In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
[x] gman391
[X] gman391
While I'd agree that a show of strength here could help with our image, I can't help but feel that too many barbs directed at the instigator would be the equivalent of kicking someone with his hands and feet tied together and therefor wouldn't help our image at all.
Refusing is to me also out of the question, given that escalating the situation further is liable to have it grow beyond our means to handle on top of more or less rejecting Nimuro's assistance here.
This write-in however seems to strike a pretty good balance by making clear that we're still kind of pissed (as any proud samurai should be) but are willing to let Nimuro deescalate the situation, arguably out of respect to him and unwillingness to drag this shameful display on further and totally not because we might just get our ass kicked if this went on.
Offering Nimuro our thanks and apology is just good sense, since you'll have a hard time finding kids who aren't happy to be acknowledged for their actions.
While I'd agree that a show of strength here could help with our image, I can't help but feel that too many barbs directed at the instigator would be the equivalent of kicking someone with his hands and feet tied together and therefor wouldn't help our image at all.
Refusing is to me also out of the question, given that escalating the situation further is liable to have it grow beyond our means to handle on top of more or less rejecting Nimuro's assistance here.
This write-in however seems to strike a pretty good balance by making clear that we're still kind of pissed (as any proud samurai should be) but are willing to let Nimuro deescalate the situation, arguably out of respect to him and unwillingness to drag this shameful display on further and totally not because we might just get our ass kicked if this went on.
Offering Nimuro our thanks and apology is just good sense, since you'll have a hard time finding kids who aren't happy to be acknowledged for their actions.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Fair enough. I suppose I do sometimes lay it on too thick.
[x] gman391
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Yeah, forcing your enemies to commit Seppuku is an interesting story element and one that probably should come up (The Seppuku scenes in Shogun were all very interesting), but making some random guy who isn't important kill themselves? Bad show. Wait until it's someone we know and hate!
- Location
- Leeds
[x] gman391
Lets save Sirocco's plan for someone worth killing.
Considering how rare an occurrence that is, I don't think anyone can fault you for that.
- Location
- Leeds
Is there enough time to turn Naoto into a build revolving around it?
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
[x] gman391
- Location
- Canada
[x] gman391
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
[x] gman391
- Location
- London, England
Well, so far you're racking up a fair amount of Honour, and there's more to come in the next post. So theoretically you could make a fair go at being an honourable Scorpion, which tends to surprise a lot of people and would actually gain you more respect from certain quarters than the samurai of another Clan displaying honour.
The trick would be pulling it off without earning the disdain of your own Clan - Scorpion tend to call honourable people junshin, which translates to 'pure heart', and being labeled as such would be a fine way to make sure your Clan never trusts you with anything important.
It would still be possible, mind, since the whole Honour situation is considerably more complex than a simple 10-point scale would indicate. Every Clan and family values certain tenants of Bushido above the others, or assigns different priorities to them. I'm not going to arbitrarily penalize you because you didn't act like enough of a backstabbing git at the appropriate moments. Being an honourable Scorpion who can still do what is necessary is a narrow road to walk, but the rewards can be quite lucrative.
Anyway, vote called there, I'll get to work on writing the next update.
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
I have to admit that this surprises me a fair bit. I think so far we've only talked with people while being polite; I wouldn't have figured that to be worth Honor-gain.
2.6 - A series of meetings
- Location
- London, England
For a moment, you are tempted to exploit the situation, to degrade and destroy this arrogant fool who thought to make a mockery of the Scorpion Clan and escape retaliation. But... no, now is neither the time nor the place for such things. The son of the local Daimyo is standing right there, and your mission comes above any such petty things as personal desires.
"Matsu-san, I accept your apology in the spirit it was offered." You say calmly, taking some small measure of satisfaction at the genuine surprise you can feel emanating from your bested opponent. Everything about this little confrontation has gone very strangely from his perspective, and that thought pleases you. Perhaps the fool will be more careful when dealing with Scorpion in the future. Who knows?
Still, you are not quite done yet, and with that thought you turn and bow low to the young Matsu lord. Since he has no direct authority over you there is no need to prostrate yourself, but you make sure your bow is properly low and respectful all the same. No need to be making enemies, after all.
"My apologies for allowing this to disrupt your day, young lord." You say clearly.
"Think nothing of it, Scorpion-san." Matsu Nimuro says politely. "I must attend to my duties, but I shall make a point of looking for you in the tournament. Good day."
With that, he turns and departs, followed a few moments later by the squad of Lion bushi. You watch them go, and then return to your practice. You need to remain sharp, after all.
-/-
By demonstrating self control under pressure and remaining courteous even in the face of outright insult and provocation, Naoto has earned seven points of honour.
Naoto faced down a squad of Lion bushi without fear and without losing his On, all in view of many other samurai and a member of the nobility. Word of this will spread. He gains one point of glory.
-/-
In the time remaining before you must depart, you make sure to seek out Pale Oak for a quick conversation. The scribe listens to your commands attentively, and agrees to carry them out.
"I believe I will be able to provide you with a full list of the relevant individuals by the end of the week, Soshi-dono." He says politely. "I will let you know if we run into any complications. Otherwise, please leave it in our hands."
It is as you are returning to your quarters that you encounter one of the local servants, a Heimin girl in subdued robes of dull orange and yellow. You flag her down in the corridor and take her aside for a moment, politely ignoring the way that she trembles slightly at the attention.
"I was wondering if you could help me, servant-san." You say politely. "I wish to experience the town during my stay here. Do you have any suggestions about what I might find entertaining? Tea houses, places of entertainment, that sort of thing."
The servant girl trembles like a leaf, evidently entirely unused to being addressed directly by one above her station. "Forgiveness, please, samurai-sama... I... I would not presume to pass judgement on what you might or might not enjoy..."
"That is quite alright." You respond patiently. "Tell me, then, what do you enjoy? Doubtless you attend to your duties with skill and dedication, but where do you or your family like to go when your lords do not have instructions for you?"
"I... the Silver Leaf tea house is very nice?" The girl offers nervously, and you nod in encouragement. "And my uncle works at the Five Arches theater. He is a dedicated man, and his lord has always been pleased with the quality of the performances enacted there..."
"Marvelous." You say with a smile. "I will be sure to try those establishments out myself. Thank you for your assistance, servant-san. I will not keep you from your duties any longer."
The servant thanks you profusely and then departs, evidently deeply uncertain about the whole encounter. You smile slightly to yourself and then return to your duties.
-/-
By showing kindness to one beneath his station, Naoto has earned four points of honour.
-/-
Later that night, you kneel in front of Yogo Hanzo as he calls upon the power of the kami. It is a strangely subdued affair, for all its spiritual import - there are no great invocations of power, no flashy lights or pillars of flame. The Shugenja simply intones a quiet prayer in a language you can never learn to speak and touches you lightly on the shoulder.
You feel the effects at once. It is difficult to describe, but if pressed you would say that you feel healthy, like you are connected to some great source of internal vitality that you had never before known to exist. It is a strange sensation, but not entirely unwelcome.
"I have called the spirits of the earth to your side, Soshi-san." Hanzo explains as you rise back to your feet. "They will dwell within you for a time, likely no more than an hour or two, and ensure that your body remains pure. This will help you resist drugs and poison of all kinds - most notably, you should find it very difficult to become drunk."
"Thank you, Yogo-san." You say, aware that your voice sounds almost reverent. It is one thing to know that Shugenja are the priests of the Kami, but quite another to see and feel what that means in person. "Hopefully, I will not require it."
"It is always better to be certain. May you find success, Soshi-san." Yogo Hanzo says gravely, before turning to depart.
-/-
Slipping out of the castle is relatively easy, since you are not by nature inclined to attract attention and your position as a guest here gives you full access to anywhere that is not specifically restricted. As it turns out, the rear of the castle ends up merging almost seamlessly into the outer edges of the town that supports it, separated only by a wall that is more ceremonial than practical. Evidently the Matsu are much more concerned about attacks through Beiden Pass than they are enemies which manage to reach them across the length of the Lion's ancestral heartland. All things considered, this is not entirely unreasonable.
The streets of the town themselves are much more subdued than those of other settlements you have visited, especially considering the late hour. The peasants scurry about their duties with heads bowed and voices lowered, and the buildings themselves are constructed in a stark and functional style that leaves little room for beauty. Under the iron gaze of Shiro Matsu, there is no time of levity.
The impression fades as you head deeper into the town, energy returning to the people in increments as you lengthen the distance between them and their lords. Architecture softens, people talk and smile, and before too long you can hear the sounds of laughter and music lingering in the air once again. In such an atmosphere it does not take you long to locate the House of the Mountain Swallow. The geisha house is beautiful in a restrained and dignified way, the rice paper walls decorated with images of flying birds and magnificent mountain scenery.
Scarcely have you stepped through the door than you are greeted and steered inside by one of the servants. The mysterious note was accurate about this much, at least, for the staff here certainly seem to have been expecting you. As is customary, you leave your swords in the care of the staff and allow them to escort you to a private meeting room.
Inside, sitting on a decorated cushion behind a low table and dressed in casual robes of gold and brown, is Ikoma Genji, the Karo to Daimyo Matsu Ketsui.
"Good evening, Soshi-san. Thank you for coming." He says in quiet tones, gesturing to the cushions on the far side of the table. "Please, sit."
Surprised, you do as bid, settling yourself down comfortably even as your mind races. There seems little to say, however, so you simply remain silent and wait for the Lion to speak.
"Tell me, Soshi-san, why do you think I have called you here?"
Respond:
[ ] Write in
"Matsu-san, I accept your apology in the spirit it was offered." You say calmly, taking some small measure of satisfaction at the genuine surprise you can feel emanating from your bested opponent. Everything about this little confrontation has gone very strangely from his perspective, and that thought pleases you. Perhaps the fool will be more careful when dealing with Scorpion in the future. Who knows?
Still, you are not quite done yet, and with that thought you turn and bow low to the young Matsu lord. Since he has no direct authority over you there is no need to prostrate yourself, but you make sure your bow is properly low and respectful all the same. No need to be making enemies, after all.
"My apologies for allowing this to disrupt your day, young lord." You say clearly.
"Think nothing of it, Scorpion-san." Matsu Nimuro says politely. "I must attend to my duties, but I shall make a point of looking for you in the tournament. Good day."
With that, he turns and departs, followed a few moments later by the squad of Lion bushi. You watch them go, and then return to your practice. You need to remain sharp, after all.
-/-
By demonstrating self control under pressure and remaining courteous even in the face of outright insult and provocation, Naoto has earned seven points of honour.
Naoto faced down a squad of Lion bushi without fear and without losing his On, all in view of many other samurai and a member of the nobility. Word of this will spread. He gains one point of glory.
-/-
In the time remaining before you must depart, you make sure to seek out Pale Oak for a quick conversation. The scribe listens to your commands attentively, and agrees to carry them out.
"I believe I will be able to provide you with a full list of the relevant individuals by the end of the week, Soshi-dono." He says politely. "I will let you know if we run into any complications. Otherwise, please leave it in our hands."
It is as you are returning to your quarters that you encounter one of the local servants, a Heimin girl in subdued robes of dull orange and yellow. You flag her down in the corridor and take her aside for a moment, politely ignoring the way that she trembles slightly at the attention.
"I was wondering if you could help me, servant-san." You say politely. "I wish to experience the town during my stay here. Do you have any suggestions about what I might find entertaining? Tea houses, places of entertainment, that sort of thing."
The servant girl trembles like a leaf, evidently entirely unused to being addressed directly by one above her station. "Forgiveness, please, samurai-sama... I... I would not presume to pass judgement on what you might or might not enjoy..."
"That is quite alright." You respond patiently. "Tell me, then, what do you enjoy? Doubtless you attend to your duties with skill and dedication, but where do you or your family like to go when your lords do not have instructions for you?"
"I... the Silver Leaf tea house is very nice?" The girl offers nervously, and you nod in encouragement. "And my uncle works at the Five Arches theater. He is a dedicated man, and his lord has always been pleased with the quality of the performances enacted there..."
"Marvelous." You say with a smile. "I will be sure to try those establishments out myself. Thank you for your assistance, servant-san. I will not keep you from your duties any longer."
The servant thanks you profusely and then departs, evidently deeply uncertain about the whole encounter. You smile slightly to yourself and then return to your duties.
-/-
By showing kindness to one beneath his station, Naoto has earned four points of honour.
-/-
Later that night, you kneel in front of Yogo Hanzo as he calls upon the power of the kami. It is a strangely subdued affair, for all its spiritual import - there are no great invocations of power, no flashy lights or pillars of flame. The Shugenja simply intones a quiet prayer in a language you can never learn to speak and touches you lightly on the shoulder.
You feel the effects at once. It is difficult to describe, but if pressed you would say that you feel healthy, like you are connected to some great source of internal vitality that you had never before known to exist. It is a strange sensation, but not entirely unwelcome.
"I have called the spirits of the earth to your side, Soshi-san." Hanzo explains as you rise back to your feet. "They will dwell within you for a time, likely no more than an hour or two, and ensure that your body remains pure. This will help you resist drugs and poison of all kinds - most notably, you should find it very difficult to become drunk."
"Thank you, Yogo-san." You say, aware that your voice sounds almost reverent. It is one thing to know that Shugenja are the priests of the Kami, but quite another to see and feel what that means in person. "Hopefully, I will not require it."
"It is always better to be certain. May you find success, Soshi-san." Yogo Hanzo says gravely, before turning to depart.
-/-
Slipping out of the castle is relatively easy, since you are not by nature inclined to attract attention and your position as a guest here gives you full access to anywhere that is not specifically restricted. As it turns out, the rear of the castle ends up merging almost seamlessly into the outer edges of the town that supports it, separated only by a wall that is more ceremonial than practical. Evidently the Matsu are much more concerned about attacks through Beiden Pass than they are enemies which manage to reach them across the length of the Lion's ancestral heartland. All things considered, this is not entirely unreasonable.
The streets of the town themselves are much more subdued than those of other settlements you have visited, especially considering the late hour. The peasants scurry about their duties with heads bowed and voices lowered, and the buildings themselves are constructed in a stark and functional style that leaves little room for beauty. Under the iron gaze of Shiro Matsu, there is no time of levity.
The impression fades as you head deeper into the town, energy returning to the people in increments as you lengthen the distance between them and their lords. Architecture softens, people talk and smile, and before too long you can hear the sounds of laughter and music lingering in the air once again. In such an atmosphere it does not take you long to locate the House of the Mountain Swallow. The geisha house is beautiful in a restrained and dignified way, the rice paper walls decorated with images of flying birds and magnificent mountain scenery.
Scarcely have you stepped through the door than you are greeted and steered inside by one of the servants. The mysterious note was accurate about this much, at least, for the staff here certainly seem to have been expecting you. As is customary, you leave your swords in the care of the staff and allow them to escort you to a private meeting room.
Inside, sitting on a decorated cushion behind a low table and dressed in casual robes of gold and brown, is Ikoma Genji, the Karo to Daimyo Matsu Ketsui.
"Good evening, Soshi-san. Thank you for coming." He says in quiet tones, gesturing to the cushions on the far side of the table. "Please, sit."
Surprised, you do as bid, settling yourself down comfortably even as your mind races. There seems little to say, however, so you simply remain silent and wait for the Lion to speak.
"Tell me, Soshi-san, why do you think I have called you here?"
Respond:
[ ] Write in
Sirrocco
Pedantic
The Scorpion are certainly into Duty and Loyalty, especially in their subordinates. (They don't necessarily *trust* it, but they do appreciate it.) Courtesy just makes good sense when you're trying to be quiet and diplomatic, and while Courage isn't necessarily prized in the extreme case, it's not like cowardice is looked on favorably either. A bit of Compassion is a good way to pick up influence among the heimen, and Honesty is at times a useful defensive move (it's harder to catch you in a lie when you don't make as many). The point where the Clan starts taking issue is the point where you take it too seriously and it starts getting in the way of you doing your job. Until then... well, being able to do things like perplex Crane or drive Matsu to seppuku can be *useful* from time to time.
Edit: And we get a turn in while I was doing the thing. Excellent!
I'm figuring that we want to demonstrate as much intellect as we can here. That might mean tossing around a few knowledge checks (and if anyone can think of useful ones to throw, that might be worthwhile). In any case, it means presenting most or all of what we suspect to be true, in an appropriately humble style, while implying pretty heavily that we might be willing to help.
...and I've just realized I'm basically out of low-cost analysis ergs for the moment. I'll hit this one in more detail later.
Edit: And we get a turn in while I was doing the thing. Excellent!
I'm figuring that we want to demonstrate as much intellect as we can here. That might mean tossing around a few knowledge checks (and if anyone can think of useful ones to throw, that might be worthwhile). In any case, it means presenting most or all of what we suspect to be true, in an appropriately humble style, while implying pretty heavily that we might be willing to help.
...and I've just realized I'm basically out of low-cost analysis ergs for the moment. I'll hit this one in more detail later.
Last edited:
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
[JK] "Because I'm the only sane man Scorpion in an insane world Winter Court."
Wade Garrett
Just trying to do the right thing
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
That was going to be my guess as to how we're gaining Honor just by being polite to people.
I mean, look at everyone else.
Matsu:
"RAAAAR!"
Our boss:
"GRAAAAH!"
The Crane delegation:
"Hello Lions, we shall now whip our junk out and slap you in the face with it."
Just being vaguely reasonable makes Soshi look like a freaking Pillar of Honor.
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Hm... I suppose a Lore: Lion Clan roll might be of use if we want to take the angle of, at any point, "The Ikoma do [X] as it has always been blah blah blah" so perhaps we could request that...?