EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] The Dragon
Crane still expects us to go talk with the Emperor.
Crane still expects us to go talk with the Emperor.
[L5R] Minor Clan Quest
- Thread starter storybookknight
- Start date
Wade Garrett
Just trying to do the right thing
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
[X] The Kitsu Daimyo
When the Scorpion Clan champion drops a subtle hint that you should go talk to a particular person, there are two sensible courses of action:
A. Go talk to that person
B. Never ever go within a hundred miles of that person.
And I'm in an Option A sort of mode. Though there is some sense in going to talk to the Dragon, Phoenix or Minor Clans now and penciling Kitsu-sama in later, we don't want Bayushi-dono to get the idea that we're that easy to manipulate.
When the Scorpion Clan champion drops a subtle hint that you should go talk to a particular person, there are two sensible courses of action:
A. Go talk to that person
B. Never ever go within a hundred miles of that person.
And I'm in an Option A sort of mode. Though there is some sense in going to talk to the Dragon, Phoenix or Minor Clans now and penciling Kitsu-sama in later, we don't want Bayushi-dono to get the idea that we're that easy to manipulate.
[X] The Kitsu Daimyo
Doing the opposite of what Crane expects all the time means you're doing what Crane expects
Wade Garrett
Just trying to do the right thing
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Doing the opposite of what Crane expects all the time means you're doing what Crane expects
Haven't you ever heard "You can count on an unpredictable man to be unpredictable, it's the predictable ones you have to watch out for"?
Haven't you ever heard "You can count on an unpredictable man to be unpredictable, it's the predictable ones you have to watch out for"?
that's retarded beyond belief.
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Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
[X] The Kitsu Daimyo
lavanderjasmine
Master of decoration
- Location
- R'lyeh
[X] The Kitsu Daimyo
- Location
- scrabbling
[X] The Emperor
I never actually voted, I think...
I never actually voted, I think...
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
[X] The Kitsu Daimyo
Winter 913 - Turn 2.10 - Hantetsu, why?
- Location
- Connecticut
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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.
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- Location
- United States
Hantestu is best troll
Hm... maybe some fairly neutral topic? Like the winter court in general? Our inexperience would give us a pretext to ask, and it might lead to them sharing some stories from past winter courts, which might come in handy.
Heh. He certainly seems to take some pleasure from riling Tsubaki up even as he helps her.
Emerald Oracle
Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet the Force
- Location
- The Else
Hantetsu is awesome. I think his canon epithet was The Iron-Willed Hantei or something like that. I really like how he's being portrayed as having the Greatness the Hantei are often said to have. Very often, the Hantei are remembered for how the ended, or for their greatest fallen sons, but Hantei won the Tournament of the Kami for a reason... well, in the main canon timeline anyway.
- Location
- Connecticut
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Yep, Hantetsu is the Iron-Willed Hantei.
Sometimes, Iron Will manifests itself as a determination to do what is necessary, whatever the cost to ones morals.
Other times, it comes as the strength to do what is right, regardless of what consequences come from breaking the rules of society.
I'm trying to portray Hantetsu with a bit of both and a sense of humor on the side. Glad it seems to be working so far!
Works for me, certainly.
- Location
- Connecticut
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I don't know, you're going to have to be more specific.