Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Intending at first to mind his own business (business he would, in the end, only complete much later in the day), Hametsu left the uncomfortable atmosphere of the teahouse to indulge in some commerce on behalf of the legion. But even as he made his way to the lumber wholesale supply store, Hametsu found himself surrounded by reveling villagers, each tugging on his sleeves and slapping his shoulders, each hungry for news of the legion.

Resigning himself to the inevitability of delay (an eerie echo of the general's own difficulties), Hametsu agreed, at last, to stop and offer a tale. It went something like this:

"Hai, I am in the legion. And you are correct, I am not a bushi born, but a legion is like a dragon: it requires a brain and lungs as well as scales and claws, no? I could tell you a thousand stories of the thrill of ensuring that all of the legion's objectives are met, how men are broken on the wheel of time, or rise triumphant with great feats of strategy. That is my life. But this is a festival, and I sense that you want something of a bushi's life. This, too, I can share. Long ago, there was a moment when it seemed that the Empire was lost. Shiro Hiruma had fallen, and the Crab Champion reached out his hand for succor. The clans were welded into one great army under the Chrysanthemum Banner and, at the Emperor's behest, marched south. There, while a single Kuni held back a horde with the aide of the Black Finger River, the Legion did what it does best: it took up spade and trowel and it built a great and mighty Wall. Today, that wall is once more under threat, and the Legion marches south to stand with the Crab once more. Those wishing to know more may well speak to that man."

Here he pointed at Hida Masayuki.

"Who knows a thing or two about the sweat, the blood, and the hard work of the Legion." He bowed stiffly. "Thank you. Excuse me." And began to squeeze through the throng to get to where his duty called him.

D5 Recruiting by Way of Tale Telling roll. Performance 0, Fire 2. Void spent. Famously Reliable applies | TN: 2 | Success: 3 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 2


+1 Strength
+Unskilled assistance to Hida Masayuki.

Yoshi generally lived my a simple principle: "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story " and he was not going to stop now. What were they going to do, desert in the middle of Crab territory?

"So let me tell you tale of the Battle of the Bandit King!"

It's a highly sensationalized account of the recent raid, but my does it pique some interest

______
D5 EE - D5 recruiting event - Air/Performance TN 3 - VP spent - Disdain for Righteousness Adversity activated - Delusions of Grandeur Anxiety activated | TN: 3 | Success: 6 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 4


Opportunity used to reduce Strife. Anxiety triggers for +1 VP and 3 Strife. Composure 7/10

+2 Strength

(Whoops double time slotted moving to EA)

Hida Masayuki is always looking to regale people with stories and identify possible recruits for support on the Kaui Wall. He bows to Doji Nametsu and begins the story.

"Let me tell you about the Battle of Cresting Wave to which Dojia-sama has alluded. An oni called "The Maw" raised an army of not just mere goblins and undead, but of a thousand monstrosities. They marched on Crab lands and decimated villages, including taking the dead into their own ranks. They sacked Shiro Hiruma by weakening the walls from underneath and setting it afire. They then demolished the Kuni School of Magic....
With only the Hida fortress remaining, Hida Banuken gathered his council together to determine the best course of action.
Two lines of defense were already broken and the approach was imminent.
"It was then that Kuni Osaku a young and talented shugenja, volunteered to give them the time they needed to build the defenses: 60 days."

Masayuki looks around and notices the interest in the moving story.

He continues, "Kuni Osaku gave her youth to protect the wall for 60 days. From atop the tallest tower, she created a tsunami that caused the Saigo River to run upstream, taking many oni and other creatures with it, killing all in its path. The Crab defenders were not touched. They didn't even get wet! She held that river for 73 days, giving the ultimate sacrifice.
"During those 73 days, every able bodied person assisted in building what we call the Great Kaui Wall today. Everyone. We had help from our Crane and Scorpion neighbors to ensure the health of all people and to help maintain our single purpose.
"As the enemy moved forward upon Kuni-sama's passing, they arrived at the wall and were met with a wonder. Ballistae were loosed, boiling tar was pitched, spikes filled the catacombs where they entered, magic filled the skies and the bushi held their own atop the battlements. Not a one passed. Just as the oni were weakening, Hida Bakunen called the counterattack coming from the riverbed behind the enemy. The army chopped all the enemy down, defeating The Maw as well.
" It is working together in unison with continuing ingenuity, tactics, strength and the ultimate defense that The Shadowlands are held back to this day. Everyone has a part to play."

After Masayuki finishes his story, he approaches a group of Ronin. He is surprised they do not flinch from seeing his scars. He asks, "Who would be interested in traveling to defend on the Wall?"

Recruiting at the Market | TN: 2 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 0


+2 Strength