[D2 EM] Rise and Shine

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren cracks his eyes, the light starting to stream into the room. He quietly gets out of his bunk and begins morning prayers, trying to keep in mind his roommate. He tries to peer over to make sure he is not disturbing the Ronin.

[Sutorenja]

Sutorenja is already awake, she was awake before the Kuni arrived and seems fresh and ready.

She goes to bed early. She is in light armor and has breakfast ready for the both of them.

[Ikoma Ren]

"I didn't hear you wake up." Ren finishes his prayers and sits up. "And you've brought breakfast. This is off to a great start."

[Sutorenja]

“Hai, it seemed rude to have food only for myself,” she replied.

“Akodo-kami always spoke highly of going to bed early, and his wisdom is heeded.”

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren adds some water to a pot and hangs it over the small brazier.

"So...what is your story? I didn't want to pry in front of others, but you don't seem to be a standard Ronin."

[Sutorenja]

“Standard ronin, is there such a thing?” she said with a small smile.

“I do not see myself as anything exceptional Ikoma-sama, I was trained in the art of the sword and the basic samurai weapons. It is my hope to master such weapons and be a benefit to the Empire, in some small way,” the ronin finished.

“What of Ikoma-sama?”

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren doesn't respond immediately, instead pulling out his tea set and going through the ritual with an attentive detail that speaks to practice.

"I was trained to serve the Lion in Court as we face an existential crisis to our way of life." The words come out with shocking bluntness. "We backed the losing Imperial Family. Our grand armies, the source of our pride, did not tip the balance. In failure, the cost of maintaining them at even a blunted edge means sacrifices must be made. I was trained for two fold Duty: One, to better the relationships with the other Clans, to buy us time to regroup. And second, to look for ways to ease the strain without weakening us significantly."

Ren pours the tea and takes a sip. "Now, if you ask around, I think that people may be shocked that I've told you that, but it's hardly something that would be a secret. There is a saying I once heard: if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll get what you've always had. For the Lion, that was a source of strength: revering our ancestors and tightly adhering to their wisdom kept our standard high but now we have to change our ways, and try something new. And I think I have the beginning of something, but to do so, I would like to be sure."

"You didn't mention who trained you Sutenja-san. And while there might not be a "standard" ronin, I can rank the likelihood of certain options. You're equipment is meticulously cared for, which requires considerable expense. You hold to a rigid standard of training and behavior, as I saw in keeping your cool yesterday, your regimented sleep, early waking and immaculate disposition this morning. These no not suggest a peasant who found a sword and is making a bid for glory, or a bandit looking for legitimacy. Furthermore, everything I have seen from you speaks to be of Lion: a sword of Lion make, a mother who spoke well of the Ikoma, and quoting the sayings of Akodo."

Ren's expressions softens. "I can try to push, and I have guesses. But guesses are assumptions, and I would rather work with you than pulling secrets out of you"

[Sutorenja]

Sutorenja was quiet as she considered his words and then said, “It is my understanding that if I had a past life before this one it is impolite to speak of it. Yet you are perceptive and that speaks to the credit of your ancestors and lineage. I do not wish to insult you, but I also must abide by the oaths I have taken, or my own ancestors would be insulted.”

“If circumstances change then this one will tell you.”

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren is quiet, but after Sutorenja is finished he offers her the other cup of tea.

"I certainly do not wish to offend either or our ancestors. Mine would be shamed as well were I to pressure you to break your vow. Your answer does, however, give me insight. Insight enough that I feel that I could speak to you about an abstract concept. No names, nothing definite, but I would be curious about what you would say."

Ren sips his own cup.

"Commerce is considered a distasteful subject, so it was not my included in my education. I fear that I may need to perform an urgent course of study to have any idea of what I am speaking about, but it may be necessary. Yet, I feel comfortable enough to speak in the broad strokes: I have just mentioned the challenge facing the Lion armies. Fixing it...well, seems to be a problem, where the solution is the problem. There needs to be a name for that..." Ren shakes his head. "The Lion need coin to maintain their forces. To get coin, you need to either receive it from other Clans for services or goods, who have no reason to call upon us at this moment. Even exporting food would cause further problems when it comes to feeding ourselves. We could pursue being merchant patrons, but that requires coin, what we lack. And so, the question is, how does Lion reduce the expense of standing forces, or how are they called as allies who need their might?"

"Does that make sense so far?"

[Sutorenja]

The ronin nodded, "I believe I see your meaning."

[Ikoma Ren]

"Perhaps..." Ren trails off. "This is where it becomes completely hypothetical. One idea amongst countless others."

"It would be ideal if there was a way to release Lords of their burden with as little attention as possible. If there was a place for those young samurai far outside the line of succession, or for those wise but no longer able to serve on the front lines to be able to meet an honorable end in battle. Perhaps...a group of ronin, led by warriors of reknown and unquestioned Honor. All held to a rigid code of conduct, and fiercely drilled so that they could return to their Lords if called for. Or find new Lords, if the case may be."

"It would be a sacrifice on their part, perhaps one that might not bear fruit in their lifetime. But, perhaps, it is a bit easier if there is already a group in place. A permission structure to excuse them."

Ren sets his tea down. "What do you think?"

[Sutorenja]

“That is a rather bold idea, but not unheard of. The Empress in a prior life led an army of ronin for the good of the Empire. It is interesting but they would need a way to support themselves, a headquarters or structure to distribute supplies and orders. If this is expected to be a solution lasting any length of time they would have to find a way to be self sufficient or it will collapse,” she replied calmly.

[Ikoma Ren]

"Indeed." Ren tried to keep his face neutral at a response that seemed...more positive than he expected.

Even I hadn't thought of all of those.

It was looking as if he had chosen well in sharing the idea. "Which is why this wedding has such interest to me. There is a surprising number of ronin already gathered here. Crab lands are already fairly permissive, as I understand it. I have begun to spread word of a meeting of wave-men for tomorrow night to see if any can be gathered. After that, I can begin inquiring for work on their behalf, acting as an intermediary help both sides distance themselves. Supplies and logistics are less my specialty, but I am typically a quick learner"

[Sutorenja]

"It is a novel idea, Ikoma-sama. One that can be refined into something more solid over time," she responded.

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren pauses. This was the part where he had been unsure earlier, and having a better grasp on who the Wolf was might have helped.

"Would you join me? I confess, I may be able to pull it together, but I am not general, or even a gunsho. It would be a boon to have someone well trained, disciplined and thoughtful to command those we could assemble"

[Sutorenja]

"Of course, Ikoma-sama. I would be honored to assist you," she said calmly. "Ronin are a varied group, I pray we gather waves of worth."

"Not that I should consider myself any better than they."

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren lets the silence drag out for a moment and then smiles. "Of course not. It may become necessary for myself to become one as well at some point, but I shall make use of my name while I can."

Ren sips his tea. "Thank you, Sutenja-san." He raises his cup to toast.

[Sutorenja]

"Surely not unless you seek the warrior's journey," she said with concern.

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren seems to mull on it. "I would likely be of more use when able to speak as a member of Lion. If there is a way for me to assist along with fulfilling my Duty and travels across the Empire it would seem to be the preferable option. However, would it not show a lack of Courage to assemble such a group, to recruit for it, to give it shelter, to find it work, but then to abandon it? It is...a part that has indeed troubled me, though not enough to cease my work"

[Sutorenja]

"What is the intended role for these samurai? Perhaps they can have Imperial dispensation?" she asked.

[Ikoma Ren]

(OOC: Can I do a Lore: History (potential Lion Clan Specialty) for an example of a ronin band getting Imperial Dispensation?)

[Dapper Dog]

(OOC: Can I do a Lore: History (potential Lion Clan Specialty) for an example of a ronin band getting Imperial Dispensation?)

OOC: Sure TN 15.

[Ikoma Ren]

(Taking a raise hoping for extra details. Passed)

Lore: History-To know about ronin getting Imperial Dispensation-raise for details-VP spent: 5d10o10k4 32

[Dapper Dog]

There is historical precedence for such to happen, and some of the groups are still in operation to this day others went defunct after a time. Usually it took this group filling a specific local niche in an Imperial holding to get the dispensation. So it is possible, the GM lacking specifics will just say he knows and he, the player, can fill in the details.

[Ikoma Ren]

"Hmmm, I wouldn't have thought of Imperial dispensation, but there is precedent for it. There is an Otomo in the village for the wedding. It may be fruitful to bend his ear." Ren studies the woman carefully.

Who were you? You clearly were well trained and can think strategically. I would have guessed an Akodo...but there's no way to know for sure.