Post by Shoju on Aug 19, 2011 12:33:35 GMT -5
NOW HERE!
Shoju: What made you choose Scorpion?
Kiso: Well, I was given a Scorpion character to begin my L5R experience. (the original Kiso) I fell in love with the clan from the beginning, so it was very natural for me to go that way again.
Shoju: So this isn't the first version of Kiso... Was the original Kiso a Shugenja?
Kiso: Yes, and I rp that Kiso as the father of this Kiso. The original got scapegoated for some failed clan business, eventually becoming the leader of his own minor clan. Since it wasn't canon, did some fudging on that clans history to make that work.
Shoju: Very Cool. So, I'm assuming that would be the answer to my next question. Was there a conscious decision behind going Soshi instead of Yogo?
Kiso: I actually wanted to be a Shosuro, but Soshi trained....but thats not an option. I didn't have any ideas on a good Yogo curse, so that pretty much settled that.
Shoju: Ah. Good idea for the background, would you consider seppeku if that became an option in the future?
Kiso: At this point, I highly doubt it. I've spent a lot of time vested in this character...so I would need a very satisfying reason to lob his head off.
Shoju: Yeah, I can understand that. 200+? That would have to be a tough stomach churning click of a button! So, is there anything to the name Kiso?
Kiso: Well, it wasn't picked by me. The original, which I'll call 'Koi' Kiso from this point forward, was already named. When I figured I'd be playing his son, it felt natural that he would want to live up to his father's footsteps and take his name.
Kiso: I think Kiso means foundation? So it makes sense for his loyalty as well.
Shoju: That's a pretty cool double meaning kind of thing. So.... Let's dive into Kiso then shall we? What does he think of the current civil war?
Kiso: Well, he was caught off-guard when Kaneka declared himself Toturi the 3rd. He was not happy that he would have to be involved in a civil war, but was quick to follow his Daimyo per his nature.
Shoju: So what does he think about Toturi? aside from the proclamation stuff (I wont tell him)
Kiso: Honestly, he seems a little quick to act at times for Kiso's taste. But he seemed to settle down as he assumed his role as the rightful Emperor. Of course, Naseru began doing the same things. So, they are sort of mirror images of one another atm.
Kiso: Willing to put aside past hatreds did put a cap in his feather though. er, feather in his cap
Shoju: So would you say you feel the same about Hantei then?
Kiso: In his current state, yes. Earlier, I was not impressed with him what-so-ever as he was not willing to come out and deal with problems for weeks at a time. An idle emperor erodes the empire.
Shoju: So, what did you think of the Spider coming and asking to be recognized?
Kiso: That caught me for a loop as well. It did not seem an intelligent move to approach both courts, unless they had done it before we could declare. They should have done something to prove loyalty before showing up asking for such a favor.
Shoju: Yeah, I'm sure that the big D had his reasons, sadly I was never made privy to them... So, you said that you were quick to follow your champion, what is your opinion of your champion?
Kiso: Oh, that would be telling. Let's just say we are mindful of our allies and the state of the Empire, and doing our best to try to reunite both sides for the greater good.
Shoju: I hope he's ok with that answer
(his question)Kiso: oh, I misread, let me reanswer
Kiso: I think he has been quick to act at times, which is unsettling for the Master of Secrets. But his edicts have always been sound, and is willing to listen to the opinions of his clansmen. If he led us the wrong way, I would deal with it swiftly.
Shoju: So, lets get to my question. You have had limited interaction with Shoju, what is your opinion of your former clansmen?
Kiso: I think hes a lunatic. Which isn't suprising given his interaction with the Black Scrolls, and messing around with the Shadowlands. If I had the chance, I would put his head on a pike for the pleasure of my Champion, and to ease what Kiso sees as the suffering of Shoju's spirit.
Shoju: Wow.... that's interesting.
Kiso: He thinks he must of had good intentions at one point, but took the wrong path.
Shoju: Huh. So on a pike eh?
Kiso: Gotta keep the big guy happy.
Shoju:
You know, I could direct you to a pair of my contemporaries that would like to see the same thing....Kiso: Oh I'm sure, but does Shoju's taint-ridden mind see it the same way? Then again, your asking questions, not me.
Shoju: OH, Shoju hates the path he has ended up on, but I promise, he still thinks he is doing the "right" thing, especially now. If I were you, I would expect a "call" from him soon
But, back to the questions. Shoju: Who are your greatest allies?
Kiso: For the Scorpion, or Kiso himself?
Shoju: You, Kiso
Kiso: Well, Kiso hasn't had a terrible amount of interaction with anyone he would label "friend". The closest he came to an ally was the former Mantis Daimyo, Yoritomo Akihiko. So he would probably say his allies would be his scrolls.
Shoju: Does that mean that he has people he could label as enemies?
Kiso: Oh yes, he has a growing list of enemies. Although I would imagine most of them are not even aware they are on his naughty list.
Shoju: Ah, I wont pry then
Kiso: I'll give you one name, Akihiko. Pulling a dissappearing act as Kiso was putting a lot of effort into shaping the trade route did not go over well.
Shoju: I can see how that would be a bad thing
Shoju: Back to the topic of the war, and the like, what did you think about the divide in the scorpion? From the outside it looked rather dire at times, what did you think?
Kiso: There was A LOT of internal conflict going on there, mainly steming from bushi following their own desires and feelings versus the will of their Champion. Although in the end it has put us in the best position, even sworn to Hantei now, to try to reunite the Empire.
Shoju: So, reunite the empire, through the war? Averting the war? Any insight there?
Kiso: So while I was not happy with my fellow clansmen for quite some time, their lack of loyalty ended up helping us in the long run.... Well, we plan to use an old enemy thats tried and true to focus everyone's energies on.
Shoju: Sorry, I'm busy
Kiso: lol
Shoju: So, the Shadowlands to reunite the clans eh? Do you think that will work?
Kiso: We can only give it our best shot. I can only imagine samurai would rather take care of a truly evil threat, then trying to kill one another in the name of various Emperors.
Shoju: Ok, so lets be hypothetical for a second. Say..... The war ends poorly, Hantei loses, Toturi is FUMING about the Scorpion's actions, the plan with the Shadowlands fails. You need SOMEONE to hide you. Who is the one person in the empire you turn to?
Kiso: Hmmm, thats a tough one. Given his lack of friends, he wouldn't have anyone to hide him. His personal family is long gone. If anything, he might go to Tomatsu-sama given his father's history with the Lion.
Shoju: A scorpion with the lion.... Interesting. So, do you have a good relationship with tomato?
Kiso: Haven't talked to the man, but Kiso did have such a desire at his Champion's wedding. But Tomatsu did not make himself available.
Shoju: So it would just be reliance on the the relationship of his father. That's a risky proposition, but I could see how it could work.
Kiso: I think it would be his only hope in that situation. 'Koi' Kiso helped the Lion create a few spells while he was a ronin. Never cashed the favor in.
Shoju: I see. So, what is Kiso's view on Bushido?
Kiso: Well, he sees Gi/Meyo (Honesty and Justice) as a legacy left to him by his father. Which has made him the most well known Junshin. He has not always been 100% there, but tries his best. Loyalty screams in his veins to the point it probably disgusts some of his clansmen. But overall he tends to be more like a Lion in that regard and his beliefs in Bushido. Not the Scorpion to be trusted to forgo his honor for service.
Shoju: Again with the Lion Reference. Maybe you should get your head checked (or get a lion wife
) I kid, It's good to see you have the ability to see things from an honest perspective.Kiso: 'Koi' Kiso main allies was the Lion Clan, so given Kiso's desire to follow in his father's footsteps, it's led him to some of their ways. He doesn't know much of his seedy background.
Shoju: Is that something you plan on 'weaving' into the story of kiso? Learning more about his father?
Kiso: Eventually, it will be a shattering moment to realize the man he has idolized his entire life was not perfect. Will lead to some interesting times. Unsure what the fallout will be at this time. I try not to think about it and save the thinking for that time so it will be more organic.
Shoju: I see. That's a good way to look at it. More "organic"
Kiso: Yeah, I want his reactions to not be scripted by overanalyzing the choices.
Shoju: So, would you say then, that in your RP you just "go with it?"
Kiso: Very much so, its general easy for me to think of how my character would react. I roll with that initial thought otherwise I might have his reaction be more akin to my own in any given situation.
Shoju: Very cool. I try to do the same thing for the most part (except when trying to come up with the 'initial' story. Would you say that Kiso is a religous person?
Kiso: Oh yes. Reading the thread of Senshi and Haruka's wedding made that even more apparent to me. How he set about cleaning the temple before going to the reception....had not planned that from the get go, just came out. Which will help for some later rp's at some juncture, knowing his devotion.In fact, had used some of that in my threads with the former Mantis Daimyo.
Shoju: I see, So, considering his Junshin Nature, and his spirituality, and his affinity for the lion, do you think that Kiso has a lot in common with his other clansmen?
Kiso: Beyond loyalty, he sticks out like a sore thumb. The only one he has generally felt truly comfortable around is his Champion. He feels that while Senshi knows he is a different kind of Scorpion, it doesn't make him any less useful. Just has to be applied in a different fashion.I'm sure it takes a toll on him to know he isn't truly at home amongst his clansmen, even if they don't show him that.
Shoju: Yeah, that is something that I think even Shoju could understand. Part of Shoju's crazy path has been driven by the ultimate desire to fit in. So, just 2 more questions to go. Do you have any clue on how / when Kiso is going to die? I mean, not a "plan" or anything, but a way that you might see wrapping his story up?
Kiso: Well, there is still a lot I want to cover in the long run. I want him to be able to step out from his father's shadow in his own eyes. So since I don't know whats going to happen yet. I just hope he doesn't go batshit crazy and join the Spider.
Shoju: Hehe, Just know he would be welcome with open arms! You give the perfect segway to the last question: When Kiso dies, can I have his body?
Kiso: That all depends if theres a body left. A death spell would likely eradicate him.
But if you would come across it....he might have to storm the Gates of Hell to get it back from you. So....you don't have permission. hmm, I felt like I was just warming up, and that was the last one huh?Shoju: Yeah, that's all I got, You really had good answers. Several times, your answers hit the question, and then another question as well.
Well....
I guess there was another question:
How do you please your master?
Kiso: roflmao
Kiso: By doing what he tells me to do.
