L5R: One slightly used empire, needs custodian
Last time in our L5R game we wrapped up the first month of the new arc. Each month we travel out to various parts of the empire and deal with the various problems that crop up during the emperors absence.
Tso-Lao: On returning from the Hoshi temple, Tso-Lao encountered a seemingly empty temple, echoing with what sounded like the laughter of his old friend Al-Saleen. There he found a sword, with three bowls of miso soup balanced on the blade. Attempting to lift the blade, the bowls of soup fell to the floor with a clatter. It was only then that Tso-Lao took note of the wall scrolls, detailing the kata Al-Saleen had once used.
Ryu and Rei: In crab lands, Ryu investigated the corruption of the jade mine. He discovered the overseer, a kuni, hadn't been seen in some time... Meanwhile Rei hammered out a peace treaty with the scorpion, who turned out to be as concerned about the jade mine as they were in killing Kisada. The scorpion in charge let slip that he was aware of the emperors absence, a disconcerting fact.
Shinji and Shiko: With Sezaru back, they set about destroying the bloodspeakers in earnest. Shiko, through no small amount of tactical and bureaucratic prowess, managed to steer battles away from grain supplies, farmland, and other important supplies, ensuring that the phoenix would have enough supplies to recover from the battle. Shinji threw herself into the thick of the fighting, impressing the Shiba with her ferocity.
Shimizu and Wasichi: Shimizu dueled Wada and won graciously. Wada, having done what he came to do, got on his horse and left, leaving the Suzume "Daimyo" more than a little flustered. Although initially unwilling to admit the duel had been over his claim to the sparrow, Wasichi pressed the point, and the "Daimyo" threw himself on the mercy of Wasichi, who had him sent north to Miya Lands to learn heraldry and some common sense.
Back in Toshi Ranbo we met and exchanged information on what had occurred. Tso-Lao and Wasichi were both shocked to learn that a scorpion knew the truth about the emperor. Both insisted that the Otomo Koreno had to be told, although others in the group were against the idea. Tso-Lao had a meeting with Bayushi Paneki, who turned out to be the scorpion in question. He provided some hints as to the emperor's location, and urged Tso-Lao to let Wasichi do the talking to Otomo Koreno. Later, in the meeting with Otomo Koreno, she congratulated us on our successes, and informed us of some new problems that had sprung up throughout the empire. Wasichi spoke up with one final matter for the hatamoto's attention, but Rei leapt in to try and silence him. In the end, Wasichi's polite request for the Otomo hatamoto's time was granted, and the others left the room. Tso-Lao took the advice of Paneki, leaving the repercussions to fall on Wasichi. Wasichi eloquently explained that there had been a leak, and rather than punishing Wasichi, as we had been expecting, Otomo Koreno offered to reward him for his diligence.
What worked well
I'm digging the mega-game so far. I think we're splitting up mostly in the month to come, but I'm interested to see some different pairings and how folks get along. The pairings this time around were kind of obvious (e.g. witch hunter and inquisitor go along together), but what I'm really interested to see are the interactions when some mutual interest draws together some wierder duos.
The new verbal sparring mechanic worked well. We used it twice, and both times it was fun to watch play out. I may be playing through it myself if things go according to plan next month...
What could be improved
I got dinged on honor for allowing myself to be tricked into getting poisoned. Which is fine on its own. But when I proposed that I should gain honor for risking my life in the service of my lord, it got vetoed because I was never actually poisoned until the antidote was given to me (in out of game terms). It felt a little inconsistent; either I was tricked and poisoned, or I wasn't. Not a major gripe, just felt like a double standard.
We're having a hard time getting to the one month = one session point. I wouldn't speculate on whether or not we can reach that point or when, but I'd like to get there.
Tso-Lao: On returning from the Hoshi temple, Tso-Lao encountered a seemingly empty temple, echoing with what sounded like the laughter of his old friend Al-Saleen. There he found a sword, with three bowls of miso soup balanced on the blade. Attempting to lift the blade, the bowls of soup fell to the floor with a clatter. It was only then that Tso-Lao took note of the wall scrolls, detailing the kata Al-Saleen had once used.
Ryu and Rei: In crab lands, Ryu investigated the corruption of the jade mine. He discovered the overseer, a kuni, hadn't been seen in some time... Meanwhile Rei hammered out a peace treaty with the scorpion, who turned out to be as concerned about the jade mine as they were in killing Kisada. The scorpion in charge let slip that he was aware of the emperors absence, a disconcerting fact.
Shinji and Shiko: With Sezaru back, they set about destroying the bloodspeakers in earnest. Shiko, through no small amount of tactical and bureaucratic prowess, managed to steer battles away from grain supplies, farmland, and other important supplies, ensuring that the phoenix would have enough supplies to recover from the battle. Shinji threw herself into the thick of the fighting, impressing the Shiba with her ferocity.
Shimizu and Wasichi: Shimizu dueled Wada and won graciously. Wada, having done what he came to do, got on his horse and left, leaving the Suzume "Daimyo" more than a little flustered. Although initially unwilling to admit the duel had been over his claim to the sparrow, Wasichi pressed the point, and the "Daimyo" threw himself on the mercy of Wasichi, who had him sent north to Miya Lands to learn heraldry and some common sense.
Back in Toshi Ranbo we met and exchanged information on what had occurred. Tso-Lao and Wasichi were both shocked to learn that a scorpion knew the truth about the emperor. Both insisted that the Otomo Koreno had to be told, although others in the group were against the idea. Tso-Lao had a meeting with Bayushi Paneki, who turned out to be the scorpion in question. He provided some hints as to the emperor's location, and urged Tso-Lao to let Wasichi do the talking to Otomo Koreno. Later, in the meeting with Otomo Koreno, she congratulated us on our successes, and informed us of some new problems that had sprung up throughout the empire. Wasichi spoke up with one final matter for the hatamoto's attention, but Rei leapt in to try and silence him. In the end, Wasichi's polite request for the Otomo hatamoto's time was granted, and the others left the room. Tso-Lao took the advice of Paneki, leaving the repercussions to fall on Wasichi. Wasichi eloquently explained that there had been a leak, and rather than punishing Wasichi, as we had been expecting, Otomo Koreno offered to reward him for his diligence.
What worked well
I'm digging the mega-game so far. I think we're splitting up mostly in the month to come, but I'm interested to see some different pairings and how folks get along. The pairings this time around were kind of obvious (e.g. witch hunter and inquisitor go along together), but what I'm really interested to see are the interactions when some mutual interest draws together some wierder duos.
The new verbal sparring mechanic worked well. We used it twice, and both times it was fun to watch play out. I may be playing through it myself if things go according to plan next month...
What could be improved
I got dinged on honor for allowing myself to be tricked into getting poisoned. Which is fine on its own. But when I proposed that I should gain honor for risking my life in the service of my lord, it got vetoed because I was never actually poisoned until the antidote was given to me (in out of game terms). It felt a little inconsistent; either I was tricked and poisoned, or I wasn't. Not a major gripe, just felt like a double standard.
We're having a hard time getting to the one month = one session point. I wouldn't speculate on whether or not we can reach that point or when, but I'd like to get there.