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Post by Soshi Kiso on May 5, 2011 22:34:05 GMT -5
Interesting. Tell me Kuni-san, have the Lost been more active then usual? Are these raids usual, or increasing as the route forms? And if so, what defenses could be put into place to bring them to a halt?
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Shagi the Mad
Crane Clan
Fallen Crane * Scout * Mad * Shadowlands * Experienced 4 Hiruma Shagi
Posts: 180
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Post by Shagi the Mad on May 6, 2011 16:58:56 GMT -5
That the Majordomo retained his composure was a truly remarkable feat. Hiruma Shagi had spent far longer preparing himself than the most fastidious of the court ladies. True, part of this "preparation" involved long bouts of snoring, and sake had been called for more than once. But finally the Samurai emerged from his chambers and proclaimed himself ready.
To the majordomo's eyes, the change was remarkable. Gone was the swaggering, dusty, trail-hardened scout, and in his place stood an immaculately garbed courtier who moved with poise and elegance. His Kimono was of the finest cut, and his manner betrayed nothing of the Sake so frequently ordered.
"So," began Shagi, "As I understand it, Kuni Tsubin has joined our guests, and they wish to discuss the trade route. Our guests are a rising star of the Mantis, and a Scorpion with a reputation a Lion would be proud of. Is there anything else I should know?"
"There are some rumours that Yoritomo Akihiko," the majordomo began, "has some small character flaws..."
The Samurai laughed. "Spare me the obscure rumours!" he declared, "I would be a fine one to point out the speck of dust on another's coat given the condition of my own! No, if that is all you can manage, I shall be have to make my own estimation of the man. Lead on!" __________
Shagi swept into the room as the Majordomo announced him. He bowed to the guests in turn. "Soshi-san, Yoritomo-san, I trust that the day finds you well, and that your stay has been pleasant so far. I am Hiruma Shagi, and as Kuni Tsubin before me," he acknowledged the Shugenja, "I am at your service."
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Post by Soshi Kiso on May 6, 2011 18:51:00 GMT -5
Welcome Hiruma-san. An odd look falls on Kiso's face. Odd, that I should be welcoming you on Crab soil... If it would please you, there is always room at the table of exoskeletons. Kiso took pause while Hiruma Shagi knelt and joined them, seeming to reach for the sake jar on reflex.
Tsubin here was just telling us about raids the Lost have been making against the goods carried on the newest trade route. If you don't mind, I'd like to hear more... Kiso shifted his gaze to Kuni Tsubin.
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Post by kunitsubin on May 6, 2011 19:31:42 GMT -5
Tsubin considers for a moment before answering.
"We admittedly know little ourselves. The last three caravans have come under attack at some point or another while traveling near the Twilight mountains. In each case the attackers struck quickly and with maho support. The precise routes the wagons take is secret and even the drivers don't know where they head until they leave. That rumurs of tainted mines comes simultaneously with these attacks makes me uneasy."
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Shagi the Mad
Crane Clan
Fallen Crane * Scout * Mad * Shadowlands * Experienced 4 Hiruma Shagi
Posts: 180
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Post by Shagi the Mad on May 6, 2011 20:02:52 GMT -5
"Indeed, Tsubin-san. The majority of the traffic will be upon the river, but in the initial rush to begin trade, some are starting out overland; and these are the caravans that are being raided. These raids are precise, but seem to have little point beyond harassing the caravans. The distance the raiders have to travel, the paucity of the likely rewards... it all seems to me that the raids are taking place not because they wish to raid, but because raids are what we expect.
"Since the start of Winter Court, the Lost have been quiet. My own opinion is that they have been preparing for something. Now they grow active again. The raids; the attack on the wall; they are likely distractions. But what for?"
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Post by Soshi Kiso on May 6, 2011 20:22:07 GMT -5
I wish I could bring light on the situation of the Lost, but that is not my full area of expertise. If you say they were just distractions to the initial set up, then we currently have other matters to worry about. Kiso turns his gaze to Akihiko.
Since Akihiko-sama is fortunately here for a short visit, perhaps this would be a good time for the Crab to state anything they might be looking for out of the route. I have seen your men setting up customs inspections in preparation. Curious what their looking for...
Letting his last comment dangle on the air, Kiso takes another cup of sake.
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Shagi the Mad
Crane Clan
Fallen Crane * Scout * Mad * Shadowlands * Experienced 4 Hiruma Shagi
Posts: 180
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Post by Shagi the Mad on May 6, 2011 21:05:50 GMT -5
Shagi smiled. "The purpose of a customs point is not to check what passes through. The purpose is to see who tries to avoid it."
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Post by vegandeathmachine on May 7, 2011 9:07:46 GMT -5
To Hiruma Shagi-san,
"Yes, custom points only catch the novice smugglers. I have found it useful to 'mistakenly' allow some 'unguarded' approaches to be available. Perhaps the Tsuruchi and Hiruma sensei could better discuss training methods in this matter; we might each learn some new tricks."
To Soshi Kiso-san,
"Which is the fortunate part: my visit, or it's brevity?" He smiles mischieviously, "I tease, please pay no mind to my poor joke."
To Kuni Tsubin-san
"I must confess, I have little experience in fighting the Lost. My military efforts since gempukku have been either battling pirates on the sea, or Yobanjin in the North. That said, once my commitments in the North are eased, I will join the Crab in the South."
Yoritomo Kitano, Akihiko's long-suffering advisor, enters the room, and bows to the assembled daimyo.
"Akihiko-sama, by my reckoning, the proclamation should have been read at Kyuden Gotei approximately one hour ago."
Akihiko sighed, showing an apparently hidden serious side, "Very well; it would seem the stakes have been raised."
Kitano bows and leaves.
Akihiiko grabs another piece of sushi, chews it thoughtfully, and says:
"So, any advice on the protocol for announcing a new Clan Champion? Is announcing it at my own court enough, or should I make a tour of the Empire's courts? Should I start, or conclude at the capital? My apologies for dragging us off the matter of trade."
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Post by Soshi Kiso on May 7, 2011 9:34:19 GMT -5
Kiso's left eyebrow raised, apparently in cue with the stakes. What news have you been holding, Akihiko-san?
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Post by kunitsubin on May 7, 2011 10:42:55 GMT -5
Tsubin snorts in amusment.
"I would think your clan should know first, then the empourers court, then the courts of your allies, and finally the courts of your enemies."
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Post by vegandeathmachine on May 7, 2011 10:46:42 GMT -5
Smiling behind his cup of tea, Akihiko replies:
"Well, I wouldn't wish to abuse customary etiquette any more than I have, but, unofficially, the Mantis may have a new Champion, at least temporarily. Tsuruchi Kourin-sama is going to busy some time on a personal crusade, the details of which are not mine to share."
"So, do you have any advice on how to go about making this announcement? I suspect starting at Toshi Ranbo might be wise; it would allow the other clans time to prepare for visits."
and, to Kuni Tsubin-san and Hiruma Shagi-san, Akihiko smiles and says:
"Not to suggest the Crab haven't been perfectly hospitable; I just believe I have been a bit rude with my unannounced arrival. I imagine, on a matter of such importance, I should behave a tad more properly, no?"
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Post by Soshi Kiso on May 7, 2011 11:06:07 GMT -5
An announcement like this depends on the message you wish to convey. If you want the praise of the courtiers, you head for the capitol. If you wish the respect of your clan and allies, you continue in your duties taking on the new ones in stride.
The fact your already engaged in your duties when the announcement was proclaimed tells me you've already made that decision, Akihiko-sama.
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Post by vegandeathmachine on May 7, 2011 11:22:22 GMT -5
Akihiko laughed.
"My! I only said that there was going to be a new Champion; I never said whom!"
Growing serious once more,
"That said, I suspect the new Mantis Champion will have to make some official show of his new status. It would be a distraction from his or her work, but it may be necessary nonetheless.""Returning to the matter of the Lost: what is new in this behavior? And, what may the Mantis do to assist our Crab cousins?"
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Shagi the Mad
Crane Clan
Fallen Crane * Scout * Mad * Shadowlands * Experienced 4 Hiruma Shagi
Posts: 180
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Post by Shagi the Mad on May 7, 2011 12:01:12 GMT -5
Shagi had no idea of the propriety of how to make an announcement of a change of Clan Champion, save that one should make sure the official message arrives before the recipient is told by their spies. But on mention of the Lost he came alert and leaned forward.
"In general, there is no real pattern to Lost tactics," he began. "Some charismatic individual will gather a band around him or her, and then carry out some scheme with the intention of increasing his or her power or influence. A period of relative quiet, or some organisation to their tactics, indicates that some powerful individual is exercising influence over the entirety of The Lost.
"These current incidents seem to me to have one purpose: to avoid this period of relative inactivity from being too obvious. Perhaps, I am being too suspicious, or reading too much into this. But few people in the Empire know the Lost as I do." As he said these words, he looked almost apologetically in the direction of Kuni Tsubin.
He drew breath. "As for what the Mantis can do: Keep the trade on the river; disuade the impatient from trying to travel overland. Any reserves you can spare in case of trouble from the Shadowlands are always welcome, but with the summons of the Shogun and the Emerald Champion, I don't expect many can be spared. Especially as the trade route represents a vital part of warfare: preparing for the peace that comes afterwards."
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Post by vegandeathmachine on May 7, 2011 16:28:29 GMT -5
Akihiko took a sip of tea, and sighed.
"The Mantis would be a bit out of line telling other clans how to handle the trade in their own properties. We can offer overall strategy, arrange the naval end, and provide additional guards. But as tactless as I am reputed to be, I would not dream of ordering affairs in provinces that the Emperor has not placed in my care."
"However, perhaps we can aid more in the South. True, the North is consuming many of our military resources, but I will be personally leading a force to bolster Crab defenses once I have taken enough yobanjin heads for my liking. Where should I lead my forces to reinforce?"
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