Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Seated outside his tent with 5 other samurai gathered round, our stalwart Hida finds himself being asked what it's like on the wall. He pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts and answers. "The Carpenter Wall runs as a marvel of engineering. Troops man the walls against any invaders to protect Rokugan. Scouts will go beyond the wall to identify and warn of threats. Others who serve on the wall may be asked to join in these excursions."

"Let me say, though that the first step in victory is arriving there safely. While much of our travel may not be impeded, it is best to be aware that we may have encounters before we reach the end. Preparedness is necessary."

"If you return here at the next hour, we may continue our discussion. In the intervening time, please check you are ready to depart when the call comes. If you have not acquired any jade, you can stop in at the local town to see if they have any still available for purchase. Jade helps stave off some of the ill effects of those encountered where we are headed. If you have any last minute missives to send, please visit the supply tent where to ensure they are sent for delivery."

Yoshiko wondered by and saw her fellow Crab preparing the samurai for the march. The girl sat next to the soldiers, listening to the tales of her Hida cousin. She did not interrupt just kept a friendly smile.

Masayuki noticed his kinsmen and shyly smiled back. He will entertain all who wish to rejoin om tales. Perhaps she will have some to tell?

As the group disburses for the moment, Masayuki approaches his cousin with a bow and invites her to return at the next hour as well and to share any stories that can help prepare the inexperienced.

"Yoshika-sama, compliments on your fox token. May the spirits be with you. You are most welcome to return at the next hour with the others and to share any stories you care with them as well. My hope is that by having some knowledge at least the element of total surprise will be lightened."

"You also are welcome to wait here if you choose."

The Hida gave a seated bow. "It would be an honor Masayuki san. But I think many of the tales we might share with the group are better to be told by a cracking fire, rather than the morning light." The tall Hida smiled.

Looking up at her, Masayuki smiled at his tall cousin's reply. "I see what you mean," he responded. "We will try to go lightly on the grisly details as may befit our audience. We look only to introduce them to the unexpected so they are going in blindly."

"That can be easily arranged." She nodded. "We are not to go blindly. The Chui have some of the relevant information we are yet to know our true enem."

As the hour appears, Masayuki bows to each returning legionnaire and newcomer who are coming to hear more about the place they are going. Small talk ensues....until the hour strikes.

Masayuki advises, "Let us resume our conversation. For our part at this time, we do not know our orders when we reach the wall. Commonly we will defend the wall where needed, assist the engineers, join scouting expeditions or be sent out to handle threats."

"Some of you were asking about particular unmentionables earlier, and...."

He looks around to make sure he won't overly offend anyone.

"Goblins are more than most first time visitors expect. They can be cunning and they are typically well-organized. Do not underestimate them."

Yoshiko added. "Not all goblins are built the same. Some are sneaky others are tougher." She looked at her Clanmate and nodded.

Masayuki nodded and continued. "Trolls and ogres can be tough and are often single-minded in their aims."

He paused and looked around at everyone. He could clearly see some were concerned and uncomfortable. Still, they are better off having an idea before they see these at our destination.

"We may never see an oni. If we do, understand that oni are not all the same. They often have a lair somewhere across the wall." Masayuki draws a sample of one in the dirt, then rubs it out.

"If this is your first visit to the wall, it is best not to take on an oni alone. Some monsters may be slightly larger abominations of everyday creatures, such as insects, rocks, or trees."

"Though it may be hard to hear right now, it is good to understand this now to lessen the surprise of encountering them. Preparation, skill and courage will carry the day."

"Which ones are the hardest to see?" Edogawa asked. "Which ones can surprise us?"

"Trolls are taller so they might be easier to see... ogres tend to be wider...so the can be so it will be at odds." She explained to the Dragon. "One is more brute force than the other if I remember correctly. "

"My apologies. I meant in a more general sense." He dipped his head. ""The ogres and trolls sound like extreme threats. And, just the idea of oni are terrifying. Goblins should not be taken lightly. But, I was wondering more subtle dangers. Things we might not see coming."

"Hmmm, We may see things like bog hags that may not appear to be a threat initially....Swamp spirits can be tricky. The spirit itself looks like a fire with eyes, but the illusion that accompanies them is a full body creature risen from the swamp. It is the spirit itself which must be destroyed."

"Should we encounter any vortexes, the shugenja will be keen to eradicate them so creatures cannot escape to other lands."

"Mostly, it is important to work together, to recognize an enemy and to face it. Any time we may encounter something we haven't seen before, and by working together we can identify it's strengths and weaknesses and find effective ways to prevail as long a s we have the courage to do so. My prayer for you all is that while some entities may be unknown and others may be terrifying, we will be able to stand fast against them. I am honored to be alongside othesr who have been known to exhibit such bravery."

He nodded. "Your knowledge and perspective is invaluable. Thank you."

Masayuki nods to the Kitsuki and is grateful for his interest and preparedness.

As the hour draws to a close, Masayuki bows slightly to the listeners. "It seems time we get back to our duties at last. May the Fortunes be with you in your preparations and on our journeys."

Yoshiko bowed to those leaving. She was polite and thanked the people for their questions and hopefully they would be prepared for the journey ahead.