The New Winds

Satisfied with their cleaning efforts (that is to say, doing none at all) Zashi attempts to track down Shosuro Tomoe while they have the chance.

"Hello again, rising actor."

Zashi bows. "Hello sensei. I have been informed that in order to keep our skills diverse, we are not to repeat training during the normal class sessions. Is that true?"

"This is correct, other than the basics, which we will drill you on every other day."

"Well, in that case sensei, I find myself in a bit of a quandary." Zashi appears to muse. "I do not have any other artisan skills that the school offers that I have any, well, predisposition towards. But I hardly want to offer insult after your kind offer and extended lessons. I have enjoyed your tutalage, and if there are any other non-magical skills you think would be useful to the "acting arts" I would eagerly explore them with you. If not, would it make better sense to hone my shugenja skills? I am aware that you are one yourself and would be a great font of knowledge of...more subtle applications therof"

"You are a Shugenja first, Kitsune-san. To train you otherwise would not be appropriate for your assessment. Why then shall I offer you other material?"

"A fair point sensei. However, when facing my own self assessment, I know that I will never be a match as a shugenja as an Isawa, even if I master every lesson of the Fox Clan. And I am, to be quite honest, not the best young shugenja of the Fox."

"The great opportunity of this endeavor, this dojo, is that it can find combinations that my clan never could have dreamt of. If one cannot surpass the raw strength of your rivals, it will behoove you to find skills that your talent complement. Now is a chance to learn such skills."

Courtier/Awareness TN 8: 3d10 20

"Very well then. What do you want to learn, and be specific"

"Full blunt truth?" Something in Zashi's expression shifts. "I want to learn how to win the Topaz tournament as best as someone of your talents would know how. And I want to learn Low Skills"

"Quite the ambition. Follow the training set forth here, and you have a chance to win. As far as skills that the Underhand may be able to teach you, there are many. Forgery, sleight of hand, sneaking..."

"Ambition is a double edged sword. I am aware of that." Zashi offers a small smile. "But if you have an avenue to win, you'll find an eager pupil. Of all of those, I want to learn to play on the desires of the target. Temptation, I think it was called"

"Ah, seduction. That is a clever skill. It can be many things."

"I appreciate flexibility sensei." Zashi bows. "I would be honored to learn the others as well. But to know this body better after todays lessons." Zashi allows a self deprecating slump of the shoulders. "This one wpuld need to become quicker and more deft to make the most of these lessons. I need to push myself in that area. It is most unpleasant to find where you are lacking, as necessary as it is"

"Very well. There are many forms to temping a person, but to do so successfully, one must consider their target and their weaknesses. Perhaps they have a fondness for sake. Or are free with their coin purse, eager to play games of chance. Others yet may be delighted by the promise of skin, and many are tempted by the promise of riches."

"How do you identify that weakness?" Zashi's common frivolity is gone, replaced by a studious nature that the Lore instructor would have demanded had they known he was capable of it.

"I know ideally you have time to study the mark, but you can't possibly have that every time."

"You should never try against a target you have not observed first. But if you feel you absolutely must...trust your instinct."

"Hmm. Do you try to flush it out before then? Manipulate them into giving away a tell?"

Zashi also pauses. "I also am curious. How would you try to win, if you were in my place sensei? Apart from "reframe the conditions of victory", I mean I have heard that lesson"

"The championship leaves little for people to manipulate their way to victory. All I can say is to take your lessons to heart. As far as how to get it out of them? That is where study in the way of the courts is important, or studying the ways of observation."

"Hmm." Zashi seems lost in thought. "Yes sensei. I will continue to attend to the basics as well. How should I come for the lessons tomorrow?"

"Just send for me and I will teach you."