[L5R] Minor Clan Quest

[storybookknight]

[X] Anowack

Hanzo is a font of interesting news. Apparently the Face Of The East castle is a bit of a haven for ronin in the Crab lands. Caravans often pass between the western lands of the Unicorn and the Crab, choosing a longer overland route to avoid paying Scorpion tariffs, and in many cases those caravans will hire ronin. According to Hanzo, there's also a market for 'other goods' as well; the tone of voice that he uses allows you to read between the lines and understand that he means to say that contraband may also find its way to Crab markets through the Face Of The East as well, but is cautious enough not to accuse the Crab of doing so openly.

In recent weeks, however, all ronin have been asked to leave the Face Of The East, and there has been a great deal of construction taking place there - apparently in order to house additional guests. Knowing what you know about the Winter Court, it makes sense to you why they might have to do that; yet at the same time you cannot help but exchange a significant glance with Yu. You have been looking at cost projections with him for potentially building a Clan Castle in the future, and it requires a significant amount of money. If there were enough guests invited that the Yasuki are having to complete additional construction, added to the cost of that construction itself... the typically wealthy Yasuki may be much less flush than usual, a piece of information that will probably be useful to someone, somewhere.

Hanzo himself seems a bit rough around the edges, but otherwise a genuine sort. Your inner gift gives you no flashes of strong emotion coming from him, no intemperate rage or contempt that would make you cautious of a lack of honor, but instead get the sense of a weary anxiety over the circumstances of his life, and a few flickers of hope that are tamped down with the long practice of someone who has been disappointed enough times to know better. After a raised eyebrow to Koibu, and his nod of assent, you let Hanzo know that there may be work for him in Catfish lands, and recommend that he make his way to the Wave Plains. He thanks you profusely and soon afterwards retires, using the excuse of weariness to avoid displaying his emotions of relief.

The samurai of the Dragon are boisterous and talkative in their rooms from strong drink, their voices carrying even into your rooms across the hall. When you hear from the heimin that the Dragon are planning to stay an additional day in the Village of Oolong Tea to avoid needlessly traveling in the rain, you decide to set out immediately the next day and avoid conflict with the overly proud Mirumoto Kaien, especially if - as seems likely - he will be hungover when he awakes. As usual, Chouko does not protest despite her clear discomfort, but you can feel resentment lingering in everyone's hearts, including your own.

As a few days of travel pass without any other sightings of the samurai of the Great Clans, your moods become more pleasant, as does the weather. Lady Amaterasu shines clearly overhead, and though the wind is still chill it bites less deeply, allowing you to notice the clean scents of pine and fallen leaves that it bears. The Twilight Mountains grow larger and larger before you as you travel further and further to the north and west, and it is a few hours after dawn on your third day of travel that you catch your first sight of Shiro Kaotsuki No Higashi. Unlike the squat defensive fortress of Maemikake, the Face Of The East is designed like a kyuden; even from a distance you can see the sweeping lines of its construction, the elegant bridges and magnificent spires that are so beautiful to look at but which make the structure so much more vulnerable to attack. Elegant balconies hang out of the towering spires to face the morning sun, and to look upon the beauty of the plains below and the vastness of Shinomen Mori beyond. Yet as you get closer, you realize just how much of that apparent weakness is in fact a cleverly disguised strength. The castle sits beside a steep gorge, with the only access to it regulated by a narrow and winding path. Many of the bridges lie high in the air over hard stone, and you are certain that they could be demolished to deny an invading army their use with ease. And the balconies have high walls that could be very easily used by archers standing upon them for cover. The biggest difference, however, is in the castle's construction. While Shiro Kaotsuki No Higashi has the appearance and elegance of any kyuden, unlike every other such palatial structure in the world that you know, the Face Of The East is built purely from stone.

Whereas most castles have a town surrounding them, in this case the town that supports the Face Of The East lies below it on the trail up to the castle, and is abuzz with activity. Traveling merchants have set up displays of their wares in tents and roofed carts, the permanent inhabitants of the town have put fresh paint on all of their signs and are noisily hawking their wares, and everywhere you look there are samurai on various errands, or simply enjoying the fresh air. There are so many colors, shapes, and family mon that you feel hard pressed to identify them all. The Crane are identifiable from a distance with their bleached hair, but the differences between a Doji and a Daidoji escape you, and they are among the easiest to place!

You eventually make your way through the town and up to the Castle proper. The guards at the front gate bear the Hida mon, and despite the fact that you do not recognize any of them individually they give you a warm welcome. You are soon ushered to your rooms - sadly, not ones that have the elegant balconies that you noticed from afar, but they are at least relatively spacious for the ten of you.

It will be three days until the Winter Court truly begins. What do you do?

PICK THREE

[ ] Explore the town.
[ ] Explore the castle.
[ ] Look for someone in particular (write-in) (can be chosen multiple times).
[ ] Make contact with a delegation (write-in) (can be chosen multiple times).
[ ] Avoid contact with a delegation (write-in) (can be chosen multiple times).
[ ] Spend time with one of your advisors (write-in) (can be chosen multiple times).

 

[storybookknight]

[X] Veekie

As much as you are tempted to see if Tamayo's squad has been assigned to the Face Of The East for the winter, you have all winter to look for them and only a few days before the Winter Court starts properly to do things like get to know the town, make contact with other delegations, and marshal your strength for the heavy politics ahead.

Now that all of your baggage has been stored in your rooms, and your armor removed and placed on its appropriate stands, you can return to the town that you rode through so quickly this morning and try to actually get to know it. Your advisers are equally happy to be exploring a new and unfamiliar place, so in the end it winds up being eight of you that go to explore the town while Jumonji and Taigen remain behind to watch your belongings. For a few minutes you all simply walk in companionable silence, glad to be finally free of the heavy weights of armor on your shoulders and enjoying the mountain air.

Surprisingly, it is Minato who is first to speak up. "Ooh, that's nice." He says, nodding his head at what appears to be an empty street.

"Beg pardon?" You say. "I'm not following you. What's nice?"

Minato rolls his eyes slightly in exasperation. "The building, woman, the building." You follow his gaze to see the building in question, a fairly ordinary looking home with plastered walls and a slate roof. Seeing your incomprehension, he sighs. "Look at how deep the windows are set. The whole thing's made kura-zukure." Again, you blink. "They, uh, they stick a bunch of plaster and crap between relatively thin sheets of wood to put up the walls. It's fire resistant, it's nice and warm in the winter, nice and cool in the summer - and then there's the slate roof." His gaze travels over to the other houses in the district, as does yours.

"All the houses here have slate roofs," you venture. "That must... make it easier not to have the house catch when an ember hits it, as opposed to straw?" You half-state, half-ask.

Minato nods in complete seriousness. "Now you're gettin' it. And they're all built a proper distance apart from each other too. Makes it easier to tear one house down without completely catching the houses next to it on fire when you do it." He whistles in appreciation. "Now this is a properly designed town!"

[Minato is surprisingly knowledgeable about construction! The Castle Town here is unusually well constructed.]

You smile in appreciation for having learned something, both about the building of houses and about one of your advisers. Any further discussion on the topic, however, is stymied by an audible growl from your stomach. You grin sheepishly and nod towards a street cart selling yakitori. "Anyone else in the mood for lunch?"

There is a round of assent, and you head over to that general direction. As you get closer, however, you realize a potential flaw in your planning. The street-cart's prices are clearly marked, the owner seems to expect payment from samurai (this is a Yasuki-owned trading post, you realize belatedly) and due to the very limited space in your delegation you did not bring a single heimin with you to the Face Of The East.

As you are trying to figure out how to go about buying lunch without publicly shaming yourself, Yu steps forwards. "Hey, you! What's the deal with these prices? This some kinda joke?"

"I assure you, samurai-sama, the listed prices are quite fair," the middle-aged merchant responds, waving himself with a paper fan to counter the heat of the grill."

"Fair, nothin'." Yu scowls. "Eight zeni for a chicken skewer? I could get the same thing for four back in Zakyo Toshi!"

The merchant's eyes widen in mock surprise. "Four, samurai-san? That is indeed remarkable. You must be new to Crab lands to be so surprised, for our land is nowhere near so fertile as land in many other places, and food is much more dearly come-by. I suppose though in a gesture of friendship to a newcomer to our lands, I could be convinced to go as low as seven zeni."

Yu grins back and takes on an almost wheedling tone. "Seven? Aw, come on, heimin-san. We Namazu are friends of the Crab! Saved the Emperor from dying on Crab lands! You don't have to gouge us as hard as the Cranes. I'll give you five."

You see a twitch at the corner of the merchant's mouth, a hastily-suppressed smile. "I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about, Namazu-sama, but now that I recognize your mon I suppose I could take a temporary loss in order to better serve my lords. Six zeni apiece, then."

"Five and a half," Yu challenges - to your surprise, you rather thought going down to six from eight was a good deal! "There's eight of us, so you can cook them all at once. We'll help you close earlier today so you can go home and relax."

The merchant's eyes narrow, no longer quite so amused. "I'm selling at a loss, and you're offering to take a large amount of my stock at an even lower price as though it was a favor, just to save a few zeni?" He sighs. "Truly, the generous nature of the Catfish was greatly exaggerated." Despite this apparent condemnation, Yu remains unmoved, and finally the merchant sighs again. "If you must, then, I suppose I can do forty and six zeni for all of you."

Yu bows slightly. "Agreed. Pleasure doing business with you, heimin-san." With that, he turns on his heel and heads back to you with a satisfied look on his face.

You raise one eyebrow at Yu as he returns to your group. "I find myself surprisingly impressed, Yu-san. You did that quite naturally."

He shrugs uncomfortably. "You gotta do what you gotta do, running a village. Haggling with heimin is part of that." After a few seconds, he frowns. "It's not really my strong suit, though. Probably coulda gotten under five and a half if I did it right."

Despite yourself, you laugh.

[Yu suffers no loss of Glory or Honor when engaging in Commerce! Merchants are probably gouging outsider samurai. ]

As you wait for your yakitori, you notice that Wakaba has strayed away from the main group, and has somehow found a small pack of heimin children playing with a ball of rags. You watch with bemusement as Wakaba catches the ball on the side of her foot, pops it into the air, catches it between her ear and shoulder, then somehow throws with a movement of her shoulder in front of her where she can knee it back to the crowd of children. Despite the fact that she is samurai, the bonge children take her participation as the invitation that she intended it to be, and quickly include her into their game of kemari, even laughing when she makes a particularly ungraceful (and unsuccessful) lunge to attempt to keep the ball from hitting the ground. You find yourself smiling practically maternally as you watch the children play.

Soon, a delicious smelling skewer of seasoned chicken is thrust under your nose and you gratefully take it from Koibu, who gives you an amused smile. "Wakaba-san!" You shout. "Food's here!"

She gives a slight bow to the kids, they bow back, and then she comes running over with a grin. "Ah, not bad, not bad."

"I didn't know you were so talented at kemari, Wakaba-san!" You say with a smile, handing Wakaba her own skewer of chicken.

"Heh, thanks." She says, rubbing the back of her head with her free hand in embarrassment. "I get a decent amount of practice, what with Hoshi being how he is an' all." You must have looked quizzical at that, because after she chews and swallows her first bite of chicken she elaborates. "Mm, so Hoshi has a hard time following conversations and all on account of he can't hear, so when we've got free time to spend together or with friends we tend to play a lot of games. Kemari if it's nice out, Go if it's rainy... stuff where you don't have to talk to people to have fun, you know?"

You nod. "That makes sense." Your gaze travels to the pack of heimin children that Wakaba left behind. "You're quite good with children, Wakaba-san."

She shrugs. "Practice, mostly." After a few seconds, during which she takes a thoughtful mouthful of chicken, she nods. "I think it also helps that the heimin here are on pretty good terms with their samurai. They were a little nervous when I jumped in, but not too bad."

[Wakaba is skilled at games! Heimin have a good relationship with the local daimyo.]

With all of you well fed, you begin to explore the town in earnest. For all that the castle town here is smaller than Zakyo Toshi, the Golden Carp Marketplace is the equal of any market in your home city, full of brightly painted signs, the noisy chatter of commerce taking place, and the smells of street food. You are surprised by how clean the marketplace is kept until Minato points out the slightly slanted and rounded roads, with stone lattices covering empty pits where the rain or the eta can wash sewage off of marketplace streets. Koibu is particularly delighted when he realizes that the Face of the East is home to the Shell Of Stone distillery, makers of some of the finest mugijochu in Rokugan.

He invites you all to come have a drink with him, so you all sit up to what amounts to a stone-topped table outside of the Shell Of Stone. Behind the counter on the other side of the table is a heimin who proceeds to open up a box stuffed with snow from the nearby mountainside and removes a large clay jug. He pours the contents of the jug ceremoniously into what appear to be cups that have been blown from glass, doubtless products imported from Unicorn lands at what must be a significant expense. Koibu is practically salivating as he eyes the glass, and Minato and Yu are not far behind. Gohei, Tagano, and Kuroki look envious as they watch the five of you prepare to drink, their duties as yojimbo prohibiting them from partaking, and Wakaba looks downright nervous, leaving Chouko as the only one seemingly unaffected.

With the last glass poured, Koibu raises his glass high to you all, and shouts a toast. "To the Catfish, the Crab, and the Emperor!"

"KANPAI!" You all shout, and throw the glass back. The potent barley shochu stings your mouth and nose, but the fact that it was chilled in snow helps it go down smoother, numbing your mouth slightly to the powerful burn. Beside you, you hear Wakaba sputter and cough, and you grin at the fact that you have enough practice with strong drink thanks to late night planning sessions with Koibu that you are not completely incompetent when it comes to strong drink.

As you glance over at Wakaba, you notice that Chouko is still sitting there with her arm in the air holding the glass, a soft smile on her face at odds with her usual spacey expression. Finally, she speaks,

A samurai smiles
Chilled shochu in late autumn
The Face Of The East.​

and puts the glass down ceremoniously. Your eyes widen in surprise. "Chouko-san!" You say, somewhat impressed. "You've been holding out on us! I had no idea that you were a poet."

Her mouth quirks into a smile. "The Kanosei Furudera order studies communication first and foremost," she says wryly. "Don't sound so shocked."

[Chouko is a talented poet! The Crab make some damn fine barley shochu.]

After a long day of exploring the city, you return to your quarters, to discuss with your friends and advisers how you should handle negotiations with the Scorpion the following day. As you prepare to send a letter, struggling slightly with the still unfamiliar calligraphy brush, Koibu coughs politely. "Ah, Tsubaki-dono," he says, and holds out one hand. "Would you like me to assist you with that?"

You give him a resigned look and hand over the paper and brush. Soon, Koibu is drawing elegant characters onto the paper, perfectly spaced so as to suggest a high level of respect for the reader. After completing the formal introduction, he notices you looking at him with envy and appreciation and shrugs. "Everyone has their hobbies, it seems."

[Koibu is skilled with calligraphy!]

With the introduction penned, you must now decide how you plan to address the Scorpion delegation. What do you plan to discuss?

[ ] Write-in.
- [ ] Consider: where do you plan to meet? What do you plan to wear? Do you bring anyone with you?
- [ ] Consider also: what do you plan to discuss? Please arrange topics that you would like to bring up in order of importance - depending on how the conversation goes, you may not get to them all.​

 

[storybookknight]

[X] Kelenas

The most important thing, you believe (and Koibu agrees) is to simply meet with the Scorpion delegation. While there are any number of topics that you would like to discuss with them, and you plan up to bring up a few of those at this meeting, the main thing is to prove yourselves open to discourse and communication with your northern neighbors. Taking the time to let the Scorpion know that you consider them important and worth appeasing could avert any number of dangerous ploys on their part. Yes, there is a risk that to attract the attention of the Scorpion this early in the game will place you as a pawn in some of their schemes - but at the very least, a useful pawn is not one quickly discarded.

With that cheerful thought in mind you have Koibu finish the letter asking Bayushi Yamato-dono to meet you at the Second Sunrise, a teashop in town that seemed as though it would be a good place to meet with people from other Clans when you walked past it earlier today. You dust the letter with sand to affix the ink, then send it off to the Scorpion delegation with one of the heimin working in the castle. That done, all that remains to you is to wait for the coming day. Minato, Yu, Taigen, Gohei, Jumonji, Kuroki, and Togano all get together for some game involving dice and likely a majority of their weekly pay. Chouko and Wakaba start up a game of Go, leaving you and Koibu to go over diplomatic stratagems, countermoves, and discussion points until your throats go hoarse and your eyes begin to fog with sleep.

The next day dawns unseasonably warm, the last gasp of autumn's breath ensorcelling the land before winter's grasp takes hold. A capricious wind blows stray leaves and parchment about the city streets, with seemingly everyone who is anyone making last minute purchases or otherwise visiting the town simply to be seen. For a few minutes you worry that you will be unable to acquire a table at the Second Sunrise Teahouse on the spur of the moment - but luckily, the request of two Clan Champions seems to have ensured that there will be space available for you to have your discussion. Steeling yourself, you walk up the stairs of the teahouse to meet who is perhaps the most dangerous man in Rokugan.

Even though you had heard rumors of Bayushi Yamato's unassuming appearance and nature, you almost walk right past him. It is only the presence of a much flashier and younger Bayushi samurai - and the assistance of your own advisers - that lets you pick the right table. Bayushi Yamato-sama is of medium height and medium weight, with sleepy-looking eyes and greying hair that has been carefully shaved in a samurai's tonsure - or perhaps he is naturally balding. You have met other people before who are ordinary in appearance, but whose eyes bely an intelligence completely at odds with their humble countenance; Bayushi Yamato betrays none of that hidden intelligence at all, yet by the results that he has achieved and the respect in which others hold him, you have little doubt that it exists. He is but lightly masked, wearing a thin veil of silk across his lower face that does little to hide his features.

"Good morning, Bayushi-sama," you say politely. "Have you eaten rice?"

"I have, thank you Namazu-sama." He says, gesturing for you to sit. "With me is Bayushi Nimuro, a close relative and adviser when it comes to matters of politics."

Spoiler: Bayushi Nimuro

You nod politely at the attractive Nimuro, who returns the gesture with grace. "A pleasure to meet you, Nimuro-sama. With me are Namazu Yu and Namazu Koibu, my steward and chancellor." Deliberately bringing only those of your advisers interested in diplomacy and trade is itself a gesture of friendship, and you see Yamato's eyes narrow with interest.

A few minutes pass in companionable conversation as the five of you discuss weather and travel, then the real business begins. "Let me congratulate you, Namazu-dono, on your recent elevation to the status of Clan Champion." Bayushi Yamato sips his tea delicately. You can see the scars of a long life on the battlefield on his hands as he does so; combined his understated robes, you feel certain that he is a warrior first and a diplomat second. "To lead a Clan is a difficult prospect in the best of times. If you have any questions or concerns about how best to do your duty to the Emperor, I would be happy to offer what advice I can."

You do your best to remain as calm as possible, to show as little of your nervousness as possible. "Well, I do confess a certain amount of curiosity towards matters of trade," you say in an affected matter. "Obviously, while the details of such arrangements are better left to capable subordinates with a head for such matters," you deliberately glance over at Yu, "it is equally obvious that there are many matters of diplomacy that bear upon such matters. The Scorpion are well known for their administration of Beiden Pass, as well as for their wise management of Ryoko Owari; both tasks that require friendly relationships to be maintained with their neighbors. I was wondering if there was any advice that you could give me on such a topic, Bayushi-dono?"

Yamato hums thoughtfully. "Upon friendly relationships with one's neighbors, so as to encourage positive trade relationships? Not as easy of a task as it might appear, on first glance. There are many possible opportunities for misunderstandings, especially when conflicts of interests should arise." He takes another long sip of tea and lets you sit on that thought for a while, while you do your best not to fidget under the intense scrutiny with which Yamato and Nimuro seem to study your every move. Finally, he speaks. "I find often in such a situation, the true roots of the problem are often buried in the details of a matter. A simple poorly worded clause in a trade agreement can cause much consternation when one who was not present at the initial discussion reads those statutes later."

"I see the wisdom in that," you say. "So far, we have merely been upholding the trade agreements made with the former Imperial government. I imagine that writing up a new set of agreements that mention the Catfish by name and make clear what our intentions towards trade are would be very helpful for avoiding such misunderstandings."

You look to Yu for confirmation, who grunts. "Has be done eventually," he says. "I can get started on a rough draft of that while I'm here, at least, though it'd be better to have the old agreements to work off of."

In response to his statement, Yamato nods wisely. "If you desire any assistance with the wording of such agreements, there is a young woman of the Soshi family in my retinue that may be able to spare some time to educate a member of your retinue in such matters."

You smile politely. "Oh? That is kind of you to offer. We will give some thought to that and let you know." After I figure out whether you intend to actually be helpful or to rewrite all of the laws in your favor, you think to yourself privately. "In the meanwhile, I did have a question regarding two of your kinsmen that you may be able to help me with."

"Oh?" Yamato says, one eyebrow raised.

"The first is Bayushi Osamu," you say, adopting a concerned tone and expression. "He had some business with merchants in our city, then left to the north shortly before some attacks by the Shutai river pirates. Our caravan guards were able to defend against the attack with little problem, but I was concerned that Osamu's trip may not have been so lucky. Do you know if he made it back to Scorpion lands safely?" You ask politely.

Yamato's face is an implacable mask underneath his actual mask of lace. "Sadly, Namazu-dono, my Family is not so new as yours, and is quite large. I thank you for bringing this matter to my attention, however, and I will surely inquire into it when I return to Kyuden Bayushi." His emotions are under control as tight as his control over his face, leaving you with no idea whether he is telling the truth or using a diplomatic cover. "Speaking of that matter, Namazu-dono, there are a number of fugitives from justice in Scorpion lands that were last sighted in or near the Wave Plains. While we have not heard from these honorless ronin in some time, you may wish to be on your guard against them. They are often very difficult to distinguish from the honorable sort."

Meaning, you think wryly, that either you have adopted bandits into your organization or the Scorpion wish you to think that you have. Luckily, Koibu is here with you to step in. "Ah, my thanks for the warning, Bayushi-dono. As the Wave Plains are my primary concern, I will be sure to keep an eye out for any such individuals. We have been quite scrupulous about removing any bandits from the regions that the Emperor granted to us, and will of course continue to prosecute such criminals in the future, so this is definitely a concern of ours."

Yamato smiles at Koibu's seeming agreement. "I will be sure to have our magistrates send you the information on the bandits who have eluded us, so that you know what to look out for." Internally, you aren't so sure about that - while you don't want bandits among your ranks, you also don't want to simply abandon those who have sworn loyalty to you simply on a Scorpion's say-so. From your Inner Gift, Koibu seems equally suspicious. You do your best to remain a neutral on, watching as Yamato sips his tea. "Who was the second member of my Clan that you wished to inquire about?" He asks you.

You sigh. "Sadly, Bayushi-dono, I do not know the name of the second of your kinsmen. All I know is that he was quite active in the city twenty-five years ago, and made a brief visit return years ago. He did me the kindness of presenting me with a family heirloom, and I should like the chance to thank him for it."

"A family heirloom, Namazu-dono?" Yamato asks, his face a pleasant picture of curiosity.

"My grandfather's sword." There is a meaningful silence.

Finally Bayushi Yamato nods, slowly. "I see. May I inspect the sword, Namazu-dono?" Though it is slightly unusual for a samurai to allow any but his own kin to touch his katana, you hand over the blade without hesitation. Yamato unsheathes the sword a bare inch, enough to see the maker's mark firmly imprinted in the steel, then hands it back to you, still half-unsheathed in case you practice the custom of making sure that a blade draws blood every time it is drawn. You close the scabbard with a slight click, returning it to your right side, hilt pointed carefully away from the Scorpion delegation so as not to insult their skill at arms. "The blade was forged in Kyuden Bayushi," Yamato says. "While I do not know whose sword it might have been originally, nor if the blade was ever damaged and replaced, it is possible that your grandfather may have been a member of our Clan."

Your eyes widen in mock astonishment. "Truly, Bayushi-dono? I had no idea. Please, any information that you can tell me about my family would be welcome. I know so little of them."

He inclines his head solemnly. "The matter may take some time," he says, "and it is entirely possible that any members of your family have since perished in battle, but I will be certain to investigate this for you."

You bow. "That is all that I can ask, Bayushi-dono."

The conversation soon winds down, with the Scorpions making their excuses first, saying that they have other obligations to get to. You spend a few more minutes simply sitting, drinking tea and calming down from the surprisingly stressful conversation before taking your leave as well. For all that you broached these topics to the Scorpion, it seems that very little has been resolved in the one short meeting that you have had so far - but at the very least, you feel that you have brought yourself some breathing room.

Thankfully, tomorrow's meeting should be much easier. What do you plan to discuss with the Crab?
[ ] Write-in.

 

[storybookknight]

[X] Crab

If yesterday was a busy day for the Face Of The East, today is completely frantic. There are samurai seemingly everywhere, all of the Clans who had not yet made it to Crab lands seemingly pouring in all at once. The Dragons appear to have overcome their fear of walking in the rain, for you see many of them congregating with samurai from the Lion and Crane. The far-off Phoenix have arrived, elegant in their red and orange robes; Unicorn samurai walk by bearing the strange scimitar that look so like, and yet somehow unlike, the blades that nearly slew your Emperor.

Somehow, when you asked for a meeting with a Crab, you had sort of assumed that you would be meeting one of the daimyo that you had met before, or even the Clan Champion. It is with a belated realization that they must all be incredibly busy right now that you open the door of the Castle meeting room to see a man much closer to your age.

Spoiler: Yasuki Nakura

He smiles pleasantly as he sees you, any trace of the extreme overwork he must be experiencing right now absent from his expression. "Good morning, Namazu-dono. I am Yasuki Nakura, son of Daimyo Yasuki Kuroda. Have you eaten rice?"

"I have, Yasuki-dono. Thank you. I apologize for taking up so much of your time so soon before the Winter Court begins," you say with a bow.

He continues to smile and returns the bow, saying "Not at all, Namazu-dono. You are an important friend and ally to the Crab. We are happy to make the time if we can assist in some small way."

Almost despite yourself, you are impressed by Nakura's sincerity. It is more than possible that he is merely stating a polite fiction, but if such is the case you can detect no trace of it in his words. In any case, though he basically offered to spare you as much time as you wanted, from the lack of tea or other refreshments in the room you conclude that this is one of those offers that you probably shouldn't take your hosts up on for politeness' sake, and resolve to be brief. After a few more diplomatic exchanges for propriety, you say "I realize that you have many tasks, Yasuki-dono, so I will let you know what brought me here so that you can get back to your duties."

"You are too kind, Namazu-dono." Nakura says with an easy, open expression. "Please, go ahead."

You return his smile, inwardly marveling at how different things appear to be now that your status is that of a Clan Champion. Simply to have a handsome man smiling at you at all was a difficult feat to accomplish before your ascension, given the stains upon your face and honor. Now it is almost a matter of course. "First of all, I wanted to convey my sincere thanks for your hospitality," you say, to which he inclines his head in acknowledgement. "It is no small thing for former ronin to be greeted with such grace and friendliness. Too many clans would simply see us as an obligation that they have to discharge, in your place, and the Catfish are mindful of that. It gives us every hope for a continuing friendship into the future."

"On behalf of the Crab, then, I welcome your thanks." Nakura says, adding "We, too would like to continue our friendship, and wish to build upon this relationship in the future so that there can be lasting peace and prosperity between us."

You nod in return at his response. "Happily Yasuki-dono, lasting prosperity between us is one of the reasons for which I requested this meeting today." His eyes sharpen at this, the canny glint of a trader who knows his business. "We are interested in developing more formal trade relationships between our clans. As you are no doubt aware from the many other relationships that the Yasuki have developed over the years, a young Clan needs a great many things in order to succeed. While we have such things as food and lumber, and can trade with others for things like silk; steel, stone, expertise - all of these are things that the Crab have in abundance."

"An older Clan needs just as many things to succeed as a younger Clan does, I assure you Namazu-dono! I can think of many things that you mentioned that would be of use to us as well." He says with a laugh, but somehow you can tell that his jocularity is more affected than before, covering a calculating instinct. "Of course such arrangements are not carried out in an afternoon, nor typically by such esteemed personages as yourself - I assume that you are simply notifying us of your desire to set up an appointment for a more formal discussion in the future?"

"Indeed, Yasuki-dono, you have grasped the matter quite well." You say with a smile. "I have brought with me to the Face of the East my steward, Namazu Yu. If you are open to such negotiations, I can send him to meet with you or another representative of the Yasuki to discuss."

He smiles once more, trader's mannerisms once again concealed beneath a diplomat's facade. "The Yasuki are always open to such negotiations, especially with friends of the Crab."

"Splendid." You say. "In that case, I had only one other request." Nakura tilts his head and waits politely for you to continue, so you do. "Is there a way for the Catfish to be of service to our allies the Crab in this Winter Court?" His eyes widen slightly - he seems almost surprised by the offer. "I realize that we are but a young Minor Clan, of little influence to the Court in the great scheme of things, but even so there may be a way that we can assist you. If you have one such in mind, please do not hesitate to share it."

He leans back, placing the weight of his body over where his heels are underneath him. "To tell you the truth, Namazu-dono, there may be. You may underestimate how much influence the words of a Hero of the Empire might have. I will convey your willingness to help to my father; it is possible that he will have a clearer idea of how you may help, but simply declaring your respect and support for us is no small thing."

You wave off his statement. "My, Nakura-dono, how unfair of you, to ask of me only what I was going to do anyways." You give him a smile to let him know that you were teasing, and he takes the jest in good humor.

After a few more pleasantries, the meeting ends, and you return to your quarters to prepare for the opening ceremonies of the Winter Court. You take the time to locate the grand hall, a large open space with a balcony surrounding it that seems almost cavernous at the moment, though you know it will be truly crowded tomorrow.

While you will need to stand in front of all of Rokugan's nobility for at least part of the opening ceremony in order to exchange gifts, and perhaps again if the Emperor decides to give you your ancestral blade separately, for the rest of the ceremony you and your delegation will be permitted to mingle freely. Where and how will your delegation stand during the ceremony?

[ ] As one group.
- [ ] On the ground floor, towards the back. A safe and respectable location, where you can mingle without giving offense.
- [ ] On the ground floor, towards the front. Many leaders of the clans will be there, where you can meet & greet them.
- [ ] On the balcony. You will be able to observe much more easily, but may risk setting yourself apart from the 'action'.
- [ ] Near a particular delegation (write-in).
- [ ] Avoiding a particular delegation (write-in).

[ ] Split into two groups. Splitting further than two would be unwise and suggest disunity, but since Koibu is with you and is a daimyo, he can take half and you can take half.
- [ ] Tsubaki's group will contain (write-in) and stand (write-in, as above.)
- [ ] Koibu's group will contain (write-in) and stand (write-in, as above.)

Are there any last minute preparations that you would like to make?
[ ] Yes. (write-in)
[ ] No.

 

[storybookknight]

[X] As one group, on the ground floor, towards the front.

You awake early. It is not precisely noise that awakens you, nor sunlight, but a generalized sense of anxiety that seems to sweep through The Face Of The East as dawn breaks and the hundreds of guests in the castle, and the hundreds more of host samurai and servants all begin to prepare themselves for the supremely important opening ceremonies. You almost contemplate going back to sleep, but with wakefulness comes the pressing biological need to make water, and with reluctance you drag yourself out of your warm futon and prepare to face what is potentially the single most important day that you have faced since being granted Championship of the Catfish.

After eating a quick breakfast of rice and pickled vegetables, you begin to prepare. First, there is the kimono - you wrap yourself in every layer with care, grateful that Auntie Hatsuyuki gave you the practice you need to put a formal kimono on correctly and that you know how to wear the multiple heavy layers comfortably. On your back, you wear the Mon of the Catfish Clan. On your left shoulder, an empty circle symbolizing your unknown heritage, picked out in black and red to hint at its possible origin for those with keen eyes. Your sleeves have the two Mon of the two schools in which you studied, though neither is likely to be recognized - the right has the black and white fish of the Warakkoi-Gumi 'dojo', whereas the left has the emblem of the Silken Song. Finally, over your right shoulder lies your personal Mon, a stylized Camellia flower.

Kimono donned, you then see to your face, carefully following Auntie Hatsuyuki's teachings. A slight bit of dark blue over each eye, accenting the stain over your eye rather than hiding it. Your eyebrows are carefully plucked for any stray hairs and then darkened with charcoal, your cheeks and forehead dusted lightly with rice powder, and your lips stained lightly with crushed rose petals to bring out their redness. The cumulative effect is such that what Auntie calls your 'natural beauty' is accented without hiding your appearance.

Your companions similarly garb themselves for battle, though none prepare to the same extent that you do. Yu looks uncomfortable in the truly expensive kimono that he wears; Koibu looks quite natural in his, but you can tell that he also has a lingering sense of unease. Chouko has elected for a very simple robe (though still of high quality) to emphasize her spiritual duties, while Minato and Wakaba have both elected to attend in loose, free kimono as though they were members of your yojimbo; Minato so that he can stand out as their leader, and Wakaba so that she can blend into the background.

With everyone assembled and ready, you walk into the corridor and begin heading towards the grand audience chamber. Unlike your previous quick trip to verify the location of the chamber (a needless precaution in hindsight, but one that eased your mind at the time) the hallways are now packed with foreign samurai. The lords of Rokugan queue up politely, waiting their turns to hand their weapons over to the sword polishers waiting at the entranceway to the chamber. The wait gives you the time to examine the castle in detail; like Maemikake, the decoration here is dour and depressing, holding many memorials to fallen heroes of the Crab.

Unlike Maemikake, the hallways of Shiro Kaotsuki no Higashi are weaponized. One entire hallway has been built with the stone of its walls polished to a mirror sheen, and then carved with name after name after name of those fallen in service to the Crab - an entire hallway, dedicated solely to the defense of Rokugan during the last century of 'peace', not even counting the terrible losses against the Maw. You turn the corner, only to see a trophy room of artifacts recovered from the forces of the Shadowlands, carefully shielded with paper wards against any spirits of evil that might be attracted to a room full of such fell items (and conveniently allowing the Crab to check their guests for the Taint without hitting them all in the face with Jade Strikes, you think cynically.) You walk past tainted katana so rusted the original owner could not be identified, past Kaiu armor with obsidian arrowheads still piercing all the way through solid steel, past the enormous and terrible skulls of mighty Oni.

"They moved some screens - this wasn't the same route we took last night," whispers Wakaba.

"It might not be the route that we take every time, either," you whisper back. "At the very least, they'll probably change the art exhibit to something less unsettling." Or so you hope, anyways. If nothing else, it's probably unlikely that they can keep those wards up all winter. Struck by a sudden urge of the perverse, you slow your steps down slightly, taking the time to examine some of the trophies even as the line backs up behind you, forcing the Clan Samurai who were slower to move in the morning to take just that much extra time in the hallways of the Crab. The Kuni shugenja chanting quietly in one corner to maintain the wards does not pause, but you see his lip twitch in a brief smirk before subsiding.

Before long however, the line ahead of you has moved up to a sufficient degree that you simply must move forwards, and you walk through a hallway decorated with shattered blades before reaching the front doors to the audience chamber, where the blade polishers are collecting the weapons of the guests before they are allowed entrance. You hand over your swords without complaint - for all that you are wearing an elaborate kimono, you chose to wear your katana as well as your wakizashi, making the statement that you are prepared to defend yourself in a duel if need be. Freed of the encumbering weight of your weapons, you walk into the grand audience chamber.

The sight before you is awe-inspiring. There are at least one hundred samurai in the room before you, and the line is only halfway through the doors. The Phoenix who entered before you appear to have taken a position on the balcony above, perhaps signifying a desire to be 'above it all'. The Lion and the Crane are also here as well, standing right in front as the Emperor's Right and Left hands, so that anyone else who desires to take up space at the front of the assembly will have to place themselves directly between the two most prominent clans in the Empire. You have little doubt that the space is intended for their temporary allies the Dragon... but your mind is made up. You will take a place at the front of the room, trading upon your heroic reputation to buy acceptance for your ambitious bid.

Upon first appearances, the Crane look like nothing more than a bunch of old women. Doji Ran, Champion of the Crane, is nearly so old that she no longer needs to bleach her hair to match her Clan traditions. Standing as she has for so many years upon a battlefield where a misstep could mean her life, it is a powerful statement to both her skill, and the skill of the Kakita yojimbo. Kakita Kei, daimyo of the Kakita family stands beside her; like Ran, he is far older than any but the best duelists can ever expect to reach. But the effect of both of them standing next to the similarly aged Daimyo Asahina Arako is almost comical, as though the Crane have emptied their temples of their monks, or their schools of their sensei, in order to send a delegation here. You wish that you knew more about why so many of the Crane have persisted in their positions past the age of forty rather than retiring to teach the next generation; do they lack confidence in their heirs? Of the family daimyo leading the Crane, Daidoji Kennosuke appears the youngest, and even he appears to stand on the downhill side of thirty.

The Lion are similarly interesting, because unlike your delegation and that of the Crane, their delegation is split. Only the Ikoma and Akodo stand at the front of the room, while the Kitsu, Matsu, and Shimizu families gather more to the rear. You had heard some rumor that the Shimizu were at war with the Akodo over some province or another, and of course the enmity between the Matsu and the Kakita of the Crane is well known, but perhaps the Lion are not as united against the Crab as it originally seemed? Unlike the Crab, the delegations of the Lion are not nearly so aged. The Champion Akodo Hibiki is a man perhaps slightly older than you, powerfully built, with a bushy mustache and a very traditional topknot. Akodo Hatsume and Ikoma Ganryu are even younger than he, the latter with his hair died brown in imitation of a Lion's mane.

As you examine your neighbors, you are suddenly interrupted. "Namazu-dono," one of the Cranes calls out to you, "It might be better for you to stand a step back. It would not do to give the wrong impression that you think yourself equal of the Crane." Looking at the Crane in question, he seems young and not as elaborately dressed as some of his fellows; you venture to guess that he is not part of the leadership of the Crane, although you wish you were better at reading family Mon than you are.

"I believe you are mistaken," you riposte. "For you are standing quite close to the stage yourself, and I feel certain that you do not intend to state that your rank is higher than that of Bayushi Yamato-sama or Shiba Chinatsu-sama." You glance significantly at the Scorpions at the rear of the ground floor, and the Phoenix on the distant balcony. His face hardens, and you proceed to ignore him, striking up a meaningless conversation with Koibu that the Crane Courtier is of too low status to interrupt.

For a few seconds it almost seemed like someone of the Lion would come to intervene, but Shinjo Shakaguchi deftly leads the Unicorn right into the empty spot between your delegation and theirs, thus thoroughly fouling up whatever potential plans the Dragon might have had to stand near their allies. Her face contorts in an unusual fashion, one eye closing with the other still open, as though she were trying to preserve her night vision against a lit torch. "Oi, Namazu-dono, ain't it?" she says, swinging out an arm towards you before tucking it behind her back hastily and bowing. Her features are weatherbeaten and proud, and she walks with a pronounced rounded gait from many years in the saddle, but for all of that she seems even younger than you. Her dark eyes sparkle in a merry fashion as you return her greeting. "Was wonderin' when we'd get the chance t'meet our new neighbors to the southeast. Y' settlin' in awright? Gotcher new Clan Lands all sorted 'n all that?" Her voice is heavily accented and strange, but it holds a genuine warmth and friendliness.

It is an emotion completely at odds with the wave of resentment that you feel from her, an emotion that could be naked hatred if it had a deeper personal element to it. It's in a situation like this where your gift is paradoxically least useful - right now it is impossible to tell if the Champion of the Unicorn hates you, is being nice to you in an attempt to embarrass a hated foe such as the Lion or Crane, or simply encountered someone upsetting a few minutes ago and has not yet returned to a state of calm. The many people in this chamber and the strong emotions that they all carry do not ease interpretation in any way. You smile politely at the Champion regardless, as whatever else occurs it would not do to be rude. "We have made great progress," you say in answer to her question, "but there remains much to be done."

As you share small talk with a woman who possibly conceals a deep and powerful enmity from you, you see the last few delegations trickle in to the chamber. The Dragon, foiled by your move towards 'their' spot (if such was even their intent) head to the opposite balcony of the Phoenix, while the Crab fill in much of the space along the back. You are a bit surprised by that fact until you notice that none of the daimyo of the Crab are with the delegation in the rear, and conclude that they must be taking spots on the stage as is their right as hosts just in time to see them enter the room, stage right. Conversation hushes as the leadership of the Crab takes its places at the front of the room, and then stills to nothing as a herald of the Miya family takes center stage. "All bow for Hantei Hantetsu, Emperor of Rokugan, thirty-first of his name!"

You bow along with everyone else as the Emperor walks out, appearing much improved since you saw him last. He is wearing the elaborate emerald and chrysanthemum robes of his station, the robes finely embroidered with golden wire and affixed with literal emeralds, seemingly all over. On his brow sits the Imperial crown, a circlet of beaten gold that is finely shaped to resemble a wreath of chrysanthemum. The whole ensemble must be terrifically heavy, but the Emperor is used to wearing full armor and kabuto, and moves in the heavy regalia without any apparent difficulty. He takes the center of the stage, and kneels on the cushion there. The herald clears his throat. "All rise!"

His job apparently done, he steps aside for a man wearing the Mon of the Crane over an armor of Emerald green. This, then is the Emerald Champion, Doji Raizen. Looking between him and Doji Ran, you have a sudden intuitive burst of understanding as to why Ran has kept her position for so long. Apparently, her son currently has other duties. He looks out at you all, the assembled leaders of the Empire, and speaks. "Welcome, honored guests, to the twelfth Winter Court of the Thirty-First Hantei. I am Doji Raizen, the Emerald Champion, and the coordinator of events for this winter, though of course a great deal of assistance has and will continue to be rendered to me by our hosts among the Crab. To show his gratitude to the Crab for their graciousness in hosting such an auspicious event, the Emperor would like to begin by presenting gifts to our hosts."

You watch as Hantetsu stands and collects a wrapped bundle from one of the Otomo family members that have slipped in on the stage behind him. He unveils it to show a portrait of a woman in Kuni facepaint, a truly accurate one judging by the reactions from the Crab delegation. "As thanks for hosting the Winter Court, I offer you the services of a painter sworn to my service, the renowned Tsi Wang Ha, so that all can see the truth of the bravery of the Crab." As he goes through the ritual of refusals with the Crab, your mind races. From Auntie Hatsuyuki's education, you know that a gift between samurai almost always contains subtle messages and hidden implications. To you, the choice of a painter to 'record the truth' - specifically one from none of the major clans - sends a message that Hantetsu is being neutral, that he wishes to listen to facts rather than be swayed by arguments... but you're no expert. For what it's worth, the Crab seem not entirely displeased with the gift.

That is not the case with the next few gifts. The Dragon, Crane, and Lion all give the Crab finely crafted gifts... that would be most suitable for a child. A prayer mat, so that a youthful student who has not yet learned to ignore pain in his knees can meditate. A child-sized biwa, though far finer than any biwa you have seen for even an adult up until now. And a bokuto, of all things - engraved as though it were a work of art, to be sure, but there is still an incredible insult behind the gift. All three delegations also phrased the reason for their gift as 'a hope that the next generation will grow up well' - something that causes your friend Hida Tanaka's face to darken. Come to think of it, you don't actually know if he is married.... Each delegation receives a gift in turn, ornamental boxes filled with tea, the first flush leaves from the famed tea-fields of the Crab.

The rest of the gift exchange goes much more peacefully, with what appear to be genuine gifts being traded back and forth with the Phoenix, Unicorn, and Scorpion gifting the sworn services of Shiba yojimbo for Kuni shugenja, some Gaijin artifacts, and a puzzle-box respectively, each receiving the same elegant boxes of first-flush tea in return. The Fox's offering is a bit snarky - a small bag of rice, blessed by the Kitsune shugenja so that the Crab's fields may grow well, with a clear accompanying message of 'grow more food so you don't have to steal ours, you assholes'. It gets even snarkier when the Sparrow and Hare give very similar gifts - without the blessings of the kami. The Sparrow pouch is particularly small, as if trying to say that they in particular had very little to spare. Alone among the Minor Clans invited, the Mantis offer a truly extravagant gift, a very large chest of spices that are each probably worth more per ounce than gold. Despite the spices' valuable nature, Hida Tanaka doesn't look particularly happy with them - perhaps they are a reminder of a trade agreement that the Yasuki failed to reach? Again, the Minor Clans receive boxes of tea identical to those received by the Great Clans.

From your vantage point front and center in the audience chamber, you manage to catch a glimpse of one of the boxes as it is carried past you. The boxes have inlay on the top that greatly resembles a tea-flower. A tea-flower, otherwise known as a Camellia, sometimes pronounced Tsubaki. It is a surprisingly subtle touch of thanks from the Crab, and you see a great many samurai around the room looking at you thoughtfully.

Under the gaze of hundreds of samurai, it is your turn to present a gift. You approach the dais with Koibu, and unwrap your gift. It is a boat oar, similar to the one you bore into Maemikake, but where yours was painted with the two fish of the Wakkakoi (and then covered with scorch marks and battle damage) this oar is pristinely painted with the family Mons of the Crab. You look at Tanaka and smile, and can see a growing smile in the depths of his eyes. "It was with an oar much like this one that I defended the Emperor from assassination months ago," you say, your voice ringing out clearly through the room. "Oars such as these are carried by my brothers in arms, to signify our devotion to the defense of the people of Rokugan. For true friends such as the Crab, I can think of no finer symbol to acknowledge your ever-constant defense of the Emperor and the People."

"To have already given us the Emperor, safe and sound, is more than gift enough," Hida Tanaka says, "There is no need to honor us further."

"Ah, but it would be rude of me to have given you the same gift twice, would it not?" You say. "Please, accept this humble token of our gratitude for your hospitality."

Tanaka smiles. "Did you not say that these oars were representatives of your brothers in arms?" He asks. "We cannot accept a gift that is meant for another."

You continue to hold the gift out, waiting for him to accept. "I still see no conflict, Hida-sama, for the Crab are brothers in arms to the Catfish in truth."

"Then I gratefully accept." Tanaka takes it with a bow, and then hands it to an aide standing behind him, receiving in return.... another oar. He unveils it to show that whereas your oar was a work of art, this oar is a weapon of war. The edges of the blade have been reinforced with steel bands, and the shaft similarly reinforced and weighted so as to increase the striking power without compromising strength. "In recognition of your emblem as the oar, and your defense of the Emperor with it, we present you in return with this oar that will never break, in the hopes that your Clan will similarly remain forever unbroken." It is all that you can do not to burst out laughing. The symmetry could not have been more perfect if it had been planned - though perhaps it was; you were not exactly subtle about ordering the oar made, and the Yasuki have many contacts in Zakyo Toshi. You go through another dance of refusals with Tanaka, this time with you on the receiving end, and accept the oar. It is plain to you as you take it that the oar is far too heavy to serve as a proper weapon, though you are strong enough to wield it as one in a case of dire need. No, this oar is an object of art, and a statement - especially as yours is the only Clan in the room not to have been gifted tea.

As the youngest Clan in the room, you were the last to present your gifts, and so as you step back the Emerald Champion once again steps forwards. "And now, will the guests please present their gifts to the Emperor." The Crab claim the first spot, as is their right as hosts, unveiling a magnificent statue of Hantetsu carved from the stone of the Wall itself, a statement that the Crab consider the Emperor as though he were one of them in spirit. The gifts offered to the thirty-first Hantei throw the gifts given to the Crab to shame. A nemuranai fan, enchanted by the fetish-masters of the Asahina. A ring set with an enormous Topaz, from a Lion who was once Topaz champion. A cast-off scale from the Elemental Dragon of Fire, found by an ise zumi following revelations in dreams. A very old and dusty mempo belonging to someone from history. The finest foals of the Unicorn herds. A beautiful painting from a renowned artist of the Soshi. And in each case, the Emperor grants gifts in return. Appointments to powerful positions, prestigious titles, the peerless crafts of the Tsi, sacred pieces of the History of the Empire.

Yet through it all, Hantetsu seems almost bored. You focus your inner gift upon him, trying to pick out his emotions from the crowds, and it feels as though he has seen it all before; there are a few genuine flashes of interest on some of the more unusual gifts, but by and large he seems to be a difficult person to impress. You look at your own gift, a simple woodcarving, and a few words of gratitude, and swallow heavily. At last it is your turn, and you do your best to stride forwards with a confidence that you do not feel. "Hantei-heika," you say, "You know best that we are but a new Clan, and a minor one. We cannot hope to offer you anything that is the equal of what has already come before us, and though our hospitality is pleasant we certainly have no Kyuden, no place worthy of hosting the Son of Heaven. This is why we have brought you this - a replica of the memorial to the allies of the Catfish that have fallen in its defense that even now stands in Zakyo Toshi. Seppun Yoshitsune, Seppun Akisame, Seppun Ao..." You go through the list of the fallen one by one, and you can feel that Hantetsu is sincerely affected by the gesture. "Their names will live on in the memory of the Catfish." You pause, letting a respectful silence spread throughout the chamber. "You are of course welcome to see the true memorial at any time, but as busy as your schedule is, we have done our best to allow you to see it right away."

Hantei refuses, saying that they only did their duty. You counter, saying that their duty was more than enough. He refuses again, with the excuse that there is no need to take the time to carve such an object, for he will surely come to see the true memorial as time permits. You counter again, saying that with the carving, he will not have to travel every time he wishes to look upon it. And so, he finally accepts.

Then he takes out your Ancestral Blade. He unsheathes it, the hiss of steel arresting in the sudden silence that permeates the room. The blade is brilliantly bright, wickedly sharp, and sings as he carves the air with it, once. Then he gently draws it across the back of his arm, takes a scrap of silk to clean the blade, and re-sheathes it with a snap. "Namazu-dono. This is truly no gift, but a solemn duty. Do you accept this Ancestral Blade as your own, to preserve as proof of your Clan, to be guarded until your dying breath?"

"Surely, Hantei-heika, there is no need to grant me a blade so fine." You manage to say. "I would guard even a tanto granted by your hand."

He does not smile, but you can feel amusement from him anyways. "Your deeds merit such a blade. Do you accept?"

Though the ritual of gift-giving is a time-honored tradition, the sternness of your Emperor's voice is almost enough to make you want to break from it. "I only did as my duty demanded, Hantei-heika. Surely, none would doubt your words - a blade such as this is far too fine."

"Every Clan bears an ancestral sword of its own," Hantei says, "And you will be no exception. Do you accept?"

"With immense gratitude," you reply, and accept it with a bow. It is light in your hands, perfectly balanced, the perfect length for your rangy frame. Only the fact that you are surrounded by unarmed, unarmored samurai keeps you from drawing it immediately. You instead merely belt it to your side. As the Emperor did not ask you to peace-bond the weapon or in any other way alter it, you have now joined the Seppun Guardsmen as one of the only armed people in the room - doubly so, with the massive tetsu-eku gifted to you by the Crab.

As you were again the last to present the gift, the Emerald Champion steps forward and addresses the crowd. "There will now be a recess for conversation," he says. "Any who wish to discuss the upcoming schedule with me can find me to the front of the room. Otherwise, please do as you will." And with that, the mingling begins.

What do you wish to do?
[ ] Write-in.

 

[storybookknight]

[X] Mingle with the Unicorn

Well, at the moment you have three Clan delegations near to you, and two of them hate your closest allies. With that thought in mind, you move to strike up a conversation with the Unicorn.... only to be interrupted by well-wishers coming to congratulate you on your new Clan Status. And then additional well-wishers. And then a few more. Seemingly everyone in the room is coming over to demand their two minutes of time with the hero, and the Unicorn drifts further and further away. Finally you manage to catch Shinjo Shakaguchi's eye, and she smirks, then heads back in your direction.

"Oi, Namazu-dono," she calls out. "How've the rains been fer ya? I hear it's been dry in th' south this year."

You smile politely in inward relief. "They could be worse, Shinjo-dono. The farmers of the Wave Plains are quite used to having inconsistent rains from year to year, and planted crops that do better in dry weather than rice does. I understand that the Unicorn often do the same, having vast territories of open plains that are often dry?"

She waggles a hand in the air in a side-to-side fashion. It's an unusual gesture that you haven't seen before, but the meaning of ambivalence behind it is fairly obvious. "Well, summat. A lot've those lands we use for pasturage, y'know? You would not believe how much fodder an Otaku warhorse can eat... an' our other horses ain't too far behind."

"I admit, I have never seen one of the famed steeds up close," you reply, "but their size and strength are indeed well known. It only makes sense that their appetite would be in proportion." Inwardly, you grin as the useless hangers-on of the court sort of hover around you hopefully, unable to interrupt a conversation between their social superiors without being rude, and thus forced to wait while you and Shakaguchi talk about weather, horses, and whatever else crosses your minds. "As it stands, most of my time has been spent on riverboats, rather than horseback."

Shakaguchi raises an eyebrow. "Yeah? Never been much've one for boats myself, which's a shame, cause I bet someone could probably take a boat alla way up Three Stone River to th' City of th' Rich Frog if they'd a mind to." And if that wasn't an invitation to discuss trade agreements at a later date, you'd eat your oar.

You try not to look to pleased as you respond. "My understanding is that the river is often a hazardous one, full of rapids and narrows, so it would likely take truly seasoned navigators to sail all the way upriver from the ocean, but with a team of skilled rowers, such could potentially be accomplished." Your eyes pointedly flick over to the enormous tetsu-eku that Minato currently carries slung over one shoulder as though it were a normal oar, carefully keeping the flat end pointed high into the air so as not to accidentally hit a foreign emissary in the back of the head.

Just as it looks like Shakaguchi is about to respond, you are finally interrupted by someone who does have the authority to join a conversation between two Clan Champions. "Ah, Namazu-dono, congratulations on your momentous achievement!" You turn to see the grandmotherly Doji Ran, smiling as though grinding you beneath her heel was the furthest thought from her mind. "You have the sincerest thanks of the Crane Clan for your efforts in saving the life of the Emperor with your courageous retreat." Behind her are a Crane Courtier, a Lion, and a Dragon; you note with unease that they are all bearing covered gifts.

Despite your trepidation, you smile politely. "Truly, Doji-dono, there is no need for thanks. I have only done as any servant of the Emperor would."

"You are too humble by far, Namazu-dono." Her voice is as sweet as honey, her smile as venomous as a bee's sting. "The Crane, and indeed all the clans, owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude. It is only just that you be compensated for your actions appropriately." You aren't quite sure how she does it, but somehow the intonation of her voice makes it clear to everyone listening that she considers your actions to have been motivated by profit, rather than a true desire to serve the Emperor. "Let none say that the Crane are not capable of adequately recognizing the deeds of another." And again - with just a few words, she has painted your future actions with a brush of greed. If you refuse her gift, whatever it is, it will be seen as a statement that the Crane did not offer enough; refusing her would not only insult the Crane, but cast you as a total mercenary.

Spoiler: The Gift

Then she unveils the gift, and the other jaw of the trap swings closed. It is a teapot, gorgeously carved. It is covered with fine etchings of catfish swimming in and around camellia flowers, and accompanied by four teacups of similar decoration. It is a gift worthy of an Emperor, not a mere head of a newly founded Minor Clan. It is a powerful insult to you, because it is an item so fine and expensive that you will be unable to come up with an equal gift in return. It is also a powerful insult to the Crab, because it is carved entirely from a single block of jade. You hear an actual hiss of air through clenched teeth as some of the Crab samurai in the room see what has been unveiled. "Doji-dono," you say, trying to find a way out of the trap, "This is much too fine for a humble servant of the Emperor such as myself."

Doji Ran smiles so sincerely that you would be completely unable to detect the spite in her heart without your inner gift. "No gift is too much for one who has done so much, dear." The perverse old bat is practically grandmotherly as she seals your fate. "The life of the Emperor is surely worth any price." The teapot and cups practically have a lambent glow around them in the lantern-light that illuminates the room.

You grit your teeth for a second and take a deep breath, struggling mightily not to break your on. "I did not save the Emperor with the expectation of reward," you say, pouring as much honesty as you can into the words. You don't know how much good it will do, but you want to make that as clear as possible to anyone who might be listening.

"I am certain that you did not," Ran says, though her tone does not sound so certain as her words. "In any case, I have decided that you merit such a reward, and I am certain that you will not insult me by refusing." Kakita Kei, you note, is not terribly far away.

In the end, there is nothing else for you to do but hide your anger with a polite smile and bow to accept the gift. With the gates opened by Doji Ran's assault, there is similarly no way for you to refuse the gifts of the Lion or the Dragon, leading you to find yourself burdened by a magnificent jade-inlaid sword display stand and a beautiful necklace of jade prayer beads. Even an untrained eye would note how similar in meaning the three gifts given to you are to the three gifts the delegations gave to the Crab. All at once, Doji Ran has implied that even a Minor Clan is more fit to defend the Emperor than the Crab, implied that you are for sale, implied that you are so far beneath the notice of the Great Clans that you can be given expensive gifts without insult, and probably sown some seeds of resentment between you and the Crab. You would almost admire the move if it wasn't so personally problematic for you. You do at least take the opportunity to return the favor by presenting them with bottles of sake, though in comparison to the gifts that you received, your humble offerings look paltry. You look for Shakaguchi to give her her gift, but she appears embroiled in tense discussions with some members of the Lion and Dragon clans, and it seems better not to disturb her for now.

As you look around the room, you try to decide what to do next.
[ ] Try to find the Crab, so that you can smooth things over and maybe plan some kind of counterattack.
[ ] Seek out the Scorpion, perhaps Bayushi Yamato will be able to offer advice or information.
[ ] Go speak to the other Minor Clans; it'd let you lay low for a bit, and they are your southern neighbors.
[ ] Go talk to the Phoenix, they're the only Great Clan you haven't really come into contact with yet.
[ ] Talk to Hantei-heika. He's surrounded by people from the Imperial Families and looking bored, maybe he needs another rescue?
[ ] Write-in.

 

[storybookknight]

[X] Seek out the Scorpion, perhaps Bayushi Yamato will be able to offer advice or information.

You fume.

Doji Ran has effectively maneuvered you in such a way that you suspect you will still be discovering the implications of her actions for months. The brutal truth is that you do not have the skill, the status, or the knowledge of the situation to even begin to counter such attacks. Of course, there are people in the room who do. As tempting as it would be to remove yourself from the situation temporarily by speaking to the Minor Clans or to the Phoenix, you are not yet willing to admit defeat. The Crane are probably expecting you to seek support from the Crab or the Emperor, and may have moves planned to counter such actions.

They probably aren't expecting you to go to Bayushi Yamato. True, Scorpions make for untrustworthy allies, but as far as you can tell, they're much more likely to use you to take a shot at their real rivals among the Crane or Lion than to further attack someone who poses little threat to them. And, you have a convenient pretext to go speak to them. As you start heading over to the Scorpion delegation, you turn to ask for one of the bottles of sake that are being used as gifts, only to see that your followers are currently holding a Tetsu-eku, a jade teapot, a display stand, jade prayer beads, and the sake bottles as well, so that fully half of your delegation is toting some form of gift around. You hurriedly grab a heimin servant and have him set up an area over to the side with a screen so that the gifts you are carrying can be safely set behind it. With that done, you are finally able to move to the back of the room.

The room is becoming much more mixed now, with most delegations splitting off by ones and twos to mingle, meet, and otherwise gain social advantage for their respective clans. You give a nod to Yu, Koibu, and Chouko, and the three of them split off to find other delegations to meet on a more official basis, while Taigen and Gohei similarly head out to meet with some of the lower-ranking samurai. You keep Wakaba and Minato with you, as 'bodyguards' with a bit more practice dealing with more ... unsavory types.

Once again, you almost completely manage to overlook Bayushi Yamato among his flashier relatives. He isn't wearing deliberately drab clothing or anything - indeed, in a place where everyone is dressed their best such as this, that would make him stand out - but the embroidery upon his robe is tasteful and subdued, and its palette runs much more to the black than the red aspect of his Clan colors. As you approach, Yamato breaks off a conversation that he is having with a young man in Imperial green. "Ah, Namazu-dono." He says as you approach. "Allow me to introduce Seppun Shougo-san."

Shougo is youthful, likely only a few months past his gempukku. Unlike most of the Seppun Guardsmen serving in the room, he is neither armed nor armored; it seems likely that he is present as a guest, rather than being on duty. He seems intensely uncomfortable to be speaking with a Clan Champion and looks at you gratefully for the chance to bow out of the conversation. "Ah, pleased to meet you Namazu-sama. Excuse me." He bows and backs away like a man fleeing a live viper, leaving you alone with the leader of the Scorpion.

Yamato's lips quirk in amusement. "Always a pleasure to meet the younger generation, don't you agree, Namazu-dono?"

You're not sure that you want to know. "Indeed. Are you well, Bayushi-dono?"

He smirks. "Well enough, Namazu-dono. And yourself?" He asks solicitously. "I know that it can be ... overwhelming to deal with so many of one's new responsibilities all at once. Why, even the well-wishers can become a burden."

You give him a wry, self-deprecating grin. "I had underestimated perhaps just how much that would be the case."

"I often find that in matters such as these, the best way to handle them is to simply take things one at a time." Yamato says.

Your attention sharpens. "Oh? How so?"

He nods. "Individuals are much simpler to handle than groups. After all, even an army is defeated one soldier at a time, is it not? But enough talk of such matters. It occurs to me, that there is someone with whom you could speak regarding the questions of ancestry that you posed to me the other day."

"The -" The bit about me being possibly part of your clan, those questions? "- ah, that is excellent news, Bayushi-dono. Who in particular do you suggest that I speak with?"

He smiles with a completely innocent expression. "Why, Kitsu Makoto-dono, of course. Who better to discuss matters of ancestry with than a member of the famed Kitsu Family?" His gaze lands on a tall woman with curly red hair, leaning on the wall and watching some of her cousins in the Shimizu indulge in diplomacy.

Your confusion clarifies. He is not giving you an opportunity to verify your ancestry - he is giving you a pretext, and perhaps a target. "Of course, Bayushi-dono. The thought should have occurred to me on my own, and I thank you for your wisdom." You raise your eyebrows. "It occurs to me that I truly know very few members of the kuge. Are there other people that you could recommend seeking out for conversation?"

"Hmm. Well, I can say that I have enjoyed the few conversations that I have had with Daidoji Mamoru," he says. "The Daidoji are after all the defenders and warriors of the Crane even as the Bayushi serve on the front lines of the forces of the Scorpion. In truth, I am unsurprised to see him here - he has after all served on the Wall with the Crab. He must be quite valuable to the Crane delegation." He points out a tall man with bleached hair, looking unhappy as he stands behind a member of the Doji family. "Also Togashi Touma, or perhaps Kitsuki Aoi? Both have been worthy rivals at times, having come across them in other courts. I recall some truly fascinating discussions on the nature of Truth." Two tattooed individuals, both in the same group of conversation around a samurai from the Matsu family.

You turn to Bayushi Yamato. "That is truly very helpful of you, Bayushi-dono." You cannot help but be suspicious - to have a lead dropped into your lap so easily is far more than you had hoped for. "Please, do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of equal assistance."

Yamato covers his mouth with a fan to laugh politely. "Nonsense, Namazu-dono. Why, you are practically the guest of honor." He looks down at the bottle of sake that you hold. "Ah, is that sake from the famed breweries of Zakyo Toshi?"

"It is indeed, Bayushi-dono. Please, accept this gift as a token of my regard." You go through the typical dance of acceptance and refusal, even as your mind races, trying to figure out the angle that he is playing. It seems at least that your earlier thoughts on this matter were correct; the Scorpion are as discomfited by the current alliance of three clans as the Crab. If only you could read him - even when Yamato's face shows amusement or curiosity, the feelings that you get from your gift regarding him are frustratingly blank.

"I humbly accept, Namazu-dono." He says, once the requisite two refusals have been achieved. "In return, please accept a small token of my esteem." You have a brief moment of panic, before you realize that he is merely handing you a book. In it is a collection of poems, seemingly themed around portents, omens, and revelations. You don't quite understand it, so after the usual two refusals and some more polite small talk, you tuck the book away for safekeeping. You will have to show it to Chouko later.

In the meantime, the period for free conversation is more than halfway through. You probably have time to speak with one more delegation before dinner. Daidoji Mamoru is sticking a bit too close to his Doji charge for you to have a frank conversation, but other than that you have many options.

[ ] The Kitsu Daimyo
[ ] The Phoenix
[ ] The Minor Clans
[ ] The Dragons
[ ] The Emperor

 

[storybookknight]

[X] The Emperor

Not running directly to the Emperor is one thing, but you haven't seen Hantetsu in months. You'll be damned if you pass up your first opportunity to talk with him in ages. Besides, judging by Bayushi Yamato's circumspection in pointing you to these people, the conversations that you want to have with them aren't necessarily conversations that you want to be having in public. Decision made, you head up to the dais on which the Imperial Families hold court. There are samurai of every Clan hovering nearby like dragonflies over a pond, desperate for scraps of attention from the Imperial Presence.

Yet when you approach, the Emperor turns from his conversation with another man in Imperial green (seemingly of a similar age to him, but softer, more given to courtly excess) and favors you with a smile.

Spoiler: Otomo O-Shishi

"Ah, Tsubaki-dono." The Emperor says. You detect a certain amount of consternation from the other nearby courtiers at his use of your personal name in such a formal setting, a definite sign of favor. "Allow me to introduce my brother, Otomo O-Shishi."

You bow to the portly samurai. "It is an honor to meet you, Otomo-dono. Are you finding the ceremony to your liking?"

O-Shishi puffs up a bit like a peacock. "It is always a pleasure to serve the Empire," he says fatuously. "But as the duties of the Otomo are always many at such affairs as this, and our time in high demand, I do admit to a certain amount of additional satisfaction." You exchange an almost disbelieving glance with Hantetsu while O-Shishi (and what kind of name is that to pick for oneself? 'A great man of great purpose', indeed!) pontificates. Hantetsu's eyes crinkle in laughter by the slightest hair, though he maintains his flawless on from long practice. You manage to return your attention to O-Shishi as he finishes praising himself. "What of yourself, Namazu-dono?" he asks.

"It has been most illuminating," you say. You can hardly complain about the Crane Alliance in this venue, especially not with Doji Raizen within earshot. "I have never before seen so many of the great figures of the Empire in one place!" And if O-Shishi takes this to mean that you think he is among that group, so much the better.

"One gets used to it, Namazu-dono," says O-Shishi, "but it is indeed an awe-inspiring sight the first time. By the way, that reminds me - you are unmarried, are you not?"

To your unpleasant surprise, there is somewhat of a lull in the nearby conversations at this, as many nearby courtiers from multiple clans all turn to look at you. "I, um... yes?" you say. "Forgive me, Otomo-dono, but why do you ask?"

"Why, the duties of the Otomo family, of course!" O-Shishi says. "All marriages of samurai must be approved by the Otomo, so that we can ensure that the bloodlines of the Clans remain pure and strong. It has been one of our sacred duties for generations."

You take a split second for a panicked look at Hantetsu. He appears to be enjoying your discomfort, the meddling bastard. He leans forwards. "You know, Namazu-dono, it is probably a good idea for you to seek out a match this winter. It would hardly do to allow the bloodline of a hero of the Empire to die out, after all." Your discomfort turns to horror as you see nearby courtiers snap open fans. "I am certain that you will have no difficulty in finding an appropriate match - a Clan Champion is quite the desirable catch."

Hantetsu. Hantetsu stop. Hantetsu what are you doing. You take in the expressions of the various courtiers around you, gleams of avarice and consideration in their eyes. "You are too kind, Hantei-heika." You say, managing not to speak through gritted teeth with great effort. "I am certain that there are many in the Empire who would make a better match than I."

"Better than a beautiful woman, skilled warrior, and honorable samurai who rules one of the wealthier cities in the Empire, and all of its surrounding lands?" He shakes his head, merriment dancing in his eyes. "You are too modest, Tsubaki-dono."

It's a bit odd to hear yourself being called beautiful so publicly, but after a second's thought it occurs to you exactly why he has done so. Your face would otherwise make yourself a target for many insults - yet now, if anyone chooses to do so, they are in direct contradiction of the Emperor's word. The same would go if they used your status as a ronin to claim that you are unskilled in battle, or that you are dishonorable. Your Emperor is protecting you in the way that he knows how; by giving you armor against courtly insults and an opportunity to make strong allies through marriage. You suppose you can't really begrudge him the fact that he seems to enjoy your reactions. "I thank you, Hantei-heika, for your kindness."

Hantetsu's eyes grow momentarily sad, and he inclines his head slowly. "Thank you for coming by, Namazu-dono. It was a pleasure to see you again. However, it seems that I have business that cannot wait." You see a young woman of the Miya family hovering near Hantetsu's left elbow. "Please excuse me."

You bow in acquiescence and make your farewells. It is a few short minutes later when Doji Raizen takes the podium and a small gong is rung to quiet the room. "Honored guests, our thanks for your patience. We hope that you have been enjoying the festivities, and the opportunity to catch up with one another and renew the ties of friendship." Raizen speaks with great sincerity and practiced ease, the skills of a lifetime of formal discourse. "Our honored hosts among the Yasuki have prepared a feast for you all. Please proceed to the dining halls, where the samurai of the Crab and the Imperial Families will show you to your seats."

Slowly, the chamber begins to clear out. You meet up with your delegation, who look more or less alright, though slightly fatigued - you will have to debrief them on their interactions with the other samurai when you return to your rooms. With them, you walk once more through the terrible halls, the view of the oni skulls and shattered blades just as painful to look upon from this angle as the other, until with some relief you reach the dining hall. Sadly, at this point you are once again separated from your delegation, as the seating is determined by rank. As Clan Champion of a Minor Clan, you are seated in the second row of tables, together with the leaders of the other Minor Clans and the daimyo of the clans that do not hold Clan Champions.

Given the food shortages that have been plaguing the Crab, you were briefly worried that when the food appeared it would be somehow meager or lacking, but such would obviously be an insult to the Emperor, so the Yasuki have outdone themselves despite the cost. However, as plate after plate appears from the kitchen, you develop a sneaking suspicion. Before you lies fried squash, many kinds of vegetables, noodles of wheat and buckwheat, all deliciously seasoned and completely unobjectionable in any way. There are many kinds of sashimi, beautifully presented, as well as fried fish, fried chicken, and other kinds of proteins. But across the entire table, from one end to another, there is not a single grain of rice.

You snort, amused, then look to your surroundings to see who you are seated with this afternoon. Happily, one of the people pointed out to you by Bayushi Yamato is seated across from you; you are quite near to the Kitsu Daimyo and resolve to speak to her as time permits. To your left is the daimyo of the Mantis, an older man of the nameless former Gusai family; to your right a woman in brilliant red and orange robes bearing the hand and quill Mon of the Isawa family, clearly a shugenja of some skill. For the moment, no-one has yet begun speaking - what do you suggest as a topic of conversation?

[ ] Write-in.

Spoiler: Author's Note

Sorry about people who wanted the Kitsu for this update - I started writing while the Emperor had a strong lead. As a consolation prize, she has been sat next to you for dinner.

 

[storybookknight]

[X] Talk about acting. Everybody has a favorite play or theater, right?

You break the ice with a few comments on the excellent quality of the food, and your neighbors follow your lead. While you already knew that the woman of the Kitsu family in front of you was Kitsu Makoto from Bayushi Yamato's advice, you have now been properly introduced. Similarly, the man to your left is Kaido, daimyo of the Mantis, whereas the woman to your right is Isawa Sakie, Elemental Master of Air. All three seem like relatively pleasant dinner companions - Kaido has an earthy humor, while Kitsu Makoto is scrupulously courteous and Isawa Sakie much more pleasant to speak with than the sometimes spacey Chouko.

All in all, it's not a bad group with which to begin the first phase of your carefully planned attack. "So, I have a curiosity that perhaps the three of you could indulge," you say, "One of the first things I did as daimyo of Zakyo Toshi was to approve the construction of a new theater, and so far its first production has met with unusual success." You carefully let your on slip just a hair, enough to give a rueful smile. "Unfortunately, the managers of the theater decided to honor me by making my story the subject of the first production. I'd be interested to hear any suggestions that you might have for plays that you have enjoyed in the past, something that I could use to replace it? Perhaps Hantei Genji's tale?"

Isawa Sakie hums thoughtfully. "Well, both Genji's tale and, I assume, your story are both genzaimono. What about changing it up?" You know from long talks with Auntie Hatsuyuki that a genzaimono is simply 'a story of people', without any supernatural elements; that describes the tale of the Catfish pretty well, though one could argue that some more covert divine intervention was involved...

"With a Mugen Noh?" Says Kitsu Makoto in response. "It figures that an Isawa would go for a tale of spirits, instead of seeking additional stories of one's ancestors." Though her response could be taken as criticism, Kitsu's joking tone and gentle smile take the sting out of the words. "Though I admit, there are some benefits to adding more supernatural elements to a performance. The purpose of art is to enlighten the audience, not merely to entertain, and sometimes adding an element of the unfamiliar assists audiences in ... coming to important realizations."

You nod in agreement. "I had considered perhaps the tale of Dojoji? Though, I am told that the costume change that traditionally takes place underneath the great bell requires a great deal of practice - perhaps it would be an ambitious play for a new theater troupe?"

Kaido make a sound of amusement. "Dojoji? That's the one where a female spirit dances in front of a bunch of monks to mesmerize them, and then possesses the bell, right? Figures you'd go for a play like that."

You cover your smile a sip of the excellent tea. "I do wish to play to my troupe's strengths."

Upon seeing the quizzical looks from Makoto and Sakie, Kaido explains. "The, ah, the Silken Song? Namazu-dono's new theater? The performers are all geisha."

Kitsu Makoto frowns, her brow furrowing with displeasure. "Geisha? Truly? Are you sure it is wise to allow those of such ... common stock to perform such a sacred piece, Namazu-dono?"

"Have you heard of the idea of 'Enlightenment of the Masses' before, Kitsu-dono?" You ask her.

"I have not," she says, though Isawa Sakie's eyes have lit up in apparent recognition.

"My spiritual advisor is a member of the Furuseda order," you begin. "One of their many practices is that in areas where there are too few shugenja or priests to address the needs of all the local kami - or even in areas where shugenja are more common, really - the heimin should be educated somewhat on prayers to the kami, and to contemplating spiritual matters."

Makoto just looks confused. "I've heard of the Furudera, of course... but, why? Is speaking with the kami not properly the domain of the samurai who are descended from them?"

"Of course!" You say. "But a samurai can accomplish more in battle with a company of ashigaru at her back than the same samurai could accomplish alone, can she not?" Makoto thinks on this for a few seconds, unable to argue the logical point. "In any case, I aim to allow the peasants of my province some measure of cultural education as well, for similar reasons. The heimin do not need art to perform their duties - but if it causes them to be more content, and thus to work harder, it shall be time and resources well invested."

"There are a great deal more nuances to the idea of the Enlightenment of the Masses," Sakie begins to say excitedly, but then catches herself. "But, perhaps that could be a matter for discussion at another time, as I believe we were originally talking about theater, no?" She turns to Kaido. "Do you have a particular suggestion for Namazu-dono, Kaido-dono?"

The Mantis daimyo chews a bit of fried chicken thoughtfully. "Yeah, actually. Kyogen." He says, "Or Draw Lots Plays."

"You mean to put a draw lot play on an actual stage?" Sakie asks, blinking in astonishment. "Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose?"

Kaido shakes his head. "There's a lot you can learn about art & drama by watchin' draw lots plays. It's like watchin' a rehearsal, only funnier. Let me tell you, especially if you're trying to put on plays that the heimin will watch, ain't a lot of heimin who will spend their hard-earned zeni to see an event of high culture, but plenty of 'em will come see something that makes them laugh. Y'gotta keep people interested, first. Then? You sneak in the enlightenment and the culture on the side, while they're too busy laughing."

Makoto shakes her head. "Ridiculous."

"Now you're gettin' the idea," says Kaido as he grins in response.

Sakie actually looks surprisingly thoughtful at the idea. "Well, it is said that the kami do love riddles..."

The conversation continues throughout dinner, and you manage to secure invitations to visit and further converse with the Kitsu and the Mantis, in addition to the Phoenix. However, the effort required to remain a courteous and convivial guest is astounding, and you are quite relieved when the dinner is adjourned and delegations are free to return to their quarters.

You walk back through the terrible hallways for the third - and hopefully last - time, your full stomach churning slightly at the gruesome appearance of so many war trophies, and return to your chambers. Your delegation looks similarly tired and burnt-out, but there are yet important matters to discuss, specifically the book that Bayushi Yamato gave to you as a gift.

What would you like to do?

[LOCKED] Discuss Bayushi's Gift

[ ] Speak specifically with... (can choose multiple, more selections = less detail) to discuss their portion of the day.
- [ ] Yu
- [ ] Koibu
- [ ] Wakaba
- [ ] Minato
- [ ] Chouko
- [ ] Your yojimbo

[ ] Ask for advice on.... (can choose multiple, more selections = less detail) from all of your advisors.
- [ ] Avoiding Trouble
- [ ] Assisting the Crab
- [ ] Gaining Information
- [ ] Making Contacts
- [ ] Marriage Offers
- [ ] Write-in.

[ ] Rest. You have many busy days to come.

 

[storybookknight]

[X] A brief summary to start.

You look at your weary Clansmates and sigh. "I know we all need a rest," you say, "but I'd like to hear how all of your days went, just so that I can know if there's anything crucial I should be asking or thinking about before tomorrow." You receive a round of nods of affirmation in response. "Koibu-san? Mind starting us off?"

He clears his throat, running one hand through greying hair. "Hk-hrm! Well, I had a few discussions with some interesting people. Daimyo Kitsune Yasuji gave us an official welcome as a fellow Minor Clan, let me know that he has a great deal of advice for Minor Clans in the Winter Courts since his clan attends every year, and so on. I also spoke with a lovely woman of the Yasuki clan, but we discussed little of consequence." Behind him, Taigen waggles her eyebrows at you suggestively. "At dinner, I wound up speaking with some of the provincial daimyos from Scorpion, Crane, and Lion - the conversation wound up being on Bushido, which sort of left the Scorpion and I shut out of the conversation while the Crane and Lion praised each other." He sounds somewhat frustrated at this last. "Knowing how to live something and how to talk about it are very different."

Yu looks around the room as Koibu falls silent. "Found some people discussing trade. Dragon, Lion, Crane, Crab, Unicorn, Mantis, a big mess. Picked up a few interesting tidbits, maybe, but didn't get to discussing much with anyone in particular." He thinks about that for a minute. "Sat with some Crab for dinner. They treated me alright, maybe made a friend or two." Yu rubs his forehead, pinching his temples as if to relieve internal pressure.

After a few seconds of people looking at her expectantly, Chouko blinks. "Ara? Saaah, well, I wound up getting into a bit of a poetry contest, I guess." She takes a puff on one of her clove cigarettes, staring up at the sweet herbal smoke. "It was pretty fun. Met a few people, might have a chance to meet back up later. And dinner... did you know there was no rice?" She scowls. "I understand the point behind it, but that's a good way to earn the ire of Inari-no-kami. I wound up trying to convince this Kuni shugenja that they needed to take steps to avoid the wrath of the Frost Dragon for most of the dinner. Not sure if he believed me, though."

Wakaba smirks a bit as your gaze comes around to her. "Well, I was with you and Minato except for at dinner, so I'll just cover that. There's a surprising number of younger heirs and such here, did you know? Kind of a 'meet the next generation' thing. I wound up talking to them a bit. They're a bit less careful with what they say than their parents are." After a few seconds, she scowls. "A bit less careful with their table manners, too."

Minato shrugs as Wakaba passes the buck to him. "Sat next to some crusty old generals for most of dinner. Made friends with a Kaiu, maybe. Listened to blowhards swap old war stories. Could have been worse." Apparently, he has little more to say than that.

What further questions do you ask?
[ ] As above.