Yukari seems a little puzzled by Oroko's response. To her, it didn't seem like the ronin was actually disagreeing with what she was saying - instead, she seemed almost to be reinforcing it.
"Well.. yes. But if our duty is to serve the Emperor, and the Emperor's duty is to the Empire, does it not then mean that our ultimate duty is therefore to the Empire, through the Order?" the battle maiden finally asks.
Oroko pauses for a second, apparently afraid that she has actually helped Yukari's argument, but then shakes her head. "No, I mean, the Empire is the Emperor's responsibility, not his 'lord' or whatever. It's... it's as though we're his children, not his parents - he's not obligated to us, but he has a duty to take care of us. The relationship between parents and children are both loyalty in a sense, I suppose, but it's not the sort of loyalty we've been discussing, and I don't think it transfers from us back to us through the Emperor in the same way that our loyalty transfers to him through the chain of fealty." She smiles, apparently feeling as though she has at least ended on a fairly strong note.
It seems as though Shikan and Koneko were impressed with Heihachi's verve in putting forth his point, rather than the quality of his arguments - and possibly Toru's presumption of victory before the match began tweaked Koneko's temper - but in the end, they choose the Kuni as the victor, stunning the Kakita. Toru's bow is staggered, and he has to shake his head a couple times to clear it before he can step off the dais.
There is little debate between Shikan and Koneko about who won the match between Megumi and Tsutakito; having stayed on topic was basically enough to make sure Megumi would win, but Megumi's smooth delivery and courtly gestures clearly please both the judges as well, sealing the deal. Koneko actually smiles, very slightly, at the young Kakita maiden, as Shikan announces their decision.
Koneko and Shikan look slightly more impressed by Oroko's last response than they did her previous two, but they still spend just a few minutes discussing before announcing Yukari as the winner. Oroko nods, clearly having expected the loss, and bows deeply to Yukari. "Guess I should have stuck to the trees," she says with a rueful laugh.
Morito nods, looking for all the world as though he were in complete agreement. When he speaks, however, a very different picture emerges. "Glory well-earned is indeed glory well-savored, Hida-san, but I must disagree with you on the larger thrust of your reply," he begins. "You see, a samurai is not merely a man or woman doing a duty; samurai are also symbols, icons of honor and bushido that must be allowed to shine out, so that others can learn from their example. Did not Shinsei say, 'We tell stories of heroes to remind ourselves that we, too, can be great?' Every samurai has the obligation to be such a hero, so that those stories can be told, and new generations of heroes may rise in their footsteps. One who unleashes a mighty shout to the mountains has only his echo for reply - let loose your voice where others can hear, however, and the acclaims of the people tell you that they have heard your tale and have felt its impact on their lives. We must pursue glory to make sure the lessons we have to teach are never lost."
Nagatsuna frowns, the Scorpion is probably trying to lead him into making a mistake. No matter, stay true and do not let silken words lead you astray. Take it one step at a time. "Ha! So I should seek to be a hero? In that, I would be placing my own desires above those of clan and empire. Your duty, the following of The Way, and destiny determine whether you will be remembered as a hero. Trying to be a hero is a loss of focus on what it truly means to be a samurai. Have our greatest heroes been recognized because they sought it out? No! They followed and embraced their destinies often without question. Made sacrifices we respect, often in darkness when few if any were watching. Yes, fulfilling our potential is fulfilling our duty but that is not the same as reaching higher than we are meant to and falling because of it. Let loose your voice to the mountain and you, the kami, and your ancestors know that you fulfilled your purpose and honored clan and empire."
The Tao just sits there, words in a book that can't react to anything actually going on in the world."
"I agree that attaining answers from the Tao is more difficult than simply asking someone else, but I would submit that by studying Shinsei's wisdom we can learn to rely on our own instincts rather than depending on answers from outside sources, no matter how sacred.
"Also, I would like to point out that the answers contained in the multitude of scrolls contained in the Ikoma Histories, the Phoenix Archives, the Imperial Libraries and other collections throughout the Empire have enabled our Ancestors to react to many of the situations that they faced. When the answers could not be found in those books, they turned to the Fortunes and to their Ancestors. And when those sources were without answer, they ultimately turned to the wisdom of the Tao."
Nagatsuna frowns, the Scorpion is probably trying to lead him into making a mistake. No matter, stay true and do not let silken words lead you astray. Take it one step at a time. "Ha! So I should seek to be a hero? In that, I would be placing my own desires above those of clan and empire. Your duty, the following of The Way, and destiny determine whether you will be remembered as a hero. Trying to be a hero is a loss of focus on what it truly means to be a samurai. Have our greatest heroes been recognized because they sought it out? No! They followed and embraced their destinies often without question. Made sacrifices we respect, often in darkness when few if any were watching. Yes, fulfilling our potential is fulfilling our duty but that is not the same as reaching higher than we are meant to and falling because of it. Let loose your voice to the mountain and you, the kami, and your ancestors know that you fulfilled your purpose and honored clan and empire.
Morito shakes his head, almost sadly. "I would never suggest that a samurai choose glory over duty, Hida-san. What you must realize, however, is that gaining glory is but one more duty of a samurai, and must be balanced against your other obligations. To suggest that one must choose between them is to force a choice where none need be made. One need not tell the ancestors, the kami, or yourself what you have done - all of these already know. It is the rest of Rokugan who needs to hear your tale, so that they may be inspired by it."
"I agree that attaining answers from the Tao is more difficult than simply asking someone else, but I would submit that by studying Shinsei's wisdom we can learn to rely on our own instincts rather than depending on answers from outside sources, no matter how sacred.
"Also, I would like to point out that the answers contained in the multitude of scrolls contained in the Ikoma Histories, the Phoenix Archives, the Imperial Libraries and other collections throughout the Empire have enabled our Ancestors to react to many of the situations that they faced. When the answers could not be found in those books, they turned to the Fortunes and to their Ancestors. And when those sources were without answer, they ultimately turned to the wisdom of the Tao."
Morito shakes his head, almost sadly. "I would never suggest that a samurai choose glory over duty, Hida-san. What you must realize, however, is that gaining glory is but one more duty of a samurai, and must be balanced against your other obligations. To suggest that one must choose between them is to force a choice where none need be made. One need not tell the ancestors, the kami, or yourself what you have done - all of these already know. It is the rest of Rokugan who needs to hear your tale, so that they may be inspired by it."
His face becoming a storm cloud Nagatsune slices his hand through the air, "I must realize nothing! You seem to agree with my position thus strengthening it while trying to twist the words to meet your needs. Your talk of compromises lead down a dark path and potentially off a cliff. Was it not Shinsei who also said, "Seek all the worlds riches if you wish to truly be poor." The people of Rokugan are inspired by both the successes and failures they see around them. While I strive to be the best I can be, others not myself are the judge of whether I have succeeded or not. Thus they bestow glory upon me, I do not grab it for myself! The duty on the wall may not be glorious but it is necessary and a samurai distracted with thoughts of personal glory instead of duty is a threat to his comrades, the wall, and Rokugan! I am prepared to sacrifice myself for Rokugan defending the wall whether I gain glory from it or not, are you?!"
His face becoming a storm cloud Nagatsune slices his hand through the air, "I must realize nothing! You seem to agree with my position thus strengthening it while trying to twist the words to meet your needs. Your talk of compromises lead down a dark path and potentially off a cliff. Was it not Shinsei who also said, "Seek all the worlds riches if you wish to truly be poor." The people of Rokugan are inspired by both the successes and failures they see around them. While I strive to be the best I can be, others not myself are the judge of whether I have succeeded or not. Thus they bestow glory upon me, I do not grab it for myself! The duty on the wall may not be glorious but it is necessary and a samurai distracted with thoughts of personal glory instead of duty is a threat to his comrades, the wall, and Rokugan! I am prepared to sacrifice myself for Rokugan defending the wall whether I gain glory from it or not, are you?!"
Morito frowns slightly. "You greatly misunderstand the nature of my Clan, my friend, if you believe that I, or any Scorpion, would not sacrifice ourselves without glory," he says in that same, slightly regretful tone. "That was the burden taken up by Bayushi-kami 15 centuries ago, and we have never yet laid it down. But again, you would ask yourself to make a choice that you need not make! While on the Wall, you must of course focus on your enemies, and all Rokugan thanks you for that service - but when you take leave and walk among the people for rest and recovery, are they not helped by knowing the bravery of those who defend them? Do they not sleep better for having heard the tales that let them know they are guarded not just by men, but by samurai worthy of being called heroes?"
Morito takes a breath, then finishes, "I have often heard it said that the Crab feel as though the rest of Rokugan does not fully appreciate the sacrifices and struggle you face on the Wall. I say to you now: embrace glory, and change our perceptions, that we may honor you as you deserve." And he bows deeply to Nagatsuna, as to a respected warrior, before turning to offer a similar bow to Koneko and Shikan.
Chigitsu's (unskilled) Courtier (3k3=21)
It turns out that mocking the Tao is not actually a good way to get Rokugani on your side. There is little delay in awarding the point to Utsuro, and Chigitsu glowers at him for the rest of the contest, ignoring the other debates going on. Eventually, though, he drifts off to a corner and crouches down, staring at the floor as though at a go board.
Shisumo:
Shisumo:** spoiler omitted **
Shisumo:
Not sure what to add or subtract from this. Did I end up with 3 raises? Or did Nagatsuna not earn a raise for that last post? So I think it's a 23 total with 3 raises or a 18 with 2 raises because the large advantage subtracts 5 from the total.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
So, without the skill, you've got 2k2 -5 (Large) +5 (1 FR).
Though the judges show some sympathy to Nagatsuna's argument, they waste little time in awarding the victory to Morito, who bows deeply and theatrically one last time, with just as little (or as much, possibly) mockery as he has shown before. "Perhaps one day, we shall sing your tales, Hida-san," he says quietly.
** spoiler omitted **Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Shisumo:
In between your debates, the other pairs of contestants square off to hash out their topics. Tamori Ryuko, as brash as she is, nevertheless has more presence and poise than Kenji, who frowns in an extremely off-putting manner at everyone as he speaks. Bayushi Tenmaku, paired once again against Kakita Amiko, quite simply makes the Crane samurai-ko look as though she has all the grace of a peasant sailor; Amiko stomps out of the competition, face flaming, and Tenmaku frowns after her before shaking his head and leaving to prepare for the final contest of the day. Matsu Nimoro, facing off against Doji Keitomaru, shows great poise despite his young age, while Keitomaru's distraction increases visibly, resulting in several stutters and mis-phrased responses. His jawline is tight with frustration and anger as he stares at the floor after Shikan and Koneko award the point to Nimoro. Finally, although one might have expected the match between Yoritomo Kagetora and Hida Chorotaku to be a fairly balanced contest (i.e., a match between equally uncouth opponents), it is instead extremely one-sided, as Kagetora demonstrates a surprising grace and courtliness quite out of character for his Clan's reputation, and Chorotaku lives down to everyone's expectations of him, and then some.
The last competition of the day is the hunting contest, and the unlike previous contests, this one is a team effort, and more than one team can gain points in it. In order to earn the point, each team must find and return with the eggs of the famous tsu fish, a delicacy only found in the Crane lands, within one Rokugani hour (120 minutes). The first team to do so earns an extra point each. "Though in centuries past this competition, like the others in the tournament," Shikan tells the audience, "was once a solo event, recent years have shown us the value of cooperation, both within the Clans and between them, in order to build a stronger and better future together."
Once more, tiles with your chops on them are drawn from a silk bag, creating 6 teams:
The afternoon light is already fading towards evening as the six teams leave the confines of the Dueling Academy and head south toward the riverbank where the tsu fish spawn, each young figure carrying a paper lantern held high against the gathering gloom.
Though the judges show some sympathy to Nagatsuna's argument, they waste little time in awarding the victory to Morito, who bows deeply and theatrically one last time, with just as little (or as much, possibly) mockery as he has shown before. "Perhaps one day, we shall sing your tales, Hida-san," he says quietly.
Nagatsuna bows stiffly and his anger at being made to jump through these pointless courtly hoops rises, "The only ones who need know are the enemies of Rokugan who won't live long enough to sing about them." After which he leaves.
The riverbank is two miles south of the village, and the teams quickly head that direction, hoping to beat the fading light.
Intelligence/Hunting (Survival) roll: 3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=12
Nagatsuna's mood quickly brightens as he see's who his hunting companions are to be. Bowing and smiling to each. "Kakita-san. Matsu-san. I see a successful hunt in our near future. We hunt oni in the shadowlands frequently. That combined with the already legendary ability of our Lioness at this tourney along with the Crane's native knowledge. How hard could a few fish eggs be?"
Following the courtier event Megumi watches the other matches with interest. Even though it was a small acknowledgement from Koneko the samurai-ko is beaming right up to meeting her teammates for the hunting event. She smiles and bows to each of her companions listening to the Hida's first words.
"I agree Hida-san," She begins in her casual tone, "A few fish eggs should prove an easy enough task to our little group. Especially with one as accomplished as you Matsu-san. To be paired with samurai who have proven themselves so effectively is an honour."
It takes a long time for the young Crane to reach the riverbank and she has to stop more than once to catch her breath. When she does arrive she begins her search promptly.
The first few minutes are fruitless and Megumi finds nothing. She decides to take another little breather then just as she moves to continue the search Megumi is surprised to stumble into just what she was looking for. She smiles inwardly hoping her teammates have had a better time than her and gathers what she can.
7 points - Kuni Heihachi, Matsu Ume, Utaku Yukari
6 points - Hida Nagatsuna
5 points - Bayushi Tenmaku, Kenji, Matsu Nimoro, Shiba Utsuro (who's an adult now!), Tamori Ryuko
4 points - Doji Keitomaru, Hida Chorotaku, Kakita Megumi, Shosuro Morito, Yoritomo Kagetora
3 points - Kakita Amiko, Kakita Toru, Matsu Chigitsu, Moto Tsuto
2 points - Maeda Oroko
1 point - Isawa Tsutakito
Stamina/Athletics [Running]: 5d10.extra(10).takeHighest(3)=24
Crossing the ground to the riverbank with quickness and ease Nagatsuna begins his search right away.
1st Perception/Hunting [Survival]: 3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=12
2nd Perception/Hunting [Survival]: 3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=17
3rd Perception/Hunting [Survival]: 3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=9
He finds some but not enough! This is like searching for a white hare in a snow field
Greetings, Yukari-san. I enjoyed your arguments during the debate. I have a new understanding of your clan's philosophy and their place in the empire. And Kuni-san, your clan's survival skills are renowned. Together, I think we are an unbeatable team!
Koneko and Shikan look slightly more impressed by Oroko's last response than they did her previous two, but they still spend just a few minutes discussing before announcing Yukari as the winner. Oroko nods, clearly having expected the loss, and bows deeply to Yukari. "Guess I should have stuck to the trees," she says with a rueful laugh.
Yukari bows to the ronin after the winner is announced, relief washing over her. Had the debate gone on for any longer, she wasn't sure she would have been able to keep up her side of the argument. She smiles warmly at Oroko, leaning over as they leave to comment quietly "I think I'd prefer the trees myself - they'd be less nerve-wracking!"
With the hunting competition next, she headed over to the next area. She wasn't quite sure what to expect here - as far as she knew, the rest of the Clans didn't eat game meat like the Unicorn did. Yet, that was what she thought of when 'hunting' was mentioned..
She listens to the rules of the event and waits as the teams are drawn. The event sounded interesting, even if she had no real experience in what they were asking. She would try her best though.
Approaching Utsuro and Heihachi, the battle maiden bows to them both and straightens up with a smile.
"Hello Utsuro-san, Kuni-san. And thank you Utsuro-san- your arguments were very good too. I didn't realise the Tao plays such an important role."
Once the introductions are over, and event is ready to start, Yukari moves to the starting position. Glancing to her team, the battle maiden grins at them. "Good luck!"
Yukari manages to set a good pace for the run to the riverbank - nothing spectacular, but a steady speed that gets her there in good time without being too tired to search.
Unskilled Stamina: 2k2 = 15
First Perception (Unskilled): 3k3 = 12
Second Perception (Unskilled): 3k3 = 15
Third Perception (Unskilled): 3k3 = 12
Once she reaches the riverbank, the battle maiden begins her search. However, she does not seem to be searching in the most ideal of places - it is 20 minutes of searching before she finds anything.
Ume fell into a leisurely jog, and made good time to the river. She didn't even know what these fish supposed to look like, but she had seen fish eggs before. Maybe she'd find them by pure luck. Sadly, though, she noticed that the days strains had been a little much on her... she felt her feet slowing, and arrived late.
She moved up and down the stream, trying to find any signs of the fish, but it all looked alike. All... just water.
Stamina Roll/raw3k3=22
Heihachi takes off running as if he's chased by an Oni! He thinks to himself...a Shugenja who's at the top of the pack for the Topaz Championship...even after the iaijutsu contest, he will have done his clan proud!
Raw perception rolls.
2d10=13, 2d10=15, 2d10=11
Heihachi thinks he found some of the elusive eggs after 20 minutes of so of searching, but continues to search til darkness falls. He thanks the Kami for his fortune.
Let me guess, the TN is gonna go up now that it's night.
So our team has 3 successes after 1 hour.
The teams scramble along the riverbank, searching desperately for their quarry.
Let me guess, the TN is gonna go up now that it's night.
It is impossible for Heihachi to make that roll...so I will obliviously continue my search.
OK after another 20 minutes I find another clutch of eggs. (obviously if my team-mates make their rolls before me, then I'll not continue searching.)
Egg searches, since I'm unable to make the perception roll
2d10=4, 2d10=16, 2d10=10 After another 20 minutes Heihachi finds another clutch of eggs! Glorious (obviously if my team finds 2 more before then we'll just head back.)
Ume stared at the stream, and moved up and down with growing frustration. These fish had to be here somewhere. She was sure of it. They were hiding, and a samurai with growing feelings of frustration probably wasn't too hard to hide from, anyway.
** spoiler omitted **
3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=25
3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=7
3d10.open(10).takeHighest(2)=12
Nagatsuna comes across another cluster of eggs but the rest of his search is fruitless......
Perception/Investigation: 5k3 = 30
Some ways up the river, largely hidden among the early spring foilage and wrapped in the shadows of evening, Matsu Chigitsu and Isawa Tsutakito are having some sort of confrontation. Chigitsu has his blade drawn, and he is clearly threatening a confused and unarmed Tsutakito.
As she searches around for more eggs, Yukari becomes aware of raised voices further up the river. Straightening up, the battle maiden takes a few steps closer, wondering what the fuss is about. As the situation becomes clear to her, the shiotome quickens her pace - Chigitsu's behaviour was clearly unacceptable. Now that she thought about it, the Matsu had acted oddly before - she just hadn't thought anything of it. But if she didn't intervene, the Lion could do something terrible.. Her mind set, the Unicorn heads up river resolutely.
Stepping out in view of Chigitsu and Tsutakito, the battle maiden attempts to keep her voice calm. "I was not aware that blades were a part of this event, Matsu-san."
(Unskilled) Perception: 3k3 = 19
Megumi searches around a bit more trying to find the same fortunes as before. She has a hard time of it even with the lamplight and the samurai-ko prays all throughout.
Her prayers to the Kami seem to pay off when Megumi once again stumbles upon a few more eggs. She gathers what she can then hesitates a moment. It would be risky to stay longer when the journey back must still be made. After a few moments she decides not to risk it and head back a little early, being late would surely not be a good thing.
The search was tiresome and after it Megumi is exhausted. She barely manages to arrive on time and some of the more hearty competitors can easily out pace her.
The search was tiresome and after it Megumi is exhausted. She barely manages to arrive on time and some of the more hearty competitors can easily out pace her.
Perception/Investigation: 5k3 = 30
** spoiler omitted **
Chigitsu turns to face the new arrival with an angry scowl. "This is no concern of yours, Unicorn," he growls. "This is a matter of honor between myself and this worm." Chigitsu spits the last word, gesturing toward Tsutakito.
"Utaku-san, please, I have no idea what he's talking about," Tsutakito says, clearly frightened. "He claims some grievance against me, but I have never met him before in my life!"
(Unskilled) Perception: 3k3 = 19