monster and they need not fear us, and to provide a bit of a smokescreen. If the Mountain Swallow is indeed a highly reputable place, then we can decide that we're interested in it based on the description, and potentially have it appear to outsiders that we decided on it just then. Additionally, we should get at least *some* additional information on the place, which might be helpful for adjusting how we approach it. Finally, just knowing places of interest in town might come in handy at some point.
Certainly, letting our superior know is worthwhile - and either she or our Yozo friend may have the training that we lack. Pale Oak almost certainly has that training - though letting him know of it may be inviting trouble. Still, I *think* he's discreet enough.
If we had better contacts in the Heimen that care for our rooms, we might be able to get some useful information from them, but we haven't had a whole lot of time, and haven't really pushed it yet.
If this is on the straight and level, it's probably about the Ikoma/Matsu issues. That's the only reason I can think of why an Ikoma would wish to speak away from Shiro Matsu. If so, that's even better, as it is exactly what we would wish to talk about. It's also...
Well, the Ikoma are *also* moving very quickly. They're rushed, or they're on a deadline. That's... interesting. It's possible that there's some serious overall issue pushing them - perhaps just the absolute fiasco that this Court looks like it might descend to, but I wouldn't think so. It might be in reaction to Bayushi Kimiko or perhaps the upcoming kenjutsu tournament. If it's in reaction to Bayushi Kimiko... well, she's dining with the Matsu Diamyo this evening. That's usefully distracting to *both* of them.
Now, actually keeping this from our boss is not in and of itself important (or even a particularly good idea). Presenting the image of having done so, however, might be of significant importance - showing, in effect, reliability in discretion, if those we are speaking with find they cannot trust her (and I would expect that most would not trust her). On the flip side, it might mark us as gullible. Not telling anyone what the mysterious letter said because the mysterious letter said not to? really? Still, I think the appearance of discretion is advised here.
Random side thought... it would be almost perfectly in character for Bayushi Kimiko, given a kenjutsu duel of the variety we're about to go into, to launch an attack that simply accepted that the enemy would be able to score a single hit on her (perhaps even a heavy one) in order to score two hits on them.
Of course, there is also what to do with what's left of the day. Huh.
Rough idea of plan...
[x] Verify that Yogo-san has the wards against being overheard up (unless you are certain already).
[x] Mention obliquely to Bayushi Kimiko that you've been invited to dine by someone who cherishes discretion and that you intend to go. Indicate where she can find the letter (now hidden securely), for the unlikely event that you do not return and she has to figure out who to wreak bloody revenge on
[x] Also comment to her about how quickly certain unnamed parties seem to be moving. We're not sure what it means, but it certainly means *something*, and that's information she might be able to use.
[x] Somehow arrange a meeting with Pale Oak. In that meeting, ask him to look into the identities of the more important of the people on the Lion side who might be keeping track of the state of their resources. Samurai would be preferred, but knowing the name/position/etc of the Heimen would also be useful.
[x] Ask Yogo-san if he can provide you with some sort of a ward you could carry with you that would allow you to either prevent or cure drugging or poisoning. If he can, take one.
[x] When comes time to head out, wear a relatively subdued outfit, as normal.
[x] At some point before you depart, approach one of the Heimen servants of the Lion assigned to your wing. Express a desire to experience the town, and ask if they have any suggestions for reputable tea-houses, entertainment venues, and so on. Be kind, polite, and engage with them as a person.
[x] If it turns out that we have extra time on our hands prior to the evening and nothing to do with it, go out and get some exercise with your sword forms. You *do* have a kenjutsu tournament in a few days.
Tweaks and challenges welcome.
We're telling Bayushi-sama where to find the missive rather than revealing it to her directly to make it easier for her to sell not knowing about it. It's highly likely that there will be people at the dinner she's going to that will be good at reading people, and almost any of them figuring out about our indiscretion might very easily propagate back to Ikoma ears one way or another. If Bayushi Kimiko is confident in her abilities with Sincerity, then she can read it herself. If not, she doesn't have to - and in either case, we personally didn't show it to her (which might make a few of our own Sincerity rolls a bit easier).
We're asking Yogo-san about the anti-poison/drug ward because the chances that someone might try to pull something like that seem to me higher than the chances that they'd try to kill us outright. Fortunately, that sort of thing is usually slow enough that we should be able to trigger a detox if we have a detox we can trigger.
We're asking Pale Oak-san about the Lion stuff because it's information we'll want later, and now's as good a tie as any to pass the request on. There's a non-zero chance that this is Otomo-sama, rather than the Ikoma (really, it could be *anyone*) in which case any information we might have on hand (or even just the fact that we're looking into it for him) might be helpful.
We're asking the servant for advice both to start with convincing the servants that we're not a monster and they need not fear us, and to provide a bit of a smokescreen. If the Mountain Swallow is indeed a highly reputable place, then we can decide that we're interested in it based on the description, and potentially have it appear to outsiders that we decided on it just then. Additionally, we should get at least *some* additional information on the place, which might be helpful for adjusting how we approach it. Finally, just knowing places of interest in town might come in handy at some point.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
Okay. Fair enough. I'll put in the Xs, I guess.
Also, your point about speed is a good one. I added a line about mentioning that to Bayushi-sama. (Boy, it's convenient that we don't double up on any of the Scorpion families - or many of the families in general.)
- Location
- Australia
Yeah its interesting how all our interactions seem to be in fast forwards, we have been contacted 3(?) times by three different clans as fast as honourably possible.
Yeah having to juggle the names would be a pain, i'm assuming its on purpose by the QM to help us all out.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
So far, our contacts...
- We were the ones that opened communication with the Otomo.
- We were approached by the Asako. That was interesting. We might have expected to be approached by her guardsman first.
- The Crane did things at more or less the usual rate... until Doji Mariko showed up and then hit us with the "what favor can I do for you" mojo at our first session of Go. That's abbreviating the schedule a fair bit - normally, she would have allowed Daidoji Chen to test the waters a bit first.
- Now someone who is pretending to be the Ikoma is requesting a meeting with us at a time which is... probably picked as the first time that they could when Matsu Ketsui would be busy elsewhere.
So, the things I see...
- Of all of the attendees, the two who are making the boldest moves are Bayushi Kimiko, and Matsu Ketsui (Rare is the winter court where the attendees find themselves in the room in possession of *more* blades than they departed their quarters with), and they seem to be coming into something approaching alignment. The Doji, led by Mariko, are a somewhat distant third, and everyone else lags behind. For those who are *not* in alignment with those two (almost everyone else who is not a Matsu), that makes getting some sort of insight into the situation, and hopefully some sort of influence, absolutely critical - so they aren't completely blindsided by whatever the result is. This is made even more the case by the fact that the Scorpion are making vague noises of being financially well-off, and have always had strength in the courts - especially the sort of power you need to defame someone enough to justify war on them. Now, we're venturing into the realm of paranoia here, but for these people, paranoia is part of the job. The Mantis are okay, but the Crane in particular might be pretty severely vulnerable to a Matsu with adequate Scorpion support - even with the Mantis backing them up, the war would almost certainly be waged primarily on Crane lands, and it would do that much more damage to an already brutalized Clan. It's entirely possible that their urgency was about the "so... what's up with Bayushi Kimiko, anyway" question.
- I note that the people who are supporting the "peace and rebuilding" faction the hardest - the Crane and the Phoenix - are also the ones who were hit hardest - to the point of crippling - by the war. Those are also the groups that Otomo-sama seems to like the best. Speaking of Otomo-sama, I suspect that he finds our conversation in the bathing area something of a comfort at times where he might otherwise grow concerned as the Crane grew concerned.
- For the Ikoma... I think they're hoping desperately to reign in the Matsu Diamyo before she does *too* much political damage to them, and hopefully run some damage control. Bayushi Kimiko seems to have an in with her (quite possibly a better one than the Ikoma do) and Otomo-sama may have passed word to them about us being potentially useful (...and discreet. The "discreet" part is *important*.)
One consideration I have, do we bring our daisho to the meeting? We'd be more discrete with only the tanto, especially if we dressed in neutral colors. On the other hand, we'd be putting a lot of trust in mister room invader if we did that. What kind of wards did Yogo-san put around our room anyway? I guess they don't stop everyone from entering, otherwise the servants couldn't clean.
I'm not sure we should be asking around about the teahouse. I think, one usually doesn't go to one alone? We're not going to leave with anyone (and some Lion will definitely record and report our movements), and we haven't been here long enough to arrange to meet someone there. One option would be to take Hanzo with us when we leave, but split up once outside the fortress.
Otherwise, Sirrocco covered the sensible precautions
[x] Sirrocco
I'm not sure we should be asking around about the teahouse. I think, one usually doesn't go to one alone? We're not going to leave with anyone (and some Lion will definitely record and report our movements), and we haven't been here long enough to arrange to meet someone there. One option would be to take Hanzo with us when we leave, but split up once outside the fortress.
Otherwise, Sirrocco covered the sensible precautions
[x] Sirrocco
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Plan of action looks good to me, overall.
[x] Sirrocco
Though, @Sirrocco; think we should see if we can get some of Pale Oak's heimin retainers to keep an eye on the Crane delegation? As fast as they're moving, they might try to get in contact with someone else in the time we're away, and it might not be a bad idea to try and stay informed. Then again, he might not have people with suitable skills available, and we haven't really had time to try and build our own network, here.
In regards to the speed at which both the Crane and Lion act; I'm wondering if the two are perhaps connected. Possibly with the Lion (assuming it is an Ikoma we got the message from) acting so fast in regards to the Crane's moves.
The Crane already started fairly aggressive, what with blatantly insulting the Matsu right at the start of the court. They also went and immediately got in contact with the Crab (the previous day, after the Gift-giving ceremony was over), and with us today. Our meeting with Chen in the tower was likely an accident, but Mariko taking advantage of it definitely wasn't.
Crab and Crane are traditionally enemies, and Scorpion and Crane have been rivals or even enemies on the political stage more often than not, so it could be the Crane trying to minimize hostilities while they're still weak and in the process of rebuilding, but it might be noteworthy that both Scorpion and Crab are located south of the Spine of the World Mountains, and heavily rely on Beiden Pass for their trade.
One possible scenario I could imagine, would be that the Crane might be trying to goad the Matsu into, effectively, closing Beiden Pass for merchants, while at the same time trying to convince us and the Crab to channel our trade through the Crane's ports in the south and north of the mountain range. Possibly, they might also try to do the same with the Phoenix and Dragon, though both of them being smaller than us or the Crab could make them a lower priority. Furthermore, if they can bring us on their side in this matter, they would gain our reputed skills in the courts to help them outmaneuver the Lion.
The benefits for them would be threefold; for one, they would effectively create an economic cordon around the Lion; the Lion might still trade with the neighboring Clans for some things, but pretty much all of the major trade that would normally through Beiden Pass and the Lion's lands would instead move around it, which would no doubt hurt the Lion's economy a fair deal.
At the same time, a lot of that trade would instead flow through the Crane's lands and ports, which in turn would help to stimulate the Crane's economy, and hasten the speed with which they can rebuild and recover from the damages the Lion's armies inflicted upon them.
Last, but certainly no least, it would be an undeniable and potent demonstration of the Crane's political power. "See, we can isolate and hurt you in your own court" makes for a rather powerful show of force; very useful as a potential deterrent against other Clans trying to take advantage of their weakened state (of which they might consider us one), as well as a demonstration that they still make for very useful political allies. However, there'd obviously be a certain danger that they could push the Lion *too* far, and provoke them into declaring war, despite the consequences that would likely have.
How the other clans would fit into this...
- The Mantis would most likely be extremely happy, for the reasons I outlined in an earlier analysis. Increased ocean going trade means more work, and thus more profit, for both their traders and merchants, due to the increased amounts of cargo transported, and also for their shipwrights, since it'll most likely increase the demand for cargo vessels.
- Of the remaining Clans, none of them seem to like the Lion much at the moment, if at all. Economically, it would depend on whether the Crane can make it worthwhile, for the most part. The Phoenix might object, since it would go against their goal of everyone getting along and rebuilding, but they might accept if the Crane can convince them that the Lion needs to be taught a little lesson this way and/or isn't truly hampered by this, but the Crane also might simply bring some political pressure to bear on them. The Crab normally dislikes the Crane, but they also dislike the Lion apparently. It's quite possible that the Crane approached them first because they estimated them to be one of their bigger obstacles, and wanted to get a headstart on working to overcome that.
- Last, there is us, which is where the big hole in my theory lies (that I can see); we control the other side of Beiden Pass, and any trade that goes through it also passes through our lands by default. This also means that anything that hurts the Lion's trade through it, by extension also hurts us. Which means the Crane would either have to offer us some sort of compensation that makes up for all of the trade we'd lose that way, in which case starting to connect with us early would give them more time to bring us around to their point of view, or they need to prevent us from seeing what they're doing before it's too late for us to do something about it, in which case their early aggressive move on us might be meant to keep us off balance.
As a potential alternative, the Crane might be aiming to achieve some sort of political dominance in the Matsu's own court similar to what I outlined above, but more with the goal of forcing some sort of concession from the Matsu, though I'm not entirely certain which. Most of the things I can come up with would most likely be better handled at more important castles with the Lion's Clan leadership directly.
The only possibility that makes sense to me at this moment, is that the Crane might be trying to wrangle political favors and concessions out of the other clans, here. They very well know how important the pass is for trade, so by gaining a lot of leverage with which to influence the Lion and the tariffs they place on the goods from different clans, or how merchants from different clans are treated, they could indirectly gain leverage over those Clans that heavily rely on the pass for their trade, such as ourselves, the Crab, or the Dragon. However, their opening move at the Gift ceremony would be extremely detrimental for this, so I think that theory of mine is rather weak.
I'll note, though, that I am most likely heavily biased by our own mission here, and trying to see how the other Clans and their goals and actions might relate to that, so it would probably be best to take this analysis of mine with a pinch of salt.
[x] Sirrocco
Though, @Sirrocco; think we should see if we can get some of Pale Oak's heimin retainers to keep an eye on the Crane delegation? As fast as they're moving, they might try to get in contact with someone else in the time we're away, and it might not be a bad idea to try and stay informed. Then again, he might not have people with suitable skills available, and we haven't really had time to try and build our own network, here.
In regards to the speed at which both the Crane and Lion act; I'm wondering if the two are perhaps connected. Possibly with the Lion (assuming it is an Ikoma we got the message from) acting so fast in regards to the Crane's moves.
The Crane already started fairly aggressive, what with blatantly insulting the Matsu right at the start of the court. They also went and immediately got in contact with the Crab (the previous day, after the Gift-giving ceremony was over), and with us today. Our meeting with Chen in the tower was likely an accident, but Mariko taking advantage of it definitely wasn't.
Crab and Crane are traditionally enemies, and Scorpion and Crane have been rivals or even enemies on the political stage more often than not, so it could be the Crane trying to minimize hostilities while they're still weak and in the process of rebuilding, but it might be noteworthy that both Scorpion and Crab are located south of the Spine of the World Mountains, and heavily rely on Beiden Pass for their trade.
One possible scenario I could imagine, would be that the Crane might be trying to goad the Matsu into, effectively, closing Beiden Pass for merchants, while at the same time trying to convince us and the Crab to channel our trade through the Crane's ports in the south and north of the mountain range. Possibly, they might also try to do the same with the Phoenix and Dragon, though both of them being smaller than us or the Crab could make them a lower priority. Furthermore, if they can bring us on their side in this matter, they would gain our reputed skills in the courts to help them outmaneuver the Lion.
The benefits for them would be threefold; for one, they would effectively create an economic cordon around the Lion; the Lion might still trade with the neighboring Clans for some things, but pretty much all of the major trade that would normally through Beiden Pass and the Lion's lands would instead move around it, which would no doubt hurt the Lion's economy a fair deal.
At the same time, a lot of that trade would instead flow through the Crane's lands and ports, which in turn would help to stimulate the Crane's economy, and hasten the speed with which they can rebuild and recover from the damages the Lion's armies inflicted upon them.
Last, but certainly no least, it would be an undeniable and potent demonstration of the Crane's political power. "See, we can isolate and hurt you in your own court" makes for a rather powerful show of force; very useful as a potential deterrent against other Clans trying to take advantage of their weakened state (of which they might consider us one), as well as a demonstration that they still make for very useful political allies. However, there'd obviously be a certain danger that they could push the Lion *too* far, and provoke them into declaring war, despite the consequences that would likely have.
How the other clans would fit into this...
- The Mantis would most likely be extremely happy, for the reasons I outlined in an earlier analysis. Increased ocean going trade means more work, and thus more profit, for both their traders and merchants, due to the increased amounts of cargo transported, and also for their shipwrights, since it'll most likely increase the demand for cargo vessels.
- Of the remaining Clans, none of them seem to like the Lion much at the moment, if at all. Economically, it would depend on whether the Crane can make it worthwhile, for the most part. The Phoenix might object, since it would go against their goal of everyone getting along and rebuilding, but they might accept if the Crane can convince them that the Lion needs to be taught a little lesson this way and/or isn't truly hampered by this, but the Crane also might simply bring some political pressure to bear on them. The Crab normally dislikes the Crane, but they also dislike the Lion apparently. It's quite possible that the Crane approached them first because they estimated them to be one of their bigger obstacles, and wanted to get a headstart on working to overcome that.
- Last, there is us, which is where the big hole in my theory lies (that I can see); we control the other side of Beiden Pass, and any trade that goes through it also passes through our lands by default. This also means that anything that hurts the Lion's trade through it, by extension also hurts us. Which means the Crane would either have to offer us some sort of compensation that makes up for all of the trade we'd lose that way, in which case starting to connect with us early would give them more time to bring us around to their point of view, or they need to prevent us from seeing what they're doing before it's too late for us to do something about it, in which case their early aggressive move on us might be meant to keep us off balance.
As a potential alternative, the Crane might be aiming to achieve some sort of political dominance in the Matsu's own court similar to what I outlined above, but more with the goal of forcing some sort of concession from the Matsu, though I'm not entirely certain which. Most of the things I can come up with would most likely be better handled at more important castles with the Lion's Clan leadership directly.
The only possibility that makes sense to me at this moment, is that the Crane might be trying to wrangle political favors and concessions out of the other clans, here. They very well know how important the pass is for trade, so by gaining a lot of leverage with which to influence the Lion and the tariffs they place on the goods from different clans, or how merchants from different clans are treated, they could indirectly gain leverage over those Clans that heavily rely on the pass for their trade, such as ourselves, the Crab, or the Dragon. However, their opening move at the Gift ceremony would be extremely detrimental for this, so I think that theory of mine is rather weak.
I'll note, though, that I am most likely heavily biased by our own mission here, and trying to see how the other Clans and their goals and actions might relate to that, so it would probably be best to take this analysis of mine with a pinch of salt.
I think Sirrocco's idea is less to ask about it specifically, and more about entertainment in general, which should make our meeting look less conspicuous to others since they'd just assume we'd be seeking out one of the locations we were told about.
- Location
- Leeds
The probability of actually closing the pass was discussed earlier. I think Maugan Ra said that the emperor would stick his nose in and demand that they reopen the route. Probably another political blow to the Lion if that is the Cranes plan but it does mean that the other positives are more dubious.
I am aware. I'm using "closing the pass" here as shorthand for the outcome our superiors are actually concerned about; namely, that the Matsu place exorbitant tariffs on all trade moving through the pass, and harass merchants travelling through it by constantly detaining them while their cargo and travelling papers are inspected. Nominally, the pass will remain open, as the emperor wills it, but practically it'd be closed for purposes of trade.
Maybe they want to get some concessions from the Ikona.
They could be aiming for the beaden pass blockade as a secondary objective camouflaged as a primary one
That because they know that the blockade wouldn't last, so they would manure as if they want it to happen, so they can get some concessions from the Ikona and the lion as a whole.
They could be aiming for the beaden pass blockade as a secondary objective camouflaged as a primary one
That because they know that the blockade wouldn't last, so they would manure as if they want it to happen, so they can get some concessions from the Ikona and the lion as a whole.
Not sure how exactly the Crane would manage to make the Matsu close the pass. They might not care for the Lion's economy (that's for merchants to worry about), but Ketsui has no reason to think closing the pass would hurt the Crane, which makes it hard for them to trick her into into closing the pass, and no reason to listen to anything they tell her.