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[L5R] Minor Clan Quest

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Bugaboo said:
Instead of checking out Koibu's suitors, shouldn't we try mingling with the Mantis and Kitsune? Koibu is a big boy and can handle himself after all. Then again, I'm not sure how important they are, so maybe it doesn't really matter.
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The Mantis is someone Yu knows so likely one of their trade representatives, so important but not hugely so in this instance since we've wrapped up our trade negotiations already. Someone we want to keep onside, but inviting him was probably enough already. The Kitsune, again probably useful but we're going to be blitzing them next turn with the Gold River Alliance (I assume) and since we know so little about him I wouldn't be sure what to even speak about.

The women interested in Koibu on the other hand are probably going to be options at the end of this turn for marriage. As our most senior underling and the Daimyo of Wave Province Koibu is pretty important and whoever he marries will impact us via their families taking an interest in Wave Province so they're pretty important.
Wade Garrett said:
I'm pretty sure that "I have a Shoshuro girl clinging to my left arm being catty at the Yasuki girl clinging to my right" is the opposite of being able to take care of yourself.
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Also, this.

But you know guys a few more votes might encourage SBK to close the vote and do an update....
 
[X] Accept
-[X] 'I'm certainly not going to pass up the opportunity to spar with someone so talented, that that someone is Maaya-san means it will be a joy! I would be happy to help you with your Kenjutsu, and to receive some help with my Iaijutsu in return. After all, the Empire is always at its strongest when its Samurai stand together so let us stand together and teach each other what others have not.'

[X] Yes
-[X] Yasuki Chie
--[X] Congratulate her and her clan on the fantastic state of Shiro Kaotsuki no Higashi, your stay has been wonderful so far and you hope to one day be able to show the Yasuki family the same hospitality.
--[X] Polite conversation where you're certainly not trying to get ammunition for teasing Koibu later.... Absolutely not. Or, yes, maybe the opposite. Yes, totally try and get something to tease Koibu about later.
--[X] Subtly attempt to discern her level of interest in Koibu.
-[X] Shosuro Miyuki
--[X] Polite conversation where you're certainly not trying to get ammunition for teasing Koibu later.... Absolutely not. Or, yes, maybe the opposite. Yes, totally try and get something to tease Koibu about later.
--[X] Subtly attempt to discern her level of interest in Koibu.
-[X] Ikoma Tatsuki, Yogo Namio, Moto Rokuro, and Shiba Shinpei (as a group)
--[X] Thank them all for attending on such short notice, it was a pleasure to finally meet them.
--[X] Discuss the Emerald Magistrates and their current duties; you expect a new Emerald Magistrate to be appointed to Zakyo Toshi this coming year, should you expect to see any of them?
-[X] Katsura
--[X] Try to steal some time to talk with Katsura, though not about anything important, just continuing to get to know our future husband better.
 
Good enough for me. I'll get started on the update, though it's 50/50 whether I'll finish it tomorrow....

Depends on whether I put off doing work for grad school to write the update. :p

Incidentally, if anybody wants any advice on statistics, the insurance industry, data mining, or anything similar as a potential career feel free to drop me a line. It's occasionally exhausting - as any good job will be - but it's a pretty sweet gig.
 
Faintrosity said:
Well, if we're talking insurance, I assume we'd be setting up a system of bottomry, given our heavy investment in ships. Is that correct?
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That's a very interesting word, and one I'd not come across before! So thank you for that. And, Yu has some insurance-related ideas, because I can't help but write what I know :p But sure, I'll add it to my list of ideas to consider for the future.
 
Terrastorm said:
In regards to Mayaa I think we should accept and find out if we can teach her something like singing or story telling, nothing important or necessary, but something to expand her horizons.
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I'm certainly in favour of teaching her how to social. :)

Mostly though, I just want to befriend her. Having friends amongst the Crane, even if they aren't anyone important, is still nice.
 
Update status: 1500 words, done with Kakita and Yasuki/Shosuro. I don't want to post what I have and cut things off in the middle, so update won't be until most likely tomorrow.
 
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Winter 913 - Turn 2.15.4 - Festivity's End
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    • Once again, sorry for the delay on this. I hope it was worth the wait.

    [X] Hastygaming

    "Well, I'm certainly not going to pass up the opportunity to spar with someone so talented," you say. "Especially since it's you, Maaya-san." You make the calculated decision to speak to her informally, as though you were speaking to a friend, and you see her eyes light up in time with a surge of excitement from your Inner Gift. It seems like your earlier hypothesis was correct - Kakita Maaya is lonely, unused to being valued for anything other than her skill with iaijutsu. You're not really sure whether you want to feel guilty for manipulating her this way, or pity for her being so vulnerable to it. "And yes, I'd be delighted to show you some kenjutsu in return. My style is a bit, eh, idiosyncratic, but that just means you'll have some unusual tricks to try out on your next opponent."

    She bows to you hastily. "Ah! Yes! Thank you so much, Namazu-dono."

    Waving your hand in the air, you dismiss her thanks. "No, no, it's nothing that deserves being thanked for. We all serve the Emperor, don't we? It's only natural for samurai to help each other learn how to best fulfill our duties."

    "A very enlightened approach, Namazu-dono." She replies with a slightly sad smile. "If only more people thought that way."

    You are struck by a sudden urge to place your hand on her head and ruffle her hair, but somehow manage to restrain yourself from such an undignified action. "Well said, Kakita-san. Luckily, tonight you're in the company of people who do! Hey, Hida Kaoru-san! You have room for one more in that circle there?"

    "Oh, Namazu-dono!" Kaoru booms. She, Taigen, Wakaba, and Hiruma Tamayo have formed a loose confederation of women all sitting in a circle playing what appears to be some form of stick-picking-up game that involves penalty shots of sake, with your yojimbo Jumonji serving as the group's token man. "Sure, pull up a cushion!" She says, scooting over to make some room. "I always wondered what it would be like to get a Clan Champion drunk."

    "You already got me drunk, remember?" You say teasingly. "Hida Tanaka-dono was there at the time too, if I recall."

    She laughs self-deprecatingly. "Oh, yeah. Can't blame me for forgetting that one, Namazu-dono, that night's pretty blurry. Oh! And neither of you were Clan Champions at the time, so there!"

    You do not snort in an unladylike manner, no matter what anyone nearby would have said to the contrary. It clearly must have been someone else nearby. Probably Taigen. "Ah, I'd love to, but I have to keep playing the good host. You're going to have to settle for a duel with a Kakita," you say, and gently nudge Maaya forwards.

    The look of sudden panic on Maaya's face at being put on the spot is adorable, and it nearly distracts you from your nervousness over how these next few seconds could possibly go. Kaoru is a good-natured sort, and you trust her to be willing to play along with your wishes as a host, but you're less sanguine about her ability to control her tongue and not say anything offensive. Still, it seems as though your calculated risk has paid off. "Oi oi, Kakita-san, the fearsome duelist! Do you dare to challenge the undefeated Hida Kaoru-sama... at Mikado?"

    "The undefeated champion of poor short-term memory, maybe. Or did you forget how I just took the last round?" Says Hiruma Tamayo.

    Maaya giggles, and you breathe out a sigh of relief. "All right, Hida-sama, prepare to meet your match!"

    Since it seems like they are getting along for now, you excuse yourself to go find a drink and leave Maaya in Taigen and Kaoru's capable hands, and to touch bases with everyone else at the party. Speaking personally and in depth with all of your guests would be impossible. Try as you might, you are only one person, and if you were to attempt to divide your attention over a dozen ways between all of your guests it would be a guarantee that someone would go home slighted. Luckily, you have the assistance of your clansmates, and as occasionally flaky or rude or naive or ... the point is, you can rely on them to assist you in being good hosts to your visitors, which leaves you the time to talk to at least a few people as individuals. And you have just the individuals in mind.

    Yasuki Chie and Shosuro Miyuki are currently seated on either side of Koibu, listening with what is apparently rapt attention to a story that he is telling to Hiroji of the Mantis and your yojimbo Togano; neither is seated so close that it is a total breach of decorum, but both are rather amusingly skirting the edge of such behavior. For his part, Koibu appears to be loving the attention. He seems to be switching out who he places his sake cup closest to in order to have it refilled, and every once in a while will brush one girl or the other with 'accidental' touches.

    You had no idea that your surrogate father figure was such an incorrigible flirt. You cough gently to get their attention, and smile first at Yasuki Chie. "Ah, Yasuki-san, are you enjoying yourself?"

    "I am indeed, Namazu-dono." She gives you a gracious nod. "I understand that it was Namazu Yu-dono that arranged the majority of the food tonight? Please convey my thanks and appreciation to him, it has been a most pleasant evening."

    "An evening that would not have been possible without the assistance of the Yasuki," you say, bowing to her slightly. "Once again, the Yasuki have been the epitome of gracious hosts, and I am truly impressed by the beauty of Shiro Kaotsugi No Higashi." A true statement; though the Face of the East is often stark and harsh in its beauty, the finely worked stone and gorgeous views that the castle offers are without compare. "It is our hope that once we have built a Clan Castle of our own, we shall be able to return the favor and the hospitality."

    "Ah, yes, Koibu-san," she begins, and you struggle to keep your eyebrows from rising with the familiarity that she is taking, "has told me that the Namazu are currently filling the governor's manse in Zakyo Toshi almost to capacity, and that he is currently administering Wave Province out of a mere village, is it not so?"

    "For now," you agree. "Though we have already begun considering possible locations for where a castle may be built."

    Chie raises a polite eyebrow. "So I had heard. Had you decided yet how you planned to build such a castle?"

    "Ah, the fame of your cousins among the Kaiu in matters of engineering is well known, Yasuki-san, so we are definitely considering the Kaiu in this matter, but the needs of a young Clan are many. It may be that we will fill our needs with temporary construction to begin with, and move to a more permanent location once our position is more secure." You give Chie a wry smile. "I hope that I will not offend you if I say that it may come down to price."

    She laughs. "As so many things do, Namazu-dono. As so many things do. Still, it is refreshing to see a leader of a Clan willing to discuss such matters so openly."

    "Well, Koibu-san is much better at it than I," you say with a grin at your former Head, now your subordinate Daimyo. "He taught me almost everything I know."

    Koibu salutes you with his sake cup. "And blessed I was, for having such an able student!"

    Shosuro Miyuki looks at you both with curiosity. "Was it... Wave-daimyo-dono that taught you to sing?" she asks, flushing slightly, perhaps from strong drink. Unlike Chie, she is much more proper and correct with her address towards Koibu, as she refers to him by his title in lieu of calling him by a family name that you both share. On the other hand, her kimono is artfully disheveled just enough to allow someone seated to her left a glimpse of creamy skin under the folds of silk, and she, too seems to be playing the game of brushing just enough against someone for it to appear accidental. "I had the luck to see you at your first performance, Namazu-dono. It was..." she trails off slightly, seemingly without words to describe it properly. "It was a truly exceptional experience."

    You shake your head with a smile, and Koibu himself laughs a little bit. "Ah... I'm afraid not, Shosuro-san. I believe I mentioned that I recently studied at the Silken Song theater, but before that I learned from my mother. Koibu-san here," you say with a smirk, "can't even carry a tune in an upside-down kabuto."

    She chuckles. "Really? That's a surprise!" She looks up at Koibu and, you would swear to the very Kami themselves, actually bats her eyelashes at Koibu. "Wave-daimyo-dono has a surprising amount of appreciation for fine artists, given that such is the case."

    Koibu actually coughs and looks away slightly, and you're beginning to suspect that there's a story there ... but it would be rude to say anything out of the ordinary. "Well, given Koibu-san's long experience as a protector of the geisha of Zakyo Toshi, it would be difficult for him to be anything else, after all."

    Miyuki nods at you. "It's very admirable of him, don't you agree? To display such compassion towards those lower in the Celestial Order?"

    Yasuki Chie scoffs slightly. "Please. 'oh, his display of one of the virtues of bushido is admirable'. No, really? I hadn't noticed," she says dryly

    "Well, it can't be helped, given your inexperience," says Shosuro Miyuki, and you experience a sudden desire to vacate the area as the two women glare knives at each other. You give Koibu an almost disbelieving look, and he shrugs, as if to say 'what can you do'?

    "Ah, excuse me." You say. "I believe that Ikoma-dono wanted me for something. I'm glad to see that you're enjoying yourselves, though." You give a slight bow, and walk swiftly away. You're not completely sure of exactly what is going on with Koibu and these women, but you absolutely plan to ask him about it later, if only for the comedic potential. In the meantime, you have Emerald Magistrates to see.

    You walk over to the close-knit group of Ikoma Tatsuki, Yogo Namio, Moto Rokuro, and Shiba Shinpei. The four of them are seemingly enjoying themselves, compensating for the fact that Wakaba has abandoned them by discussing various things with Minato and Kuroki. "Thank you all for being able to make it on short notice," you say to begin. "Are you all enjoying yourselves?"

    "We are indeed, Namazu-dono," says Moto Rokuro. He is a swarthy man whose exotic features do little to recommend him, but he has a keen intelligence glittering in his eyes, and he carefully speaks without any trace of the accent that you would expect from his gaijin features. "It is not often that junior magistrates such as we are invited to spend time with such august company."

    You smile. "I certainly don't see why not, all of you have been most pleasant guests indeed. I confess that I haven't spent much time with many magistrates other than Miya Sato-dono and his associates; there is an Asahina Arata-dono serving as an Emerald Magistrate in Zakyo Toshi, but he is due to retire this year, and I have yet to receive any word on who it may be that would replace him. I don't suppose it would wind up being one of you?"

    Ikoma Tatsuki snorts. "Hardly likely, Namazu-dono. The four of us are far too junior for such a prestigious assignment. Why, Shiba-san here is still a yoriki!" She is an athletic young Lion, with calluses on her knuckles that speak of long training in the ways of jiujutsu.

    Shinpei, a tall, angular young man, scowls at Tatsuki. "At my own request, Tatsuki-san. I still have much to learn from Kitsuki Shiroku-dono."

    "Yeah, yeah." Ikoma Tatsuki says, waving away his objections. "In any case, you're likely to get someone much more senior than any of the four of us. There's a chance we could be that Magistrate's chief assistant or something, though."

    Yogo Namio raises an eyebrow. He is almost stereotypically Scorpion, "I have heard a rumor or two," he ventures. "It is indeed possible that you will be seeing me sooner rather than later."

    The way that the other three magistrates look first to each other and then to you doesn't completely reassure you. "Oh?" you ask. "How so, Yogo-san?"

    Namio smiles. "Well, my superior, Kaiu Ganjo, has recently been promoted and has a good deal of experience with the south... the odds aren't bad, at least." His expression is innocent, but you still remember his fellow magistrates' expressions.

    "What is Kaiu-dono like?" You ask, and feel Namio's frustration as he has to fumble for words.

    "Hmm. Well... Imposing, I would say," Namio says with a nod. "He's definitely someone used to throwing his weight around, he quite enjoys sporting events, he's a bit of a gourmand..." Namio shrugs. Behind him, completely coincidentally, is Moto Rokuro, who is holding his hand palm-inwards in front of his belly as if to imply the existence of an enormous gut.

    "Hrmmm..." You say slowly, doing your best not to give any impression of having realized that Yogo Namio's sensei / superior is morbidly obese. "I see. Well, hopefully I'll get a chance to meet him sometime. Is he here at the Face of the East?"

    Namio shakes his head. "He is attending Winter Court in the lands of the Asahina, where he was assigned. I would be there myself, if not for the fact that my family requested my presence." You can see why they might have done such a thing; Namio-san is well spoken, and the Yogo family is notoriously reclusive. Having a well-connected magistrate, even a junior one, on hand to assist them during Winter Court would indeed be a boon.

    "Well in any case, we are glad to have you, Yogo-san." He inclines his head in thanks, and you move on to other matters of conversation for a few minutes before slipping away.

    The party is winding down, and you want to speak to Otomo Katsura before he leaves. To your surprise, you find him playing a game of dice with Yu, Gohei, Kitsune Kouki, and Chouko. To your greater surprise and general amusement, Katsura appears to be winning handily, judging by the sizable stack of zeni in front of him and the much smaller stacks in front of everyone else. He smiles up at you as you approach. "Ah, it seems that I'm wanted," he says with a cheeky grin towards your clansmates and Kitsune-san. "I apologize for my rudeness in leaving while the game is still ongoing, but I'll be happy to make it up to you all with another game some other time."

    Yu snorts in derision. "You just want another chance to take our hard-earned money, you mean. Tsubaki-dono! Get yer fiance out of here before he bankrupts the clan!" There's some general raucous laughter at that, and the other four members of the game wave Katsura off in good humor.

    He stands, and the two of you walk a few steps over to what passes for a quiet corner. "I'm sorry, Otomo-dono," you say, suddenly and unaccountably feeling almost shy. "I didn't mean to interrupt you."

    "I'm happy you did," he says almost reflexively. Your eyes widen slightly, and he coughs. "I - I mean, it gave me a good chance to leave while I was still ahead." He looks at you out of the corner of his eyes, then begins to pour himself a cup of sake, carefully keeping his eyes on the pour to avoid meeting yours. "You can... call me Katsura. You know, if you want."

    Your gaze follows his, looking at his hands where they pour the sake into the cup. They're strong hands, callused, with the occasional scar from sword practice. They're good hands. "Mmm," you say in agreement. "It would indeed be a shame to keep calling you Otomo-dono, only to have to stop once you take my name in marriage." The hands tremble just the barest smidgen, and you have to fight to keep from smirking. Katsura is surprisingly cute for someone of his position, and it almost makes you want to tease him. "Very well then, Katsura-san," you say, putting a little bit of purr into your voice in imitation of some of the ways of speaking that Hatsuyuki-sensei showed you, "I suppose that I can start getting used to calling you by name, at least until I can start calling you husband." You almost want to giggle as he gulps down his cup of sake far more quickly than is seemly to cover his flustered emotions. "You'll have to call me by name in return, though. It's only fair."

    Katsura turns to you and looks you straight in the eye, a bit of heat still pinking his cheeks. "As you wish... Tsubaki-san." In contrast to your teasing tones, he is perfectly serious, which is... definitely cheating, because seeing him get that serious about this is, it's not fair, and your cheeks are getting red too, and, and ... did the room just get noticeably quieter? In your peripheral vision you see Taigen and Maaya both watching you with amusement, and what made you think that leaving an impressionable young girl with Taigen was a good idea?!

    You cough pointedly and look away from Katsura, whose head turns at roughly the same time as yours in a similar amount of embarrassment. The conversation in the room returns to a more normal volume, and you feel a burst of glee coming from Taigen's direction that has you groaning internally. "Uhm, so... you're pretty good with dice?" you say lamely.

    "I, um. Yeah, I guess so," he says, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "The, um. The line of Hantei has always been favored by the Kami, so..."

    You blink. "Wait. Even at dice?" He smirks. "That's... that's... that is so unfair!" You say, and he looks so unbearably smug that you practically want to kiss him just to wipe that expression off of his face.

    "Truly," he says, looking deeply into your eyes. "I have been most fortunate."

    Yup. Definitely unfair.

    All too soon, your conversation comes to an end, and the night finally winds to a close. One by one your guests depart, all of them shining with enthusiasm and good feelings to your Inner Gift, and all of them thanking you kindly for your invitation. You have apparently made this a night to remember for all people concerned, and it seems likely that the story will perpetuate itself further in the days to come.

    [Tsubaki lost 10 points of glory due to her public loss in iaijutsu, and Maaya gained 5, with the respective clans each gaining half of their representatives' gains and losses, -5 points for the Namazu and 2 points for the Crane. Due to your actions afterwards, Tsubaki has reclaimed 9 points of glory (one for each successful invitee), the Namazu have regained 4 points, Maaya has gained an additional 4 points, and the Crane have gained an additional 2.

    You have made an Ally out of Kakita Maaya, and will be sparring with her to train Iaijutsu.

    Certain diplomatic overtures may be possible to both the Yasuki and the Shosuro.

    Your next Emerald Magistrate is likely to be the... formidable Kaiu Ganjo.

    Otomo Katsura will provide the Namazu with one reroll per realm administration turn due to the blessing of the heavens.]

    Of course, while the Crane's move against you was probably the most notable event to occur to you during the Month of The Ox, it was by no means the only one. Despite your loss to Maaya, you still remain an incredibly popular and celebrated individual, and find yourself becoming further and further drawn in to the goings-on at court. As always, how you respond to such actions has a great potential to affect the future of your Clan, and the goings-on of Court.

    HIDDEN INSULTS

    You are seated in an open forum one day, listening to an older courtier of the Ikoma family tell the story of one of the Lion's many victories, and wishing for some form of distraction. It is not that the Ikoma's story is poorly told - far from it! It is a stirring tale of honor and of valor, of sacrifices made in the name of duty. But, it is a very long story, and in your inexpert opinion he has chosen it in order to dominate the stage and deny others a chance to contribute to the discussion, for it would be rude indeed to interrupt. In this case, your wish is answered by a young man of the Hiruma family, who gets your attention and pulls you aside. Interestingly, he asks you to meet him behind a folding screen, which by court custom means that you are to be considered 'in a separate room', where 'no one can hear you speak', despite any evidence to the contrary.

    Hiruma Shichiro is almost whipcord-thin, a young man without any extra fat on his bones - and probably even lighter in total than even his lean frame would suggest, because his left arm is missing all the way to the elbow, where the sleeve of his court robes has been tied off in a knot. "Yes, Hiruma-san? What can I do for you?" you ask.

    "Can you believe that fat fuck prattling on about sacrifice?" He asks in a loud, piercing tone. "It doesn't look like he's missed so much as a meal."

    While it's true that Ikoma-san has gained a bit of weight due to his respectable age, that the Crab have occasionally not had enough to eat is also undeniable, and it is clear that this is a political ploy. How do you respond?

    [ ] Act neutrally - you don't want to abandon your ally in the Crab, but you don't want to participate in a dishonorable action either. Simply allowing Hiruma Shichiro to make his own criticisms without adding any of your own should be enough.
    [ ] Join in - You aren't exactly experienced in sadane, the game of insults, but you're certainly skilled enough in other courtly ways that it can't be that hard. And getting back at the Crane Alliance would certainly be appealing.
    [ ] Invite a friend - The Scorpion are the acknowledged masters of this sort of thing, and you see Bayushi Nimuro standing not far away. You're... pretty sure that he'll play along, and if he does, it will be much more effective than if you had acted on your own.
    [ ] Decline to participate - You may be allies with the Crab, but this smacks too close to dishonor for you to be willing to participate in such an attack. Even if it means defending the Lion, you'll have to decline.
    [ ] Write-in.

    ARTISTIC CRITICISMS

    Between your skill with musical performance and your less well-known but similarly profound talents at oration, you are becoming quite well known for artistic skill. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has lead many young courtiers to come to you and ask you for your opinion on various works of art that they have composed. Unfortunately, not all courtiers present at the Face of the East are as skilled as you are. You have heard poetry and songs of varying degrees of quality from many young courtiers, and have even been asked to vet a few prepared speeches on the parts of your allies. How do you respond to such requests?

    [ ] Politely - no matter how execrable the performance, it would hardly do to make enemies. Attempting to be as charitable as possible will avoid the risk of making enemies.
    [ ] By attempting to assist - A few people may be offended by your criticisms of their skills, but a bit of assistance in helping them develop their skills could be well-received.
    [ ] On a bias - by encouraging your political rivals to prepare some of the more... poorly-thought-out compositions that you have heard, you might be able to cause them some embarrassment at little downside.
    [ ] Honestly - As important as making friends is, your personal integrity is also important, and there are times when Honesty takes priority over Sincerity.
    [ ] Write-in.

    FACTIONAL SPLINTERING

    Clued in by the Scorpion, you have been closely watching the members of the Crane Alliance that Bayushi Yamato pointed out to you. Over time, you have seen Kitsu Makoto stand further and further away from the Akodo and closer and closer to the Shimizu, seen her joined by Togashi Touma, Kitsuki Aoi, and a few other Dragons; seen all of them joined by Daidoji Mamoru and a few others among the Iron Cranes, as well as a few Kakita and Asahina. Clearly something is going on.

    What do you do?
    [ ] Watch and see what happens - what it says on the scroll-cap. You aren't really sure that you want to get involved with such an event, whatever it might be.
    [ ] Try to make friends - if there is a contrary faction to the clans of the Crane Alliance, they would likely be very good people to know. Though they are likely to be suspicious of outsiders, perhaps your fame and charisma will allow you to surpass such hostility.
    [ ] Spy on them - Wakaba has gotten much more skilled at intrigues of late, and due to the disorganized nature of such factions, they would necessarily be easier to observe than their host clans.
    [ ] Try to manipulate them into conflicting with their leaders - you don't have to know what the grounds for hostility are between these people and the Crane Alliance to be able to take advantage of it. Why not push them into open conflict and watch the fireworks?
    [ ] Get Chouko's help with this - choose alongside another option. It will mean that she will be unable to assist any of your other advisers for the month of the Tiger, but this could be important.
    [ ] Write-in.
     
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    • It was nice to see that the Crane's assault was almost completely blunted. Not entirely, but most of the way though, so that was good. Up until I read that last option I was thinking "Awwww this update was so cute and nice and sweet!" Even the bit with the insult thing wasn't enough to really detract from the Cute. Then I saw the Shimizu were starting to do stuff, and my reaction switched to "SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT."

    For those who don't know, the Shimizu are... not good news.
     
    Great update SBK! Lots of consequences from the duel and its spiriting further which is great to see.

    Well, we gave the Crane Glory which is never nice but we held fairly steady ourselves and managed to gain a new ally and some interesting info which almost makes up for it.

    There's definitely s lot to consider here before we just start voting. It would be good to have something approaching a strategy and then vote to accomplish it instead of just voting for whichever options seem good.
     
    Oh god more social maneuvering! And I don't know who any of the people involved in the Factional Splintering section even are! :o
     
    I think that went pretty well, even if we ended up giving the Crane some additional Glory.

    Hm... unsure about the events at court.

    In the first, I'm inclined to try and work with the Scorpion. We're still trying to make friends with them, they're traditional enemies/rivals of the Lion and Crane, IIRC, and it'd be much more effective. Obvious downside is the risk that he might leave us hanging or even act against us, because sometimes being or acting contradictory is what the Scorpion does to keep people guessing.

    For the second, I'd say we try to assist. It seems honest enough, and might net us a few new friends or contacts.

    For the last, I'd say we either watch, or let Wakaba spy on them.
     
    Hmm... my general inclinations for right now...


    [ ] Act neutrally - you don't want to abandon your ally in the Crab, but you don't want to participate in a dishonorable action either. Simply allowing Hiruma Shichiro to make his own criticisms without adding any of your own should be enough.

    [ ] By attempting to assist - A few people may be offended by your criticisms of their skills, but a bit of assistance in helping them develop their skills could be well-received.

    [ ] Try to make friends - if there is a contrary faction to the clans of the Crane Alliance, they would likely be very good people to know. Though they are likely to be suspicious of outsiders, perhaps your fame and charisma will allow you to surpass such hostility.

    Not sure on Chouko.

    Generally, this has us behaving honorably and honestly, seekign to help without abandoning our allies. We go with the conservative play on the insults (not our area of strength) and put some effort into making friends (something we're actually pretty good at).

    Also, the Make Friends plan might open us up to attack, but if it's not some sort of ambush (which it doesn't seem like it would be) it gives us more information about what's going on and a better position to act from with respect to it.


    What's up with the Shimizu? That sounds pertinent.
     
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    With the Hidden Insult vote there's potential to do quite a lot. Hiruma is obviously trying to once again flag up how much the Crab actually sacrifice for the Empire while the Lion only talk about it but we could do more. If we had a good write in that backs him up in a semi polite tone we could try and leverage it into a performance which wi our skills can change a lot of minds. Roll back the insult slightly and improve the opinions of those present of what the Crab sacrifice.
     
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    HastyGaming said:
    Great update SBK! Lots of consequences from the duel and its spiriting further which is great to see.

    Well, we gave the Crane Glory which is never nice but we held fairly steady ourselves and managed to gain a new ally and some interesting info which almost makes up for it.

    There's definitely s lot to consider here before we just start voting. It would be good to have something approaching a strategy and then vote to accomplish it instead of just voting for whichever options seem good.
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    I'm thinking we should go with the "Honest" Approach on the Social Things...

    If we start using all our art stuff to trash our enemies...see, the Crane can do that, but the Crane have centuries of delivering actual honest artistic criticism that they can burn when they break the knives out on their enemies.

    We don't have that capital, and if we get a reputation for ignoring actual merit to play politics with our criticism, welp.

    Also, 5 koku says Hiruma-san is headed for getting shanked in his sleep by an old Ikoma Shadow.
     
    HastyGaming said:
    With the Hidden Insult vote there's potential to do quite a lot. Himura is obviously trying to once again flag up how much the Crab actually sacrifice for the Empire while the Lion only talk about it but we could do more. If we had a good write in that backs him up in a semi polite tone we could try and leverage it into a performance which wi our skills can change a lot of minds. Roll back the insult slightly and improve the opinions of those present of what the Crab sacrifice.
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    Ah - a good point. I don't think I have the wherewithal to construct it myself (at least not tonight) but the right sort of write-in could certainly dull the edge of the insult itself while also driving home the argument behind it.
     
    Sirrocco said:
    What's up with the Shimizu? That sounds pertinent.
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    Assuming things are going as canon they're deep into maho (unknown atm) and are at war with a neighbouring Akodo (having already conquered other neighbours). The war started in 911 (3 years ago now) and in canon will end in 5-6 years when the Shimizu heir leads the Lion army against his family having now taken the name Akodo Giri.
     
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    aledeth said:
    Yea OK, now I'm even more suspicious. That all of the people Scorpion-sama suggested we speak to are getting together...

    Well it's good because fuck Cranes, but scary because Scorpion wants something and I have no idea if what he wants is good for us.
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    Hm, if the Scorpion had something in mind for the collective group of people given how they pointed them out... I mean, if they potentially might want to try something there while we have an opportunity to make friends with the splinter group...

    ... Well, the Scorpion are also making a move in the "Hidden Insults" section, so if we play along with them there, then they might be more receptive to being helpful in turn, perhaps?
     
    Wade Garrett said:
    I'm thinking we should go with the "Honest" Approach on the Social Things...
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    I'm leaning towards assist myself, since it's basically 'honest' but then with added 'let me help you'. It might make us a few friends and lessen the sting of the Ikoma insult if we're seen to be honestly critical in general but in an attempt to help people. Which could possibly play in to how we spin the Ikoma situation.

    For the factions... Maybe get Wakaba to spy on them and then act when we know more instead of committing us to the situation now?
     
    I'll point out that if you do decide to roll Sadane, your dice pool with Void is 7k7 - by no means an insignificant effort. Any write ins of particularly scathing insults may additionally confer a mechanical bonus (cough cough @Wade Garrett ) if you want to do such a thing.

    Insulting elements of the Ikoma's character such as a florid mustache or a weak chin are fair game even if I haven't mentioned whether those characteristics exist or not yet.
     
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    Garlak said:
    ... Well, the Scorpion are also making a move in the "Hidden Insults" section, so if we play along with them there, then they might be more receptive to being helpful in turn, perhaps?
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    The Hiruma are a Crab family, we just have the option to include a Scorpion.

    Which could go badly if they think we're trying to use them to do our dirty work for us.
     
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