[L5R] Emerald Magistrates: Dogs of the Emperor I [Archive]

Q'telun

2016-10-03, 11:30 PM

You have been on the road for six days now. The lands of the Crane are lush and filled with well maintained farmlands, so the threat of banditry from base ronin is low, and the heimin have all bowed low when you passed by their fields. The provincial Daimyo's castle looms ahead in the blue and white typical of the Crane, maybe a half day's walk away. The Daimyo, one Doji Genji, has been accused of (or more accurately, is rumored to have been) sending less taxes than mandated, and thus was in violation of Imperial law.

Therefore, your group has been charged by the Emerald Champion with investigating the Daimyo, determining if the infraction has indeed occurred, and meting out the correct justice. The Champion has assured you that this is most likely nothing more than a political attack on Doji Genji, but steps have to be taken to make certain that this is the case, and that nothing more sinister is occurring...

Longes

2016-10-04, 05:24 AM

Hoshi Emiya, Monk

Emiya walked alongside his companions enjoying the nice warm day. The top of his kimono was tied around the waist and sun glistened on the elaborate tattoos decorating monk's upper body. He let the chi flow freely as he walked, feeling the strength of this bountiful farmland in his every step.
"Well comrades, this is quite a nice assignment we have, isn't it? If only every day was as warm and peaceful as this one."

Sinpoder707

2016-10-05, 11:49 AM

Hideyoshi Kakita:

Hideyoshi walked along side the people who he had been stationed with for nearly a week, his katana holding at his side as he walks his sugegasa keeping the sun out of his face, and to keep people from looking at his face, as he walked. The blue and white of the crane clan was very clear on him, as was the katana on his hip. As his companion started to speak to him he only looked up to him just enough for his eyes to be visible under the hat, and one of his eyes was a bright, but oddly deep shade of purple, while the other eye was as blue as the blue on his clothes. Most people knew this was a bad omen, or at least thought it was. Hideyoshi never believed that, if it was a bad omen then he would have died in the dueling school and he graduated at the top of his class and received the honor of holding the sacred weapon that is on his hip.

Yes... sadly they will not be, but lets enjoy it while we can shall we?

Ezeze

2016-10-05, 12:40 PM

Kitsu Kita, Lion

Kita murmurs her agreement, uncharacteristically subdued. Probably just because of nerves - it's the first time the entire trip she hasn't had something to say.

Her hands are both clasped delicately over the shaft of the parasol she is using to shade herself from the sun. It is, like just about everything else the young woman owns, decorated in a mesh of brown, orange, yellow and gold.

Longes

2016-10-05, 01:28 PM

Hoshi Emiya, Monk

"Cat got your tongue, Lion?" Emiya smiled. "I can tattoo this view on you some time, if you want to."

Ezeze

2016-10-05, 02:00 PM

That causes a slight smile to creep onto Kita's lips.

I must respectfully decline your offer, Hoshi-san. Any tattoos I collect will honor my ancestors - else I shall have none at all.

Her gentle eye contact with Emiya lets him know that she has taken no offense, and means none either.

Perhaps instead I shall tell you the story of my Great Great Grandfather's military conquests again?

Longes

2016-10-05, 02:17 PM

Hoshi Emiya, Monk

"Oh heavens no! There are only so many times I can correct the mistakes you make when telling it! Feel free to tell me about this Doji Genji though. What's with this guy?"

Bearon

2016-10-05, 05:35 PM

"Kitsu-san, pay our friend no heed. There is still much road ahead of us. I see no reason why we cannot both listen to your tale and compile what we know of the Daimyo in the time ahead of us. I would be honored to hear about your ancestor's conquests."

Longes

2016-10-05, 05:59 PM

Hoshi Emiya, Monk

"Oy vey Shosuro, you weren't here when she last gave a detailed account of all the liquors honorable Juri drank before force crossing some river Shinsei knows where. We'd be listening till tomorrow if she starts again. I'd much rather honor all the Kitsus with good shochu once we make our stop for the night."
Emiya laughed indicating to others that he's not being serious.
"Why don't I tell you about the Tao of Shinsei instead, as interpreted by Togashi Hoshi and as beaten by heavy fists of many monks into my iron head."

Ezeze

2016-10-05, 07:36 PM

You are generous, Hoshi, to offer to provide shoshu in honor of my ancestors. If your actions did not show that you hold them in such high regard, I might believe from your statements that you mean to disrespect them.

Longes

2016-10-05, 08:02 PM

Hoshi Emiya, Monk

"No disrespect meant, Kitsu. The fortitude of your ancestors in peace and in war truly was formidable."

Sinpoder707

2016-10-06, 09:03 AM

The Crane simply shook his head under his rain hat and kept walking. He knew very little about the way out of world outside of combat, but he did know something about the tea ceremony that his family forced down his throat as a young child. They did it for his benefit though, and he realized that now, because it does allow a level of peace among a group but he preferred to gain his peace alone through meditation.

Bearon

2016-10-06, 02:03 PM

"I'm sure that we will all honor our ancestors in our own ways; with tales, with shochu, or perhaps through properly performing our duties as Emerald Magistrates. Do we have a plan? Anything in particular we will ask the daimyo? Any documentation or information we should have?"

Ezeze

2016-10-06, 02:53 PM

Kitsu Kita

The Champion seemed to believe the claims against the Daimyo were untrue. We are here, therefore, to prove his virtue. However it would be discourteous to spread gossip about our gracious host, and ungenerous to call attention to the favor we shall be doing for him in clearing his name.

It is therefore my intention to be vague as to the reason of our visits, enjoy crane hospitality, complement our gracious host on the beauty of his country side and request - at his convenience - a tour of his rice fields.

Longes

2016-10-06, 03:17 PM

Hoshi Emiya, Monk

"Regardless of what the Champion believes, Kitsu, we are the ones investigating Genji, not the Champion. As far as I am concerned - this man has no virtue nor sin beyond what we can see with our own eyes. Keep your mind open and free of early judgements and prejudice."
Emiya rubbed shoulders with a few Kitsukis in his life. Nice guys, overall.

"I do agree with your idea of misleading him about our true intentions, although I think we should come up with a good reason and convince him to let us stay and tour his lands. Perhaps we can use your school's name and sell him a story of an innocent young bard driven to make poetry about the beatuies of Genji's land? Play up an artsy ditz from the capital?"

Sinpoder707

2016-10-06, 03:52 PM

As he looks over at his companions he realized that he might not be the best suited for this kind of talking, as it has been a very long times since he touched the dynamic war zone that is politics. His skills was with his blade and very little else, and he knew that so he would say as quiet as humanly possible " I think it would be best if I stayed quiet in this place.... I am sure the Daimyo is well aware of who I am, and if he is not then that is fine as well. "

Ezeze

2016-10-07, 12:36 PM

Kitsu Kita

The Lion's answer is smooth and, she hopes, gracious.

I have no intention of deceiving Doji-sama, and I do not believe being a poet would make us any more welcome than would being a Magistrate. Besides, I would be mortified to be asked to share my poetry with the court.

Polite vagueness would be, I think, our greatest ally. We are Emerald Magistrates. We are in the area as representatives of His Imperial Majesty's law. I would not offer more than that.

It would be my pleasure, of course, to make our introductions.

Kakita-san, if you feel a need for an excuse to watch without speaking I would welcome your services as my Yojimbo. I currently find myself without.

Sinpoder707

2016-10-07, 12:45 PM

Longes

2016-10-07, 12:54 PM

Hoshi Emiya, monk

Emiya shrugged. "Do as you wish. You are our speaker."

Ezeze

2016-10-07, 12:54 PM

Kitsu Kita

Kita shifts which side she holds her parasol - letting it dip slightly in the process to hide her face and the flush of pleasure at Hideyoshi's unprompted complement.

Bearon

2016-10-07, 01:40 PM

"And if the daimyo presses us further on our purpose in his lands, what then? If he chooses to try and sweep away the mists of our vagueness, what will be revealed? Do we bend and inform him of our purpose here?"

Ezeze

2016-10-07, 02:16 PM

Sinpoder707

2016-10-07, 02:39 PM

Kitsu Kita

I would be surprised, indeed, to find a Crane so discourteous as to press a guest Shosuro-san. Especially a guest acting in service of the Emperor. Of course I would only object to discourtesy were it deeply dishonorable, lest we offer offense in turn.

If our host insists, we owe him honesty; we were sent to Crane lands by the Emperor, and know not what we might find. Hoshi-san himself pointed out that we best serve with open minds, free of prejudice.

This isn't particularly abnormal. It's not uncommon at all for Magistrates to wander territories to settle disputes and bring peace to the populace in ways they had not anticipated.

(ooc: Translation from Courtier to Bushi - if they push a little bit, imply that we are only wandering through. If they push a lot, say bluntly that they are being rude and throw your title in their face.)

" It appears that our Emperor, in his wisdom, had given us a very good Courtier.... It might be best if we let her do all the talking, because I know that is my plan. I will honor my ancestors by not speaking in the same way she will honor her's by speaking. Hideyoshi moved his sword down slightly, as he shifted the weight to push pressure on different parts of his body to give the other parts a break.

Bearon

2016-10-07, 06:00 PM

"It is as you say Kakita-san: Kitsu-san has quite a gift with words. It never hurts to be prepared, though, and while we should defer to her for the majority of the talking, unforeseen events may drag you, Hoshi-san, or myself into conversion. It can only help for us four to speak as one, with one story from our four mouths."

Turning to Kitsu-san, Kousuda gives a slight bow.
"I appreciate you humoring my hypotheticals. If you would like, I can ask for the air spirits to bless your speech, though some may frown at this while in court. If they find out, that is."

Longes

2016-10-07, 06:41 PM

Hoshi Emiya, monk

"Oh? What is it they would frown upon, Shosuro? On your station with kami? On the blessings they grant? On their own lack of talent and divine patronage? Surely only an ignorant fool would whisper behind our backs "Oh this Kitsu, I only sold out my daimyo's secrets because kami helped her." And if there are such fools, I have a few choice words for those honorless dogs. Kami will only aid those who are willing to put in the work, so I trust your skill Kitsu. And will fight should it be doubted."

Bearon

2016-10-07, 08:41 PM

"Really, it depends on the individual. Some might be offended that the kami would be bent for a simple advantage in court, because they feel that the spirits are being used as mere tools. Others might be upset by the advantage and sometimes refuse to speak until they are sure the effects of the prayer have faded. Casting a spell openly in court is usually a bad idea. At best, will make everyone nervous and on-edge. Especially if it is a prayer the fire kami! Ha! However, I was raised on a more pragmatic view of the kami, and find that subtlety is usually the best course of action to avoid unnecessary conflict."

Ezeze

2016-10-08, 09:11 PM

Kitsu Kita

Kita hides just a little more under the span of her parasol.

Shosuro-san, nothing I could say would match the graciousness and eloquence of your offer. While I would never presume to dictate how a Shugenja is to pray, I do not believe that I could utilize the holy blessings of the Kami for such a base thing as advantage in court and still claim a clear conscious.

Bearon

2016-10-09, 04:35 PM

"Of course, Kitsu-san. If you would perhaps be interested in such aid in the future, though, you need but ask." Kousuda says as he bows his head slightly.

Q'telun

2016-10-13, 06:15 PM

At long last, the gates of the castle come into view. Two pairs of Daidoji with spears stand guard outside, nodding slightly to the heimin who pass by on their tasks. They become more alert as the group of you draw near, though are not rude enough to place their hands on their weapons, they do casually straighten themselves, and come out from the guard post where they had been enjoying tea. After a brief but courteous exchange in which you prove you are who you say you are, you are escorted into the Castle proper.

After a brief stroll through an impeccably kept garden that consists of a lone, scraggly pine tree surrounded by white sand raked into wide circles, you are left alone in a bath house, with the option of refreshing yourselves before meeting the Daimyo.

When you rejoin the party, regardless of your decision, you are in a private room adjoining the Daimyo's receiving room. There are alcoves in the walls where you can place your swords. As magistrates, you would be permitted to keep your swords in the Daimyo's presence. The question is, will you?

Ezeze

2016-10-13, 07:14 PM

Kitsu Kita
True to her word, Kita makes introductions for the group using the names that were provided to her - with the sole exception of Kakita, whose introduction is limited to My Yojimbo.

She leaps at the opportunity to rid herself of dirt from the road, taking advantage of the bath offered her before her meeting with the Daimyo.

She declines to surrender her only weapon - a wakizashi she has never drawn in her life save to care for it, a purely symbolic blade speaking to her station.

She also draws her fan and speaks behind it, quietly enough for Kakita to hear her but no one else who isn't deliberately listening it would be seemly for my guard to remain armed.

Sinpoder707

2016-10-13, 09:39 PM

Hideyoshi stayed silent and kept his head down, and face covered by his sunhat as they entered and he was introduced to the people as the young women's Yojimbo. Hideyoshi cared very little about the honor or fame that came this, as that brought trouble with some of the piety people of the land so to some extent is was very beneficial for him to stay out of the center of attention. When offered a bath he took the chance to get himself cleaned, though he did it quickly, but made sure to do a good enough job to be presentable. He still had to make his.....protectee look good. He was standing outside, in the standard Crane Garb outside of the bath house she was in, waiting like a good Yojimbo and as he followed her he stayed just as silent as always.

Once she spoke to him, he simply nodded and said quietly As you wish my lady If someone was listening, he needed to sell that he was her bodyguard and not her equal. This was all apart of the plan and he needed to sell it in order to make sure that nothing went horribly wrong, like this man possibly recognizing him.

Bearon

2016-10-13, 10:18 PM

Shosuro Kousuda

The shugenja bows graciously as Kita introduces him.

Kousuda graciously accepts the chance to bathe. Elements of the road have stuck to him, and cleanliness is important when meeting with dignitaries.

Kousuda carefully places his wakizashi in one of the slits, and then waits patiently.

Longes

2016-10-14, 03:40 AM

Hoshi Emiya

Emiya gives a slight bow when their Lion introduced him, the bare minimum expected from a monk. Along with everyone he rests a bit in the bath, keeping a light conversation about nothing. Clean and steaming, Emiya walked into daimyo's recieving room and left his staff in the alcove. He was more dangerous without it anyway.

Q'telun

2016-10-17, 04:52 PM

A severe looking man in heimin robes bows deeply to you all as you approach the Daimyo's door, before turning and sliding the screen open silently. The room before you, in keeping with the theme of the castle that you have seen so far, is simple and pristine. In the exact center of the room sits a man deeply engrossed in making tea. Every motion is precise and fluid, and one would not be faulted for assuming that this man had spent most of his adult life making brewing tea his chosen form of art.

He appears to be halfway through the ritual, and has not acknowledged your presence. There are, however, four seats set a respectful distance from him in the colors of each of your respective clans.

Ezeze

2016-10-18, 01:30 PM

Kitsu Kita

The lion claims, without question or hesitation, the brown and yellow cushion before the tea table. She folds her legs demurely beneath her and lowers her fan, allowing her enjoyment of the tea ceremony to register in her expression. There is no shame, after all, in appreciating refined beauty.

She does not speak until the ceremony has ended, but when it does she preempts the man's own words with her own - politely introducing first herself with an incline of her head, then each of her companions in turn using, again, the names they had provided to her with the exception of the crane who is once again introduced only as her yojimbo and gesturing to indicate which is which with the breadth of her fan.

She then allows the man before her - the Daimyo, she guesses, but does nothing to commit to the assumption - to introduce himself as is only polite.

Longes

2016-10-18, 06:48 PM

Hoshi Emiya

Emiya follows their speaker's lead and takes a seat by the table. He debates for a moment whether the cushion is an unnecessary luxury he should remove, but decides to leave it be since their host went to the trouble of providing it.

While his face displays a mask of distant calm brought by years and years of mediatation, Emiya's eyes intently follow the daimyo's movements. Being an adept of this fine art himself, the monk is eager to see the techniques of the crane clan. Still, the job doesn't leave his mind. If daimyo's is preparing to assassinate them over tea - Emiya's going to be ready.

Due to Eight Direction Awareness Emiya is aware of presence, location and rough description of living beings in the 12 meter radius. Are there any spies/assassins/overly curious servants listening in on the conversation?

Bearon

2016-10-19, 01:25 AM

Shosuro Kousuda

Kousuda enters after the monk and the courtier, trying to remain quiet and respectful of the ceremony at hand. He seats himself quietly upon the appropriate Scorpion colors and enjoys the peaceful display. His posture, and from what is visible of his face, honestly displays his relaxed state.

As introductions are done, he bows deeply when his name is called by Kitsu-san.

Sinpoder707

2016-10-24, 10:19 AM

Hideyoshi stayed silent as he sat down. He knew enough about this ceremony to stay completely quiet during it and just enjoy the skill of it. His ability to fight was not really impeded by sitting down, as he found his center. If someone was to attack, Hideyoshi could draw from a sitting position and then strike with the same level of lethal precision.

Q'telun

2016-10-25, 10:09 PM

No, there are no living beings besides yourselves in a 12 meter radius. At least, no stationary ones. There are some that walk past in the hallways outside the room, but they seem to be mostly heimin who are busy with tasks, or bushi on their way to do something. No lurking assassins, no spying courtiers.

Your character realizes something. It's quiet in here. Outside the castle, there had been the usual babble of the Kami gossiping on the wind, but in here, it's as if they've all disappeared. Which is strange, since the Crane Shugenja are supposed to commune with Air spirits. Even if the Fire has died, the Water has been dried, and the Earth has been swept, it's hard to actually get rid of the Air.

It is a short wait. The Daimyo finishes with the same grace he had performed, and sets five cups of steaming hot tea on the table in front of him, one for each Element. Only then does he turn to face the group. He stands, crosses the mats to the center of the room, and kneels with a sort of fluid grace. He almost walks like a duelist crossing the ring to meet his opponent, or how a well trained army crosses the field.

He bows politely to each of you in turn before he speaks. "Greetings, Magistrates. I am most honored to have such steadfast servants of the Emperor in my home. If there is anything you need to fulfill your duties, please, do not hesitate to ask myself or my wife. We will do everything in our power to see that your stay is a pleasant one, and that you are well rested to execute the duties the most Beneficent Emperor Hantei has bestowed upon you."

He pauses, blinks, then asks, "May I inquire as to your destination, that your route would bring you to this humble castle?"

Longes

2016-10-26, 10:08 AM

Hoshi Emiya

Emiya picks up the cup standing in for the Void and gratefully nods to their host. It appears the years of lordship have not softened up Genji, and that he would be a dangerous opponent if crossed.

As the pause grew too long and Kitsu appeared to be engrossed in the tea's magnificence, Emiya took it upon himself to break the silence and answer the question.
"The lands of the Crane are strong and rich as the flavor of your tea, honorable Genji, yet to the Emperor's eyes they need to be as transparent as water. And with a holding with such position as yours, is it truly any wonder that four magistrates have found themselves passing by?"
Emiya's face desperately mimicked panicked signals to Shosuro, begging to take over and save him.

Emiya is trying to say as little as possible while implying that they are assigned somewhere in the crane lands

Bearon

2016-10-27, 03:25 AM

Shosuro Kousuda
"As Hoshi-san was saying we have been wandering through Crane lands. You have not had any bandit incursions of late, have you Genji-sama? A need of someone to settle a dispute, perhaps?" Kousuda pauses a moment. "Though, I must admit, I am in no rush to leave the serenity of your castle. There is a certain peaceful quietness about it."

Sinpoder707

2016-10-27, 10:25 PM

Hideyoshi again stayed more or less silent in this case, as he felt that in order to keep his cover as a bodyguard it was better not to speak unless spoke too. His face was still mostly covered by his rain hat, unless it was rude to keep that on in the home, in which case he took it off but still did his best to hide his one purple eye from the Daimyo.