In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
3.1 - The Acquisition of Secrets
- Location
- London, England
OK, this will cover the first part of the intended schedule, since I don't think I can squeeze everything into a single post. More to come after this.
The Fifth Day of the Boar
The wind whistles sharply as you move through the repetitive kata of your practice routine, trying to capture the smallest hint of the grace and furious speed you witnessed in yesterday's climactic duel. Court is held during the afternoon here, and you have recently decided to make a habit of practicing your martial skills during the early morning hours - if the practicing Lion are going to wake you up with their racket anyway, you might as well gain some benefit from it.
Bayushi Kimoko appears to approve of your decision, though she herself is largely confined to her quarters for the moment. The Shugenja have done good work, but there is only so much one can do to speed recovery from having three feet of steel shoved into your lungs. You get the impression that this grates upon your lord somewhat, but she has not made any open comment about it, simply giving you a few pointers on how to refine your technique from her own experiences with the same. Indeed, simply having an example of what mastery of the Bayushi techniques looks like to compare with your own abilities has been most useful, if somewhat discouraging given the sheer gulf in relevant abilities.
The Lion have chosen to leave you alone for the moment, not wishing to interrupt your practice. You suspect Ginwei's example is fresh in the minds of many, as is your own conduct, for while there is still a tangible air of hostility hanging over all of your interactions with the local samurai it appears to have lessened somewhat in intensity. Still, a few are watching from a polite distance, and you suspect it will not be too long before someone tries to engage with you again. You will simply have to wait and see what form that contact takes.
Finishing your routine, you slide your sword back into its sheathe and head for your quarters. There are other duties that need to be attended to today, after all.
-/-
Frowning slightly, you sit at your desk and consider the paperwork in front of you.
Pale Oak, it seems, is no longer within Shiro Matsu itself, having slipped out to meet with a 'potential business partner' within the connecting township. His staff were very apologetic when they explained this, but it still concerns you slightly that one of your servants would take it upon himself to move like this without informing any of the actual samurai he is supposed to be serving. Still, the two scrolls he left behind to be given to you have been most informative.
The first is a fairly dry list of local samurai and their duties, relating to the information that you asked him to seek out. It seems that Ikoma Genji controls and administers all matters relating to the Lion's mercantile and economic resources directly, with the aid of his staff - half a dozen samurai and twice as many Heimin scribes and assistants. Virtually anything related to logistics or economics apparently passes through the hands of one of those individuals at some point, making them the finest method by which to gain access to all kinds of information about the Matsu provinces. Pale Oak has even made a point of adding notations about the specific areas of interest that each one is concerned with.
More interesting, and slightly worrisome, is the second scroll. In it, Pale Oak has gone through and laid out a number of sensitive pieces of information which could be used to exert leverage of one kind or another over different members of Genji's staff. Some of it is relatively innocuous - one of Genji's heimin servants has recently become a father, and is in constant need of appropriate supplies and maybe a source of quality education for his young son. But other pieces are distinctly less innocent, such as the observation that one of the samurai has developed a crushing addiction to opiates in order to combat the pain of an old battlefield injury.
It is all highly useful information to be sure, but the speed with which it was gathered makes you raise an eyebrow. Either Pale Oak is a spy and covert agent of impeccable skill, or he has made contact with an existing intelligence network operating within Shiro Matsu. And until he returns from his unannounced trip, you have no way of determining which.
Still, there is no sense in turning down the opportunity presented. With quick, businesslike motions you prepare a sheet of paper that is of considerably greater quality than the one that Pale Oak wrote his report on, and begin copying the less sinister details across in your own words, adding those details that your own education indicates might be relevant. It is always good to have copies of this sort of thing, and you can put it to good use in the meantime.
Alas, the scroll contains no directly useful leverage on Ikoma Genji himself. Still, you suppose that would just be too easy.
-/-
Otomo Kairyu is being quartered in a rather more pleasant section of the castle than you are - presumably not even the Matsu's famed hostility and love of military discomfort was sufficient to place a member of the Imperial Families in sub-standard accommodation. You introduce yourself to the servant at the door to his quarters and settle down to wait patiently while the man goes in search of his superior. Given the difference in status between the two of you, it would not be unheard of for the Otomo to make you wait for several hours, but you have some time before court begins in the evening and can hope that your positive interactions with him so far are sufficient to speed things along.
As it turns out, the servant returns for you in just ten minutes, leading you through to a small living room where Otomo Kairyu is presently sipping tea behind a low desk.
"Soshi-san, it is good to see you. Have you had rice today?" The bureaucrat asks with a small smile.
"Thank you, Otomo-sama, I have." You reply, bowing as appropriate to one of higher station than you. After you are acknowledged, you straighten up and present to him the scroll. "I have been spending some thought on the matters we discussed during our last meeting. My lord wishes me to pass along this gift, as a symbol of our commitment and dedication to the greater cause of the Empire."
Otomo Kairyu raises an eyebrow and places his teacup down on the desk in front of him. "A worthy sentiment, Soshi-san, but there is no need for the Scorpion to prove their dedication to such a thing. Your history speaks for itself in this matter."
"You are kind to say so, Otomo-sama, but we would be remiss to simply rest on the accomplishments of our ancestors without building upon them." You reply, offering the scroll once again.
"A desire to further the work your ancestors began is a common element in all true samurai, but so is service to your lord, Soshi-san." The Otomo counters, still smiling gently. It is not a trustworthy expression. "I should not wish to distract you from such duties with requests of my own."
"Happily, Otomo-sama, this gift was compiled on the orders of my lord." You respond, stretching the truth a little in service to diplomacy. "Thus, there is no conflict to invoke such distraction."
"In that case, Soshi-san, I should be pleased to accept." Otomo Kairyu says, taking the scroll and opening it. He initially seems to glance through it, before pausing and going back over the details in more depth. You wait patiently, well aware that rushing your superior on something like this could easily be a fatal mistake. Eventually the Otomo lowers the scroll and looks back up at you.
"This is indeed most interesting, Soshi-san." He says, evidently pleased. "I wonder, would you perhaps be willing to do me another favour?"
"Subject to my lord's orders, Otomo-sama, I would be happy to assist you." You say cautiously.
"Excellent. I have a meeting tomorrow with Kitsu Ami, who is in charge of Shiro Matsu's magistrates." Otomo Kairyu explains smoothly. "She has agreed to provide me with some information and show me around her facilities, since coordination between my department and hers will make everything go much more smoothly. However, I myself have only minimal training in the martial arts, and Kitsu-san and her staff remain Lions."
He takes a small sip of his tea. "I therefore find myself in need of a Yojimbo on a temporary basis. Given your demonstrated skills and your own family's association with law enforcement, I believe you would be ideally suited for the role."
You blink, momentarily surprised, and take a heartbeat to think it over. Information and contacts within the local magistrates is exactly what Pale Oak asked you to provide for him if possible, and this would virtually guarantee that. On the other hand, it would also tie you to Otomo Kairyu in the eyes of most of the rest of the court and would likely involve you in whatever the Imperial is planning with regards to the local magistrates.
Do you accept?
- [ ] Yes
- [ ] No
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Honestly, yeah, this is too good of an opportunity. There's something to be said for 'coming off neutral' but I'm pretty sure our part in the Scorpion game just doesn't work for that. Hrmm...
Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
Am I missing something or is this kinda horribly insulting? I mean while this is all being spoken in private this is essentially implying that he thinks he's in such great risk by going to meet with his hosts that he needs a guard.
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
[X] Yes
I don't think having a guard worth their salt is just about physical protection, especially not when dealing with such a martially inclined Clan and when he's likely planning to throw his weight around at least a bit.
Doing so without anyone even remotely capable of looking menacing or theoretically backing him up is kind of liable to create an "entitled bureaucrat" impression.
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- Location
- London, England
It could be taken as an insult, yes.
Between your family and the points that Pipeman has already covered your presence is not guaranteed to be an insult, and a skilled courtier could present it in either fashion as they desired.
He's not directly insulting his hosts in front of you, however, since if he really felt he needed a Yojimbo he'd be looking for one full-time rather than just for this meeting.
Wade Garrett
Just trying to do the right thing
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Don't the Otomo work by making sure that all the Clans are too busy trying to stab each other in the back to backstab the Emperor?
Because let's face it, even if we do upgrade our Reflexes and Kenjutsu we're a long way from being so awesome Imperial officials pick up to bodyguard them based on our l33t swording skills alone.
And over here we have the Boss Lady Lion being all buddy buddy with the Boss Lady Scorpion, and here we have a guy who gets his jollies making sure the Clans stay in a permanent state of seething hatred for each other as the kami intended, and here we have this nice young Scorpion, Naoto, and I'm seeing a big treble barbed hook in this.
Because let's face it, even if we do upgrade our Reflexes and Kenjutsu we're a long way from being so awesome Imperial officials pick up to bodyguard them based on our l33t swording skills alone.
And over here we have the Boss Lady Lion being all buddy buddy with the Boss Lady Scorpion, and here we have a guy who gets his jollies making sure the Clans stay in a permanent state of seething hatred for each other as the kami intended, and here we have this nice young Scorpion, Naoto, and I'm seeing a big treble barbed hook in this.
Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
From what we've seen though if the clans were seething with anger and obstructing each other now then the Empire would suffer and be unable to rebuild. It's probably unlikely that he'll try and sabotage this court especially given the fact that the Matsu kinda hate the Scorpion as a general rule, and would thus be pretty unlikely to outright ally with them.
It's kind of a balancing act for the Otomo. On one hand, they need to keep the Great Clans from simply forming a big alliance and either toppling the Emperor, or making him irrelevant. On the other hand, if they overdo it, the Great Clans are going to tear themselves apart until almost nothing is left, basically leaving the Emperor without an Empire to actually govern.
That said, I'm extremely wary about crawling too deeply into his pocket. I'd be cautiously inclined to accept in this particular instance since it accomplishes our side-goal of gathering information on the local Lion Magistrates for Pale Oak, but I'm somewhat alarmed about what sort of scheme he might be drawing us into, and I'd honestly rather keep some distance from him afterwards, at least for a while.
That said, I'm extremely wary about crawling too deeply into his pocket. I'd be cautiously inclined to accept in this particular instance since it accomplishes our side-goal of gathering information on the local Lion Magistrates for Pale Oak, but I'm somewhat alarmed about what sort of scheme he might be drawing us into, and I'd honestly rather keep some distance from him afterwards, at least for a while.
I suspect that there is at least one deeper reason he wants this. Perhaps showing he has the Scorpion's support helps him make a point. Perhaps he intends to broker some accord between Lion and Scorpion and wants us to represent our side, discretely. And of course he could be stirring up conflict.
One possibility is that the information we got in this update is all linked. Some part of the information network got caught by the magistrates and that's what Pale Oak is off dealing with, and what Otomo intends to involve us in.
Ultimately the question is whether or not Otomo has reason to go against us. I don't think he does, as stirring conflict would go against his mission here. There also isn't any reason for him to fear a Lion-Scorpion alliance, I don't think. We're friendlier than normal now, but we did have two disembowelings between us just yesterday. I think it's clear that the relation is still rivalrious.
[X] Yes
One possibility is that the information we got in this update is all linked. Some part of the information network got caught by the magistrates and that's what Pale Oak is off dealing with, and what Otomo intends to involve us in.
Ultimately the question is whether or not Otomo has reason to go against us. I don't think he does, as stirring conflict would go against his mission here. There also isn't any reason for him to fear a Lion-Scorpion alliance, I don't think. We're friendlier than normal now, but we did have two disembowelings between us just yesterday. I think it's clear that the relation is still rivalrious.
[X] Yes
- Location
- Leeds
Its not like having a pre-existing spy network is a bad thing for a competent spy.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Yes
Naoto has built a reputation over that match with Ginwei. This should be a way to see what the Lion's autority would think of our presence in the court. Maybe I'm hoping to much but... feh.
Naoto has built a reputation over that match with Ginwei. This should be a way to see what the Lion's autority would think of our presence in the court. Maybe I'm hoping to much but... feh.
- Location
- nz
[x] Yes
- Location
- Virginia
[X] Yes
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] Yes
We are Scorpion - of the "all things to all people" clan. Given that we will have further interactions with the magistrate in question after this, I'm sure we can spin whatever comes out of the meeting - and in the meantime, it's a way to get that valuable introduction while also currying favor and acquiring information.
Admittedly, it does put us a bit in the Otomo camp overall, but that means less for a Scorpion than it might for others.
Also, Pale Oak has *far* more ability in this area than we have been giving him credit for. After we give him as much information as we can dig up about the magistrates (and that just got more valuable, and changed in tenor a bit), we should be asking him more stuff.
- He might well be able to get information on the Crane themselves - not so quickly or of the same detail, but he may well be able to get some.
- Information on the servants who cover our area is likely to be a lot more available
Huh. Just occurred to me. He's a mercantile heimen with quite a lot of spying ability and/or contacts. There's a pretty high likelihood that he's Kolat, and just plugged into the local system. That's... interesting.
We are Scorpion - of the "all things to all people" clan. Given that we will have further interactions with the magistrate in question after this, I'm sure we can spin whatever comes out of the meeting - and in the meantime, it's a way to get that valuable introduction while also currying favor and acquiring information.
Admittedly, it does put us a bit in the Otomo camp overall, but that means less for a Scorpion than it might for others.
Also, Pale Oak has *far* more ability in this area than we have been giving him credit for. After we give him as much information as we can dig up about the magistrates (and that just got more valuable, and changed in tenor a bit), we should be asking him more stuff.
- He might well be able to get information on the Crane themselves - not so quickly or of the same detail, but he may well be able to get some.
- Information on the servants who cover our area is likely to be a lot more available
Huh. Just occurred to me. He's a mercantile heimen with quite a lot of spying ability and/or contacts. There's a pretty high likelihood that he's Kolat, and just plugged into the local system. That's... interesting.
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3.2 - Games of words
- Location
- London, England
"I will of course need to consult my lord, Otomo-sama, but subject to her approval I would be honored to accompany you." You say with only the slightest degree of hesitation. The Otomo is planning something, or working on some scheme in which your assistance will prove valuable, of this you have no doubt. It is simply the specifics which escape your immediate comprehension. That is a situation which can be remedied with a few questions.
"If I am to serve as your Yojimbo, Otomo-sama, I believe I must ask if there are any specific threats I should be aware of." You open cautiously. Yojimbo tend to be assigned for a lifetime, or at the very least for the duration of a court, so borrowing one from another Clan for only a single meeting seems most unusual. The obvious reason would be that Otomo Kairyu expects to be attacked or otherwise threatened during it, though who would make such a move against an Imperial functionary is another question entirely.
"Hm. A valid question." The courtier allows. "As with all things, it comes back to the Emperor. Lord Toturi-dono, long may he reign, has conceived of a potential way in which the Empire may be strengthened and its prosperity ensured. Being a wise and insightful man, he has commanded that my family provide him with all of the information he requires in order to make a truly informed judgement on the matter. My talks with Kitsu Ami will allow me to gather some of that information."
You blink in momentary surprise. It is one thing to know that the Imperial families work closely with the Son of Heaven, it is quite another to meet one acting on the direct orders of such an exalted being. Then your mind moves past the initial shock and dissects that deliberately vague set of statements in search of the truth behind them.
"Forgiveness, Otomo-sama, but that would appear to suggest that only those who are directly opposed to the strength and prosperity of the Empire would be inclined to pose a direct threat to your mission." You say cautiously. You are not so blind as to assume that all of the Otomo or the Emperor's other advisors would agree on the best selection of information to present to their lord, but you don't need a Yojimbo to defend against threats like that.
Otomo Kairyu smiles and takes a sip of his tea. "Precisely, Soshi-san."
-/-
You are still mulling over the possible meanings of that reply hours later, after court has already started. It is only when your opponent coughs slightly than you realize you have been staring at the Go board in contemplative silence for too long.
"My apologies, Daidoji-san." You say, placing a piece upon the board and sitting back again. "I have many duties of late, and my mind wanders under the weight of my thoughts. There is no slight intended against your impeccable skills."
Daidoji Chen simply smiles thinly, contemplating the board in turn. "You do not need to apologize, Soshi-san. Nor do you need to make excuses." His smile grows slightly more pronounced. "I am quite familiar with the distraction posed to a young man by thoughts of a beautiful woman."
Despite yourself, you colour slightly, and curse internally as you work to regain your composure. "Are you married, then, Daidoji-san?"
"A widower, actually." The Crane says with a deliberately bland tone. "But rest assured, I am not going to pose a threat to your wellbeing if you decide to pursue Doji-sama any further."
You blink a few more times, utterly wrong footed, before falling back on the teachings of your sensei - sometimes, it is best to admit weakness and take refuge within. "Ah. Am I truly so obvious, Daidoji-san?"
"Not at all, Soshi-san, and I apologize for being so direct about this." Chen replies. "But I was trained as a Bushi, not a courtier, so my skill at speaking in metaphor and allegory is often insufficient. My family are the defenders of the Doji, and it is that which concerns me the most."
There is no particularly tone or inflection to his voice, and his stance is still perfectly relaxed, but you cannot avoid a sudden surge of tension as the Crane Bushi looks at you. "I am curious, however - is this merely a pleasant diversion you are intent upon, or something more serious?"
Respond:
- [ ] A pleasant diversion
- [ ] Serious interest
- [ ] Write in
"If I am to serve as your Yojimbo, Otomo-sama, I believe I must ask if there are any specific threats I should be aware of." You open cautiously. Yojimbo tend to be assigned for a lifetime, or at the very least for the duration of a court, so borrowing one from another Clan for only a single meeting seems most unusual. The obvious reason would be that Otomo Kairyu expects to be attacked or otherwise threatened during it, though who would make such a move against an Imperial functionary is another question entirely.
"Hm. A valid question." The courtier allows. "As with all things, it comes back to the Emperor. Lord Toturi-dono, long may he reign, has conceived of a potential way in which the Empire may be strengthened and its prosperity ensured. Being a wise and insightful man, he has commanded that my family provide him with all of the information he requires in order to make a truly informed judgement on the matter. My talks with Kitsu Ami will allow me to gather some of that information."
You blink in momentary surprise. It is one thing to know that the Imperial families work closely with the Son of Heaven, it is quite another to meet one acting on the direct orders of such an exalted being. Then your mind moves past the initial shock and dissects that deliberately vague set of statements in search of the truth behind them.
"Forgiveness, Otomo-sama, but that would appear to suggest that only those who are directly opposed to the strength and prosperity of the Empire would be inclined to pose a direct threat to your mission." You say cautiously. You are not so blind as to assume that all of the Otomo or the Emperor's other advisors would agree on the best selection of information to present to their lord, but you don't need a Yojimbo to defend against threats like that.
Otomo Kairyu smiles and takes a sip of his tea. "Precisely, Soshi-san."
-/-
You are still mulling over the possible meanings of that reply hours later, after court has already started. It is only when your opponent coughs slightly than you realize you have been staring at the Go board in contemplative silence for too long.
"My apologies, Daidoji-san." You say, placing a piece upon the board and sitting back again. "I have many duties of late, and my mind wanders under the weight of my thoughts. There is no slight intended against your impeccable skills."
Daidoji Chen simply smiles thinly, contemplating the board in turn. "You do not need to apologize, Soshi-san. Nor do you need to make excuses." His smile grows slightly more pronounced. "I am quite familiar with the distraction posed to a young man by thoughts of a beautiful woman."
Despite yourself, you colour slightly, and curse internally as you work to regain your composure. "Are you married, then, Daidoji-san?"
"A widower, actually." The Crane says with a deliberately bland tone. "But rest assured, I am not going to pose a threat to your wellbeing if you decide to pursue Doji-sama any further."
You blink a few more times, utterly wrong footed, before falling back on the teachings of your sensei - sometimes, it is best to admit weakness and take refuge within. "Ah. Am I truly so obvious, Daidoji-san?"
"Not at all, Soshi-san, and I apologize for being so direct about this." Chen replies. "But I was trained as a Bushi, not a courtier, so my skill at speaking in metaphor and allegory is often insufficient. My family are the defenders of the Doji, and it is that which concerns me the most."
There is no particularly tone or inflection to his voice, and his stance is still perfectly relaxed, but you cannot avoid a sudden surge of tension as the Crane Bushi looks at you. "I am curious, however - is this merely a pleasant diversion you are intent upon, or something more serious?"
Respond:
- [ ] A pleasant diversion
- [ ] Serious interest
- [ ] Write in
Wade Garrett
Just trying to do the right thing
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
[Jk] "Look, over there! An oni!" *Jump out the window*
Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
Given that we're on a balcony overlooking the court at the moment this might not be the best idea. Though if we were to jump off the balcony we might have a chance to get up close and personal with Ketsui
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
I'm pretty sure we can lie here. Of course, that in and of itself is its own bundle of trouble. I also don't mind having a serious interest, but I also don't want to just jump in without knowing what the hell is going on with the Crane.
I really just want to be noncommittal.
I really just want to be noncommittal.
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