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ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Kasuga Kei

Kei is almost instantly all smiles and sweetness again.

"Well, I'm sure if nii-san and nee-san think this gift is acceptable, they'd know far better then silly me."

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Ettin
Oct 2, 2010
Akihabara nods, boxes everything up and slides it over. "Yes, yes, that's it. Don't worry about payment, Bakami-sama sorted that out."

"What are you after?" he asks Misuko idly.

. . .

Okay! Bakami isn't in a rush and Akihabara's model of Misuko will take a few days, so you can stick around if you want. Got any plans?

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Kohaku Kozue

"Well, then, we just have to make sure the gifts are secure, and..." Kozue folds her arms, entering deep thought for a moment, and then says, "I think I should go say hello to the local governor, if we're to wait! It's been rude enough marching around his roads without staying hello." She does that nod she does at her her own words, and smiles. "But for now, we should make sure the package is secure on the ship!", she adds with a determined fist one might expect more for... facing some sort of challenge, really.

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Kasuga Kei

"I wanna see a play! Who wants to watch a spooky scary play with me? C'mon!"

Mitama
Feb 28, 2011

Toki Misuko

Mizuko places a finger on her chin in thought. "Oh, I have a thought. Have you seen that anime where they have giant robots that turn into space fighters powered by the voices of highly-paid pop stars? You should model the dress from the main character, but uh... maybe mix in some details from some of my stage outfits? I can send you pictures if you want..."

She raises her hand when Kei brings up the play. "I already asked the ronin to reserve seats for us. But I do agree, we've been long overdue in meeting the governor. It is a little rude."

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Kasuga Kei

Kei gives a long suffering sigh.

"Alright, alright. They won't be happy, you know. Meeting me. People never like the Tortoise poking around. On account of us all being dogs who flaunt our shameful koku, abusing the trust of the Empire while remaining under the Emperor's protection. And all that nonesense."

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Kohaku Kozue

"Wait! That's not true at all, that's...", Kozue starts to Kei, and then ohs. "... oh, you don't mean that. Well, you don't have to come if you don't think it'd be helpful! We can represent for the crew of the ship." A respectful bow. "If you need to flaunt your shameful koku or do something else, you're free to do that." She smiles, springing back up.

Mitama
Feb 28, 2011

Toki Misuko

"If you do come with us, Kasuga-san, I'll be sure to distract them from you with my fabulous presence."

Misuko winks, and an AR star flies off her eye as she does so.

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Kasuga Kei

Kozue gets a confused blink.

"...No, that's pretty much how most of the empire views the Tortoise. I mean. I didn't say it was always wrong. Just that we aren't always the most welcome. Look at me, I've intentionally rubbed dirt on my face to better fit in with the lower classes. That's not a good tea ceremony story! But, I think I will go with you. Better the governor know I am here then find out later."

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Kohaku Kozue

"Commoners rub dirt on their faces?!", Kozue says in puzzled surprise. Given the amount of time she spends among them herself, the ignorance may just the Carp Clan's foppish face... or maybe there's some truth to some stereotypes. She waves a hand as if she wasn't really worried about the answer, however. "Anyway, we'd be glad to have you along!"

Alien Rope Burn fucked around with this message at 14:03 on Apr 10, 2014

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Ugh.

Alien Rope Burn fucked around with this message at 14:05 on Apr 10, 2014

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Never.

Alien Rope Burn fucked around with this message at 14:04 on Apr 10, 2014

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Mind.

Alien Rope Burn fucked around with this message at 14:04 on Apr 10, 2014

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
This.

Alien Rope Burn fucked around with this message at 14:05 on Apr 10, 2014

Comrade Gorbash
Jul 12, 2011

My paper soldiers form a wall, five paces thick and twice as tall.
Marumaru Naganori

"A play would be fun. And maybe we can go look for ghosts tonight too. I heard a Mantis talking about meeting one earlier. It sounded interesting." He brushes his hands off and looks around the workshop. "Akihabara, if you're taking requests... any chance I could get a model of our ship...?"

Infinite Oregano
Dec 31, 2007

I'm going to make my friends eat infinite oregano and they'll have to do it because the recipe says so!
Ujina Risuta

"We may as well get a chance to do something rather than merely sitting or standing around glowering at Akihabara-san until his work is done. Unless of course you are all for that idea." remarked Ujina Risuta as he mostly listened to the conversation.

Dagon
Apr 16, 2003


Komori Hirofumi

"The Phoenix spoke of the ghosts here too. Said the place was full of them, but I didn't see a thing while I was out there." Hirofumi says, then pauses and gulps, remembering Natsumi. "Ah, I, uh, though we would be leaving soon after picking up the gift. A play would be good, somewhere to relax and lay low."

Ettin
Oct 2, 2010
Well I see enough votes for meeting the Governor then the Totally Not Important Play, so let's go! :toot:

. . .


Nibui Mura
Afternoon




Colony architects like to save space by putting the local court and other administrative buildings in the Governor's estate, or at least the local area. The end effect is a lot of estates tend to look bigger and more impressive than they actually are. Nibui Mura's has the court and the administration stuff and the town guard's headquarters, it's right next to the shrine of Hoshihime, and it's been placed on top of a hill with a commanding view of the city for extra effect. You can still tell being the governor of this world isn't that big a deal though.

You find him in the courtyard, escorting a messenger to the exit.

Yoritomo Atsuya


Tags: Governor Yoritomo Atsuya posted:

Bat: Used to be an admiral for the Mantis fleet. Tight-lipped about his exploits.
Carp: Avid fan of shogi and ancient space dramas. Likes giving people tests and challenges for no real reason.
Crow: +Courtesy +Honor +Pride -Sincerity
Hare: Has nothing against other Clans, but only really concerned with the welfare of the Mantis.
Ibis: [Atsuya is too old to have any thoughts on the Ibis or young people music.]
Tortoise: Cheerful and calm or a surly bastard depending how well things are going for him. Likes scapegoats and making his problems other people's.

"Yes, yes," Atsuya is saying as he escorts the messenger out, "I'm sure Saeko-san would like more supplies, but she always would, wouldn't she? I'm sure her shugenja can handle a few spirits. In fact, let her know I've got a few other tasks for her while they sort it out."

"But—"

"Sonny, if I don't let my guard captain "but" me, you've got no chance," Atsuya says happily. "But I like your courage. Tell you what, when I talk to her after the play tonight I'll have one of her tasks assigned to you. You do well, you can be running my messages instead of hers. Come on, before I change my mind. I need to get ready for the play."

Atsuya manages to shoo the messenger to the gate, then bows to you.

"Ah! Good afternoon. I am Governor Atsuya. I apologise for the state of the place, we don't have visitors often. Anything I can do for you?"

Ettin fucked around with this message at 15:37 on Apr 13, 2014

Comrade Gorbash
Jul 12, 2011

My paper soldiers form a wall, five paces thick and twice as tall.
Marumaru Naganori

Naganori bows politely, taking note of the mention of Saeko, apparently the Captain of the guard here. From the sound of it, she might know more about the ghosts and be looking for help. Getting the impression they're probably only going to get one question, he looks at Kozue, since she was the one who wanted to come here.

Mitama
Feb 28, 2011

Toki Misuko

"More of a social call, really. It wouldn't be right if we simply landed in your planet without announcement." Misuko steps forward, bowing graciously to the Governor. "We are the crew of Otokodate-maru, a group from the Minor Clans. And as for what you can do for us...?"

Well, she doesn't have much stake in this meeting. No point in winning over a fan in this barren rock. So she looks over to Kozue as well.

Infinite Oregano
Dec 31, 2007

I'm going to make my friends eat infinite oregano and they'll have to do it because the recipe says so!
Ujina Risuta

Bowing politely, Ujina Risuta deigned to not say anything for the moment as he did not want to draw attention away from the personage that wished so much to meet the governor. Ujina Risuta allowed his silence to be passive, rather than being aggressively stony, however nonetheless he glanced towards Kozue as he awaited what she intended to say to the governor.

Ordinarily Ujina Risuta might well have inquired as to the possibility of a sudden, lengthy tea ceremony but he is sure the others in the group would not appreciate this. The governor being the least appreciative in this situation.

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Kasuga Kei

Kei gives the governor a bow!

"Kasuga Kei. As is custom, we greet you as travelers to your abode."

Kozue gets a fourth look.

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Kohaku Kozue

Bowing, Kohaku Kozue says, "I simple thought we should meet with you and... and..." She gets a deer in the headlights sort of look, which is the sort of metaphor you can bring up now that Rokugan has automobiles.

Oh, no, she didn't think to get a gift she didn't think at all-

There's that bean buns she has, no, you can't give food, what with the implication that he doesn't see to being fed, lampstick, writing kit, paper, all basic, all mass-produced, garbage, garbage, garbage. Then there was... oh no, she couldn't.

She had to.

Pulling out her copy of Kohaku and the Mystery of the Caliph (13th printing!), she presented it with both hands. "... we are simply honored to meet with you, Yoritomo-sama." She smiled brightly, while crying inwardly. "You're going to the play as well?"

Ettin
Oct 2, 2010
Atsuya bows and goes through the motions of refusing the gift before accepting it anyway.

"Ah, thank you. Yes, of course. Many of us do. I recommend it!"

And speaking of, we might as well do that! :toot:

. . .

Kaidan, A Japanese Ghost Theater
Evening


The play is called Messages From Ghosts.

It plays out like your standard noh play - people wear masks, scenes are performed with slow rhythmic chants and restrained movements following a very rigid pattern, and the play is more about emotion and exploring characters than actual plot. Noh hasn't changed much over the centuries, and this play doesn't exactly break the mold. It doesn't even use modern instruments and props, and Choumaru and her crew are wearing old hand-crafted masks so it's hard to tell who is who.

What makes this play different is the plot, such at it is. The short first act plays out like this: Emma-O, the Fortune of Death, takes a human form so he can nail someone - as you do - and the union produces a ronin named Batsu. Batsu sets out on a journey to find somewhere he fits in, and gets dumped on by every character he meets. Eventually, he settles on an unnamed moon and that's where he encounters the Ghost. The first act ends with Batsu telling the Ghost "Yes, I will help you", and an intermission is called.

Everyone else uses the intermission to speculate on what happens next. Apparently the first act plays out the same way every time, but the second is different, and the Ghost's deal is what changes everything.

The second act starts. It's mostly Batsu talking to the Ghost and exploring its emotions. This Ghost is sad and frustrated, because it was murdered by a man named Eiheijiro for the scroll it was taking to the Phoenix. After some deep conversation about what drives a samurai to dishonour, Batsu tracks down Eiheijiro. He reveals the theft and murder, and is promptly killed for besmirching a higher-ranking samurai's honour, but the ending at least implies that Eiheijiro's days are numbered.

The play ends with Batsu and the Ghost talking some more as they walk into Meido together. Then there's a dance.

. . .

Outside Kaidan
Evening


The other samurai gossip, bicker and collect bets as you leave. All the samurai you've talked to so far watched the play, and they're outside - Tsuyoshi, Natsumi, Gorou, even a familiar fellow in a straw hat slinking away into the alleys.

"Good show, eh?" Atsuya tells you as he passes by. "It's all done by one ronin, if you can believe that. She's a little dim, but she writes good plays. I do hope you enjoyed it. Ah, Saeko-san!"

Atsuya blows you off to pester the guard captain.

Shudo (Kitsune) Saeko


(Saeko doesn't seem to have any big minor clan tags. Maybe she is boring!)

"Saeko-san, Saeko-san! Have you considered my requests?"

Saeko bows. "Yes, Atsuya-sama. We can be ready in a week."

"Excellent. Well, do your best to be ready tomorrow morning."

Saeko stares at Atsuya with what everyone but the Governor can tell is her "I am screaming internally" face.

"Yes, Atsuya-sama."

Atsuya smiles and turns to look for someone else to annoy. Saeko yawns.

. . .

You have the night to yourselves! You can GO ANYWHERE and DO ANYTHING!

Unless it's, you know, illegal or something.

Ettin fucked around with this message at 15:13 on Apr 15, 2014

Mitama
Feb 28, 2011

Toki Misuko

Misuko usually doesn't think much of old-fashioned theater, but something about the presentation touches her. Perhaps it is the hand-crafted, unmanufactured sincerity of the presentation? Or the tragedy of someone without a place to call their own? Hopefully no one noticed her being literally on the edge of her seat earlier.

"It was quite something, yes." She nods to the governor. "I should give my regards to that ronin."

Then he blows them off. How rude.

Misuko shrugs, then heads back into the theater to look for Choumaru.

Dagon
Apr 16, 2003


Komori Hirofumi

"I haven't been to many plays, least of all like this." Hirofumi says, addressing everyone and no-one in partiuclar. "Are they usually like this, with a changing second act? The format is interesting, and surely extends the longevity of the performance. This one in particular seemed topical, so the writer is a local, I assume?"

Comrade Gorbash
Jul 12, 2011

My paper soldiers form a wall, five paces thick and twice as tall.
Marumaru Naganori

"Didn't he say it was that ronin? I'd like to meet her, the challenge of bushido she explored in that play was really interesting! I wonder if she'd be interested in a series, one for each tenet. But she's probably thought of that already. It's funny, everything is really traditional except the plot - Noh usually sticks to one of the canon plays and its very codified. Having something something so... flexible is pretty daring. I'm surprised she hasn't gotten more attention."

Naganori is about to follow Misuko, but then spots Saeko. His desire to be insufferably nerdy about bushido wars with the potential call of adventure, and adventure wins out. He's still a young Crow, after all.

He walks over to the woman, bowing when he gets close. "Pardon me, but I could not help but over hear... I am Marumaru Naganori. It sounded as if you had an important task. I am certain you and your people do not need it, but I humbly offer my help. I find myself at loose ends for a few days here, and would be glad to put myself at your disposal so that I may do something at least marginally useful."

Infinite Oregano
Dec 31, 2007

I'm going to make my friends eat infinite oregano and they'll have to do it because the recipe says so!
Ujina Risuta

Ujina Risuta sat patiently watching the play, mentally taking notes about any pertinent details that might be applicable in the future, assuming it wasn't purely allegorical which is one of the difficulties of the so-called realm of 'fiction'.

"I have to confess my patronage of plays is perhaps somewhat limited also. Not that there is anything wrong with the old ways of course. But I am at somewhat of a disadvantage when it comes to appreciating such things." said Ujina Risuta, his voice calm and composed, unwilling to let any personal biases colour a subject that he is unfamiliar with.

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Kohaku Kozue

Trailing after Naganori, Kozue pops up alongside, asking a rather forward question of Saeko. "A real bow instead of a pistol?", she says with some excitement. "Is that an heirloom? Wasp?" A pause as she seems to halt her mental train at the station, and she does a perfunctory bow. "Oh, and arrows!", she concludes, leaning to the side to peer at the quiver.

Ettin
Oct 2, 2010
Saeko

Saeko takes a moment to respond, partly because Kozue is so forward but mostly because she's clearly exhausted.

"Eh? Oh..." She bows. "I am Kitsune Saeko of House Shudo. We're, ah... There's a temporary... shortage of bullets. Nothing concerning."

She looks the Crow over, then bows. "You know what? It would be our honour. Please, stop by the magistrate's office tomorrow morning and I'll show you how you can help."


Theatre Interior

Now that everyone's left, the actors are packing up. Noh doesn't have a lot of props, so most of them have left already.

Only Choumaru is staying. The ronin is doing the peasant's work sweeping the stage again, with the Batsu mask pushed up to her forehead.

"Good evening, Toki-sama. This humble ronin hopes you enjoyed the play."

ProfessorCirno
Feb 17, 2011

The strongest! The smartest!
The rightest!
Kasuga Kei

Kei actually looks vaguely bored through much of the play! Stories of morality and honor are for...non-Tortoise. She does show a bit of amusement at the end, though.

"Plays are all a bit of the same to some degree. Everyone talks a lot about honorable behavior, someone acts in dishonor, someone else dies as a result of the dishonorable behavior. I am a bit surprised; this ronin is daring. I'm not sure it's for the reason of changing tradition."

Kei seems to mostly fade out into the crowd after that, until, unable to stop herself, she seemingly just appears next to Misuko again.

"Hey, Toki-nee-san. Choumaru-san. An interesting play. Or. Well. An interesting ending. The dishonorable noble faces no immediate punishment for dishonorable actions. And indeed, the ronin is the honorable, and is punished for it. It's a bit funny~. Most plays aren't like that, I think."

Mitama
Feb 28, 2011

Toki Misuko

"Oh, yes." Misuko beams. "I just wanted to thank you for your assistance yesterday and compliment-"

And then she materializes again. Like a koken unfurling her black robes.

Misuko just sort of stares daggers behind Kei's back while she talks.

"Yes, exactly!" She totally interrupts, clapping her hands together in order to grasp for attention again. "It's a play with a very strong message, yet a message that goes unnoticed by the Great Clans and their high horses. Why, I don't think even that Mantis governor saw it as anything more than entertainment, and that is a tragedy in itself."

She thinks. "Not the only message you have tried to send, I suppose. I hear the play changes every time. What were the other times like?"

Ettin
Oct 2, 2010
Choumaru

Choumaru tilts her head only slightly.

"Good evening, Kasuga-sama."

"This ronin would not dream of fouling the play with her own messages. Her inspiration is delivered by the Fortunes, she merely puts it to paper. A worthless contribution, in comparison."

"This worthless ronin would not dare claim the play has any meaning a true samurai wouldn't notice. It is up to the audience to see meaning within. For this ignorant ronin, the release of presenting it is enough."

"That you would deign to share your thoughts with this thoughtless ronin is an honour that can never be truly repaid. However, she does keep scripts and notes from previous plays, if you would like to borrow them. Past performances are free to view on Kaidan's website three days after the show."

Mitama
Feb 28, 2011

Toki Misuko

"Well... whether by you or by the Fortunes, I do wish to see your notes if that's alright. I might feel inspiration coming for my next album, oh, I just know it. Tell, have you considered performing somewhere like the World of Dreams or (ugh) the Golden Mirror? To think that someone as talented as you would restrain yourself in such dreary, lonely, depressing planet..."

She pauses.

"...actually, I see that working for you perfectly. But there's so much else you could do, even as a ronin! I know plenty of people in the World of Dream, I'm sure a merchant patron could take their chance with you. Just let me know."

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!
Kohaku Kozue

Bowing to the Kitsune again - you can never have too many bows, not the weapon bows, but the politeness bows - Kozue introduces herself cheerfully with "Kohaku Kozue. We'll be there in the morning, then!" We? "Until then, we can have some drinks, maybe?", she offers a little more self-consciously to Naganori, as if at a loss for what else there might be to do with herself otherwise.

Comrade Gorbash
Jul 12, 2011

My paper soldiers form a wall, five paces thick and twice as tall.
Marumaru Naganori

"I'll - we'll be there, Saeko-san. Until tomorrow then!" He grins, then turns to Kozue. "Didn't figure you'd be interested, but it would be nice to have you along. Actually, before we get some sake, there's something I wanted to ask the ronin about. The plot of the play wasn't entirely unfamiliar to me now that I've had a chance to think about it. I spoke to a Mantis earlier who - well," he glances around to make sure no one's nearby, then leans in to speak so only Kozue can hear. "That Mantis I was talking to at the teahouse? He told me the same story. Said a ghost had met him in the street and told the same tale. The man was a drunk so he didn't actually have the details right, but I'm sure it's the same."

He shrugs. "I don't think it's a bad thing, but it's interesting! I want to ask her about it. Come on." He heads back in to find Choumaru, and sees Kei and Misuko talking to her. He waves to them as he approaches.

Infinite Oregano
Dec 31, 2007

I'm going to make my friends eat infinite oregano and they'll have to do it because the recipe says so!
Ujina Risuta

Ujina Risuta steadfastly ignored the rudeness of Kei, taking his time to appreciate the play in question. Deciding to finally speak, he spoke to Choumaru.

"For the Fortunes to bless you with such inspiration must be quite a gift." he remarked as Naganori approached.

Ettin
Oct 2, 2010
Choumaru

Choumaru chooses her words carefully.

"This ronin is willing to visit, but cannot stay. Inspiration... does not come as often on those worlds. Yama-no-Kami's Remembrance has a much more agreeable climate for this apologetic ronin's work."

Dagon
Apr 16, 2003


Komori Hirofumi

"What is so special here?" Hirofumi interrupts bluntly. "People say it is so boring, but they all have their reasons to stay. The Phoenix watch an empty plain, while everyone in town claims it is teeming with spirits. Ugh, can we go to the World of Dreams yet?"

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Comrade Gorbash
Jul 12, 2011

My paper soldiers form a wall, five paces thick and twice as tall.
Marumaru Naganori

"The ghosts are special!" Naganori chimes in cheerfully. "Hello, Choumaru-san." Naganori gives her a polite bow. "That's it, right? I talked to a Mantis earlier who spoke to the same ghost you did. He was a drunk though so it was a boring self-centered story. You turned it into something wonderful. It's very impressive!"

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