Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
[X] Visit the shrine.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[X] Visit the shrine.
3.116
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Visit the shrine.
"I would be happy to, Mirumoto-san," you answer. "Please, lead the way."
Hanabi's smile widens, and you follow after her as you all make your way toward the shrine. Although… It's not as if Hanabi is walking in front of you. In fact, you're both pretty much walking side by side. If the woman were any closer to you, she'd be leaning right on your shoulder.
A glance over your shoulder reveals that Shirou, for his part, is walking behind the both of you. He has his arms still folded behind his back, but his solemn expression has changed to a more pensive one. And it is directed at… Hanabi?
Well, you've no idea what that is about. Perhaps he finds her behavior odd as well? You'll just have to ask him later when you both have the time.
Eyes forward, you once more notice the strange glittering as you approach the shrine. It isn't gold or any kind of metal, for it the light isn't truly being reflected off whatever is catching it. Instead, it is more like the light is being broken by whatever strange material has been included in the building's structure. But what could cause such a thing?
The answer becomes readily apparent as you finally get a close look at the shrine.
"Heavens above," you mutter, your jaw dropping. "The shrine is inlaid with Crystal."
Catching the light of the sun are thousands of small, transparent chips no larger than your thumbnail. They are arranged in patterns of serpentine grace along the pillars and walls of the shrine, blending into the wood so seamlessly that it almost looks as if they were grown as part of it. It is all so subtle and natural that it takes you a few moments to realize that the Crystal chips have been arranged in the designs of Dragons in flight.
While the structure of the shrine itself is nothing special, just a small building holding a memorial inside its arches, the presence of such a sacred material gives it an otherworldly glow. Crystal is rarer even than cherished Jade, the tears of Amaterasu-no-Kami that formed in midair as she wept for her children tumbling from Heaven. It is a wondrous substance that never mixed with the earth, instead falling to Ningen-do whole and pure. There is nothing in all the world more precious.
The amount of skill that must have been involved in creating this place boggles your mind. It is almost as shocking as the sheer amount of Crystal that went into its construction. Is it even possible for mortal hands to have crafted such artistry? You know full well the wonders that master smiths and carpenters can make, for the armor you wear even now is a testament to such skills. But compared to this...
You are so amazed that it takes you almost a full minute to realize you are not alone. Within the shrine itself there are a number of people sitting before a structure set in the center of the building. That would be the shrine proper, and behind that there is a mural detailing the life of the man Kaagi as he battled against the Shadow. A number of the Togashi Tattooed Monks that came with the army are meditating before the shrine. They sit with their eyes closed, breathing so slowly they almost resemble statues.
Among their number you see Shinjo Wanli. Unlike the monks around her, who sit cross-legged in contemplation, she sits on her knees in prayer. Her lips move in quick entreaty behind clasped hands, approaching desperate intensity. Tension crinkles around her closed eyes, and it is obvious to you she is seeking some kind of answer.
But to what question, you cannot say.
[] Approach Shinjo Wanli.
[] Pray at Kaagi's Memory. (Prayer write in optional)
[] Examine more of the shrine.
[] Write in.
"I would be happy to, Mirumoto-san," you answer. "Please, lead the way."
Hanabi's smile widens, and you follow after her as you all make your way toward the shrine. Although… It's not as if Hanabi is walking in front of you. In fact, you're both pretty much walking side by side. If the woman were any closer to you, she'd be leaning right on your shoulder.
A glance over your shoulder reveals that Shirou, for his part, is walking behind the both of you. He has his arms still folded behind his back, but his solemn expression has changed to a more pensive one. And it is directed at… Hanabi?
Well, you've no idea what that is about. Perhaps he finds her behavior odd as well? You'll just have to ask him later when you both have the time.
Eyes forward, you once more notice the strange glittering as you approach the shrine. It isn't gold or any kind of metal, for it the light isn't truly being reflected off whatever is catching it. Instead, it is more like the light is being broken by whatever strange material has been included in the building's structure. But what could cause such a thing?
The answer becomes readily apparent as you finally get a close look at the shrine.
"Heavens above," you mutter, your jaw dropping. "The shrine is inlaid with Crystal."
Catching the light of the sun are thousands of small, transparent chips no larger than your thumbnail. They are arranged in patterns of serpentine grace along the pillars and walls of the shrine, blending into the wood so seamlessly that it almost looks as if they were grown as part of it. It is all so subtle and natural that it takes you a few moments to realize that the Crystal chips have been arranged in the designs of Dragons in flight.
While the structure of the shrine itself is nothing special, just a small building holding a memorial inside its arches, the presence of such a sacred material gives it an otherworldly glow. Crystal is rarer even than cherished Jade, the tears of Amaterasu-no-Kami that formed in midair as she wept for her children tumbling from Heaven. It is a wondrous substance that never mixed with the earth, instead falling to Ningen-do whole and pure. There is nothing in all the world more precious.
The amount of skill that must have been involved in creating this place boggles your mind. It is almost as shocking as the sheer amount of Crystal that went into its construction. Is it even possible for mortal hands to have crafted such artistry? You know full well the wonders that master smiths and carpenters can make, for the armor you wear even now is a testament to such skills. But compared to this...
You are so amazed that it takes you almost a full minute to realize you are not alone. Within the shrine itself there are a number of people sitting before a structure set in the center of the building. That would be the shrine proper, and behind that there is a mural detailing the life of the man Kaagi as he battled against the Shadow. A number of the Togashi Tattooed Monks that came with the army are meditating before the shrine. They sit with their eyes closed, breathing so slowly they almost resemble statues.
Among their number you see Shinjo Wanli. Unlike the monks around her, who sit cross-legged in contemplation, she sits on her knees in prayer. Her lips move in quick entreaty behind clasped hands, approaching desperate intensity. Tension crinkles around her closed eyes, and it is obvious to you she is seeking some kind of answer.
But to what question, you cannot say.
[] Approach Shinjo Wanli.
[] Pray at Kaagi's Memory. (Prayer write in optional)
[] Examine more of the shrine.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Have a like for this words of wisdom.
[x] Pray with Shinjo Wanli
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
- Location
- Spain
[x] Pray with Shinjo Wanli
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
Of course! That can only result in delicious, delicious trouble.
That's what Quest are about, right?
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
Of course! That can only result in delicious, delicious trouble.
That's what Quest are about, right?
Last edited:
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[x] Pray with Shinjo Wanli
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
Oh boy...
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
Oh boy...
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Hi everyone! Soooooo... I've been thinking about commissioning more art for this Quest. Is there anything people would be particularly interested in?
Last edited:
A Nation's Virtue
南國山河南帝居
[x] Pray with Shinjo Wanli
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
If posible, I'd like to see a picture of Khosa no Oni. The description you gave of it back at the cave was amazing, and gave me the creeps.
Last edited:
For myself that, or Sasha dying.
IonicTiger
Extremely bewildered sailing vessel.
- Location
- Take a left at Albuquerque
[x] Pray with Shinjo Wanli
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
Welp.
This can only end in fire.
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
Welp.
This can only end in fire.
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
I'd love to see an illustration of Shiro sparring with that Tattooed Monk.
3.117
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Pray with Shinjo Wanli
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
It would be wrong to interrupt Shinjo Wanli as she prays. The fervent devotion she is showing to Kaagi's Memory, the absolute attention she is giving to this shrine, is not something you would be so rude to intrude upon. This is important to her, and you will leave the woman to her prayer.
You take your eyes from the Unicorn Samurai to examine the mural, and what you see surprises you. The far end of it shows the man, Kitsuki Kaagi, standing with the Unicorn against shadowy figures that lack discernable features. Their weapons are drawn, and their backs to each other against the terrible foes that slink out from the darkness.
The Dragon and the Unicorn fighting side by side… How cruel the passage of time can be to ever move away from those moments of fellowship. Just a little over a century ago Dragon and Unicorn Samurai fought together, and now they can barely tolerate each other because of terrible conflicts that occurred just a little before you were born.
Could perhaps the tale of Kaagi repeat itself now in this era? The Unicorn and Dragon are fighting alongside each other again against the same sort of foe, if only grudgingly. But so many will lose their lives in the attempt, lives that will go on to be judged in death and reincarnated in measurement for their past deeds. Their memories will vanish, and their souls will live out new lives never knowing the pains they suffered in their previous incarnation.
It will almost be as if those who die here will never have existed at all, save in the stories of those who remember them.
The thought makes you frown. You've found yourself growing more and more melancholy these last few weeks. You're not entirely certain what to do about that, but it's likely part of the reason you walk toward the shrine right now.
Softly so as to not cause disturbance, you kneel down next to Shinjo Wanli before the shrine. It is a simple structure set atop a thick stone block, with four pillars holding up a tiled roof. It resembles a small house, like many shrines do. A rope hangs across the pillars, written passages of the Tao fluttering off of them. You've eyes only for what rests past the small wooden doors, however. There sits a coiled Dragon surrounding a rearing Unicorn, both crafted entirely from Crystal.
It's one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen.
You kneel down and clasp your hands, bowing your head into them. This is an ancestor shrine, and not one of yours. However, Kitsuki Kaagi stood against the enemy you will soon fight in the days to come. It can only be appropriate, then, to honor him and those who will no doubt perish in order to see victory achieved.
"Oh great Emma-o, Fortune of death and judge of all who pass on from Ningen-do, I beg you hear my words," you whisper. "Please judge favorably on those who will perish in the battles here, and deliver them swiftly to new lives full of purpose. It is only in pursuit of duty that we are truly human, and thus perhaps achieve happiness. I would wish nothing less for the reincarnations of those who fall."
There is a faint pressure to the air, as if you are being watched by something from far away. It is a heavy feeling on your shoulders, and you restrain the urge to shift in your seat. You don't detect malevolence in their watching, however, merely judgement. It is as if you have been placed on a scale, but if so you are uncertain what is set on the other end.
You clap your hands twice to complete the prayer, but you do so softly. You've no wish to disturb anyone. With the ritual complete the feeling vanishes, and you roll your shoulders once to rid yourself of the stiffness that developed there. Almost as if you had been holding a great weight, or perhaps pushing against one…
When you open your eyes, you see that Shinjo Wanli is looking at you. She graces you with a strained smile, though this is ruined by the sigh that slip through with her breathing. You note that she still does not have her katana or spear, though her wakazashi rests settled in her obi.
"I see I am not the only one who needed to get out of the camp," Shinjo Wanli says, rising to her feet. She offers you a hand, though when she speaks next it is with a scowl. "I couldn't stand being there amongst those Ronin."
"I just wanted to explore, myself," you answer, taking Wanli's hand. As soon as you are up, however, Mirumoto Hanabi is by your side. She's almost leaning against you with how close she rests, and you notice her hand is twitching near your arm.
"Yes, well," she begins, looking… annoyed? Yes, the furrowing of her brow definitely indicates this. "I'm sure there's more we can see around the shrine before we have to head back to camp, Hiruma-san. If Shinjo-san wants to continue praying here away from those scouting the land for us, then it might be best to leave her to it."
[] Inquire about the Ronin.
[] Go with Mirumoto Hanabi.
[] Write in.
--Ask for Emma-O to be kind to those who perish this day.
It would be wrong to interrupt Shinjo Wanli as she prays. The fervent devotion she is showing to Kaagi's Memory, the absolute attention she is giving to this shrine, is not something you would be so rude to intrude upon. This is important to her, and you will leave the woman to her prayer.
You take your eyes from the Unicorn Samurai to examine the mural, and what you see surprises you. The far end of it shows the man, Kitsuki Kaagi, standing with the Unicorn against shadowy figures that lack discernable features. Their weapons are drawn, and their backs to each other against the terrible foes that slink out from the darkness.
The Dragon and the Unicorn fighting side by side… How cruel the passage of time can be to ever move away from those moments of fellowship. Just a little over a century ago Dragon and Unicorn Samurai fought together, and now they can barely tolerate each other because of terrible conflicts that occurred just a little before you were born.
Could perhaps the tale of Kaagi repeat itself now in this era? The Unicorn and Dragon are fighting alongside each other again against the same sort of foe, if only grudgingly. But so many will lose their lives in the attempt, lives that will go on to be judged in death and reincarnated in measurement for their past deeds. Their memories will vanish, and their souls will live out new lives never knowing the pains they suffered in their previous incarnation.
It will almost be as if those who die here will never have existed at all, save in the stories of those who remember them.
The thought makes you frown. You've found yourself growing more and more melancholy these last few weeks. You're not entirely certain what to do about that, but it's likely part of the reason you walk toward the shrine right now.
Softly so as to not cause disturbance, you kneel down next to Shinjo Wanli before the shrine. It is a simple structure set atop a thick stone block, with four pillars holding up a tiled roof. It resembles a small house, like many shrines do. A rope hangs across the pillars, written passages of the Tao fluttering off of them. You've eyes only for what rests past the small wooden doors, however. There sits a coiled Dragon surrounding a rearing Unicorn, both crafted entirely from Crystal.
It's one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen.
You kneel down and clasp your hands, bowing your head into them. This is an ancestor shrine, and not one of yours. However, Kitsuki Kaagi stood against the enemy you will soon fight in the days to come. It can only be appropriate, then, to honor him and those who will no doubt perish in order to see victory achieved.
"Oh great Emma-o, Fortune of death and judge of all who pass on from Ningen-do, I beg you hear my words," you whisper. "Please judge favorably on those who will perish in the battles here, and deliver them swiftly to new lives full of purpose. It is only in pursuit of duty that we are truly human, and thus perhaps achieve happiness. I would wish nothing less for the reincarnations of those who fall."
There is a faint pressure to the air, as if you are being watched by something from far away. It is a heavy feeling on your shoulders, and you restrain the urge to shift in your seat. You don't detect malevolence in their watching, however, merely judgement. It is as if you have been placed on a scale, but if so you are uncertain what is set on the other end.
You clap your hands twice to complete the prayer, but you do so softly. You've no wish to disturb anyone. With the ritual complete the feeling vanishes, and you roll your shoulders once to rid yourself of the stiffness that developed there. Almost as if you had been holding a great weight, or perhaps pushing against one…
When you open your eyes, you see that Shinjo Wanli is looking at you. She graces you with a strained smile, though this is ruined by the sigh that slip through with her breathing. You note that she still does not have her katana or spear, though her wakazashi rests settled in her obi.
"I see I am not the only one who needed to get out of the camp," Shinjo Wanli says, rising to her feet. She offers you a hand, though when she speaks next it is with a scowl. "I couldn't stand being there amongst those Ronin."
"I just wanted to explore, myself," you answer, taking Wanli's hand. As soon as you are up, however, Mirumoto Hanabi is by your side. She's almost leaning against you with how close she rests, and you notice her hand is twitching near your arm.
"Yes, well," she begins, looking… annoyed? Yes, the furrowing of her brow definitely indicates this. "I'm sure there's more we can see around the shrine before we have to head back to camp, Hiruma-san. If Shinjo-san wants to continue praying here away from those scouting the land for us, then it might be best to leave her to it."
[] Inquire about the Ronin.
[] Go with Mirumoto Hanabi.
[] Write in.
Last edited: