Voices in the Crowd (D2, Late Afternoon)

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:03 pm

Shosuro Sara wrote:

"Perhaps, but then I'd rather a different play, than one that was intended for the victim." She sighed, incensed at the though. "Out of favor or in favor merely depends on who is bold enough to start trends, rather then meekly follow." The artiste stated simply. "Hopefully you will find some time in these crazy times."

"Hmm, interesting. What kind of play would you suggest in these times?" Homura asked, thoughtful "as an expert in your field, I would be curious as to your suggestion."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu wasn't one for grand speeches, but her training had been in helping people and sympathizing with their needs. Rather than large, boisterous cries for calm, she approached people individually and in small groups, directing them to shelters, handing out blankets, and generally instilling hope through calm reassurances and understanding.

Matsu Kōgyoku wrote:

The Lion magistrate pressed against the crowd with yoriki and doshin with the aim to step the uncontrollable spread of refugees across the city. Her sashimono could serve as the flag to rally around.

"Stay calm! Chaos is what the usurper wants! Only legitimate order and trust in your true superiors can save you!" She was unused to shouting, but she could do it convincingly enough.

"May I Matsu-sama?" Poemu approached the clearly taxed magistrate woman and helped to make the crowds much easier, and soon enough the yoriki were finding a much easier time of it.

(Imperialist w/ 3 raises = 38 (4 Imperialist Points)

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:21 pm

As Seitouna works to keep the people calm, he also takes the chance to address a concern the Imperial Peafowl Supervisor had raised with him, asking with some success (Investigation 27) several if they have seen or heard tell of Kasuga Sotai.

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

Akodo Touki wrote:

In a short time, the matter was sorted out.

Touki moved back to the monk. "Do you not worry for your safety, ma'am? Crowds like this can be dangerous, and terrified people may not respect your order."

Kayou laughed and used her staff to catch a young child who was about to fall into the mud and direct it back to its parents. "Akodo-sama, this one has weathered much worse storms than this.

'See the world as your self.
Have faith in the way things are.
Love the world as your self;
then you can care for all things'"

She stepped aside to let an overladen cart pass, catching an onion as it full out of a bag at the top of the load.

Shosuro Sara · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:50 pm **Posts:** 689

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"Hmm, interesting. What kind of play would you suggest in these times?" Homura asked, thoughtful "as an expert in your field, I would be curious as to your suggestion."

"Mhm, some comedies might work, although they might sour the people. It is a tough decision." She looked around, observing all the people. "First, I'd suggest getting them some warmth and something to eat though."

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

Whatever the merits this Steel Chrysanthemum might have, inspiring masses to desperation and panic were certainly not the most heroic of means to accomplish a goal.

Kodama walks the crowd, giving prayers and blessings to those who have arrived within the city. He takes his time, patiently going from cluster to cluster.

"May we give thanks to Jizo-no-kami for the mercy given by our hosts. May they and we be warmed by their compassion.
May we thank Koshin-no-kami who saw your travels and insured the roads rose up to carry you forth.
May we ask Sudaro-no-kami for the perseverance to see us through our trials together." He bows to a scared family, shivering in the cold.

Perhaps his prayers are inspiring, or maybe they choose to listen because he is walking atop the snow, not sinking into it.

"Please brothers, sisters, pause and give thanks. The children of Akodo-kami are vigilant and through the compassion given them by their ancestors they will see you protected. Remind the heavens of their actions, ask the blessings of the Fortunes be upon us all."

****
TN 15 Courtier (Rhetoric)/Awareness, 1 raise, void: TN 20 = Success! +2 Imperialist Points

Nagiko · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 310

The Little Cherry Blossom was walking around the streets, observing all the chaos and misery that came from the hordes of refugees escaping the army of Hantei XVI.

There was no much she could do in such a situation, so, she kinda just stood there observing what to make out of this scene.

Of course, Little Cherry Blossom was wearing her extravagant pink kimono, her daisho was on her obi alongside her fan, while she was carrying her wicker umbrella as well.

**********************************

[OOC]

PM or poke me on discord if approached

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Kayou wrote:

Akodo Touki wrote:

In a short time, the matter was sorted out.

Touki moved back to the monk. "Do you not worry for your safety, ma'am? Crowds like this can be dangerous, and terrified people may not respect your order."

Kayou laughed and used her staff to catch a young child who was about to fall into the mud and direct it back to its parents. "Akodo-sama, this one has weathered much worse storms than this.

'See the world as your self.
Have faith in the way things are.
Love the world as your self;
then you can care for all things'"

She stepped aside to let an overladen cart pass, catching an onion as it full out of a bag at the top of the load.

Touki glanced upwards at the snow swirling down from above. "I imagine you mean figuratively as well as literally." He said, his tone dry.

He glanced back to her, his brows drawing down. "That is from the Tao?" He said. He glanced briefly away, and then back. "Suppose a person does not care for themselves?" His voice was a low monotone, with perhaps the slightest hint of irony.

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

The crowded streets made the city seem like a bustling metropolis for the first time since she had arrived. It was the faint smell of panic that dispelled the illusion. Although Tetsuko had never experienced the beginnings of a siege this had all of the signs: irritated locals, distraught or quietly haunted new arrivals, children and parents searching for one another, a general lack of good order. And rumours abounded.

Whatever doubts she might have held about the situation the previous day were starting to evaporate. The volume of refugees saw to that. Still, she kept her wits about her as she wandered the streets looking for familiar faces. Perhaps some of her cousins had managed to escape the chaos of Morikage Toshi?

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

The onion vanished into a sleeve. "It depend o

Akodo Touki wrote:

Touki glanced upwards at the snow swirling down from above. "I imagine you mean figuratively as well as literally." He said, his tone dry.

He glanced back to her, his brows drawing down. "That is from the Tao?" He said. He glanced briefly away, and then back. "Suppose a person does not care for themselves?" His voice was a low monotone, with perhaps the slightest hint of irony.

The onion vanished into a sleeve. "It depend on how they do not care for themselves, Akodo-sama. One can be selfless or one can be self-loathing, each is its own state."

She hands the onion to a passing family that look lost. The mother nods her thanks ad Kayou makes a sign of blessing.

"And yes, it is the Tao, as is:
'Say your piece and then be still
Like nature in a storm
That rains and blows and ceases
And sees the sun reborn '"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:12 pm

Shosuro Sara wrote:

"Mhm, some comedies might work, although they might sour the people. It is a tough decision." She looked around, observing all the people. "First, I'd suggest getting them some warmth and something to eat though."

"A comedy? I'd enjoy that, even if perhaps it isn't very fitting right now" Homura rubbed her arms "you will let me know if your perfomance is back on, right?"

She looked at the people around.

"Hmm, I wonder how well stocked the food stores are here."

Matsu Chinatsu · **Joined:** Wed Apr 08, 2020 3:05 am **Posts:** 131

Chinatsu started pushing her way towards the front, trying to think of a way to calm the refugees down and keep them orderly. Being Chinatsu, obviously the only solution was to tell a story about a troubling time as an example. It took her a moment to think of one, but the perfect story came to mind. The defense of Beiden Pass. Perhaps a bit crude of material, but a great way to show what can be done with an ordered retreat turning into a victorious charge.

Chinatsu began exhorting the civilians on the long fighting battle that the Scorpion used against the enemy to slow them down and draw out their numbers, knowing that reinforcements were so close, how they kept their calm, and their composure in the face of the enemy. It was a glorious story of the things we can do when we battle the enemy ceaselessly and take the fight to them!

Chinatsu had, in fact, gotten so wrapped up in her story that she had forgotten the original point she was going for and continued on with her glorious story of victory while not really helping much of anyone.

Influence roll: Failed by one
Fluff Storytelling roll: Great Success

PM if you interact with Chinatsu during story time.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Kayou wrote:

The onion vanished into a sleeve. "It depend o

Akodo Touki wrote:

Touki glanced upwards at the snow swirling down from above. "I imagine you mean figuratively as well as literally." He said, his tone dry.

He glanced back to her, his brows drawing down. "That is from the Tao?" He said. He glanced briefly away, and then back. "Suppose a person does not care for themselves?" His voice was a low monotone, with perhaps the slightest hint of irony.

The onion vanished into a sleeve. "It depend on how they do not care for themselves, Akodo-sama. One can be selfless or one can be self-loathing, each is its own state."

She hands the onion to a passing family that look lost. The mother nods her thanks ad Kayou makes a sign of blessing.

"And yes, it is the Tao, as is:
'Say your piece and then be still
Like nature in a storm
That rains and blows and ceases
And sees the sun reborn '"

"Or perhaps even both at once." Touki said, still dry. Well, his voice was anyway. "But I suppose you're right. They are quite different."

He was silent for a few moments, merely waving people along as they passed.

"May I ask what order you are a member of?" He asked politely.

Togashi Myo-en · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 4:27 am **Posts:** 418

Doji Koushi wrote:

For his part, the Crane surgeon reported to the aid station where he spent his afternoon treating case after case of frostbite. Working alongside the Lion medics, they painted in microcosm the task set before the Empire; working as precisely as possible, they excised dead flesh so that live flesh might grow.

Thankfully few major amputations were necessary this early in the day, but Koushi knew what awaited in the night, and shuddered to think about tomorrow.

Through it all, the Crane led the corps in his calm, affable demeanor. Far from the stern, icy glare of many samurai to the disaffected, Koushi's kindness warmed just a little of the chill.

Influence roll, 1 raise=Success

Myo-en, who has no experience in logistical management and an ascetic temperament totally unsuited to the quartermaster's dark arts, can only hope that someone else will manage to find shelter and supplies for all the samurai and commoners swarming through the gates. She herself hardly knows where to begin. Luckily an aid station has already been set up--by whom, she doesn't know, but she's capable enough at basic first aid and extremely reliable at holding a patient still when needed.

She pitches in there, mostly doing as she's asked while trying to spread reassurance to those around. See, we can come together. Lion and Crane, even Lion and Dragon! A Lion Empress's regency might not even be so bad. The crane tattooed on her upper arm--
visible once she strips off her loose padded jacket to keep it from getting wet or dirty, since it's the only warm outerwear she owns--seems particularly eye-catching at the moment.

Before she's been there long, she notices that the person de-facto in charge seems not to be a Lion, but rather the lone Crane surgeon. Her dark eyes focus on Doji Koushi with a bit more interest.

--

D2 LA Influence--Courtier/Awa, adding 4 of 6 bonus dice from Crane tattoo, VP, 3 raises (TN 30): 9d10o10k4 38

Influence roll for the Imperialist side. +4 points.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

For his part, the Crane's eyes flicked up to meet the Togashi's; a quick check to make sure that his observer did not harbor thoughts of aggression. One can't be too careful, after all.

Seeing no danger, he flashed a quick smile. "Good afternoon, Togashi-san?"

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

Agasha Poemu wrote:

"May I Matsu-sama?" Poemu approached the clearly taxed magistrate woman and helped to make the crowds much easier, and soon enough the yoriki were finding a much easier time of it.

"Yes... Agasha-san?" The pause was to recognise the mons quickly. She then led the row of doshin to push against the crowd that was trying to trickle deeper into the city. Her helmet had blinders of sort so she hadn't really seen what Poemu had been doing. "I don't know if I can help you right now, but I'll hear you out."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu gave a soft laugh and smiled back toward the Matsu woman after helping a group aside. There was a momentary lull where they were, even as the doshin continued. "Iie, I need no help. I merely wished to help you with these people. The more the better, hai?"

After helping a pair of elderly heimin, she glanced back again, bowing. "Agasha Poemu, ambassador. An honor to assist you Matsu-sama."

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

Akodo Touki" wrote:

Or perhaps even both at once." Touki said, still dry. Well, his voice was anyway. "But I suppose you're right. They are quite different."

He was silent for a few moments, merely waving people along as they passed.

"May I ask what order you are a member of?" He asked politely.

"The one is Kayou, Abbess of the Order of Harmonious Work, the newest Order of the Brotherhood," she says, almost cheerfully, as she offer blessings to a passing young couple and their baby.

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"As far as refugees are concerned, the less the better, actually. If we mean to keep this city functional. This wave is an enemy sabotage of our defences." Kōgyoku said grimly. "So you're saying the Lion are not doing well enough with the problem at hand?"

She had nothing against the woman and her intentions were probably good but respecting authority and purview was paramount, so the magistrate hoped the ambassador would find a way to reframe the narrative so she wouldn't have to see insult. "Matsu Kōgyoku, an honour to acquaint you."

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

"Alright, alright, stop pushing", Norikami snapped at some heimin arguing over prime squatting space. "Look at you all...you know just because he's gone to Tengoku doesn't mean you can't disappoint the hell out of the Emperor, he still knows what you're saying and doing right now, so behave."

He grumbled and walked off, to find some samurai or another among the refugees to talk to.

OOC
Courtier for Influence, no raises. 31

Voices in the Crowd (D2, Late Afternoon)

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