Legend of the Ronin (Legend of the Five Rings)
- Status
So in lieu of an update....let's delve into the Toriyama Ward
The Toriyama Ward is dominated by two things, the mountain and it's eclectic collection of shrines and temples.
The Mountain is affectionately named Tanata's Last Step after a local legend that this where the Weaver Star was brought up to the sky.
Making one long line to the peak of the mountain where the Temple to the Jade Sun sits. it has but one main, steep thoroughfare that winds its way up the mountain. Off this thoroughfare are small branches of roads leading to major temples, there is an odd balance between lower ground and higher ground. Temples lower down on the mountain gain more traffic and influence, but the higher you go the more purity there seems to be. Within the complicated Thousand Order's politics that brings a power of its own.
At the bottom of the mountain sit two large temple complexes sitting across from each other. These two are the most popular temples in the city.
The first the Temple to Inari is a more traditionalist temple headed by a young Soju (Head Monk) by the name Sayako. Born in the she serves the people as best she can while taking a somewhat sceptical view of the new innovations in the Empire
The second is the Temple to Daikoku, which has become an innovative place trying to invent new ways of finance It is led by an older retired merchant who took the name Tashimi when he became a monk. Quickly rising to the rank of Soju himself, he is usually at odds with Sayako in terms of the spiritual direction of the city.
At the midway point between the Temples and the Order of Thousand Fortunes Monastery, the Monastery of Musbui remains an odd place within the district. With Musubi being the Fortune of Marriage, many well to do women, retire here for a few months to become excellent wives, some say that their families send them but that has never been confirmed. Run by Abbess Taimi, the Monastery is popular if somewhat strange to more conservative orders. Particularly now that there is talk of training husbands as well...
Half way up the mountain is the Order of the Thousand Fortunes monastery. Led by Dai-Soju Chie, this older woman came nearly twenty years ago to serve the spiritual needs of the people. The skill with which she moves in politics and esoteric matters has granted her the somewhat unenviable position of Head Monk for the city. When not advising the governor she is usually calming down fights between the monks of Inari and monks of Daikoku.
Further up the mountain, the Shrine of Goemon sits, just high enough to be a serious work out to climb to. It is mostly an ignored shrine for its master Brother Jubei is notoriously reluctant to play the game of politics although his integrity sees him having a mighty voice in spite of that.
Shortly past the Shrine of Goemon, the small temples of Ebisu and Bishamon form an odd symbiotic relationship, being in the same building, but retaining much of their ethics and separateness from each other. There is little to suggest that the two heads
Soju Kaoru and Soju Masanate are anything but good friends but rumours persist.
The last notable temple in this district is of course that of the Jade Sun, a new temple that is still being built, construction has been halted for several months now, for reasons that only the Soju and Dai-Soju know.
The Toriyama Ward is dominated by two things, the mountain and it's eclectic collection of shrines and temples.
The Mountain is affectionately named Tanata's Last Step after a local legend that this where the Weaver Star was brought up to the sky.
Making one long line to the peak of the mountain where the Temple to the Jade Sun sits. it has but one main, steep thoroughfare that winds its way up the mountain. Off this thoroughfare are small branches of roads leading to major temples, there is an odd balance between lower ground and higher ground. Temples lower down on the mountain gain more traffic and influence, but the higher you go the more purity there seems to be. Within the complicated Thousand Order's politics that brings a power of its own.
At the bottom of the mountain sit two large temple complexes sitting across from each other. These two are the most popular temples in the city.
The first the Temple to Inari is a more traditionalist temple headed by a young Soju (Head Monk) by the name Sayako. Born in the she serves the people as best she can while taking a somewhat sceptical view of the new innovations in the Empire
The second is the Temple to Daikoku, which has become an innovative place trying to invent new ways of finance It is led by an older retired merchant who took the name Tashimi when he became a monk. Quickly rising to the rank of Soju himself, he is usually at odds with Sayako in terms of the spiritual direction of the city.
At the midway point between the Temples and the Order of Thousand Fortunes Monastery, the Monastery of Musbui remains an odd place within the district. With Musubi being the Fortune of Marriage, many well to do women, retire here for a few months to become excellent wives, some say that their families send them but that has never been confirmed. Run by Abbess Taimi, the Monastery is popular if somewhat strange to more conservative orders. Particularly now that there is talk of training husbands as well...
Half way up the mountain is the Order of the Thousand Fortunes monastery. Led by Dai-Soju Chie, this older woman came nearly twenty years ago to serve the spiritual needs of the people. The skill with which she moves in politics and esoteric matters has granted her the somewhat unenviable position of Head Monk for the city. When not advising the governor she is usually calming down fights between the monks of Inari and monks of Daikoku.
Further up the mountain, the Shrine of Goemon sits, just high enough to be a serious work out to climb to. It is mostly an ignored shrine for its master Brother Jubei is notoriously reluctant to play the game of politics although his integrity sees him having a mighty voice in spite of that.
Shortly past the Shrine of Goemon, the small temples of Ebisu and Bishamon form an odd symbiotic relationship, being in the same building, but retaining much of their ethics and separateness from each other. There is little to suggest that the two heads
Soju Kaoru and Soju Masanate are anything but good friends but rumours persist.
The last notable temple in this district is of course that of the Jade Sun, a new temple that is still being built, construction has been halted for several months now, for reasons that only the Soju and Dai-Soju know.
- Location
- Austrlia
What would we know of 'Gaijin', anyway?
At least the ones we might meet here, that is.
IC? Very little.
You are aware that the Ivory Kingdoms people (Invandi) are usually brown skin with dark hair and a general dislike of magic
That the Yodotai a fair skinned people are the worst and everyone agrees on this.
The traders of the desert sands tend to be close to Moto colouring and are kind of jerks but usually okay.
Senpet are just weird.
You are aware that the Ivory Kingdoms people (Invandi) are usually brown skin with dark hair and a general dislike of magic
That the Yodotai a fair skinned people are the worst and everyone agrees on this.
The traders of the desert sands tend to be close to Moto colouring and are kind of jerks but usually okay.
Senpet are just weird.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X] Sake.
[X] "Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said, the Empire is burning and people are dying. I'd like to make it up to the ancestors I've failed, I'd like to repair my grandmother's blade... but honestly, I'd also very much like not to die myself.
[X] "Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said, the Empire is burning and people are dying. I'd like to make it up to the ancestors I've failed, I'd like to repair my grandmother's blade... but honestly, I'd also very much like not to die myself.
[X] Sake.
[X] "Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said, the Empire is burning and people are dying. I'd like to make it up to the ancestors I've failed, I'd like to repair my grandmother's blade... but honestly, I'd also very much like not to die myself.
To get it moving even if I am not 100 % happy with it as that could also simply mean that she gives us another weapon to defend ourself with.
[X] "Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said, the Empire is burning and people are dying. I'd like to make it up to the ancestors I've failed, I'd like to repair my grandmother's blade... but honestly, I'd also very much like not to die myself.
To get it moving even if I am not 100 % happy with it as that could also simply mean that she gives us another weapon to defend ourself with.
- Location
- Connecticut
- Pronouns
- He/Him
We should also remember that forging a sword takes something like 9 weeks. It's gon' be a while before we get our sword back even if she decides to help us.
Vote tally:
##### 3.18
[X] Tea
No. of votes: 1
barenhart
[X] Kaiu-sama, I think I am someone whose soul has been... damaged. For my grandmother's sake and my own, I thought to see it whole once more.
No. of votes: 2
barenhart, Simonbob
[X] Sake.
No. of votes: 4
storybookknight, Sirrocco, EtchedSteel, Scia
[X] Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said, the Empire is burning and people are dying. I'd like to make it up to the ancestors I've failed, I'd like to repair my grandmother's blade... but honestly, I'd also very much like not to die myself.
No. of votes: 4
storybookknight, Sirrocco, EtchedSteel, Scia
##### 3.18
[X] Tea
No. of votes: 1
barenhart
[X] Kaiu-sama, I think I am someone whose soul has been... damaged. For my grandmother's sake and my own, I thought to see it whole once more.
No. of votes: 2
barenhart, Simonbob
[X] Sake.
No. of votes: 4
storybookknight, Sirrocco, EtchedSteel, Scia
[X] Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said, the Empire is burning and people are dying. I'd like to make it up to the ancestors I've failed, I'd like to repair my grandmother's blade... but honestly, I'd also very much like not to die myself.
No. of votes: 4
storybookknight, Sirrocco, EtchedSteel, Scia
Arc I: Oaths of Regret
AN: Unbetaed so sorry for mistakes and stuff
Effect: Holding your own for now
As the sake comes, you take a moment to drink and---wow this is strong stuff, but you're okay, probably.
Where were you? Right Kaiu-sama was giving you this angry glare and asking what you were.
Swallowing down the burning liquid, you consider the question and answer for a moment.
You begin:
"Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said the Empire is---"
The sound of Tanako's bottle hitting the table, stops you.
"Don't give me that bullcrap, you ain't out to save the Empire, you out for yourself." She says.
Then takes another swig of whatever that stuff is.
You suppress a twitch of anger at her calling you out.
Damn you old woman...
"If Kaiu-sama will let me finish?" You ask, irritation creeping into your voice.
Tanako lowers the bottle from her lips.
"Fine, I'm telling ya it ain't going to work."
"I'm not proud of what I've done, or anything, but my grandmother's sword deserves better, and I want to make it up to her and my ancestors....but the real reason I'm here, is because I don't want to die." You say quietly.
"Eh?" Tanako's eyes widen in surprise.
A shrug from you as you reflect on lessons you learned coming out here.
"A ronin is only as good as their ability to fight or talk, I'm not all that great at either right now. I'm worse without my sword. If I'm going to survive in this place, I need to be able to fight, to duel if the magistrates get an idea in their heads."
Tanako puts the bottle down, looking at it's half-empty contents.
"Hmmph, well I'll give you honesty, but that ain't a good reason to break my oath."
"Oath?" You ask in spite of yourself.
Tanako takes another long chug before dropping the empty bottle on the table.
"I'll never make another damned blade, I swore on my dead son."
You almost spit out your sake at that. Son? Well she is old enough for that...but dead? What happened?
"...If it's not too....no, if you want to tell me what happened, I'd appreciate it." You say after a moment.
Fortunes, of course talking about how your son died is going to be way too personal. While you are curious, you know that you can't just ask her. She'd probably smash your face in with that shochu bottle.
*Success*
".....pfft, you've got a way about you don't you?" Tanako says her voice laced with contempt.
"Sometimes." You answer.
It's true, people seem to be more willing to talk to you than others. It doesn't always work or anything, like you can't force a cat not to bring you dead rats, let alone people.
Didn't help with Kakita-dono at all...this way of yours.
"I shouldn't even tell you this, but you want to know why I swore on my dead son? Because it was one of my swords that killed him."
You don't really know what if anything you can say to that.
"Oh..."
Giving a start as if she hadn't quite intended to say that much. Tanako shakes her head.
"Have a good night Megumi-san, the air here is starting to get to me."
Digging out a few bu for the evening, she leaves the coins on the table and staggers off.
A part of you wants to follow after her, but what would you say? What could you say?
You have loved yes, been loved, enjoyed things...but you've never been a mother.
And you've never had a family member die because of something you did.
"Leave it be Sakura" your grandmother says. Sounding oddly troubled, for some reason.
"Hai Grandmother" you say in your head. Maybe that's best for now, plan a new strategy later.
Finishing your sake, you stagger back to the Shrine of Goemon and flop onto the prepared futon pretty quickly. You can hold your liquor but that's strong stuff. Before you head to Yume-do, you spot Aya praying to...Muzaka? Fuck you don't know and today has been a very long day.
[] Pass out
[] Talk to Aya (Warning you are drunk your speechifying skills are taking a -1k0 penalty against Aya because she is not drunk like Tanako was)
| 2016-04-06 03:21:38 | Megumi | Drinking | 7, 9 | 7, 9 | 7, 9 | 2k2+0 | 16 | no |
As the sake comes, you take a moment to drink and---wow this is strong stuff, but you're okay, probably.
Where were you? Right Kaiu-sama was giving you this angry glare and asking what you were.
Swallowing down the burning liquid, you consider the question and answer for a moment.
You begin:
"Kaiu-sama, I was born and raised a swordswoman. As you said the Empire is---"
The sound of Tanako's bottle hitting the table, stops you.
"Don't give me that bullcrap, you ain't out to save the Empire, you out for yourself." She says.
Then takes another swig of whatever that stuff is.
You suppress a twitch of anger at her calling you out.
Damn you old woman...
"If Kaiu-sama will let me finish?" You ask, irritation creeping into your voice.
Tanako lowers the bottle from her lips.
"Fine, I'm telling ya it ain't going to work."
"I'm not proud of what I've done, or anything, but my grandmother's sword deserves better, and I want to make it up to her and my ancestors....but the real reason I'm here, is because I don't want to die." You say quietly.
"Eh?" Tanako's eyes widen in surprise.
A shrug from you as you reflect on lessons you learned coming out here.
"A ronin is only as good as their ability to fight or talk, I'm not all that great at either right now. I'm worse without my sword. If I'm going to survive in this place, I need to be able to fight, to duel if the magistrates get an idea in their heads."
Tanako puts the bottle down, looking at it's half-empty contents.
"Hmmph, well I'll give you honesty, but that ain't a good reason to break my oath."
"Oath?" You ask in spite of yourself.
Tanako takes another long chug before dropping the empty bottle on the table.
"I'll never make another damned blade, I swore on my dead son."
You almost spit out your sake at that. Son? Well she is old enough for that...but dead? What happened?
"...If it's not too....no, if you want to tell me what happened, I'd appreciate it." You say after a moment.
Fortunes, of course talking about how your son died is going to be way too personal. While you are curious, you know that you can't just ask her. She'd probably smash your face in with that shochu bottle.
| 2016-04-06 03:29:22 | Megumi | Courtier | 5, 5, 7, 9 | 5, 5, 7, 9 | 5, 5, 7, 9 | 4k4+0 | 26 | no |
".....pfft, you've got a way about you don't you?" Tanako says her voice laced with contempt.
"Sometimes." You answer.
It's true, people seem to be more willing to talk to you than others. It doesn't always work or anything, like you can't force a cat not to bring you dead rats, let alone people.
Didn't help with Kakita-dono at all...this way of yours.
"I shouldn't even tell you this, but you want to know why I swore on my dead son? Because it was one of my swords that killed him."
You don't really know what if anything you can say to that.
"Oh..."
Giving a start as if she hadn't quite intended to say that much. Tanako shakes her head.
"Have a good night Megumi-san, the air here is starting to get to me."
Digging out a few bu for the evening, she leaves the coins on the table and staggers off.
A part of you wants to follow after her, but what would you say? What could you say?
You have loved yes, been loved, enjoyed things...but you've never been a mother.
And you've never had a family member die because of something you did.
"Leave it be Sakura" your grandmother says. Sounding oddly troubled, for some reason.
"Hai Grandmother" you say in your head. Maybe that's best for now, plan a new strategy later.
Finishing your sake, you stagger back to the Shrine of Goemon and flop onto the prepared futon pretty quickly. You can hold your liquor but that's strong stuff. Before you head to Yume-do, you spot Aya praying to...Muzaka? Fuck you don't know and today has been a very long day.
[] Pass out
[] Talk to Aya (Warning you are drunk your speechifying skills are taking a -1k0 penalty against Aya because she is not drunk like Tanako was)
- Location
- Connecticut
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Talk to Aya
What's the worst that could happen? If we say something super embarrassing, we can apologize for letting the sake do the talking the next day.
What's the worst that could happen? If we say something super embarrassing, we can apologize for letting the sake do the talking the next day.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[X] Talk to Aya (Warning you are drunk your speechifying skills are taking a -1k0 penalty against Aya because she is not drunk like Tanako was)
If we're in private, specially. No breach of etiquette should happen if Aya's willing to ignore things.
If we're in private, specially. No breach of etiquette should happen if Aya's willing to ignore things.
[X] Talk to Aya (Warning you are drunk your speechifying skills are taking a -1k0 penalty against Aya because she is not drunk like Tanako was)
In_lurk_shadow
[ ]
- Location
- here and there
[X] Pass out
PhoenixFTW
Insert Witty One-Liner Here
- Location
- Minnesota
[x] Pass out
We're drunk. We'll probably say something stupid.
We're drunk. We'll probably say something stupid.
Arc I: Talking to nuns
--Talk to Aya
Your drunken state, is in the end, no reason not to make friends. At least, that's what you've decided and you know what you're doing, right?
"Hello Sister Aya" you say.
She starts for a moment before turning to give a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Hello Megumi-san, I thought you had fallen asleep right away."
"Wanted to talk to you"
"About what?"
You search your mind for a moment for a good topic.
"Never thanked you for your help looking after me."
"Ah well, Master Jubei and Sister Chou did far more than I did, but you are welcome."
"So's Monk of Goemon, how'd that happen?"
Aya goes very still at that.
"It just sort of seemed natural. Master Jubei found me five years ago- alone, naked, and bereft of everything but my life in the mountain passes. He took me in and nursed me back to health..."
"Were you...?"
"No, Master Jubei found me before that happened. I never saw someone so angry...but the event...I don't...like to talk about it much, you understand?"
"Yeah, I understand....msorry for brining it up."
"You...you couldn't know... but you should sleep now."
"Sleep sounds good..."
You dream of the past, of walking across the Lion lands, and the Unicorn lands, but as you reached the first Shield City, your memory goes hazy.
Walking through thorns you see him, the man you loved...
Cradling his dead child as Tanako weeps beside him.
Your sword spotted and rusted through tossed at your feet.
The dream ends with sound of visitors coming into the shrine, and oh, for the love of Inari, make it stooooop.
"Rise and shine Megumi-san." the far too loud Aya says.
With a withering glare usually seen on unhappy Lion, you stagger to your feet.
It takes a few efforts to make yourself go through the proper morning rituals to clean yourself and everything even as the noise gets louder and louder.
Moving into the main court yard, you can see Jubei and a younger woman even younger than you talking passionately. Moving closer, you can see that she's not exactly pretty per say, but you don't doubt most would find her attractive to spend a night with. Her long black hair is tied up in a maiden's foxtail. Blue eyes hint that she has some Crane in her...not that way...
When did your mind become so perverted?
"I believe it was when Hida Katsuie was making you scream with his tongue," your grandmother says wryly.
Your face goes red....Grandmother, why?
The woman speaks in a high pitched tone meant more to carry than anything.
"Brother Jubei, your words are well heeded by Dai-Soju Chie, please come speak at the Conclave tonight."
Jubei folds his arms under his chest.
"Soju Sayako, whatever weight my words may have, I am not interested."
Soju Sayako seems crestfallen.
"You know that Soju Tashimi will press for us to dig deeper, quicker, and without concern with the proper rites in the name of profit."
Raising an eyebrow, Jubei resplies.
"It's my understanding that those are the proper rites for Daikoku-no-kami."
Sayako's wide blue eyes stare at him.
"Why do you not care?"
Jubei shrugs.
"If I speak, Abbess Taimi speaks and that's not going to help you....although this one might."
"Eh?" You say, surprised that Jubei noticed your approach.
Sayako looks at you.
"Oh this your new guest right?"
"Yep, Megumi-san, meet Soju Sayako, head of the Temple of Inari."
You bow and she bows.
A quiet falls on the scene as no one's quite sure where to go from here.
Finally, Sayako breaks the silence.
"Er, forgive me but I don't understand how this ronin can help?"
"If you can't win, join them. Soju Tashimi will have a hard time if you say you want to send an exploratory team down their first. Megumi-san can be part of your defenders."
"Er um....Brother Jubei, my sword?"
Jubei shrugs.
"Any journey will take a few months to organize, you've got time. Speaking of are you going to take another crack at Kaiu-sama?"
You consider
[] "Yes, I will try to speak to her again, maybe I can do something."
[] "No, I will go and speak to Tsi Masahiro. Can I have that spear please?"
[] "No, I will go and speak to Kakita Reika."
Your drunken state, is in the end, no reason not to make friends. At least, that's what you've decided and you know what you're doing, right?
"Hello Sister Aya" you say.
She starts for a moment before turning to give a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Hello Megumi-san, I thought you had fallen asleep right away."
"Wanted to talk to you"
"About what?"
You search your mind for a moment for a good topic.
"Never thanked you for your help looking after me."
"Ah well, Master Jubei and Sister Chou did far more than I did, but you are welcome."
"So's Monk of Goemon, how'd that happen?"
| 2016-04-07 17:38:01 | Megumi | Courtier | 1, 9, 10 | 1, 9, 10 | 1, 9, 17 | 3k3+0 | 27 | no |
"It just sort of seemed natural. Master Jubei found me five years ago- alone, naked, and bereft of everything but my life in the mountain passes. He took me in and nursed me back to health..."
"Were you...?"
"No, Master Jubei found me before that happened. I never saw someone so angry...but the event...I don't...like to talk about it much, you understand?"
"Yeah, I understand....msorry for brining it up."
"You...you couldn't know... but you should sleep now."
"Sleep sounds good..."
You dream of the past, of walking across the Lion lands, and the Unicorn lands, but as you reached the first Shield City, your memory goes hazy.
Walking through thorns you see him, the man you loved...
Cradling his dead child as Tanako weeps beside him.
Your sword spotted and rusted through tossed at your feet.
The dream ends with sound of visitors coming into the shrine, and oh, for the love of Inari, make it stooooop.
"Rise and shine Megumi-san." the far too loud Aya says.
With a withering glare usually seen on unhappy Lion, you stagger to your feet.
It takes a few efforts to make yourself go through the proper morning rituals to clean yourself and everything even as the noise gets louder and louder.
Moving into the main court yard, you can see Jubei and a younger woman even younger than you talking passionately. Moving closer, you can see that she's not exactly pretty per say, but you don't doubt most would find her attractive to spend a night with. Her long black hair is tied up in a maiden's foxtail. Blue eyes hint that she has some Crane in her...not that way...
When did your mind become so perverted?
"I believe it was when Hida Katsuie was making you scream with his tongue," your grandmother says wryly.
Your face goes red....Grandmother, why?
The woman speaks in a high pitched tone meant more to carry than anything.
"Brother Jubei, your words are well heeded by Dai-Soju Chie, please come speak at the Conclave tonight."
Jubei folds his arms under his chest.
"Soju Sayako, whatever weight my words may have, I am not interested."
Soju Sayako seems crestfallen.
"You know that Soju Tashimi will press for us to dig deeper, quicker, and without concern with the proper rites in the name of profit."
Raising an eyebrow, Jubei resplies.
"It's my understanding that those are the proper rites for Daikoku-no-kami."
Sayako's wide blue eyes stare at him.
"Why do you not care?"
Jubei shrugs.
"If I speak, Abbess Taimi speaks and that's not going to help you....although this one might."
"Eh?" You say, surprised that Jubei noticed your approach.
Sayako looks at you.
"Oh this your new guest right?"
"Yep, Megumi-san, meet Soju Sayako, head of the Temple of Inari."
You bow and she bows.
A quiet falls on the scene as no one's quite sure where to go from here.
Finally, Sayako breaks the silence.
"Er, forgive me but I don't understand how this ronin can help?"
"If you can't win, join them. Soju Tashimi will have a hard time if you say you want to send an exploratory team down their first. Megumi-san can be part of your defenders."
"Er um....Brother Jubei, my sword?"
Jubei shrugs.
"Any journey will take a few months to organize, you've got time. Speaking of are you going to take another crack at Kaiu-sama?"
You consider
[] "Yes, I will try to speak to her again, maybe I can do something."
[] "No, I will go and speak to Tsi Masahiro. Can I have that spear please?"
[] "No, I will go and speak to Kakita Reika."
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- Status