|
Matsu Mayumi She does her best to conceal an excited smile. "Did you say...go?" She's going to spend some time playing go with the other yojimbo, her favorite past-time.
|
# ? Mar 2, 2013 16:21 |
|
|
# ? Apr 17, 2024 19:44 |
|
Hayuma "To broaden one's knowledge of infrastructure? What a fascinating topic! Still, I'd imagine that there are those who interest themselves in all sorts of topics, no matter how dull, and that's what the Asako are known for, isn't it? Don't they seek to know everything about everything? If you'll excuse me, Doji-san, I should go and find out discoveries he has made!", he says in slightly sarcastic tone. Hayuma has, he thinks, found his target. Excusing himself from the Doji, he goes over to introduce himself to the Asako. "Greetings, Asako-san. I am Otomo Hayuma. I trust that you are enjoying yourself at court? You're interested in infrastructure, is that right?" Introducing myself to the Asako, trying to win his trust and find out exactly why he's here. Courtier 6k3, manipulation
|
# ? Mar 2, 2013 18:22 |
|
Mayumi The Shiba gestures towards a table with a go board sitting. "I am Shiba Kojiro," he introduces himself as he sets up the game. "Yojimbo to Asako Doruki. Would you prefer to play black, or white?" Please give me a games: go check to see how well you play Masami "Believe it or not, there's quite an attractive rock garden here on the grounds, that I could show you if you'd like? Most of the time, when Sukune-sama has one of his episodes, it's a good sign that he won't be back for the rest of the day, and that tends to limit official business. We could go now, if you like?" Hayuma "I am interested in knowing all there is to know about all there is to know about," the Asako says, and pauses to give you time to parse that. "Asako Doruki, at your pleasure, Otomo-san. And to answer your question in a somewhat more coherent manner, yes, I am here to sate my interest in matters of infrastructure and engineering, among other more esoteric subjects. I must say, it has been a distinct pleasure to be able to avail myself of the collected knowledge of the Kaiu, the finest of engineers in the Empire. I see that there is one of their esteemed number among your own party--do you think an introduction might be arranged that I may interview him on the various insights he may have on the subject of my current studies, to wit, infrastructure?" Natsumi An Asahina, indeed. She seems to be standing at the edge of the circle of courtiers, listening but not participating in the conversation, and appears almost skittish as you approach. She does not speak, letting you make the first move.
|
# ? Mar 3, 2013 03:04 |
|
Soshi Masami "Ah, I suppose this is the place for that sort of thing, isn't it? It's dreadful to hear his affliction is that bad, though..." Masami just shakes her head. "But, yes, I'd very much like to take a look at it, especially while the light is still good enough to properly appreciate it. Let me just inform one of my companions..." I'll just tell whoever's closest that I'm taking off.
|
# ? Mar 3, 2013 04:08 |
|
Matsu Mayumi She does her best but ultimately loses at the hands of a superior opponent. Still, she can take this time to ask them a few questions. "So, while we get ready for another game, is there anything going on around here? You've been here longer than I have and no doubt are familiar with this place to a far greater degree than I am. Is there anything I should be aware of, or should look out for? I must say that at the very least I've had an enjoyable time playing against such a skilled opponent, you have taught me much during the game."
|
# ? Mar 3, 2013 05:47 |
|
Utaku Natsumi Natsumi introduces herself. "Hello! I am Utaku Natsumi. Ah... are you also here to discuss infrastructure?"
|
# ? Mar 3, 2013 11:10 |
|
Kaiu Ginzo Since the monk is not particularly forthcoming with his secrets, Ginzo decides to find a more interesting conversation parter. Overhearing the tail end of the exchange between Hayuma and the Asako, he sidles over to them and inserts himself into the conversation. "There is no need for my esteemed colleague to trouble himself; I shall introduce myself: Kaiu Ginzo. I understand that the Kaiu art and science of construction is relevant to your interests...?" Lore: Heraldry = 6k4, TN = 50 - (Asako's Glory x 5). Have I heard of this guy before?
|
# ? Mar 3, 2013 11:35 |
|
Hayuma Hayuma listens. This isn't exactly what he had expected, but still, perhaps knowledge could be gained here. People caught up in a passion are sometimes indiscreet.
|
# ? Mar 3, 2013 18:50 |
|
Masami The Ikoma shows you out into the aforementioned garden. An elderly monk is tending it with a rake. There is a path of flat stones set into the gravel, winding around several larger rocks. A few medium sized boulders are spread around as well. "This is one of the earliest rock gardens," the Ikoma tells you. "The practice really began here in the Crab lands." Mayumi "For the most part there's little to be concerned about here, save the manners of our hosts. Sukune-san is much more polite than most of his clan tends to be, but he is very ill. Asako-san has offered him some herbal remedies, and Sukune-san seemed most grateful for them, but they don't seem to be having much of an effect, I'm afraid. There may be little that anyone can do for him." You notice the odd monk standing nearby, listening to your conversation and watching you play go. Hayuma, Ginzo The Asako beams, his broad features lighting up happily. "Ahh, Kaiu-san, it is a pleasure to meet one of your esteemed family." He begins asking a number of very technical and surprisingly advanced and insightful questions on the subjects of architecture and engineering. You have heard the name Asako Doruki, indeed. He is said to be a genius, but not particularly practical--he's more interested in knowledge for the sake of knowledge than in actual applications, from what you understand. Natsumi The Asahina shakes her head. "I am not here out of a particular desire to discuss infrastructure but if it is the topic of the court then I must discuss it, as any of the others assigned here must as well." Her voice is soft, almost to the point where you have to strain to hear her--but only almost. "Doji-san makes it seem much worse than it actually is, though," she adds.
|
# ? Mar 4, 2013 04:13 |
|
Utaku Natsumi "So what does bring you here, Asahina-san?"
|
# ? Mar 4, 2013 04:29 |
|
Matsu Mayumi She looks at the monk, a little irritated at what seems more like eavesdropping or staring than appreciating the game. "Can I help you?" unzealous fucked around with this message at 04:40 on Mar 4, 2013 |
# ? Mar 4, 2013 04:36 |
|
Natsumi The Asahina frowns. "I was ordered to see to the needs of my family and Clan by representing them here, of course...though my constitution is somewhat delicate and suffers from the chill of the stone. I can't imagine how poor Sukune-sama copes with his illness..." She casts her eyes downward, for a moment looking very sad. Mayumi "I was interested in the strategies of a Matsu in go. Very aggressively played, almost like one of my own brotherhood...and yet, the more pensive approach carried the day. Not, I assure you, the outcome I expected when I saw how you were playing. I would have celebrated your victory. I could not, however, help but overhear...Sukune-san is ill? And clearly, this is disruptive of the court proceedings...and he accepts aid from others outside his own physicians--he must be desperate. This may be good--in that I may be able to offer him easement of his suffering, if he is willing to hear me out."
|
# ? Mar 4, 2013 04:45 |
|
Soshi Masami Masami regards the pleasing arrangements of the rocks, making a small smile behind her mask. "It's quite impressive. I had never really thought about the origin of the art, but it does make sense to hear it stated. Ah, for all that it lacks the subtleties of those you see in other places, it does have a certain stark charm. Reflective of the people, I suppose."
|
# ? Mar 4, 2013 05:09 |
|
Hayuma "This is indeed a most fascinating topic. One takes infrastructure so much for granted, it's hardly thought of, Asako Doruki-san, but it's so vital, which makes me even more impressed by your knowledge. That's why I don't pay any attention to the people who. . .but no, never mind. It's nothing." He waits until the Asako reacts and continues. "It's just, well, look at Doji-san over there. He's a master of poetry. That's what he focuses on. But it would be wrong of him to call you a dilettante, just because your base of knowledge is broader than his. I certainly don't think there's anything shameful about it.: 6k3 to use the technique "The Voice of Heaven"
|
# ? Mar 4, 2013 05:29 |
|
Utaku Natsumi Natsumi feels very sad too. This is one sad lady. "That seems unnecessary. Surely they could spare someone who wouldn't suffer here?" "The Crab I've known are very... determined, at least," she opines with zero authority. "I'm sure Sukune-san can cope."
|
# ? Mar 4, 2013 14:21 |
|
Matsu Mayumi "Well, you are a monk of a monastic order, as far as I know. It should be a simple matter to just approach him and offer assistance. I'm sure he'd be interested if you offered a way for him to recover. If you don't me asking, what did you have in mind?"
|
# ? Mar 4, 2013 19:09 |
|
Hayuma, Ginzo "Ah, yes," Asako Doruki says, clearing his throat. "Doji-san does tend to make the mistake of assuming that a generalist cannot be as knowledgeable as a specialist, but," he pauses, clearing his throat, "I am of the opinion that one should never stop learning. If that is the worst that Doji-san can manage to come up with to say about me, however, then he..." Doruki trails off, apparently realizing something. He clears his throat, looking somewhat ruffled. "...ah, I have just remembered a pressing engagement, please excuse me," he tells you, and hurries off. "Do you have some goal, Hayuma-san, or are you doing that to the poor Asako just to keep in practice?" A female voice asks. The speaker, a woman dressed in Lion colors, approaches--you recognize her as a cousin, once Otomo Jiyo, now Matsu Jiyo. "Not that I can complain. I've been tempted to do that just for entertainment. My husband," she indicates the very hairy Matsu, who is in conversation with a Yasuki nearby, "has prevailed on me not to do anything rash, however." She smiles. Natsumi The Asahina shakes her head sadly. "Kisada-sama believes that Sukune-san is weak and only suited for duty in court. Since he is the son of the Crab Clan Champion, though, it does not insult the guests who attend court here...only Sukune-san." It strikes you that you didn't catch her name. Mayumi Jinmen inclines his head. "I am indeed. There are certain meditations, chi exercises, and other techniques I am familiar with which may be able to assist him. I shall speak to him at first opportunity." The Shiba says nothing. Masami Your Ikoma companion leans over and says quietly, "There is a secluded area over there behind that large boulder," she tells you. "Come, I'll show you." Secluded indeed...and apparently, occupied, by a Kakita who is looking somewhat surprised at unexpected company. "Ah," he says, "good afternoon. Enjoying the fresh air of the garden? Yes, you must be...I am, of course, ensuring the safety of my charge by checking every nook and cranny." "And a good thing, too," frowns the Ikoma, clearly wanting the Kakita to clear off. "Your diligence is commendable, but as you can see, of course, there are no goblins hiding out in the garden." "As you say," says the Kakita, apparently hoping that you and the Ikoma will go elsewhere. "But, I must be certain, and assure that...well, they may be...sapping their way in." Asako Doruki hoves into view from the court chambers, huffing and puffing.
|
# ? Mar 5, 2013 06:33 |
|
Kaiu Ginzo "Ah, Doruki-san, your reputation precedes you," Ginzo begins, "how wonderful to finally have the opportunity for a stimulating conversation with one who is my intellectual equal..." But then Ginzo falls silent as he watches the hapless man dance at the end of the Otomo's strings, squirming and stammering before excusing himself on account of his urgent need to be...elsewhere. Since the opportunity to impress the Asako seems to have rather swiftly passed--for now at least--Ginzo settles for glaring daggers at Hayuma before turning on his heel and wordlessly setting off in search someone to play Go against. Why you gotta be such a cock-blocker, Otomo-san?
|
# ? Mar 5, 2013 13:15 |
|
Matsu Mayumi She waits for the monk to leave before continuing her conversation with the Shiba. "I am not so oblivious as to have overlooked your silence. What's wrong? I'm guessing you have some reservations about the monk here, perhaps questioning his motives? I know it's not my business but I might be able to offer some assistance if you tell me what's concerning you."
|
# ? Mar 5, 2013 19:25 |
|
Soshi Masami Irritation wars with amusement in Masami's mind. The interception is hardly welcome, but the flimsy escuse has a certain sort of charm to it. Obviously waiting for someone, then. For the same sort of reason as what had brought her here with her new Ikoma friend, or something more sinister? She ignores the sound of the approaching Asako for now. Either he was just passing through, in which case there was nothing worth saying anything over, or he had a purpose here, which meant she wanted to see it. So, best to keep playing her role. Masami pulls her lips into a broad enough smile as to subtly shift her mask, then says cheerfully, "Truly, you have a jest with us, Kakita-san! If the danger were that close, why, not a one of us could draw a single easy breath! But, if I am wrong and there is such a worry for sappers, should you not be fetching an engineer to... ... engine... the structure to ensure it is safe?"
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 00:30 |
|
Hayuma "Ah, cousin.", he says, and the faintest hint of a smile can be seen on his face. "I must confess, I did it because the man was so boring. This court, it seems that all they talk of are building projects. Important work, I'm sure, but. . . But this one was apparently too dull to know he was being insulted. Eh, shigata ga nai." "But, Jiyo-chan, I haven't seen you since Totomo's elevation to Dai-so-ig-i. You're married now, and to a Matsu no less. Is it terrible, being stuck down here? Do you manage to keep busy, or is it just talk of infrastructure? You'd heard I married Haru-hime? I think you know her."
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 03:34 |
|
Hayuma Jiyo makes a face. "It's not all infrastructure, but it is generally tedious. The Crab don't generally like dealing with courtly matters, so they simply don't, for the most part. It's amazing things get done. Most of the important arrangements for the Crab are actually handled in the courts of other Clans, by the Crab delegates there. I'd not heard of your marriage, congratulations. I've been out of touch since coming down here to Crab lands...It's so difficult to find enough to write a letter about." She wrinkles her nose and mimes writing. "Dear friend, how are you? The weather here is the usual. Today we discussed how many sets of chopsticks each clan would provide to the soldiers serving on the Wall. PLEASE SEND HELP." Masami Asako Doruki hesitates for a moment, then bustles on through the far entrance to the garden and back into the building. "Ah, it seems my reasoning has been defeated," the Kakita comments. "I shall go to the library at once, as I understand the engineers are studying there. Perhaps one of them can reassure me that there are no sappers. I thank you." He bows and heads off...in the same direction as the Asako. A coincidence? Maybe. Ginzo There's a game of Go set out between Matsu Mayumi and a Shiba yojimbo. They seem to be talking, and not currently playing. Mayumi The Shiba frowns thoughtfully. "Ah, you've mistaken my silence for disapproval," he says. "I would not dare question a Brother of Shinsei, even one from such an odd sect. Who am I to question enlightenment? I simply had nothing further to add to the conversation, and I'm afraid my training as a yojimbo overrode my courtesy for a moment--as you of course are aware those we protect tend to expect us to remain in the background. Ah, Kaiu-san, can I help you?" (Assuming Ginzo is approaching)
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 06:21 |
|
Matsu Mayumi "Ah, welcome Ginzo-sama, we were just engaging in a bit of go, you're welcome to join if you'd like." Turning back to Shiba. "It may be a bit bold of me to say, but I see my job as protecting my charges as much as possible, and that means on some level understanding the situation and environment I'm in. In this case the monk, honorable as he may be, represents something foreign in this environment, a variable which requires assessing. It's still puzzling that he offers so much but waits for no discernible reason. He is an enigma and I freely admit that worries me."
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 06:30 |
|
Soshi Masami Crab? In the library? Who would believe that? On the other hand, the fact that they had one at all... Ah, well. There was no cause to give further embarassment. Hmm, but an Asako in the library was far more likely than Crab. Still, not worth anything more than paying more attention to how they acted together. Nothing seemed untoward enough for any further action yet. Instead, she just shakes her head, and cocks it a bit around the nook, as if to assure herself there was no sound of sapping. She murmurs, "My, my. That certainly was..."
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 07:03 |
|
Kaiu Ginzo "Bah, that monk may be as useful as he claims," Ginzo fairly spits, "but I wouldn't bet a bottle of warm goblin piss on it. If he wants to stand around the court pretending at wisdom, the best he could do is keep silent. As far as I am concerned, the less high-minded ignorance he vomits out, the more that those of us who have tasks to perform can actually accomplish. His countenance brightens as he sees that the Go board is all prepared. "I'd certainly appreciate a game of Go...I have a new strategy I've been meaning to try out--which of you wishes the honor of being the first to see it?"
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 07:46 |
|
Utaku Natsumi "It's a little sad," Natsumi admits, "What did you say your name was, Asahina-san?" Subtle!
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 11:49 |
|
Matsu Mayumi "I would be honored to see your strategy in action. I hope I will learn from such a tactician as yourself." She sets up the go board again, another game to kill time while the courtiers go about their duties. Games(go) 4k2: 16 unzealous fucked around with this message at 16:18 on Mar 6, 2013 |
# ? Mar 6, 2013 16:09 |
|
Masami "Sadly, these Crab castles value functionality over any kind of style, so there are very few private places. No doubt he was waiting for someone himself...but enough of that." She smiles at you. Natsumi "Oh, you must forgive my rudeness. I am Asahina Subaru. I'm afraid sometimes I get carried away." Mayumi, Ginzo The Shiba vacates his seat to allow Ginzo to sit and play, observing the game with interest.
|
# ? Mar 6, 2013 20:47 |
|
Soshi Masami "Mn, timing is everything, of course," agrees Masami, her smile shifting behind her mask. "Now, ah, I have just been dying to get to know you better... Ah, you have not shared your name, that I recall..."
|
# ? Mar 7, 2013 00:42 |
|
Kaiu Ginzo Ginzo prefers approaching Go the same way he approaches commanding men in the field, so he stands at the board instead, his No-Dachi still on his back. Moving the recently-vacated cushions aside to better position himself at the board, he bows courteously to the Shiba and to his opponent in turn, before considering the optimal arrangement of his pieces. As the game progresses, he effects his new "Double Wall" strategy, letting his opponent advance forward, only to smash against his impregnable defenses. He smiles, exceedingly pleased that his opponent is stymied by his new, unorthodox style of play. He would have to try out this strategy against a more skilled opponent in the future, he decides. Go vs. Mayumi: 6d10o10k4 22. Dropping any Rolled die (if Clear Thinker does not apply for some reason) does not change the result: Victory for Ginzo!
|
# ? Mar 7, 2013 02:47 |
|
Hayuma He seems almost apologetic when he says. "Thank you. She's a good woman. I'm sorry that father broke off the betrothal, It wasn't my choice, you know. I wanted you to know that." He stops for a minute as the full impact of her words sink in. "Is it really so bad down here? I could write father. He might be able to do something; get your husband transferred off the wall. Get him sent to Shiro Matsu or something. Father doesn't have the influence he did, but he can try."
|
# ? Mar 7, 2013 03:43 |
|
At this point, things are going to pretty much be small-talk and/or some fade-to-black intimacy for the rest of the day, anyone have anything they'd definitely like to do before I jump ahead to the next morning? Edit: ALSO! Gain 10 XP. MollyMetroid fucked around with this message at 04:02 on Mar 7, 2013 |
# ? Mar 7, 2013 03:50 |
|
If I can get any gossip worth noting out of her at any opportune moment that would be cool but if I can't I can't, w/e. Also, awareness to 4, courtier to 2, and I'll buy the gossip emphasis for courtier. neongrey fucked around with this message at 19:33 on Mar 7, 2013 |
# ? Mar 7, 2013 04:01 |
|
If Kaiu Ginzo can find the Asako that the drat Otomo scared off, he'll work on impressing the pants off of him with his knowledge of infrastructure. With a Void Point, Engineering or Lore: Architecture are 9k6, and I'll take 3 Raises for Awesomeness. Also, for XP expenditures: Lore: Heraldry 3, Lore: Architecture 3, Games: Go 2, Battle 3. I hope we're doing more court-type activities than stabbing-type activities in the immediate future, since Kenjutsu and Agility are both still languishing at 2.
|
# ? Mar 7, 2013 05:59 |
|
Hayuma Scaring off people is my specialty. Banking the xp for now. As far as actions, if Jiyo wants me to, I'll write a letter to my father about her circumstances. It might not do any good, but I can try.
|
# ? Mar 8, 2013 01:22 |
|
Kyuden Hida Hayuma:Jiyo doesn't actually mind it here and she actually gets along well with her husband, she tells you. Ginzo: The Asako appears to be avoiding you, or anyone else, for that matter, for the next few hours. You finally see him again at dinner, though, where you are able to wow him indeed. The next morning, court opens with Hida Sukune's aide reading the agenda for the day. The planned topics of discussion include providing for repairs on the watchpoint barracks--which they ask you specifically to provide reports on, seeing as how you've just been on a tour of the watchpoints--followed by a recess, then an inquest into a recent debacle where one fort received shipments of fresh chopsticks from the Crab, the Crane, the Lion, and--bafflingly--the Unicorn, while three other forts went without. Another recess is planned then, for lunch. In the afternoon, entertainment has been arranged in the form of a group of taiko drummers, and then time for free discussion until dinner. Every one of the courtiers you met yesterday is present, as is the strange monk Jinmen. Asahina Subaru pays rapt attention to Sukune. Doji Saito rolls his eyes theatrically as the day's agenda is read, and mouths the word "infrastructure" in your general direction. Asako Doruki is calm, occasionally clearing his throat. Ikoma Heiko, the woman with whom Masami enjoyed a tryst yesterday, winks flirtatiously at Masami. Matsu Jiyo sits behind her husband, apparently the image of the obedient wife. Hida Sukune speaks. "Before we begin discussions of the funding for maintenance of the barracks along the watchpoints, I would like to ask our new arrivals to speak on their observations on the conditions of those barracks during their tour." Bearing in mind he means the physical state of the barracks, what will you report?
|
# ? Mar 8, 2013 05:39 |
|
Kaiu Ginzo Ginzo bows as deeply as his armored frame allows. "Sukune-sama, beyond the normal expected maintenance, all of the buildings appear to be of sufficient structural integrity, save Watchpoint 27, where some foundations were damaged by the heavier-than-usual rainstorms. An additional 75 koku should be sufficient for all the materials and workmen required for the repairs." He continues, "However, in our inspections we also found insufficient infrastructure for the appropriate development of morale among the various Clans represented upon the Wall." Drawing a scroll from his satchel, "I have taken the liberty of drawing up designs for additional training and practice grounds of appropriate dimensions to accommodate more than 50 per cent greater force capacity, or to allow a correspondingly greater freedom of tactical maneuvers for the standard-sized force. These should require a mere..." Commerce @ 5k4 = 38 "...147 koku per Watchpoint to construct. Implementing them at all 303 Watchpoints and major fortifications, would therefore require..." he pauses for a breath to perform the mental calculation, "44541 koku." Handing over the scroll to one of the attendants, he concludes, "I humbly submit these plans for your wise and careful consideration, Sukune-sama." Hey, a Kaiu can dream, can't he? Whether or not his dreams are implemented is above his pay grade in any case.
|
# ? Mar 8, 2013 06:37 |
|
Soshi Masami Masami silently kicks herself for letting someone knowledgeable on the subject speak first. She glances to Heiko, rolling her eyes a bit behind her mask.
|
# ? Mar 8, 2013 22:23 |
|
Matsu Mayumi "I generally agree with Kaiu-sama's appraisal. The defenses are still structurally sound." He said it far better than she could.
|
# ? Mar 9, 2013 02:42 |
|
|
# ? Apr 17, 2024 19:44 |
|
Kyuden Hida, Court There is a murmur as Ginzo concludes his report. Doji Saito rises. "If I may be so bold," he says, with a glance to Sukune, who merely nods, "the plans for additional facilities are somewhat irrelevant to the matter at hand, which is strictly to determine the maintenance for the barracks. If you would be so kind as to limit your observations to the pertinent details, Kaiu-san?" Asako Doruki rises, now, clearing his throat. "Ah, Doji-san, I believe that Kaiu-san's report is very pertinent. I should think that you, as a Crane, should know as well as any the importance of ones lodgings being, ahem, suitable and the impact that the perception of a poor set of facilities can have on morale." He clears his throat again. "Not, of course, that I would dream of suggesting myself that our generous Crab hosts have, ahem, insufficient facilities, but as Kaiu-san feels that this is the case, I believe it is our, ahem, obligation to hear him out." Saito looks irritated. He casts a glance at a Yasuki sitting nearby, who shifts, then rises and responds to Doruki. "Asako-san, the wisdom and insight of the Phoenix is legendary and is of course always welcome here, but I must, I'm afraid, be blunt: the Phoenix have never served on the wall, nor would the expense that Kaiu-san has estimated be drawn from Phoenix coffers. It is easy enough to suggest hearing out an expensive plan when one is not expected to foot the bill." If any of you wish to interject or offer a rebuttal, please do! Otherwise, Sukune will decide how to proceed with this.
|
# ? Mar 9, 2013 06:56 |