Greetings all. I've been poking around the quests here for a while and figured I'd try throwing...
Where the Kami Blow (L5R Minor Clan Gaijin Land Quest)
- Thread starter Ragabash1066
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Lost at Sea
- Location
- Virginia
Greetings all. I've been poking around the quests here for a while and figured I'd try throwing my hat into the ring. This is my first quest here, and 2nd attempt over all so any advise or constructive criticism is welcome. I intend to be making use of the Legend of the Five Rings 4th Edition system and setting for this with an important caveat; you will be outside of the Empire itself. Just where will be determined by the players once character creation is over. Wish me luck, and may the kami favor your dice.
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As the sun breaks the horizon, the ship before you seems to glisten in the early morning rays. Salt crystals coat the worn lines and tattered sail of the battered kobune. Glancing to either side, you attempt to pick out the rest of the convoy that set sail from Rokugan at your heels. "One, two, three…" Your count trails off, where once a small fleet was at you behest, three dozen strong; now a bare seven ships rest on a duplicitous, placid sea. Casting your mind back, you try to recall where you had lost them.
The fleet had sailed forth from Mori Kage Toashi on the dawn tide, destined south for the ruins of the Ivory Kingdom and a future in the Colonies. It was not even midday, by you reckoning that the sky grew dark. The winds changed, lashing from the northwest; the sea going from smooth glass to darkened chasms in what felt like moments. According to your shugenja, the sun rose and set without you seeing it nine times before the seas calmed. For all aboard it could have been nine years. The water barrels were discovered to be tainted with seawater on the seventh night and Ikoma Ran told you she saw one of your supply ships, Yatsuki's Promise, crushed between the white caps on the fifth day. But, where there is life there is hope. Seven ships for seven kami and a shadow on the horizon; you are samurai and have a duty to perform.
You are:
Trained as a:
Of Which Clan:
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As the sun breaks the horizon, the ship before you seems to glisten in the early morning rays. Salt crystals coat the worn lines and tattered sail of the battered kobune. Glancing to either side, you attempt to pick out the rest of the convoy that set sail from Rokugan at your heels. "One, two, three…" Your count trails off, where once a small fleet was at you behest, three dozen strong; now a bare seven ships rest on a duplicitous, placid sea. Casting your mind back, you try to recall where you had lost them.
The fleet had sailed forth from Mori Kage Toashi on the dawn tide, destined south for the ruins of the Ivory Kingdom and a future in the Colonies. It was not even midday, by you reckoning that the sky grew dark. The winds changed, lashing from the northwest; the sea going from smooth glass to darkened chasms in what felt like moments. According to your shugenja, the sun rose and set without you seeing it nine times before the seas calmed. For all aboard it could have been nine years. The water barrels were discovered to be tainted with seawater on the seventh night and Ikoma Ran told you she saw one of your supply ships, Yatsuki's Promise, crushed between the white caps on the fifth day. But, where there is life there is hope. Seven ships for seven kami and a shadow on the horizon; you are samurai and have a duty to perform.
You are:
[] male
[] female
[] female
Trained as a:
[] Bushi: A warrior, trained in the arts of combat and strategy; you are never more at home than on the field of combat.
[] Courtier: The brush and whisper are the weapons you are trained with. The sword is mighty, but it is still just the tool in someone's hand.
[] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[] Courtier: The brush and whisper are the weapons you are trained with. The sword is mighty, but it is still just the tool in someone's hand.
[] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
Of Which Clan:
[] Crab: You are the wall. Your clan has been tasked with safeguarding the southern borders of the empire from the forces of hell itself. And for hundreds of years your wall has stood.
Families: Hida, Kaiu, Kuni, Toritaka, Hiruma, Yatsuki
Bonus To Starting Construction Material, Walls are the Best Neighbors – Reduced cost and construction time on defenses
[] Crane: The winds of court are your playground. Where some seek dominance on the battlefield, you have mastered what truly matters. Art, culture, and a quiet word; these are your weapons. But, only the truly foolish discount the steel beak of an angry crane.
Families: Doji, Daidoji, Asahina, Kakita
Bonus to Starting Luxeries, The Wind Will Not Ruffle Our Feathers – Lower chance of internal divisions
[] Dragon: When storm calls, the mountain stands; when the sea floods, the mountain stands; but when the mountain wakes, the world knows. The spiritual heart of Rokugan, known for its monks, Dragon remains aloof within the mountains. Wise council often unheeded, but never discounted.
Families: Mirumoto, Tamori, Togashi, Kitsuki,
Bonus to Luck, Monky Business – Togashi Monks came with you
[] Lion: The right hand of the Emperor and the masters of war. Prideful and tempestuous, the Lion know that while force does not solve all problems, it does solve the majority.
Families: Akodo, Matsu, Kitsu, Ikoma
Bonus to Starting Troops, Honor and Pride – Reduce Cost and Training time on Military unit
[] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
Families: Kitsune, Tsuruchi, Moshi, Yoritomo
Increased chance of additional Ships surviving (contents random), Hope Floats - Reduced Cost and construction time on Naval projects
[] Phoenix:: Masters of Magic and devoted to peace, the Phoenix are known for their extensive knowledge of esoteric secrets. While one of the least warlike of the clans, no one can deny the are the most magically potent.
Families: Agasha, Asako, Isawa, Shiba
Increased number of starting shugenja, From Ashes, Understanding – Increased odds on Magical Research Rolls
[] Scorpion: The Left Hand of the Emperor, the masked Scorpion are the Emperor's tool in the Shadows. Feared in court and in battle, the Scorpion are known for their mastery of deceit and subtlety.
Families: Bayushi, Shosuro, Shshi, Yogo
Better information on your fellow travelers/potential advisors, Eyes in the Dark – Reduced cost on and shorter actions times for intrigue options
[] Unicorn: Strangers in their own land, the Unicorn have the most experience with foreigners and new locales. Generations spent exploring the wider world has shaped the clan to be accepting of foreign ways, often to the disgust of their neighbors. On the other hand their mastery of horsemanship and trade goods have made this militant clan a popular ally.
Families: Ide, Iuchi, Moto, Shinjo, Utaku
You have horses not just ponies, Bought the Kimono – Lower internal stress from Foreign influences
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[X] male
[X] Bushi: A warrior, trained in the arts of combat and strategy; you are never more at home than on the field of combat.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
[X] Bushi: A warrior, trained in the arts of combat and strategy; you are never more at home than on the field of combat.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
- Location
- Virginia
I will advise, the clan chosen will color the majority of your new clan mates as well. Not all of them, of course, but enough to influence the new clan as a whole. 
- Location
- Leeds
[x] Bushi
[x] Lion
I expect to be haggled into Unicorn or Mantis but until then I'll be arguing that all gaijin deserve is steel.
[x] Lion
I expect to be haggled into Unicorn or Mantis but until then I'll be arguing that all gaijin deserve is steel.
- Location
- nz
[x] female
[x] Courtier:
[x] Unicorn:
[x] Courtier:
[x] Unicorn:
[X] male
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
- Location
- Dallas, TX
[X] male
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
- Location
- Chicago
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Phoenix:: Masters of Magic and devoted to peace, the Phoenix are known for their extensive knowledge of esoteric secrets. While one of the least warlike of the clans, no one can deny the are the most magically potent.
Traditional courtiers suffer for being extremely well trained for a culture in which they will now never again operate. Bushi are a bit too limited in what they bring to the table. Thus, shugenja and Phoenix to emphasize that choice.
[X] Phoenix:: Masters of Magic and devoted to peace, the Phoenix are known for their extensive knowledge of esoteric secrets. While one of the least warlike of the clans, no one can deny the are the most magically potent.
Traditional courtiers suffer for being extremely well trained for a culture in which they will now never again operate. Bushi are a bit too limited in what they bring to the table. Thus, shugenja and Phoenix to emphasize that choice.
Kanata.EXE
Programmer
- Location
- Indonesia
[X] Male
[X] Unicorn: Strangers in their own land, the Unicorn have the most experience with foreigners and new locales. Generations spent exploring the wider world has shaped the clan to be accepting of foreign ways, often to the disgust of their neighbors. On the other hand their mastery of horsemanship and trade goods have made this militant clan a popular ally.
[X] Unicorn: Strangers in their own land, the Unicorn have the most experience with foreigners and new locales. Generations spent exploring the wider world has shaped the clan to be accepting of foreign ways, often to the disgust of their neighbors. On the other hand their mastery of horsemanship and trade goods have made this militant clan a popular ally.
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- Location
- Virginia
Once Clan and style are decided, I'll throw a vote up for which school you attended, with the option of using one of your advantages to do an out of clan school via write in. The same vote will give you your choice of coastlines to land on. My intent is to finish with advantages and disadvantages after that and on to the actual quest.
The fact that not everyone in the convoy intended to come with you will make internal politics as important as ever.
The fact that not everyone in the convoy intended to come with you will make internal politics as important as ever.
The Emperor will appreciate your honorable stance, Dark-san
[X] male
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
[X] male
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Mantis: From humble beginnings to Great Clan status, Mantis has sailed farther than many believed possible. Masters of the sea and beloved by the common peasants, Mantis intends to sail to ever higher prominence in Rokugan.
- Location
- Virginia
At this time in the history, the Mantis are a Major Clan in their own right. They were formed post Clan War out of Centipede, Mantis, and Wasp and have since added Kitsune to their number.
- Location
- Dallas, TX
Ah, I regret that I never got very deep into L5R. My only real exposure has been through the Legend of the Five Rings: Clan War books, of which I started with The Crab which biased me a bit. I was pretty young at the time and never even knew it was an RPG until much later. I looked forward to your quest!
- Location
- Virginia
I've had the pleasure to play from third edition on and while some changes aggravated me, I must say I have enjoyed the ride.
But while i do run a tabletop (roll20) game of this, I didn't feel i could do an in Empire game justice enough in writing. So prepare to face the less fleshed out areas of the setting
But while i do run a tabletop (roll20) game of this, I didn't feel i could do an in Empire game justice enough in writing. So prepare to face the less fleshed out areas of the setting
- Location
- Virginia
Alright, at this point it looks like Mantis will be the likely winner (barring sudden and surprising upset).
I'm going to call the vote on this in the morning then give you the next set of character creation options.
Just for clarification, what starting career you select will affect how your people respond to you. Bushi will respond best to Bushi, etc.
On a rarity scope this expedition was Bushi, Courtier, then shugenja.
Bushi will see you with more respect for your martial prowess and more options militarily (barring finding a good advisor). Drawback is you will never have access to Rokugani magics.
Courtier will give you a stronger skill set for dealing diplomatically both with outsiders and internally, but the assumption will be that you can't defend yourself until proven otherwise.
Shugenja will give you access to magic from the start but you will also have all the expectations of being more a priest than a wizard. Add into that the fact that most bushi are going to think you are weird at best and terrifying at worst.
Figured some folks may not know the setting as well, so clarity never hurts
I'm going to call the vote on this in the morning then give you the next set of character creation options.
Just for clarification, what starting career you select will affect how your people respond to you. Bushi will respond best to Bushi, etc.
On a rarity scope this expedition was Bushi, Courtier, then shugenja.
Bushi will see you with more respect for your martial prowess and more options militarily (barring finding a good advisor). Drawback is you will never have access to Rokugani magics.
Courtier will give you a stronger skill set for dealing diplomatically both with outsiders and internally, but the assumption will be that you can't defend yourself until proven otherwise.
Shugenja will give you access to magic from the start but you will also have all the expectations of being more a priest than a wizard. Add into that the fact that most bushi are going to think you are weird at best and terrifying at worst.
Figured some folks may not know the setting as well, so clarity never hurts
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[X] female
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Phoenix:: Masters of Magic and devoted to peace, the Phoenix are known for their extensive knowledge of esoteric secrets. While one of the least warlike of the clans, no one can deny the are the most magically potent.
[X] Shugenja: A priest of the kami, trough you the powers of spirits flow. All men serve, but you serve the gods first of all.
[X] Phoenix:: Masters of Magic and devoted to peace, the Phoenix are known for their extensive knowledge of esoteric secrets. While one of the least warlike of the clans, no one can deny the are the most magically potent.
- Location
- Virginia
Calling vote. Looks like a man from Mantis will be speaking with the kami.
Should be interesting
Hope to have more up tonight, at work at the moment.
Should be interesting
Hope to have more up tonight, at work at the moment.
- Location
- Leeds
Are you accepting char profiles yet?Calling vote. Looks like a man from Mantis will be speaking with the kami.
Should be interesting
Hope to have more up tonight, at work at the moment.
- Location
- Virginia
Nice, betting that's what the storm felt like.
I have the next part mostly typed up, I just don't have my landfall notes here at work.
*looks over shoulder*
Not sure sitting here and finding the pictures is a wise option seeing as the boss is behind the closed door over my left shoulder.
*shuts website*
I have the next part mostly typed up, I just don't have my landfall notes here at work.
*looks over shoulder*
Not sure sitting here and finding the pictures is a wise option seeing as the boss is behind the closed door over my left shoulder.
*shuts website*
- Location
- Leeds
Yeah that was the smart choice.
Land and Family
- Location
- Virginia
"Blessed Kami fill our sails that we may fulfil the duty we bear." With these quiet words, you rise from your knees at the bow of the ship. A quick glance across the deck assures you; even with the storm damage, Mantis sailors know their work. In the distance, the shore is beginning to take shape; a welcome sight after the storm tossed seas. The whisper of the wind's kami comes to you ear giving you hints of the destiny before you.
Pros – Sheltered Start, Good Construction Material, Good Growing Conditions
Cons – Cold Winters, Deep Rivers, Neighbors, Unknown Language
Pro -Good Harbor, Excellent growing conditions, Known language
Con- Strong Neighbors, Disease, Close Neighbor
Pros – Excellent Growing Condition, Distant Neighbors, Maps
Cons – Disease, Hostile Fauna, Politics
Pros – Excellent harbors, Good Weather, Fine Growing Conditions
Cons – Hostile/Strong Numerous Neighbor
With a silent command and a bare gesture, you motion to the helmsman to cut towards the unknown shore. Across the ragged flotilla, banners raise bearing the mons of the houses of those aboard individual vessels. The black and red of Bayushi dances alongside the white and blue of Doji, thankfully on a ship not your own. Ikoma's Temper, down a mast, flies a prideful Lion and rampant hulking Crab side by side; while from your own Yoritomo's Laughter dances Isawa's phoenix along with you own family's mon.
[] Yoritomo – The lords of the Mantis are descended from the Crab, and are equally hardy in their own way. They are the unquestioned masters of the seas, having dwelled on the Islands of Silk and Spice for the entirety of their existence. The Yoritomo are a hardy, industrious people ever eager to prove themselves against the other Great Clans.
+ 1 Stamina
[] Moshi – Before the formation of the Mantis as a Great Clan, the Moshi were the Centipede Clan. An extremely devout and matriarchal people, the Moshi devoted themselves to the worship of the Sun for centuries, and find their active role among the other families of the Mantis mildly uncomfortable. Still, the family has sworn an oath to the Yoritomo and refuses to break it, no matter how much their duties conflict with their philosophies.
+ 1 Intelligence
[] Tsuruchi - Formerly known as the Wasp Clan, the Tsuruchi are without question the greatest archers in the Empire, and have focused the majority of their efforts toward maintaining that level of skill. Generally perceptive and highly athletic, the Tsuruchi excel as warriors and magistrates.
+ 1 Perception
[] Kitsune: - Formerly known as the Fox Clan, the Kitsune joined the Mantis Clan decades after the other families founded it, and only then because the Fox were on the brink of annihilation and the Yoritomo could save them, with the only price being an oath of fealty. The Kitsune are a simple, quiet people who prefer to commune with the spirits of nature in the forest rather than travel across the Empire on formal business.
+ 1 Awareness
[]Windswept Desert
Pros – Sheltered Start, Few neighbors, Scorpion and Unicorn may know the language
Cons – Extremely Poor growing Conditions, Poor Construction Materials, desert conditions
Pros – Sheltered Start, Few neighbors, Scorpion and Unicorn may know the language
Cons – Extremely Poor growing Conditions, Poor Construction Materials, desert conditions
[] Forest
Pros – Excellent Construction Material, Decent Growing Conditions, known Language
Cons- Heavily Armed Neighbors, Close Neighbors, Land Clearance needed
Cons- Heavily Armed Neighbors, Close Neighbors, Land Clearance needed
[] Fjord
Pros – Sheltered Start, Good Construction Material, Good Growing Conditions
Cons – Cold Winters, Deep Rivers, Neighbors, Unknown Language
[] Iberian
Pro -Good Harbor, Excellent growing conditions, Known language
Con- Strong Neighbors, Disease, Close Neighbor
[] Jungle
Pros – Excellent Growing Condition, Distant Neighbors, Maps
Cons – Disease, Hostile Fauna, Politics
[] Mediterranean
Pros – Excellent harbors, Good Weather, Fine Growing Conditions
Cons – Hostile/Strong Numerous Neighbor
With a silent command and a bare gesture, you motion to the helmsman to cut towards the unknown shore. Across the ragged flotilla, banners raise bearing the mons of the houses of those aboard individual vessels. The black and red of Bayushi dances alongside the white and blue of Doji, thankfully on a ship not your own. Ikoma's Temper, down a mast, flies a prideful Lion and rampant hulking Crab side by side; while from your own Yoritomo's Laughter dances Isawa's phoenix along with you own family's mon.
[] Yoritomo – The lords of the Mantis are descended from the Crab, and are equally hardy in their own way. They are the unquestioned masters of the seas, having dwelled on the Islands of Silk and Spice for the entirety of their existence. The Yoritomo are a hardy, industrious people ever eager to prove themselves against the other Great Clans.
+ 1 Stamina
[] Moshi – Before the formation of the Mantis as a Great Clan, the Moshi were the Centipede Clan. An extremely devout and matriarchal people, the Moshi devoted themselves to the worship of the Sun for centuries, and find their active role among the other families of the Mantis mildly uncomfortable. Still, the family has sworn an oath to the Yoritomo and refuses to break it, no matter how much their duties conflict with their philosophies.
+ 1 Intelligence
[] Tsuruchi - Formerly known as the Wasp Clan, the Tsuruchi are without question the greatest archers in the Empire, and have focused the majority of their efforts toward maintaining that level of skill. Generally perceptive and highly athletic, the Tsuruchi excel as warriors and magistrates.
+ 1 Perception
[] Kitsune: - Formerly known as the Fox Clan, the Kitsune joined the Mantis Clan decades after the other families founded it, and only then because the Fox were on the brink of annihilation and the Yoritomo could save them, with the only price being an oath of fealty. The Kitsune are a simple, quiet people who prefer to commune with the spirits of nature in the forest rather than travel across the Empire on formal business.
+ 1 Awareness