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You take in a breath to calm yourself as you ascend the steps, making your way into Seven Stings Keep. The castle itself is a formidable structure, imposing in more ways than one. Its towering size, its opulent gilding and its vicious-looking architecture all contribute to its fearsome appearance. Though you have lived in its shadow for over half of your life, you can count the number of times you stepped inside of the castle itself on one hand. Now you enter it as an adult, as a samurai, as a warrior bound by duty to serve the lord of Seven Stings Keep.

The dim orange lamplight bounces off of lacquered pillars and paper walls, casting long shadows and giving the castle's interior an ominous atmosphere. You're left feeling uncomfortable, especially in these clothes that you were told to wear – a red kosode and matching hakama, tied with a black sash. The outfit is completed by a black winter jacket draped over your shoulders, the symbol of the Scorpion Clan sewn into its back in crimson. Last but not least, there is the mask of black lacquer that now clings to your face, a symbol of your newfound status as a Scorpion samurai.

Guards line the hallway and wear shining armour of black and red, their faces covered by all sorts of masks doubtlessly designed to intimidate. Snarling oni, roaring beasts, howling ghosts and other such things. You focus your attention on the feminine figure kneeling on a cushion at the end of the corridor, clad in a flowery kimono of red and gold and wearing a sheer veil that hides little of her face. The tools for calligraphy are laid out before her and a ledger lies open on her lap.

“Might I ask for your name and your purpose here?” She extends no courtesy to you, not even a bow of her head. Stomaching your pride, you offer a bow of some respect to the seneschal.

“Bayushi Kimiko. I believe that I was summoned by our lord, Bayushi Taheiji?” Your eyes follow the pages as they are turned and a few letters are painted on the parchment in rich, black ink. Eventually, she looks back up at you.

“Of course, Bayushi-san. Court shall be in session in just over an hour, though you are welcome to wait in our lord's hall until that time. Might I suggest that you grant us your blades, so that we might have them polished during your stay?”

Your hand drops to your daishō, the katana and wakizashi that hang by your side. It is typically considered rude to take your weapons with you into court, as it might be seen as a threat. However, do you truly wish to be unarmed when you go to speak with your lord?

>You are in no position to argue. You want to make a good impression on Taheiji, so you best go unarmed.
>You aren't willing to part with your honour. At least, that's the excuse that you make when you decide to keep your wakizashi.
>You spent the last year being trained to serve your lord as a warrior. If you are going to meet him, it will be as a warrior, with a warrior's weapons.

>>3994333
>You aren't willing to part with your honour. At least, that's the excuse that you make when you decide to keep your wakizashi.

>>3994333
>You aren't willing to part with your honour. At least, that's the excuse that you make when you decide to keep your wakizashi.

“I would rather not part with my wakizashi,” you admit. “After all, what is a samurai without their honour?” The seneschal exchanges a sly smile with you, and it's clear that the joke isn't lost on her. You carefully slide your katana and its saya free from its place in its sash and look towards the woman expectantly. In response, she lifts a hand and make a beckoning gesture.

“Kazutoshi,” she calls out, and one of the guards steps forward, identical to the rest if it wasn't for his mask, the slavering face of a mountain lion. “Tend to the blade of Bayushi-san until her business with our lord is complete.” Sure enough, the soldier strides across to accept the katana that you offer to him. You feel uncomfortable parting with the steel that you have only just earned, but it wouldn't be wise for you to enter Taheiji's court fully armed. Another gesture comes from the seneschal as she stands, this time directed at you, before she turns around to lead the way. You follow her lead.

The interior of Seven Stings Keep is dizzying. In the dim lamplight, every corridor seems the same and the doors to the rooms you pass are barely visible. It becomes clear after the seventh or eighth turn that this castle is a purposeful maze, and you can't possibly fathom how your guide is able to lead you so confidently. Perhaps in time, you will come to know this castle as well as she does? Who knows, should Taheiji ever shame himself, there might even be a chance for this castle to become yours...

You quickly snap yourself out of those thoughts. You have only just become a samurai, you should avoid dreaming about such lofty aspirations until they're within reach. Your attention turns towards the seneschal – no sound is coming from her other than the click of her sandals against the floorboards.

>This is a good opportunity to try and find out more about Bayushi Taheiji, the castellan that you are soon to serve and devote your life to. As his seneschal, she must know a great deal about the lord of the castle.
>You can't help but wonder about her. What purpose does she fulfil as the seneschal of Seven Stings Keep? What duties does she perform? You don't even know her name yet, at the very least she should introduce herself.
>Take this chance to learn about broader politics. What's the state of affairs in the region, in the Scorpion Clan, in Rokugan as a whole? As Taheiji's steward, she must have some knowledge about current affairs and politics.
>Remain silent. This is an important moment in your life, perhaps even more important than your gempukku. Try to avoid squandering it by needlessly chattering with someone as important as the seneschal.

>>3994399
>>Take this chance to learn about broader politics. What's the state of affairs in the region, in the Scorpion Clan, in Rokugan as a whole? As Taheiji's steward, she must have some knowledge about current affairs and politics.
Normally I'd say shut up since she clearly doesn't want to talk and this is probably a test but fuck it, I need my dose of geopolitics.
OOC: Is a hantei on the throne?

>>3994414
Yes. Hantei XXXVII, to be precise. Though I haven't had reason to mention it so far, the year is 1081.

>>3994420
Thanks for the update! My preference is always to GM in an era with Hantei, though I did play a decent campaign in the four winds era as a Harrier on the run. Anyway, that means we're we're a few years ahead the normal start date of 1E and the Wasp arn't around yet. Looking forward to see what the plan is!

>>3994399
>>Take this chance to learn about broader politics. What's the state of affairs in the region, in the Scorpion Clan, in Rokugan as a whole? As Taheiji's steward, she must have some knowledge about current affairs and politics.

>>3994399
>Take this chance to learn about broader politics. What's the state of affairs in the region, in the Scorpion Clan, in Rokugan as a whole? As Taheiji's steward, she must have some knowledge about current affairs and politics.

“Having spent most of my life in the dōjō,” you begin, “I am rather unaware of life beyond the castle grounds. Is there anything that you could tell me about the state of Rokugan?”

“If you wish,” the seneschal says, rather disinterested as she leads you along. “Our clan champion, Bayushi Ujiro, has bolstered funding for the courtly dōjōs of the Bayushi and Shosuro families. A great deal of these funds likely comes from Journey's End City, which is prospering thanks to its production of opium. As for why he would focus this wealth on training our clan's courtiers rather than its soldiers, that is not for us to know.”

“Perhaps he wishes for us to compete with the Crane Clan in the Imperial courts?” Your theory earns a sharp look from the other woman, her veil face twisting into a brief frown.

“As I said, Bayushi-san, that is not for us to know. It is not our place to question or ponder about the intentions of our lords. We live to serve and to obey. But since you spoke of the Crane Clan, this year's Winter Court shall be occurring at Kyuden Doji, the seat of the Crane's ruling family. There, the Emperor shall gather the finest samurai of Rokugan to speak of the year that has passed and the year that is to come.” You would like to attend a Winter Court one day but as the steward said, it is only reserved for Rokugan's finest – a title that you do not hold, at least not yet.

“Speaking of the year's affairs... The Crab Clan seems to be under pressure on the Southern border, as their clan champion, Hida Junuro, has declared the coming season to be a Twenty Goblin Winter.” At your nonplussed expression, the seneschal explains. “Whoever brings the severed heads of twenty goblins to the Crab Clan is adopted by them as a samurai, no matter what they were previously – it is said that they even accept hinin and gaijin. A gruesome and foolish practice, thankfully they only declare it in times of need.”

“And ah, what else..? Oh yes, this summer's war between the Unicorn and the Lion was a horribly bloody and unproductive affair. From what I understand, the Lion clan won, if only marginally, taking a handful of villages from the clutches of the Unicorn. How many lives were spent for their victory, I wonder? I have also heard word of tension between the Phoenix and the Dragon over the Perfect Land Sect.”

“Forgive me, that isn't something that I have ever heard of.”

“You should be thankful, Bayushi-san. It is an absurd heresy, one that suggests that heimin and hinin are the equals of samurai, that our souls are as filthy as theirs. The Phoenix Clan rightly outlawed it long ago and is pushing for the Dragon to do the same, as this ridiculous sect is rampant amongst their peasants.”

“It seems that we live in interesting times,” you murmur. A faint scoff comes from the seneschal as she strides ahead.

“I suppose that 'interesting' is one word for it, Bayushi-san.”

After a few more turns, you finally arrive at your destination. The corridor opens up into a great hall, yet it is just as dim as the rest of the castle. Most of the room is illuminated by the dull orange light of lamps, that gives the lacquered wood of the floor and pillars a pleasant sheen. Cushions are arranged across the left and right of the hall, a few of them already harbouring courtiers, yet most are empty. After all, it is still some time until court shall begin.

“Please seat yourself and wait for our lord's arrival,” the seneschal says. “When he is ready, he shall approach the matter of your duty and call you forward.” With that, the woman turns about and strides out of the hall, wood clicking against wood as her sandals hit the floor.

>You recognise one of the guards scattered throughout the hall. Is that Bayushi Takako over there? Consider approaching her and speaking with her, she might be interested in hearing how your gempukku went.
>One of the courtiers is clearly not of the Scorpion Clan. He is a lithe young man, his snowy white hair a stark contrast against his sallow skin and his body clad in a beautifully made kimono of blue and white silk. You're curious about him, so why not approach him?
>Another samurai in attendance that catches your eye is a Scorpion like you. He wears a full mask that reminds you a spider's head and he wears a rich crimson kimono, little black scorpions embroidered into it. You might as well find out what he's here for.
>Waste no time with anyone else. Everyone is here to either speak with Bayushi Taheiji or to guard him, the last thing that they want is to talk to you. Wait for the castellan to arrive so that court might begin – you want to get this over with.

>>3994541
>>Another samurai in attendance that catches your eye is a Scorpion like you. He wears a full mask that reminds you a spider's head and he wears a rich crimson kimono, little black scorpions embroidered into it. You might as well find out what he's here for.

>>3994541
>Waste no time with anyone else. Everyone is here to either speak with Bayushi Taheiji or to guard him, the last thing that they want is to talk to you. Wait for the castellan to arrive so that court might begin – you want to get this over with.

>>3994541
>You recognise one of the guards scattered throughout the hall. Is that Bayushi Takako over there? Consider approaching her and speaking with her, she might be interested in hearing how your gempukku went.

I'll wait for one more vote to decide between those three options. If there is none after half an hour, I'll roll for it.

>>3994627
i will change my vote to >You recognise one of the guards scattered throughout the hall. Is that Bayushi Takako over there? Consider approaching her and speaking with her, she might be interested in hearing how your gempukku went.

>>3994541
>Another samurai in attendance that catches your eye is a Scorpion like you. He wears a full mask that reminds you a spider's head and he wears a rich crimson kimono, little black scorpions embroidered into it. You might as well find out what he's here for.

You take this opportunity to approach the familiar figure of Bayushi Takako, still wearing the sheer black veil that she wore during the night of your gempukku. Even if she wasn't, you are quite sure that you would still be able to recognise her.

“Bayushi-san,” you greet her with a small smile on her face. “I hope that you are well this day?” At your approach, her head snaps your way and she grants you her attention. She doesn't smile or show any sign of emotion, maintaining a rigid mask devoid of emotion even underneath that veil of hers.

“Bayushi Kimiko, yes? I am well. How might I assist you?” Her words are clipped and to the point. You recall that during your coming of age, you had asked her to leave for disrupting the celebration. Perhaps she took it a little too personally, considering how brusque she is towards you now? The other option is that she is too focused on her duty to waste time on guests... But then again, all she is doing is just standing there.

“I simply thought you might like to know how my gempukku went,” you reply, your smile gradually sliding from your face. Takako's face remains cold and stony as she watches you closely, her stance never relaxing. You are certain that she is ready to draw her weapon on a moment's notice, hopefully to slay a potential intruder rather than cause you any harm.

“Forgive me, Bayushi-san,” Takako says quite bluntly, “but my duty is protect my liege and his court. I cannot perform this duty while you distract me. Should we meet when I am not serving the castellan, I will congratulate you then. Until that moment, I ask that you leave me be.”

You're left feeling rather awkward. “Of course, Bayushi-san.” That's all you can say, offering a hesitant bow of your head before you step back, away from the stern woman. Returning to your original seat, you can't help but notice that a few eyes follow you, the faces of those watching courtiers hidden behind fluttering fans. You get the feeling that you are the subject of the joke, or perhaps an amusing curiosity.

Maybe it's just best if you keep to yourself, until it's time for you to speak with Taheiji.

Over the course of the next hour, you see the seneschal enter the room with a new desk, who she briskly directs towards a cushion. Gradually, the audience that seeks to attend the castellan's court grows until almost half of the cushions are filled. A handful of them share murmured conversations with each other while the rest are content to wait, either serene or fanning at their faces, their expressions hidden behind their fans.

At long last, he arrives. Flanked by guards, Bayushi Taheiji enters the hall through one of the doors at the back. He strikes an austere figure, his black kimono only disrupted by the bloody red sash tied around his waist. An opaque veil of the same colour hangs about his face, obscuring his nose and mouth, while his oily hair is tied back in a neat topknot. Black, beady eyes sweep over the samurai scattered throughout his corpse before he strides over to his zabuton, seating himself on it. His steward arrives before too long as she takes her place by his side, sitting on top of the smaller cushion next to his.

What follows is a rather simple affair. A name is announced by the seneschal and the samurai that it belongs to steps forward to face Taheiji and offer an embarrassingly low, subservient bow. The matter that they have brought to the court is discussed in a brisk fashion. Some of these samurai carry messages from neighbouring lords, while others declare that their various tasks have been carried out. You sit as patiently as you are able, although each samurai who is called forward before you leaves you feeling just a little frustrated.

“Bayushi Kimoko,” the seneschal says at long last, after over half of the samurai in attendance have already received their opportunity to speak. Rising to your feet, you step forward to stand in the middle of the hall, before the castellan Bayushi Taheiji himself. Dozens of eyes rest on you, watching you with hawk-like scrutiny, to see what you will do next.

>Humble yourself before Bayushi Taheiji like all of the others. Bow low and show him that you are subservient to his rule, that he is your lord and your life is his. (You will increase your strife to 1 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)
>Offer a formal and eloquent bow, as humble as you are able without humiliating yourself. Hopefully this will be enough to satisfy your lord. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)
>You see yourself as his equal, rather than his underling. After all, you are destined for greatness. Bow before him as you would bow before an equal. (You will lose both glory and honour if you choose this option.)

>>3994674
>Humble yourself before Bayushi Taheiji like all of the others. Bow low and show him that you are subservient to his rule, that he is your lord and your life is his. (You will increase your strife to 1 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)
Just a little. We can handle it.

>>3994674
>Humble yourself before Bayushi Taheiji like all of the others. Bow low and show him that you are subservient to his rule, that he is your lord and your life is his. (You will increase your strife to 1 / 6 for
We can't we really afford to be acting out this early on.

>>3994674
>>Humble yourself before Bayushi Taheiji like all of the others. Bow low and show him that you are subservient to his rule, that he is your lord and your life is his. (You will increase your strife to 1 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)

>>3994674
>>Humble yourself before Bayushi Taheiji like all of the others. Bow low and show him that you are subservient to his rule, that he is your lord and your life is his. (You will increase your strife to 1 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)

>Strife

>You suffer a point of strife whenever you fail a roll, whenever you act in a way that goes against your delusions of grandeur, and whenever you arrive at a dramatic and stressful point in the story.
>Should your strife meet or exceed its maximum capacity, which is currently 6, your ability to succeed will be greatly impaired. Only your rolls of 6 will contribute to a roll's success.
>However, you can reduce your strife back down to 0 by surrendering to your emotions. By bursting into tears or giving into your rage, you are able to rid yourself of your strife, at the cost of damaging your reputation or escalating a situation.
>You have other methods of reducing your strife as well. You get to subtract a point whenever you engage in your love of wordplay and whenever you arrive at a positive and uplifting point in the story.

>You suffer a point of strife. Your strife is currently at 1 / 6.

You debase yourself, like all of the other samurai before you have. It's infuriating but there's no other choice. Everyone else sees you as one of the rabble, just like them. They don't understand your ambition, your destiny, the greatness that lies ahead of you. So you bow, not just formally but humbly, with the utmost respect and reverence for the lord that you now serve.

“It is an honour to stand before you, Bayushi-dono,” you say, repeating the same embarrassing greeting that all of the other samurai before you had said. Such deference is clearly expected of you, as Taheiji shows no sign of reacting. Instead, he begins to speak.

“I have spoken with your sensei, Bayushi Narikata. He spoke of your strengths as a samurai, and also of your weaknesses. He believed that you would be best suited to a court such as this.” Taheiji lifts a hand, gesturing around the hall at the guards, the courtiers, at everything around him. “While I see no reason to doubt his words, I have no need for another guard in my court. All who dwell within Seven Stings Keep are adequately protected, and there is no need for any greater security.”

Your heart drops, but your liege continues. “Nor is there any place for one of your talents within the garrison of Seven Stings Keep. For this reason, I have granted your service to another lord of the Scorpion Clan, who might make better use of your talents. Yogo Kanzaburo, daimyō of the Beiden province, is your new lord. Having conferred with him, it is by his will that you shall serve as a yoriki and assist in enforcing the laws of Rokugan.”

A yoriki; a deputy. You won't even have any authority or prestige of your own, you will be nothing more than the assistant of a magistrate, a man of the law who will keep all of the glory for himself. Your gempukku was an incredible success, Narikata said so himself. So why have you been reduced to the role of a common minion?

It's beyond belief.

>You suffer a point of strife. Your strife is currently at 2 / 6.

>Humbly accept the position and thank Taheiji for granting it to you. You don't have any choice but to bow and accept your place in the world, no matter how debasing it is. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)
>Make your displeasure known to Taheiji. Though you will do as your liege commands, you do not appreciate or agree with this decision. Questioning the decision of your lord isn't wise though, even if you obey. (You will lose glory if you choose this option.)
>No. You refuse this duty. There has to be some other way about this. Protest, try to get your lord to rescind this role so that you might gain a more suitable duty instead. (You will lose both glory and honour if you choose this option.)

>>3994730
>>Humbly accept the position and thank Taheiji for granting it to you. You don't have any choice but to bow and accept your place in the world, no matter how debasing it is. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)


So glad we picked up the water ring

>>3994730
>Humbly accept the position and thank Taheiji for granting it to you. You don't have any choice but to bow and accept your place in the world, no matter how debasing it is. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)

Oh boy the early game is going to be so rough to our psyche

>Humbly accept the position and thank Taheiji for granting it to you. You don't have any choice but to bow and accept your place in the world, no matter how debasing it is. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)

>>3994730
>Humbly accept the position and thank Taheiji for granting it to you. You don't have any choice but to bow and accept your place in the world, no matter how debasing it is. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)
It's not gonna be fun for whoever we end up taking our frustration out on.

>>3994730
>>Humbly accept the position and thank Taheiji for granting it to you. You don't have any choice but to bow and accept your place in the world, no matter how debasing it is. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)

>You suffer a point of strife. Your strife is currently at 3 / 6.

You bow your head deeply. This way, any frustration that might feel has a chance of being hidden from the eyes of others. “... Thank you, Bayushi-dono, for this opportunity to serve the Scorpion Clan. May I die before I ever bring disgrace to your name, or that of my new lord.” Yogo Kanzaburo, he said. It is a name that you have heard of before, but it's not someone you ever thought you would devote your life to.

“Very good,” Taheiji says, his tone dismissive and disinterested. “Once the court is adjourned, my seneschal shall provide you with everything that you shall need for your duty. Then you shall make your way to Beiden, to meet with the magistrates that you will serve. Is there anything else that you require, Bayushi-san?”

“No, Bayushi-dono.” Oh, there is a great deal you require. You require an explanation, you require an apology and you require a duty that is actually worth of you. But you can't say any of this, not without putting your future at risk. So instead, you grit your teeth and accept your fate.

“Very good,” the castellan repeats. You don't need to hear anything other than that. With one last bow, you stride back to your seat. One hand forms a white-knuckled fist, while the other strays to your sash, dangerously close to the hilt of your wakizashi. You kneel on the cushion and stew in your own half-hidden anger, paying little attention to the other courtiers as they're called forward, one at a time.

It feels like an eternity has passed by the time it's finally over. Forcing yourself to your feet, you muster one last bow before Bayushi Taheiji and a moment later, his seneschal is leading you back to the hallway that you first came from, through the dizzying maze of corridors. By the time that you arrive, it seems that your katana is already waiting for your return, along with a number of other items.

“Your equipment, to assist you in fulfilling your duty,” the steward remarks. It's not insignificant; a bulging travelling pack that likely contains everything you will need for a prolonged journey, a suit of plain, black lacquered armour carrying the crimson symbol of the Scorpion Clan, very similar to Takako's, and what appears to be a second katana, seemingly identical to the one already in your possession. Yet when you draw the sword, you find that the blade is far too short for its saya.

“A shinobigatana,” the seneschal explains. “Try to avoid drawing it in the company of samurai who do not belong to our clan. They are unlikely to approve of it. Now, unless there is anything that you need, I advise that you pack these away, along with anything else that you wish to take to Beiden. It is best that you do not tarry.”

>Is there anything that you wish to do at Seven Stings Keep, or anyone that you wish to talk to at Seven Stings Keep before you depart for Beiden?

>>3994833
Talk to the white haired man who's not from our clan.

>>3994833
Takako, when she is off duty.

Otherwise find out about Beiden and the area around it.

Also ask about why the Shinobigatana, why would we need such a thing?

Also examine your kit and make sure nothing is missing, broken, worn down or damaged.

>>3994841
+1

>>3994841
>>3994840
I'll support these.

Also try to find the ronin from our Gempukku and let him know about the 20-Goblin summer of the Crab Clan. If we can shape that bundle of garbage into something then our indulgences to him despite his station will have been worth his gratitude in the end.

>>3994853
A sterling idea good sir!
>>3994841
>>3994840
If we have time to talk to the (likely) Crane I would be fine with it.

>>3994840
>>3994841
Sure

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“What use would I have for that weapon?” You take the time to examine the equipment quite closely, looking over the armour, the sword, even the travelling pack for anything that might be missing, damaged, weathered or otherwise inadequate. Meanwhile, the seneschal offers an explanation.

“The shorter blade allows its wielder to draw it faster than most samurai are able to draw a katana. With it, you will be able to strike before a typical foe can even draw their weapon. Consider it a method of... imitating iaijutsu. However, samurai of other clans have a dim view of it, as it is a mockery of a sacred weapon. So hide it from their sight, as you must hide all other dishonour that our clan is guilty of.”

“And what of the province of Beiden?” As far as you are able to tell, everything is new and finely crafted. Though you doubt that it was made specifically for you, there isn't any obvious flaw to the equipment you have been provided with. Satisfied, you turn your attention back towards the exasperated seneschal.

“It would be wiser if you asked the magistrates that you are bound to serve, Bayushi-san. But since you have asked, I will tell you what I can. The most important feature of the province is Beiden Pass, the most significant route through the Spine of the World Mountains. Anyone who wishes to travel between Southern and Northern Rokugan must go through that pass. As such, the town of Beiden that was founded at the foot of the mountains is a rather prosperous town, where a great deal of commerce occurs. Most villages in this province exist to support the town of Beiden, though their rice keeps Seven Stings Keep fed as well.”

“One last thing that I suppose I should mention is that all of the province of Beiden is owned by the Yogo family, except for this castle. This castle is an institution of warfare founded by our family, the Bayushi family, for the purpose of managing the threat of the Lion Clan to the North. The presence of a Bayushi holding in Yogo lands has been the cause of... tension in the past. Keep that in mind as you perform your duty, Bayushi-san.”

A thought enters your head when you hear that. Perhaps this is why Taheiji ordered you to serve Kanzaburo? Are you nothing more than some sort of commodity to be traded off, in order to appease the Yogo family? This does nothing to rid you of your anger. Offering your thanks to the seneschal and securing your belongings in various packs, you consider what you have the time to do.

>Visit Takako. You weren't able to speak with her earlier but now that today's session of court is over, she will be able to talk with you without worrying about her duty?
>Try to find the white-haired stranger wearing the blue and white kimino. Judging from his appearance, you have to guess that he is of the Crane Clan.
>Try to speak to both of them, at the cost being a little tardy. The magistrates will just have to deal with your lack of punctuality.

>>3994953
So who wants to bet the old crone in our gempukku pulled weight to get us posted somewhere where her family has more influence?

>Try to find the white-haired stranger wearing the blue and white kimino. Judging from his appearance, you have to guess that he is of the Crane Clan.

>>3994953
>Try to find the white-haired stranger wearing the blue and white kimino. Judging from his appearance, you have to guess that he is of the Crane Clan.

>>3994953
>Try to find the white-haired stranger wearing the blue and white kimino. Judging from his appearance, you have to guess that he is of the Crane Clan.

You must admit, your curiosity was piqued by that blue-clad courtier earlier. Having gathered and packed away almost everything that you will be taking to the town of Beiden, you decide to spend your spare moments searching the castle for the white-haired stranger. How could someone so young have hair so white, you wonder? Carefully navigating your way back through the maze of corridors, you eventually find your way back towards the court, where a more casual atmosphere has taken over after the departure of Taheiji and the end of official business.

There he is. You train your eyes on the elegant figure of the courtier and make your approach. The closer you get to him, the clearer the pattern on his kimono becomes. The patches of white are a hundred different birds taking flight, none of them sharing a breed with any other. It's tasteful and beautiful to behold, and that white perfectly matches the warm, inoffensive blue. Snapping his fan shut, the youthful man – only a year or two older than you – turns your way, noticing where your attention lies.

“Good day,” he says, his tone gentle, polite and ever so sincere. Shockingly, his eyes are blue as the silk that he wears, something almost unseen among the Rokugani. “I hope that my kimono is not inappropriate? I must admit that I am not familiar with the fashion of the Scorpion Clan.” The tiniest smile appears on his face, an apologetic little thing.

“Of course not,” you insist. “I was simply admiring it, that was all. Forgive me for not wearing something more appropriate for court, but I am afraid that I must travel shortly.” You certainly feel ridiculous next to him, wearing the heavy winter jacket along with the simple, unadorned kosode and hakama.

“There is nothing to forgive, I assure. But really, I should introduce myself. I am Kakita Yoshikazu. Might I ask for your name..?” His eyes remain on yours and it is though he has a genuine interest in you; a rare thing in your life, as most Scorpion are never genuine about anything.

“Bayushi Kimiko. It is an honour, Kakita-san.” You're quite eager to introduce yourself to him, lowering yourself in a respectful bow as you do so. He mirrors the gesture.

“No, no, the honour is mine entirely. Though I must ask, why have you blessed me with your attention, Bayushi-san?”

“Samurai of the Crane Clan are a rather rare sight in Seven Stings Keep, Kakita-san. I could not contain my curiosity.” That earns another curve of Yoshikazu's lips. It feels good, being able to make someone smile like that. A short silence lingers between the two of you, as you consider the directions that the conversation could be taken in.

>He appreciates the finer things, quite clearly. Take this opportunity to try and impress him with your mastery of language and a bit of wordplay. It's also a chance to distract yourself from the horrid outcome of today's events. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed. You will reduce your strife to 2 / 6 for engaging in your love of Wordplay.)
>He's a little too good to be true. Maintain a pleasant conversation, but watch him closely, try to identify any flaws that he might have, any chinks in his armour of politeness. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
>He's around your age and you enjoy his company so far. Why not take the opportunity to flirt with him? There's nothing wrong a little bit of playful teasing. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)
>Focus on the business side of things. Ask him why he's here and try to learn what he wants from the Scorpion Clan. As friendly as he is, you're more interested in learning the truth from him. You have no need for a new friend, even if he is evidently offering himself as one.

>>3995016
>>He appreciates the finer things, quite clearly. Take this opportunity to try and impress him with your mastery of language and a bit of wordplay. It's also a chance to distract yourself from the horrid outcome of today's events. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed. You will reduce your strife to 2 / 6 for engaging in your love of Wordplay.)

>>3995014
>He appreciates the finer things, quite clearly. Take this opportunity to try and impress him with your mastery of language and a bit of wordplay. It's also a chance to distract yourself from the horrid outcome of today's events. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed. You will reduce your strife to 2 / 6 for engaging in your love of Wordplay.)

>>3995016
>He's around your age and you enjoy his company so far. Why not take the opportunity to flirt with him? There's nothing wrong a little bit of playful teasing. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)

>>3995016
>He appreciates the finer things, quite clearly. Take this opportunity to try and impress him with your mastery of language and a bit of wordplay. It's also a chance to distract yourself from the horrid outcome of today's events. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed. You will reduce your strife to 2 / 6 for engaging in your love of Wordplay.)

Rolling Dice

>Whenever I ask for a roll, you roll a number of dice equal to the appropriate ring for the roll – Earth, Fire, Air, Water or Void – and you roll twice the number of dice equal to the appropriate skill.
>However, only a number of these dice equal to the ring you're using can be kept, and contribute to whether you succeed or not. The rest must be discarded.
>Every 4, 5 or 6 that you keep counts as a “success,” and contributes to your roll succeeding. For every 6 that you keep, you may keep an additional die that you rolled.
>I will always announce what ring and skill a roll will use, and the number of successes that you will need to succeed, so that you will know how difficult the roll will be.
>If enough successes are kept, the roll is successful. And if you keep more successes than you need in order to succeed, you gain bonuses for having excelled at the roll.

>In this instance, I require a roll of 7d6 using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes (4s, 5s or 6s) to succeed at this roll.

>I will accept the best of three.

>With that, this will also be the last past from me for several hours.

>He appreciates the finer things, quite clearly. Take this opportunity to try and impress him with your mastery of language and a bit of wordplay. It's also a chance to distract yourself from the horrid outcome of today's events. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed. You will reduce your strife to 2 / 6 for engaging in your love of Wordplay.)

Rolled 5, 2, 4, 2, 5, 6, 5 = 29 (7d6)

>>3995028

Rolled 4, 6, 2, 2, 3, 1, 6 = 24 (7d6)

>>3995028

Rolled 6, 6, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3 = 22 (7d6)

>>3995028

>>3995035
Can someone enlighten me whether this counts as 4 or 5 successes?

>>3995035
6 explodes into the 5
5
5

so 4 successes

>>3995039
6 into 6 into 4
3 successes

>>3995041
6 into 6
2 successes


Not shabby hm


>>3995043
4
ring is 3 so we keep 3 rolls, and you only got one six.

So what exactly will our job be as a yoriki? And what avenues of ascending in status will we have?

>>3995438
Kimiko will get the chance to find this information out shortly.

>Going with >>3995035, four successes. >>3995045 got his calculations correct.

“Forgive me if I intrude, Kakita-san, but you have flown rather far from your nest. What brings a samurai of your clan to Seven Stings Keep, of all places?” At those words, Yoshikazu peers around the room searchingly, examining the dim interior of the castle's court.

“The Crane Clan views every daimyō and every castle in the empire as important and worthy of attention, Bayushi-san. We seek to have a representative in every corner of our beloved empire, so that we might strengthen the bond between clans and encourage unity.” Though he is softly spoken, he seems enthusiastic about this, as though it is a cause he truly believes it.

“Truly? I wasn't aware that you were such migratory birds. Are you the only one of your clan that roosts in the Beiden province?” Your words earn a curious look from Yoshikazu but with a coy smile, he begins to play along.

“I wouldn't say that we flock to this region, but it is certainly one of importance, with all of the trade that passes through. You might be able to find a cousin of mine in Yogo Kanzaburo's court, should you ever attend it. I try to visit her now and again, considering that she's all on heron.”

“Oh? I hope none of my clan have ruffled your feathers during your stay, though I must admit, you do not seem like the sort who quails easily.”

“Of course not. Some of the guards can be rather brusque and forward, but I would not say that I have been wronged. No harm, no fowl.”

“It is wonderful to hear that the Scorpion have given you no reason to grouse, Kakita-san. Though with the grace that you carry yourself, I am sure that any samurai who wrongs you would immediately egret their actions.”

“I would hope so, Bayushi-san. It seems as though your clan knows better than to fly in the face of etiquette, and for that I am glad. Yet even if I was wronged, it is the way of the Crane to tern the other cheek.”

“Is that so? Though I approached you on a lark, Kakita-san, I truly am glad to make your acquaintance. Though talk is cheep, you have certainly provided entertaining company.”

The white-haired Crane can't keep a straight face any longer. He lifts a hand to his mouth to stifle a small laugh. “As have you, Bayushi-san, though I must concede defeat. Your wit seems almost bottomless.” And you must admit, you needed this distraction, as silly as it was. At least for a few moments, it took your mind off of the duty that awaits you.

>You lose a point of strife. Your strife is now at 2 / 6.

>Take the opportunity to inquire about Yoshikazu's peculiar appearance. Why are his hair and eyes such shocking colours?
>Ask what he has accomplished in Seven Stings Keep so far. Try to learn more about his purpose here, to pick more information out of him.
>Unfortunately, you have your duty to attend to. You should take your leave.

>>3995469
>>Unfortunately, you have your duty to attend to. You should take your leave.
We were told not to tarry. This was fun but we really do need to get on the road

>>3995469
>Unfortunately, you have your duty to attend to. You should take your leave.

>>3995469
>Take the opportunity to inquire about Yoshikazu's peculiar appearance. Why are his hair and eyes such shocking colours?

>>3995469
>>Unfortunately, you have your duty to attend to. You should take your leave.

>>3995469
>Ask what he has accomplished in Seven Sting Keep so far. Try to learn more about his purpose here, to pick more information out of him.

>>3995469
>>Unfortunately, you have your duty to attend to. You should take your leave.

>>3995469
>Ask what he has accomplished in Seven Stings Keep so far. Try to learn more about his purpose here, to pick more information out of him.

“While it has been a joy to speak with you, Kakita-san, I must be on my way. As you might have heard, I am bound to serve as a yoriki in the town of Beiden. It is best that I do not put of my duty any longer. May your stay in Seven Stings Keep be a pleasant one.” Offering a bow of genuine respect to Yoshikazu, you're pleased to get one in return.

“So I heard, Bayushi-san. I shall pray for your success, for you are most deserving of it. A samurai with a mind as keen as your own will not remain at such a low rank for long.” You can't help yourself. A smug smile rises to your lips when you hear that – it seems that Yoshikazu recognises your greatness, unlike so many others. Truly, you're glad that you met the man. With one last farewell, you turn from him.

It is time for you to depart. You regret not having the time to speak with Takako but you spot the armoured woman still standing guard. Offering a brief nod to the woman as you make your way out of the hall, you're glad that you get a similar farewell from her. Hopefully a sign that she holds no grudge over what happened during your gempukku.

You hurry through your final preparations, making your way back to the dōjō to collect the last of your belongings. Turning your attention to the caged cricket that you have kept, you find that it has died; such creatures have lifespans of weeks but for it to die on this day, of all days? Auspicious. The last of your belongings are packed away and weighed down the burden of all that you own, you begin the long, slow journey towards the town of Beiden.

The afternoon sky is overcast, the sun's rays black by angry grey clouds that look as though they might unleash torrential rains at any moment. Your eyes are torn between the heavens and the path in front of you as you trudge along the dirt road, your sandals only just keeping your hakama from trailing through the mud. Your silent prayers for the rain to remain at bay must have been heard, for your journey is a dry one. A little fortune, at least. After hours of marching down from the small hill that Seven Stings Keep perches on, you find that the thriving town is within sight at long last.

The last time you were here was during a market day, during the transition between summer and autumn. Despite the fact that fall has set in, the town of Beiden still seems just as prosperous as it was before. Merchants hawking their wares have been replaced by caravanners from all walks of life, hurrying inside of sake dens and teahouses to taking refuge from the autumnal chill. They are likely making the journey through Beiden Pass before the first snows begin to fall. Once winter comes, making the journey through the Spine of the World will be a much more perilous task.

You take your time to familiarize yourself with the various landmarks as you pass them. The estate of Yogo Kanzaburo, a gilded manor that gleams even when the sun is hidden behind clouds. Should you ever be summoned by the daimyō, that is where you will need to go. The shrine of Tenjin, Fortune of Stories and Secrets, a god fervently worshipped by all of Beiden's denizens. You have heard that even the serfs of this town know how to read, thanks to his blessing. Finally, you come across the magistrate's station. It is not as opulent as the daimyō's estate or the temple of Tenjin, but it is still a large, sprawling structure, designed for utility rather than aesthetics.

You step out of the wind and the chill and into the station, though it isn't much warmer. Most of the structure seems to be built from sturdy stone, rather than the wood and paper of most other buildings. In this entry hallway, most of the light seems to come from the doorway you walked in through. The stray lamps scattered around the interior barely offer any light at all. A startled heimin rises from the cushion where he is sat and offers a deep, humbling bow before you. All you're willing to offer in return is a faint nod of your head.

“Welcome to the Beiden Magistrates' Station, samurai-sama. How might I be of service?” He's not a pleasant-looking man. Heimin never are. His swarthy skin is pock-marked and discoloured, his feet are bare and his clothes are ragged. The only thing of note is the jitte tucked into his sash, a pronged weapon used for disarming one's foe.

“I am Bayushi Kimiko,” you state, taking the opportunity to unburden yourself of all of the belongings that you have had to carry from Seven Stings Keep. Your back aches from having to deal with such weight for so long. “I am here to speak with the magistrate in charge of this station, for I am bound by duty to serve him.”

“Of course, Bayushi-sama, follow me.” With another bow that almost borders on grovelling, the pock-marked peasant leads you further inside of the structure. You pass various different rooms, with various purposes; some house the magistrates and their servants, others serve as cells to contain incarcerated criminals, and others harbour the equipment and supplies of the station. At long last, you arrive at a small hall of sorts. On the cushions scattered by its edges sit a handful of samurai, and even a few heimin. They are quietly talking amongst themselves, eating and otherwise relaxing.

Sat opposite of the doorway that you came through is a more regal samurai, clad in black lacquered armour with an open surcoat draped over it. This jinbaori carries the symbol of the Scorpion Clan, but not in the usual black or bloody red – instead, it's a bright green. As for his mask, it's a rather plain and practical thing, a menpō coated with the same glaze as his armour. This man strikes you as pragmatic and practical, perhaps to a fault.

“Bayushi Kimiko, yes?” His voice shows no sign of disinterest or disrespect, nor is it particularly reverent. It's difficult for you to read this one. “I was told of your arrival and your assignment as yoriki. Come and sit, so that we might speak of your duty. The sooner that this is over and done with, the better. We all have our tasks to return to.” As he speaks, the scattered figures about the court cease their chatter and their eating. They kneel on their cushions, watching and listening attentively, including the one who led you here.

>Yet again, you must make a good impression. No matter how much it pains you, this man is your direct superior and you must grovel before him, in an attempt to get in his good graces. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)
>Offer him respect but do not go over too far with it. Though this man is a magistrate and of higher status than you, he is no lord and you shouldn't treat him like one. You have kowtowed far too much already this day.
>He's a practical man, straightforward and business-like. Perhaps he might appreciate it if you don't waste time bowing at all and just sit like he asked. There's no need to waste his time with etiquette if you don't have to.

>>3995524
>>Offer him respect but do not go over too far with it. Though this man is a magistrate and of higher status than you, he is no lord and you shouldn't treat him like one. You have kowtowed far too much already this day.

>>3995524
>>Offer him respect but do not go over too far with it. Though this man is a magistrate and of higher status than you, he is no lord and you shouldn't treat him like one. You have kowtowed far too much already this day.

>>3995524
>Offer him respect but do not go over too far with it. Though this man is a magistrate and of higher status than you, he is no lord and you shouldn't treat him like one. You have kowtowed far too much already this day.

>>3995524
>>Offer him respect but do not go over too far with it. Though this man is a magistrate and of higher status than you, he is no lord and you shouldn't treat him like one. You have kowtowed far too much already this day.

>>3995524
>>Offer him respect but do not go over too far with it. Though this man is a magistrate and of higher status than you, he is no lord and you shouldn't treat him like one. You have kowtowed far too much already this day.

>>3995524
>He's a practical man, straightforward and business-like. Perhaps he might appreciate it if you don't waste time bowing at all and just sit like he asked. There's no need to waste his time with etiquette if you don't have to.

Bending at the waist and keeping your back straight, you offer a respectful bow to the magistrate before you, only to seat yourself a moment later on a waiting cushion. The armoured magistrate doesn't comment or react to your display of etiquette, but you suppose that you shouldn't expect him to. He has more important things on his mind than how deeply a samurai should bow.

“I am Yogo Orinosuke, Chief Magistrate of Beiden. All other magistrates that serve in this province answer to me. It is the duty of a magistrate to oversee tax collection, to maintain law and order and to ensure that our daimyō's mandates are carried out throughout the province where they have jurisdiction. As a yoriki, it is your purpose to assist the magistrate in performing his duties. You will serve as his eyes, his hands and his sword.”

“You shall be expected to handle crimes committed by commoners, by heimin and hinin. You possess the authority to investigate their wrong-doings and to render summary judgment and punishment, without the need for a full trial, excluding exceptional circumstances. Regarding the buke – samurai – your powers are more limited. You are only allowed to investigate incidents that involve samurai and pass on your findings to your magistrate. Only he has the authority to judge and punish the buke caste. Sosa! Get Bayushi-san a jitte and a copy of the Ritsuryo”

The pock-marked heimin rushes to his feet to leave the hall. In the meantime, Orinosuke explains.

“The jitte serves as a symbol of your authority as a yoriki, and the Ritsuryo is the book of law that all magistrates and their servants adhere to. I suggest that you study it, Bayushi-san, and learn the intricacies of Rokugani law.”

“As for the magistrate that you will serve, I place you under the care of Soshi Tetsunori. Soshi-san,” Orinosuke continues, glancing over at a man seated near the wall, “I hereby demote your rōnin, Atshushi, from yoriki to the rank of dōshin. Alongside Sosa and Rinji, he shall serve Bayushi Kimiko and assist her in upholding the laws of Rokugan.”

Then, the chief magistrate's attention swivels back to you. “If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them, but be quick about it. We all have work that we must get back to.”

>Take this opportunity to protest. You were meant for something greater than this, how dare he condemn you to such a lowly position.
>Express your interest in the hierarchy of magistrates. Yoriki serve magistrates who serve the chief magistrate, is there more to it than that? Can one achieve a promotion?
>You're curious about the position of dōshin. From what Orinosuke said, you take it that they're the servants of yoriki? What are they allowed to do?
>Write in. If you've got a question to ask, now is the time to do it. The chief magistrate seems rather impatient however, so keep it simple.
>You've been told everything that you need to know. Ask nothing.

>>3995580
>Take this opportunity to protest. You were meant for something greater than this, how dare he condemn you to such a lowly position.

A glorified patrol cop. How great

>>3995580
>>Express your interest in the hierarchy of magistrates. Yoriki serve magistrates who serve the chief magistrate, is there more to it than that? Can one achieve a promotion?

>>3995580
>Express your interest in the hierarchy of magistrates. Yoriki serve magistrates who serve the chief magistrate, is there more to it than that? Can one achieve a promotion?

>>3995580
>You're curious about the position of dōshin. From what Orinosuke said, you take it that they're the servants of yoriki? What are they allowed to do?

“What more is there to the hierarchy, Yogo-sama? Is there no rank higher than yours, and no rank lower than a yoriki's?” At least, no rank that a samurai can hold. You dare not imagine living like a dōshin, if even commoners can fill that role.

“Each province has a chief magistrate, Bayushi-san. Each family has a chief magistrate, who the provincial magistrates answer to. As an example, I answer the the Chief Magistrate of the Yogo family. Each of these family magistrates answers to the Chief Magistrate of the Scorpion Clan, who is beholden only to the Clan Champion and the Emperor himself.”

“And what is the chance that I might rise above the rank of yoriki, to become a magistrate myself?” You hear someone scoff. Turning your head, you notice one of the samurai off to the side glowering at you. He is a short fellow, wearing clothes identical to your own, though his mask is rather opulent. It covers the entirety of his face and is painted with red and golden lacquer, carved in the image of a komainu, a fierce lion-dog. Perhaps he is a yoriki as well, judging from the jitte tucked into his sash?

“Should a magistrate become unable to serve, it is likely that his replacement shall be drawn from the yoriki who serve him,” Orinosuke explains. “Exceptions can be made if none of his yoriki are found to be worthy.” At last, the pock-marked Sosa returns with a rather heavy book held in one hand and a jitte held in the other. Kneeling at your side, the heimin presents both of these to you. You go about tucking the jitte into your sash, the symbol of your new station, and rest your copy of the Ritsuryo in your hands for the time being.

“If there is nothing else, Bayushi-san, I have reports that need my attention. Soshi-san, she is yours now.” With a grunt, the samurai sat beside the short yoriki rises to his feet. His armour and attire is similar to that of Orinosuke's, the emerald scorpion on his surcoat denoting him as a magistrate of the Scorpion Clan. His mask is a simple menpō wrought from iron, without any glaze to hide the dull metal. Tufts of horsehair jut out from its chin and beneath its nose, giving the mask the impression of having a beard. As for the samurai himself, his work seems to be getting from him, judging from the sagging bags underneath his eyes. He makes his way towards you, as do the others. You take the opportunity to stand and face them, while the Chief Magistrate takes his leave from the hall.

“Bayushi-san,” he begins, “I am Soshi Tetsunori, the magistrate who you will be serving. This,” he gestures to the yoriki with the lion-dog mask, “is Yogo Yasotaro, the other yoriki under my command. I understand that you have already met the rōnin Atshushi, who will serve as your dōshin.” Atshushi stands to the other side of Tetsunori and offers a humble bow. He's shockingly sober right now. “The two heimin, Sosa and Renji, will serve as your dōshin as well.”

“Yogo Orinosuke has granted me jurisdiction over the route between Beiden and a village that's two days to the South, Kagoki. You will stationed at Kagoki with your dōshin for the remainder of this month, Bayushi-san, while Yasotaro and his dōshin will patrol the road between here and the village. At the end of each month, the two of you shall exchange responsibilities.” A frustrated noise comes from Yasotaro, beneath the mask. It's evident that he's not fond of having to patrol the road, for whatever reason.

“What about you, Soshi-sama?”

“I will remain at Beiden,” Tetsunori says. “It is where I am most needed. It is unlikely that you will need to do more than check travel papers, handle the petty disputes of commoners and put down the occasional thief. Atshushi has performed your duty for over a year, so you may rely on his expertise. Unless there is anything else, Bayushi-san, Yogo-san, you should prepare yourselves for the journey to Kagoki. I want you out of Beiden within the hour.”

>It might be a good idea to get on the good side of Yasotaro, if you are going to be working with him. Offer to exchange roles, so that you're the one who will patrolling and he's the one who will be overseeing Kagoki. He might like that.
>Suggest that you might be of better use in Beiden, supporting Orinosuke. Surely the route to this village isn't so rowdy that it requires two yoriki to take care of it? Yasotaro can handle that on his own. You doubt he'll like this suggestion though.
>Accept the responsibility that you've be given. You're new to this, so it might be best if you just do what you're told for the time being, until you're more familiar with the routine of working beneath Tetsunori.
>Tetsunori might be more likely to tolerate your protests than the Chief Magistrate. Insist to him that you're above petty work like this, and that you should be assigned to a more prestigious position.

>>3995677
Accept the responsibility that you've be given. You're new to this, so it might be best if you just do what you're told for the time being, until you're more familiar with the routine of working beneath Tetsunori.

>>3995677
>>Accept the responsibility that you've be given. You're new to this, so it might be best if you just do what you're told for the time being, until you're more familiar with the routine of working beneath Tetsunori.

>>3995677
>>Accept the responsibility that you've be given. You're new to this, so it might be best if you just do what you're told for the time being, until you're more familiar with the routine of working beneath Tetsunori.

>>3995677
>Accept the responsibility that you've be given. You're new to this, so it might be best if you just do what you're told for the time being, until you're more familiar with the routine of working beneath Tetsunori.

>>3995677
>Accept the responsibility that you've be given. You're new to this, so it might be best if you just do what you're told for the time being, until you're more familiar with the routine of working beneath Tetsunori.

“As you will, Soshi-sama.” You're not about to argue with him. Still, your hopes aren't high. If yoriki only get promoted when the magistrates that they serve either die or retire, then it will likely be some time before you have the opportunity to rise to a higher station. You'll have to find a way to work around that but for now, you have no choice but to fulfil your duty.

You're dismissed to make your preparations to leave the town. You're assigned a room in the station to serve as your quarters, where your belongings are to be kept while you're absent from Beiden. You can only take what it is necessary with you to Kagoki, then you're going to be stuck in that village for the rest of the month. You have no doubt that it will be a miserable, joyless existence but this is the duty that you must fulfil.

While you prepare yourself for the journey, you can't help but think of what the seneschal said, that there is tension between the Bayushi and Yogo families over the ownership of Seven Stings Keep. The more you think about it, the more worthless you feel. Your lord that were meant to serve gave you away as though you were not a person, but a gift to be given. You were reduced to nothing more than a pawn in an elaborate game between lords. A small part of you wants to rage against the injustice of it all, to show that you're worthy of something far greater than shepherding commoners. With a quivering breath, you silence that part of your mind and try to focus on your preparations.

You recall just how difficult it was travelling here from Seven Stings Keep carrying so much. You were horribly encumbered, forced to trudge along with a bent back underneath the weight of all of your belongings. You'll need to lighten the load. So, you're going to need to choose which set of swords to take with you, and which set of protective clothing will be most useful. Your furisode, amongst other precious things, will be left behind in the station as well.

>You're going to take your katana and wakizashi with you. It's best if you wear the traditional daishō, as the katana is the better choice for longer battles and you'd rather not be caught with a shinobigatana by someone foreign to the clan.
>You're going to take your shinobigatana and wakizashi with you. The shorter blade allows this sword to be drawn faster and as you're going to be living in a rural Scorpion village for the next month, you don't need to worry about running into samurai from other clans.

>You're going to take your armour with you. It provides more protection should you find yourself in combat and it might be a better choice for intimidating heimin into cooperating with you.
>You're going to take your travelling clothes with you. These will provide you with much better protection from the elements, will be much more comfortable for you and are unlikely to frighten the commoners that you'll have to deal with.

>>3995929
>>You're going to take your katana and wakizashi with you. It's best if you wear the traditional daishō, as the katana is the better choice for longer battles and you'd rather not be caught with a shinobigatana by someone foreign to the clan.
>You're going to take your travelling clothes with you. These will provide you with much better protection from the elements, will be much more comfortable for you and are unlikely to frighten the commoners that you'll have to deal with.

>>3995929
>You're going to take your katana and wakizashi with you. It's best if you wear the traditional daishō, as the katana is the better choice for longer battles and you'd rather not be caught with a shinobigatana by someone foreign to the clan.
>You're going to take your travelling clothes with you. These will provide you with much better protection from the elements, will be much more comfortable for you and are unlikely to frighten the commoners that you'll have to deal with.

>>3995929
>>You're going to take your katana and wakizashi with you. It's best if you wear the traditional daishō, as the katana is the better choice for longer battles and you'd rather not be caught with a shinobigatana by someone foreign to the clan.
>You're going to take your travelling clothes with you. These will provide you with much better protection from the elements, will be much more comfortable for you and are unlikely to frighten the commoners that you'll have to deal with.

>>3995929
>>You're going to take your shinobigatana and wakizashi with you. The shorter blade allows this sword to be drawn faster and as you're going to be living in a rural Scorpion village for the next month, you don't need to worry about running into samurai from other clans.
>You're going to take your armour with you. It provides more protection should you find yourself in combat and it might be a better choice for intimidating heimin into cooperating with you.

>>3995929
You're going to take your shinobigatana and wakizashi with you. The shorter blade allows this sword to be drawn faster and as you're going to be living in a rural Scorpion village for the next month, you don't need to worry about running into samurai from other clans.

>You're going to take your travelling clothes with you. These will provide you with much better protection from the elements, will be much more comfortable for you and are unlikely to frighten the commoners that you'll have to deal with.

>>3995929
>You're going to take your katana and wakizashi with you. It's best if you wear the traditional daishō, as the katana is the better choice for longer battles and you'd rather not be caught with a shinobigatana by someone foreign to the clan.
>You're going to take your travelling clothes with you. These will provide you with much better protection from the elements, will be much more comfortable for you and are unlikely to frighten the commoners that you'll have to deal with.

You decide to keep your travelling clothes on for the time being. The thick clothes and winter jacket will help protect you from the elements and if you're going to be dealing with the rabble, it's best if you don't wear anything as intimidating as armour. As for the shinobigatana, you see no reason to resort to wielding such a weapon. It's an assassin's tool, not a warrior's. Leaving that ignoble blade in your quarters along with the black lacquered armour, you depart from the magistrate's station to meet your fellow yoriki and your dōshin outside.

There is little need for words. Side by side with Yogo Yasotaro, you lead your motley crew of heimin and rōnin out of Beiden. The sun is already dipping towards the horizon, but your magistrate insisted that you depart for Kagoki today, and who are you to disobey? Trudging down the muddy path with your dōshin in tow, you watch as the signs of civilization gradually melt away. Before long, you're left marching through the rural countryside, surrounded by nothing but nature.

It takes almost an hour before Yasotaro opens his mouth to speak, the squat samurai's lion-dog mask muffling his voice somewhat.

“'What is the chance that I might rise above the rank of yoriki?' Really, Bayushi-san?”

“Are you offended by what I said, Yogo-san?”

“Offended? By the Fortunes, no. I'm amused. I've been serving as Tetsunori's yoriki for eight years now – eight years. Imagine patrolling this filthy little road for almost a decade, and you will have some understanding of what I have had to endure.”

“Might I ask if you have a point?” You struggle to keep any exasperation from entering your voice.

“When Tetsunori retires, I will become magistrate in his stead and you will serve me. I'm not about to let a girl fresh out of gempukku steal my future from me.” There's a hunger in Yasotaro's tone, a lust for something greater. Ambition. You know it well.

>There's no need for any hostility between the two of you. Try to mollify him with a little chatter. It's better if you make an ally out of Yasotaro, rather than an enemy. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)
>Invoke your Imperial heritage. You were destined for something greater than this, it is in your blood and if Yasotaro is wise, he will not stand in your way. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep two successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)
>Concede that the two of you will have to compete for the position of magistrate. You aren't about to let him get between you and your destiny.
>Apologise for encroaching on a title he wishes for himself. When Tetsunori retires, you will not compete with Yasotaro for the title of magistrate, you promise. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)

>>3996040
>>There's no need for any hostility between the two of you. Try to mollify him with a little chatter. It's better if you make an ally out of Yasotaro, rather than an enemy. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)

>>3996040
>There's no need for any hostility between the two of you. Try to mollify him with a little chatter. It's better if you make an ally out of Yasotaro, rather than an enemy. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)

>>3996040
>Invoke your Imperial heritage. You were destined for something greater than this, it is in your blood and if Yasotaro is wise, he will not stand in your way. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep two successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)

>>3996040
>>Invoke your Imperial heritage. You were destined for something greater than this, it is in your blood and if Yasotaro is wise, he will not stand in your way. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep two successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)

This option has the better odds.

>>3996067
yes but it won't net us an ally

>>3996084
I doubt mollifying him with a little chatter is likely to make him an ally either. The choice to be made here is how to defuse the current situation.

I'll give thirty minutes for people to try and break the tie. If there's still a tie at half past, I'll roll for it.

>>3996148
changing vote to >Invoke your Imperial heritage. You were destined for something greater than this, it is in your blood and if Yasotaro is wise, he will not stand in your way. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep two successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)

>>3995469
>I know how to defend myself from many obscure techniques. Though I admit it has been a long time since I've been called upon to pun-duek
Tarquin would be proud.
>>There's no need for any hostility between the two of you. Try to mollify him with a little chatter. It's better if you make an ally out of Yasotaro, rather than an enemy. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)

>>3996040
There's no need for any hostility between the two of you. Try to mollify him with a little chatter. It's better if you make an ally out of Yasotaro, rather than an enemy. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3996182
>>3996184
>>3996051
Three votes for the Water approach.
>>3996065
>>3996067
>>3996165
Three votes for the Void approach.

It's still a tie.

On a roll of one, going with the Water approach.
On a roll of two, going with the Void approach.

Going with:
>There's no need for any hostility between the two of you. Try to mollify him with a little chatter. It's better if you make an ally out of Yasotaro, rather than an enemy. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)

I require a roll of 6d6 using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed at this roll.

I will accept the best of three.

Rolled 1, 6, 6, 1, 1, 1 = 16 (6d6)

>>3996220
Bam, all 6s

Rolled 6, 2, 4, 4, 3, 5 = 24 (6d6)

>>3996220

>>3996231
Sweet, I think we made it here didn't we?

Rolled 2, 1, 3, 3, 3, 6 = 18 (6d6)

>>3996220

>>3996232
Yeah, writing it up now.

>Going with >>3996231, three successes.

“Yogo-san, I am hardly about to steal your future from you. All samurai wish to serve their lords to the best of their ability, don't they?”

“I don't see how that's relevant,” Yasotaro replies, almost petulantly.

“That is why I wish to rise to a higher position, not to compete with you but to better serve our clan. We're both suited for more valuable work than patrolling a road in the middle of nowhere.”

“It doesn't matter whether you wish to compete with me or not, Bayushi-san. We have no choice, one of us shall rise to replace Tetsunori while the other will remain a yoriki.”

“Not necessarily, Yogo-san. There are always exceptions to the rule, aren't there? If we perform our duty with distinction and gain the attention of our superiors, they might value us more highly than any other yoriki who serves in Beiden. We may even be called upon to replace other retiring magistrates, not just Tetsunori.”

“And how are we meant to do that, exactly?”

“It's simple. We work together and we support each other, whenever we have the chance to. This way, we will both excel at our duty. Yogo Orinosuke will have no choice but to acknowledge our talent and we will both be magistrates in no time at all. That way, we both win.” You flash him a light-hearted smile, trying to come across as harmless as possible. The last thing you want is for your colleague to consider you competition.

Thankfully, it seems to work. You can't see his expression through the lion-dog mask but after a moment's thought, he does nod along. “I suppose that might work. It's not like either of us would make Tetsunori retire any sooner by sabotaging the other.”

“Precisely. So, we are partners, yes?”

“I suppose, Bayushi-san.” That hunger has left Yasotaro's tone. You let out a silent breath of relief, knowing that you will not have to wrestle with his ambition, at least not right now.

>He has eight years of experience with this task. More than anyone else, he knows what it involves. Is it really as simple as checking travel papers and mediating heimin disputes, like Tetsunori said?
>Before you acquired this position, Atshushi served as a yoriki for over a year. You're left wondering, who was the other yoriki before Atshushi? What happened to them?
>There's something about every Yogo that you have met so far. They all seem to be rather aloof, perhaps even a little surly. Ask Yasotaro about this, but try to avoid offending him in the process. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)
>Take the opportunity to observe Yasotaro for any sign of weakness, for any disadvantage that you might be able to exploit in the future. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
>No need to talk. Just keep on walking until it's time to camp.

>>3996299
>>Before you acquired this position, Atshushi served as a yoriki for over a year. You're left wondering, who was the other yoriki before Atshushi? What happened to them?
>He has eight years of experience with this task. More than anyone else, he knows what it involves. Is it really as simple as checking travel papers and mediating heimin disputes, like Tetsunori said?
>Take the opportunity to observe Yasotaro for any sign of weakness, for any disadvantage that you might be able to exploit in the future. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

>>3996299

>He has eight years of experience with this task. More than anyone else, he knows what it involves. Is it really as simple as checking travel papers and mediating heimin disputes, like Tetsunori said?
>Before you acquired this position, Atshushi served as a yoriki for over a year. You're left wondering, who was the other yoriki before Atshushi? What happened to them?

>>3996299
>He has eight years of experience with this task. More than anyone else, he knows what it involves. Is it really as simple as checking travel papers and mediating heimin disputes, like Tetsunori said?

>>3996299
>He has eight years of experience with this task. More than anyone else, he knows what it involves. Is it really as simple as checking travel papers and mediating heimin disputes, like Tetsunori said?
>Take the opportunity to observe Yasotaro for any sign of weakness, for any disadvantage that you might be able to exploit in the future. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

I'll quickly ask for a tie-breaker on this option, since people are going multiple-choice for this post.
>Take the opportunity to observe Yasotaro for any sign of weakness, for any disadvantage that you might be able to exploit in the future. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
Should we go through with this option, yes or no? Next poster decides.

>>3996379
Take the opportunity to observe Yasotaro for any sign of weakness, for any disadvantage that you might be able to exploit in the future. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
yes plz

>>3996379
No

Going with:
>Take the opportunity to observe Yasotaro for any sign of weakness, for any disadvantage that you might be able to exploit in the future. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

I require a roll of 5d6 using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed at this roll.

I will accept the best of three.

Rolled 6, 3, 6, 1, 6 = 22 (5d6)

>>3996387

Rolled 4, 6, 1, 4, 6 = 21 (5d6)

>>3996387

Rolled 4, 1, 6, 1, 2 = 14 (5d6)

>>3996387

>>3996395
Nice 4 successes

>Going with >>3996395, four successes.

“I have a few questions,” you admit. “Who was my predecessor? Before Atshushi, I mean.” You glance over your shoulder towards the rōnin, who seems to be focused on trudging along rather than talking or even listening to what you have to say. His sobriety seems to be taking a toll on him.

“Another samurai of the Bayushi family. Grew too comfortable and too confident after a few years of this, ended up accepting gifts from merchants. In exchange, he was generous enough to never inspect the cargo or papers of these merchants.” Bribery, in other words. You suppose you shouldn't be surprised by this sort of corruption. However, that does lead to another question...

“What happened to him?”

“Orinosuke was merciful, commanded the fool to commit seppuku as penance for surrendering to temptation and failing to remain true to his duty.” You have never thought of seppuku as a mercy before; it seems that Yasotaro is a rather harsh man when it comes to justice. Nonetheless, you decide to continue with your questioning. It's not like you have anything better to do, and it's the perfect opportunity for you to observe the squat samurai for any signs of weakness.

“I see. Speaking of this duty, is it really as simple as Tetsunori says? Are samurai truly required to check the travel papers of commoners and to solve their disputes? Surely this is something that could be left to the dōshin.”

“It is best not to question your duty, Bayushi-san,” he says. You take the time to listen to how his tone changes, picking it apart while his eyes linger on his posture, the way his fingers flex. Though he tries to hide it, it is evident to you that Yasotaro is a restless man, impatient and impulsive. These eight years must have been torturous for him.

“Forgive me, Yogo-san. Nonetheless, I find that I am curious. Is there anything else that I should expect?”

“Little else. We put a stop to the squabbling of the common filth, and we make sure that anyone who wishes to travel has the appropriate papers. Perhaps once or twice every year, we might need to chase down bandits. It's always good to have an excuse to draw steel.” His words leave his lips a little too soon after you have spoken. He doesn't filter his thoughts or think about what he is saying before it leaves his mouth. Yasotaro seems to be unconsciously blunt and direct, a trait that might get him in trouble in a sensitive situation.

After that, the conversation trails off and you resume marching in relative silence. The sun dips beneath the horizon and the brilliant orange sky gradually cools off into a dark, melancholic blue. By the time you come to a halt and begin setting up camp, twilight is on the verge of transforming into night.

>If there is anything that you wish to say to Yasotaro, Atshushi, or anyone else, now is the time to bring it up. Otherwise, it's a good opportunity to fast-forward to your arrival at Kagoki.

>>3996430
>If there is anything that you wish to say to Yasotaro, Atshushi, or anyone else, now is the time to bring it up. Otherwise, it's a good opportunity to fast-forward to your arrival at Kagoki.
i think we are good but this is good information for later, so we can fast-fprward

>>3996430
lets fast-forward

>>3996430
>ask Our new underling ronin to give us any /all pertinent info that he deems he we need to know after saying goodbye to our senior.

>>3996430
Nothing comes to mind

In which case, I'll stop here for tonight and resume at some point tomorrow, once I'm refreshed and feel ready to write again.

>>3996430
no i am changing vote to telling atsushi about the 20 goblin heads

>>3996430
fast-forward

>>3996456
I do want to tell him this, though maybe in private.

Once camp has been made by the road's edge, you take the opportunity to find Atshushi and speak with the rōnin. He has been rather quiet throughout the day, perhaps even a little sorry for himself.

“Atshushi-san,” you say, offering a curt nod to the wave man as you encroach on his tent. He seems startled for a moment and shoots you a puzzled look. “I would have words with you, about this task I have been assigned. You have done it for a year now, so you must have some idea of what it entails?”

“Never been a good teacher, Bayushi-sama,” he grunts. “Better that you learn from that book you were given, the Ritsuryō. I'll show you the basic principles once we arrive at Kagoki, eh?” Atshushi flashes you a forced, uneven grin.

“So be it,” you say. So much for this wave man being helpful. Still, perhaps he might appreciate the news about the Crab Clan that you heard from the seneschal. “I have heard of an opportunity that might interest you, however. To the South, the Crab have declared a Twenty Goblin Winter. Whoever brings them the heads of twenty bakemono will be adopted by their clan as a samurai. If you wished for the chance to be more than just rōnin...”

“No.” The sudden reply from Atshushi shocks you. “See, as dishonourable as you might find it, I like living and I would like to keep living,” the rōnin explains. “From what I've seen of the Crab, they don't care about living. They throw away their lives by the dozens every day, fighting horrible monsters from the Shadowlands. If I become one of their samurai, that's what I'll become. Just another body for them to throw at their great enemy. I'd rather remain a breathing wave man than become a dead samurai, Bayushi-san”

As much as you are disgusted by the wave man's selfishness, he does have a point. All samurai are expected to give their lives for their lords at a moment's notice, yet in secret, very few desire any sort of death. Everyone wants to live, it is simply shameful to admit it out loud.

“One last thing,” you say. “You have been oddly quiet throughout today's journey. Why?”

“Pah, best if I behave myself around Yasotaro. He's always treated me like one of his dōshin, despite that I was his equal in rank. He'll take any chance he can get to scold me, even if I do something as minor as speak out of turn. And uh, I have been trying to lay off the wine and spirits. 'Carry myself with dignity,' like you said on the night of your gempukku, eh?”

“You seem somewhat worse for wear because of it, Atshushi-san.” It's the truth. Despite the cool air, his skin seems slick with sweat and there's a faint tremble in his hands. At your comment, the rōnin just scoffs.

“I'll manage, Bayushi-san. If that's all, I best get to sleep.”

You bid the wave man goodnight and return to your own tent. You have a day of marching ahead of you tomorrow, so you will need all of the rest that you can get.

When you open your eyes, you can see just a hint of dawn's light through the fabric of your tent. The heimin are already up and moving around, preparing for the journey that lies ahead of you. Unpacking the travel rations that you were supplied with, you force down a meal of rice balls, pickled plums and dried fish. You can't help but recall the miso soup of your dōjō with fondness, if this is what you'll be eating for the next few years.

You clean yourself as best as you are able without access to a bath and dress yourself, emerging from your tent to pack it away and prepare for a day of travel that lies ahead of you. Before long, everyone is ready and you set off down the road, marching Southward.

There is little in the way of conversation, and the scenery remains the same for the most of the journey. The wilderness is only occasionally disrupted by an isolated farm off the side of the road, otherwise there is nothing to see but long grass, rolling hills and scattered trees. Behind you, the looming Spine of the World Mountains begin to recede, becoming distant but never quite leaving your sight.

A handful of times throughout the day, you encounter heimin making the journey from Kagoki to Beiden, some of them with ox-drawn carts. Each time, Yasotaro stops them for an inspection of their papers, to ensure that they have the right to travel. He takes this as an opportunity to show what a travel paper looks like, the stamps to look for to confirm that these peasants have the right to make this journey.

Morning becomes afternoon, which then becomes evening. You take an occasional stop to satisfy your thirst and hunger, but you never linger for long. By the time you arrive at Kagoki, the sun has dipped below the horizon and sunset is on the verge of becoming twilight. It's a collection of twenty, thirty humble little houses surrounded by rice paddies, tea fields and fruit orchards, a brief burst of civilisation in the middle of nowhere. As you make your way into the village, heimin offer deep and humble bows, hurrying out of your way.

At the heart of Kagoki, it seems as though your arrival was expected. An elderly fellow waits, dressed a little bit better than other commoners, but it's evident that he is still heimin. His wife stands by his side, her kimono clearly cared for despite being rather plain. Once you come to a halt before them, they give you the same respect as the other villagers.

“I pray that your journey has been pleasant, Yogo-sama and ah, samurai-sama?” The old man spares a nervous look towards you before looking back at Yasotaro.

“This is Bayushi Kimiko, the yoriki who will be taking Atshushi's place,” Yasotaro explains. “Bayshui-san, this is Tamuramaro, the village head. For the rest of the month, his home will be yours and he will cooperate with you fully.”

“It is a great honour to meet you, Bayushi-sama,” exclaims Tamuramaro, stooping to offer another bow.

>If you're going to be staying in his village, you need to make the best impression possible. Offer him the same respect that he has given you. (You will increase your strife to 3 / 6 for going against your Delusions of Grandeur.)
>Give a brief nod. You have no doubt that Tamuramaro is used to cooperating with yoriki, there's no need for you to make any strong impression on the village head.
>Assure the old man that you will maintain order and go out of your way to do what is best for the village. All he needs to do is give you his full support and Kagoki will prosper, even through fall and winter. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)
>He's one of the common rabble, make sure that he knows his place. Demand his full cooperation. If he doesn't provide it, he and his village will be punished. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

>>3996900
>Give a brief nod. You have no doubt that Tamuramaro is used to cooperating with yoriki, there's no need for you to make any strong impression on the village head.

>>3996900
>>Give a brief nod. You have no doubt that Tamuramaro is used to cooperating with yoriki, there's no need for you to make any strong impression on the village head.

>>3996900
>>Give a brief nod. You have no doubt that Tamuramaro is used to cooperating with yoriki, there's no need for you to make any strong impression on the village head.

You feel no need to go out of your way to impress or intimidate Tamuramaro. You offer a bow of your head in return and sure enough, you're invited into the home of the village head. A humble meal of rice and white radish awaits you, something that your hosts seem to relish while you find it rather bland. Yasotaro takes this as an opportunity to explain a few things.

For the duration of your stay, you will share Tamuramaro's home and he will offer you his hospitality. Your days will be spent patrolling the village, watching out for any sign of wrong-doing and anyone coming and going from Kagoki. You will check their papers as he has done throughout the day, and should any traveller lack the appropriate stamps, you have the authority to stamp their papers yourself and grant them the privilege to travel to neighbouring settlements – for a fee, of course, that Yasotaro will collect whenever his patrol. There is also the matter of expiration dates and other things...

You find it hard to pay attention for too long. Narikata said that you were destined to serve in the court of a prestigious lord, yet here you are, a lowly minion handling bureaucracy on a magistrate's behalf. Perhaps he was simply playing a cruel joke on you. You find yourself stewing in this subdued anger throughout the dinner and after it has concluded as well. Your 'room' is quickly assembled by a paper screen being extended, separating Tamuramaro's sleeping quarters into two halves – one for the yoriki and their dōshin, another for the village head and his family. The sleeping mat is coarse and uncomfortable, and you have a hard time sleeping, listening to the shuffling and snoring of the commoners on the other side of the screen.

In the morning, Yasotaro departs for Beiden, leaving you with your dōshin. Sober Atshushi, the pock-marked Sosa and Rinji, with his foul-smelling breath. It's quite the motley crew. Most of your day is spent reading the Ritsuryō, stopping only to halt travellers whenever they seek passage through the village. With the wave man's assistance, you check their papers and you gradually become familiar with the different stamps. The uneventful day comes to an end and you retire to Tamuramaro's house, to rest and rise again the next day.

The rest of your week is like this, trying to make sense of the labyrinthine Ritsuryō while checking the papers of travellers, which seem to be in order every time. The book of law mostly concerns taxation, the importance of testimony, and the privileges of the different castes. It's written in such an archaic fashion that it's difficult to make sense of much of it. As much as you try to commit it to memory, you find yourself lacking the discipline or motivation to memorise the countless amendments and enactments. All of the administrative code and criminal code bleeds together and before long, you find yourself reading the Ritsuryō as a way of passing the time, rather than genuinely studying it.

“Bayushi-sama! I found these two scuffling.”

Those are the words that you hear one uneventful afternoon, as you lean against a fence by the road to Beiden, the Ritsuryō resting in your hands. Looking up, you see the odorous Rinji leading along a pair of angry-looking heimin, one of the men bald while the other is rather heavyset.

“He stole my ox, samurai-sama!” Those are the words of the red-faced bald one, his expression one of rage.

“I stole nothing! I bought that beast with my own coin, that I've saved for years!” The heavier man sounds incredulous, his eyes bulging as he glares across at the other man. He tries to take a swing but Rinji places himself between them, pushing the two men apart.

“Liar! Mine went missing yesterday, same day that you got yours! You stole it, you filthy liar!” More accusations from the bald man. Unless you do something about this, they'll go on at each other forever.

>Where's Atshushi when you need him? Ask Rinji to go and find the rōnin to help you with this, you'll keep an eye on them for the time being.
>They're too unruly for you to handle at the moment. Command them to remain still, and order Rinji to help you bind them. You'll handle the situation once they're trussed up. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
>Try to reason with them. You want to handle this in a civil and lawful fashion, and you can't do that while they're swinging at each other like brutes. (This will require a roll using your Earth ring of 1 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep three successes to succeed.)
>The bald man is wasting your time with these accusations. You decide that you will punish him, rather than the heavyset man.
>It does sound like the heavyset man must have stolen the ox. You decide that you will punish him for his crimes against the bald man.

>>3996970
>They're too unruly for you to handle at the moment. Command them to remain still, and order Rinji to help you bind them. You'll handle the situation once they're trussed up. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
>Ask if the heavyset man has a receipt of purchase
>Ask if the other man has any proof it’s the same ox.

>>3996970
>>They're too unruly for you to handle at the moment. Command them to remain still, and order Rinji to help you bind them. You'll handle the situation once they're trussed up. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

>>3996989
Excellent questions. What if both turn out to be true?

Now if I were a traveling con man and I could arrange it...wouldn't it be a good racket to go into a village, steal an ox from an unsuspecting villager, sell it to another villager, and then be on my way too quickly for anyone to punish me?

It'll be neat to see how this plays out.

>>3996970
>>They're too unruly for you to handle at the moment. Command them to remain still, and order Rinji to help you bind them. You'll handle the situation once they're trussed up. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

Going with:
>They're too unruly for you to handle at the moment. Command them to remain still, and order Rinji to help you bind them. You'll handle the situation once they're trussed up. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
I require a roll of 5d6 using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed at this roll.

I will accept the best of three.

Rolled 6, 3, 6, 1, 4 = 20 (5d6)

>>3997030

Rolled 2, 1, 5, 1, 6 = 15 (5d6)

>>3997030
Rolling Sensei

Rolled 5, 5, 1, 5, 4 = 20 (5d6)

>>3997030

>Going with >>3997040, three successes.

“Both of you, remain still! You have already done enough to shame yourselves, and I will have you bound before you cause any more chaos. If you wish for justice, you will not resist. If either of you try to fight then by the Fortunes, I swear that you will suffer for your transgressions against a samurai!”

Your fury has silenced both of them. They fall to their knees, to grovel before nobility and obey. You nod towards Rinji, and he hurries over to them, restraining the heavyset man first of all and then the bald one, securing their wrists and arms with coarse hemp rope. You only begin your questioning once they are both bound.

“Your names?”

“Katsunosuki, samurai-sama,” answers the heavier fellow.

“Mobumasu,” says the bald one.

“I will begin with you, Mobumasu.” No need for honorifics when dealing with rabble undeserving of respect. “How do you know that his ox is yours?”

“How could it not be, samurai-sama? It has the same horns, the same black coat, it's a girl as well! Is a man supposed to carve his name into the hide of his oxen, in case they are ever taken by a foul cattle-thief?!”

“There's not a word that leaves your mouth that isn't foolish!” Katsunosuki's face is as red as the scorpion embroidered into your winter jacket. “There's not an ox in this land that doesn't have a black hide, nor horns that curve like that! Nor are you the owner of all female oxen, you cheat!”

“Enough!” You need to shout to make the two heimin stop their bickering. You continue with your questioning once they're both silent. “Katsunosuki. Do you have a receipt of purchase, anything that suggests that you bought your ox?”

“... No, samurai-sama,” he admits, grinding his teeth. “I bought it in Jamihoro, a village three days down the Northeastern road. I gave him my coin, he gave the ox.”

“Mobumasu said that you got it yesterday. If that was when you returned to this town, I would have checked your travel papers – and I do not remember seeing your face.”

“You weren't at that road, samurai-sama,” says Katsunosuki. “The other dōshin checked my papers.” He must be talking about Sosa. At least that's one lead that you can check.

>Go to speak with Sosa, see if he can confirm that Katsunosuki came into town from the Northeast – with an ox.
>Inspect the household of Katsunosuki. You might as well see this ox for yourself and gain testimony from his family and neighbours.
>Inspect the household of Mobumasa. See if there was any sign of theft, and gain testimony from his family and his neighbours.
>You'd rather not waste any more time on this feud. You're ready to pass judgment.

>>3997066
>Go to speak with Sosa, see if he can confirm that Katsunosuki came into town from the Northeast – with an ox.

Have our man watch them both.

>>3997069
Sure

“Rinji-san. Keep an eye on them both while I go to speak with Sosa. If anyone seeks to pass in or out of Kagoki by this road, they will have to wait until I am finished with this business.” Rinji provides a respectful nod, before turning towards the two squabbling commoners, his hand resting on his jitte.

It's a short journey through the village towards the path to the Northeast, to Jamihoro. That's the road that Sosa is stationed at and that's where you find him. Resting on the stump of a tree, he's whittling away at a small tree branch with a knife when you arrive. A method of passing the time no doubt, whenever there are no travellers to harass for papers. Upon spotting you, the pock-marked dōshin jumps to attention and immediately bows before you.

“Bayushi-sama. How may I be of assistance?”

“I wish to know about a man called Katsunosuki. Did he pass through here yesterday? Did you check his papers.” You watch Sosa flounder and struggle with his memory. With a sigh, you decide to clarify. “A rather broad and heavy-looking man. He might have had an ox with him..?”

“Ah! Yes, Bayushi-sama, I recall someone like that passing through yesterday. Nothing out of the ordinary – his papers were in order.” Well, that settles that. The heavyset man arrived with the ox yesterday, from outside of the village. There's always a chance that it could be a cover for the theft, however...

“Did he leave by this road earlier this week, perhaps six or seven days ago?”

“I, ah... I can't remember. Forgive me, Bayushi-sama, but several people pass through Kagoki every day. It is difficult to remember the face of every single one of them.” Wonderful. At least it's a start.

>Verbally reprimand Sosa. When you arrived he was distracted and when you questioned him, he wasn't able to supply you with adequate information. You expect more from your dōshin.
>This isn't a particularly exciting job. You can't blame Sosa for not being very alert or attentive. Thank him for his time, and move on.

>Inspect the household of Katsunosuki. You might as well see this ox for yourself and gain testimony from his family and neighbours.
>Inspect the household of Mobumasa. See if there was any sign of theft, and gain testimony from his family and his neighbours.
>Return to Rinji, you have more questions for Katsunosuki and Mobumasa. Please write in if you have any particular questions in mind.
>You'd rather not waste any more time on this feud. You're ready to pass judgment.

>>3997127
>Do not reprimand Sosa but investigate starting a bureaucratic ledger to avoid issues like this in the future.

>Inspect the household of Mobumasa. See if there was any sign of theft, and gain testimony from his family and his neighbours.

>>3997144
+1

>>3997144
I doubt they can read or write, but I concur with the course of action.

>>3997144
Il back this

>>3997208
You would be surprised, the Scorpion probably have the most educated peasants after the Crane, it's part of their mentality of viewing them as assets and wanting to maximize their efficiency. though I fear in this specific instance you are right. Anyway, backing >>3997144

“Very well,” you say with a sigh. “I suppose you cannot be blamed, though we will need to keep a record of this sort of thing in the future. When we are next in Beiden, I will purchase a ledger for each of us and in these books, we shall record every traveller whose papers we check.”

“Ah, very good, Bayushi-sama. The only problem with that is that Rinji doesn't know how to read or write. I was raised in Beiden, blessed by Tenjin, but he's a more rural fellow.”

“He doesn't need to be truly literate,” you say. “He is already able to read the dates of expirations, isn't he? These papers also carry the names of their owners. That's all that he will need to copy into the ledger – the date and the names of the travellers whose papers he checks. If we are to maintain order in this village, at the very least we should organise ourselves first.”

With that, you depart and leave Sosa to his duty. After a quick meeting with Tamuramaro, you are made aware of where Mobumasa's dwelling can be found and make your way there. Upon arriving, you see a rather humble house, like any other heimin hovel in Kagoki. There's a ox pen to the side of it but it's empty at the moment, for reasons that you're well aware of. Next to the pen's gate, there's an abandoned plough and a cart, though there are wheels tracks in the mud that make it clear that the cart was moved recently. A quick knock on the door to the hut and a glance across the nearby field reveals that no one else is at home. If Mobumasa lives on his own, then it's no wonder that he values his ox so highly – without it, he wouldn't be able to sustain his farm.

After inspecting the interior of his home and finding nothing out of the ordinary there, you decide to speak with his nearest neighbour. The closest hut is hardly different from his, and is only a couple of dozen yards away. Upon knocking, you're answered by a healthy-looking woman, only five years your senior. You can see glimpses of two infants playing behind her, further into the house.

“Samurai-sama!” She smooths out her rather simple-looking clothes and offers a low, humble bow, bending quite severely at the waist. “Forgive me, I didn't expect a visitor. How can I be of assistance?” She peers up you, watching you rather suspiciously and with some hesitation. You're not sure how cooperative she will be.

>She is heimin, you are samurai. Demand her full compliance. Make it quite clear that if she fails to cooperate in any capacity, she will be punished. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep one success to succeed.)
>Keep it official. Inform her that there is an investigation underway, and that it would be best for everyone if she cooperated. (This will require a roll using your Earth ring of 1 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
>Try to soften her up a little. A little small talk and a few pleasantries might help her open up to you. Once she's warmed up to you, then you'll be able to talk business. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
>You're willing to pay for information. With two children and winter on the way, she needs all of the coin that she can get. (You currently have 8 koku. By choosing this option, you will lose 1 koku.)

>>3997288
>>Try to soften her up a little. A little small talk and a few pleasantries might help her open up to you. Once she's warmed up to you, then you'll be able to talk business. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

>>3997288
>Try to soften her up a little. A little small talk and a few pleasantries might help her open up to you. Once she's warmed up to you, then you'll be able to talk business. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

>>3997288
>Try to soften her up a little. A little small talk and a few pleasantries might help her open up to you. Once she's warmed up to you, then you'll be able to talk business. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

Going with:
>Try to soften her up a little. A little small talk and a few pleasantries might help her open up to you. Once she's warmed up to you, then you'll be able to talk business. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
I require a roll of 6d6 using your Water ring of 2 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep two successes to succeed at this roll.

I will accept the best of three.

Rolled 4, 2, 1, 3, 3, 5 = 18 (6d6)

>>3997367

Rolled 5, 6, 1, 1, 6, 1 = 20 (6d6)

>>3997367

Rolled 6, 5, 6, 2, 2, 3 = 24 (6d6)

>>3997367

Rolled 6, 2, 2, 2, 3, 4 = 19 (6d6)

>>3997367

>Going with >>3997380, three successes.

If there's one lesson that you took away from your gempukku, it's that you need to learn how to adapt, that each situation has a path of least resistance. To succeed, you need to find this weakness and exploit it, no matter what unlikely form it might take.

Offering a brief bow of your head, you curve your lips in a convincing smile. “Let me introduce myself first of all. I am Bayushi Kimiko, the new yoriki overseeing Kagoki. Who might you be?”

“Oh! Forgive me, Bayushi-sama,” says the heimin woman. “I am Utsuwa. It is an honour to be in your presence and to have samurai protecting our town.”

“Really, there is nothing to forgive, Utsuwa-san.” You peer past her shoulder, into the shadowy interior of her home where her offspring linger. “But I do hope that I am not disturbing you or your children? They seem to be enjoying themselves a great deal, from the sound of it.”

“Oh no, of course not. Raicho, Kitahachi, come and introduce yourself to the noble samurai!” It takes a moment or two, but they come towards the doorway. Utsuwa makes a show of teaching her two children how to show the proper respect to a samurai, how deeply they should bow. Being children, it takes a few tries for them to get it right.

“They are beautiful,” you comment, “and I am sure that they will grow up to be kind-hearted and strong, both of them.” Crouching down before the older of the two, the girl known as Raicho, you offer her a gentle smile. “How old are you?”

“Six, samurai-sama,” comes her reply. She's a wide-eyed, curious thing but she knows enough to remain respectful. “My brother's four.”

“Four? My, he's big enough that he looks like he could be the same age as you.” That comment makes little Kitahachi beam. Your attention shifts back towards the mother of the pair, Utsuwa. “If it is not an inconvenience, Utsuwa-san, I would like to speak to you about your neighbour? I should not take too much of your time.”

“Of course, Bayushi-sama! Come inside, please, out of the chill. Children, you may play once the noble samurai is gone. I must speak with her first.” You're ushered into the warmth of Utsuwa's home and offered tea – it's not the traditional tea ceremony as the samurai practise it, but it's still pleasant. Sipping from your cup once it has been prepared, you begin your questioning.

“So, your neighbour Mobumasa believes that his ox has been stolen. It is a matter that I am trying to get to the bottom of, and I would appreciate anything that you are able to tell me. When was the last time you saw his ox, Utsuwa-san?”

“Oh, last night, as the sun was setting. The poor thing has been rather sickly in recent days. Perhaps it was refusing to eat, or it had caught some disease? I cannot claim to know, Bayushi-sama. All I know is that when the morning came, it was gone! I had thought that Mobumasa might have taken it out to plough the fields but the plough was still there. I am sorry to hear that it has gone missing, and I wish him the best of fortune.”

Sickly? That's something that he hadn't told you. You also doubt that Katsunosuki would have purchased a sickly-looking ox. “Thank you, Utsuwa-san. I also found the tracks of a cart by the ox's pen, made rather recently. Would you know anything about that?”

“Now that you mention it, I recall my youngest being woken from his slumber last night, and I had to spend hours getting him to sleep again. He said that he heard something moving outside, but I know better than to investigate strange noises in the middle of the night. Such foolishness invites poor fortune, Bayushi-sama.”

“You have been a great help, Utsuwa-san. I wish your children the best of health and once more, I must thank you for your testimony.” With a bow of your head and a smile, you make your leave, Utsuwa bowing and her children waving as you go.

That was more fruitful than you expected. Sosa confirmed that Katsunosuki arrived with his ox yesterday, while Mobumasa's ox was still in its pen by sunset. Mobumasa's beast was also rather sickly and from the sound of it, someone moved his cart in the middle of the night.

You go back towards the pen to inspect the tracks of the cart wheels. They lead from where the cart is resting towards the road, but the road is too well-used for you to see where the tracks go from there. The indentation that the wheels left in the mud has been trodden into oblivion by dozens of feet. You would need to guess at where the cart might have gone from there.

>Katsunosuki's household. Perhaps there's a chance that he's still involved. At the very least, you'll be able to see whether his ox is sickly or not.
>The hinin enclave. Hinin are even lower than heimin, they are non-people who handle all things foul and unclean. They handle waste, carcasses and other disgusting things.
>The wilderness, off the beaten track. If someone wanted to hide something, the best place to do so would be away from farmland and civilisation. Check the nearby hills and woodland.
>The roads out of Kagoki. There's a chance that someone might have taken the cart and its cargo out of the village during the middle of the night.
>It doesn't matter. You know enough and you are ready to resolve the situation. Head back to Rinji, Katsunosuki and Mobumasa to pass judgment.

>>3997470
>>Katsunosuki's household. Perhaps there's a chance that he's still involved. At the very least, you'll be able to see whether his ox is sickly or not.

>>3997470
>>Katsunosuki's household. Perhaps there's a chance that he's still involved. At the very least, you'll be able to see whether his ox is sickly or not.

>>3997470
>Katsunosuki's household. Perhaps there's a chance that he's still involved. At the very least, you'll be able to see whether his ox is sickly or not.

>>3997470
Perhaps the hinin noticed the sickly ox and took it....but there's something fishy here, why didn't the old man mention a missing wagon as well? To be generous perhaps he didn't notice it in shock at the missing animal. The more likely story, which would be admirable were it not deleterious to the clan, is that he knew the young broad fellow was off to acquire a new ox and attempted to fabricate the theft of his old sickly animal for the new one.

Oh, can we ask the peasant if she happened to know the sex of the ox?

>>3997470
Katsunosuki's household. Perhaps there's a chance that he's still involved. At the very least, you'll be able to see whether his ox is sickly or not.

>>3997488
>So I don't have to rewrite it, let's say that she confirmed that Mobumasa's ox is female.

When you spoke with Tamuramaro, you were made aware of where Katsunosuki dwells as well. So you make your way there. Upon arriving, you come across another humble home but unlike Mobumasa, Katsunosuki doesn't have an ox pen. Instead, his beast can be found tied to a post in his field. Observing it from a distance, it's clearly rather female and certainly looks rather healthy, complete with a glossy black coat. You know better than to approach an ox that isn't yours though. Of all of the things you were taught at the dōjō, how to handle an animal isn't one of them.

Instead, you approach the door and knock at it, to check if anyone is inside. This time, someone actually answers. A woman a few years older than Utsuwa, cradling an infant only a few months old in her arms. Worry is etched into her face as she watches you, bowing awkwardly and hesitating before she finally speaks. “Are you here about my husband, samurai-sama?”

“Katsunosuki?” She nods briskly as soon as you say that name.

“Yes, samurai-sama. He got into an argument with a bald man, Mobumasa, I think he is called? Something about the ox that my husband brought home? Is he in trouble again, samurai-sama?”

Again? That's something new. You answer her question with a shake of your head. “Not yet, but I am here about him. First of all, I need to ask how long was he gone for when he went to get this ox.”

“An entire week, samurai-sama. He went all the way to Jamihoro for it. It was impossible to get any work done without him, but life will be much easier with an ox to help plough the fields.”

“I see. As for my next question, where was he last night? Did he spend the night with you?”

“Yes, samurai-sama. He was here the entire night.”

>You're not sure how much you trust her. Push her on these subjects and watch how she reacts, so you might determine how truthful Katsunosuki's wife is. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)
>Again? Has her husband caused trouble in Kagoki in the past? Knowing about his history might help you in this situation, or perhaps it will reveal past crimes that deserve punishment.
>She's already told you everything that's pertinent, and you feel no desire to delve any deep her. Thank her for her time and move on.

>>3997527
>>You're not sure how much you trust her. Push her on these subjects and watch how she reacts, so you might determine how truthful Katsunosuki's wife is. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

>>3997527
>>You're not sure how much you trust her. Push her on these subjects and watch how she reacts, so you might determine how truthful Katsunosuki's wife is. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

Going with:
>You're not sure how much you trust her. Push her on these subjects and watch how she reacts, so you might determine how truthful Katsunosuki's wife is. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed.)

I require a roll of 5d6 using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed at this roll.

I will accept the best of three.

Rolled 1, 1, 4, 1, 2 = 9 (5d6)

>>3997556

Rolled 6, 5, 1, 3, 1 = 16 (5d6)

>>3997556

Rolled 5, 3, 6, 6, 3 = 23 (5d6)

>>3997556

Rolled 2, 5, 2, 2, 6 = 17 (5d6)

>>3997556

>Going with >>3997578, three successes.

“You are quite certain that he spent a week on the road to Jamihoro? He didn't go anywhere else?”

“Yes, samurai-sama. He was talking about buying an ox for quite some time, and he knows a breeder who lives up there. He has been saving for years.” That worried frown of hers remains. You watch for any sign of a nervous tic, or any sign of deception, but you can't see any. This is what she has been told, and this is what she believes.

“And there is no chance that he might have gotten up in the middle of the night and left?”

“Not at all. My husband is not a stealthy man, samurai-sama. He would have woken our child, and he would have woken me. I fell asleep beside Katsunosuki and when I woke up, he was still beside me.” There's a tiny bit of indignation in her tone, but it's understandable frustration. By asking these questions again, you make it seem like you doubt her. That's the source of her irritation. As far as you can see, she's not lying to you whatsoever.

So, as far as his wife knows, Katsunosuki spent a week trekking to Jamihoro and back, a journey that he has talked about for some time. He also spent the night by her side, which means that he couldn't have been involved in the theft of Mobumasa's ox – it went missing overnight, and Katsunosuki arrived with his during the day yesterday.

What else do you know? Mobumasa's ox was a sickly-looking creature. There are also signs of someone moving Mobumasa's cart recently, and Utsuwa believes that it was being moved in the middle of the night. It is still there, so whoever made use of the cart returned it.

All of the testimony that you have recieved so far points towards Katsunosuki's innocence and that is what matters in the eyes of Rokugani law – testimony, not evidence. The word of man comes before the material world. Still, you can't quite say what happened to Mobumasa's ox, not yet.

The day is starting to drag on too. It was afternoon when the two men were first brought towards you and the sun is beginning to set. If you can't finish this investigation soon, you'll need to find somewhere to incarcerate the two men for the night. You've got time for perhaps one more visit, before you'll need to either pass judgment or lock them both somewhere secure.

>Remain with Katsunosuki's wife. She might have more information to offer you.
>Go back to Tamuramaro and call Atshushi there as well. Confer with them and decide how you should resolve this.
>Visit the hinin enclave. The filthy non-people might have something to do with an ill-looking ox.
>Check the nearby wilderness. There's a chance that the ox might have either escaped out there or been dumped there, using the cart.
>Examine the roads. The roads in and out of this village are rarely travelled, so there should still be signs of cart tracks in them.
>Go back to Rinji, Mabumasa and Katsunosuki. You're ready to pass judgment.

>>3997927
>>Go back to Rinji, Mabumasa and Katsunosuki. You're ready to pass judgment.

>>3997927
>Visit the hinin enclave. The filthy non-people might have something to do with an ill-looking ox

>>3997927
>>Visit the hinin enclave. The filthy non-people might have something to do with an ill-looking ox.

>>3997927
They'll call us Meitantei before this is is over, mark my words.
>ck the nearby wilderness. There's a chance that the ox might have either escaped out there or been dumped there, using the cart.
>Then the roads, tracks might fade
I figure there faster the better, though visiting the hinin later sounds like a good idea.

>>3997927
>Visit the hinin enclave. The filthy non-people might have something to do with an ill-looking ox.

“Thank you for your time,” you offer a nod of your head and receive a reluctant bow from Katsunosuki's wife in return. She didn't take too kindly to your insistent questioning, but at least you know that she was honest. Turning away from the household, you depart for the hinin enclave.

Hinin are filthy creatures, contaminated in body and spirit. You might become tainted with their foulness just by being in their presence. For this reason, samurai and even heimen refuse to deal with hinin except in situations that require it, when corpses must be cremated, when leather must be acquired, when waste must be disposed of or when a torturer is necessary. Who knows what sort of rumours might get started, if you're seen stepping foot inside their territory?

You come to a halt in front of the entrance to the enclave. It's surrounded by crude palisades, walls of wooden stakes driven into the ground, preserving decent folk from the sight of the horrors contained within. Even from this distance, you can smell the smoke, the rot and the death. The rickety gate is eventually opened from within and a rather short, plain-looking fellow steps out. Though he is rather well-groomed for one of his caste, his well-worn clothes still carry the telltale stains of oil and blood. Wide-eyed, he drops to his knees to grovel before one of the noble samurai.

“Samurai-sama! We are not worthy of your presence.” You don't even deign to give him a nod. Hinin do not deserve courtesy. Instead, you begin your questioning without any need for etiquette.

“I am here regarding an ox,” you state plainly. “A sickly-looking one, by all accounts. Did you your people get their hands on such a beast?”

“Yes, samurai-sama! A noble heimin delivered to it to us in the dead of night. It was already dead, its throat slit. We have already put it to good use--”

“Enough!” You don't want to hear about what awful things they might do with a dead animal. You can already imagine the filthy hinin cutting away its skin, eating its still-warm flesh and wallowing in its blood. Besides, you're not even sure if the hinin is telling the truth...

>I require a roll of 5d6 using your Air ring of 3 and your Sentiment skill of 1. You will need to keep two successes to succeed at this roll.

>I will accept the best of three.

Rolled 4, 1, 5, 6, 4 = 20 (5d6)

>>3997945

Rolled 3, 2, 4, 1, 4 = 14 (5d6)

>>3997945

Rolled 5, 4, 3, 6, 2 = 20 (5d6)

>>3997945

>Going with >>3997947, four successes.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the hinin is telling the truth. There are none of the telltale signs of falsehood that you have been taught to search for. He's afraid, but why wouldn't he be? He is filth in the presence of a noble samurai. No, no, there's more to it than that... He's afraid that he might be punished, and he's steeling himself for it. He struggles to control his breath, to control his fear as he prepares himself to accept his fate. But what fate does he think awaits him?

“Thank you for your honesty,” you say, perhaps the kindest words you will ever offer to a hinin. Once more, he grovels before you. With this information, you could go back but there are other options. You could question the non-person further, to coax more information out of him, or you could venture inside of the hinin compound, to confirm the ox's death for yourself. You have no doubt that word would eventually spread from the hinin to the heimin however, and you would become known as the samurai who walks amongst filth. You're not sure if you're ready for that reputation.

>It's time for you to head back. It's getting late and it's time for you to either pass judgment or find a place to incarcerate Mabumasa and Katsunosuki for the night. Besides, you'd rather not linger around filth for longer than you have to.
>You want to enter the hinin compound and see the dead ox for yourself. It's best than you see it with your own two eyes. (You will lose glory if you choose this option.)
>Take the opportunity to question the hinin before you go back to Rinji and the two men. What is he so afraid of, if he is telling you the truth?

>>3997957
>It's time for you to head back. It's getting late and it's time for you to either pass judgment or find a place to incarcerate Mabumasa and Katsunosuki for the night. Besides, you'd rather not linger around filth for longer than you have to.

>>3997957
>>It's time for you to head back. It's getting late and it's time for you to either pass judgment or find a place to incarcerate Mabumasa and Katsunosuki for the night. Besides, you'd rather not linger around filth for longer than you have to.

>>3997957
>>It's time for you to head back. It's getting late and it's time for you to either pass judgment or find a place to incarcerate Mabumasa and Katsunosuki for the night. Besides, you'd rather not linger around filth for longer than you have to.

The sky grows dimmer by the moment. By the time you arrive at the path to Beiden where Rinji brought the two squabbling men, the sun has dipped below the horizon and twilight is beginning to set in. They're still there, along with the rather impatient-looking dōshin, his hand still resting on his jitte. A sigh of relief leaves him once he has caught sight of you.

“Bayushi-sama, thank the Lucky Gods you're back. These two dogs have been barking at each other all afternoon. Did you find anything?”

“I have.” With those words, you explain what you have found and speak of the testimonies that you have gathered.

“Katsunosuki. I have spoken with your wife and Sosa. Both of them support your claim that you returned to Kagoki yesterday with your ox, and your wife's words verify that you left this town to get the ox from Jamihoro a week ago.” A breath of relief comes from the heavyset man.

“Mabumasa. You neglected to mention that your ox was sickly, and that your cart had been tampered with as well. I spoke with one of your neighbours. She believes that someone must have moved the cart in the middle of the night, and that your ox only disappeared during the night. As Katsunosuki arrived with his beast earlier in the day, they cannot possibly be the same animal.”

“Now see here...” The bald man tries to speak but you cut him off, raising a hand to silence him.

“I also spoke with a representative of Kagoki's hinin. He said that a heimin delivered a ill-looking ox to them in the middle of the night, its throat slit. This description matches what I was told about your beast. Not only that, but an dead animal cannot walk on its own, so it is likely that your cart was used to move its corpse.”

At that, Mabumasa is incensed. “They must be lying, samurai-sama! They are filth! The hinin stole away with my ox in the dead of night, the scavengers!”

“Are you saying that you remained asleep throughout the night, while hinin slaughtered your ox and loaded it on to a cart right outside of your house? The sound was enough to awaken your neighbour.”

The bald commoner goes red-faced. “You cannot trust the word of filth over the word of the common man, samurai-sama! I swear that I did not take my ox to them, I swear!”

... And that's where Mabumasa has you trapped.

If there's one thing that you have learned from the Ritsuryō, it's the importance of testimony. The value of a man's word comes from the status of the man. If the testimony of a heimin must be weighed against the testimony of a hinin, then you must favour the word of the heimin, for he is of higher status than a filthy non-person.

You must make a decision.

>If Mabumasa says that the hinin are responsible and the hinin say that they are not, then you must take Mabumasa's word. The hinin must have spotted that the bald man's ox was poorly and in the middle of the night, they must have killed it and taken it back to their compound using his cart. Why? To make use of its meat and hide. You must punish the hinin for this theft, even if you believe that they were telling the truth.
>No. It's quite apparent to you that Mabumasa is responsible for this. Having seen Katsunosuki's new ox and being burdened with a sickly one, he concocted a plan. He slaughtered his own animal and disposed of it by taking it to the hinin. With his ox missing, he could claim that Katsunosuki stole his and get his hands on a fitter, healthier beast of burden. You just need to make him confess.
>There must be something that you missed somewhere. You can't think of anything, but perhaps your mind will be fresher in the morning. You'll need to put Mabumasa in a storage hut and post a guard to keep an eye on him, at the very least. Katsunosuki seems to be uninvolved, so you should be able to allow him to go home. Maybe tomorrow, you'll be able to get a few more testimonies.

>>3997983
>>No. It's quite apparent to you that Mabumasa is responsible for this. Having seen Katsunosuki's new ox and being burdened with a sickly one, he concocted a plan. He slaughtered his own animal and disposed of it by taking it to the hinin. With his ox missing, he could claim that Katsunosuki stole his and get his hands on a fitter, healthier beast of burden. You just need to make him confess.

>>3997983
>No. It's quite apparent to you that Mabumasa is responsible for this. Having seen Katsunosuki's new ox and being burdened with a sickly one, he concocted a plan. He slaughtered his own animal and disposed of it by taking it to the hinin. With his ox missing, he could claim that Katsunosuki stole his and get his hands on a fitter, healthier beast of burden. You just need to make him confess.

>>3997983
>>No. It's quite apparent to you that Mabumasa is responsible for this. Having seen Katsunosuki's new ox and being burdened with a sickly one, he concocted a plan. He slaughtered his own animal and disposed of it by taking it to the hinin. With his ox missing, he could claim that Katsunosuki stole his and get his hands on a fitter, healthier beast of burden. You just need to make him confess.

>>3997983
>Does it really matter? Regardless of what happened to his ox, the testimony of other commoners as well as our own eyes, prove his claim of theft is wrong. The new ox is not his. If he insists on pressing the issue and wasting our time he can pay the penalty for doing so.

“No, Mabumasa. It's quite clear that you're the one responsible for this. You saw Katsunosuki's new ox and were jealous, as your own was so feeble. So you killed it, got rid of it by giving it to the hinin and tried to take Katsunosuki's by claiming it was yours. Even if someone found out your scheme, you could always blame it on the hinin, couldn't you? It's your word against theirs.”

“This goes against the Celestial Order!” The bald man splutters, outraged. “I am above hinin! You cannot take their word over mine, samurai-sama!”

“And I am a samurai, higher than heimin!” That's enough to shut him up, at least for a moment. “My word has more value than yours, and I say that you have wasted my time and taken me for a fool with this ridiculous plot of yours. Not only that, but you have sullied the name of Katsunosuki with your accusations.”

“Others will hear of this,” he says, the blush of anger gradually surrendering to the pallor of fear. “Other heimin will hear that you value the word of filth higher than the word of common men.”

“Not if you confess.”

“Why would I confess to something that I am not guilty of?! I have done nothing, samurai-sama! The hinin slew my ox and stole it!”

>You are of Imperial blood. Only the foolish would dare to hide the truth from someone with a lineage as divine as yours. He will confess, or he will forever be damned in the eyes of Heaven. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep three successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)
>Try to convince him that you are simply trying to keep order. If he values any sense of stability in Kagoki, then the right thing for Mabumasa to do would be to tell the truth and confess. (This will require a roll using your Earth ring of 1 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep four successes to succeed.)
>Assure the man that the best course of action would be cooperate. You have no desire to make him suffer and if he cooperates, you will be merciful when it comes to his punishment. (This will require a roll using your Water ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep four successes to succeed.)
>Does he want to suffer? Promise Mabumasa that if he doesn't cooperate, you have no choice but to call upon a torturer to extract his confession from him by force. (This will require a roll using your Fire ring of 3 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep four successes to succeed.)
>There's no need to waste words on the fool. Send for a hinin from the compound. They will torture him, and you will get your confession out of him that way. (You will lose honor if you choose this option.)

>>3997999
>You are of Imperial blood. Only the foolish would dare to hide the truth from someone with a lineage as divine as yours. He will confess, or he will forever be damned in the eyes of Heaven. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep three successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)
We gotta use the weight of our blood if we want the confession.

>>3997999
>>You are of Imperial blood. Only the foolish would dare to hide the truth from someone with a lineage as divine as yours. He will confess, or he will forever be damned in the eyes of Heaven. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep three successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)

>>3997999
>You are of Imperial blood. Only the foolish would dare to hide the truth from someone with a lineage as divine as yours. He will confess, or he will forever be damned in the eyes of Heaven. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep three successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)

Going with:
>You are of Imperial blood. Only the foolish would dare to hide the truth from someone with a lineage as divine as yours. He will confess, or he will forever be damned in the eyes of Heaven. (This will require a roll using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will only need to keep three successes to succeed, thanks to your Blessed Lineage.)

I require a roll of 4d6 using your Void ring of 2 and your Command skill of 1. You will need to keep three successes to succeed at this roll.

I will accept the best of three.

Regardless of your success or failure, I have a new rule to add once these rolls have been made.

Rolled 1, 6, 6, 1 = 14 (4d6)

>>3998010

Rolled 4, 2, 6, 4 = 16 (4d6)

>>3998010

Rolled 1, 3, 3, 2 = 9 (4d6)

>>3998010
Hope is often the first step on the road.

>>3998010
What no is a success? Is it 3?

>>3998014
The rules for dice-rolling are in >>3995028, but I can confirm that >>3998012 has three kept successes, meaning that you succeed at the roll.

Void Points

>I will now introduce void points, a resource you can spend to change fate's course.
>You have a maximum number of void points equal to your Void ring, which is currently 2. Right now, you have 1 void point.
>Right now, the only use of void points is to turn a marginal failure into a success. By spending a void point after you have failed at a roll, you may add an additional kept success to the roll.
>If you fail at a roll, I will ask whether you want to spend a void point or not. You may wish to not spend it – sometimes it's better to fail on an insignificant roll and save the void point for a more important roll.
>From now on, you will gain a void point when you suffer strife for going against your Delusions of Grandeur and when you fail at reasoning with your Sworn Enemy. To compensate for this, you will now suffer three points of strife whenever you go against your Delusions of Grandeur, rather than the previous one point.
>You will also gain a void point when you choose an option where I hide the number of successes required to succeed, and during dramatic points in the story.
>I will introduce other uses of void points as the story progresses.

>Going with >>3998012, three successes. You succeed, so there will be no need for any void points to be spent.

>Going with >>3998012, three successes.

“You might not be aware, Mabumasa, but you speak to a child of Heaven.” That's enough to make the commoner's eyes widen. Rinji seems shocked as well, and so does Katsunosuki. “I can trace my lineage back to the line of Hantei itself. The blood of the divine Emperors flow through my veins, and you dare to deny me the truth?”

“Forgive me, samurai-sama, I didn't--”

“You didn't know. Now you do. Now you know that you have questioned the word of a woman of Imperial blood. I give you this one chance to speak the truth, and to be forgiven for that transgression. Should you fail to do so, your soul will be damned until the end of days. A fitting punishment for speaking against a descendant of Hantei himself.”

An unnatural silence lingers once you are finished. It's as though the whole world fell quiet so that it could listen to you. Everything is still for a second but at long last, the bound Mabumasa grovels as best as he is able, pressing his forehead against the dirt.

“Forgive me, samurai-sama! There was no hope on my ox living through winter and without a beast to aid me, how am I meant to tend to a field on my own?! I had no choice!”

“Lying, wretched little worm,” Katsunosuki spits. “Samurai-sama, he's admitted his guilt. I'd like to be free from my bonds.”

“Take care of it, Rinji. Unbind the man and escort him home. I will decide Mabumasa's fate.” In the end, what is he guilty of? Deception of samurai and an attempted abuse of justice. The poor fool still has his head pressed against the earth, muttering excuses. None of them change the fact that he tried to take you for a fool.

>Fine him. What little wealth he possesses will enter your possession and when Yasotaro next comes by, he can transfer it back to the station.
>Imprisonment. A few months spent in a cold, bare cell at Beiden will teach him to live an honest life, or so you hope. You'll need to detain him until Yasotaro can collect him though, and he'll be a drain on the station's resources throughout winter.
>A light sentence of flogging. Get a hinin along to lash him, ten to forty times. Hopefully that should be enough to put him in his place.
>A heavy sentence of flogging. Get a hinin along to lash him, sixty to a hundred times. He'll take a long time to recover, but he's earned it.
>Amputation. It's not uncommon for thieves to lose an ear or a nose as punishment for their crimes and what he did was theft, of a sort.
>Death. You'd rather not have to deal with this vermin ever again. End his miserable life and be done with it. (You will lose honor if you choose this option.)
>Consult the Ritsuryō. You would rather not be arbitrary in your punishment. Though it might take a few hours to find the right sections to reference, but it's better that you take your time with this.

>>3998079
>Consult the Ritsuryō. You would rather not be arbitrary in your punishment. Though it might take a few hours to find the right sections to reference, but it's better that you take your time with this.

>>3998079
>Consult the Ritsuryō. You would rather not be arbitrary in your punishment. Though it might take a few hours to find the right sections to reference, but it's better that you take your time with this.
Thank the Fortunes for the blood.

>>3998079
>Consult the Ritsuryō. You would rather not be arbitrary in your punishment. Though it might take a few hours to find the right sections to reference, but it's better that you take your time with this.
better be safe

>>3998079
>>Consult the Ritsuryō. You would rather not be arbitrary in your punishment. Though it might take a few hours to find the right sections to reference, but it's better that you take your time with this.

Sounds like this little swimmer is going to wise old Uncle Sochoku for advice.

>>3998079
>>Consult the Ritsuryō. You would rather not be arbitrary in your punishment. Though it might take a few hours to find the right sections to reference, but it's better that you take your time with this.

Even though twilight is setting in and the day is coming to an end, you decide to consult the Ritsuryō. You ignore the bound Mabumasa's pleading and eventually even that comes to a stop. You lean against the fence, reading that esoteric tome as you were hours ago. So many different sections to check, so much criminal code for you to pore over. It's frustrating. Before long, you need a lamp in order to read in the dying light.

Eventually, Atshushi comes around. Upon spotting you with that book in your hands, he can't help but let out an amused snort. “You've shown more interest in that book than I ever did, Bayshi-sama. I could never make any sense of the thing.”

“How are you meant to administer justice without it?” It's a valid question in your eyes. You've been given this duty and you'd like to do it right.

“Well, Yasotaro and I just used our own judgment. We know what is right better than any book does. Besides, we are just dealing with the rabble. No need to pay too much attention to the little details of the law when dealing with them, eh?” It seems like a good point for you to mention that technically, Atshushi's status as a rōnin makes him one of the rabble, but you decide against it.

“Really. In that case, what would you do about this wretch?” You make a gesture towards Mabumasa, who has grow sullen and silent, his throat sore from his earlier pleas.

“Based on what Rinji told me? A few lashes and be done with it, Bayushi-sama. Not like he got away with anything. He got caught and that will be enough to make sure he'll never do it again.” Regardless of what Atshushi says, you continue reading. You'd rather find out what the official punishment for this sort of thing is.

After a few more minutes of flicking through pages, following references and amendments, you finally find something that you can use. When the Ritsuryō was first written, the punishment for one of the bonge deceiving one of the buke was eighty lashes. However, this was later amended during the reign of Hantei XVI. As of that amendment, the punishment for that crime is... amputation of the tongue. It seems that being written in a book doesn't stop punishment from being arbitrary.

>Go with Atshushi's suggestion. Twenty lashes from a hinin, perhaps? No need for anything more severe than that, considering that nothing happened. Your time was wasted, that was all.
>The original punishment written in the Ritsuryō seems the most appropriate, and you can't imagine why it was changed to something so harsh. Eighty lashes, administered by a hinin.
>Follow the letter of the law. If the sixteenth Hantei ruled that commoners who lie to samurai should have their tongues removed, then so be it. Call for a hinin torturer to remove Mabumasa's tongue.

>>3998111
>Hantei XVI.
The steel chrystantheum, the mad tyrant that basicly has the unique distinction of driving his bodyguards into killing him after he ordered the death of his mother isn't exactly a guy we want to espouse. I thought most of his crazy laws had been expunged
>Twenty lashes.
Emphasize what a mild outcome this is.

>>3998120
Only a Hantei can overrule the declarations of a previous Hantei, and some laws inevitably fall between the cracks, both in reality and in fiction. This is one of them.

You get a sticker for recognizing the reference to the Steel Chrysanthemum though.

>>3998111
Going to back this

>>3998120

>>3998120
Supporting. I wonder if we can increase the punishment for repeat offenders.

>>3998123
I guess that's true. Plus, even if they went overdrive with correcting it (which they did), you still have people like the fortune of dungs as a permanent mark on the celestial order. And rules on punishment of heimin are not exactly the highest priority. And thanks for the sticker. Any time you see harsh punishment + name of a hantei it's an easy guess.

>>3998120
+1

You snap the Ritsuryō shut. Perhaps the rōnin has a point, if that book is full of absurd and archaic punishments like that. “Very well, Atshushi-san. We're doing it your way. Twenty lashes for Mabumasa, but if he is caught trying to deceive a samurai again, I will make sure that it is tripled. Fetch a hinin from the compound, and make sure that he brings a switch with him.”

With a bow, your dōshin departs and you turn your attention towards the bound man, who seems to be whimpering. “You should be thankful, Mabumasa. According to the law, the appropriate punishment for your crime is eighty lashes, not twenty – or if I felt especially cruel, the removal of your tongue.” At that, he visibly cringes and buries his head against the earth once more, grovelling before you.

“Thank you for your kindness, samurai-sama! I swear, I will never be this foolish again! I know better now, I know better!”

So he should. The only lights in the heavens by the time Atshushi returns are the moon and the occasional star. Behind him is a hinin, carrying a long, thin rod of bamboo. The back of Mabumasa's shirt is lifted and by your order, the hinin strikes the criminal. The bald man cries out with every blow, red welts manifesting wherever he is struck. You raise your hand after the twentieth blow and bid the hinin to return to his enclave. Mabumasa is unbound and sobbing, the man is allowed to return to his home, without an ox thanks to his foolish endeavours. You are left with the rōnin standing by your side.

“Have to say, Bayushi-sama, I'm impressed.” You look towards the rōnin when you hear those words. “First I heard of today's events came from Rinji, after he was done with that other fellow. You took care of this whole thing on your own, figured it all out and got a confession without even needing to hit the man.”

“It was simple enough,” you reply, an attempt at modesty.

“Maybe to you it was. You keep that up, Tetsunori might start taking notice of your talents, eh? It's best that we get some sleep now, put this foolish affair behind us.” He turns away, to make his way back to the village head's house. You can't help but let a smug little smile spread across your face. Maybe there's hope for you yet, even in this banal line of work.

>You lose a point of strife. Your strife is currently at 1 / 6.

>If there's anything you want to do regarding this situation, write in. Otherwise, we can skip forward.

>>3998156
Nothing comes to mind, so unless someone else interjects, skip forward.

>>3998156
I'm happy to skip

>>3998156
Skip forward

>>3998156
Well we still need the ledgers to get made and set the system up. Other than that? Maybe plant the seed for the one guy to rent out the ox when he doesn’t need it, earn some extra money as long as no one mucks it up.

>>3998169
>As Kagoki lacks the resources for book-making, you'll need to see about the ledgers when you're next at Beiden.

You retire to Tamuramaro's house to rest. You sleep soundly and arise the next day, to continue with your typical duties. You're almost disappointed that your day isn't disrupted by another ridiculous feud between heimin – Mabumasa's shenanigans certainly broke up the monotony. The day passes and the next comes, and then the next. Time begins to flow by you like a river and the days blur together.

It's a week until the daily rhythm is disrupted by another event.

“Bayushi-sama!” It's Rinji again, rushing over to you through the pouring rain. Thankfully, you're protective from the downpour by a wide-brimmed hat, something that you borrowed from Tamuramaro's household. The dōshin isn't so lucky – he's soaked through. “We have visitors, Bayushi-sama!”

“Visitors of what sort?” You find it hard to believe that anyone passing through Kagoki would be worth bothering you about.

“Some sort of caravan, Bayushi-sama! Quite a few people, in a horse-drawn cart. The merchant in charge of them says that he wishes to stop in the village for the night.” It isn't night quite yet, but the sun's slowly drifting down from its peak. It won't be long until the day's over.

>Order Rinji to check their papers and tell them to move along. Travellers bring trouble with them, you'd rather not have them stay in town for longer than they have to. You trust him to shoo them out of Kagoki.
>Order Rinji to check their papers and let them stay for the night. They can overturn their cart and use that for shelter for the night or something, but there's no need for you to waste your time on them.
>Fine. If Rinji brought it to your attention, it's probably something that you need to handle personally. Go to speak with the merchant in charge of the caravan and see what this all about for yourself.

>>3998209
>>Fine. If Rinji brought it to your attention, it's probably something that you need to handle personally. Go to speak with the merchant in charge of the caravan and see what this all about for yourself.

>>3998209
>>Fine. If Rinji brought it to your attention, it's probably something that you need to handle personally. Go to speak with the merchant in charge of the caravan and see what this all about for yourself.

>>3998209
>Fine. If Rinji brought it to your attention, it's probably something that you need to handle personally. Go to speak with the merchant in charge of the caravan and see what this all about for yourself.
we been bored so lets help

>>3998209
>Fine. If Rinji brought it to your attention, it's probably something that you need to handle personally. Go to speak with the merchant in charge of the caravan and see what this all about for yourself.
Mark my words, it's probably a bunch if disgusting unicorn Ide traders, or worse. Regardless, traders have news. Maybe we can even find something interesting.

>>3998209
>Fine. If Rinji brought it to your attention, it's probably something that you need to handle personally. Go to speak with the merchant in charge of the caravan and see what this all about for yourself.

>>3998209
>Fine. If Rinji brought it to your attention, it's probably something that you need to handle personally. Go to speak with the merchant in charge of the caravan and see what this all about for yourself.

“I suppose I will have to see this for myself then.” Rising from your usual perch on the fence, you walk after Rinji as he turns to lead the way to his post.

When you arrive, you can see for yourself that he was right about a cart. It's a rather large wagon, pulled along by a pair of ponies. Six or seven people sit inside of it with various bags, all of them sodden and soaked through by the autumn rain. One of the travellers has dismounted, likely the one who was riding at the head of the wagon. While the others are dressed with the rags you would expect of heimin, he wears a kimono of rich blue silk, covered in golden embroidery but lacking the symbol of a clan. His beard and hair are immaculately groomed, despite being somewhat oily, and he takes shelter underneath a finely made oil-paper umbrella.

“Samurai-sama!” He greets you with a bright and cheerful smile, showing far more emotion than a samurai should. No, he's definitely not one of your caste – he's just a well-off commoner, a merchant. “Are you the magistrate in charge of this village?”

“No,” you admit. “I am Bayushi Kimiko, yoriki of the magistrate Soshi Tetsunori. Kagoki falls under his jurisdiction and I oversee it on his behalf. What brings you here..?” You trail off, waiting to hear the name of this opulent peasant.

“Shungyosai, Bayushi-sama. There is no greater honour than to make your acquaintance!” He lowers himself in a deep and humbling bow before you, a display of subservience, miraculously holding the umbrella upright as he does so. He certainly tries to cultivate an air of eloquence about himself, that's for sure. “But ah, I suppose that I should get business out of the way. It is my wish to stay in this wonderful village of Kagoki, along with my companions.”

“Your papers will need to be checked first of all, Shungyosai-san. Once that is done, I will consider letting you stay in Kagoki for the night.”

“But of course! I have mine right here,” he says, producing his travel papers from the folds of his kimono. Handing them over, the merchant maintains that cheerful smile. “To thank you for your cooperation and the service that you perform for Rokugan, Bayushi-sama, I would offer you a gift.” With his other hand, he produces something else from the confines of his kimono. It's a glittering jewel, a ruby. It's not particularly impressive in size but such stones are rarely seen, and how it catches the light.

>Accept the gift – after refusing twice as tradition demands, of course. You're not about to deny the good will of someone as rich and generous as Shungyosai.
>Deny the gift, even after he offers it for the third time. You'd rather not be caught accepting such things. Brush it off, and continue with your inspection of his papers.
>You won't take any attempt at bribery lightly. Does he take you for some sort of fool? Rebuke him and refuse him entry into the town. You don't want anything to do with him, or his human cargo.

>>3998243
>>Deny the gift, even after he offers it for the third time. You'd rather not be caught accepting such things. Brush it off, and continue with your inspection of his papers.

>Thank him for the gift but inform him about the fate of the last person who took gifts. We do not intend to say he would even attempt such a thing, but due to his ill actions there is a stigma over such things.

>>3998243
Gentlemen, everyone expects a Scorpion to be corrupt, so there's no need to blow up about it. Certainly an honorable Scorpion is a person who would not be capable of serving his family well. Thus, there's nothing better than to pretend to be corrupt. Take the gift, but don't sell yourself out in reality. No doubt the funds, as distasteful as it is to touch them, can be put to good use for your family/clan. In the meantime, you make a connection and make the merchant more inclined to spill his tongue about his shenanigans.
However, if you refuse, say he has you at a disadvantage and can't reciprocity as is proper giftgiving costume. Hell, say it even if you accept and the idiot thinks you owe him a favor.

My suggestion on this is to accept the bribe, house the caravan under (secret) watch and then send the ruby to your boss with a report on the caravan.

So far, there's three different suggestions:
>Politely deny the merchant's gift and mention what happened to the last yoriki who accepted too many gifts. You don't want to suffer the same fate.
>Pretend to be corrupt by accepting the gift. This will make the merchant more inclined to trust you, even if you have no desire to actually keep the gift.
>Accept the gift, but remain on high alert. You'll send the jewel back to Tetsunori along with a report on the caravan and everything you find out about its owner.

I'll give half an hour for anyone else to place their votes on these options. If there's still a tie, I'll roll between the choices.

>>3998280
I can switch mine >>3998253 to accepting the bribe and keeping the caravan under watch like >>3998256 Feels like the same tone in my mind.

>>3998253
I'll support this. Could be rewarding if we play it right.

>>3998280
>>Accept the gift, but remain on high alert. You'll send the jewel back to Tetsunori along with a report on the caravan and everything you find out about its owner.

>>3998285
Supporting

>>3998256
>>3998253
Sounds good to me.

We should of course still check the peasants' papers, or at least make a show of it. We need to find out what it is he's doing that's profitable enough he can afford to buy off a yoriki with a ruby.

>>3998280
>>Pretend to be corrupt by accepting the gift. This will make the merchant more inclined to trust you, even if you have no desire to actually keep the gift.

“I can't possibly accept such a gift,” you reply. You already know how you're going to handle this – it's best if Shungyosai thinks you're in his pocket, even if you're not. Ultimately, it's evidence that you can use against him.

“But Bayushi-sama, I insist! Those who keep the villages safe should be thanked.” You finish checking his papers – it does seem that he has all of the right stamps to pass through, and they're within date, if only by a few months.

“That is simply my duty, Shungyosai. I need no thanks for it, nor do I have anything to give in return.” You hand back his travel papers as you make your second refusal.

“You needn't give anything in return at all! Consider it a show of gratitude, the admiration of one of the common people that you work so hard to protect!”

“Very well, Shungyosai. It would seem that I am in your debt.” Finally, you reach out to accept the ruby from the merchant, inspecting it. It's an unimpressive little gem, but it's a gem nonetheless – it should be worth a few koku. Not that you're going to sell it – it's going straigh to Tetsunori, along with a report on this band of travellers.

“Excellent!” The finely-dressed traveller beams, briefly twirling that umbrella of his. “Unless there is anything else that you need, we should make our way into Kagoki! There's no need for us to linger on the road out here, is there?”

“Wait. First of all, I will need to check the papers of your companions.” You make a gesture towards the ragged-looking men and women in the cart. Shungyosai grimaces and then his expression becomes somewhat apologetic. He spreads his hand apart in a placating, pleading gesture.

“Come now, Bayushi-sama. You have confirmed my papers and you have enjoyed my generosity. Surely there is no need for you to inspect the affairs of these workers? I am the only important one here, you shouldn't worry yourself with them.” Already, he seeks to exploit the bribe. Meanwhile, Rinji stands nearby, looking puzzled and having no idea of what's going through your mind. You're going to have to explain things to him later.

>It's his fault for giving away the ruby so quickly. It's already in your possession now and he's got nothing to barter with. Demand to inspect the papers of his comapnions – his previous generosity won't get in the way of your duty.
>If you want to remain on his good side, you need to maintain the illusion that you've been bribed. Play along and allow them inside of the village, without checking their papers at all.
>A little lie is needed. Indicate that you're offering to help him, to stamp the papers of his travelling companions. This way, they won't be bothered by anyone further down the road. He might figure out that you're lying later on though. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep four successes to succeed.)

>>3998333
>It's his fault for giving away the ruby so quickly. It's already in your possession now and he's got nothing to barter with. Demand to inspect the papers of his comapnions – his previous generosity won't get in the way of your duty.

Do you have more spare rubies lying around?

>>3998333
>If you want to remain on his good side, you need to maintain the illusion that you've been bribed. Play along and allow them inside of the village, without checking their papers at all.

We keep them under watch and send a message up ahead to make sure they all get checked properly at the next post. We might also consider sitting down with the merchant over the nights meal and having our ronin accomplice do the unsavory work of mingling with the other members of the traveling bamd.
though one could make the argument the gift was only for the trader himself, not his mooks too.

>>3998345
I concur with this.

>>3998333
A little lie is needed, be prepared to spend void. how do we earn void?

>>3998354
>>3998019
Check this post out anon.

>>3998364
I am blind, thanks>>3998363

>>3998354
I suppose I'll change to this. I don't see any better way to get close enough to look at these people (that he clearly doesn't want us getting close to and looking at) and hadn't considered the use of Void Points into the odds of succeeding the roll.

Going with:
>A little lie is needed. Indicate that you're offering to help him, to stamp the papers of his travelling companions. This way, they won't be bothered by anyone further down the road. He might figure out that you're lying later on though. (This will require a roll using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep four successes to succeed.)

I require a roll of 7d6 using your Air ring of 3 and your Courtesy skill of 2. You will need to keep four successes to succeed at this roll.

I will accept the best of three.

Rolled 5, 6, 5, 1, 4, 2, 5 = 28 (7d6)

>>3998387

Rolled 1, 3, 3, 5, 6, 1, 4 = 23 (7d6)

>>3998374
NP Anon. Always happy to help with minor stuff like that.

>>3998387
OH FUK