[Map Room, Moon 8 - Afternoon] Charting the course (Open)

[Akodo Jishaku]

"Flaming arrows, target the sails of the starboard ships. Have our fire shugenja use his remaining spells to do the same. Bring our other two ships to port and use the remaining ballista ammon to cut our way through. Prepare for boarding if it becomes inevitable." He looks at the Captain. It was a lot like the lessons back in the academy. Losing in a lesson is fine, just make sure you learn and don't make the same mistake twice.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"You escape but with several casualties and quite a bit of damage to your ships." he murmurs as he moves the pieces back to their start positions. "What would you have done differently?"

[Akodo Jishaku]

"I would want to gather more information on the disposition of enemy forces first Captain. However, for a start I would not split my forces." He ponders the board. "I split my strength when there was no need. To much focus on reaching the enemy lost me a third of my strength."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Very good, though, I believe you're overlooking something vital Akodo-san."

[Akodo Jishaku]

"Yes Captain, I realise that I forgot to ascertain my overall objectives from the beginning. The strategy would change considerably if we were simply sent to scout, or as a diversion."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Not quite," comes the cheerful reply as he finishes off his tea and sets the cup up side down on the tray holding the teapot.

[Akodo Jishaku]

"Check the weather and our information on ocean currents around the islands before making tactical decisions sir?"

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Exactly. Even though it all looks the same, the sea has its own terrain and, as I'm sure you know, knowing the terrain of a battlefield can be the difference between victory and defeat."

[Akodo Jishaku]

The Lion nods seriously. "I was so focused on the map I forgot the terrain. It all looks blue from here, but there may be reefs and shoals, sandbars and strong currents around the island. Thank you for an important lesson Captain, I will not forget it." He looks a touch annoyed with himself but there is a glint in his eyes that shows he will be keen for more lessons.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"And that, young cub, is all I have time for today."

[Akodo Jishaku]

The Lion bows respectfully to his Captain. "Then I shall thank you again for taking the time over all of today's lessons Captain. Am I dismissed?"

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Yes," he replies with a negligent hand wave.

[Akodo Jishaku]

Bowing once more the young Lion takes his leave of the map room, his head full of the many lessons he had learned there.

/exit