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A Tale of Emerald and Topaz (L5R)

Maugan Ra

Maugan Ra

Councillor
Location
London, England
The year is 1146 by the Isawa Calendar. For six years you have served at the pleasure of the Toturi Dynasty, protecting and educating its first and foremost heir: Toturi Tsudao, a young and spirited girl destined to be one of Rokugan's greatest heroines. These have been days of joy and pride, for the young princess is a dedicated student and a constant pleasure to spend time with, but now they are coming to an end.

Following in her father's footsteps, the young Princess has left the care of her family and been enrolled in a dojo, where she will learn the ways of war and battle from those sensei deemed worthy to teach there. It is widely rumoured that the young heir chose to attend in disguise, taking on a false name and lineage so that she might be assured of an education free of any bias or doubt; certainly you have not been informed of her current location, and the princess herself was remarkably tight lipped about the matter.

This, of course, has left you in something of an uncertain state. All of you have your duties to attend to, both in and around Otosan Uchi and in service to your wider Clans, but without the Heir your primary role is somewhat less certain. Perhaps the Emperor has an answer to this conundrum; you can only assume so, for he has summoned you to attend upon him tonight within the Imperial Palace proper...

Right, roll-call!
@Alectai @Mina @horngeek @EtchedSteel @A Nation's Virtue @Gargulec

I have decided to open a new IC thread for this game, post time-skip. The old one will be used to hold any conversations, pieces of fiction or other developments that occurred prior to the skip forwards. I have a few scenes in mind that need to be properly detailed, but we can sort that as we go.

So, first things first - you each gain 45 experience points to properly represent how you learned and improved during the six years that we're brushing over here. You do not need to spend these on advantages and such that arise from plot events that occurred during the skip, such as Sakura's marriage into the kuge. Those will be handled on a case by case basis.

I'll be going over some specific events that I know occurred, but I'd like to enlist each of you in this process to some degree. So, along with your xp expenditure, I'd like to hear the details of one major event that your character played a significant role in - maybe you thwarted a shadowlands plot through personal valour, derailed a war between two of the Clans through quick thinking, or made a display of personal honour that will live forever in the stories of the Ikoma bards. Basically, I want something that makes you as individuals famous in your own right, entirely apart from your service as part of the Heir's retinue.

And of course if your character got married and had kids, that is also important!

There's more I could add here, but I've delayed long enough on getting this actually written, so here we go instead.
 
(Credit goes to @Slayers148 for the image)
Age: 25
Family: Kakita family
School And Rank: Kakita Bushi Rank 4/Topaz Champion
Insight: 150+41+12=203
Insight Rank: 4
Status: 3.5
Honour: 6.9
Glory: 6.4

Traits
Air 3 (Reflexes 3, Awareness 3)
Earth 3 (Stamina 3, Willpower 3)
Fire 3 (Agility 3, Intelligence 3)
Water 2 (Strength 2, Perception 2)
Void 4

Skills
School
Etiquette 4
Iaijutsu (Focus) 5
Kenjutsu 4
Kyujutsu 1
Sincerity 3
Tea Ceremony 1
Artisan: Poetry 3

Other
Games: Go 2
Games: Shogi 1
Lore: Bushido 3
Lore: Heraldry 1
Lore: Great Clan (Scorpion) 1
Lore: Gaijin Culture (The Hejaz) 1
Lore: Gaijin Culture (Yodotai) 1
Courtier 3
Investigation 1
Horsemanship 1
Sailing (Knot-Work) 1
Meditation 3
Games: Sadane 1

Techniques and Masteries
Kakita Bushi Rank 1: The Way of The Crane
The study of the sword demonstrates the many ways in which the art of Kakita's technique can be applied. You add twice your Iaijutsu Skill Rank to all Initiative rolls. You gain a bonus of +1k1 plus your School Rank to the total of all attack and Focus rolls while assuming the Center Stance. This bonus also applies during the Combat Round following one in which you assumed the Center Stance.

Kakita Bushi Rank 2: Speed of Lightning
Enemies who are slow or weak of spirit are doomed to failure. You gain a bonus of +2k0 to the total of all attack rolls against those with lower Initiative than your own.

Kakita Bushi Rank 3: First and Last Strike
A Kakita Bushi is feared throughout the Empire as a follower of the oldest and most venerated dueling tradition in the Empire. You may Strike fi rst in a duel if you win the Iaijutsu/Void roll by a difference of 3 or higher. You gain a Free Raise on your Strike for each additional margin of 3 instead of 5.

Kakita Bushi Rank 4: One Strike, Two Cuts
With one pure strike, the advanced student of Kakita's technique cuts his opponent twice. You may make attacks as a Simple Action instead of a Complex Action while using weapons with the Samurai keyword.

Topaz Champion Alternate Path
The Topaz Champion is among the best and brightest of each generation.
When you advance in Insight Rank and into this Path, you gain the Technique it would normally replace. You also gain a number of bonus Void Points per day equal to your highest Ring. You may spend these just like normal Void Points (with all the normal restrictions), but they may only be used to enhance your School Skill Rolls.

Iaijutsu Rank 3
Readying a katana is a Free Action rather than a Simple Action.

Iaijutsu Rank 5
During an Iaijutsu Duel, the character gains one Free Raise on his Iaijutsu (Focus) / Void roll during the Focus Stage.

Kenjutsu Rank 3
The total of all damage rolls made with a sword is increased by 1k0.

Etiquette Rank 3
The character gains an additional +3 Insight above the total normally indicated by his Rings and Skill Ranks.

Courtier Rank 3
The character gains an additional +3 Insight above the total normally indicated by his Rings and Skill Ranks.

Artisan: Poetry Rank 3
The character gains an additional +3 Insight above the total normally indicated by his Rings and Skill Ranks.

Lore: Bushido Rank 3
The character gains an additional +3 Insight above the total normally indicated by his Rings and Skill Ranks.


Advantages
Prodigy
Great Destiny
Sacred Weapon (Kakita Blade- Takame) (Free)
Languages: Mekhem
Ally: Bayushi Aiko (cousin on mother's side- 2 points on loyalty and influence, 1 point discount for being a Crane)
Social Position (GM-Granted)
Wealth 5 (GM-granted, would be reduced to 4 by being Crane)

Disadvantages
True Love (Utaku Yuzuki)
Bad Fortune (Secret Enemy)

Equipment
Light Armor
Sturdy Clothing
Daisho (w/Kakita Blade)
Traveling Pack
Bottle of Bleach/Dye
Chopsticks
Daisho Stand
Fan
Ink Brush Kit
Minature Go Set
Pillow Book
Rope (50')
Spare kimono and sandals
Tea Set
120 Koku (?)
Yumi
20 Arrows (Willow Leaf)

Wounds
6: +3
12: +5
18: +10
24: +15
30: +20
36: +40
42: Dead

Experience: 177/178
Total Spent: 17+
Total Available:
Free Skills and Discounts From Scenes
Etiquette 3
Games: Shogi 1
-2 Discount on Willpower
-2 Discount on Stamina
Social Position
Wealth 5

Disadvantages (6 gained)

Gained 3 from taking True Love (Utaku Yuzuki)
Gained 3 from taking Bad Fortune (Secret Enemy)

Advantages (21)
12 on the Prodigy Advantage
5 on the Great Destiny Advantage
3 on Ally (Bayushi Aiko)
1 on Languages: Mekhem
Traits (86)

18 on a rank of Void
24 on a rank of Void
12 on a rank of Awareness
12 on a rank of Intelligence
10 on a rank of Willpower (-2 from scene)
10 on a rank of Stamina (-2 from scene)
Skills (68)
9 on three ranks of Iaijutsu
6 on three ranks of Lore: Bushido
5 on two ranks of Kenjutsu
6 on three ranks of Courtier
2 on a rank of Etiquette (third rank free)
5 on two ranks of Artisan: Poetry
2 on a rank of Sincerity
1 on a rank of Games: Go
1 on a rank of Investigation
1 on a rank of Lore: Heraldry
1 on a rank of Lore: Great Clan (Scorpion)
1 on a rank of Sailing
1 on a rank of Horsemanship
1 on a rank of Lore: Gaijin Cultures (Medinat al-Salaam)
1 on a rank of Lore: Gaijin Cultures (Yodotai)
1 on a rank of Meditation
1 on a rank of Games: Sadane
2 on Knot-Work emphasis of the Sailing skill
5 on a rank of Iaijutsu
4 on a rank of Kenjutsu
3 on a rank of Lore: Bushido
5 on two ranks of Meditation
4 on a rank of Etiquette
2 on a rank of Games: Go

1. "I am of the Crane, the clan of the Lady Doji."
2. "I am Kakita, and proudly so."
3. *smiles* Many among my family would call what we do an art. And I will most likely spend more time in the courts than on the battlefield- but when I complete my gempukku, I will be a bushi."
4. "Many would say I look more like a Bayushi than a Crane. I take more after my mother than my father physically- lithe, beautiful in… I think the term used to describe the Bayushi most often is 'dangerously beautiful', and I know others have thought that of me, even if they do not say it."
5. "Everyone says I have great potential. I would like to live up to that, if I can."
6. "Kakita Mami- my mother, I think. She has always taken the time to listen, and she has never talked down to me."
7. "My determination to see all the Clans as ultimately servants of the Emperor above all else is my greatest strength, I think. Weaknesses… I have no true experience outside of the dojo yet, unfortunately. I hope to change that."
8. "Duty is the entire reason for a Samurai's existence. All other parts of Bushido come afterwards, although they are all important."
9. "While great, I sometimes wonder if we forget that the Empire is the reason for us to be instead of the other way around."
10. "I am betrothed. To a young samurai of the Phoenix- one of the non-Shugenja of the Isawa. We've become friends the times we've met, but both of us know we have little chance of more than that. That's fine, though."
(Answer changed since game start)
"I am not betrothed- my family has shown no particular hurry to do so, and although I am uncertain why, I... will not object to the time to consider."
11. "I admit, I wonder why some of the Minor clans exist- they serve no purpose to the Empire as a whole. The Tortoise in particular!"
12. "I suppose, while the Championship is on, my loyalty is owed directly to the Crane Champion- and to my sensei. I'll try to not fail them."
13. "A chat over a nice game of Go is a nice way to spend time- although the garden at home comes close. As for dislikes... I hate full thunderstorms. There's little serenity in them, even if I have nothing but respect for Osano-Wo."
14. "I know I tend to press my lips together when thinking."
15. "It's easy to find joy where you can, I think. Although sometimes... it's difficult, with all the pressure, to find a moment to center myself and find the opportunity."
16. "Correct improper behaviour first. If it becomes more serious, I may have no choice but to demand seppuku."
17. "A dutiful child that we're very proud of. She was so curious when she was young!"
18. "I would like to one day prove worthy of the Kenshinzen, although that is a long way off."
19. "I make weekly visits, but I'm not as religious as some I know of."
20. "Most likely, on the dueling field. I'm an accomplished duelist, but I have no illusions that some may be better than I."

A Crane Among The Sands
Prologue- Hare 12, 1138
Part 1- Hare 26, 1138
Part 2- Dragon 10-26, 1138

Others
Preparations For Marriage
Earth
Sakura and Ryuusei Training: Part 1
Sakura and Ryuusei Training: Part 2
Void
Arrivals

Six years is a long time. Long enough for Sakura to settle into her marriage and her new position among the kuge, now part of the family of the Crane Clan Champion himself. Long enough for her to have two beautiful daughters, Kasumi and Soko- twins, a good sign (difficult though the pregnancy was for her). Long enough for them to survive beyond the first, dangerous years.

She's settled into a comfortable position with her husband, Doji Takuma. They each have their own lovers- Sakura with Yuzuki, Takuma with his yojimbo- but they've grown to be, at the very least, friends and allies in helping cover for each other's affairs. In addition to her duties with the Imperial Heir, Sakura has taken up a duty to her Clan in the City- playing host for important guests who are new to Otosan Uichi, giving recommendations on how to navigate the Imperial City, who to speak to and how to do so.

In addition, she's accompanied the Clan to several Winter Courts as well as accompanying Tsudao, and it's there where she's made her name. While not yet up to the level of a Kenshinzen, Sakura's skill as a duelist has granted her victory in several duels- and her budding skills in the ways of the court have also had impact. And in the most recent Winter Court, this bore fruit- Sakura's actions resulted in an alliance with the Unicorn for her Clan, and while her role wasn't immediately obvious, those with knowledge of the courts have taken notice, and her name has spread yet further.

Her relationship with Yuzuki helped, as the pair were able to work together to achieve this- and the fact that it gives them even more reason to see each other doesn't hurt at all.
 
Last edited:
Myth-Weavers Online Character Sheets
Age: 26
Status: 2.5
Glory: 1.0
Infamy: 1.0
Honor: 3.5

Tsunetomo seats himself next to Sakura as he waits for the Emperor to arrive, fingers idly drifting towards some new scars he gained assisting the Lion in driving off an attempted Tsuno invasion. His reward? Some new scars, a reputation to match his size, and a Matsu bride who was, strangely enough, the sister of his comrade Soko. Thankfully she doesn't appear to be the nagging sort, but neither is he looking forward to having to take on the Matsu name; he'd been expecting for years that his wife would be the one taking the Yoritomo name, and not him.
 
Matsu Soko
Age: 25
School: Ikoma Bard 2/Ikoma Historian
Insight: Rank 3 (190)
Honor/Glory/Status: 7.1 (8.1) / 4.4 / 2.5

Credit @Slayers148 for the art

Traits:
Air 3 Earth 3 Fire 3 Water 2 Void 2
Reflexes 3 Awareness 3 Stamina 3 Willpower 3 Agility 3 Intelligence 3 Strength 3 Perception 2
Skills:
High Bugei Merchant Low
Calligraphy 2
Courtier 3
Etiquette 2
Games: Go 1
Games: Shogi 3
Lore: Bushido 2
Lore: Heraldry 1
Lore: History (Lion Clan) 5
Perform: Storytelling 3
Sincerity(Honesty) 2
Tea Ceremony 1 		Athletics 2
Battle 2
Defense 1
Iaijutsu (Assessment) 3
Horsemanship 1
Hunting 1
Jiujutsu 5
Kenjutsu 3
Kyujutsu 1
War Fan 3 		Commerce 2
Cooking 1 		Stealth 1
Vitals
Initiative: 6k3
Armor TN: 20
Healthy Wounds: 10 (Earth 3)

Equipment
Traditional Clothes
Knife
Calligraphy set
Akodo blade "Mokugeki": 4k2, +1 honor, can spend 1 void point on damage
Wakizashi: 2k2, can be thrown 20 feet
Tessen: 0k1
Pillow book, hair dye, miniature go set, flint and tinder, parchment and charcoal, chopsticks, straw cloak, small statue, rope, whetstone
Advantages=[14]
Precise Memory [0]: School Advantage. +1k1 to Intelligence trait to remember the exact things observed, read.
Sacred Weapon [0]: Granted at the end of the Topaz Championship. 4k2 katana, Honor is considered +1 when carried.
Blissful Betrothal [3]:
Luck II [6]: Reroll and keep the higher value (2 times per session).
Sage [4]: Considered trained with 1 level in all Lore skills.
Sensation [3]: Considered trained with 1 level in all Perform skills.
Absolute Direction [1]: That way's north. Does not work more than one days travel in to the Shadowlands.
Inheritance [5]: An antique iron duelist's tsuba patterned with lions stalking in a sea of flames. +1k1 to Iaijutsu rolls.
Forbidden Knowledge (Empire's True History) [0]: 1 free rank in Lore: True History


Disadvantages=[9]
Brash [4]: If threatened or insulted, roll Willpower+Honor vs TN25
Small [3]: Water Ring is considered 1 rank lower for determining movement, -1k0 to DR
True Love (Bayushi Katsu) [3]: When faced with a choice between duty and your loved one, must spend a Void point to chose duty.
Ikoma Bard Techniques
Rank 1: Herald of Glory. Gain Precise Memory at no cost. Perform: Storytelling/Awareness against TN 20 to recount someone else's heroic actions. On success they gain Glory equal to your school rank. Can be done a number of times per person per month equal to said school rank.
Rank 2: You do not lose Honor or Glory for displaying emotion in public, so long as you do so on behalf of another Lion or for an honorable cause greater than yourself (such as your clan, the Empire, or the Code of Bushido). At the same time, your understanding of both honor and emotion strengthens your own soul against temptation. Anyone attempting to sway your emotions through the use of the Intimidation or Temptation skills must add +5 to their TN for each of your School Ranks.
Rank 3: Ikoma Historian Path. You acquire the Advantage Forbidden Knowledge (Empire's True History). You gain a Free Raise on all Calligraphy rolls and you may roll Lore: History / Intelligence at TN 25 to accurately recount any incident you have witnessed and any story you have heard, down to the smallest detail – including details you may have missed at the time.

Mastery
Courtier: +3 Insight bonus insight points
Iaijutsu: Readying a katana is a free action
Jiujutsu: +1k0 to Unarmed damage, 1 Free Raise toward initiating a grapple
Kenjutsu: DR of swords increased by 1k0
Lore History: +3 Insight, 1 Free Raise
Shogi: +3 Insight
War Fan: Offhand penalties do not apply with war fans.
Total: 169 | Unspent: 1
+4 Brash
+3 Small
+3 True Love
-6 Luck
-5 Inheritance
-4 Sage
-3 Blissful Betrothal
-3 Sensation
-1 Absolute Direction
-12 Awareness
-12 Agility
-12 Reflexes
-12 Stamina
-12 Will
-15 Jiujutsu
-14 Lore: History
-8 Iaijutsu
-6 Games: Shogi
-6 War Fans
-5 Courtier
-5 Kenjutsu
-5 Perform: Storytelling
-3 Athletics
-3 Battle
-3 Commerce (-1pt trained)
-3 Calligraphy
-2 Etiquette
-2 Lore: Bushido
-2 Sincerity
-1 Cooking
-1 Defense
-1 Games: Go
-1 Horsemanship
-1 Hunting
-1 Kyujutsu
-1 Lore: Heraldry
-1 Stealth
-1 Tea Ceremony
Felt kind of like doing this IC, I can rewrite it as a slightly less exuberant OOC if requested.
  1. "Lion Clan! Strongest, bravest, noblest, just generally best most loyal, faithful, puissant, and honorable of the Great Clans. Modesty? Leave that to someone else, we roar!"
  2. "The Matsu family. Yes. No really. Yes that Matsu family. I'm serious! Stop laughing! Rrrrrrgggggh!"
  3. "Well...if you must label it like that, a courtier I suppose. But singing the songs of the Clan, pointing out the lessons of the past to people who'd like the quick and easy way, it's hardly proper courtiering with all that low intrigue and whispering the others do. Face to face and out in the open, that's the way to handle things."
  4. "How would others...Well, I mean...Do I? Sigh....the short one. Mother says I'm pretty enough in a sort of tiny, doll-like way, but that's not exactly high praise when your sister's swords are almost as tall as you are. Sensei praises me though, he says he's never had such an emotive performer in all his years and that my mouth is far bigger than it looks, which now that I'm thinking about it..."
  5. "Motivation? I want to fight everyone. No, everyone. Not kill everyone! That's not the point at all! If I've fought everyone, then when I tell their story I'll be in it and so will the clan. If they die they die, if I die, well...at least another bard will have a good song out of it! 'The Little Lion that Fought the World.' Has a nice ring to it right?"
  6. "Ikoma-sensei. After mother umm...suggested it wouldn't be a good idea for me to enter the family school he took me in, patched me up, sat me down and made me start reading the clan history aloud until my throat was raw. Then we had tea. I guess having a place felt good, and he showed me how much bigger the clan was than just Matsu or Akoda or Ikoma or Kitsu, the full breadth of wonderful, glorious history and tradition!"
  7. Easy: My size. Biggest...don't laugh...weakness right there. Ikoma-sensei would try and tell you it's how hot-headed I can get and forget that emotion has its proper time and place in the performance but trust me, that's just the sake talking. As for my strength, I think he'd agree that I'm fearless. Nothing scares me, nothing stops me, I see my fights through to the end, and pour the drinks afterwards."
  8. Bushido? It's everything. If our lives are the ink, it is the hand that wields the brush. We're formless without it, chaotic, honorless. Yeah, some of the tenets are hard...Courage as the Akodo like to quote and Honesty present a few problems. Backing down from a fight is somehow more courageous than staring your opponent straight in the eye and seeing what they've got? And Honesty, well sometimes the story just takes on a life of its own you know? Maybe it wasn't exactly the a dozen trained warriors, but it sure felt like it and sometimes Sincerity has to play trump. Right?"
  9. "Let me quote a great historian on this one, 'Lion Clan! Strongest, bravest, noblest, just generally best most loyal, faithful, puissant, and honorable of the Great Clans.' Not much left to be said after that, she pretty much wrote the book on it there."
  10. "Oh? Interested? Oh. No? Well, no. Not married. There's this...never mind. Complicated."
  11. "Prejudices? Apart from the Cranes being a bunch of preening dissemblers, the Phoenixes being far too comfy in the 'peace' our bloodshed bought them, and the Scorpions with their villainous, honor-bereft prettiness? No, I'm the spirit of camaraderie and good will provided they keep their flaws in check and can have a good time."
  12. "The family daimyo. I might be training in the Ikoma dojo, but my duty still lies with the Matsu. There has to be someone around to dodge punches and sword-blows to record the histories after all."
  13. "I like walks. Just getting on the road and seeing what I can find. I'm not great at actually finding anything in particular but wandering around always turns up something interesting. What I don't like? I guess it'd have to be long ceremonies. I try hard, and sensei's clipped me enough times that I can feel the breeze before he strikes but I just have a hard time with it."
  14. "Well...sensei has pointed out that I tend to...well for the lack of a better term, pose? My stance is always just a little bit overstated and big. Plus when I get bored I start humming."
  15. "Don't question my honor, my family name, my skill, my looks. I will get angry, but it usually passes like a summer storm. That I tend to control a bit at least, much as I'd like to lay in to ever last...Ahem. Anyway, laughter is harder. If something's funny my face goes all froggy, hehe."
  16. "Well, I've gotten plenty of second chances. Going to the Ikoma dojo, sensei smoothing out some of my rougher Matsu edges, so if I had a subordinate that was behaving improperly I guess they'd get a few punches in the back of the head, some acts of contrition, and the promise not to do so again unless they're drunk."
  17. "I think mother's proud of me now. At first...well she wanted all her daughters in the Pride. I think being sent to the Topaz Championship, even under the Ikoma School has made her pleased though. So long as I don't dishonor the Matsu name of course."
  18. "I want a story that's told in the clan for generations to come. It might sound selfish, but it's not the immortality that I want so much as being able to inspire and hopefully teach even after I'm gone, good and bad. 'Oh, don't do that, remember what happened to her!' or 'She'd cuff you good if she could see you doing that.' All the best stories have a little of both."
  19. "Well, I leave a cup of sake for the old man, and pray a bit before every nap. My father was from Ikoma, so the fit wasn't entirely unnatural, but I still honor the Lion Thunder before battle. It's not temple stuff, but the ancestors are in my heart and mind."
  20. "Either at the hand of a villain or beside my friends on the battlefield. I'm too restless to die in my sleep!"

The passage of time had been kind to Soko, or would have been had she been some other sort of woman. Granted her skin was still unlined and her hair still came in black at the roots, but she'd added a little roundness to her face and middle, and a network of scars across her body that spoke of a thousand little cuts and scrapes over the years.

With the birth of her first child, Sakura, just days before the Festival of Akodo during her first Winter Court in Imperial service it was clear the endeavors of the coming years would be blessed. Leaving her daughter and husband as soon as the roads were clear enough to travel she made her way west, to the mountains between her clan and his to take the first steps on a quest that would come to define her life. Her letters to Ikoma, Isawa, and Shoshuro librarians in the preceding months had born fruit in her search for ancient esoterica, and with Toturi's tacit blessing she was inducted in to the rarefied circle that knew the true history of the Empire.

The years flew by. Soko and Katsu spent much of the time apart, with expeditions to the lost and forgotten parts of the empire taking a great deal of the bard's attention during the traversable months and her duties to the Court during the winter. Still, the Matsu prized efficiency in their own way. Kazuo, handsome as his mother and sly as his father, the twins Hanako and Michiko, bold and strapping like their grandmothers, Tadao the spit of his father, and finally Maki who looked like her father and whose eyes laughed like her mother's. They were conceived, born, and sent off to be raised in Matsu lands as tradition dictated.

With her adventures giving her stories aplenty, as well as antiques and relics for the palace, Soko has come in to her own as a woman of many parts. Collector, historian, dabbler in commercial and artistic endeavors as appropriate, and vicious brawler when occasionally not appropriate. Finally, her stature has far outstripped her height.
 

Name: Mirumoto Shizuki
Clan: Dragon
Age: 23
School: Mirumoto Taoist Swordmen [Bushi]

Insight: 189
Exp: 1

Honor: 6.9
Glory: 2.5
Status: 2.5

1. The Twenty Questions

1. Shizuki is from the Dragon Clan, well known in Rokugani society as a clan shrouded in enigma and mysticism. Their path is one seeking of the elusive enlightenment at the expense of being understood by the other clans.

2. Shizuki's family is the Mirumoto, the military arm that sustains the Dragon Clan's armies, and the most numerous family of them all.

3. Shizuki is a warrior who trust in her own skill, and as such, she respects those who she recognizes as worthy warriors. She also feels respect for the monks whom she has trained with on her time back in the Dragon Mountains.

4. Shizuki is a girl of average size, blue eyes and a black hair that can cover half her back when untied. She *tries* to not show emotion whatsoever, rather living according to the discipline inculcated on her as part of her training which she's devoted to. Still, she finds herself smiling from time on time when she finds herself enjoying her given tasks. She wears the simplest of clothes and true to her sensei's teachings, she lives and acts with modesty.

5. Shizuki aspires to take over the Taoist Swordmen Dojo and become a sensei herself; just like the one she admires the most. The same person who personally trained her through the years, Mirumoto Dokai.

6. Apart of trusting in her own acquired skills, Shizuki trust in both her family and her sensei, who in turn they hope she'll acquire experience through the path of steel; the path marked by the perfection of her craft, swordmanship.

7. Shizuki's greater strength is her perseverance, and the discipline she shows in whatever she proposes to do. This is turn can become her weakness, as it also may cause her to not be able to appreciate her surroundings.

8. Shizuki firmly believes that Bushido is the cornerstone of the Empire, and there's nothing outside it. By influence of her mother who was a Matsu before marrying into the Dragon, she also believes all tenets holds the same importance. Personally, Shizuki considers that both Duty and Sincerity holds a bit more of weight than the rest, and thus she wants to live according to what those state.

9. Having been raised hearing stories of both the Lion and the Dragon Clans, Shizuki believes that action weighs more than words and one must make a path for themselves in order to find enlightenment, very much like the clan she's part of who decided to do the same in the beginning of the empire.

10. Shizuki isn't married and even less betrothed, nor she has the idea of marriage in mind, not for now. She knows that one day she'll have to, for it is the duty every single samurai must comply. Her parents were those few lucky enough to find love, and so they always believed an arrangement for Shizuki goes against what they always tried to teach her.

11. With all of what she has learned on her short life, Shizuki thinks of the Crane as a clan that fell in arrogance, that which doesn't allow them to seek enlightenment. She also has some prejudice against the Scorpion, believing that their words often has more than one meaning, and she finds their affinity for masks... strange.

12. Shizuki owes loyalty to Mirumoto Dokai, a friend of her family and the sensei who has foreseen her training thought out these years. Next to him comes her parents, daimyo and clan.

13. Shizuki enjoys her time spent on her training, and prefers physical activity in open spaces rather than meditation. After this, her favorite things are dango and other sweets, and finds delightment whenever she put her hands on those. She also likes to play Go each time the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, and despite knowing the situation her clan is due to its geography, she dislikes the so called "mountain tuna" even if she's used to eat it.

14. Even with all the discipline and effort she puts, Shizuki can find herself feeling anxious when she knows something big is approaching, expressed in the way she tries to seek something to put her attention on. She also tries to find her comfort by moving her legs while sit and not meditating.

15. Shizuki finds herself giggling when she's doing she enjoys, or is fascinated by something, despite knowing how important is to keep her On at all times and how little difficulty is for her to do so. She's not prone to quick anger, but she finds annoying when someone isn't being honest enough with her.

16. Shizuki tends to correct a subordinate's mistake according to what she has learn on her training, which is by what the Tao states. The use of steel is for protecting those who can't protect themselves, and seppuku is an acceptable course of action when the offense is grave enough.

17. Shizuki's parents have mixed when talking about her, but nonetheless they consider her presence a bliss. She took most of what she is from her mother, who raised her with stories of battles and deeds. Her father always wondered from where Shizuki's enthusiasm and energy comes from, but he's glad his friend managed to make Shizuki direct her efforts on the rigorous training of the Taoist Swordmen, polishing her innate skill with the blade to the best of his capacities. It was their parents and sensei who sought a recommendation and an entry to the Topaz Championship from the Clan's champion, seeing the opportunity as a good experience for Shizuki overall.

18. Her principal ambition is to become the next sensei of the Mirumoto Taoist Swordmen Dojo. With this she aspires teaching the next generation of Dragon samurai and inspire them with stories of her experiences and deeds. To do so, she wishes to be able to acquire as much experience as she can, traveling through the empire and facing many opponents.
19. Shizuki follows the Tao of Shinsei, more than the fortunes, and recites it as part of her daily training. Despise not being a pious girl, Shizuki still prays to minor fortunes like Natsu-Togumara or Chagatai or Jurojin from time on time, either with a plea or just presenting words of thanks.

20. Shizuki expects to have a long life so she can fill it with experiences, despite knowing how close to death a samurai lives. Should this be not possible, she would not have any trouble to find her death against a stronger opponent so she can in turn become an experience for her killer and those who comes after.

2. Character Info

Rings

Fire: 3
- Agility (AGI): 3 (2+1 for Family.)
- Intelligence (INT): 3 (12 exp
Air: 3
- Reflexes (REF): 3 (12 exp)
- Awareness (AWA): 3 (12 exp)
Earth: 3
- Stamina (STA): 3 (12 exp)
- Willpower (WIL): 3 (12 exp)
Water: 3
- Strength (STR): 3 (12 exp)
- Perception (PER): 3
Void: 3 (+1 due to School)
Skills

*Athletics: 2 (2 exp)
*Defense: 2 (2 exp)
*Iaijutsu: 5 (5 exp)
*Kenjutsu (Katana): 6 (5 exp)
*Lore: Theology: 1
*Meditation: 3 (5 exp)
*Etiquette: 3 (5 exp)
Games (Go): 1 (1 exp)
Courtier: 3 (6 exp)
Perform (Dancing): 1 (1 exp)
Investigation: 3 (6 exp)
Jiujutsu: 2 (3 exp)
Sincerity: 1 (1 exp)
* = School Skills
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Outfit

- Sturdy Clothing
- Hitomi's former Katana (Exceptional. Deals 4k2 damage. Renamed as "Kagu")
- Hitomi's former Wakizashi (Exceptional. Deals 3k2 damage. Renamed as "Tsuchi")
- Tanto
- Traveling Pack
- 1 Koku
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Prodigy [Physical] (12 Points)
You are a marvel of the dojo, and your sensei believe that you will accomplish incredible things in your lifetime. Whenever you make a School Skill Roll, you gain a bonus of +1k0 to the roll.

- Strength of the Earth [Physical] (2 Points)
In your soul can be found the spirit of the mountains and the strength of stone. You can overcome injuries that would cripple other men. The TN penalties you suffer from Wound Ranks are reduced by 3. Bushi characters may purchase this Advantage for 2 points.

- Seven Fortunes's Blessing: Benten [Spiritual] (Heritage table. 3 Points)
The Fortunate of Romantic Love has showered you with her blessings. Whenever you are attempting to persuade someone, regardless of the circumstances, you gain a bonus of +0k1 to the total of the Social Skill Roll in question. This bonus only applies to persuasion, not coercion.

- Hero of the People [Social] (Obtained through interlude "The Path of Steel". 0 Points)
Although your reputation among your fellow samurai may not be any better than that of the next individual, your actions have garnered the adoration of the common folk. When meeting citizens of Rokugan who are not members of the samurai caste, the TN for them to recognize you, as determined by your Glory Rank, is lowered by 10.

Disadvantages:
- Ascetic [Mental] (0 Points)
You have no taste for or interest in material things, and this minimalist attitude has impacted how others view you. Your School Outfit includes only weapons, armor, clothing, necessary tools of the trade for your profession (such as scroll satchel for shugenja), and nothing else. Any time you would be awarded Glory as a result of your actions, you receive only half the normal amount. Coupled with the normal restriction for Monks in gaining Glory, ascetic monk characters would only gain one quarter the normal amount of Glory. This Disadvantage is worth 3 points to Dragon or Monk characters.

- Driven [Mental] (2 Points)
You are possessed by some goal, and will sacrifice almost anything to accomplish it, even your honor. Family, friends, material possessions, and even Bushido mean nothing compared to the potential completion of this goal, whatever it may be. Goal: To become the sensei of the Taoist Swordmen Dojo.

- Idealistic [Mental] (2 Points)
You adhere closely to the code of Bushido, perhaps too closely, and you have a hopelessly naive view of the world and hos things work. You have impossible standards that not even the most heroic individual could hope to meet, much less you. Whenever you lose Honor, the loss is increased by 1 point. This Disadvantage is worth 3 points to Lion characters.

Overconfident [Mental] (3 Points)
You possess a grossly inflated view of your own prowess, and are often incapable of recognizing when a situation is beyond your ability to handle. When outnumbered or facing a clearly superior enemy (whether in court or in battle) you must succeed at a Perception Trait Roll (TN 20) in order to recognize the situation for what it is and leave instead of engaging. This Disadvantage is worth 4 points to Lion and Mantis characters.

Heritage table result
Your ancestor had a romantic affair during winter court that was the inspiration for many pillow books. Some of that past glory refl ects on you. You gain 0.5 Glory and may take the Advantage Seven Fortunes Blessing: Benten's Blessing for 1 less Experience Point.
Changelog
Started with AGI 3, Void 3 and 60 exp
+7 exp for Driven, Idealistic and Overconfident
-14 exp for Prodigy and Strength of the Earth
-12 exp for AWA 3
-12 exp for REF 3
-2 exp for Athletics 2
-2 exp for Defense 2
-5 exp for Iaijutsu 3
-5 exp for Kenjutsu 3
-5 exp for Etiquette 3
-1 exp for Games (Go) 1
-6 exp for Courtier 3
Total EXP spent: 57
Total EXP banked: 3
+4 exp by reward
-5 exp for Meditation 3
-1 exp for Perform (Dance) 1
Total EXP spent: 6
Total EXP banked: 1
+4 exp by reward
-1 exp for Investigation 1
-3 exp for Jiujutsu 2
Total EXP spent: 4
Total EXP banked: 1
+15 exp by reward
-12 exp for STR 3
-3 exp for Blessing of the Seven Fortunes: Benten
-1 exp for Sincerity
Total EXP spent: 16
Total EXP banked: 0
+4 exp by reward
Total EXP spent: 0
Total EXP banked: 4
+8 exp by reward
Total EXP spent:0
Total EXP banked: 12
+6 exp by reward - defeating Bakin
Total EXP spent:0
Total EXP banked: 18
+6 exp by reward
Total EXP spent: 0 (currently pending)
Total EXP banked: 22
+10 exp by reward
-12 exp for PER 3
Total EXP spent: 12
Total EXP banked: 20

+45 exp by reward
-12 exp for INT 3
-12 exp for STA 3
-12 exp for WIL 3
-14 exp for Kenjutsu 6
-9 exp for Iaijutsu 5
-5 exp for Investigation 3

Total EXP spent: 65
Total EXP banked: 1

Shizuki sighed as she sat next to Tsumetomo, careful as to make as little noise as possible. She was wearing an elegant, yet modest teal kimono, with golden straps adorning the sleeves; a gift from her own Clan in gratitude for past deeds.

The last six years were the most agitated for Shizuki, never able to stay in one place for too long. At one point she traveled back to her homelands in the mountains to further her training and witness her younger sibling's Gempukku. She ended up playing a role in repealing a major Yobanjin raid by slaying several officers of their barbaric leader. Not long after, back in the city, she helped in quelling a Heimin revolt incited by a Maho Tsukai, a practitioner of foul arts who passed off as a tattooed monk. Her involvement allowed her to come in good terms with the people in the capital and perhaps, strengthen the relationship between the Dragon and the Lion.

All of this got her several new scars, with the biggest and deepest made by the Yobanjin. It went down through one of her sides, hidden beneath her clothing.
 
Hida Miyu
Age: 22
Insight: 196


Air: 3
Reflexes: 3
Awareness: 3

Earth: 4
Stamina: 4
Willpower: 4

Fire: 2
Agility: 3
Intelligence: 2

Water: 3
Strength: 3
Perception: 3

Void: 3

Wounds:
1-20: Healthy
20-28: Nicked
28-34: Grazed
34-42: Hurt
42-50: Injured
50-58: Crippled
58-66: Down
66-74: Out

Skills:
Athletics 3
Defense 3
Heavy Weapons (Tetsubo) 3
Intimidation 2
Kenjutsu 3
Lore: Shadowlands 2
Iaijutsu 3
Etiquette 3
Sincerity 2
Hunting 2
Lore: Heraldry 1
Kyujutsu 1
Investigation 3
Battle 3
Courtier 3
Lore: Law 3

Mastery Bonuses:
Courtier 3: +3 Insight
Defense 3: May Retain previous turn's result when using Full Defense
Etiquette 3: +3 Insight
Iaijutsu 3: May Ready a katana as a Free Action
Heavy Weapons 3: Targets have their Reduction reduced by 2 when attacked with a Heavy Weapon
Kenjutsu 3: +1k0 to all damage rolls with a sword
Investigation 3: A second attempt to use Search is possible without needing a Raise.


School: Hida Bushi

Technique 1:
The Way of the Crab: Ignore TN Penalties for heavy armour except with stealth, gain +1k0 to damage rolls with heavy weapons

Technique 2:
The Mountain Does Not Move: Gains (Earth Ring) in Reduction

Technique 3:
Two Pincers, One Mind: Attacks with Heavy Weapons or Samurai Keyword weapons
are now a Simple Action

Outfit:
Kaiu Blade "Inazuma" (3k3, reduces enemy Reduction by 2)
Wakizashi (2k2, may be thrown up to 20' as a ranged weapon)
Heavy Armor (Reduction 5, Armor TN +10)
Sturdy Clothing
Tetsubo (6k3 Attack, 8k3 Damage, reduces enemy Reduction by 2)
Travelling Pack
3 Koku

Advantages:
Large (3 XP): +1k0 on Damage Rolls for large melee weapons
Strength of the Earth (2 XP): Reduce TN Penalties from Wound Ranks by 3
Touch of the Spirit Realms (Tengoku) (5 XP): +2k0 on Taint Resistance rolls
Sacred Weapon: Kaiu Blade

Disadvantages:
Gullible (+4 XP): +1k1 for people using Sincerity (Deceit) against Miyu
Idealistic (+2 XP): Loses 1 more Honor point when it would otherwise be reduced.

Heritage Results:
Miyu's father died a hero's death fighting in the Shadowlands, and she continually hopes to live up to that legacy. Gained 1 Rank in Kyujutsu

XP: 0

Reflexes to 3: 12 XP
Willpower to 3: 12 XP
Agility to 3: 12 XP
Advantages: 10 XP
Disadvantages: -6 XP
Defense to 3: 5 XP
Tetsubo to 3: 5 XP
Kenjutsu to 2: 2 XP
Etiquette to 2: 3 XP
Sincerity to 2: 3 XP
Athletics to 2: 2 XP
Iaijutsu to 2: 2 XP
Hunting to 1: 1 XP
Lore: Heraldry to 1: 1 XP
Investigation to 1: 1 XP
Hunting to 2: 2 XP
Perception to 3: 12 XP
Etiquette to 3: 3 XP
Battle to 1: 1 XP
Courtier to 3: 6 XP
Kenjutsu to 3: 3 XP
Void to 3: 13 XP
Awareness to 3: 12 XP
Athletics to 3: 3 XP
Battle to 3: 5 XP
Stamina to 4: 16 XP
Willpower to 4: 16 XP
Investigation to 3: 3 XP
Intimidation to 2: 2 XP
Lore: Shadowlands to 2: 2 XP
Lore: Law to 3: 6 XP


Total Expenses so far: 167 XP


Honor: 3.3
Glory: 4.3
Status: 1.0

Hida Miyu is a promising girl from the lands of the Crab--born and raised expecting that her life would be spent upon the Great Carpenter Wall, facing off against the hordes of the Shadowlands in the name of the Empire, serving as one more brick in the undying Wall that preserves the light and hope of the world. As it so happens, the events of the Topaz Championship--and the subsequent patronage of Emperor Toturi I did a fair bit to nudge her Destiny away from that and into something a little more practical--and some might say worldly than her kin can ordinarily expect.

Her time in the Capital, serving as one of Princess Tsudao's... Retainers? Teachers? Protectors? The role was never really made clear, and while not as foolish as some might stereotype the Hida to be, Miyu spent more of her time adapating to the realities of life away from the constant pressures and demands of the Wall. Indeed, she's gained an impressive understanding of the Law of the Empire--especially in light of her assistance with the Jade Magistracy as a temporary Legionnaire during the investigation into the actions and activities of the alleged "Kaiu Baikin" that came so close to doing real, genuine damage--it's said that the Emerald Magistracy is interested in offering her a commission lately as well, given how those same skills she had developed in this would translate well to rooting out additional criminals and problems in the days ahead--though with the Emperor currently holding a monopoly on the activities of the Princess' retinue, it was unclear how the politics would shake out.

She is, as of yet, unmarried--the simple distance involved with her presence here so far away from her Clan's own center of gravity has delayed the usual proceedings--and the fact that she is not at constant risk of being randomly killed by an Oni that showed up out of nowhere has caused a certain... Laxity in the usual rush her Clan has to get their scions paired up. This does put her in something of an awkward position compared to her other friends and comrades in the retinue, but she figures someone nice will happen along "Any day now", and generally tries to pay the whole business no real mind.
 
And whoops I should have done this literally weeks ago. With thanks to @horngeek for kicking me out of my malaise...

By this point, the Imperial Palace has long since stopped being a strange and intimidating place to any of you. It is simply... where you work, for the most part, and while the Seppun guards never relax their vigilance they know you well enough to treat you with polite civility outside of the standard security checkpoints. You arrive in ones and twos, and as each checkpoint is cleared the guards direct you onwards to a common meeting point - a small antechamber behind the throne room, where the Emperor finds it convenient to hold more private meetings with his favoured samurai.

You enter to find Emperor Toturi already present, seated before a low desk and writing some private message on faintly scented paper. A Miya herald lurks in the background, waiting patiently for the message to be completed, and as you enter the Emperor glances up briefly before nodding to a selection of cushions arrayed around the room.

"Tell me, samurai," he says as he writes, "how familiar are each of you with the western reaches of my empire."
 
Maugan Ra said:
"Tell me, samurai," he says as he writes, "how familiar are each of you with the western reaches of my empire."
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Sakura arrives with Yuzuki, of course- their friendship is well-known, although few know it to be more- and as she sits, she considers the question. "Somewhat familiar, Heika. I have spent time among the Unicorn, although a large part of that time was spent outside Unicorn lands themselves."

Memories of the Hejaz come to her for a moment, and she smiles subtly as she continues. "I have also spent much time there while the alliance between my Clan and the Unicorn was negotiated. I am familiar with the courts of the Unicorn, but I have not spent much time in their wider provinces save the immediate area around their courts; and of other Clan lands in the western reaches, I am not familiar."
 
Maugan Ra said:
And whoops I should have done this literally weeks ago. With thanks to @horngeek for kicking me out of my malaise...

By this point, the Imperial Palace has long since stopped being a strange and intimidating place to any of you. It is simply... where you work, for the most part, and while the Seppun guards never relax their vigilance they know you well enough to treat you with polite civility outside of the standard security checkpoints. You arrive in ones and twos, and as each checkpoint is cleared the guards direct you onwards to a common meeting point - a small antechamber behind the throne room, where the Emperor finds it convenient to hold more private meetings with his favoured samurai.

You enter to find Emperor Toturi already present, seated before a low desk and writing some private message on faintly scented paper. A Miya herald lurks in the background, waiting patiently for the message to be completed, and as you enter the Emperor glances up briefly before nodding to a selection of cushions arrayed around the room.

"Tell me, samurai," he says as he writes, "how familiar are each of you with the western reaches of my empire."
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
"Only as far as the lands of the Crab. Further north or west I have not traveled Heika." Tsunetomo speaks his large frame settling down on the cushions as he seats himself. "Have we duties in Unicorn or Crab lands that you wish for us to perform, Heika?"
 
"It is my homeland, Heika; what I do not know is likely known to my family," Yuzuki says confidently. She has grown over the past five years, adding extra muscle to her graceful frame and slowly growing out of the more reserved nature she typically displays in public.

"Aside from the courts and castles, heika, I would confess my knowledge is limited," Katsu replies next. Fatherhood seems to have agreed with him, supplementing his rakish charm with a more sensible outlook that has stood many of your allies in good stead over the years, and while he remains a Scorpion at heart a life among the Matsu can make an idealist out of almost anyone.

"Very little, Heika." Takako replies last. Of all your number, she has been changed the least by the passage of time; still taciturn and shy, more interested in her prayers and her goals than the thoughts and words of those around her. You have heard her Clan is currently negotiating a marriage arrangement for her, but if this is true there is very little to be said about it; certainly Takako has revealed nothing of real note.

Toturi nods thoughtfully, finishing the letter and stamping it with his personal mon before handing it off to the Miya. Only once the Imperial Samurai has taken it and departed does he speak.

"I have an assignment for you all; something to occupy your time while my daughter attends to her schooling." He says without further preamble. "Gajin have been sighted in the lands west of Shiro Ide. They do not appear to be hostile, but they are avoiding contact with samurai and apparently have found some way to enter Rokugan without following any of the known paths through the mountains. I want to know how many there are, why they are here and how they crossed the borders unseen by any of our sentinels."
 
"Odd" Miyu commented. "That's curious indeed, and certainly worthy of investigation, a small handful might have found their way here by chance rather than design, but either way, a potential security hole needs be closed--if one group came through, even with the best of intentions, then others might do the same with less manners."
 
Sakura's eyebrows almost raise, but she manages to keep her face smooth, although sharing a glance with Yuzuki before she speaks. "...indeed, Hida-san. Especially depending on the reasons they may have braved the crossing. They are likely of the people of the Hejaz, by my guess- the Desert Moto would not avoid the Unicorn so."

She looks at the others. "I can communicate with them, to aid in finding out why they are here."
 
"As you command, Heika." Shizuki bowed, spared from having to admit her knowledge of anything outside the Empire was next to zero.

horngeek said:
Sakura's eyebrows almost raise, but she manages to keep her face smooth, although sharing a glance with Yuzuki before she speaks. "...indeed, Hida-san. Especially depending on the reasons they may have braved the crossing. They are likely of the people of the Hejaz, by my guess- the Desert Moto would not avoid the Unicorn so."

She looks at the others. "I can communicate with them, to aid in finding out why they are here."
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Shizuki straightened to look at Sakura. "The Hejaz, Doji-sama?" She asked with some interest.

A Nation's Virtue said:
"Any idea as to how they arrived? I've heard that the Yobanjin ride flying serpents, but know little else of the gaijin to the west."
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Shizuki slightly raised an eyebrow at the Mantis. An intriguing affirmation she would like to know about his source, and she would have asked should they weren't in font of the emperor.
 
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EtchedSteel said:
Shizuki straightened to look at Sakura. "The Hejaz, Doji-san?" She asked with some interest.
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Sakura looks to the Emperor for permission to proceed before she replies. "The desert lands to our west, beyond where the Desert Moto reside. The people there are divided- some of them have settled in cities, others travel the sands, with no fixed home. They are divided, and often fight among themselves- not as the Clans do, over matters of honour, but over resources and other, lesser matters."

She looks at Shizuki. "There are individuals, I have found among them, who have risen above this, and I would call honourable after a fashion- but as a whole, they suffer the lack of the guidance of the Kami, and even those few often stumble, not knowing the correct path."

A Nation's Virtue said:
"Any idea as to how they arrived? I've heard that the Yobanjin ride flying serpents, but know little else of the gaijin to the west."
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"The Bedouin- their word for the nomadic people of the Hejaz- have no such creatures. Most likely, they arrived by horse or their own feet- but how they gained access to Rokugan unseen, I do not know"
 
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Maugan Ra said:
"I have an assignment for you all; something to occupy your time while my daughter attends to her schooling." He says without further preamble. "Gajin have been sighted in the lands west of Shiro Ide. They do not appear to be hostile, but they are avoiding contact with samurai and apparently have found some way to enter Rokugan without following any of the known paths through the mountains. I want to know how many there are, why they are here and how they crossed the borders unseen by any of our sentinels."
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"It will be an honor to see about drilling some proper etiquette in to these interlopers' heads." Soko rocked forward slightly and dropped back in a rush, the brief moment of extra height punctuated by the soft thump.

"And if they are near Shiro Ide," she murmured to Katsu, "perhaps we could take a short detour to inspect the troops?"

Elsewhere in the empire hairs prickled on five little necks...
 
"I will have travel papers sent to your quarters before the day is out," Toturi says with a nod, "and the Ide know to expect you. You will have all necessary authority to treat with these outsiders on my behalf, if they are open to diplomacy, but to trespass upon Rokugan is a serious crime that must be answered for."

He glances between the eight of you, his gaze calm and assessing. "Questions?"
 
Sakura thinks for a moment, before looking to the others. "None that require imposing upon yourself to answer, Heika."
 
Maugan Ra said:
He glances between the eight of you, his gaze calm and assessing. "Questions?"
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"Heika, would it be permissible to stop briefly along the way and inquire after Tsudao-hime? Shiro Akodo is on the way across the Lion Clan lands if we take a slightly more southerly route after all."
 
Mina said:
"Heika, would it be permissible to stop briefly along the way and inquire after Tsudao-hime? Shiro Akodo is on the way across the Lion Clan lands if we take a slightly more southerly route after all."
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"It would rather defeat the point of enrolling anonymously, if my daughter's retinue paid her a visit midway into the year regardless," Toturi says with dry humour. "In any case, you are dismissed. Keep me updated on major developments."
 
Sakura bows deeply, before rising. "We shall, heika."

As the party leaves the Emperor's presence, she turns to the others, smiling as she looks at them. "I suppose we should make our preparations- it would honour me if you would join me tomorrow at my residence for the midday meal- and there, we might make our plans."

----

The Next Day

There are many fine residences in Otisan Uichi. There are many fine residences within the Chisei district, within the inner walls- but out of those, the residence of the Crane Clan Champion's nephew stands out. Closer to a mansion than a single house, the residence features several buildings, with small gardens in-between.

The room where the party eventually meets, after all the pleasantries, overlooks one of the gardens, open to the clean air of the Inner City- but the other buildings make it feel enclosed as well. Sakura has changed from the formal kimono the Crane wore to meet the Emperor, and now wears clothing more familiar to the others- hakama, haori, and her kimono of flowers, still subtly declaring a secret love.

She kneels, enjoying her tea as she listens to the rhythmic thunk of the deer-scarer dropping down, before she speaks. "So, to business- how do we approach these gaijin? I can speak Mekhem, which at least one among them should as well even if they do not originate from the Hejaz themselves, but we will need to make sure we are listened to first."
 
horngeek said:
She kneels, enjoying her tea as she listens to the rhythmic thunk of the deer-scarer dropping down, before she speaks. "So, to business- how do we approach these gaijin? I can speak Mekhem, which at least one among them should as well even if they do not originate from the Hejaz themselves, but we will need to make sure we are listened to first."
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"In some sort of encircling maneuver, spears and heavy cavalry. Drive them before us, ride them down, teach them the honor they so clearly lack with steel and...no?" Soko hadn't been able to change, but didn't really care. One wore what one had on, as Shinsei said. Maybe said. It sounded Tao-ish anyway.

"No--I suppose we must parley with them, though a guard and force enough to ensure their compliance wouldn't go amiss. Trackers too in case they aren't in the talking mood. What sort of thing would indicate to them we aren't intent on taking their heads Doji-san, Utaku-san? Or perhaps Yoritomo-san has some way of placating strange gaijin that doesn't involve an armored sandal on their necks?"

@Maugan Ra @A Nation's Virtue
 
Mina said:
"No--I suppose we must parley with them, though a guard and force enough to ensure their compliance wouldn't go amiss. Trackers too in case they aren't in the talking mood. What sort of thing would indicate to them we aren't intent on taking their heads Doji-san, Utaku-san? Or perhaps Yoritomo-san has some way of placating strange gaijin that doesn't involve an armored sandal on their necks?"
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Sakura thinks for a moment, before looking up. "Ask hospitality- it is, to the people of the Hejaz, as sacred a duty to uphold the rules of hospitality as it is to us, although their customs of such are different in some ways that ours. If we take that route, we should bring up the important- and unpleasant- matters of their trespass on our lands before partaking of their food."

She pours tea for the others as she speaks. "It is a rather serious thing to bring up, and the response will be the poorer if we do so after accepting the rights of a guest- they do not share our view that it is considered more polite to wait for such matters."
 
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