Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 23, 2014 16:03:31 GMT
Sure he was being rude by not giving his name, but he was a Crab and he was not about to entertain some Kuge's spoiled son at least not without something to gain from it. He offered some Sake to the Matsu who kept eyeballing it hoping in turn she would give some to the Ronin. With luck when it came down to fighting the foolish whelp he would be drunk.
"It is easier to speak when not in the presence of the Imperial Families." damn Otomo were always trying to stir up something.
Storytelling. Game hmm. He wan't entirely certain he had any stories he could tell the group would enjoy. It should prove to be an interesting night.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jul 23, 2014 21:43:40 GMT
Oh goody. Story time.
Guess I'll have to think of one that doesn't include distasteful amounts of gore, stupidity, and inglorious cowardice...
Perhaps the others should go first.
Kaigen very quietly set his sake cup down and tried to think.
Definitely not the one where those giant centipedes devoured Doji-san from the inside-out not five miles from this very spot...
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Matsu Torako
Lion Clan
Posts: 17| Likes: 10
Rings: Air: 3
Earth: 3
Fire: 5
Water: 4
Void: 1
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Post by Matsu Torako on Jul 23, 2014 22:00:10 GMT
Torako could not quite keep herself from a her shocked look at Hida Izo. She was no Ikoma though, so quickly whipped up her fan to hide her display of emotion. As if the Shiba's breach of etiquette was not enough, Hida-san was dishonouring himself by not introducing himself to the other samurai, even if he was a warrior pilgrim.
"Hida Izo-san. Why don't you go first. My father told me that at the wall men often tell stories to fight off the cold and the long hours"
There. Now he was introduced, and things could go on as normal.
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 23, 2014 23:29:13 GMT
Looked over at the Matsu briefly. The lion were always so concerned with the appearances of honor they failed to look at the bigger picture sometimes. There was power in names. Hmph perhaps he was just being paranoid.
"I will have to disappoint I am afraid. The stories told upon the Wall are enough to make even the most honorable samurai lose their On or the subject matter is considered impolite given the duties performed upon them."
He could only imagine what happened if he uttered shadowlands or Oni aloud in a place like this. Damn magistrates would be sending complaint letters or committing seppeku in protesting disbelief.
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Post by The Storyteller on Jul 24, 2014 12:42:53 GMT
No no, there's no need of apologize yourself, Hida-san. This game I propose is a bit different and well suited to bushi. Taro produced from his obi a pouch, which content he spread over the table. Glassy beads it seemed, each of them engraved with one of the tenets of bushido.
Long ago I was gifted with these beautiful beads. Not sure of its origins, however they're pretty, aren't they? So I propose that our tales involve one tenet of bushido… He rolled a bead for every of them, being that Sincerity came to Kaigen, Courtesy to Izo, Loyalty to Kasumi, and Duty to Toroko. Although he wasn't looking when he rolled the beads to them, it wasn't entirely impossible that the choice was made on purpose. Well, either by popular parables or through the refined reflections of the thinking minds in your clans, I'm sure all of us know how to depict the tenets of bushido through a tale… No matter what they are. Of course denying this fact was the same as staining the honor of one's sensei and dojo. And apparently he could produce his story from any of the remaining three beads. I'd like to be the last, of course, as you, noble samurai, probably know more than a humble pilgrim in his seek for experience and knowledge. He rubbed hands, very excited. So, which of you are going to start?
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Matsu Torako
Lion Clan
Posts: 17| Likes: 10
Rings: Air: 3
Earth: 3
Fire: 5
Water: 4
Void: 1
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Post by Matsu Torako on Jul 25, 2014 17:59:41 GMT
Torako rises slightly and gives an uncharacteristic smile.
"If it pleases the party, I could tell a story on the subject of Duty,"
Nobody seems to raise an objection so Torako hesitantly began.
"I am still but a young woman, not long since past my gempukku. For six months before that time, seeking to prove myself to my family, I to walked the path of the pilgrim. My family name forgotten, and only my deeds to speak for my actions.
To begin with I quailed at the difference between the life I lived, and the life I was expected to practice now. I was a proud Matsu, born of the Lion's Pride and not suited for straw and stone. The life of a samurai was a life of dignity and privilege. I had been trained as a great bushi. My place was beside the Ikoma at court, or beside my sisters in the army. What use did I have for both solitude and rough conditions?
It shames me to say that I thought so highly of myself in those days. The Celestial Order had placed me above the common man, and that meant I deserved more. Soon I had wasted what little I had on the finer things. Fine Sake and silks, warm feather beds to spend the night in. I was no closer to learning what it meant to be buke.
Perhaps it spoke to my knowledge of duty that I would not give in, resign myself to another lesser position in my family. I think there are few samurai that would settle for a failed gempukku though. More it was my pride that pushed me forward, something the Lion have often had in abundance. A moved from the Inn I had been staying at to a villager's house. They were happy to have me, name of no. The position of Samurai still means much. I saw how these simple folk lived and learned part of what I must do. I gave my time to the people, to there ways. I worked for my supper and board, eating oats and barely as most people must. When I could not trade on my skills I would till the fields or tend to animals. I tend to doubt that any of my attempts at fixing holes in barn roofs were successful, but the people seemed happy all the same.
In my journeys I came across a tiny village. No more than twenty people could have lived there, and only ten of those people at most could work the land. There life was simpler than most, though they did what they could to be happy. They saw a samurai at most once a year, when someone came to collect their taxes. They brought it out for me when I came, not questioning how I would move it without a horse. They were relieved when I told them I wasn't here for that.
That night was one of the greatest I have ever had. They feasted me in their rude village hall. A feast of barely and game. They had killed one of their chickens to cook for me and I was honoured. It was not long before they started to tell me of their troubles. Since the last taxation, they had been troubled by bandits. A man who called himself a ronin had gathered a bad of thugs to himself, and they took what they wanted from the village. If they had sent someone to ride to the nearest magistrate it would have taken weeks, manpower they could not afford if they were to still make their taxes. They only asked that I tell someone of their plight.
I knew that my place was with them. They needed me. They gave me all that they could, and asked only the minimum in return. I helped them in the fields until the bandits came next. It was a rainy day, late in the week. The man who called himself Ronin was not. Her bore no katana and spoke as a farmer would. All he had was a kabuto that he had taken from somewhere. It seemed to be enough to command respect. When I told him he would leave the people alone he had the audacity to laugh. He was proud and well armoured, I was but a young girl. How could I hope to prevail.
None of us are strangers top the sword I think. We all know the rush of battle. The zen of knowing that every breath might be your last, and the conflict within you when you must take a life. I do not think that I can describe it any better than we already know. Although I had no armour, and only my greatsword, my training won out and the village was safe.
Few things I can achieve will ever match the pride of that moment. I took the helmet to my mother, she said it was from the army. The man was a deserting soldier who had taken his commander's armour. He had chosen his life and I had had to end it. More than that though I had learned the truth of Duty. We are all taught that to be as we are is a duty, that we have roles to fulfill. I am not sure we will ever understand that until we are finally called to serve. A samurai protects and defends, whether it is in the courts with cunning words are on the mighty Kaiu wall fighting back the darkness. A samurai has a duty, first and foremost to the people of the empire. Duty is our life, and one I am proud to live."
As Torako finishes her story she sits back down and takes a sip of tea to clear her throat. It was a little longer than she had thought, but was a subject close to her heart. She was no great speaker, so hoped the passion of her words could be enough.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jul 25, 2014 22:36:56 GMT
Kaigen arched an eyebrow but said nothing.
Ah, deserters. A subject near and dear to my heart. Something people often forget- the glory of serving in the Imperial Legions wears thin in a hurry when you're in some muddy camp being screamed at by a man whose sole claim to superiority is his birth.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 26, 2014 17:47:45 GMT
"My story is also about bandits," Kasumi said, "and while duty and loyalty are very close, the subjects of my story didn't have a duty yet, as they were too young. They only had their loyalty, to their servants, to their clan and to the empire. It is a sad story, a the story of two 13-year old girls, twins, going home from the dojo. They were heading home for their grandfather's funeral and as he had been a hero of his clan, they were given leave to attend. So the group, consisting of the two girls, 3 servants and 2 of their grandfather's budoka, who had brought the message over. It would take them about a day to reach the estate, going on small paths through the mountains.
They had been walking for most of the day when, about 2 hours from the estate, they were set upon by bandits. The two girls didn't have swords of course, but they did have bokken and the ability to defend themselves with them. AS it was clear from his swords, the bandits were lead by a ronin with one other ronin, but the five others were peasants, armed with what were essentially farm implements. The budoka, as most trained and best armed, immediately stepped towards the ronin, while the two sisters stood in front of the servants, readying their bokken, as it was their duty to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. As everybody here well knows, even a bokken can disable if you know how to use it and the two girls had trained extensively with them the past months.
While the two ronin carefully approached the budoka, since he coudn't be sure of their level of training. Budoka training varies greatly and these were already a bit older, so probably quite experienced. The peasants on the other hand just rushed in, trying to get past the girls to the bags the servants were carrying. But the first two were quickly taken down, not killed but taken out of the fight with a leg sweep which dropped them onto the ground. The three others stopped when he saw that the first two were taken down and while one moved closer, the others moved to the side to flank the two girls. A quick glance showed the girls that one of their budoka was down, but also one of the ronin. As they warded of another attack from the peasants, the second budoka was cut down. Now they were the only two in front of the servants.
The left-over ronin, the leader, told the peasants to charge while he also joined the fight. Now it became difficult for the girls, but they managed to dispatch two more of the peasants by a quick attack that wasn't expected. Again they weren't death, but only taken out. Unfortunately that left them open for the ronin to attack. The ronin charged to one of the two girls but before he could hit her, the other girl threw himself against him. He reacted very quickly and simply cut her down, right in front of her twin sister. The other bandits went for the servants, now all defenders were taken out, or distracted. The girl who was left tried to stop them, to protect the servants, but that only gave the ronin an opening and while the blow wasn't deadly, it would have been if a patrol hadn't come upon the scene before they could finish the job. The young girl was the only survivor and she was brought to the estate she was going to, but not for the funeral but to recover herself."
She drained her cup of sake in one go, but there was no emotion on her face.
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 26, 2014 21:09:47 GMT
It seemed as those who wanted to tell stories have had the opportunity to. The Shiba for all his grace seems to have decided upon listening and no doubt how many ways he could kill this particular ronin with is bare hands. Izo had the distinct feeling he was being made a fool of. That would not fly with this crab or any other. There was a reason why Crab were feared in formal settings and he was about to make it known with full Hida fury.
He stood from his position to indicate it was his turn.
"So you wish to know of Courtesy from a Crab eh Taro?! I will tell you all of the Courtesy of the Crab! 1000 years ago Hida-no-Kami took it upon himself to defend the very frontiers of Rokugan against the most vilest of darkness's and evil could be contained and allow the Empire that Hantei the First to flourish and grow. Every single drop of Crab blood that is spilled each day at the Wall in defense of the Empire is a Courtesy to every single living soul in Rokugan to be allowed to live a life free from those best left unmentioned. If you deny this as a fact of Courtesy of the Crab to the rest of Rokugan I would have to take it as a most severe insult to me, my ancestors and my clan and will issue a challenge accordingly!"
His intense eyes bored into Taro as if he could mentally rip the man to shreds by a sheer thought and might just be able to pull of physically with some effort.
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Post by The Storyteller on Jul 26, 2014 22:15:47 GMT
A challenge eh?
The pilgrim remained impassible, just a strange smirk swiftly danced in his face, perhaps a trick of the flickering lantern lights.
So is it true that the Crab is always deciding what others are thinking, and what they decide others are thinking always involves some imaginary insult against their clan?
He played with one of the beads, Compassion perhaps, and raised an eyebrow.
Sorry, I do not partake some of your opinions about bushido, and well, it mainly refers to all three stories so far. However, the tales aren't meant to reflect MY opinions about bushido, but YOUR opinions about bushido.
If you still wish to challenge this one, may I suggest allowing everyone in this inn a night of rest in a dry and calm place, at least?
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 26, 2014 22:42:43 GMT
Izo returned to his seat. He regarded the question as rhetorical so didn't answer the first. The second he gave a nod.
"I will have to obtain permission for the duel which may take a day or two anyhow." since he had no intention of simply dueling till first blood like some Crane diplomat. That is a duel he would lose. A duel to the death however was an entirely different matter. He ordered a servant to bring them some chilled sake, the good stuff to share with everyone at the table and if he was so inclined Taro as well.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jul 27, 2014 5:24:26 GMT
For all that Kaigen took note of the exchange, he might as well have been asleep.
Well... that escalated quickly.
And then he cleared his throat.
"Tsuruchi-san can, I am sure, attest to my general fitness in social matters."
My utter lack thereof.
"But I could hardly decline to follow the gracious example set by Tsuruhi-san and Matsu-san."
I absolutely could, but I refuse to give "Taro" the satisfaction of flustering me.
"So. Sincerity."
Call it what it is... plausible deceit.
"There was a peasant- a man of low birth but great wisdom. His name was Ichiro."
His name is Yoshi, and as far as I know, he continues to keep my guntai well-supplied with pickled fish and lewd pictures. Not so much great wisdom as low cunning.
"Ichiro had, through no merit of his own, attained a position of some responsibility in the kitchens of his lord, and did his best to profit by his new station."
We made him our cook after the previous man sent us all into the bushes with a variety of terrible digestive woes.
"One day, Ichiro's master informed him that a very important guest from the Crane Clan would be joining him, and that a truly exceptional meal was required."
I believe my exact words were, "Make sure you scrounge up something worthwhile- Doji-taisa is notoriously picky."
"Ichiro racked his brain, and then set about skillfully acquiring the ingredients of a first-rate feast."
To this day, I have no idea where Yoshi stole all of that fish, although I am reasonably certain the rice came off of a Crane supply wagon and the quail eggs were definitely bartered from that poacher we let go with a warning. What was his name? Godo?
"Having stretched his creativity to the limit, Ichiro set out a magnificent banquet from his master and their honored guest, making sure that each dish was perfection, and that the presentation was immaculate, as befitted their guest's station." He actually managed to find some porcelain dishware. Of course... he stole it from Doji-taisa's tent.
"The meal went excellently well, with the honored Crane declaring he felt quite at home, everything was just as he liked it."
"Kaigen... what is my tea set doing in your cook's possession?"
"Ichiro's master bowed and accepted all of the credit for the meal's success... and the wise peasant allowed him to take it, knowing that able service to his lord was credit enough."
"I am certain I have no idea what you mean, Doji-sama. This tea set is a family heirloom, one I only bring out for special occasions."
"The guest departed in good cheer, and Ichiro's master, pleased with the peasant's efforts, arranged for the peasant's sons to be taken into his direct service, to benefit from their lord's generosity and from their father's wise example."
"Yoshi... if you ever put me in that situation again, I will kill you."
"Duly noted, Shiba-gunso."
"Now... before he wakes up... make sure his damn tea set is back wherever you got it."
"Hai, Shiba-gunso. How fortunate that he imbibed so heavily of the sake..."
Kaigen allowed himself a slight shrug.
"It is not much of a tale, but then again, I am not much of a storyteller."
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Matsu Torako
Lion Clan
Posts: 17| Likes: 10
Rings: Air: 3
Earth: 3
Fire: 5
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Void: 1
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Post by Matsu Torako on Jul 27, 2014 7:51:27 GMT
Torako could barely parse the words of Shiba-san's story as he spoke them. Had the Hida really challenged the pilgrim to a duel to the death? Was the self image of the man truly so low that he would attempt to risk his life on a barely imagined slight?
Torako had not thought that she would meet a samurai who had so little idea of how to act. Not giving his name to the pilgrim had been at worst a minor breach of etiquette, but still a breach and Torako's honour had compelled her to correct it. This was another matter entirely. To so casually offer ones life, as though it even belonged to himself, cheapened the very system of justice that they fought for. Torako fought to keep her mind rational as she tried her best at diplomacy.
"Hida-San, your story was wonderful, and your vision of the entire Crab clan as working from charity is inspiring.
When most think of the crab, thy no doubt think of the duty they do and the hard task that weighs down upon the shoulders of every man, woman and child born to Hida's legacy. To know now, that they work so hard because they care for the empire with a sould surpassing that of even Lady Shinjo warms my heart.
I think a duel to the death would be a most tragic story, although I am sure you have no fear of the next life. The life of a samurai is the most valuable thing that you have to give, and you years of service will be cut short should you die.
Should Taro-san prove to be victorious against you in your challenge, then all he will have proved is that no insult was meant. You will be dead, and your lord denied service of a great warrior, the Crab deprived of a virtuous defender and the Emerald Champion deprived of an excellent magistrate.
Of course I very much doubt that you intend to loose. We all know that a bushi is trained to accept death in every confrontation however...
Should you win of course, an unknown Ronin will lie dead. He is but a warrior pilgrim so hold no name. I am sure that the family he was born to will hold no grudge against you, and his former and future clan will not seek vengeance.
In his death of course your words will be proved true. All accross the empire will know of how you proved against an unknown ronin that mighty Hida, most dutiful and brave of all the Kami fought the shadow lands because of the size of his great heart. No longer will the selflessness of the Crab be sung of, in its place the poets will sing of the care and love they have for every citizen of the empire. Plays will be written about today, about how you overcame an ronin of unknown skill to prove that the crab value compassion more than duty.
Truly, either way you cannot loose Hida-san. Either you will know in your death that an unknown pilgrim was not trying to insult you, or you will know in life that you killed a man to prove the crab value compassion higher than all tenants of bushido.
Of course if you were to cleave to the other virtue of bushido, sincerity, and believe that Taro-san was not trying to give offence, then you could both live and happily go on to serve the empire another day."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 27, 2014 9:18:47 GMT
Kasumi was surprised about the turn of events. While the story Kaigen had told was more than she had expected from him, it was Izo who had surprised her. She didn't know him all that well and there were Hida who were notoriously touchy about almost everything, but mostly they weren't made magistrate. They were kept at the wall and the shadowlands. Well, she wasn't his direct supervisor, so there was nothing she could do about it.
Torako's reply also made her revise her opinion about the Matsu. They were also considered berserkers who charged in without thinking. Maybe that's why the young woman was a magistrate, because she did think and that was something you needed as a magistrate. And something that was not really useful in the Matsu army, at least at the soldier level. But it was something she could build on to try to defuse the situation.
"I think Matsu-san is right here, Hida-san," she said, "I believe that no insult was intended. I know what the Crab do on the wall, having been stationed for a year there myself. Besides, I'm not sure you will get permission for a duel to the death. Emerald magistrates don't often get that as far as I know."
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 27, 2014 16:32:07 GMT
Izo gave a humorless smirk as the other magistrates opted for diplomacy and the Imperial Legionnaire.. well he did what was expected in the sense he really didn't care two ways. All very satisfactory in his mind. He took a sip of the chilled sake and gave a nod of approval.
"Thank you Matsu-san for seeing my Clan in such a generous light. There is a reason the Lion and the Crab have kept a truce for so many centuries. Your eloquent words do my clan much honor. If you speak with such Sincerity in all your endeavors you will no doubt be quite the successful Emerald Magistrate."
He paused for effect and to take another sip of his sake.
"I believe you also helped tell my story far better then myself. As well as more about Bushido. It is certainly amazing how often one tenet of Bushido can be interchanged with the other. I believe that is the true heart of it. Though some may disagree I do believe its precepts are meant to be looked at as a whole to keep the Samurai caste of a higher moral standing then say the heimen and the eta due to the power we wield over them."
Another sip of good sake.
"I also do not believe Taro intended to insult. Part of the perceived outburst was to see what sort of magistrates the both of you were as I often have the unenviable Duty of testing loyalties of everyone within the Empire, fellow Magistrates included. Tis my task assigned by the Emerald Champion and I do it even though my own personal honor may seem compromised." he shot a humorless grin at Torako whom he was afraid he might just give a heart attack at some point before he gave a nod to Taro "Thank you for your assistance Taro. Now please enjoy some fine sake with us. Life is too short and the rainy nights too long."
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