Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Masayuki returns to his tent. The past 24 hours have caused concerns, from not feeling comfortable spending time among the locals, to hearing Ganbataar was around and not being able to locate him.

Masayuki prepares his tea, settles down on his mat, and begins to meditate. He focuses on clearing his mind, and then concentrating on his purpose in the Imperial Legion. After some time, he feels more at peace and understands that missing his mortal enemy at this time may be better for the legion and what awaits them ahead. There will always be other chances, maybe after leave is granted at the end of the requested duty at the wall.

Masayuki cleans his cup and puts it away. He is ready to retire for the evening in order to be fresh for the next day.

Meditating | TN: 2 | Success: 5 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 4


Metagame roll
+2 Strength to the legion
+4 strife total 6/10 strife

A thumping sounds on the door-flap of the tent.

Masayuki rises and goes to see what is making the noise.

He will find it is the Intelligence Chief, Hiruma Akako.

She waits.

It is clearly for him.

"Good evening, Hiruma-sama," he says with a bow.

Akako nods.

"Hida-san," she says, "honest assessment. How many of the koma are worth riding?"

"Based on what I observed today, 55% ready, 25% approaching ready. The rest lack experience or showed lack of restraint today (which could bode ill if they cannot overcome it). Drills continue and we are working hard to get our kaisha prepared, as we expect the other kaisha to be doing as well."

The next stages of the march will have more hills and normally we are more likely to see bandits again in those regions. The fitness and vigilance required will be good teachers.

Some of the Ronin who may join us are experienced, which will help as well. What has been your assessment elsewhere in the legion?"

"You want me to report to you, Hida-san?" Akako asks archly. But then she gives a gruff huff of a laugh and says "Eh, you ought to know about it. Strength's not an issue. Discipline's not as good. Some of it's because there're political appointments; always are in Legions. The top man's good and knows enough to listen about what he doesn't know, and the second's got some experience."

She shrugs.

"Even our people don't always take it as seriously as it needs. But you know that as well as I do. Just good to get a report from the ground."

"Yes, Hiruma-sama." "Better than some past ventures, but we can still make some impact before arriving a the destination as prepared as we can be."

"Was there anything else you want to know?"

"How's your aunt?"