I practice my iaijutsu against the wasp samurai.

>>9137108

You have the following in equipment:
Your Grandfather's Daisho
A Fine Calligraphy Set
A Footman's Bow
20 Standard Arrows
Average Traveling and Courtly Attire
Traveling Pack
5 bu (silver coins)
Bayushi Hiroshi's Personal Chop

What shall you do now?

Also last night's thread for those interested.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/9116176/

Uh, I missed the other thread and don't really know what's going on but: I guess go talk to the Wasp dude and see if he can give us any leads to people with the authority to fix shit.

A ray of light, a shining thread!
The quest has come back from the dead!

Invite the Wasp to drink sake

I believe I said I practice my iaijutsu on the wasp samurai.

I oppress farmers while hiding behind an absurd warrior philosophy to disguise the immense barbarity of my race.

>>9137129
Ignore this man for the sake of the Empire,
Lest our clan come under fire.

We cannot fight a two-front war,
We must unite, and face the Lion at the fore.

Shinsei's Smile, just to be clear, did the people from the previous thread pretty much decide that they would follow Bayushi Hiroshi's advice, or had they decided?

EMMA OBTAIN YOUR HOROSCOPE HERE http://horoscopes.ws

<a href=http://horoscopes.ws>horoscope</a>

http://libra-horoscope.com

I scratch a line through my forehead protector, symbolizing my self-exiled status from my clan.

Today, I serve no masters.

SUDDENLY, MANTIS PIRATE ARCHERS

THOUSANDS OF THEM!

>>9137336
>>9137336

Would you like to join my enclave of like-minded ninja?

We seek an end to all wars. We are known as "Akatsuki" which means "All Divining Holy Wind"

>>9137279
This is Lo5R Quest, not European Feudal Nobility Quest.

Or Medieval Christianity Quest.

>>9137306
Last night it was decided to follow Hiroshi's advice to get try and get the Fox and Wasp on board. If you do so, the Scorpion can bring their army to bear against Lion at their border as opposed to the Lion Border, forcing the retreat to their own lands.

At the end the only indecision was whether to approach the Fox or Wasp first. The Fox are closer, but their castle is harder to get to making the travel time about the same.

>>9137279
We are the Sparrow, you foolish man,
The pious poor, the minstrel clan.

>>9137367
STALKER, JOIN DUTY TODAY!

>>9137381
Also there is concern about whether or not the Wasp have control over all the passes into the area as you spotted a Lion scouting party.

>>9137381
So if we just spotted a Wasp samurai, then I say we walk over to him, greet him, and see if he will tell us where we can find his lord.

>>9137379
>>9137379

Wow, what a huge weeaboo faggot.

Japanese feudalism was every bit as brutal as european feaudalism, if not more so.

Have you ever heard of "crossroad cutting"?

It was a big problem. Basically, samurai wishing to practice their swordplay would kill a peasant who walked too close. Samurai were not noble. They were just good at deluding themselves.

>>9137381
>Lion border as opposed to the their Border, forcing the Lion to retreat into their own lands as opposed to the Sparrow and Wasp lands.

Bah I cannot type tonight.

>>9137443

Because all Samurai did that, just as everyone is the same as everyone else.

>>9137466
>>9137466

Of course that's exactly what I was saying! I believe I said, verbatim, "all samurai were the same as each other without a single deviation."

I was saying the japanese feudal system was a harbor of injustice, not that every samurai was the same

>>9137381
>>9137381
Towards the Wasp we must press on,
To fight the strength of Lion brawn.

>>9137443

Even Wikipedia agrees that was just ronin, dude. For once, the caste system came in handy, because if you kill someone else's peasants, you're stealing from their lord.

I vote we greet the Wasp and invite him to sake.

>>9137418
>>9137510
>>9137466
>>9137443
>>9137379
>>9137279
How about you guys go shit up another thread?

>>9137550
>>9137418
You press through the crowds of refugees and get the Wasp's attention. You both move off the road and out of the stream of refugees. "Good Afternoon, Suzume-san. I am Shinichi of the Wasp. I don't think it is mere coincidence that we have met on this road."

>>9137656
What has happened here, Shinichi-san?
I see much suffering amongst your clan.

>>9137656

Will do.

Jackass. Was just trying to help.

>>9137656
Find out just what's happened here military-wise. We need to get a handle on just how far the Lion have penetrated into Wasp territory (or if not the Lion, whatever other Clan has been waging war here).

>>9137720
After you exchange introductions and a few sips of sake from your flask Shinichi says, "As you may have heard, the Lion are preparing to march on the Scorpion. They intend to use our lands as their point of entry and feed their army on the move from the larders of the Fox and Sparrow when they establish a foothold. My lord has sent my brother, Shinji and I to our neighbors to rally them to put a stop to this. Shinji is on his way to the Kyuden Kitsune to speak to the Fox. I am on my way to visit your lord, Toranaga-san."

"If my guess is right you are intended as a messenger to my lord. Am I right, Toranaga-san? If so shall we ride to your family's lands to set the Sparrow on the march?"

I don't think that even combined the Sparrow, Wasp, and Fox forces can possibly combat the Lion effectively; they've got a huge army. Also, the Lion love kicking minor clans around, and while the Wasp might already be on their shit list, the Sparrow isn't as far as I know.

That said, our current plan is apparently to let the Scorpion move forward and take control of our lands as they move to fight the Lion, instead of letting the Lion move forward and take control of our lands as they fight the Scorpion. Does this strike anyone else as potentially foolish?

>>9137865
Since I haven't been in on this I don't want to derail it, but I vote yes. The Scorpion's way of battle will have the Lion make their way into our lands before the fighting actually begins. Might as well, join the scorpion in arms. Maybe we can get the Crane to back us up too.

>>9137929
I trust the Scorpion more than I trust the Lion, strangely. Mostly because I think that if the Scorpion want to fuck with us, they could do it anyway with plenty of justasplanned. The previous thread mentioned the Fox had some connection with the Crane. Since the Lion's movement through our lands is against imperial law, they might make a formidable ally.

>>9137865
>>9137932
Shinsei's Smile, can we dart OOC for a bit and discuss realities of the situation that Toranaga would likely be familiar with- for example, the relative force sizes and qualities of the five clans under discussion here, the terrain in this area and its potential effects on battle, and historical ties between the five clans in question? I don't think I have enough background information to confidently proceed.

THIS INTERUPTION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY....
TROLLS! For all your being trolled needs, get a troll, look for the troll seal!

>>9137832
Shinichi also says that the Lion are on the move and the main force is about a week and a half away from the border, just having resupplied from a stalled campaign against the Crane. The Lion will either have to take Kyuden Asahinabachi and use the large pass it guards or use the smaller Fox pass to move their army through the mountains. All the other passes are too small to transport a large army through, they would take too long to move through and the Lion would be fighting a war with the winter before fighting the Scorpion.

Kyuden Asahinabachi is an archer's heaven and the Lion would take heavy casualties if they try to take it. Fox Pass has a small garrison but the Lion would be able to overrun it easily and then pour into Fox Lands.

>>9138068
Based on this, it sounds like if we send our troops to help out the Wasp, all we'll be doing is convincing the Lion to go maul the Fox. That'll give both the Lion and Fox a grudge against us. But we can't effectively meet the Lion in the field while supporting the Fox due to inferior numbers.

If we can get the Scorpion on our side and convince the Fox of it, we might be able to put our troops and the Wasp's in Kyuden Asahinabachi while the main Scorpion army moves towards Fox lands, either to hold the pass or more likely to try their defense in depth bit there. That would- probably- leave our lands untouched, though if the Lion are willing to pay in blood they could still force the Kyuden Asahinabachi pass and take us out.

Thoughts, fellow players?

>>9138068
Well, looks like we're going to have to bite the bullet and somehow get the Wasp to ally with the Fox.

Perhaps we can broker a temporary cessation of hostilities to combat the Lion menace, with us as a neutral third party?

>>9138171
That's what I was thinking. The Lion are just being total dicks and piking fights with everyone. The crane, the scorpion, and three minor clans. Together, they should all be able to put the lion back in their place.

>>9137991
Certainly.

The Sparrow Clan is a very small minor clan that is an offshoot of the Crane. They will be able to field an army lead by close to 1000 samurai with around 10,000 ashigaru conscripted from the peasantry. This force is nearly every able bodied man in their territory. For what they lack in quality they will make up for in the fact that they are defending their homes.

The Wasp is VERY young clan. It is less than 15 years old at this point. The first generation of Wasps born into the clan have just recently became adults. Most of current rank and file Wasp are ronin that have sworn fealty to Tsuruchi's new clan. The Wasp hold several key passes in the Southern Part of the Seikitsu Range. They can field an army of close to 500 samurai with around 5000 ashigaru conscripts. The troop quality is fairly high and their fortifications amplify their strength.

The Fox is one of the oldest of minor clans. They are descended from those in Shinjo's Ki-Rin clan that stayed in Rokugan when she took her clan into the wider world. They have a powerful connection to Chikushudo, the realm of animals, and many are friends with the spirits that inhabit the forests of their lands. They do not have a significant military force, they instead have relied on the Crane and the help of the uncanny spirits of Kitsune Mori for protection. They will bring a reasonable amount of magical might to the battlefield.

>>9138171
Sounds like a plan, though we should still be careful with whatever deals we make with the Scorpion Clan. Don't want to forget the knife at our backs because of the sword at our throats.

>>9138316
The Lion are the most militant clan. They recently were stymied by the Crane in an attempt to take a city at their border that both clans claim. The Scorpion took advantage of the Lion's distraction to burn down several watch tower in the mountains at the border between them. This enraged the Lion and they now march on the Scorpion with an army that is lead by 50,000 samurai with 200,000 ashigaru troops. They are hardened from the recent campaign against the Crane and are hungry for revenge against the Scorpion.

The Scorpion are the clan of shadows. They are underhand of the Emperor. The exact size of their army is unknown but they are well known for their unconventional tactics.

RAPPING SAMURAI, OF THE CLAN SPARROW
THOUGH YOUR EGO IS LARGE, YOUR SKILL IS NARROW
NO MAN ON EARTH CAN BEAT MY SKILL
THE LYRICAL MASTERY OF UNCLE PHIL
SO TAKE YOUR LEAVE, WHILE THE OFFER STILL STANDS
'CUZ EVERYONE KNOWS, UNCLE PHIL'S DA MAN

>>9138319
Agreed, but I don't think we've got the forces to handle this without them- and no one else is geographically in a position to help, unless I misunderstand the situation.

>>9138331
Thanks, boss.

Here's my basic plan, then:
-We send Shinichi-san on his way to the Sparrow with a warning that Lion scouts have been seen on our lands, and instructions to tell our clan to make ready to march to the Wasp's aid.
-We proceed personally to the Fox capital, since the Wasp are pretty much going to take whatever help we give them regardless so we don't need to explicitly speak to them at this point.
-We try to convince the Fox to throw in with us and accept Scorpion aid, hoping that their lands will be safeguarded from the Lion by the Scorpion and from Scorpion opportunism by their own connection to it and its spirits.
-Once we have their agreement, we bolt towards the Scorpion capital as fast as we can to convince their clan leader to move their forces up to support the Fox.
-Then we go to the Wasp lands and hope that the pass is still holding.

Objections? Corrections? Improvements?

>>9138415
I'd take your challenge any other time,
For to kick your ass would be most sublime.

But this is not the thread for such action;
This is Lot5R quest, and we don't need your distraction.

>>9138331
As far as the political situation, the Wasp are on the bad side of both the Lion and Scorpion. Tsuruchi did quite a number on them when he created his clan. The Emerald Champion was impressed with his ballsiness and got him official sanction. Nearly all Tsuruchi samurai also wear the mon of the Emerald Champion as duly appointed magistrates. The Wasp have taken advantage of this and became bounty hunters. This has also rubbed the more conservative Crane and Phoenix the wrong way as they consider paying bounties akin to bribing the magistrates to do their job.

The Fox are close to both the clan that spawned them, the Unicorn, and the Crane. No one has ever attacked their lands before and they are really not prepared for a long term war. Due to their pacts with the spirit realms they cultivate very little of their lands and will likely face starvation if the Lion raid them for food.

The Sparrow are charged with protecting some of the most fertile land in the empire, but they are not allowed to farm it. They live in simple poverty and farm the rocky hills above the Golden Sun Plains. The Sparrow are well liked in most courts as their talent for art of storytelling makes them welcome entertainment.

The Scorpion are the Scorpion. They have kept their plans to themselves the last few years and recently took an opportunity to deprive the Lion of their ability to watch them. They also knew that the Lion would not dare attack them through Beiden Pass in the north, the disruption to Rokugan as whole's economy would bring every other clan down on them. This forced the Lion to fight against time to strike at the Scorpion across Minor Clan Lands in defiance of imperial law. The Lion believe that if they destroy the clans involved they will still hold their lands even if they face imperial censure.

>>9138538

The Lion are mostly just hungry for a victory. The Crane outmaneuvered them in court forcing them to retreat from their campaign on Toshi Rambo. If they crush the opportunistic so be it. If they crush the hated Wasp in the process, even better. If they manage to gain control of the Golden Sun Plains, better still. The Lion have the most to gain and the most to lose in this war, and the Akodo and Ikoma know it.

Your plan is sound, >>9138455 ,
Though to fulfill it, we'll have to hustle and strive.

Onwards to the Fox, my Clansmen, and soon,
To the Fox Clan capital of a Kyuden Kitsune!

>>9138538
We must convince the other clans to take up arms; I suggest we use the time-honored tactic of the Domino Theory. Point out the holes the Fox Clan have in their defenses and use the Wasp Clan as incentive to forge a temporary alliance. After all, if one minor clan can fall to the Lion's rage, why not two, or three?

Basically, convince them that its in their best interest to ally with the Sparrow, Wasp, and Scorpion for the time being, for to do otherwise is to face annihilation at the hands of the Lion's rapacious armies.

>>9138651
>>9138589
>>9138455
Shinichi agrees that your plan is sound and reminds you that his brother will likely arrive at Kyuden Kitsune shortly before you. He thinks that your arrival will add urgency to the message from the Wasp. He also suggests that the two of you trade chops to show that you met on the road and asks if you have a message to send to your family. He also gives you a letter of introduction to the owner of a nearby Inn with along with orders to lend you the innkeeper's horse. Lastly he updates your traveling papers making your travels on this trip officially under his authority as an Emerald Magistrate. He wishes you the speed of fortunes and rides away towards your clan's lands.

>>9138765
Assuming we can ret-con the message in, tell Shinichi to tell our fellow Sparrows to mobilize our forces and be ready to move at a moment's notice. Anybody else want to add something?

DAMMIT I saw this thread as I was going to bed last night and it's the SAME THING this night

>>9138821
Get mobilized and watch out for any Lion Clansmen trying to cut through the Golden Sun Plains.

Also, exchange chops with him. Don't drop the Scorpion Clan chop bomb yet though, we'll keep that as an ace.

>>9138821
We might even want to recommend that they send a substantial portion of our forces to support the Wasp. While obviously some Lions are slipping through so we can't leave our homes undefended, and our ashigaru will perform better by far defending our lands, I don't see us considering any scenarios in which having a few hundred of our samurai at Kyuden Asahinabachi ASAP would be a bad thing.

>>9138912
>>9138918
>>9138821
Sounds good so far. Also, we should probably go and get that horse right away so we can hoof it to the Fox Clan's territory.

>>9138918
>>9138912
>>9138821
Your message home is duly noted and you quickly make your way to the nearby village and procure the innkeeper's horse. The mare is a bit old but she certainly is faster than walking. You take off at a brisk pace and reach the edge of Kitsune Mori at dusk. Do you dare the spirits of the forest at night or camp near the edge and wait till dawn?

>>9138999
Damn right we should. We'll be bouncing around like a damn pinball to make this plan work, no time to waste.

FORGE THROUGH

We'll encounter something, but at least it will be interesting

>>9139066
Forgot my image...

>>9139066
We must press on; we've no time to waste,
Though we may face Kami and Ronin, we must make haste!

>>9139066
Riding around in the dark is a good way to get oneself injured even when there aren't potentially hostile spirits to worry about. Also, we need our sleep. Awaken before dawn have have some tea, then continue on at first light.

>>9139099
Wow, that name isn't ominous at all.

>>9139099
...We're going through Akihabara?

LETS DO THIS. WE PRESS ON, WITH A SONG ON OUR LIPS AND THE WIND IN OUR HEARTS.

>>9139076
>>9139112
Guys, have you ever been in a forest at night? We'll be lucky to make a mile of progress even if we don't sleep at all and no spirits bother us! Pressing on is pointless.

>>9139130
Redacting this, in the face of more level heads. Although I still wanted us to have a grand night-time adventure ;_;

>>9139134
Alas, despite my zealotry more level heads prevail;
We camp outside of Kitsune Mori, and prepare for next day's travail.

>>9139099
>>9139076
The road seems to fade away as you enter the boughs of Kitsune Mori. You keep hearing things you can't quite identify and seeing movement in the corner of your eyes. As the sun sets mist seems to percolate from the ground, your horse seems a bit unease and fusses at her bridle. Soon you cannot see more than ten feet in front of you. The hairs on the back of your prickle and you feel a presence.

You have some schooling in Theology as part of your courtly training, with knowledge of the type of spirit you are dealing with you may be able to appease it. You may try and identify the spirit by making a 3d10 keeping the best 2 vs a TN of 20 or you may spend one of your 2 Void Points to have a flash of insight into Lore: Spirits and make the same roll vs a TN of 10.

>>9139134

This is /tg/, sirrah. One can't see a forest from the basement of one's parents' house or the inside of a LGS, much less one at night.

Fox and Sparrow have common ancestors among the Crane. Are there any among us who might appeal to these spirits, if not for protection or direct intervention, at least to make the Fox aware of our coming?

I have a feeling our best bet will be to have Wasp (or even Scorpion saboteurs) close off the pass in Wasp lands at Kyuden Asahinabachi. We can then funnel the Lion through the narrow pass in Fox lands, harassing them with Sparrow's bos, Scorpion's traps, and Fox's spirits even as we slow them down. By the time they meet our main force, we will have widdled them down to a manageable size.

How we will be rid of Scorpion after that is anyone's guess. WE must be careful to use them sparingly, and not allow too many to come unchecked into the allied Minor Clan territories. If Fox and Sparrow call to Crane to help us rebuild our lands after the war, we may be able to use their presence as pressure to keep the Scorpion back.

>>9139214
Strike that then. haha, that will learn me to not refresh before my post.

rolled 8, 9, 3 = 20

>>9139214
Well, seeing as we're committed, let's see if we can identify the sucker. Spending the two VP, because otherwise we'd have to get a natural 20 to succeed.

Appeal to the Lion Clan, that they can go through your land but don't destroy any of it. In fact, ask if our clan helps them out against the Scorpion Clan in field of battle. Also do the same deal with the Scorpion Clan, as well ask for help from several minor clans around the area.

>>9139244
Thank the kami for that. I did not like the look of that check.

>>9139254
Sorry, misread it; spending ONE Void Point.

You rest overnight though you do not sleep well. A fine mist creeps through your leaving you feeling cold and clammy. But the sun is shining and the forest seems much less sinister than at night.

As you ride through the forest the road thins to a trail and seems to twist and turn on itself. A smaller trail branches off the main path and you smell the faintest hint of smoke.

What now?

>>9139244
But I already rolled... q.q

Ah well, at least we don't get raped by a Kami.

>>9139291
>smoke

FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Can we tell which trail the smoke is coming from?

>>9139291
Do we know anything about the layout of this forest? Specifically, which way would lead to the Fox fortress?

If not, I'm inclined to investigate the smell of smoke; with no indication as to which way is of more benefit, trouble likely bars the correct path.

>>9139319
Roll 3d10 keep all three vs a TN of 15 to be sure.

>>9139258
(info from the previous post:
If we let Lion into our lands, Scorpion will probably be able to repel them. That means they'll most likely set up camp in our territory, and take it over.

If we were to resist Scorpion (or even ally ourselves with them too carelessly), there is much the same risk. It could be even worse, since worse things could happen to their reputation at court than to become protectors of the Plains of the Golden Sun, even as poor Sparrow falters in its charge.

If we resist either too directly, and are wiped out before the Emperor convenes the winter court, then surely the offending major clan will be censured, but you can't return land to dead clans. They will keep their new holdings with a slap on the wrist.

For now we have allied ourselves with Scorpion through the general(?) Bayushi Hiroshi, whom we met ont he road. In this thread, we allied ourselves with Wasp, more or less, through Shinichi whom we just met on the road. Note that we _still_ haven't met with bureaucrats or leaders of either clan -- which worries me -- though messages have supposedly been conveyed. We have a chop from each man as a symbol of alliance.)

rolled 2, 10, 1 = 13

>>9139347
3k3, coming up.

>>9139364
FFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

>>9139364
Since you have a 10 that will explode, I am giving it to you. You think the smoke is coming from down the small trail branching off the main path.

>>9139412
Investigate the smaller path; hopefully it won't be too much of a detour from where we're heading.

>>9139412
Also for future reference, simulate exploding 10s from now on the last digit of your post will be the exploded die. If you have multiple 10s we will continue to move down your post number for exploding dice.

Who votes to investigate the smoke? Lion has supposedly not come so far yet, and any who have will have taken the clear path on towards the Fox capitol. I say we proceed with caution, but investigate none the less.

>>9139464
>>9139446
Two votes for investigation so far. I'm also tossing my vote in with the investigation crowd.

>>9139446
After a few minutes heading down the smaller path you spot a ramshackle little shack in the woods. You can see smoke coming out of the roof of hut. The forest is quiet outside the occasional pop from the wood burning in the hut.

>>9139512
Hmm... I get the feeling this might be a spiritual interlude.

Place Daisho in traveling kimono's sash, dismount, and slowly approach the hut with caution. No sudden movements.

I say approach, be polite, and say we are moving on towards the Fox capitol. If they direct us back to fork, that's fin. If they can offer us information or a guide who is familiar with the peculiarities of this particular wood, even better.

If they invite us to stay, we should politely decline and be on our way. This is a haunted wood, after all, and I don't care to wake up in the morning 20 years older, missing my eyes, married to a soul-drinking crone, or victim to any of the hundred other things spirits do once they decide they're tired of the living.

>>9139512
Approach the rustic shack with caution;
No telling what events we may set in motion.

>>9139637
Though these terrors may be Faustian,
We have no fear since we're humbly Christian

rolled 7, 2, 10 = 19

>>9139569
>>9139604
You approach the hut and knock lightly on the door. The door swings open at your touch and you see an elderly couple sitting next to a small fire cooking a bowl of soup in a pot. In the corner there is a pair of large clay vessels. The old man jumps at your intrusion and seeing your swords the old couple prostrate themselves at your feet.

>>9139696
The faintest smell of vinegar wafts from the vessels in corner.

We politely introduce ourselves as messengers, traveling to the Fox capitol. We did not mean to cause such alarm by our thoughtless intrusion. Do they know how far it is to the capitol we seek?

>>9139696
"Forgive the intrusion, citizens; I did not mean to interrupt your morning.'

Turn towards the older man:

"If I may ask, Grandfather*, how may I reach Kyuden Kitsune? I have a most urgent matter to discuss with the Fox Clan."

*Grandfather used in the traditional respectful usage.

>>9139809
inb4 "I never married, I'm not a grandfather."

>>9139809
>>9139798
"My lord, you are but a half day's ride from the castle. Stay on the main path you will arrive there safely. About an hour from here there is a small stream, in that stream lives a kappa. If you meet it, it will demand a toll. Would you like to have some of our humble meal, Samurai-sama? Our stew is nearly ready and we would be remiss if we did not share with our guest."

>>9140001
Our task demands that we press on, unfortunately. If there is any other advice to be had regarding this kappa, it would be appreciated.

>>9140001
(Personal vote: Normally we would not dare refuse such generous hospitality. We are a vow to fast, however, and cannot partake until nightfall, or until our lands are freed from the shadow of the coming war.

Perhaps it is just the forest putting me on edge, but I would rather not take any chances. I have no idea what we'll give the kappa. I don't suppose there are any cucumbers around here?)

I DONT THINK THESE OLD PEOPLE ARE REALLY PEOPLE

>>9140067
>>9140079
I don't know enough about Rokugani customs to know if my >>9140048 might accidentally offend. If it could, modify appropriately.

>>9140079
(Probably some sort of Fox spirit. Either we run the risk of either calling innocent old people being cannibals, or getting into an open conflict with two powerful spirits. Or, we take option C: slowly and politely back away, and return to our mission without some horrible tragedy.)

>>9140112
If you wish to hurry and do not wish to offend this old couple or you wish to ingratiate yourself to them whilst still refusing their hospitality, you may make an Etiquette roll at 5k3 vs a TN of 10.

rolled 2, 5, 2, 10, 3 = 22

Roll

rolled 4, 1, 10, 6, 4 = 25

>>9140162
Thanks.

From what I've seen of spirits, they either like to torture the proud, bedevil the humble, or become devoted aides to those they favor.

Spiritual theory is for the birds, and we would be best off if we weren't the practical test case.

>>9140175
>>9140183
Exploding victory dice no matter what. Yay! Now, on to the Fox capitol (and perhaps a kappa).

>>9140175
Your kind words to those below your station strengthen your resolve in the heart of bushido fulfilling the virtues of Jin (Compassion) and Rei (Courtesy). As you leave your Honor rises to 3.8.

rolled 4, 7, 5, 8, 7 = 31

>>9140272
NOW TURN AROUND AND SLICE THEIR HEADS OFF

SHI SHI SHAW!

rolled 7, 4, 3 = 14

You ride for nearly an hour and it is as the old man said, there sounds of water echo through the trees. Soon you see the rushing stream and at the path a pair of logs have been set up as a makeshift bridge.

>>9140312
Well, no kappa is in evidence just yet, but I imagine that it will communicate as we approach... just what do we know about kappas?

>>9140388
You know that Kappa are spirits that live in rivers and streams. If you wish to know more you may make a Theology roll at 3k2 vs a 20 or spend a Void point for a flash of insight to make a Lore: Spirits at 3k2 vs a TN of 10.

rolled 2, 2, 9 = 13

>>9140462

>>9140388
Troll-/goblin-like creatures with turtle-like qualities. I remember a couple of sources (oddly enough) that say they like cucumbers. A few with the initials of the supplicant and his family carved in them are usually dumped into a river as an offering to appease them. Some stories say they can twist the land around them. I believe these are also the creatures that have bowls of water on their head: overturn it and spill the water, and the lose their powers or die.

They're man-eaters, but can be excessively polite. The common recommendation is to bow. When he returns the bow, the bowl is spilled.

No idea how much of this applies to Rokugani kappa, or even if I'm remembering correctly. Could also require rolls to use this info in-character.

rolled 9, 8, 3 = 20

>>9140462
I'll long-shot 3k2 it for now; since we were warned that it would charge a toll, presumably we can merely agree to pay and get past it that way, even if we know nothing else. Save our precious void points for later.

>>9140475
Guess we don't know more about Kappas :(

>>9140483
Well, looks like we won't know what's true or false until we face it and try it ourselves. Let's hope they can at least speak and are patient enough to be reasoned with. Onwards.

>>9140513
If it can speak and understand us, we can overcome us.

We're a Sparrow Clansman, after all.

>>9140558
*it

<_<

>>9140475
Watching carefully you step up to the log bridge. Your horse seems a bit skittish at the prospect of crossing here. As soon as you place a foot on a gout of rushing water surges over the logs. As the water subsides the kappa stands before you.

"This is my river, Suzume-sama. You wish to cross, yes? Then a price must be paid, yes." The creature holds forth its wrinkled claw expectantly.

rolled 9, 2, 3 = 14

>>9140605
"What the fuck do you want, lol?"

>>9140614
Do NOT say that.

>>9140605
Greet it as courteously as possible, and inquire as to the price of the toll.

>>9140605
I'm guessing bowing here isn't going to help?

>>9140627
Agreed. Be polite and humble.
>>9140630
Hell, I'd still bow on the off chance.

>>9140605
Alas, we have not much of value;
Perhaps a tale, something new?

It must get lonely, in this river,
And it is the one thing of value we have as a giver.

I mean, the only other things he's going to want are cucumbers and babies :|

rolled 18 = 18

>>9140711
give him a story

rolled 2, 9, 7, 6, 2 = 26

>>9140627
>>9140630
>>9140679
Make a Courtier roll of 5k3. Your target is my 5k3 roll.

rolled 8, 8, 7, 1, 10 = 34

>>9140750

>>9140758
Heh. With the exploded die, it really is 34.

What the fuck is exploded die?

>>9140758
I'd say we just...

*shades*

...blew him out of the water.

>>9140792
see
>>9139412
>>9139449

>>9140792
Dice mechanic from the Legend of the Five Rings RPG.

rolled 2, 3, 3, 4, 6 = 18

>>9140758
As you begin to negotiate with the kappa, you bow your head slightly, the kappa reciprocates. The kappa's demands begin unreasonably high, livers of a dozen young girls along with barrels of cucumbers. Your consistently polite manner and entertaining demeanor soon has him mimicking your every move. With each bow it he gets closer to spilling his water.

At this point you have him down to 3 silver coins from the mints of three clans and the tale of a foolish samurai who was tricked by a kappa (the former you have and the later is a tale you can spin with a 6k3 roll). [If you include your story with your post you get a free raise on the Performance: Storytelling roll]

OK, SO THEN CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT THE FUCK IT IS?

WOULDNT IT HAVE BEEN MUCH EASIER TO SAY JUST WHAT IT WAS AT FIRST INSTEAD OF ALL THIS ROUNDABOUT TALKING?

rolled 8, 3, 2, 4, 5, 5 = 27

>>9140890
I'm gonna roll first, then write my story. It will be appear at first as though a kappa is fooling a man, but in the end, the man fools the kappa.

>>9140909

>>9140925
And here's my story.

"Once there was a clan of humble samurai. Men of modest means and simple tastes. These samurai were soft spoken and polite. They would regale each other with tales of the past and of the imagination. Each story would be greater than the one that had come before, and yet, would honor those it followed.

One day, a wise Kappa from a nearby river heard tale of these samurai, and found their behavior boorish and rude. Such audacity, besting each other with their words rather than fists, as men should.

One day, one of these samurai was traveling, and came to the Kappa's river, which he had to cross in order to continue. The Kappa appeared, and in order to best the samurai and teach him the error of his ways, challenged him to tell him a story. The samurai was set to begin, but the Kappa was wise and knew that the samurai would soon fail.

The samurai began telling his story. It was a story of a clan of humble samurai . . . "

The goal is to get the Kappa to slip up and spill all his water.

so... status?

>>9141114
Right now we're bargaining with a Kappa. Overarching, we've got the Wasp allying with us and we're trying to reach the Fox capital of Kyuden Kitsune and convince them to join the alliance.

>>9141004
Sorry, for the delay. I was away for a few minutes.

Your recursive story begins to confuse the kappa and he looks down to start counting the number of times you have repeated the same section. As it does so you make your move, with a quick jerk it stumbles forward spilling its water.

Without the water from its river the creature is paralyzed and helpless. It begins blubbering for mercy and cries to be returned to its river.

>>9141133
Yeah, but is >>9141004 done or continuing with his story, and what's the DM's ruling either way?

>>9141172
I say we consent, on the condition it remembers us and our allies in the coming season. They have something of a reputation for honor, as far as imps go, so I think we would be best using it. He could be a powerful ally under the right circumstances.

>>9141172
I say we let the Kappa live, with the stipulation that he live on fish and whatever offerings the locals give him from now on instead of asking for a toll. If somebody does not leave a small token offering at the shrine we will commission for him, THEN he may accost them and play his bargaining game, but only then.

Sound good?

>>9141201
>>9141246
Combinan' : commission a small shrine, people can leave token offerings of food and pass by unmolested? We'd be doing a public service, since now they won't have to bargain him down from such unreasonable demands.

>>9141246
I would suggest being slightly more humble about it --- "I will help you, my friend. my only request is that you rethink this dangerous game of bargaining..." --- otherwise, the plan seems sound.

>>9141201
Agreeing with this option, as I'm a bit leery of >>9141246 . We simply don't have the funds, unfortunately.

>>9140792

Take a dice, fill it with explosives.

>>9141274

I like this.

bump

>>9141274
>>9141295

The Spirit is desperate to be returned to the water and agrees to your demands. He will refrain from harassing the travelers if a small shrine is built and maintained for him by the end of the season. He does maintain the right to harass any who do not pay respects at his shrine and if he is betrayed he will lay his curse upon all who cross his stream.

Once returned to the water the kappa vanishes into the flow. On your right hand there is a small scratch from the kappas claw and a tiny drop of your blood falls into the stream. You hear the kappa's voice whisper in your ear, "The Pact is made, Suzume-sama."

You cross the stream and ride as fast as can. After nearly two hours the forest thins ahead of you. You break cover and see the rice fields and village that surrounds the castle of Kyuden Kitsune.

>>9141390
Moderately good end!

Based on the activity and the time the last thread broke up, this might be a good time to hold the quest. Otherwise, we should proceed to the Fox castle.

>>9141390
Keep moving towards the castle unless we're stopped. We haven't a moment to lose!

>>9141390
It is getting pretty late here. How many are still hanging out in this thread? If we still have people wanting to go on we can for a bit more, if not I am going to call it a night and we'll pick it up next weekend. I will pick it up again next Saturday between 11:30 and Midnight 4chan time.

btw AEG is putting out a L5R 4e module for free RPG day this year. Pic is the cover.

>>9141515
Probably best to pick up next time then. I hate to wait a week, but a war won't be won in the next 30 minutes.

>>9141515
Saturday makes me a sad Sparrow;
However, I agree with waiting, an unloosed Arrow.
Anticipation building, expectations on the rise,
Hopefully a week won't see Lot5R quest's demise.

>>9141609
>>9141591
Unfortunately I can't be up till hours on weekday nights. I am only up this late tonight because I have this Monday off. Friday is out because that is my RL group's night. If have to work a week from Monday I will be starting the Quest early Sunday and ending at a set time.