In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)
Hm... Approaching this thing from another direction. A question: Why have the Scorpion sent the *3 people they did to this place? Besides getting a good trade deal for the Scorpion and the usual, I mean.
Could the Scorpion Clan have been planning something to counter a Crane plane -- or to screw over the Crane Clan -- and they picked 2 people who'd get along well with the Lion and well with everyone respectively? Or was the Scorpion Clan unaware of what the Crane were going to try to do until we came to the Court?
Could part of the reasoning behind picking the Bayushi and Soshi might've been due to trying to make a delegation that would be hard for others to assault or decry; as if to say, Look the leader is a direct and forceful type! while the second seems a strangely decent type for a Scorpion!
*Speaking of, the people were well-picked. The leader has a good reputation and temperament to fit in amongst the Lion; apparently this is exactly who you want to pick if you're going to talk to the Matsu. The Soshi is smart and tries to get along with everybody; he is also a Bushi with some Courtier ability, which is probably better than just sending a Courtier to the Lion Clan. Yogo Hanzo... is actually a bit out of place, unless we just really needed the Shugenja; however, his shitty situation and near-blacksheep status could itself be the point behind sending him -- having a "shady" and "untrusted" type immediately at hand could be convenient.
((Sidenote: Is it Kimiko, or Kimoko? I've seen both get used.))
Also, yes, the duel itself should probably be another concern for us.
How, uh, how are we planning to win this one? ((Unless we have Bayushi Kimoko to say no to this... but then again she hasn't exactly acted as the type who'd deny her subordinate a duel...))
Because this could seriously kill us. The Matsu is probably better than us, so... what do we do?
Could the Scorpion Clan have been planning something to counter a Crane plane -- or to screw over the Crane Clan -- and they picked 2 people who'd get along well with the Lion and well with everyone respectively? Or was the Scorpion Clan unaware of what the Crane were going to try to do until we came to the Court?
Could part of the reasoning behind picking the Bayushi and Soshi might've been due to trying to make a delegation that would be hard for others to assault or decry; as if to say, Look the leader is a direct and forceful type! while the second seems a strangely decent type for a Scorpion!
*Speaking of, the people were well-picked. The leader has a good reputation and temperament to fit in amongst the Lion; apparently this is exactly who you want to pick if you're going to talk to the Matsu. The Soshi is smart and tries to get along with everybody; he is also a Bushi with some Courtier ability, which is probably better than just sending a Courtier to the Lion Clan. Yogo Hanzo... is actually a bit out of place, unless we just really needed the Shugenja; however, his shitty situation and near-blacksheep status could itself be the point behind sending him -- having a "shady" and "untrusted" type immediately at hand could be convenient.
((Sidenote: Is it Kimiko, or Kimoko? I've seen both get used.))
Yeah that was a bit impulsive of us...
Also, yes, the duel itself should probably be another concern for us.
How, uh, how are we planning to win this one? ((Unless we have Bayushi Kimoko to say no to this... but then again she hasn't exactly acted as the type who'd deny her subordinate a duel...))
Because this could seriously kill us. The Matsu is probably better than us, so... what do we do?
I don't think she'll be too upset. Exasperated possibly, but our investigation into the Crane is very valuable to our mission here. We already have some more info to show from this incident, and are going to try to dig up more.
Should be Kimiko, it is a proper name, Kimoko kinda sounds like an insult.
She's been Kimoko since the start, I'm pretty sure.
Auch poor her. Must have been reading it wrong then. *checks* Huh it is a proper name my bad.
- Location
- Earth
@Maugan Ra : Can we get a lore check on the current Crane Champion?
- Location
- Earth
[X] The Honorable Scorpion
Speak in a whisper, and seek a discrete way to conduct the conversation. Maybe a musitian playing nearby?(if any are playing in the streets) And thank your Ancestors again that you wear a mask and need not use a fan to protect your words from lip readers.
"There have been whispers in the shadows. Portents. Signs. That your orders may not be what you think them to be. Your lord did not speak them to you as I speak to you now. Nothing certain to prove it. Not Yet."
Exhale slowly. "Did you know that Matsu Ketsui-sama lost her husband to a Kakita in an honor duel while she was pregnant? I wonder what she would have done if a Kakita started cutting down her people, in her own Court, while they were trying to avenge an insult to her? While the Crane delegation head continues to insult her and her people? It would probably involve her legions of Matsu samurai and a return trip to Crane lands.
Tell me Doji-san do the instructions still seem bizzare? Because not even knowing them, they frighten me. And there is only so much I can do to help us from this trap, if you continue to dig our graves. Far too many will suffer if this is allowed to pass. The Second Day of Thunder still rings in our very bones. The Land needs time to heal. " Gesture to the heimin around us: "The People need time to heal. Will you help me buy them that time? Will you stand against the Enemy?"
******
Speak in a whisper, and seek a discrete way to conduct the conversation. Maybe a musitian playing nearby?(if any are playing in the streets) And thank your Ancestors again that you wear a mask and need not use a fan to protect your words from lip readers.
"There have been whispers in the shadows. Portents. Signs. That your orders may not be what you think them to be. Your lord did not speak them to you as I speak to you now. Nothing certain to prove it. Not Yet."
Exhale slowly. "Did you know that Matsu Ketsui-sama lost her husband to a Kakita in an honor duel while she was pregnant? I wonder what she would have done if a Kakita started cutting down her people, in her own Court, while they were trying to avenge an insult to her? While the Crane delegation head continues to insult her and her people? It would probably involve her legions of Matsu samurai and a return trip to Crane lands.
Tell me Doji-san do the instructions still seem bizzare? Because not even knowing them, they frighten me. And there is only so much I can do to help us from this trap, if you continue to dig our graves. Far too many will suffer if this is allowed to pass. The Second Day of Thunder still rings in our very bones. The Land needs time to heal. " Gesture to the heimin around us: "The People need time to heal. Will you help me buy them that time? Will you stand against the Enemy?"
******
- Location
- Leeds
Reasoning for those of us not fluent in Rokugan speak and want to make sure they didn't miss anything.
- Location
- Earth
She used her fan to cover her mouth when speaking because what she said is allmost going against her lord. And lipreaders are a thing in Rokugan. She might as well as called the instructions stupid or capricious. But that would be shameful, and get her in serious trouble if someone found out, calling them bizzare means she thinks are stupid, and is trusting her Lord to Have His Reasons. Samurai are all about following orders.
We have been asked to investigate the Crane. Be they our friend or enemy we want them close. In the second paragraph we imply that as Scorpions, we have an inteligence network. And that we have learned from it that the orders in her letter may not be genuine. But that we lack proof. It is also a subtle way to ask for the letter, that I doubt she will miss.It also states our intent to discover if her orders are false, with her cooperation, or without.
She should have been told about Matsu-dono(is it proper to use dono or sama for her anyway?) history. If no one told her about it, and sent her to provoke her, then they are sending her to die. And provoking one of the largest military forces while having no standing army is stupid. She is provoking a beserker, The Beserker, at a time the Empire needs peace. When the Crane clan craves peace. It is stupid, and unless the Crane Champion has one hell of a plan, it is going backfire splendidly. And spill far too much blood.
So we offer her an out. Imply the letter is fake, and that it may be the work of agents of Jigoku, sent to spread suffering trough the realm, then as a representative of the Emperors underhand, recruit her to help us stop this plot. Standing against Jigoku is what he Clans do. When it steps into the open.
We have been asked to investigate the Crane. Be they our friend or enemy we want them close. In the second paragraph we imply that as Scorpions, we have an inteligence network. And that we have learned from it that the orders in her letter may not be genuine. But that we lack proof. It is also a subtle way to ask for the letter, that I doubt she will miss.It also states our intent to discover if her orders are false, with her cooperation, or without.
She should have been told about Matsu-dono(is it proper to use dono or sama for her anyway?) history. If no one told her about it, and sent her to provoke her, then they are sending her to die. And provoking one of the largest military forces while having no standing army is stupid. She is provoking a beserker, The Beserker, at a time the Empire needs peace. When the Crane clan craves peace. It is stupid, and unless the Crane Champion has one hell of a plan, it is going backfire splendidly. And spill far too much blood.
So we offer her an out. Imply the letter is fake, and that it may be the work of agents of Jigoku, sent to spread suffering trough the realm, then as a representative of the Emperors underhand, recruit her to help us stop this plot. Standing against Jigoku is what he Clans do. When it steps into the open.
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Sirrocco
Pedantic
I think... I think that that's too overdone in some ways. She's opening up a bit, and fishing for a reaction. We dont' want our reaction to be "I've gone mad, and believe that I'm the protagonist if a children's tale."
Now, we don't have a fan ourselves, but we *do* have a lower-face mask (by our canon picture), which serves much the same function. Our objectives here...
- We want to act like this is a surprise. If we had known of this thing, that brings all of our motives into sincere doubt (and appropriately so, since actually knowing of this thing has left us with an actual goal of "romance Doji Mariko with the intent of possibly betraying her later").
- She's opened a vulnerability for us. We want to provide positive feedback for that.
- We want to encourage her to say more, but in a way that would make sense based on our current revealed intentions... and perhaps provide a look at a set of hidden intentions she'd find acceptable.
So, I have a proposed Reasonable Scorpion Reason Set for being so intently interested in the woman.
- There's the obvious enjoying her company, possibly seeking more, etc. The personal, romantic stuff.
- We might have been moved a bit by the passion of the moment. Really, we *were* moved a bit by the passion of the moment. We... probably want to work on that a bit. We might have spent a bit too much time hanging around with Matsu, lately. Bayushi Kimoko also not the most calming of influences.
- The Crane behavior is extreme, and for ones dedicated to Peace and Rebuilding a bit bizarre. As the Scorpion, we'd wished to know what they were playing at. Why would you do these things? It stank of deeper secrets, and the Scorpion are all about finding out deeper secrets.
- Doji Mariko seemed to be in over her head. Indeed, it looks like she's being set up as a sacrificial pawn. We'd thought perhaps to cultivate her as something more than that - and sacrificial pawns are often happy to be made more than that, especially when something fishy is going on.
Now, we don't want to be too open about this - the thing the Scorpion tells you outright is ever to be distrusted. Instead, we'll let her draw it out of us.
[x] React with a moment of surprise... but one of epiphany, rather than shock. "A letter? Just a letter? And a bizarre change of instructions? Doji-san, are you sure that your instructions are to the benefit of your Lord? There are... many things that can be done with letters."
Not saying this is the best write-in. It's *late* here, and I am *not* at my best. It positions us as someone who is trying to insert doubt, for one thing. At some level, I feel like curiosity is the safer bet in a number of ways, at least at first, but she's tossing us a line that feels like it's nearly begging us to hand her back some encouragement, and I just don't have in me right now the subtlety to present the right shade of encouragement while just trawling for information.
Still, I think it works. At worst, it's over-eager. Given the above Reasonable Scorpion Reason Set, it suggests that the emotions are still high, that we're still allowing ourselves to be led, and so forth.
Now, we don't have a fan ourselves, but we *do* have a lower-face mask (by our canon picture), which serves much the same function. Our objectives here...
- We want to act like this is a surprise. If we had known of this thing, that brings all of our motives into sincere doubt (and appropriately so, since actually knowing of this thing has left us with an actual goal of "romance Doji Mariko with the intent of possibly betraying her later").
- She's opened a vulnerability for us. We want to provide positive feedback for that.
- We want to encourage her to say more, but in a way that would make sense based on our current revealed intentions... and perhaps provide a look at a set of hidden intentions she'd find acceptable.
So, I have a proposed Reasonable Scorpion Reason Set for being so intently interested in the woman.
- There's the obvious enjoying her company, possibly seeking more, etc. The personal, romantic stuff.
- We might have been moved a bit by the passion of the moment. Really, we *were* moved a bit by the passion of the moment. We... probably want to work on that a bit. We might have spent a bit too much time hanging around with Matsu, lately. Bayushi Kimoko also not the most calming of influences.
- The Crane behavior is extreme, and for ones dedicated to Peace and Rebuilding a bit bizarre. As the Scorpion, we'd wished to know what they were playing at. Why would you do these things? It stank of deeper secrets, and the Scorpion are all about finding out deeper secrets.
- Doji Mariko seemed to be in over her head. Indeed, it looks like she's being set up as a sacrificial pawn. We'd thought perhaps to cultivate her as something more than that - and sacrificial pawns are often happy to be made more than that, especially when something fishy is going on.
Now, we don't want to be too open about this - the thing the Scorpion tells you outright is ever to be distrusted. Instead, we'll let her draw it out of us.
[x] React with a moment of surprise... but one of epiphany, rather than shock. "A letter? Just a letter? And a bizarre change of instructions? Doji-san, are you sure that your instructions are to the benefit of your Lord? There are... many things that can be done with letters."
Not saying this is the best write-in. It's *late* here, and I am *not* at my best. It positions us as someone who is trying to insert doubt, for one thing. At some level, I feel like curiosity is the safer bet in a number of ways, at least at first, but she's tossing us a line that feels like it's nearly begging us to hand her back some encouragement, and I just don't have in me right now the subtlety to present the right shade of encouragement while just trawling for information.
Still, I think it works. At worst, it's over-eager. Given the above Reasonable Scorpion Reason Set, it suggests that the emotions are still high, that we're still allowing ourselves to be led, and so forth.
- Location
- Earth
Well if you want to be all reasonable about it, i guess I could try my hand at it.
[x] Concerned Suitor
React with polite intrest, but keep to a whisper: "Ah. Bizzare instructions recieved in a letter. I had wondered why the peaceloving Crane were provoking the Matsu." Think it over, then add in a worried tone:" You are quite sure? There are...things that can be done with letters and seals. You company is a breath of fresh air, and I would hate to be deprived of it."
*******
There. That should fit the concerned suitor role. We worry she might be caught in some kind of plot, and offer insight.
[x] Concerned Suitor
React with polite intrest, but keep to a whisper: "Ah. Bizzare instructions recieved in a letter. I had wondered why the peaceloving Crane were provoking the Matsu." Think it over, then add in a worried tone:" You are quite sure? There are...things that can be done with letters and seals. You company is a breath of fresh air, and I would hate to be deprived of it."
*******
There. That should fit the concerned suitor role. We worry she might be caught in some kind of plot, and offer insight.
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[x] Breathe, she whispered, giving us the option of ignoring it if we wished to. Sadly we don't wish to.
"It's an interesting conundrum to be forced to choose between the commands of a superior and what you believe is best. You are a fine woman Doji-san, to continue on, even unsure. For myself, I am reminded of the madness of the False Hoturi, and the pain caused then. The Empire needs peace, and even now, I would try to heal old wounds when I can."
Take a moment see how she takes that.
"There are many things that can be done with letters. Most of them good, but if starting a war between the Lion and the Crane was the goal, that letter would be the method in my opinion." Hesitate a moment. Sincerely say "Doji-san, whatever happens please be careful. I would be...distraught to see you go to the next life."
Wait.
"In any event, I believe we were going to see a play?"
(SO in order for each paragraph:
1. Put into doubt the order, via reminding of how the Crane were fucked over again. Also put forth the offer to help without making it an explicit offer this way she can continue being oblique and we can continue working with her but not outwardly so
2. State out right our suspicion and give her cause to think. But also show we care like really care
3. Go see a play try to raise her spirits.
"It's an interesting conundrum to be forced to choose between the commands of a superior and what you believe is best. You are a fine woman Doji-san, to continue on, even unsure. For myself, I am reminded of the madness of the False Hoturi, and the pain caused then. The Empire needs peace, and even now, I would try to heal old wounds when I can."
Take a moment see how she takes that.
"There are many things that can be done with letters. Most of them good, but if starting a war between the Lion and the Crane was the goal, that letter would be the method in my opinion." Hesitate a moment. Sincerely say "Doji-san, whatever happens please be careful. I would be...distraught to see you go to the next life."
Wait.
"In any event, I believe we were going to see a play?"
(SO in order for each paragraph:
1. Put into doubt the order, via reminding of how the Crane were fucked over again. Also put forth the offer to help without making it an explicit offer this way she can continue being oblique and we can continue working with her but not outwardly so
2. State out right our suspicion and give her cause to think. But also show we care like really care
3. Go see a play try to raise her spirits.
I'll vote for shock and awe honesty.
[x] "You are not the only one baffled by your champion's odd change in plans, considering he had gone to the effort of informing the Lion of the original purpose of your mission through private channels. Knowing what I know about what can be done with letters, I would implore you to seek confirmation."
[x] "You are not the only one baffled by your champion's odd change in plans, considering he had gone to the effort of informing the Lion of the original purpose of your mission through private channels. Knowing what I know about what can be done with letters, I would implore you to seek confirmation."
- Location
- London, England
Hmm. So far we have four different write-in's and only one additional vote on top of that. I'm going to need at least a few more before I can look at writing an update.
Wade Garrett
Just trying to do the right thing
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
[X] Sirrocco
- Location
- Spain
[x] React with a moment of surprise... but one of epiphany, rather than shock. "A letter? Just a letter? And a bizarre change of instructions? Doji-san, are you sure that your instructions are to the benefit of your Lord? There are... many things that can be done with letters."
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
[x] React with a moment of surprise... but one of epiphany, rather than shock. "A letter? Just a letter? And a bizarre change of instructions? Doji-san, are you sure that your instructions are to the benefit of your Lord? There are... many things that can be done with letters."
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
[x] React with a moment of surprise... but one of epiphany, rather than shock. "A letter? Just a letter? And a bizarre change of instructions? Doji-san, are you sure that your instructions are to the benefit of your Lord? There are... many things that can be done with letters."