Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Vanifae" data-source="post: 5279005" data-attributes="member: 58765">Session 3: Flowers, Puppies, and Swords – Part 127th of the Dragon, 1172 IC, Sweet Plum CastleAsahina Hana took in the splendor and beauty of Sweet Plum Castle, large structure that could house thousands of people.  The massive front gates with the large golden phoenix astride it were a testament to the power of the daimyo and his clan.  Agasha Kosuke was a powerful figure within the Phoenix; known both as the Great War Bird and the Great Strategist, and it was in his court she would serve fulfilling a long standing obligation of her family to the great Phoenix lord.The Crane delegation was greeted with all the pomp and grace the Phoenix daimyo could spare and afford.  Hana clutched the gift she had been entrusted with by Doji Aiko-sama; hopefully it would make a good impression on her new lord and his daughter.  The grand hall was filled with Phoenix samurai, servants, and a Scorpion bushi that stood out amidst the sea of orange and yellow.At the end of the hall sat the mighty presence of Kosuke-sama, his graceful wife at his side, their children seated quietly and dutifully.  Asahina No, head of the Crane delegation greeted the Great Strategist and then made his introductions on behalf of his clansmen and then finished with Hana.  He turned ever so slightly to her, “And finally, Kosuke-sama I would like to introduce to you Asahina Hana-san, her talents in ikebana rival my own I assure you.  She is a talented shugenja like your daughter, for whom she has brought a gift.”Hana presented the gift to Mayako, “I would like for you accept this gift Agasha-san.”  A beautiful blue and white umbrella with graceful cranes in flight.  The Phoenix court rumbled with hushed whispers at the beauty of the gift.Mayako refused of course, “Oh please I could not possibly accept this.”“It would honor me and my family greatly,” Hana replied offering the gift once more, playing the game.“It is far too much Asahina-san, I could not possibly accept this,” Mayako refused once more.“There is no one more worthy than you,” Hana smiled offering the gift a final time.“You humble me,” Mayako accepted the umbrella and accompanied letter.  With the ritual done the lesser ranking samurai were dismissed and left t their own devices.  The younger samurai retreated to another large chamber with bountiful food and refreshments with a discerning lack of authority allowing them to converse and share stories.[Asahina Hana is a new player we added this session.  Her character is probably the most sensible and honorable of the players.  This session will see an introduction of several new characters, relationships, and covers a bunch of ground.  It was a whirlwind session and I was glad to have a new player to add a new dynamic.  It also gave me a chance to add some depth to Nobutada.  – GM’s Note]The room was filled with chatter and pleasant conversation that filled the gathered young samurai with interest.  Mayako was approached by a bumbling Crane musician, Kakita Toshoe, an annoying and a personal space invading imbecile.  He cornered Mayako and dogged her until she convinced him that a nap would be a good thing and finally extricated herself.Mayako reads her letter from Doji Aiko-sama with a knowing smirk; it was polite and well mannered.  She glanced around the chamber settling on the Crane guests trying to put some of the darker moments of the last few days out of her mind.  The death of Tetsuo still lingered and the news that Lady Shion had hung herself only darkened her mood further.  She glanced to her adopted sister, Yoko; she had been promoted and would take Lady Shion’s position at North Border Village.  Yoko was an impressive figure, standing nearly a head taller than others, plain faced but muscular in build and still womanly in shape she was very intimidating due to her Hida blood.Mayako was interrupted from her revelry by a gentle nudge from the young Crane, Hana, “Did you notice that?”“Notice what?” Mayako replied without paying much attention.[I had the players roll Courtier + Awareness to notice some romantic intentions, everyone failed except Hana.  I will admit this session saw more romantic subplots than the previous sessions combined, it was fun having all the young samurai around.  – GM’s note]Hana smiled, “You know…”“No I don’t really know,” Mayako replied giving Hana her full attention, “What are you talking about?”Hana gestured to Yoko who was trying very hard to not to stare at a handsome, downright beautiful, Crane duelist, “I think Jin-san has caught the eye of your friend.”Mayako smiled knowingly and turned to her sister, “Yoko-chan what do you think of that Crane duelist?”Yoko gulped looking away her cheeks going crimson, “Nothing.”“Does not look like nothing,” Mayako grinned, “maybe you should talk to him?”Yoko tried to respond as another Phoenix bushi, a newcomer to the castle introduced herself to Jin and offered him a large bowl of fresh strawberries.  The young Phoenix was named Shiba Yuuka and had arrived to become yojimbo to Mayako’s mother.  Yuuka was a slim athletic beauty whose mastery of weaponry was respected by her peers.  She was genteel and sophisticated, well liked and equally adept in court as she was on the battlefield.  Her gift was received by the Crane duelist and the young Crane samurai in general.  It was rumored that she even had the favor of Lady Ayame, Mayako’s mother.  Mayako hated her on sight.[Yuuka was a new character I wanted to bring in that would hopefully prove to be a rival for Mayako within her own clan and a rival for her mother’s affections.  It worked perfectly.  – GM’s note]Mayako hissed, “Oh don’t worry about her, we should get over there immediately.”“You think so?” Yoko turned her knees weakening from fear.“I know so I have a plan,” Mayako responded as she led her larger sister towards the gathered throng of samurai.  The Phoenix shugenja smiled at Jin, “Greetings Doji-san, I hope you are enjoying yourself.”“Oh immensely Agasha-san, your father is much too kind.  Yuuka-san has given us this wonderful basket of strawberries, would you like to have some?” Jin replied smoothly causing Yoko to blush.Yuuka smiled, “Lady Mayako, a pleasure as always.”Mayako nodded, “Likewise, oh by the way Yuuka-san, I heard my mother was calling for you.”Yuuka frowned, “Oh, I… I will see to her immediately.”  The Phoenix yojimbo leaves quickly to tend to her mistress.Yoko smiled and spoke softly, “Hi.”Jin smiled back, “Greetings, please forgive me I don’t know your name.”“Agasha Yoko, Mayako-chan is my little sister,” Yoko replied meekly.Mayako interjected, “Jin could you tell us of your skill, perhaps a story of your adventures?”“I suppose I could but my skill is not so great as all that.  I participated in the Topaz Championship; I faced your cousin, Seppun Nobutada-san.  I beat him in a duel actually, but he performed quite well.  I did not win overall though.  But I performed with honor,” Jin recounted.Mayako smiled, “Maybe you could show Yoko-chan some of your techniques?”“Well I suppose, though she seems quite large and menacing all on her own,” Jin replied offhandedly.Yoko turned and fled the room quickly at the careless words.  Jin glanced at Mayako his face red with embarrassment.  Jin finally responded, “Did I say something wrong?”“Yeah, you did, maybe you should go apologize?” Mayako suggested.  Jin nodded and followed Yoko out of the room.  Mayako sighed shaking her head at the whole situation but was glad to be helping in some kind of capacity.Meanwhile Hana was approached by Nobutada.  The young Seppun bushi smiled awkwardly, “Hi, I… I’m Seppun Nobutada.”Hana bowed, “Nice to meet you, I’m Asahina Hana.”Nobutada replied, “Bye.”  He then turned and walked away.  Mayako smirked as Nobutada repeated this little dance a few times before she intervened.  Her advice fell on eager ears as Nobutada tried to impress Hana with his bloody swordsmanship failing miserably.  Her squeamishness only seems to spur on his pursuit of the young Crane maiden.  Thanks to Mayako’s encouragement the young bushi leaves to find beautiful flowers to impress Hana.  Overall the young samurai enjoy the time away from the more refined elder samurai.“By the way thank you for wasting my time, Mayako-san,” Yuuka replied bitterly as she entered the room.Mayako smirked, “I swear I heard her, I apologize.  I must have been mistaken.”[Overall it was a light way to start the game off and gave the players a chance to get to know the new character in a fun organic way.  Plus I love interjecting some romance into the game.  I am a sucker for love.  – GM’s note]</blockquote>

Verification