The City of Broken Dreams (Legend of the 5 Rings: Empire of the Emerald Stars Quest)

[X] Fastest Gun in the Empire

Tsuruchi Family, Tsuruchi Archer

Rings:
5 points: Air 7
3 points: Water 5
2 points: Fire 3
1 points: Earth 2
4 points: Void 3

Skills:
Firearms
Courtier
Piloting (Would this apply to single-person ships or larger craft or both? If only larger craft, replace with Flying)
Investigation
Hunting
I like this build, but have a couple reservations. The ring structure has Earth as the lowest. Is this intentional, because if we are playing a Western, the ability I most associate with the hero is the stubborn unwillingness to give in/compromise, so maybe swapping the Fire and Earth rating could be more representative here?

Courtier doesn't appear to facilitate the stunts/gunfights either, so getting Athletics/Battle/Defense or an air based Low Skill -since Intimidation, Sleight of Hand and Stealth are all pretty much in line with the concept and might be more fitting unless it is a particularly useful skill that anyone would pick up.
 
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Courtier doesn't appear to facilitate the stunts/gunfights either, so getting Athletics/Battle/Defense or an air based Low Skill -since Intimidation, Sleight of Hand and Stealth are all pretty much in line with the concept and might be more fitting unless it is a particularly useful skill that anyone would pick up.

Given how important social interactions are in l5r Courtier is a pretty great skill to have. Admittedly, it is not totally in the theme of the character, but it gives them the social skills to mitigate the backlash from any maverick actions.

Edit: I would actually recommend replacing hunting. It strikes me as a nice luxury, but not as core as some of the skills @RedV mentioned.
 
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Introducing, Tsuruchi Rin
Winner: Fastest Gun In The Empire

Rain falls outside Jin's Noodle Bar, as the patrons flit in and out, their bellies full and their heads buzzed. The soft pitter patter of the water droplets gives of a faint, wet aroma, distinct during times of rain. It is calm, which is more than can be said for most of the its bloc of the City.

A woman enters, young in face, yet her eyes belong to someone who seems much older. She has seen much, suffered much. Her clothes are finely tailored, a black jacket revealing the green mantis embroidered on her shirt underneath, on her arm, a black armband, emblazoned with a golden wasp.She sits at the counter, as Jin looks at her. He sees the pistols at her side, and he opens his mouth to say something, but then he sees the Wasp. He nods, understanding, as he retrieves for her a bowl of his finest stock, and cup of sake. When he turns around, it is already empty, and she has her hand outstretched for more. He fulfills her wish.

Several drinks and a bowl later, the woman sits back, breathing a sigh, then she looks at Jin, as her demeanor changes rapidly. Her eyes stay the same, but she puts on a smile, fit to charm anyone.

"I'm looking for Rin." She says, as tips over her cup, signifying her business is done.

"With all due respect, Tsuruchi-sama," Jin answers, "I don't know why you think someone like me would deal with the Lion-Tooth-"

"Ah don't give me that crap," The woman interrupts, "I know full well there's not a single person in business on this bloc who's not in Rin's pocket somehow." She smiles again, "I have a business proposition for her."

=====

Tsuruchi Keiko exits the noodle bar, belly full of wheat and sake, but lacking what she came for. The old geezer wouldn't bite, so now she had to start over.

"Yare yare..." Keiko mutters to herself, scratching her head, "What a fine mess I've wandered into. Ah well, either I'll find her or she'll find me." She clicks the tip of her boots on the ground, making sure they're on tight, as she returns to the apartment she's renting for the time being, rain dripping softly on her head. To those accustomed to stories of Samurai living in lavish estates, the humble sight of her abode is shocking. Hah, if only she had that kind of money to afford a place like the movies show, but a Samurai away from home needs to make due with what she can get.

Especially if she's trying to avoid being noticed.

She turns on the tv, as she takes her pistols and begins her routine. Her guns don't need the maintenance, but like so many of her kin, the repetition became a sort of meditation for her, making sure each part was working as intended, and it helped her focus. In the distance, the news reports another conflict as the Kolat Syndicates and city Magistrates engaged in another open shoot out. As usual, the blame of agression was laid on Lion-Tooth Rin, the mysterious new, young protege who seized control of the Iron Lotus syndicate.

The news of Rin snapped Keiko out of her trance, and with that she let out an annoyed groan. She could start over again, but it wouldn't be the same, as she flopped on the couch, her thoughts wandering to what brought her here...

DECISION TIME
Fire: You are shamed before the Clan. You haven't been cast out, your name stricken, but no one in the Clan will give you meaningful employment. You were never one to take disrespect lightly, and so you've come to World of Dreams, perhaps to join the Syndicates like you've always wanted when you were a girl.
Air: A nobleman from back home was killed, and the last known whereabouts of the assassin was in the jewel of the Scorpion. Like it'd make it any easier. The victim - your grandfather - demands vengeance, and you get it no matter where you'd need to look. Even the underworld.
Water: You're ambitious, but you're also far from any chance of inheriting some great legacy. Your family, another cog in the machine, and you won't have any part of it. There's work to be done in the Scorpion City, and with it maybe your first step into a better life.
Void: Write In
 
[X] Water: You're ambitious, but you're also far from any chance of inheriting some great legacy. Your family, another cog in the machine, and you won't have any part of it. There's work to be done in the Scorpion City, and with it maybe your first step into a better life.

I really don't like the fire option.
 
Void: Your grandfather didn't deserve his fate, true enough. Doesn't mean you ever had warm feelings for the guy, you can definitely see why he had his share of enemies. Sure, you're a samurai, and samurai live by their duty, without it they are nothing. And currently, your duty is tracking your mark down, until the edges of known space if need be.
Again, doesn't mean you have to particularly like it. By your name and ancestors you'll get the cur that did it, but the City of Dreams has a lot of business, a lot of grudges, and a lot of odd jobs that need to be done. Might as well enjoy your stay, and make a name of yourself while doing it.
They don't know yet who the fastest gun in the Empire is, but they will soon.

(Basically a mix between Air and Water, I felt Water kind of lacked an overarching focus but Air was way too honour bound for our rogueish character archetype and the Han Solo/Western vibe we seem to have cooked up. We're honorable and all, but we're somewhat jaded around the edges. You're a samurai, you've got honor, but when iron is drawn and the heat is on, there's really only one person that has your back. Also I think this gets us all nice and tangled up into the underworld in all sorts of ways, because who knows what poor old grandad was up to.
Variations and suggestions of course welcome)
 
[X] Water: You're ambitious, but you're also far from any chance of inheriting some great legacy. Your family, another cog in the machine, and you won't have any part of it. There's work to be done in the Scorpion City, and with it maybe your first step into a better life.
 
[X] Fire

I am sad we didn't get a gender vote, but this is fine too.

Fire sounds good, we want that awkward family reunion. It also leaves gramps alive (for now!)
 
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[X] Fire: You are shamed before the Clan. You haven't been cast out, your name stricken, but no one in the Clan will give you meaningful employment. You were never one to take disrespect lightly, and so you've come to World of Dreams, perhaps to join the Syndicates like you've always wanted when you were a girl.

Chance to join the Kolat? I'm in.
 
Sorry for the late post, recovering from a bad cold. I'll try and get the update up by the end of the week.
Adhoc vote count started by The_Reptile_ on Jun 10, 2017 at 2:22 PM, finished with 39 posts and 7 votes.

  • [x] Air
    [X] Water: You're ambitious, but you're also far from any chance of inheriting some great legacy. Your family, another cog in the machine, and you won't have any part of it. There's work to be done in the Scorpion City, and with it maybe your first step into a better life.
    [X] Fire
    [X] Fire: You are shamed before the Clan. You haven't been cast out, your name stricken, but no one in the Clan will give you meaningful employment. You were never one to take disrespect lightly, and so you've come to World of Dreams, perhaps to join the Syndicates like you've always wanted when you were a girl.
 
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