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08:32, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court.

Posted by Ku KazeFor group 0
Ku Kaze
GM, 201 posts
What is on the Wind?
Thu 28 Mar 2019
at 22:21
  • msg #344

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Marriage, like nearly all things Rokugani, was a strictly practical -- and political -- affair, and these courtier maneuvers were no exception. Previously, when the Imperial Courtiers were under the impression that the twins were ... well, nobodies, they were actively trying to find recruits for marriage (an Imperial Spouse being highly sought, even if the spouse was an "Imperial Nobody"). Now, with such a fine performance by both of the twins they were actively turning prospects away.

On Urako's "prospects list" were a large number of Phoenix -- no surprise there -- as well as a couple from every clan save the Unicorn. There were, in fact, only two surprises. First, the Unicorn had but one prospect, and it was one with a condition attached. The suggested "suitor" (who might not even know he was a suitor!) was an Otaku. He would be willing to join the Imperial Families, but any female children would have to join the Otaku. There was something about Shugenja training, but it was complicated ... the kind of thing that only Courtiers would enjoy.

The second was a name that stood out from the Scorpion Clan: Soshi Kageshin. That was a name that sounded familiar, as was a name from a note. It would seem that Kitsu Rumiko's (the angry Matsu's fiancé') engagement was in question, and perhaps she would be engaged to this Soshi in stead of Urako ...

The names under Hoshi's banner, however, went up in flames. Probably for the best.

Meanwhile a servant showed up with a message for Yumiko.
Kitsu Akio
player, 123 posts
I see dead people.
Wed 3 Apr 2019
at 00:07
  • msg #345

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court



Not shy, but still aware that Yumiko's note may not apply to him, Akio simply gave Yumiko a hungry stare as she read the note - something just shy of begging for her to fill them in on what was in the note... if it made sense.

Otherwise, his discussion was simple mostly focussed on the tasks for the day.  He had a murder to solve, a rogue mother to track down, and a young daimyo to train.  And those were simply his own goals for the morning, not to mention the requests of the dead that he had triaged into two piles - immediate, and for later.  The immediate pile was small.  The dead could wait, afterall.  Already dead, they're not losing anything by practicing patience.

"... and that is where Kitsune-san and I stumbled upon Kakita-dono's wife's fan.  It was quite sake-soaked, but he was still rather glad to get it back."
Shosuro Yumiko
player, 89 posts
Fri 5 Apr 2019
at 21:24
  • msg #346

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Yumiko did not grimace upon reading the note, but it was a close thing. Had she been in private--for a value of private that included Hoshi-dono--she might have. Getting involved in a Scorpion's marriage prospects wasn't the last thing she wanted to do, but it was definitely towards the bottom of the list. Towards the top of the list was a conversation with Kitsune Sorano, a debriefing with Kitsu Akio, and--if she was fortunate--tea with Suzu.

Given the court up to this point, however, she doubted that she would be so lucky.

"This whole business with Kitsu Rumiko is going to be messy," Yumiko muttered to Hoshi when they had a moment of peace, "Soshi Eiichiro-san was already involved, hence his further interference yesterday, but I am extremely wary of whatever other Scorpion decided to involve Soshi Kageshin-san."

Naturally, Yumiko suspected her brother, but since she always suspected her brother, she knew her instincts were unreliable at best.
Otomo Hoshi
player, 64 posts
Pink Diamond Champion
One of Two
Wed 8 May 2019
at 03:28
  • msg #347

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Whatever arrangements for Urako's marriage might be should have to go through the head of her house, who is none but her sister (older by moments, is older enough).  And someone who thinks Hoshi won't take a very keen interest into the particulars is a fool.  Whatever might be arranged, one can be assured Hoshi will not suffer her sister married to a Scorpion.

Hoshi listens to her secretaries hushed words with as little reaction as she might at hearing that arrangements have been made in hiring a new washmaid. Hoshi may dislike the Scorpion, but she does not under estimate them, not at all.  There is surely something more going on, even if that is merely the appearance of there being something more--such a vexing people they are.

Quietly, Hoshi speaks back: "It is a bad business for sure.  Has anything specific come to light recently?"  Light is the best disinfectant.  Hoshi shares with the world an amused snort.
Ku Kaze
GM, 221 posts
What is on the Wind?
Fri 17 May 2019
at 04:33
  • msg #348

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

There was a quiet hubbub at the door. Momentarily one of the guards entered, bowing low.

"Dono -- Soshi Eiichiro-Sama wishes to discuss something with Kitsu Nana-Dono." Nana's eyes opened wide and she looked to Akio for advice.
Kitsu Akio
player, 130 posts
I see dead people.
Wed 29 May 2019
at 21:05
  • msg #349

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

A grimace from Akio.  He had little design to cut the Daimyo's teeth with a meddling Soshi, but there were so many in court that it seemed unavoidable.

"He can come in."

A assuring glance toward Nana, "We'll keep him on a short leash."
Ku Kaze
GM, 227 posts
What is on the Wind?
Thu 6 Jun 2019
at 04:01
  • msg #350

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Eiichiro was escorted in. With the requisite bows to the Imperials out of the way, he focused on Kitsu Nana and her newest advisor.

"I just wanted to inform you of the current situation regarding Kitsu Reiko-San. Some have been messing where they should not have."

He took a breath and looked around. There were a lot of outsiders here ...

"My family has been tasked with protecting the Honor and lives -- in that order -- of certain of the Kitsu, and Reiko-San is one of them. Now ..."

He glanced toward Hoshi before returning his gaze to where it belonged.

"... certain Imperials have gotten themselves involved. Because of this, we will be using my baby-sister to take care of the courtier tasks. By the time it is finished, Reiko-Chan will be engaged to me -- unless you can suggest an appropriate pairing at that time."

"The Samurai you suggest must have impeccable honor. There are also ... certain other limitations ..."

He paused, searching for the appropriate words to use in the presence of so many outsiders.
Ku Kaze
GM, 230 posts
What is on the Wind?
Thu 20 Jun 2019
at 19:25
  • msg #351

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

The tension was palpable, and the silence in the room spoke more than a million words could.

"If you wish to know more, you will need to discuss it with his mother." he said, indicating Akio.

"If there is nothing more ..."

[OOC: If the PCs have nothing else, Eiichiro will leave and y'all will be back to what you were doing.]
Kitsu Akio
player, 134 posts
I see dead people.
Wed 26 Jun 2019
at 22:52
  • msg #352

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

OOC: Sorry for the lack of posting here, I'm just not sure what's going on, or who Eiichiro is?  I'm guessing he's related to a PC?
Ku Kaze
GM, 231 posts
What is on the Wind?
Thu 27 Jun 2019
at 18:46
  • msg #353

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

[OOC: Soshi Eiichiro is the one who challenged Matsu-San to "Janken", was chosen for the "trial by sword" for her induction, and who got into the fight with Matsu Ichiro. Not coincidentally, he's also from the sole Scorpion Yamabushi family ... most likely Akiko's brother ...]
Ku Kaze
GM, 232 posts
What is on the Wind?
Sat 6 Jul 2019
at 18:34
  • msg #354

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Eiichiro stood and looked at Akio. "It is Duty, nothing more." He then returned his gaze to Nana, bowed, and took his leave. Leaving the small group alone once again. Kitsu Nana waited until Eiichiro was well gone before standing herself.

"I must talk to the other Daimyo about this." The appropriate bows were exchanged before she left, escorted by three Seppun guards.

The Imperial Family was taking no chances.

Now there were but two strangers: the Otaku from yesterday, who was here because she had not been formally dismissed; and Yumiko's sister, who was still trying to pry stories out of Akio (though she did know well enough to not pry overtly in front of two Imperials). Especially stories that would look good in a puppet show.

[At this point you have several ways to go: First, and most typical, is "Left Field" -- something I hadn't even thought of. We have the marriage things, both Urako's and Kitsu Reiko. And there are a few more things ya'll brought up ... ]
Ku Kaze
GM, 234 posts
What is on the Wind?
Sun 28 Jul 2019
at 04:12
  • msg #355

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

When one is left alone, to their own devices, at a winter court that is usually not a good sign.

Usually.

The once Ronin, however, were now in good the good graces of the Emperor himself, not to mention the Otomo family Daimyo -- who might as well be the Emperor. Approaching them meant being prepared for very important unknowns. They didn't yet know that the only social defenses the small party had were all wrapped up in Yumiko.

Not yet.

Soon enough, though, they would be out in public. Soon enough, Yumiko would have a decision to make: Does she spend her time with Hoshi? Or a certain merchant?

"Soon enough" came, probably far too soon.

When the small group entered polite society, they were announced -- with Hoshi and Urako being announced as the Diamond Champions. Nobody knew what it meant ... not even the twins themselves. Little Yuki, being used to monastery and travel, didn't know what to make of any of it.

But, for better or worse, there was now the hubbub of court.
Otomo Hoshi
player, 74 posts
Pink Diamond Champion
One of Two
Sat 10 Aug 2019
at 23:35
  • msg #356

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Despite the big splash the Twins made with their genpukku and sudden appointment to an unknown Championship (and the back room dealings that followed), Hoshi is low key for the first day of court.  She has never actually seen court before, not this one, and only briefly in her own clan (which was an emergency session that involved showing her mother's dirk, an assertion of their ancestry and not a little grumbling from stern-faced courtiers).

  There are plenty of things to watch.  There are plenty of people to meet, entreaties to hear and conversations to eavesdrop, and the occasional interruption.  It reminds her of when she was only a pilgrim (are as it was called at the time: streetrat), and peeked in on samurai life--how strange it all looked.  Especially the Lion's Pride.


Eiichiro gains no sympathy from Hoshi during the meeting.  If they are to play badger and bunny, then Hoshi has her role of simmeringly violent bodyguard down--and it may even be more farcical when the giant Akio is the bunny.  This business will be like grit under the clothing, Hoshi is certain.


Yumiko is free to spend her time as she must.  She has ties here, her own business, the business Hoshi employs her to handle and what all.  She is totally trusted with her task.

  Yuki likewise is free to run off, meet other children, scamper and whatever she gaily fancies.  She might even find hands on her shoulders gently ushering her to it.

  Then, Hoshi finds herself with something on her mind, and someone to talk to about it.  The Unicorn is a bit of a tall weed in court.  The foreigners are a curious sight, awkward, strangely dressed, but with some pride in bearing.  Hoshi finds herself investigating.  "Tell me something about marriage," she says to the Otaku without further introduction.
Otaku E-Ling
NPC, 1 post
Otaku Battle Maiden
Observant
Sun 11 Aug 2019
at 02:35
  • msg #357

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Yuki is more than happy to go play, all this adulting is exhausting for a four-year-old, and she does so immediately.

"The other Unicorn families practices are pretty much the same marriage practices as the rest of Rokugan, from what I understand. The ceremonies are somewhat different, as they almost always involve riding in some way, but mostly what you might expect. My family ..."

The young Shiotome struggles for a moment to find the words.

"The Otaku have a sacred obligation, one that is held by Otaku of female blood. We -- females -- are expected to remain with and be raised by the Otaku Family. The males in my family are different, they may marry into other families but usually stay within as we are the only ones that truly understand the sacred obligation most of our Brothers choose."

"They are forbidden to ride our sacred steeds and so many take an oath to never ride. They raise our steeds and are the entirety of the Otaku foot infantry."

"Daughters of a Male Otaku -- even those of other families -- are expected to be Shiotome like myself, and be raised by their Sisters. The sons are not under such an obligation, and may pursue any honorable path."
Otomo Hoshi
player, 76 posts
Pink Diamond Champion
One of Two
Sun 11 Aug 2019
at 22:57
  • msg #358

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Hoshi is amused enough that this strangely dressed person even speaks in the Rokugani tongue.  E-Ling then is disappointingly banal with her explanation of Unicorn traditions.  Hoshi expects--hopes--for something decidedly more grotesque.  She nods and hums along with the conversation, as is common in Rokugan, and might annoy the Laconic Otaku.

  This is interesting enough information about the Otaku. Given some of the propositions around her sister, this might even be useful. "Many families have strong women as their founding Kami--as I am sure you know.  Where do these sacred horses come from?  They are something you found in your travels, I suppose."
Otaku E-Ling
NPC, 2 posts
Otaku Battle Maiden
Observant
Tue 27 Aug 2019
at 03:07
  • msg #359

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

"We're not really sure ourselves" E-Ling said with a disappointed smile. "Lady Otaku and Lady Shinjo brought them to us in the desert ... but they never said where they came from. All we know is the oath -- they were given to us on the condition that only a female of Otaku Blood can ride them, and they must be treated as companions -- not as 'animals' nor 'servants'. Except to the point that all Samurai are servants, of course."
Otomo Hoshi
player, 78 posts
Pink Diamond Champion
One of Two
Wed 4 Sep 2019
at 05:32
  • msg #360

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

"That is certainly some mystery.  Not every Kami brings to the clan beasts that are to be treated as equals and says nothing about it.  What other marvels have the Unicorn encountered then.  Were there strange kami, stranger people?  What have you seen?"  Hoshi speaks with an earnest tone.  She might risk underestimating the Unicorn woman, whom she expects has no sophistication in court or understanding of true Rokugani affairs.  But, in that way, the conversation can course as when talking to a child, free to go as it will--with the sense of superiority of one's self as well.
Kitsu Akio
player, 138 posts
I see dead people.
Wed 4 Sep 2019
at 18:19
  • msg #361

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Akio was drawn in a different direction of thought and questioning than Hoshi.

"If the horses are companions, then how do the Otaku reconcile with the fact that their companions only seem to exist in the realm of Ningen-do?  Does that bother them?  I've never heard mention of a horse moving to another realm."
Otaku E-Ling
NPC, 3 posts
Otaku Battle Maiden
Observant
Sat 7 Sep 2019
at 03:22
  • msg #362

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

E-Ling blinked a few times, trying to absorb Akio's words.

"Does the Realm not believe in reincarnation?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:30, Sat 14 Sept 2019.
Otaku E-Ling
NPC, 4 posts
Otaku Battle Maiden
Observant
Sun 26 Jan 2020
at 03:55
  • msg #363

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Given the pause, E-Ling considered that, perhaps, Akio wanted Hoshi's questions answered first.

"Yes, several. The Undying Wizards. The children of the night. The Great Desert. The Great Empire. Great steeds this size of small castles called Zou. They are massive, strong enough to uproot trees with snake like appendages and tusks that can spear even our great steeds."

"And, of course, the corruption next to Rokugan that you call 'the Shadowlands'. Though why you call them 'Shadow', I do not know -- they are Evil -- Darkness."

It was said that the Crab knew more about the Shadowlands than anyone, but -- for right now -- the Unicorn knew more than even the Crab.
Otomo Hoshi
player, 82 posts
Pink Diamond Champion
One of Two
Thu 30 Jan 2020
at 07:47
  • msg #364

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Hoshi will not talk about the Shadowlands at court.  Those things are taboo for a reason.  But, there is a more interesting topic at hand.  Hoshi can not quite picture the creature.  As large as a fortress--that might be an exageration.  But, it could be larger than an ox.  Oni are sometimes said to be very large.  How large can this creature be, with gigantic ears and snakes.

"A zou, you say.  Is it like an octopus or a squid?  Do you know what those are? Those are fish that have the appearance of many snakes for arms."
Kitsu Akio
player, 142 posts
I see dead people.
Tue 4 Feb 2020
at 22:42
  • msg #365

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

Akio simply raised an eyebrow at the talk of reincarnation.  It was clearly an answer - a no.  "No, in the realm the dead typically stay dead.  And if they do come back it's as themselves."

He didn't, particularity have any more questions, but retreated back a step to listen passingly about the discussion of giant, multi-limbed animals.
Otaku E-Ling
NPC, 5 posts
Otaku Battle Maiden
Observant
Fri 7 Feb 2020
at 02:28
  • msg #366

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

[OOC: If I had my books -- and a character sheet for her -- this would be much easier! *lol*]

E-Ling sat for a moment pondering.

"No ... it has four legs and the general shape of most four-legged creatures. But it's feet are flat rather than hooded, and it's legs and feet are very large. It's head is ... well, generally ... it's an animal head, like one might expect, with really big floppy hears, tusks, and a nose that looks more like a tentacle."

"If you wish, I can find my brother. Then we can go outside and he can show you one."

-----

E-Ling looked at Akio, her head slightly cocked and her eyes distant.

"They are ... companions, found by Lady Otaku and the relationship blessed by the Kami herself. That's really all we need to know."
Otomo Hoshi
player, 85 posts
Pink Diamond Champion
One of Two
Tue 18 Feb 2020
at 20:33
  • msg #367

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

"This creature grows more marvelous by the second. AA nose like a tentacle, tusks and giant ears.  Yes, I very much wish."

Hoshi is not so ignorant as to not understand at all what Akio and the Otaku are going on about.  But, her childish dalliance on this creature is providing a nice opportunity to listen in without intruding.  This is something she should bring up with her sister.  Even if it is really no matter, if it comes to upset the Crab, it should be known.

"Maybe we can have another look at one of these horses too.  Are all creatures so big across the Burning Sands?"
Otaku E-Ling
NPC, 6 posts
Otaku Battle Maiden
Observant
Fri 21 Feb 2020
at 00:29
  • msg #368

Re: Mission 0: The Emperor's Winter Court

"No -- only horses. The Zou is actually from south of the Burning Sands, from a great Jungle. But we had to go through there to get back here."

"One moment" E-Ling said as she stood. "I will summon my brother."
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