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L5R: Your Honorable service begins
Canada_jezus
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
One week ago
Some time ago because of circumstances, you offended the Mantis clan. Luckily, or unfortunately as the case may turn out, you were loaned the the Mantis clan as a way to make recompense. Today you are meeting your temporary new lord in kiken & roka toshi or the treacherous pass city in imperial lands. The weather is excellent, a strong sun and a fine spring breeze. This town is home to a family of peasant fishermen, whose ancestor once gave a true dragon a bowl of rice. The dragon, in return for the girl's kindness, promised one thousand years of peace for her family.
Third warehouse from cliffs, an odd place for a meeting of this import perhaps. Of course the mantis are not most traditional of clans. Outside the warehouse stand two guards, flanked by a girl with an umbrella your contact for today stands in the sun. Tsuruchi Basho, cousin of the Daimyo and from what you've heard, a tough man to like. Talking to him, is what looks like a monk. He's certainly dressed like one.
Some time ago because of circumstances, you offended the Mantis clan. Luckily, or unfortunately as the case may turn out, you were loaned the the Mantis clan as a way to make recompense. Today you are meeting your temporary new lord in kiken & roka toshi or the treacherous pass city in imperial lands. The weather is excellent, a strong sun and a fine spring breeze. This town is home to a family of peasant fishermen, whose ancestor once gave a true dragon a bowl of rice. The dragon, in return for the girl's kindness, promised one thousand years of peace for her family.
Third warehouse from cliffs, an odd place for a meeting of this import perhaps. Of course the mantis are not most traditional of clans. Outside the warehouse stand two guards, flanked by a girl with an umbrella your contact for today stands in the sun. Tsuruchi Basho, cousin of the Daimyo and from what you've heard, a tough man to like. Talking to him, is what looks like a monk. He's certainly dressed like one.
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He stood for a moment, taking in the land around him. All of this had been orchestrated by his family, of course- His 'disgraceful conduct' towards the visiting Mantis, who just happened to be the brother of the Mantis Daimyo... But then, he had grown used to being manipulated throughout his young life. His family were herditarily the greatest courtiers in Rokugan, and he had grew up around brothers, sisters and cousins who delighted in throwing webs of intrigue and deceit at each other and anyone else who happened too near...Especially at Masashi himself. Alone among his siblings, he was straightforward and honest and strove to be everything a Samurai was supposed to be- and suffered mightily for it.
He thought he had gotten away among the Crab- that he had passed outside of his family's reach such that he could get on with his life the way HE wanted to live it...how wrong he had been.
And now here he was, stuck in a small town far from Crab lands, where he should be protecting Rokugan from the army of evil that seethed on the other side of the great Wall...
Sighing softly, he composed himself and started down towards the girl and the Monk. He would do what must be done, and repay whatever so-called debt they had set up to keep him busy. He would prove to his family that he could take care of himself, and perhaps then they would let him live his life as he chose.
The ground crunched under the weight of his overworked sandals and his blue and grey kimono flapped in the breeze, more chest than was appropriate showed through the fine silk. Showing no interest or aptitude for the fine art of swordplay, his Katana was stored with the rest of his gear in his room. Only the wakizashi hung at his side, in case anyone mistook him for some bulbous commoner.
The all too familiar sigil of his family is seen on one of the group, but the face is unknown to Oda. Perhaps someone to keep an eye on him?
Sailing. I wonder how much time I will have to be on their boats. Well it's a small price to pay really to make up for the dishonor I put on them. She frowns.
Well I should I best not be late to meet my new lord.
She takes a moment to brush any dust from the road off her green travel Kimono and pulls out her magistrate badge and hangs it from her obi. Pulling out a scroll from her bad she skims the writting again for the 100th time.
Third warehouse...Tsuruchi Basho.
She finds her badge gets her into the town gate without a second look at she makes her way to the warehouse area of town. Turning the corner she spots Tsuruchi Basho talking to a monk and his guards.
Best wait till his business is done before approching.
Finding a convenient wall just out of earshot, the Hiruma leans while waiting impatiently to be beckoned or for the conversation to come to a halt.
"Ah, Yuri-san. No need for forgiveness. I am an Emerald Magistrate for our glorious emperor. I had been stationed at the city of Heibeisu, in the eastern end of Dragon lands. But I have been ordered to report to lord Tsuruchi Basho for the time being. Please you can call me Rei-sama. What brings a mighty Matsu to Mantis lands?" Rei smiles openly while speaking. She appears honest and friendly.
"Yes, i think this is all of you then," he says, "I am Tsuruchi Baso as you no doubt know. I have your orders for you, yes i do. Let us go inside." The girl at his side hands her umbrella to one of the guards exchanging it for a fan. Tsuruchi Basho like his temperature tightly controlled, apparently. Inside the warehouse is decorated like it were a makeshift throne room. Cargo has been moved to the sides and an area has been cleared to sit, where tea awaits the thirsty.
Baso takes a seat and directs you to do the same. Taking out a map and laying it out on the floor he points to a small island some way removed from mantis holdings. "This is where you'll be going." he says matter of factly. "Rice shipments are not forthcoming. They should be. We've already sent a ship, they've not returned. We fear the worst. Hence, you'll be going."
"I'm sending along one of my aides to resolve the situation, you'll be yojimbo to him. I think this will go more smoothly if i allow for questions now."
"Tsuruchi-Sama, compared to what we face beyond the great Kaui Wall, your rice thieves are nothing but legless crickets." Forcefully, he slams one meaty fist into his awaiting palm.
"Then we are blessed to have a mighty Matsu amongst us. My father is a Justicar, a magistrate who believes that a honorable samurai will always strike true and a dishonorable one will always miss their mark. He often told me that was the reason the Lion always would be the Emperor's right hand."
Once inside Rei takes the oppurtunity to study those she sits with.
Matsu Yuri is like me. Except fierce. I can literally see the lioness ready to pounce, just under the surface. She will be a strong ally I am sure.
Hiruma Oda is HUGE! I've never seen a larger man. I wonder if he sumo's? He has obviously seen battles but maybe seems least like he wants to be here. I've heard the Crab get uncomfortable if they leave their wall too long...like a snail with out his shell Rei almost laughs at this, but keeps it under control.
Otomo Masashi. I'm curious most about him. He carries himself like a Seppun, but for sure he is an Otomo by herald. He carries himself like a samurai, not a courtier. I wonder what his story is?...
And the monk. I've been around Ize Zumi my whole life, I wonder why a monk is with us?
She listens to the Tsurichi's instruction and the others comments.
I wonder about the islands location, It seems outside their normal travel routes that I know, though I admit Mantis trade routes are not something I've had to study much. I wonder how secretive they will be with us.
"Your captain to be has a more detailed map," Says Basho, "The reason we fear this interruption is our ignorance of its cause. I would like nothing more than to tell you more, but all i know, you know.
The monk meanwhile remains silent throughout all this. If he has any thoughts, he keeps them to himself.
A young man walks into the room and freezes with a surprised look. "Forgive me master," he bows, "i was unaware our guests had arrived." "Don't be daft boy," Basho says, "sit down and pay attention here."
"This is my aide, Tsuruchi Kenji." Basho sighs," Also my son in law," he rubs his temples. "You'll be leaving today, he will be joining you. Kenji is the official investigator into this matter."
"Tsuruchi Kenji-sama, I am Otomo Masashi" he said, giving the confused boy a bow, "I will forfeit my life to protect you, if necessary."
Soon, his attention is returned to the man bearing his family's mon. Even with so much time spent on and beyond the borders of the Empire, the name was certainly familiar enough even if the symbol was not. The possibilities of Masashi's nature flitted through Oda's head, but nothing seemed to match the way he presented himself.
"Oh! Ofcourse, says Kenji," who stands up immediately "I'll go do so now," he bows to you four, "Honorable samurai, we'll meet a little later."
As soon as Tsuruchi Kenji is out of the room Basho starts to talk again. "He is capable, despite his bumbling demeanor, very good courtier and diplomat. Not even close to anything of a warrior in him though." He sets down his tea cup and levels a stare in your direction. "Very dear, to my daughter you see. What is dear to her is dear to me. I'll have the guard find the captain."
Out on the docks you mee Yoritomo Senzo, the boisterous man who is to be your captain. He has a wakizashi at his waist and a sword that seems more suited to clearing plants than fighting. "Ah my precious cargo has arrived!" He walks up to each of you and seeks to clasp your hand in a warriors embrace. "I'm leaving my katana here, no use leaving it at the bottom of the ocean." he says. "If you'd like to do the same now would be the time." he says.
Oda returns the goodbye with a simple bow and rises unsteadily to his feet. "If you do not mind, Tsuruchi-Sama, I will take my leave here for now. It does not suit me to sit idly when there is work to be done. Although, your hospitality is greatly appreciated." With another ackward bow of generous respect, the Crab turns and exits the warehouse. "I will meet you on the docks before the sun sets."
Intermission: Albino Squid Inn
The scent of earthly foods wafted out of the opening of the inn, tantalizing visitors without evening having to step inside. Being around midday, the dining area was filled with the better paid peasants who were taking a respite from their daily toils to enjoy some lunch. Oda had, of course, chosen this particular inn because of its culinary reputation and not its finery.
Squeezing through the modest opening, the Hiruma scout bellows out a laugh of relief causing at least some of the patrons to turn at the odd display of emotions. With a quick scan of the tables, his well trained eyes locate his target, the short aged man with a long white beard and half closed eyes, the owner of this fine establishment. As the old man was the only waiter on hand, Oda waited for his chance to pump some information out him at an empty table in the corner. After a short wait, the server cautiously approached the massive man to see to his wishes.
"Yoko-san, if you have the time, I'd love to speak with you for a moment." Nervously, the man complied to the samurai's command. "You must hear many things here in this Inn, a knowledgable source of all that goes on in this town." He nods cautiously, one hand stroking his long beard.
Bending closer so as to whisper, the Crab grabs the innkeeper's hand and places a few boku within. "Tell me what you know of Tsuruchi Banjo, his family, and the troubles he's been having." Then, as an afterthought, "And bring me the source of the scent, the one which fills my stomach with such desire."
...
At the Docks
A few hours after leaving the warehouse, Oda arrives at the dock wearing his light scout's armor painted a dark red. The sections are unusually large to match his unusual body. A travel sack is carried in his left hand with his katana neatly wrapped and sticking out of the opening. A massive steel club is slung across his back, it could easily have been a branch of some twenty foot tall cherry tree.
"A Crab without his claws is nothing but an oyster. Greatness still dwells within him but he cannot make it known to others."
I also choose to keep my Katana, Yorimoto-sama, for my honour rests almost as much with the blade of my ancestors as it does in my Wakazashi. If, however, there is anything I can do to aid you in our voyage, please let me know. The safety of Tsuruchi-sama is of course my first priority, but ensuring the success of his mission is also of great importance to me.
"But Sanzo-san may I ask what is the use of your sword you are carrying? Would'nt a Katana be of better use? Forgive me if that is a family weapon. The Mantis ways are still new to me."
On the docks Yoritomo Senzo is a tad startled by Rei's question. "What use? Well, gutting fish, cutting tangled sail lines, cutting unruly pirates. Lots of uses really. Things i choose not to sully my katana with," he explains with a smile.
To Masashi he replies "Aha if you wish to help, there is always use for a strong back on my ship." At your back the monk stands, still not speaking or introducing himself. You saw him talking earlier, so surely he has not taken a vow of silence. He nods politely to anyone who looks in his direction
Your ship is a relatively small vessel, suited for city to city trips not long oceanbound voyages. Still Yoritomo Senzo seems to know what he's doing. "She's a good vessel, i could sail her with four men, i've got ten. Two cabins, no other luxuries. Captain's quarters and guests retreat. Four beds, you'll have to make do the six of you i'm afraid. " He strokes his chin as he thinks, "lets see what else, i hope you can take the tedium of just sitting on a boat, but we'll make good time. Should be there in about five days." Tsuruchi Kenji meanwhile has arrived, he's carrying a satchel and our silent monkish friend is carrying two others. His shabby clothes contrast sharply against Kenji's silk kimono. "Are we all here, all set?" asks Kenji.
The morning of the fifth day, captain Senzo walks into the cabin and excitedly tells you "We're here, there are large number of ships blockading the port, we're signing to them now." Outside a crewman is waving two little flags, none of you can understand exactly what is being signed. "Captain," the crewman says, "they say the are blockading on orders of Lord mayor Yoritomo Daitsuke. We're welcome to make landfall, but our ship must stay outside of the cordon."
"So just a small rowboat then?" Says the captain. "Well they know our cipher, none other than loyal men of the mantis clan could."
"My friends, what do you make of this, what shall i reply? says Senzo.
"Yes he is the Mayor here, he administrates this island and its villages for our clan, he's within his authority to blockade the port. Though its a mystery as to why he would."
Looking over his shoulder at the captain, he says "Making landfall seems to be the fastest way to find out what's going on. If Tsuruchi Kenji-sama agrees, we can be on land shortly, and start to resolve the situation right away. It is, of course, his decision as the leader of our envoy."
Apparently seeing something out of place above, Masashi scurried nimbly up the mast to tighten something or other for a moment before returning to the deck. "What say you, Tsuruchi-sama?" he said lightly as his feet hit the deck with a thud.
"If you run into any trouble," says Senzo, "heh, well, you're on your own. Try not to get into trouble." The two ji-samurai sailors navigate their way to the beach and the small village lying beyond. The village has a large pier, presumably for the loading of rice. Your course takes you past two of the boats blockading the port, you can see onboard. There is something off about the men crewing them, none of them have a wakizashi or a mon on their person. "How peculiar, i do believe those boats are entirely crewed by commoners." says Kenji. The commoners for their part give you their hardest stares as your boat passes. They line up at the side of their ship and just stare at you.
Once you land on the beach you're given a welcome by a trio young toughs with shoddy katanas. Nothing in their bearing identifies them as samurai. "Everyone that arrives needs to go see the mayor," one of the lads says, "right now."
"Ah very well, direct us toward him then my good man." replies Kenji, still shadowed by the silent monk, ,whose name you at least found out the last five days, Kunio.
"I'm not your good man samurai," he says mockingly. While not a hanging offense, yet, this peasant is certainly displaying some unwise and terribly rude behavior. Kunio tenses behind Kenji, he's not had too much sleep these last few days.
Laying his hand on his sword, he makes an inviting motion with his hands. "Come on then, dogs. Let us dispense with talking and get right to the part where you draw your weapons and are put down".
"Alarm! Alarm!" they yell as they make their way toward the village, "violent samurai are upon us!" Their cries are answered by some movement near the buildings. People picking up rakes and the like, kama's and other sharp objects. A small old man wanders up to you, he gets on his knees and bows. "Honorable samurai, please leave now and take the earthen path there, this will lead you to our lord mayor." He comes back up and repeats his bow. "I will be glad to calm their spirits in your absence."
Kenji meanvhile is grasping the wakizashi as his side. "Kind Yojimbo, i follow your lead."
Looking at the boat they came in on and the path, Masashi says "Well, if this is really a peasant rebellion, we won't accomplish anything by slaughtering a few here- more will just come to take their place. I think we should send a message out to the ship letting them know what we suspect is going on here, and head down the path to speak with the mayor. He can let us know if there is anything to be done, or if we need to call in an army to deal with it."
Standing back up, he unslings the massive tetsubo and holds it tightly in his right hand, its mass threathening to crush the bones of any who stand in the group's way.
"Tsuruchi-sama, stay in the center." With well trained eyes, the Hiruma scout scans the aroused bee hive for any incoming threats.
"Oh my, i should have brought a meal along, i'm positively famished." Kenji says, "Should we try to find a eating house or stand, or is that too unsafe you think?" Once arrived at the village you can see things seem more sedate here, less peasants armed, though they do carry their farming implements. Which can be deadly in their own right.
"With a soft touch and a kind word, i am sure a meal will be possible," adds Kunio the monk. He seems to have picked up a walking stick along the way.
"I do not think these people will be very responsive to our efforts." Tightening his grip on the tetsubo causes the leather on the handle to squeek as it stretches. "But let us try it your way." Respectfully, he nods towards the magistrate.
Seeing the servant she states "Good day merchant, we are 6 hungry Samurai on our way to see your lord Daitsuke-sama. Set us up with 6 bowls of your finest rice and saki." Then moves to sit down at a large enough table for the group.
"If you don't mind my saying," the vendor says as he hands you bowl after bowl, "You should watch out if you are going to see lord Yoritomo, the last group of samurai never returned this way and this is the only road. My cart is here every day."
He takes of his hat and wipes his forehead. "That's all that needs to be said on that,"
Meanwhile a little later and further ahead on the road, a young women carrying a armload of kindling is tackled from behind by another young woman. They immediately start brawling in a manner that would do honor to two drunken lions. Rolling along the ground, pulling hairs, punching and whatnot. The vendor gives a confused look but does not intervene.
The massive samurai takes the offered bowl but elects to eat while standing, a habit picked up from the occassional sentry on the wall. He offers a bow of respect to his master before digging in. The catfight nearby of course piques his interest. Let someone else handle it. With a steamy bowl of food before him, his priorities are elsewhere.
He remembered his duty, though, so didn't pay the women too much mind, his eyes scanning the surroundings for signs of danger. He was here to protect the Tsuruchi, and he kept alert for potential dangers to the young Mantis.
To Kenji "Forgive me, I can not less this pass." Then raises from her seat and walks toward the fighters, drawing her Katana along the way there.
To the fighters "In the name of the Emperor stop, before I decide to cut you both down!"