22:07, Today: Doji Akibieden rolled 29 using 7d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,3,8,6,3,4,1. awer/invest + 1 void point TN20+2 raises.

Boo! I missed by 1

Hmmm, not exactly Tsukiko's forte.  I'm spending a void point and I assume that means I get to keep 2 (because it's an unskilled roll I keep one initially, right?)

08:04, Today: Daidoji Tsukiko rolled 11 using 4d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls. Aw/Investigation (1 void point spent).

Yup, definitely not her forte

unskilled rolls are trait keep trait but no expolding dice. Trait keep one was a second ed. thing.

"Those are my assessments as well. Well observed, Doji-san." Satoru says with a smile. "The Mantis made a bold but wise move. And their cunning should always be noted."


*sigh* Dice Roller so often hates me that I am loathe to make raises even when I stand a ridiculous chance of rolling well.
10:06, Today: Satoru rolled 40 using 6d10+3, keeping the 3 highest rolls, rerolling max. investigating someone Aw/Invest.

PM
[Private to Daidoji Tsukiko; Doji Akibieden; Satoru: something about this whole situation is bothering you, but you can't quite place your finger on what it is.]
[Private to Satoru: both the Mantis and Scorpion seemed to have their points of negotiation ready much faster than is normal, almost as if they had some sort of forewarning]

Satoru sat for a moment. "I cannot say much about the Scorpion, but the Mantis certainly seemed to have an offer prepared relatively quickly. Cunning they are, but their offer implied much more... premeditation. They knew, somehow and if a mantis knew then a Scorpion certainly knew. But how?"

"I would not dare to utter that the Mantis and the Scorpion have offered to aid the Lion," Tsukiko replied, although her expression was troubled.  She too felt as though all was not as it seemed, "because if the Lion gain more power then they will suffer too.  However, it is possible that perhaps they were aware of the situation before we approached them and have sought to determine what they might gain from it.  I think it might be advisable to tread carefully.  If they are wise, the Mantis and the Scorpion will see how detrimental the Lion's taking of this city will be to their own sway at court.  I would not be so quick as to acquiesce to their demands."

Flank and counter flank, and now they hide their forces behind the hills. The battle fields of the tongue are not so different than the field.
"We need leverage, we have offered ourselves like paper lanterns to be burned." Aki's Diadoji training fills his mind, "If you cannot defeat an enemy make the victory worthless. We must force them into a situation where the only beneficial path is the one we have chosen for them. As children of Lady Doji should we not help guide our cousins down the road that best serves the empire?"
Aki looks at satoru, "You cannot stop the enemy cavalry from charging but if you deny the left than at least you know he will strike your right."

"The question is, how this should be accomplished.  I have already attempted to reason with the Scorpion, explaining that the balance of the Empire would be disrupted if the Lion attacked and over ran the city, but Bayushi Tenma was not moved by this explanation.  I am concerned that appealing to either Clan's better nature will result in nothing if they concern themselves only with the gain to their Clans and their Clans only."  Tsukiko countered, a hint of frustration ringing in her voice.

"What this is, is an attack on all fronts. The Lion have always been our rivals because we are the most favored of the Emperor's two hands. The Scorpion have always been our chief political rivals barring of course their expulsion during the Clan Wars. The Mantis, of old our allies and oft a portion of our military forces, now seek to usurp our control of the markets, they seek our wealth.

In truth there are no greater enemies than these three. Perhaps we can find away to turn them all against each other? We do need leverage..."

"Perhaps I think too bold, but what of this. Akibiedin and I offer to support a Mantis bid for the next Winter Court to be held at or near Mantis territory, giving them an unprecedented chance in the political battlefield while offering the Scorpion a chance to be part of our coastal markets. Both actions set up a third party to distract our primary enemies in each area while securing their military might against our third enemy. It is a large risk, but amidst the distraction theCrnae should be able to navigate."

"In conflict, straight forward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory." Satoru's plan brings the lessons of Aki's youth to his mind and he continues to quote Sun Tao, “Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle ... They conquer by strategy." The famous general seems to think like you Satoru-san. Let us hope his words are true for he also said. “In war, numbers alone confer no advantage."

"Fate & Destiny off have ways of working despite mortal man's best laid plans, Doji-sama. Let us hope that both forces favor the Crane in the conflicts to come." Satoru said, "Does anyone else have other ideas or options?"

"It is my observation," Tsukiko spoke slowly, the time during which Akibieden and Satoru had spoken had allowed her to compose herself and turn her mind to other solutions to their present problem, "that the Scorpion are rather preoccupied with how they might be perceived by the other Clans.  Perhaps we might turn this to our advantage."

The courtier looked at those assembled in turn, trying to gauge whether they saw wisdom in her words before she continued.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:56, Wed 30 Apr 2008.

"Yes, they are arguably just as 'new' as the now Great Mantis Clan, so how would you wish to use this info, Daidoji-sama?" Satoru asked.

"I believe it has been quite some time since the Crane of Toshi Ranbo have entertained their guests with a Kabuki performance."  There was an eagerness in Tsukiko's expression as she spoke.  "We shall need to consult with the Crane scholars familiar with Mantis and Scorpion history and also with the representatives of the Kakita Artisan school.  Despite this, I have no doubt that we can find a tale that would promote the wisdom of an alliance between Scorpion, Mantis and Crane to ensure that Toshi Ranbo does not fall.  With this play held before many of the samurai in Toshi Ranbo, it may spur the Mantis and the Scoprion into action."

Tsukiko smiled, eyes narrowing as she tilted her head to one side.  "Of course, even if they do not agree aid us, the Lion representatives may read a little too far into the story and turn the tide for us."

"Regardless," and once again the courtier's expression was sober, "we must make sure that the two Clans see this performance as a celebration of the admirable qualities of Crane, Mantis and Scorpion.  I am certain the Katita artisans will be more than able to create a performance worthy of eminent guests."

Tsukiko, having finished outlining her plan, bowed respectfully to her companions, thankful for their patience as they waited for her to finish speaking.  She hoped that her suggestion would be seen favourably.

Once while on campaign I saw a Moto bushi insult a Kakita after a battle. The offence was unintened I think, but was grave none the less. Upon suffering the insult the Kakita droped into his stance and said "I accept, I choose here and now." The moto was traped and could do nothing but feebily attempt to defend himself. It seems you are attempting the same here, if we simply act as though the scorpion and mantice have given their support in front the masses what choice but to go allong once they have been praise for their actions.

"Yes it certainly seems like an apt plan, my only hope is that we have the time to pull it off." Satoru said. "I would make haste in asking the Kakita to set about this work, Daidoji-sama."

Tsukiko bowed, pleased that her suggestion had met with a favourable response.  In allowing themselves several ways in which to gain the aid of both the Scorpion and Mantis clans, there was less a chance of complete failure.

"Then it is settled and we each have our tasks to carry out.  Satoru-san, it may be wise to consult first with Doji Kusanagi regarding the offers to be made to the Scorpion and Mantis to ensure that this shall not anger our leaders.  If all is well, then I shall be happy to accompany you to both Mantis and Scorpion.  I shall head to the Crane scholars and then the Kabuki artisans to see what must be done." Tsukiko paused, turning to look at Akibieden.  "Doji-san, if our plans do not produce the result we hope for it will be the forces of the Crane who must stand against the Lion.  I am certain you wish to prepare your troops in case of such an occurrence."

"Hai, Daidoji-sama, your skills at delegation grow each day." Satoru said with a bow. "If you both are finsihed with my services I shall go at once to Lord Doji."

OOC:  so what you're planning to do is have a big, public Kabuki play praising the Mantis and Scorpion for accepting the duty of helping protect Toshi Ranbo, and seeing if they take it as a fait accompli agreement to do so?

OOC: I think it's more a case of having a big, public Kabuki play centring on a theme of friendship and working together between three characters.  Although these may not be outrightly named as being Scorpion, Mantis and Crane, it'll be pretty obvious that these Clans are represented by these characters.

That way, while it is not lying through stating that the Scorpion and Mantis have definitely given their support, what it will do is make the offer of aid from the Scorpion and Mantis seem the right and honourable thing to do; those two Clans may risk losing face in the eyes of the other Clan representatives present (save the Lion who wouldn't want the alliance) if they do not give their help.

After all, samurai do not lie, do they? ^_^

It is also intended to worry the Lion representatives into believing that some alliance may already have been brokered and as such they may send word to the army to have a re-think about attacking Toshi Ranbo.

OOC:  make an Awareness/Courtier (political maneuvering) OR Awareness/Etiquette check TN 30

Hai Tsukiko-san their is much to be done in prepairing the defence of the castle. In addition seeing the crane mustering a defence in ernest may ease the minds of our future allies. After all Shinsei said "Help comes to those who help themselves."

OOC: Dice roll as follows:

TN: 30
[Private to Kaze no Kage:
If I have this muddled up, let me know where I went wrong and then I'll re-roll.

Roll Info:
          Trait/Skill - Awareness/Courtier (political manoeuvring)
          Free raise (for level 5 in courtier) = +5 to roll
          +5 to total for emphasis]
11:14, Today: Daidoji Tsukiko rolled 37 using 8d10+10, keeping the 3 highest rolls.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:20, Fri 02 May 2008.

ooc: sorry guys, it was finals time, but I'm back now. Jiro finally breaks his silence and speaks.  Perhaps the play should be primarily directed at the Scorpion.  I see little danger in meeting the Mantis' request... if done properly, perhaps even making use of the public forum of the play to do so.  If we are to grant the mantis the duty which, as you pointed out, then already take upon themselves, we have been the freedom to do it as we choose.  It is true that in one light, it might make us look weak in the eyes of the other clans; as one bowing to an inferior warrior, but if cast in the proper form, it could seem as an experienced sensei passing on one of his many swords to his younger apprentice.  This could accomplish two things, allow us Mantis aid without seeming weak, and publicly legitimizing the Mantis through the metaphor of the master apprentice bond could guide them towards a stronger alliance with us.  Perhaps such metaphor and imagery might be included in the play.  I could help to write; not to brag, but some have said my brush is sharper than my blade