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10:43, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Posted by Kaze no KageFor group archive 0
Daidoji Sakura
player, 406 posts
Crane Clan Shugenja
Beautiful and Seductive
Wed 24 Jun 2009
at 13:06
  • msg #50

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"You're most generous my Lord" Sakura returned with a polite bow. Then she headed to find Kumi.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Wed 24 June 2009.
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 13 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Wed 24 Jun 2009
at 13:37
  • msg #51

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Sumi had seen someone look at her, she was certain of it at least. So, she knew that had best get some attention otherwise she could be left standing around forever. She took a few tentative steps forward and called out rather quietly, "Konnichiwa...?"
Kaze no Kage
GM, 517 posts
Wed 24 Jun 2009
at 22:25
  • msg #52

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"Tsuruchi-san, Lin Ru-Fang-san," Doji Kasarugi nods as they enter, "how may I help you?"

***

In the adjoining room, Daidoji Sakura finds Daidoji Kumi and Kakita Tsutomu waiting with the still frightened Akira.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:47, Wed 24 June 2009.
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 14 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Thu 25 Jun 2009
at 01:39
  • msg #53

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Sumi moved completely into the room, but only by a few steps before bowing to Kasarugi. "Oh, hello Doji-sama. Please, excuse my tardiness, it is shameful. I was instructed to ask if you have had time to consider Yoritomo-sama's offer?"
Kaze no Kage
GM, 521 posts
Thu 25 Jun 2009
at 05:55
  • msg #54

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"I have," Doji Kasarugi bows, "but it seems a high price to pay--a price that affects the entire Clan--for scant aid for a single city, though it be the jewel of the Crane.  For such an offering, a commensurate price should be offered.  Do you not agree?"
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 15 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Thu 25 Jun 2009
at 14:38
  • msg #55

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"Oh yes, Doji-sama," Sumi replied. "I do agree. But, are things not being offered to your liking Kasarugi-dono? Surely, Yoritomo-sama is not offering less than what he is asking, only that perhaps what is being offered is not so obvious and that he hoped you might have seen a hidden benefit where others did not."
Daidoji Sakura
player, 409 posts
Crane Clan Shugenja
Beautiful and Seductive
Thu 25 Jun 2009
at 15:01
  • msg #56

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"Daidoji Kumi-San" Sakura said with a polite bow upon entering, "I am in need of a Yojimbo and Kusaragi-Dono has kindly offered me your services ..."
Kaze no Kage
GM, 522 posts
Thu 25 Jun 2009
at 22:54
  • msg #57

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"Enlighten me then, Tsuruchi-san," Doji Kasarugi replies, raising one arched eyebrow, "Yoritomo-san has made an offer which seems less than beneficial to the Crane, and even were I inclined to accept--and trust me, the temptation is strong--I could not do so without the approval of my Champion.  And were I to bring this proposal to him, I'd need to bring somewhat more than two or three kaisha of the finest Mantis samurai and the word of a single Tsuruchi courtier."

***

"Daidoji-san," Daidoji Kumi bows, following the Daidoji shugenja to the library.

"Daidoji-san," Sakura's new yojimbo says quietly as they proceed, "you are much in the company of the Scorpion Clan of late.  Recently, I made a request of Soshi Manami-san regarding a...personal matter.  Perhaps after your investigations we might visit their offices to further both of our concerns?"

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: way back in Chapter 4 there was a thread called Scorpion Complications, were you ever informed about the details from that thread?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:06, Thu 25 June 2009.
Daidoji Sakura
player, 410 posts
Crane Clan Shugenja
Beautiful and Seductive
Fri 26 Jun 2009
at 01:26
  • msg #58

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"The investigation is essentially over, Kumi-San" Sakura replied quietly, "It is the cleanup that is missing. And for that I must think for a while ..."

"I will likely be quite some time in the library ... and I suppose I should make a personal visit to thank them on behalf of Doji Kuwanan-Dono before I do ..."

[We can head to the Scorpion residences first ...]
[Private to Kaze no Kage: I had read it, but that was a year ago so I had completely forgotten ...]
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 16 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Fri 26 Jun 2009
at 05:47
  • msg #59

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"And the word of a Tsuruchi courtier who does not even fully represent her clan is not worth much." Sumi said while hanging her head a little. She did however nod in apparent understanding. "I trust that Kasarugi-dono understands that I am unable to speak of anything for certain and that anything that passes from these humble lips might only have the substance of rumor if it were to become known by more than he and those he must confide. If that is understood, then it should also be understood that there is indeed more than a few kaisha Mantis samurai to be gained in the offering. Yoritomo-dono has many supporters."
Kaze no Kage
GM, 523 posts
Fri 26 Jun 2009
at 06:24
  • msg #60

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"And now we come to the crux of the matter," Governor Kasarugi smiles, settling back to examine the Mantis, "you misunderstand the basis of my dilemma, Tsuruchi-san.  It is not the number of troops that the Mantis and their allies may bring to bear--though, of course, the implication that the Mantis have more than their own name to call upon will not leave this room--rather, it is the essential inequality of the exchange.  For the Crane to relinquish a duty granted to us by the Emperor himself that we have held in trust for generations, well, it's worth is far more than even the city of Toshi Ranbo."

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: then move over to the problem with questions thread with Bayushi Kenshin ^_^]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:39, Fri 26 June 2009.
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 17 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Fri 26 Jun 2009
at 06:54
  • msg #61

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"Clearly I did misunderstand Kasarugi-dono, please forgive my ignorance." Sumi replied with a deep bow. "Would the Crane not be fulfilling their duty by making a strategic decision that not only preserved Toshi Ranbo, but perhaps even benefited the empire afterward? Would not the Emperor himself commend the Crane's foresight and wisdom? I admit, my mind finds it difficult to grasp all the subtleties of your duties Kasarugi-dono, but would not that equal your sacrifice?"
Kaze no Kage
GM, 528 posts
Mon 29 Jun 2009
at 02:43
  • msg #62

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"What will and will not benefit the Empire is a question better left to historians and scholars, Tsuruchi-san," Doji Kasarugi replies, "we can only know the full impact of our actions in hindsight at the remove of years.  Come now, surely the Mantis have more to offer than soldiers and empty promises?"
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 18 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Tue 30 Jun 2009
at 04:02
  • msg #63

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Sumi realized quickly that she may have overstepped her bounds with what she said and so bowed deeply in apology. "Of course, Kasarugi-dono. Perhaps I was assuming too much and speaking too grandly. Please excuse me. I can assure you that the Mantis themselves have not offered any empty promises. Yoritomo-sama is a very fair man and resourceful. Whatever he has promised he will deliver. You must forgive my ignorance of the details however, I am rarely included in such important matters and was given this assignment quite quickly. But the offers are genuine."
Lin Ru-Fang
player, 37 posts
Traveling Merchant
I'll buy and sell you!
Tue 30 Jun 2009
at 19:34
  • msg #64

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Patience is one of those things one quickly learns when they are near scrapping the bottom of the celestial order bucket, so Ru-Fang was all too happy to allow the archer to entirely speak her peace and negotiate without interupting. Besides, he has good ears and the more he listens, the more he learns.

So Yoritomo's family were already moving in to take advantage of the situation? Well, he really wasn't too surprised by this development, afterall there were quite a lot of similarities between himself and the Yoritomo so he'd expect them to be looking for the same opportunities.
Kaze no Kage
GM, 534 posts
Wed 1 Jul 2009
at 00:43
  • msg #65

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"Perhaps I have misunderstood the Mantis proposal, Tsuruchi-san," Doji Kasarugi concedes, "please present it once again, as if I had not heard it before."
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 20 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Wed 1 Jul 2009
at 01:44
  • msg #66

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Yet again, Sumi bowed respectfully before speaking. She tried to speak with confidence, but it was a confidence that she did not truly feel. "As I understand Kasarugi-dono, the Crane is having difficulty with the Lion and offered an alliance to the Mantis. However in order for Yoritomo-dono to accept the alliance and do battle with the Lion, he would need to legally represent the minor clans, which I believe is a right that the Crane have. Is this true so far?"

"I wonder however, Kasarugi-dono, if Yoritomo cannot bring the Mantis to battle because the right to represent is denied to them, how many of the minor clans would turn out to fight for the Crane, who has not been a minor clan themselves and who has no connection to them? It has already been guaranteed to Yoritomo that they will readily join his banner. The Crane may force them to fight as is their duty, but how effective will they be if forced? I suspect less so than if they truly band together behind someone. I am no general however and should not pressume to understand how samurai will behave."
Kaze no Kage
GM, 537 posts
Sat 4 Jul 2009
at 19:38
  • msg #67

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

OOC:  ...did you mean to accuse the entire Crane Clan of political corruption?  you just implied that the Crane would use their position as Minor Clan representatives to force the Minor Clans to help them militarily.  The Mantis (or the Crane) might invite the Minor Clans to help, but they wouldn't (and couldn't) force them to do so.
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 21 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Sat 4 Jul 2009
at 20:21
  • msg #68

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

OOC: Err... No, that was not really my intent with that. Well, it kind of was, but I sort of had it in mind that was how it worked, not quite as underhanded as it sounds now, so kind of yes, but no. I hope that kind of makes sense. I probably should have worded it a little different.
Kaze no Kage
GM, 539 posts
Sun 5 Jul 2009
at 01:40
  • msg #69

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

OOC:  okay, just wanted to be sure ^_^ I'll go with the most favorable interpretation of your words then--though next time I'll make you roll ^_^

"And why would we request support from the Minor Clans, Tsuruchi-san?" Doji Kasarugi replies, raising one eyebrow, "the role of the Crane as representatives of the Minor Clans is a duty to represent their interests in court--for which the Crane receive, nor expect, any recompense--not a treaty by which we offer political incentives in exchange for military favor.

"But we were not discussing the Minor Clans,"
he smiles, "but a political/military treaty between two Great Clans--specifically, the Mantis and the Crane.  The Crane would greatly appreciate military support against the Lion from the Mantis, and the Mantis would like to represent the Minor Clans.  These two things are not mutually exclusive, but for such an auspicious event to occur, the Mantis would need to offer somewhat else than military support--after all, such support should be reciprocated in kind."
Lin Ru-Fang
player, 38 posts
Traveling Merchant
I'll buy and sell you!
Sun 5 Jul 2009
at 10:24
  • msg #70

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Although Ru-Fang would have been quite pleased not to get involved, he couldn't help but find himself speaking up before he knew what he was doing. "Although the followers of Yoritomo are the closest of allies of my family, I feel as though there has been a mistake made by sending you with this offer, dear ambassador."

He bowed just a bit before raising a hand up as though to show he were unarmed, "Mind you, I am but a simple ronin... a waveman, a wanderer who traveled from family to family doing what I can to create economically pleasing conditions for all. However, it seems to me that our govenor here, for all his glory and power, is not in a position to offer what you want in exchange. Perhaps more critically, however, I believe the Usagi, the Tonbo, the Kitsune... I am sure they'd all be quite concerned that if Yoritomo-sama were to obtain such a position, he'd use it to punish those who did not fall in line behind his banner-- or did not follow it to its eventual end."

He glances briefly to the governor with a humble, but knowing look before returning his gaze to the Tsuruchi, "In fact, I might even dare to suggest that merely hearing that Yoritomo-sama sought such a position would be quite enough to spur many of them into action to do all in their power to see that he does not get it."
Kedo
player, 271 posts
Would you stand
upon the mountain?
Sun 5 Jul 2009
at 12:27
  • msg #71

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...


 Not too much later than when he left - a matter of a half hour to an hour or so - the presence of the Governor of Toshi Ranbo, the bloodstained and battered Ronin who goes by the name of Kedo returns, once more going through the ritual of presenting himself to the spotlessly presented Crane Guardsmen outside the audience chamber - only this time without the authority of a magistrate to see him through.

 Although he does have a rather interesting letter...
Kaze no Kage
GM, 543 posts
Tue 7 Jul 2009
at 02:21
  • msg #72

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

"Given the contrariness of the Minor Clans in general, and with the Crane in particular," Doji Kasarugi replies to Lin Ru-Fang, "that may be a tempting reason to accede to the Mantis request all on it's own."

"Sama,"
a servant bows at the door, "the ronin, Kedo, who was here before, has returned."

"Please see him in,"
Kasarugi commands, "Kedo-san, what brings you to return?  Not that you are not welcome, only I thought that your interests lay elsewhere?"
Kedo
player, 272 posts
Would you stand
upon the mountain?
Tue 7 Jul 2009
at 09:55
  • msg #73

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...


 The appelation of a respected suffix to the name of a mere Ronin now without position or sponsorship in the courts of the Crane is... to say the least, rather a surprise and Kedo's deep and profound bow does nothing but convey gratitude for the concession (though perhaps it's deep enough to chide just a little, as though the Ronin is even more aware of his place than the Governor).

 "I have been charged with an errand Lord, and with your permission, complete it thusly." replies the gray-clad man, offering up the letter on both hands to the nearest suitable servant (and most certainly not approaching the governor of the city directly as though he had a right to do so) for delivery.
Tsuruchi Sumi
player, 22 posts
Butei academy actress
Meek and very beautiful
Tue 7 Jul 2009
at 16:14
  • msg #74

Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...

Sumi had taken a step back and remained silent while the newest ronin, Kedo, was shown in to deliver his message. It suited her fine to wait for the side business of the governor to conclude. The first ronin, Ru-Fang had rankled her a bit with his comments and caught her off guard a little. She was not prepared for this meeting. He was right, perhaps a mistake had been made, but not the one he thought.

As soon as it was polite enough for her to speak again, Sumi stepped forward. She was not worried about interrupting the ronin, but did not want to do so to the governor. She did address Ru-Fang. She wanted to finish her talk with Kasarugi before letting the ronin distract her so much. "Kasarugi-dono, of course you are correct, the Mantis would need to offer more than just military support. I am honored that you would see fit to test my knowledge of family history, as I can only assume that is the source of your question. Otherwise... well, I am certain that you could not have forgotten that the Yoritomo family is not the only one that makes up the Mantis clan and that the Tsuruchi family, themselves previously a minor clan, were all proclaimed Emerald Magistrates, and were founding members of the Three Man Alliance. I do not know what else you feel needs to be offered than military support, but if a family of such distinction in a great clan cannot provide it, I am not sure that it could be offered by anyone. Indeed, who could better represent the minor clans than Tsuruchi himself?"
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