Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- London, England
[x] gman391
[x] gman391
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] gman391
3.75
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
You stare at the statues for several minutes, lost in thought. This temple is one of profound significance, holding these images of the Thunders. What could one say to these fourteen heroes, whose legends were even now still taught to the young of all the Clans? There are none alive within the Empire who do not know of them, for without them the Empire would not exist.
The clouds of incense thicken, blanketing the room in a smoky mist. It is almost as if you are standing within a cloudbank, the world around you nothing but hazy images. The end of the temple, however, is clear as day, as are the statues of these heroes so renowned. Walking forward deeper into the temple, you gaze at each of their likenesses in turn.
Hida Atarasi, son of Hida Kami himself, who walked forth that fateful day to protect the Empire when his father could not.
Doji Konishiko, one to respect even if she is Crane, taking up her brother's blade when he could not.
Lord Mirumoto, the greatest swordsman to live, the one to guide the rest when the Little Teacher himself could not.
Lady Matsu, the pride of the Lion who showed defiance even to Akodo Kami, striking down the foe he could not.
Lord Isawa, genius of the age and crafter of the Black Scrolls, who bound Fu Leng for a thousand Years when others could not.
Lady Shosuro, the sole survivor, whose promise to the kami was stronger than any foe coming home when others could not.
Lady Otaku, casting defiance and arguably winning the First Day of Thunder with her sacrifice where others could not.
For a thousand years all Samurai have remembered these names, have honored them and looked to their spirits for guidance. Each of them was human, yes, but that seems a very small thing compared to what they accomplished. In fact, it is because they were human that what they achieved was all the more meaningful.
Slowly your eyes turn to the Second Thunders. Their tales are still young, but no less powerful by comparison. They stood before the might of the fallen Kami, Fu Leng himself, and did not falter. All that makes the original Thunders great is personified in them, for they stood fast against all the evils of the world and challenged them to do their worst.
Hida Yakamo, savior of the Crab's Honor during the Clan War, who became the Sun and bearer of the Jade Hand.
Doji Hoturi, lord of the Crane and greatest swordsman of his time, who struck the final blow at the cost of his own life.
Mirumoto Hitomi, who became the Moon and bearer of the Obsidian hand, bound by a strange fate to Lord Yakamo.
Lord Toturi, founder of a dynasty that still rules today, hero of the Clan Wars and savior of the Empire more than once.
Isawa Takada, possibly the greatest master of the earth kami there ever was and sole reason that Doji Hoturi could strike.
Bayushi Kachiko, a villain and hero, and in both capacities showed the way toward victory.
Otaku Kamoko, redeemer of the Moto, killer of the mad Yogo Junzen and first to strike that day.
Once more you wonder what you can say as you finally come before their statues. You can feel their gazes on you, judging your worth. The Thunders are weighing you, demanding to know why you have come before them. The pressure is palpable on your skin as you kneel before them, your legs giving out beneath the heavy atmosphere of the room.
The incense within the temple swirls, as does your vision. Dizziness strikes you in waves, scattering your thoughts. You try to collect them, but they slip like sand through your fingers and you can only hold on to a bare handful at a time. It is as if you are trapped in a dream, and focus comes only with great effort.
Something must be said, but what? All your accomplishments aside, you are not one for fancy words. At heart, you are Crab. Perhaps it is best to be direct and simple?
"Oh Seven Thunders, please heed me this day," you whisper, bowing your head to the floor. "I honor you for your sacrifices, and your deeds. I will not ask for guidance, for your lives are guidance enough, but I thank you for the guidance you have already given and ask that you smile on your Clans still."
You are not sure how long you stay there, prostrating yourself to the greatest heroes Rokugan has ever known. All you know is that the pressure, the dizziness, pushes down on your back as you bow. It is encompassing like a blanket, but heavy as if made of stone. You couldn't move if you wanted to, and you dare not try while this tension is upon you.
And then, suddenly, it relents. With a gasp you sit upright, gazing up at the Thunders. The clouds of incense have thinned, revealing the temple again. It seems whatever trial you underwent is complete now, and you have returned to the world.
A glance to your left reveals Shirou kneeling in prayer, his eyes closed and his hands clasped in prayer. Your friend doesn't seem to have felt what you did… Though, in truth, you're not entirely certain what you experienced. Was any of it even real, or just some sudden fever brought on by the overwhelming incense?
"Those were good words," Himawari says from your right. You only just manage to keep from jumping out of your skin as you turn your head to her. She, too, is kneeling with her hands clasped before her. She is looking at you, however, instead of the statues. "I am sure the Thunders heard them."
[] Write in.
You stare at the statues for several minutes, lost in thought. This temple is one of profound significance, holding these images of the Thunders. What could one say to these fourteen heroes, whose legends were even now still taught to the young of all the Clans? There are none alive within the Empire who do not know of them, for without them the Empire would not exist.
The clouds of incense thicken, blanketing the room in a smoky mist. It is almost as if you are standing within a cloudbank, the world around you nothing but hazy images. The end of the temple, however, is clear as day, as are the statues of these heroes so renowned. Walking forward deeper into the temple, you gaze at each of their likenesses in turn.
Hida Atarasi, son of Hida Kami himself, who walked forth that fateful day to protect the Empire when his father could not.
Doji Konishiko, one to respect even if she is Crane, taking up her brother's blade when he could not.
Lord Mirumoto, the greatest swordsman to live, the one to guide the rest when the Little Teacher himself could not.
Lady Matsu, the pride of the Lion who showed defiance even to Akodo Kami, striking down the foe he could not.
Lord Isawa, genius of the age and crafter of the Black Scrolls, who bound Fu Leng for a thousand Years when others could not.
Lady Shosuro, the sole survivor, whose promise to the kami was stronger than any foe coming home when others could not.
Lady Otaku, casting defiance and arguably winning the First Day of Thunder with her sacrifice where others could not.
For a thousand years all Samurai have remembered these names, have honored them and looked to their spirits for guidance. Each of them was human, yes, but that seems a very small thing compared to what they accomplished. In fact, it is because they were human that what they achieved was all the more meaningful.
Slowly your eyes turn to the Second Thunders. Their tales are still young, but no less powerful by comparison. They stood before the might of the fallen Kami, Fu Leng himself, and did not falter. All that makes the original Thunders great is personified in them, for they stood fast against all the evils of the world and challenged them to do their worst.
Hida Yakamo, savior of the Crab's Honor during the Clan War, who became the Sun and bearer of the Jade Hand.
Doji Hoturi, lord of the Crane and greatest swordsman of his time, who struck the final blow at the cost of his own life.
Mirumoto Hitomi, who became the Moon and bearer of the Obsidian hand, bound by a strange fate to Lord Yakamo.
Lord Toturi, founder of a dynasty that still rules today, hero of the Clan Wars and savior of the Empire more than once.
Isawa Takada, possibly the greatest master of the earth kami there ever was and sole reason that Doji Hoturi could strike.
Bayushi Kachiko, a villain and hero, and in both capacities showed the way toward victory.
Otaku Kamoko, redeemer of the Moto, killer of the mad Yogo Junzen and first to strike that day.
Once more you wonder what you can say as you finally come before their statues. You can feel their gazes on you, judging your worth. The Thunders are weighing you, demanding to know why you have come before them. The pressure is palpable on your skin as you kneel before them, your legs giving out beneath the heavy atmosphere of the room.
The incense within the temple swirls, as does your vision. Dizziness strikes you in waves, scattering your thoughts. You try to collect them, but they slip like sand through your fingers and you can only hold on to a bare handful at a time. It is as if you are trapped in a dream, and focus comes only with great effort.
Something must be said, but what? All your accomplishments aside, you are not one for fancy words. At heart, you are Crab. Perhaps it is best to be direct and simple?
"Oh Seven Thunders, please heed me this day," you whisper, bowing your head to the floor. "I honor you for your sacrifices, and your deeds. I will not ask for guidance, for your lives are guidance enough, but I thank you for the guidance you have already given and ask that you smile on your Clans still."
You are not sure how long you stay there, prostrating yourself to the greatest heroes Rokugan has ever known. All you know is that the pressure, the dizziness, pushes down on your back as you bow. It is encompassing like a blanket, but heavy as if made of stone. You couldn't move if you wanted to, and you dare not try while this tension is upon you.
And then, suddenly, it relents. With a gasp you sit upright, gazing up at the Thunders. The clouds of incense have thinned, revealing the temple again. It seems whatever trial you underwent is complete now, and you have returned to the world.
A glance to your left reveals Shirou kneeling in prayer, his eyes closed and his hands clasped in prayer. Your friend doesn't seem to have felt what you did… Though, in truth, you're not entirely certain what you experienced. Was any of it even real, or just some sudden fever brought on by the overwhelming incense?
"Those were good words," Himawari says from your right. You only just manage to keep from jumping out of your skin as you turn your head to her. She, too, is kneeling with her hands clasped before her. She is looking at you, however, instead of the statues. "I am sure the Thunders heard them."
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Hello Himawarmi, I hope you aren't stalking us or anything.
[x] Blink for a moment. This is just chance, and nothing more.
"Thank you Kitsu-san, I'm sure your own prayers are just as fine."
Praying in the temple is what she's here for right?
"The Lion are said to be close to the Ancestors yes?"
[x] Blink for a moment. This is just chance, and nothing more.
"Thank you Kitsu-san, I'm sure your own prayers are just as fine."
Praying in the temple is what she's here for right?
"The Lion are said to be close to the Ancestors yes?"
Last edited:
[x] gman391
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[x] gman391
Never a dull moment in this wacky life.
Never a dull moment in this wacky life.
- Location
- Iceland
[x] gman391
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X] gman391
Dirtnap
Kanmusu Affecionado
Himawari is a Kitsu, Gman. And Hanabi is our yan.
cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
[Q] Are you a Scorpion?
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] Attempt to keep yourself from having a heart attack
3.76
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
You blink at her, trying to calm your racing heartbeat. Himawari has taken you totally by surprise, moving into such a close position without you noticing a thing. Heat rises in your cheeks as you fight down embarrassment. You are a warrior, and you were taken completely unawares!
Then again, with how thick the incense was you doubt you could have even seen an ogre walking up to you. And that pressure… Just what was that? You could hardly move beneath that weight, your whole body pressing into the floor as if a mountain had been placed on your back.
For a brief moment you consider if the Thunders were truly gazing down at you… But no, that is the height of arrogance. You are just a Bushi, one of tens of thousands, and they are the greatest heroes to have ever walked the earth. To presume they would pay you any special attention is to give them terrible insult.
"Thank you Kitsu-san," you say, pushing the thought aside. "I'm sure your own prayers are just as fine."
"They are simple and direct, as I believe the best ones are," she says. "Though in truth, I feel we honor the Thunders most by emulating what made them so extraordinary." She looks up at the statues, her expression filled with awe as if gazing upon the radiance of the rising sun. "They were but human, with faults like any other, but they accomplished what no one else could. It is… magnificent."
You gaze at her as she bows her head, obviously going back into prayer. It strikes you as odd that Himawari would be here in this this shrine at the same time as yourself. Shiro Kitsuki isn't the largest city, but it is still sizable and there are a great many temples. Could she have followed you here, or asked the kami for guidance to your location?
Even as you contemplate that thought, you recall her words. Her admiration for the Thunders is obvious, and while any right thinking Samurai would hold them in the highest esteem she seems especially captivated by their heroism. Himawari whispers her prayers so softly you cannot hear the words, but you can easily make out the reverence in her tone. She is sincere in her appreciation.
That puts you more at ease. This was obviously just some strange coincidence, which considering your life isn't so strange. It almost seems as if you bounce from one oddity to another, barely keeping your feet on the ground as your thrust into situations you hardly feel qualified to deal with. But you've come to realize that's just what life is; flowing in a current you've little control over. You can either move with the river and have some say in what happens, or fight it and drown beneath its depths.
"I find myself curious, Kitsu-san," you say as Himawari finishes her prayer. "The Lion are said to be close to the Ancestors, yes?"
"We are," Himawari says, sitting straight. She glances at you and smiles. "I believe I know what you're getting at, Hiruma-san, but sadly I am not a Sodan-Senzo. I have not the ability to communicate with the Honored Ancestors and seek their guidance."
"Is that so?" you ask. "I must admit I didn't know that. I thought every Kitsu had the ability to speak with them."
"Only those who are most true and pure in their lineage are able to achieve that exalted feat," Himawari responds. "The most I, and most Kitsu, can accomplish is seeing some of the spiritual links that connect those ancient heroes to their descendants."
[] Continue the conversation. (Write in)
[] Suggest leaving the temple and explore elsewhere.
[] Write in.
You blink at her, trying to calm your racing heartbeat. Himawari has taken you totally by surprise, moving into such a close position without you noticing a thing. Heat rises in your cheeks as you fight down embarrassment. You are a warrior, and you were taken completely unawares!
Then again, with how thick the incense was you doubt you could have even seen an ogre walking up to you. And that pressure… Just what was that? You could hardly move beneath that weight, your whole body pressing into the floor as if a mountain had been placed on your back.
For a brief moment you consider if the Thunders were truly gazing down at you… But no, that is the height of arrogance. You are just a Bushi, one of tens of thousands, and they are the greatest heroes to have ever walked the earth. To presume they would pay you any special attention is to give them terrible insult.
"Thank you Kitsu-san," you say, pushing the thought aside. "I'm sure your own prayers are just as fine."
"They are simple and direct, as I believe the best ones are," she says. "Though in truth, I feel we honor the Thunders most by emulating what made them so extraordinary." She looks up at the statues, her expression filled with awe as if gazing upon the radiance of the rising sun. "They were but human, with faults like any other, but they accomplished what no one else could. It is… magnificent."
You gaze at her as she bows her head, obviously going back into prayer. It strikes you as odd that Himawari would be here in this this shrine at the same time as yourself. Shiro Kitsuki isn't the largest city, but it is still sizable and there are a great many temples. Could she have followed you here, or asked the kami for guidance to your location?
Even as you contemplate that thought, you recall her words. Her admiration for the Thunders is obvious, and while any right thinking Samurai would hold them in the highest esteem she seems especially captivated by their heroism. Himawari whispers her prayers so softly you cannot hear the words, but you can easily make out the reverence in her tone. She is sincere in her appreciation.
That puts you more at ease. This was obviously just some strange coincidence, which considering your life isn't so strange. It almost seems as if you bounce from one oddity to another, barely keeping your feet on the ground as your thrust into situations you hardly feel qualified to deal with. But you've come to realize that's just what life is; flowing in a current you've little control over. You can either move with the river and have some say in what happens, or fight it and drown beneath its depths.
"I find myself curious, Kitsu-san," you say as Himawari finishes her prayer. "The Lion are said to be close to the Ancestors, yes?"
"We are," Himawari says, sitting straight. She glances at you and smiles. "I believe I know what you're getting at, Hiruma-san, but sadly I am not a Sodan-Senzo. I have not the ability to communicate with the Honored Ancestors and seek their guidance."
"Is that so?" you ask. "I must admit I didn't know that. I thought every Kitsu had the ability to speak with them."
"Only those who are most true and pure in their lineage are able to achieve that exalted feat," Himawari responds. "The most I, and most Kitsu, can accomplish is seeing some of the spiritual links that connect those ancient heroes to their descendants."
[] Continue the conversation. (Write in)
[] Suggest leaving the temple and explore elsewhere.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Stop smiling woman, Sousuke is a no fly zone!
....What an odd quest this.
[x] "Spiritual links...what does that mean exactly? The Ancestors look on us all to my understanding, and in turn we honour them? If I am wrong please forgive my ignorance in the matter"
Normally I'd leave Spirits to Kuni, or to thumping with Big Stick, although I'd never thump an Ancestor....unless they asked I guess?
Focus Sousuke!
....What an odd quest this.
[x] "Spiritual links...what does that mean exactly? The Ancestors look on us all to my understanding, and in turn we honour them? If I am wrong please forgive my ignorance in the matter"
Normally I'd leave Spirits to Kuni, or to thumping with Big Stick, although I'd never thump an Ancestor....unless they asked I guess?
Focus Sousuke!
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[x] "Spiritual links...what does that mean exactly? The Ancestors look on us all to my understanding, and in turn we honour them? If I am wrong please forgive my ignorance in the matter"
