In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
- Location
- London, England
It's also used for Dance, if I recall correctly. Obviously there is virtue to be had in raising this skill - you shall be Shoshi Naoto, the Dancing Scorpion! Seriously though, having a decent perform skill somewhere is an excellent way to make yourself liked by the Crane and anyone else who fancies themselves cultured.
Anyway, I'm glad folks seem to like Pale Oak. He's intended to be your primary contact with the lower classes during the Quest, so I had to have a careful think about how to depict him. He has his own desires and ideas on how to achieve them, but it would be all too easy to make absolutely everyone be scheming against you, and that is much too likely to ruin a lot of fun in my personal experience.
As a side note, I'm finding your utter lack of disadvantages to be just as interesting from a plot building standpoint as if you'd taken the maximum amount of them. Soshi Naoto is something of a blank slate as far as the other courtiers are concerned, which is rather unusual to say the least.
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
To continue with the tangent: it is; generally, Agility is used in physical instrumentation and intensive hand-eye coordination/fine motor; this does, yes, include Dance and Puppetry, along with things like Biwa and Flute. It also keys for a few Games skills, such as Kemari (which is more or less Rokugani football).
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
He grew up Scorpion. He *knows* better than to leave vulnerabilities for others to exploit.
Pale Oak looks like he's a good Scorpion. Scheming, but not necessarily against us. I think he'd be perfectly happy to have us gain enough status off of this to be his boss, assuming we're treating him well, and to the degree that he is reporting to someone else behind our backs, they're probably also a good Scorpion. As long as we are all loyal to the same general thing, we can work together just fine.
I don't really expect most of the Matsu to be scheming against us, if only because Matsu aren't big on scheming. The non-Matsu, though? It's probably weapons free.
Ah? That sounds like the sort of thing that Matsu might be into. Perhaps we can let ourselves be dragged into a few games.
- Location
- London, England
Kemari involves kicking a stuffed cloth ball into the air and seeing how long you can keep it from hitting the ground. You might play as individuals or in teams depending on the precise type of game everyone is interested in.
Notably, because it is a courtly game, every player is supposed to participate in full regalia. Triple-layered beautiful kimono, peaked caps, the works.
Need to know... we don't really need to know, so we will not know until it is needed.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
I would be generally inclined to not. Right now, we don't have a whole lot of leverage on the man. My read on things is that he's shopping for a boss/patron (since his last one died, and things have been... chaotic). He's given a tentative scorpion-style offer to us to be his patron, and at the moment we're accepting it quietly, because it is useful and expedient. This basically sets up Winter Court at Shiro Matsu as a test run for both of us. If we decide that we find him a worthwhile subordinate, and he decides that we're a worthwhile boss, and we both do reasonably well in our duties while there, we can formalize the relationship a bit better when we return.
Now, asking him about the people who work under him? That's micromanagement, and it suggests rather strongly that we intend to interfere in the relationship between him and his people. That gets... awkward, given that we're samurai, and especially so given that we don't really know what we're doing in a lot of ways. That sort of interference he might not welcome, and with good reason. Anyway, we're going to have plenty to do with those of our own caste. We don't need to be spending time digging into personnel relations with random merchants and scribes.
We could ask him how we might get in touch with him quickly, or who to talk with if he is not available, but that seems to be the sort of thing to talk with him about once we've all settled in to work at Shiro Matsu, and he has everything organized.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
There's also such a thing as Full Contact Kemari in Crab lands. Oddly enough its popularity there hasn't spread far into the other Clans, but I'm sure the Matsu would be interested learning how to play this variation of the game.
mothematics
How wide is the concept of "you"?
- Location
- the bottom of a coffee cup
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Yes. (I recalled incorrectly what it was basically ._.)
And it's beautiful.
Like, imagine a game of this at, oh, I don't know; Shiro Moto. The Unicorn would love how the Crab guests do things
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Kind of a beauty, isn't it?
[x]Sirrocco
1.5 - Discussing trade
- Location
- London, England
You nod slowly, now understanding why someone like Pale Oak would be sent on a mission like this. His is not an uncommon story, if taken in broad strokes - many among the Heimin strive to find a niche for themselves, providing a useful service to their Samurai lords in exchange for stability and protection. It is far too soon to make any definitive judgements about the matter, but if all goes well you suspect you might very well have a useful servant in the making here. Time, and the winter court, will tell. In the meantime...
"It occurs to me, Pale Oak-san, that it would be useful to have an overview of the situation." You say carefully. "Conversation at Winter Court may touch upon many subjects, and if talk of a certain type of goods occurs I should like to know if we are buying or selling. The details of precise costs I would leave in your hands, but... give me a summary."
Officially, samurai are not supposed to dirty their hands with financial matters. At the same time, however, you are called upon to serve your clan as best you can, and you are not so foolish as to discount the impact that trade and material resources can have on a Clan's fortunes. You would be a poor Scorpion indeed if you allowed mere social convention to prevent you from serving your Clan.
"Of course, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak says, his tone slightly distant in the manner of one sorting through his own knowledge and memories. "At present, the primary needs of the Scorpion Clan are in the materials necessary for rebuilding. Wood and paper suitable for construction, along with food and Koku to support the labourers, are likely to be our primary imports for the near future. Many of the battles that occurred in recent years inflicted considerable damage on the cities, although fortunately most sides preferred to capture and make use of the infrastructure rather than destroy it."
You cannot help but smile grimly behind your mask. Had the Scorpion Clan been legally extant during that time you suspect more than a few samurai from the other Clans would have deliberately destroyed the cities and farmland, but presented with the notion of unclaimed resources they instead opted to preserve and secure them. The fortunes show their favour in the oddest ways sometimes.
"In terms of resources, the Scorpion have a comparative abundance of iron and a small supply of Jade from the mines under our control. The Bayushi and Yogo farmlands remain prosperous, so you may negotiate in the knowledge that a food surplus is likely. And of course we continue to supply the Empire with the greatest quantity and variety of medicinal herbs available anywhere. All of these are likely to be in demand by anyone looking to rebuild and resupply their armies. The Jade should be in particular demand, for obvious reasons."
"Very interesting, Pale Oak-san." You say thoughtfully. "In your estimation, who is the most likely to directly compete with us in such matters?"
"The Lion and the Crane, Soshi-dono." The scribe answers instantly. "For specific products... The Lion and the Crane traditionally have surplus food, though the Lion prefer to keep theirs for military supply rather than trade it. The Phoenix are known to be the best source of lumber and paper. The Crab have iron and Jade in great quantities, though I have never seen them trade the latter. And I am given to understand there is a new Great Clan, the Mantis... I apologize, I do not know them, beyond the fact that they dominate the naval trade. If I might offer some advice..."
"You may." You permit with a nod.
"The true strength of the Scorpion in such matters is geographical, not financial, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak explains. "Between Beiden Pass and the River of Gold, the Scorpion control the primary trade links for the entirety of the southern Empire, and everyone knows it. Access to those trade routes is likely to be the primary topic of any negotiation that arises at Shiro Matsu."
"I see. Thank you for your insight, Pale Oak-san. In the future, I would also appreciate if you informed me of any changes in what comes through the Pass."
The scribe nods, not needing any further explanation. "Of course, Soshi-dono. I must warn you that with the recent... disruption, it may take some time to determine what the new 'normal' is."
"A fact of which many are well aware, Pale Oak-san." You say in acceptance. "I shall endeavor to provide you with the relevant information where I can. However, I am unsure which kind of information is likely to be of use in your work. Perhaps you could enlighten me?"
"Of course, Soshi-dono." The scribe says, looking thoughtful. "Primarily, anything you could discover about the intentions and personalities of Shiro Matsu's magistrates would be very useful. My work is likely to bring me into contact with them on a frequent basis, and knowing what to expect would be highly useful."
"I shall keep that in mind, Pale Oak-san." You say, though in truth you had thought to investigate such things in any case. There are too many Matsu for you to influence or predict them all, so it becomes much more important to identify who is actually going to be directly relevant to your work in the future.
Ahead of you, the end of the pass is approaching. Already you can see a small force of samurai in the colors of the Lion Clan advancing to meet you. As the junior samurai here, it will be your job to act as first point of contact for such foot soldiers. Time to see if your Sensei were right about your skills...
How do you approach this?
[ ] With bold confidence. The Matsu will react poorly to anything they might see as a weakness.
[ ] With polite deference. This is Matsu land, and they are unlikely to be amused at anyone who does not show them the appropriate level of respect.
[ ] Write in.
"It occurs to me, Pale Oak-san, that it would be useful to have an overview of the situation." You say carefully. "Conversation at Winter Court may touch upon many subjects, and if talk of a certain type of goods occurs I should like to know if we are buying or selling. The details of precise costs I would leave in your hands, but... give me a summary."
Officially, samurai are not supposed to dirty their hands with financial matters. At the same time, however, you are called upon to serve your clan as best you can, and you are not so foolish as to discount the impact that trade and material resources can have on a Clan's fortunes. You would be a poor Scorpion indeed if you allowed mere social convention to prevent you from serving your Clan.
"Of course, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak says, his tone slightly distant in the manner of one sorting through his own knowledge and memories. "At present, the primary needs of the Scorpion Clan are in the materials necessary for rebuilding. Wood and paper suitable for construction, along with food and Koku to support the labourers, are likely to be our primary imports for the near future. Many of the battles that occurred in recent years inflicted considerable damage on the cities, although fortunately most sides preferred to capture and make use of the infrastructure rather than destroy it."
You cannot help but smile grimly behind your mask. Had the Scorpion Clan been legally extant during that time you suspect more than a few samurai from the other Clans would have deliberately destroyed the cities and farmland, but presented with the notion of unclaimed resources they instead opted to preserve and secure them. The fortunes show their favour in the oddest ways sometimes.
"In terms of resources, the Scorpion have a comparative abundance of iron and a small supply of Jade from the mines under our control. The Bayushi and Yogo farmlands remain prosperous, so you may negotiate in the knowledge that a food surplus is likely. And of course we continue to supply the Empire with the greatest quantity and variety of medicinal herbs available anywhere. All of these are likely to be in demand by anyone looking to rebuild and resupply their armies. The Jade should be in particular demand, for obvious reasons."
"Very interesting, Pale Oak-san." You say thoughtfully. "In your estimation, who is the most likely to directly compete with us in such matters?"
"The Lion and the Crane, Soshi-dono." The scribe answers instantly. "For specific products... The Lion and the Crane traditionally have surplus food, though the Lion prefer to keep theirs for military supply rather than trade it. The Phoenix are known to be the best source of lumber and paper. The Crab have iron and Jade in great quantities, though I have never seen them trade the latter. And I am given to understand there is a new Great Clan, the Mantis... I apologize, I do not know them, beyond the fact that they dominate the naval trade. If I might offer some advice..."
"You may." You permit with a nod.
"The true strength of the Scorpion in such matters is geographical, not financial, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak explains. "Between Beiden Pass and the River of Gold, the Scorpion control the primary trade links for the entirety of the southern Empire, and everyone knows it. Access to those trade routes is likely to be the primary topic of any negotiation that arises at Shiro Matsu."
"I see. Thank you for your insight, Pale Oak-san. In the future, I would also appreciate if you informed me of any changes in what comes through the Pass."
The scribe nods, not needing any further explanation. "Of course, Soshi-dono. I must warn you that with the recent... disruption, it may take some time to determine what the new 'normal' is."
"A fact of which many are well aware, Pale Oak-san." You say in acceptance. "I shall endeavor to provide you with the relevant information where I can. However, I am unsure which kind of information is likely to be of use in your work. Perhaps you could enlighten me?"
"Of course, Soshi-dono." The scribe says, looking thoughtful. "Primarily, anything you could discover about the intentions and personalities of Shiro Matsu's magistrates would be very useful. My work is likely to bring me into contact with them on a frequent basis, and knowing what to expect would be highly useful."
"I shall keep that in mind, Pale Oak-san." You say, though in truth you had thought to investigate such things in any case. There are too many Matsu for you to influence or predict them all, so it becomes much more important to identify who is actually going to be directly relevant to your work in the future.
Ahead of you, the end of the pass is approaching. Already you can see a small force of samurai in the colors of the Lion Clan advancing to meet you. As the junior samurai here, it will be your job to act as first point of contact for such foot soldiers. Time to see if your Sensei were right about your skills...
How do you approach this?
[ ] With bold confidence. The Matsu will react poorly to anything they might see as a weakness.
[ ] With polite deference. This is Matsu land, and they are unlikely to be amused at anyone who does not show them the appropriate level of respect.
[ ] Write in.
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
Can we hazard a guess at the rank of the samurai coming to greet us?
I'm leaning towards polite deference at the moment.
I'm leaning towards polite deference at the moment.
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A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
I imagine that it's because they just have so much of it. Iirc they have the largest farmlands in the Empire.
I'm also not sure if we do actually export food in sizeable amounts.
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- Location
- London, England
It's important to remember that Pale Oak can only speak in generalities, since most of his knowledge is restricted to Beiden Pass and extrapolating wider trends from what he sees there. He doesn't know the net import or export for the Clan as a whole, because that's not his job.
On the food situation... oddly enough, yes. Trade in the Empire is often motivated by political concerns as much as purely mercantile ones. The Scorpion might have more food than they need for a particular year, and yet still agree to buy more from their neighbors. This might be because they're looking to build a stockpile, it might be because they want to stay on good terms with the people looking to sell, and sometimes they might just want to mislead people about how well they're doing.
So if you see a chance to export food, take it because you probably have enough to spare. And if you see a chance to import it, take it because hey, more food is always useful. If you can do both while making friends or acquiring leverage over the other party in each negotiation, you're living the Scorpion dream.
The Lion are competing with you by default because they control the other end of Beiden Pass and traditionally hate you. If they can fuck you over, or act in a way that enables someone else to fuck you over, they might very well take it, whether that means disrupting your trade or undercutting your prices or what have you. Most Lion wouldn't consider economic warfare as a valid tactic, but that doesn't mean they ignore it altogether, and they might be willing to hurt themselves if doing so hurts the Scorpion more.
Fortunately, the Lion also hate the Crane. The Matsu in particular have a thousand year old vendetta going on with the Kakita.
[x] Be Calm, Be Professional.
-[x] Allow them to speak first. You are approaching their lands, after all. You respond to their challenge, rather than vice versa.
-[x] Allow them to speak first. You are approaching their lands, after all. You respond to their challenge, rather than vice versa.
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
[X] Polite deference
Don't really see the difference between the write-in and this
Don't really see the difference between the write-in and this
Sirrocco
Pedantic
The write-in is partway between the two. "Polite deference" says "We are guests within your country, and defer to you." "bold confidence" says "I am a proud samurai, and I insist that you respect that". This is more what I would describe as polite confidence - we are respectful of the Matsu, and certainly not doing anything to insult or offend or demand... but the Scorpion is a Great Clan just as they are, and we also aren't abasing ourselves before them. We are the emissary of lords as great as theirs, and we intend peaceful and agreeable interaction on even ground.
Another way to look at it is the implied reaction to threat or insult. Polite Deference will cower, or attempt to de-escalate in some other way. Bold Confidence will gladly embrace conflict, and not shy away from duels. Polite Confidence will express disappointment, and ask the Matsu if they really had to sully the occasion with such things, or if perhaps they could have found a better way - seeking to shame them into backing down, or at least turn the insult back upon them.