Hair of the Dog, Test of Heroes (D3, EE, Open but expecting)

[Utaku Ichiro]

"Ah I guess I did not clarify. That was how they cheated. Anything consumed from their cup cannot harm the drinker. So sake will not get them drunk if they choose to consume it so nor, say, would poison slipped in a drink have any impact."

[Kokyou]

"Wha'?" Kokyou cocks his head back again, "Ye drink but don't get drunk? Wha' a shite o' a cup."

He stops to think over it a bit, then shrugs, "Well. Fer th' poisonin' part, though. That could come handy."

[Utaku Ichiro]

"Or for winning drinking contests. For making people think you're drunk when you're not. There are a lot of creative options."

[Kokyou]

"Thar's no fun in tha'!" Kokyou explains with some disgust of the suggestion of not being fair in a matter of sailor honor, "The objective of a drinkin' contest is t' get drunk! Cheatin' th' grog is fer losers."

[Utaku Ichiro]

"Glad to see your honor remains pure, Kokyou-san, if in a particularly Mantis style." He laughs and takes another drink.

[Kokyou]

"We gentlemen o' fortunes, the sons n' daughters o' th' storm, be true t' our word n' deeds." He says, stomping the table with his fist and leaning over Ichiro with a menacing narrowed eye.

[Utaku Ichiro]

Ichrio holds the gaze without fear and shakes his head, "I called it as it is: honor. After that it doesn't matter the form it takes."

He looks the Mantis over again, "Pride has its place among samurai and grants confidence. But remember that true heroes temper that pride and confidence with wisdom."

[Kokyou]

Kokyou cracks another laugh. "Har! I be no stubborn Matsu. Worry not. I temper me pride with greatness."

[Utaku Ichiro]

Another chuckle, "Well that's good to hear."

Ichiro finished the current cup of sake and rises to his feet, "If you shall, indeed, be the great hero perhaps you'll do me the honor of a sneak preview of what is to come - and something to measure myself against - and show me your stance?"

[Kokyou]

Kokyou looks at Ichiro's cup on the table and shakes his head as the Unicorn rises. He takes the bottle and pours some more as etiquette demands. "I be enjoyin' our chat so much. Much better t' 'ave a good time 'n leave th' competition thin's fer when 'tis called upon us. Aft all, we be in a sake 'ouse, Nah at th' Gate o' Duels."

The Mantis waves him to sit down, politely. Trying not raise any offense.

--
D3, EE, Etiquette/Awareness: 6d10o10k5 24

[Utaku Ichiro]

Ichiro cocks and eyebrow and sits to take the drink, "Well on the road to greatness remember that challenges may come any time and anywhere. To be a hero is to be prepared to rise to the occasion."

[Kokyou]

"Aye, indeed. We Mantis loot challenges perhaps more seriously than any other. Havin' t' deal wit' th' Fortune's favors every single day at sea."

He points out a reinforcement to that, "We learn when 'n how t' hoist one or all four sails t' ride th' blessin's o' th' kami, so we don't waste our crew's dutiful 'n honest labor at a disadvantageous time. A katana must only be unsheathed fer matters o' honor. So be th' iai."

[Utaku Ichiro]

Ichiro nods, "Though I would argue a test of skill is never wasted effort as long it inspires one, or both, to greater heights."

[Kokyou]

"Arm wrestle me, then. Come on!" Kokyou lifts his arm sleeve and slams his elbow at the table.