Just like it says.

I've updated some of the threads, so you may wish to double-check them.

Quick question for y'all: I'm considering making it so that you automatically have the Allies Advantage for free with the other PCs (unless Role Playing considerations would make you want to abstain).

Thoughts?

I forget what the signifies, but I'm all for building party accord into the game before it starts.

There are a handful of schools that grant benefits for Allies. Not a huge deal, mostly, but it makes sense in a Role Playing sense ... and could come in handy in other ways.

Do you have a preferred Character Sheet boss?

Not really. Long as I can read it, you're good.

So, we have a request for a private diary thread. Is there any way of doing that without assigning each player their own group?

It doesn't technically need to be private, I suppose.  I just think people might find it maddeningly boring.

Even if you don't need it to be private, I'm sure others will.

Not that I've found, unless you want us to do them in a specified PM thread. You can share mine with Kamewahru--I assume she reads Yumiko's field notes and probably her diary as well.

In reply to Shosuro Yumiko (msg # 11):

That's up to you.

Everyone: Everyone is far enough along now that you can post in the Mission 0 thread.

Since Kamewaharu is the only Bushi, I'll need to create some low-ranking Bushi to act as bodyguards and basic muscle. If you have suggestions let me know.

At this point I don't have any plans for any of the Imperial Families to join in. I do have some ideas, though. There will probably be about eight of them (a nice-sized squad).

It would be amusing to have at least one Unicorn.

That sounds like great fun, right up until you get a mouthful of kumis.

What?  Muscle?  Everyone can't summon their own bodyguards?

An Akodo or Matsu might be nice.  Deathseekers, you know.  That way I don't feel so bad when they get sent to their premature deaths.

I misread that as kumos and wondered who invited the Great Sea Spider to the party ^_^

The Great Sea Spider is not welcome in my mouth.

Amagumo Will be so sad ^_^

Stop! Accusing! Me!

If all eight shoes fit...

You can start a one shugenja dance troupe?

I knew I should have taken Performance (dance)!

LIfe. Is. Hard. Stressful week, sorry about the lack of up-keepery.

I am sure we all understand completely.

... Except V, with all that privilege.

*raises her hand* Situmon desu!

Okay y'all -- I just clarified the Emerald Legions elsewhere. In short, anything past 10 is "just a number"; it's that Ronin are almost never permitted in the Legions that is significant in this case. Well, that and the fact that they're permitted to be walking around when the Emperor is due to arrive ...

As class rep I accept this reply!

Today on "Sorano Stares at Things".

"A Legion captain?  But still a child? "

With the changes to status, I got lowered to lieutenant, which is chui. Not that Kamewaharu does not act as a captain.

Ugh! Apparently I was even more braindead than I thought with my last post. Two updates/corrections:

1) It was the Kitsu Daimyo and his family that were wiped out, not the Matsu. The Matsu Daimyo is here, enjoying herself ... quite loudly, in fact.

2) It was a squadron of the Lion's Pride that was wiped out; the Lioness Legion hasn't even been founded yet.

Sorry. Feel free to change your posts ...

m_O_m

Now it is my turn to be braindead ...

I meant to give orders to Yumiko, but I typed Sorano instead of Yumiko.

Sorry, Yumiko who is actually my functionary.

V, I blame you, unless you can find someone else to blame.

So do we want to retain or just go with Sorano's excellent introduction?

In reply to Shosuro Yumiko (msg # 33):

Maybe I can stake the order and Soprano can be acting on Helen initatiative
.

I made another duh--it is Lion's Pride, not Lioness's Pride...

If everyone's game I think we should just go as is.  I'll blame any issues on Akio's general lack of a clue at what's going on around him. ^_^

I'm okay with the introductions... just the urgency got upgraded with it being the Matsu Kitsu Daimyo who got axed.

Does this set us up for the first act, or is this arc the prelude still?

Hmmmm ... how do I answer this?

While this does serve as a good introduction to mission 1, there is more than that going on. We’re not remotely done with the introduction.

That said, I was thinking about starting mission 1 (to the Unicorn, right after winter court is over) while confusing th WC thread. Possibly even do a “snippets “ version, where you get relevant fluff right before the mission.

Makes sense to keep the prelude to me. So, is it dojo Aiko and Kamewaharu in team blame the crane, and the others in team scout the plot?

Akio would love to hang with Kamewaharu.  How is she at funeral planning?

I was planning on Sorano joining the group heading to the Unicorn, but other than that I don't really have an opinion.

ACH! I mean t Doji Ai, not Akio. Might he not like t rush out to his Daimyou?

Also, Kamewaharu is best at the first step.

I am stupid sometimes. Just ignore me.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:23, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

Just to clarify something: The Akodo Daimyo is in charge of the Lion Clan; but the Lion’s Pride is a Matsu thing and they were intimately involved.

I'm really sad now I didn't go with my instinct to name this character Kitsune Aiko.

In reply to Kitsune Sorano (msg # 44):

Do you want a twisted broken arm? Cause, this is how you get a broken arm twisted.

Its not too late!  We could adopt Aiko as a nickname. ^_^

Watch it...

The arm is currently safe.  I have a new thing to hate: AEG's horrible grammar in Moonspeak.

I'm just looking at place names and...damn. Someone did not check these with...anyone.

I know!

It is part of the reason I really wanted to work with the new edition.  I backed out on some strong advice from my colleagues about Fantasy Flight Games, though.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

Yeah, after the whole Otaku/Utaku mess, and needing to convince Ree that, yes, Ninja was really a Japanese word, I pretty much started to ignore their version of Japanese. Not to mention the whole “Rokugan is not Japan” == “We’re too lazy to get it right”.

More later.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Fri 08 Dec 2017.

What is not nah?

  And RNJ is a total copout--codeword for laziness almost entirely through.  I mean like 'Shitotome' I can kind let slide (even id Shisadame is much, much better).  Miharu is wierd.  It means 'to stand watch'.  Mihari is 'the watcher' or 'the watch' or 'the guard'.  Though, there is a preference for another method, I can still accept that.  Sure.  But things like "battle blade fast". Sub-google translate.

  I actually miss my Kanji wank from the Yuuno shorts.  That was fun.

You're making me miss my Japanese lit classes, and I haven't thought about those for years.

"Not nah" is how the iPhone spells "Ninja". I corrected that above ...

My absolute favorite, though, is what I call "Captain Kirk Syndrome". The original FASA version of the Star Trek role playing game had these rules that, you guessed it, Captain Kirk broke. Sometimes badly. Their excuse: "He's Captain Kirk!".

So Alderac's tendency to put these rules in that didn't apply to their favorite NPCs really drove me nuts.

"No Samurai other than an Otaku Female can ride an Otaku Steed.

Except Toku.

He owns one, found it on the battlefield. It doesn't mind at all that he mounts it. But you can't do it."

Ugh

Wait! did not believe that ninja is a real word?

Um ... Also, like every canon chara basically is violating something it seems.

You know that whole “two pronunciations for each kanji” thing? Well, somehow some people change that into “‘ninja’ is really a Chinese word ...” and thus ninja are really Chinese. Ree fell for it.

Though that was better than John Wick, who insisted that Ninja were invented by white people.

*shakes head*

I feel linguistically under-classed.

I hope you don't mind if I just sit back, munch on some popcorn and watch.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:57, Fri 08 Dec 2017.

Onyomi and kunyomi?  Rank amateurs.



That is alright.  I accept not everyone is an unhealthily interested anorak.  One should but, but I know sometimes one falls short.

I think I’m going to do something a bit different with the Otaku steeds, by the way. I’ll explain a bit later.

In reply to Otomo Kamewahru (msg # 58):

The more I learn about Alderac, the more I facepalm. I should probably stop before I give myself a concussion.

That's insufferably annoying.  At least FFG seems to be of the mind that the rules should allow you to do anything they do with an iconic character for their Star Wars RPGs.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but by this year shouldn't the Kitsune identifying the Unicorn as the returned Ki-Rin and their agreeing to stay separate clans already have happened?  I was assuming that that news probably spread through the Fox very quickly; are the Unicorn just so much bigger and more diverse that the reverse isn't true?  Just trying to figure out the lay of the land.

That will happened during this winter court.

Things happen in a more-or-less-the-same sort of way. In this case, the Unicorn haven't formally been accepted as such quite yet -- they literally just arrived. Its the Kitsune, combined with the Crane Champion that get them accepted as such.

Ah, good to know.

Should I be calling them Kirin then?

Either will do; it hasn't been settled yet.

In reply to Ku Kaze (msg # 66):

... Then Imperials are classicists.

Whatever just happened, I blame the Kirin.  Obviously its their fault.

In reply to Kitsu Akio (msg # 68):

Blame Sorano. She is basically kirin.

I'm soliciting feedback on an idea I have, with a bit of explanation.

I'm basically binge-watching Naruto Shippuden and something became real clear while seeing the pattern of the Akatsuki and Orochimaru: the way the Kami Togashi has been written, he is Evil(TM). Basically just Orochimaru ... you know, eats souls and steals bodies to survive ...

So, rather than that I was thinking of a background change so that there are no Isezumi who are slated to be "next cycle's feast"; rather he just changes identities, like a shapeshifter.

Thoughts?

Since the tamashii thing didn't become a thing until well after his death, I'm good with it. So instead of consuming an use zumi, he sheds his skin, like a snake? (Orochimaru has some pretty strong imagery)

Maybe I should try to find a video of that sort of Kuge-style Japanese I imagine when I think of an Imperial speaking.  Well, maybe Hirohito's broadcast of surrender ...

In reply to Shosuro Yumiko (msg # 71):

Apparently I missed the entire tamashii thing.  I just figured that he changed identities like a shapeshifter in canon.

I do kinda like the body swallowing thing.  I don't need my Kami perfect. ^_^  I don't have an objection, though.

Sorry, I've been busy with holidays.  I'll try and get a post in soon.

V, how is the bed?

Fold-out and sorta lumpy, but inexpensive, well supplied, and comes with free cats.

... hope the cats don't come with free wee.  We tried that last time, and I can not recommend the experience.

As a person with a cat who likes to mark the whole damn house, I can confirm. Free wee is no fun at all.

Happy new year, everyone!

Holidays?  Phew, it is over ...

Did I miss a post?  Should I be replying to something?  I think I lost track.

Sorry if anyone was waiting for me.

I hope all of you have a cat pee free 2018.  I know I will.

Holidays and all. I wanted to give everyone a day or two to check in before moving forward.

Welcome to 2018.  Days without a crash and fall on the bike: 0.

Where does you hope get you?

Sorry, between holiday stuff and travel plague I've been busy.  I'll try to have something by the weekend.

Yeah, I figured it was something like that. Welcome back. :D

I'm sorry, GM.  I try so hard not to have 10k10+x attack and 10k10+x damage, but my people, they call for me.

But, I promise to use this only for good.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Fri 05 Jan 2018.

*nods* you should totally believe her! ^_^

Replied.  Sorry for the delays.  The backlog was extra daunting.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Mon 08 Jan 2018.

I advised Sorano.  She can totally believe me.

@Sorano: hehehe, that's a clever reference! (I just finished a book of Wonderland/Looking Glass short stories ^_^)

Thanks!  That was stuck in my head for awhile, so I decided to exorcise it.

Oh yeah! The "free raises" rule! I'll update right away!

Going to be down to tablet and wok computer again.  maybe MSI will actually ix my computer this time.

Did we misplace our Crane?

Somehow I am not finding who is Otomo Rin.

According to the wiki, Otomo Rina is the Otomo Daimyo.  Maybe its Rina instead of Rin?

http://wiki.rpol.net/70533

Correct. I made the mistake of relying on my memory...

Fixed.

Edited the wiki page.  I figure if I keep track of NPCs at the beginning, it might help keep me focussed later. :)

Who is that then?

One of these was me getting ahead of myself.

Nothing like messing up the plot by screwing up the names ...

I understand.

Clarification: while Chiyowaharu is not a Magistrate proper, she’s still associated (Magistrate’s Karo) with them so she can stay.

In reply to Ku Kaze (msg # 103):

I shall have to rewrite then.

Sorry I wasn't clear.

You probably were, but two hours of sleep a day and ...

I am heading on holiday now, and it might be scarce to post...actually, I expect it will. Gone for six days.

Last day of holiday. Bed was comfy enough and came with free cat. Sorano, why did you not just tell me your mum moved to where the bird pooed on you on the bike trail? That is easy to find.

Looking forward to posting again

Also, wagashi are dangerous gifts.

PS V,  your mum has a tin of crab that expired in 2009
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Tue 13 Feb 2018.

Because I didn't even remember that happened until you mentioned it, much less associate that with a location.

I'll let her know about the botulism-in-a-can.

Clarification: Sorano is still in the game and at Kyuden Otomo. It’s just that having a Kitsune that actually knows something about the Kirin who are returning is too much to pass up.

Ack.  Compy restarting must've caused me to miss the new post notice.  Sorry!

EDIT:  So Sorano is to be part of the Kitsune Daimyo's personal entourage for the ceremony, rather than the Emerald Champion's (or however that works normally), do I understand that correctly?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Fri 16 Feb 2018.

Correct.

Sorry I've been absent, I've been very distracted.  I'll try and jump back in soon.

Cool! Welcome back!

Have I forgotten to respond to something?

Do you have anything for Message #226?

Ack!  Sorry, I'm in a haze. Looking to post later this evening!

Sorry, I've been low on spoons lately and kinda lost the character.  I'll make a concerted effort to get back in this weekend.

I have never heard that phrase before, so I had to look it up. I like it!

Do whaccha gotta do.

It is the Sakura Festival this weekend.  I am a busy little umaiko.

I like flowers!  Good luck with that, it sounds like it should be fun! (?)

Well, no matter how much I messed up, we sold out. That was impossibly busy.  Like, there to help from before the sun is up, nap on the mat while sensei delivers and then picks me up and to the festival.  Stuffing sweets into bags handing them to customers as fast as I can for hours.

I'm planning on moving this forward to the Emperor's arrival in the next day or two. I was hoping to do something with Kitsune Sorano, but I think at this point we just need to move it forward.

Any objections, problems, etc.?

I don't think even V objects.  I'll rustle that stupid letter.

Though, I do know V started a new jarb, or just landed one, or something.

I'm all good moving forward!

I'm good ^_^

Ah, No pressure, right.  So, not a low skill.
*peers at her character sheet*.
So that's...maybe...ah...I choose...?
*Craft: Hair Braiding.  Emperor gets a great plait and pampering.*

Heh. Oratory is part of the storytelling skill, or you could just use really good etiquette. Either way, a temporary bump-up is available. Whatever you wish ... i’m Sure you’ll come up with something. :)

Also, I apologized — that bottom blurb in the mission thread was supposed to be “private to” rather than “secret to”.

So, question/discussion for all, though it obviously affects Kamewaharu most, about his Gempukku. As far as the rules themselves go, this is what I was thinking:

Normally, Gempukku measures progress for a whole bunch of Samurai that are only expected to have a minimal expertise: roughly a TN10 sort of task, given that for a 3k2 (typical skill of new Samurai) that's difficult, but not easy. So, what I was thinking for this Gempukku is:

Expected TN: 15 (which is way higher than most can be expected to get).
"Good" TN: 15 or 20. This gets you a "way to go" from lots of non-VIPs.
Great TN: 25. This gets some award or recognition from VIPs.
Uhmmm TN: 30+. Emperor specifically rewards you for this performance.

In Kamewaharu's case, an Etiquette roll will suffice (too many "outsiders" to do a full demonstration of her skill).

Thoughts?

Seems alright by me.

... Is using my sister's magic cheating?

No, not in this case -- since you're doing it together instead of separately, cooperation is "built in".

Sorry, I've been really blitzed lately.  I'll try to get things back together when I can, but for now, definitely move on without me.

So, is an Awareness/Etiquette test good for giving rudimentary geographical information that includes the unicorn but does not piss anyone off? ex.: avoiding an implication like, this land belongs to the Crane (not you anymore, Lions).

Yes. In addition to presentation, we’ll assume some between-scenes research.

@Sorano: good to have you back.

I have to double-check: you just want the Awareness/Etiquette roll?

Or, do you want a combination?

Awareness/Etiquette is fine.

Well, hope that is alright...

Oh! Right, it might be obscure knowledge. Kamewaharu's adult name is more commonly pronounced 'mineko'.  She took the posh pronunciation.

Trying something new: I added Otomo Hoshi and reordered so it's the default. Unfortunately they both seem to show up in the PM list.

Would you like me to delete Kamewaharu altogether? Or leave it there for future reference (e.g. reading PMs)?

In reply to Otomo Urako (msg # 140):

Reading PMs is pretty helpful.  Was swapping the names not available? If you really want to have fun, make a Ryu profile for me as well.

So, with the exception of Yuki’s “mission” (which will take but a few posts), we are now in the “mingling” phase — where you get to know a few Bushi and may request them. Or not. Your choice.

If you have any special requests, please let me know.

I forgot to by notice, but I did at least for once remember to buy investigation.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:22, Thu 07 June 2018.

I have done The Thing.

There may have been whiskey involved, sorry if there are mistakes.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:16, Sun 10 June 2018.

You are drinking whiskey now?  What happened to you?

I get paid enough that I can afford nice things.  Every now and then.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Mon 11 June 2018.

But you never called whiskey a nice thing.  It was an unnice thing. [over snarked]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Mon 11 June 2018.

Sorry, gang, I’ve been getting my but kicked at work and school. Hopefully tonight, maybe tomorrow afternoon though.

I am sure we are all behind you.  You're grand.

So, I need a little player feedback here. We have one PC that wants to go start Mission 1 (effectively), and I'm okay with that -- but I'd rather not split up the party either.

Are you all okay with starting "mission 1, part 1"? Thoughts?

Sorry, I wasn't dodging this intentionally, this week has just been hectic.  I'll get a post in by Sunday.  As far as starting Mission 1, I have no objections.

I'm good with whatever.  If mission one doesn't include a passionate assault on ancient family lineages inside a dusty library (who couldn't find that exciting?) I might beg for a side thread.

Would the Otomo allow their books to get dusty?  Perhaps not.

I am alright with 1:1 starting.

Also, I will shame V much for not posting.

I'm good with it also! Also, sorry for not posting! We have a newborn in our household as of 6/12 ^_^

Ah, yes, newborns. Noisy noisy ...

Well, congratulations!

Available Mysteries List updated ... :D

Clarification, please.  You switched colours there from pink to grey.  Is the last bit about being ready also said by Seppun, as it seems?

Err, yeah. Sorry, I’ll fix that tonight.

I've been having RSI issues making typing hard, so I may be slow or brief.  Still here though.

I will be busy for the coming week and scarce to post, if I post at all.

V, you may make fun of me now.

I may be busy for this week myself.  I'll post when I can.

I am back from holiday and getting caught up.

*hides her stupid allocation of points.* Is it really a combat after I roll that?

Hmmm ... it looks like I sufficiently confused everyone?

I think I'm following, but had a death in the house, so been busy.

Ouch! Sorry to hear that!

Sorry, I'm on vacation for another week.  Not sure if I'll get to post until I get back.

Sorry I've been slow.  I should have time to post this weekend.

As long as I didn't loose you. :D

Still here!  Got sick last weekend and been recovering.

Ug. I came down with something minor myself last weekend. Get better.

Laid up with infection.  Will post soon.

Status check.

Hoshi, full of sympatheticl contempt, waiting for Yumiko to post.

Well, Yumiko has RL stuff going on so it's probably good to assume that she dismisses herself. I'm hoping to get her involved in checking out some of the Rumors involving Sorano's Daughter.

I'm here!

In reply to Ku Kaze (msg # 175):

Righto.

Started a new job.  Getting around sleeping like a normal person really messes with my arpee time.  Should post tonight

Sorry I disappeared.  Switching contracts was stressful and I just wasn't doing well.  I'll try to get back into things.

Glad to have you back! I'll have a really hard time running this story line without you!

I ain't dead!

Good! ‘Cuz we could use some courtier rolls to establish jurisdiction and gather rumors!

Where should I post boss?

Mission 0. :)

I'm so, so sorry.  Work and holidays were really busy and I totally lost track of things.  I'm gonna get a post in tonight; sorry if it rewinds things a little.

Welcome back!

I'm not really liking having a jarb.  It cramps my free time so much.

In reply to Otomo Hoshi (msg # 187):

Cut your hair and survive Capitalism, ya filthy hippie.

Come witness the violence in he-rent in the system!

Wait, don't you ride a bike everywhere?  It is an E-bike too; you don't even pedal it. Get a car, you tree-hugging whale loving pinko liberal commie.

A motorcycle is also acceptable.

Had to give it up after the accident.

Now it is public transit?  I bet you ride a train too--how degenerate.

(maybe should let everyone else in: Sorano and I have had a blister on our bum about a total lack of useful public transit and bike infrastructure for over a decade now.  This is how we cope.)

I had to buy a car.  Right now I'm too hurt to drive so I'm getting by with a mix of public-transit and carpooling apps.

This plot is going in a very tangled direction.  Not that that's a bad thing, but it is amusing.

“Oh what a tangled plot we weave ...” or something like that.

Just so.

I updated the wiki with a few things; if anyone knows of important NPCs that are missing, it'd be a big help.  I have trouble keeping all the names straight.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

Ah, I messed up my last post critically.  So, deleted it.  Everyone ignore me.  Pretend it never happened.

Area swamped with snow.  Have to live at work for the sake of 24-hour operations.  Been a touch busy.

Still there really.

Someone moved to the wrong super-expensive part of the West Coast.

Still have not left work.  Five days now.

Yikes. Best of luck ...

Seems it is clearing, just in time for my weekend too.

picked up a cold again.  So many fluids.

out on holiday for a week.

Sorry, I've been distracted.  I'll try and post soon.

Back from holiday.

I'm going to be out on holiday for a week or so.  Back on the first.  I'm happy to follow whatever shenanigans ya'll choose to get into!

And just what is that supposed to mean?

Just my attempt at some humor.

The way things are (and will be), Hoshi will be way too busy to worry about choosing a marriage partner. And all that.

In reply to Ku Kaze (msg # 208):

^That is alright.  I am sure some pecky old hen is all to pleased to pick for me.^

Or, likewise.

It is an interesting topic, marriage and the twins.

Soooo ... what I'm thinking at this point is: right now, we work on two threads at once. Potentially three.

We're finally through the first day of Winter Court and that took more than a year RT. We've already started the Yuki Mysteries, though that will be a multi-parter (several locations, most likely). There's Sorano's daughter missing, which I would like to start right away. And, of course, there are various player issues to work through (like Akio trying to find his mother).

My idea is to keep working on the Winter Court, but start the missing daughter mystery. We could, if interested, do Yuki part 2 simultaneously.

Of course, these are all roleplaying challenges and might not suit all playing styles.

Thoughts?

Sounds good to me boss. I have a preference for the two missing persons cases, but that's mostly because Shugenja stuff is above Yumiko's pay grade ^_^

Hoshi shares a soul with a Shugenja, and she still doesn't get it.

But a year already?  woof...

Also, I am good for this plan.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Thu 11 Apr 2019.

I'm up for whatever! I'm happy for Yuki mysteries, or Missing Persons, or both simultaneously.  And Akio doesn't have to chase his mom right away.  We can chase other people's kids first!

@Yumiko & @Sorano:

Would you like a private thread for the background discussion? I’m guessing that will happen during Winter Court?

Maybe? Yumiko probably needs context from Sorano and maybe a presentation strategy?

So, I wanted to post a quick blurb on the Bushi options available to you. We'll role-play it later (IC, it's going to be Hoshi's choice for most of them) but they will be necessary fairly soon in the two numbered missions.

1. Crab: Hida Bushi. Female, physically stereotypical. I just don't want to deal with a Hiruma in this context quite yet.
   
2. Crane: Kakita Duelist. Young, being considered because of his political connections. Skilled -- but only in a Dojo Context. (aka "unblooded").
   
3. Dragon: Mirumto Bushi -- Fairly typical.
   
4. Dragon: Togashi Monk/Bushi -- Every once in a while a Togashi Monk comes through that is still of the Samurai Caste. This is one of them.
   
5. Lion: Matsu Berserker. Female, Yojimbo path.
   
6. Phoenix: You have one, but I can add a second.
   
7. Scorpion: 'Nuff said.
   
8. Unicorn: The Otaku Battlemaiden you have already been introduced to. This will require me to resurrect the old Otaku Scout path ... assuming I can find it.
   
9. Unicorn: Shinjo Scout.
   
10. Mantis: Mantis Bushi. Minor Clan; they only have the one family and one school.

I can add more, and am willing to consider suggestions.

I think four to six Bushi will do.

Let me think about it.

The promise of a berserker yojimbo sounds fantastic.  Or the Hida.

We have a Phoenix Bushi?

Hoshi will make selections based on her tastes, but she can be influenced by others.  So, if anyone has preferences, Hoshi can be weighted.

Yumiko would insist on being involved in the interview with the Scorpion--and the Scorpion would be the least likely to meet her approval.
OOC I don't really have any opinion...unless one of the Dragons is Kedo. Then I pick Kedo.

The Phoenix Bushi assigned to Sorano has been attached to you. She has impeccable honor, and a lesser known but similar reputation as her Uncle. She can’t leave her charge, but otherwise you can give her orders.

Always pick Kedo.

Kedo: "I roll 1k1 and get .... 127. Huh ...."

*laughs*

For clarification: I should mention that by "Matsu Yojimbo" I really mean "Matsu Elite Guard", which is of the "beat it even harder" variety of Yojimbo. Although, now I really want to try to create a Matsu Yojimbo Path ...

Well, obviously I didn't do so good last time.  I'll try to get caught up and post ASAP.

Rpol was tossing 404 errors when I came to post.  Will do something after my work week.

...over 54 hours.

Okay, so here's what I've got in mind so far:

Crab: Hida Seiki. Female. Hida Elite Guard.
Crane: Kakita Satoru. Male. Kakita Dueling Academy. Politically well connected.
Dragon: Mirumoto Kedo. Male. Mirumoto Bushi School. Because what's an L5R game without a Kedo?
Lion: Matsu Tamaki. Female. Matsu Elite Guard.
Phoenix: You've already got one assigned, but I can craft another if you'd like. :D
Scorpion: Bayushi Mizuki. Female. Bayushi Elite Guard. Niece of Shinryu.
Unicorn: Otaku E-Ling. Otaku Battle Maiden/Scout.

You may choose only one Minor Clan Samurai. It's a political thing.
Mantis: Gusai Ryo. Female. Mantis Bushi.
Tortoise: Kasuga Omitsu. Female. Kasuga Bushi.

Ronin: Shido. Male.

So I'm voting for Mirumoto Kedo, not just because it's a Kedo, but also because we don't seem to have a lot of things to deal with multiple enemies at once and being faced with overwhelming numbers might be a problem.

Separately, since Yumiko has Underworld 4 and the Crafty advantage, the main advantage to having a Tortoise bushi (access to shady dealings) is covered. That being said, IC Yumiko would probably argue for the Tortoise, since it means not relying on the Scorpion for shady contacts.

Also IC, Yumiko would argue against the Scorpion bushi, even though she's related the Shinryu. But there's a lot of bad blood between Yumiko and her Clan--I don't have any OOC objections to a second Scorpion on the team, and it makes for interesting RP ^_^
She'd also argue against the Matsu, but only because the current investigation into the bandit attack might involve a conflict of interest.

Hoshi is also against a Scorpion Bushi.

The Lion seems to be on the naughty list.  Denying an Imperial appointment seems appropriate, especially a Matsu.  And we already have a Lion.

I want a crab.  Put the Crab back in, a really crabby one.  It amuses me.

For a Minor, Yumiko, you know Hoshi would never ask you to do something immoral, but she knows how you Scorpion are.  You can't help it, so you should have someone to take with you for protection.  Maybe the Ronin is helpful.

If I can't have the Matsu, instead of the Mantis or the Tortoise can I have a Wasp?

I'd like a Wasp yojimbo.  That would be nice.  On a personal level Akio isn't terribly concerned about getting stabbed by a sword.  Largely because he can summon a meat shield of undead revered ancestors.  What he doesn't have is someone who can effectively shoot people in the back as they run bring criminals to justice.

Sadly, the Wasp do not exist yet. How about a Shinjo Horse Archer?

I should clarify: I'm willing to give you both a Shinjo and an Otaku. The Unicorn have a lot to prove, and your little group knows them better than most.

So, sounds like: Mirumoto Kedo -- Yojimbo for Akio. Because the Emerald Champion is a close, personal friend ...
                           Hida Seiko && Shido -- "roaming" (Defacto Yojimbo for Urako & Hoshi)
                           Shiba Kimiko -- Yojimbo for Sorano
                           Otaku E-Ling && Shinjo Sayoko -- General Support

Shinjo Sayoko -- Shinjo Horsebowman

Does that sound correct.

What happened to Hida Seiki?

Typo. Line 2 should have been her.

This is Seiko.  Where is Seiki? Imposter.

It was obviously Autocorrect's fault. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Mirumoto Kedo... yes.  Well it does pay to have important friends who might be invested in keeping you alive.

Hooray for Shinjo Sayoko!

Lots of NPCs!

Should I write up Yasuki Suzu or leave it for whenever she becomes more relevant?

Yes, feel free to write her up.

Do you want me to use the same character creation rules we used for the PCs or the standard character generation rules for a starting character?

She’s definitely higher than a starting character, we’ll go with “something that makes sense”. :)

I'm sorry guys.  Life has been stressing me out.  I'll try and get something together tonight.

I don't want to continue on Mission 2 until we hear from Sorano. Until then, there's mission 1 ... and we can add a Mission 3 if y'all would like, though that seems a bit excessive.

We hired someone new.  Maybe when he is through training, I can stop having 24-hour shifts.

I'm so sorry.  I've been hitting some pretty deep lows lately, and not had the energy to read back up.  I'll try to get something done ASAP.

  I'll respond as soon as I can to this.  I need to review the material and regain my place. ... if I can get a day at work when I actually get to take my break and eat my food.  What a world that would be.

---

PS answer to proposals to Urako is no
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Sat 20 July 2019.

crap! I missed whole sections of post with Yuki...And I thought I was following it, maybe.  Ugh, stupid work.  Stupid injuries.  Stupid sleep.  Life was better unemployed and homeless.

I made something of my insomnia.

Bump, and the seasonal well-wishes.

Ugh, not enough time to drink properly...

So, update: after almost nine months of unemployment, I started a new job around thanksgiving. I’m finally getting my head back on straight.

Who’s still here?


Oh: and happy new year.

I’m around!

Still here.  I can see about Sorano.

Good you are back together.

Please do. The one thread/story simply doesn't work without Sorano around. I would have to do another storyline.

Something about a missing magical, sorry "awakened", flute perhaps ...

Hi.  I can try and get back into things.  Sorry about being so unreliable.  It might take me a bit to catch up, but I'll try to be around at least long enough to move the storyline somewhere I'm less critical.

That is a bit on the nose, isn't it?

In reply to Otomo Hoshi (msg # 252):

*lol!*

Yeah, I guess so!

Okay, so ...

First: Who's still around (even conditionally)?

raises hand

Snorts

I'm here!

Okay, next question then: since the Missing Daughter mystery isn't going anywhere, should we try something else?

We could try The Lion, the Lich, and the Wardrobe ..........

I like the mystery, but the wheel has a bit stalled there.

I am game. But, I do not have so much contact with Sorano now.

I'm also going through a "lessons learned" in my head (soon to be on digital paper). I can see a few mistakes I've made and I'm going to try and correct them.

So: Kidnapping, Murder, or Theft?

yes

Are you offering me a good time?

Kidnapping, Murder and Theft? Hmm ... hmmmmmm ..... thinking ......

*insert burning smell here*

Please take a look at the new mystery -- Mystery: The Roaring Lion Mystery -- and give me some feedback. :D

I know 20202 has been rough, but the world literally caught on fire here.  It has been distracting.

Sorry for my absence.

That is right! I am bigboss here.

Are we deciding the corporal and sergeant too?


And rank one body guards are ok. Urako and I are top tier body guards.

Yes.

I don't think we want a scorpion in the squadron.  We have one already, so that should help with complaints from the Scorpion of unfairness.

I like these Kirin, so a few to scout should be good.  A Lion Corporal sounds right, but maybe not too many Lion in the main body.  Phoenix and Dragon could be ok.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure Yumiko's going to get orders from the Scorpion to make sure the Scorpion aren't implicated further. Or maybe not, since any Scorpion with any sense knows that Yumiko will share any orders she gets with Hoshi.

Can we get someone trained in Kitsuki's Method and an eta assistant?

Kitsuki’s method hasn’t been invented yet, if I recall correctly.

well, darn, there goes my chance to look impartial while also throwing the Scorpion under the bus ^_^

Well ... it kinda feels like GodModing, but I could,/i> assign Agasha Kitsuki to you ........

Of course, I would rather have <i>you solve the mystery, and given his exploits (he got his own family) that would be ... problematic.

So, what do we have so far? Is it:

Privates:
8 Rank 1 Shiba Bushi
8 Rank 1 Mirumoto Bushi

Corporal:
1 Rank 2 Lion Bushi -- What school and Family? Matsu Koharu (see below)?

Sergeant: Rank 3 Mirumoto Bushi?


Hmmm ...

Special:
Otaku Koharu: Shiotome Scout
Shinjo Sayoko: Shinjo Horse Archer

Matsu Kaoru: Corporal, Lion's Pride. Survivor of the ill-fated expedition.

What say y'all?

In reply to Ku Kaze (msg # 273):

Looks like a typical legion.

Is that suppose to be an Otaku Koharu?

Yeah, I'll pass on Agasha Kitsuki. Without the reputation of the Kitsuki Family, it's not nearly as good a threat against the Scorpion.

I don't have an opinion on the make up the legion.

80-hour work week at new jarb beat me up.  Will read tomorrow.

You're just going to screw with poor Yumiko aren't you ^_^

Yes.

Err, I mean, whatever are you talking about?

Ach! I am sorry.
I can't remember these actors.

Matsu Keiko's
Soshi Kageshin
Shinryu-San
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Fri 06 Nov 2020.

I don't blame you -- I had to look them up myself.

Matsu Keiko: the Matsu Bushi that tried out for (and made) the Lion's Pride in the Winter Court. You trained with her unit once-upon-a-time.

Soshi Kageshin: Son of Shinryu, he is the Bushi that concerns your Daimyo. She ordered all Imperials to *not* go up against him in a duel, friendly or otherwise. He is also the Bushi that Keiko (above) chose to prove her worthiness to the Matsu Daimyo, who tried Kageshin herself. He lost to both women -- but not by nearly as much as one might expect.

Soshi Shinryu: Karo to the Emerald Champion and a Master of Water (school, not to be confused with the Elemental Masters, of whom there are only five -- one for each element). He created his own school, which although at some distance, is the closest Clan Samurai to where you and Urako were held.

This is the Scorpion that you had a ... "polite argument" with. He is also the single most powerful Scorpion in Rokugan -- including the Scorpion Clan Champion.

He was a close friend of Akio's mother.

Soshi Akiko: Shinryu's daughter, and your immediate superior. It's of note that the Emerald Champion bypassed both of your superiors to give direct orders to you.

Sorry for the absenteeism.  Been bad stuff in my household, and it is draining.

In reply to Otomo Hoshi (msg # 281):

No problem. Welcome back.

And my apologies.  I hope to get back on the horse tomorrow (figuratively!).

Things should be getting under control!

Good to hear — welcome back!

I forgot who Kitsu Akio is.  Some of these faces are dusty in my mind--most of them.

*lol*

The PC — Akio outranks every lion here. Mind you, being a “mere shugenja” they won’t let him take command, but he is the highest ranking Lion in the fortress at the moment.

Meri Kurisumasu!!

Merikuri...

And oshogatude omedetou.

Also, this poor game is like a tray of biscuits I forget in the oven.

We're gonna get it back on track!

oof, 70 hour work week, crashed a motor bike, had surgery--these are unrelated events, other than the time relation.

But, I have a few weeks off.

More:
I feel double bad because in the prologue, with our boss, there were things the other PCs needed following up on, good ideas, and I feel I botched including them.  Sorry.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Thu 21 Jan 2021.

Yeah, last week of Internship (on top of the day-job) ... but XP is up, as is the latest postings.

I got fired--without cause too--so, been a bit of a scramble recently.

Sorry.

Ouch! Got that T-shirt — good luck to you.

Throw that shirt out.  It is crap.

I am still way out of it.  But, it looks like the game is not recovered either.  Sad all around.

Sad, yes, most definitely. I believe I'm waiting on posts from the three of you ... not much to do at the moment without feeling like I'm jamming you through a door or something. Though I probably should get more comfortable with that sort of thing ...

Yikes! Sorry boss!

Is anyone else surviving?

Yep, I’m here … I just assumed everyone else gave up on the game.

Still here!