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NOW LIVE! Into the Woods--new character species, eerie monsters, and haunting villains to populate the woodlands of your D&D games.
[OA/FR] Rokugan - Updated 12/13/03
- Thread starter Black Omega
- Start date
Black Omega
First Post
Welcome back, Tokiwong, it's been a while!
Update coming soon, time compressed but I'll be trying to hit the high points. I'm sure Brown Jenkin will find the important parts I miss.
Update coming soon, time compressed but I'll be trying to hit the high points. I'm sure Brown Jenkin will find the important parts I miss.
Black Omega
First Post
A month passes, and winter starts to give way to spring.
Volar has expanded the little building behind Toshiro’s house into more of a wizard’s school, thanks in part to the ‘gifts’ of gold from his students. Where they might have picked up the gold…well…that’s not important. What’s important is that the lessons are going well. Kokuro of the White Fan ronin brotherhood is fitting in well, but the gambler’s student, Kaosu, was more troublesome, always asking questions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For Kaz life has returned to normal. Despite the promotion, he remains very much one of the boys. The occasional duels coming his way simply served to reinforce his ‘tough guy’ rep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mindra too was promoted, after a fashion. The Bugaisha Carpenter’s Guild has promoted him to journeyman, raising his monthly wages to around eight gold. He’s continued to study the pearl as well, sometimes persuading the pearl to show him something he wanted to know. Other times the pearl sweeps him away and shows him something it thinks he needs to know.
The most disturbing comes just days after the battle against Nagatori. A peaceful woodland glen illuminated by starlight. Then the sudden push of a hand up from the ground. Frantic pulling and pushing at the dirt soon show a gaunt figure pulling himself up from the earth. Nagatori. The formerly dead Shugenja was looking very unwell, his face pale, almost waxy. Before he is even finished pulling himself up though, his head is suddenly rocked by the slam of a club, then another and another, sickening thuds that continue until Nagatori is no longer moving. Then the vision showed a hulking figure pulling Nagatori from the ground, the mysterious man’s face hidden behind an iron mask like Mindra saw the bandits from Kuzo wearing. Whatever the vision meant, nothing more was heard of Nagatori over the next month.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For Mir the next month was encouraging. Thanks to saving a number of people at the burning Inn, Mir’s shrine was finally have visitors and even a few offerings were made. Mir had requested offerings be in the form of a wood carving, and a few carved in the form of animals had finally turned up.
Even better, Kuroiyuki was actually learning the ways of the Oak Father well. Renamed Ware Natto (Cracked Nut) for a variety of reasons, he had thrown himself energetically into the study of the Oak Father. As well as coming up with a few ideas of his own, like Hakutenpu-tai, the great Oak Group. He had even developed a pose for it, standing straight, right hand held before his chest in a position of reverence and prayer, his left hand lifted out and upwards, mimicking a tree branch, but with the palm open in a show of generosity. Once you culled out the goofiness, Cracked Nut did have some good ideas…
Cracked Nut did take Volar’s advice to heart, but in this area the young man’s nerve failed him. And as the month passed his fumbling, too shy attempts to draw her attention were barely even noticed. Probably for the best. Finally by the end of the month, he consulted Volar again and followed the elf’s advice, doing some work finding an old song, then serenading Mir with it one night. It was a good try but Mir’s rather obvious lack of enthusiasm for his interest did solve that ‘problem’.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Toshiro’s moment in the sun has passed quickly. He continued his winter training with the endlessly cheerful Shinjo Fujinami, while trying to keep improving his relationship with O-Hisa. Well, half of that was going well. Despite his dread over O-Hisa’s reaction over his confession about his infidelity with the white haired, shape shifting ninja, she took that well. After all, he had thought it was her, so it was ok. Toshiro was so thrilled to be off the hook he didn’t take the hint, and his relationship with O-Hisa continued to be a comedy of miscommunication and tension.
At least one thing went well for Toshiro, a letter arriving from his Crane friend.
Hiruma Toshiro-san,
I’ve just arrived in Crane lands and decided to take a short detour to the lands of your Clan to Visit Friendly Traveler village. It is said they produce the finest sake in the entire Empire. Please accept this humble gift of a bottle of their finest Plum Brandy in repayment for your generosity in Mimura. Hopefully this will reach you before winter sets in. I’m sure our paths will cross again soon.
Daidoji Hachi, Gunso of the Crane Clan
Even this was spoiled by a letter arriving from home just a few days later, though.
Dear son,
It’s been a long winter, and I fear the spring will be equally grim. The Shadowlands have continued to be relatively quiet. The raids are constant, but nothing we have not been able to handle. But the news from the imperial city is bad. I told you the Daimyo of the Yasuki family of the Crab had died without an heir. One was found. A dung eating Crane samurai named Daidoji Hachi. The Emperor has confirmed he is to become the Yasuki Daimyo and the Crane are now claiming not only the title but the lands and wealth of the Yasuki. Lands that have been a part of the Crab Clan for centuries. Bastards! There will be a war over this, mark my words. The Crane have their political wiles but it’s nothing a few blows from a club won’t handle. Let Jyaku-sama know about this as well. Our allies in the Mantis should be enough to keep the Crane Clan in check, but you never know.
Hiruma Tetsuo
Toshiro could tell it was going to be a long spring.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For Verick the last month of winter was a whirlwind of activity. Akodo Setei pushed him to his limits every day. Physical fitness, learning the techniques of the Lion clan, tactics, calligraphy, heraldry…the study was endless. The only break was Verick’s occasional visits with his advocate and the slow progress toward starting up his sake works.
Finally with Spring only a few days away, Akodo-sensei took Verick aside. The old man was positively beaming, and reverently he unrolled a scroll onto the table.
“Verick, excellent news! When the training first began I wrote to the Lion Clan Champion, Matsu Nimuro to make a humble request. Each spring an event called the Topaz Championship is held. It is the most prestigious gempukku ceremony in the empire, and the truest test of what it takes to be a samurai. Most gempukku ceremonies you are simply trying to fulfill a few set goals. Tests of your basic skills and character. But the Topaz Championship is that much tougher! Ten entrants. Ten rounds. Each round will have a random draw, and the prospective samurai will be pitted against each other. Whoever finishes the Championship with five or more wins goes on to the final round. But more importantly, they will be made samurai by the Emperor himself!”
Surprised, Verick simply listened as Akodo-sensei went on, “There has not been time to train you for every event. But I have great confidence you have the skill and character to win at LEAST five events. You will be reassured to know I’ve never had a student survive training then fail his gempukku.”
Verick nodded, he had an all too good idea what probably happened to those students before they ever got far enough to dishonor the clan with failure.
“You are not officially a Lion, yet. So even if you did fail, you would not be required commit seppuku.” Akodo-sensei ‘reassured’ him.
[DM Note: Other players kept tossing ‘But no pressure.’ in OOCly during this conversation. “You’ll be competing before the Emperor himself” (But no pressure). ‘It’s tradition for true Lion to commit seppuku if they fail this’ (But no pressure). Verick’s player took it well, though.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finally, with the end of the month, came the New Year, spring, and the return of Lord Shinjo Jyaku. Riding in from the Unicorn Winter Court at Shiro Moto, Jyaku-sama had quite a lot to catch up on. After a couple days of reading reports the group was summoned to meet with him.
Lord Jyaku’s usual stern look never wavered as he invited the group to sit. He shared tea with them a short time, chatting about minor things before he finally got to the point of the meeting.
“My profoundest thanks to you all. It’s been a long, hard winter and you have done very well. You saved my daughter and very likely Bugaisha itself. You did very well, my friends. Such bravery and wisdom deserves to be rewarded.”
“Toshiro! You are promoted to Nikutai, you will now be helping lead patrols. Kaz! Please accept this daikyu, it’s a fine bow and has served me well for many years. Volar, I had previously given you permission for building in Bugaisha. I understand you have been starting a small school for teaching spell casting, and have a few students. It would be appropriate, I think, for you to have an actual school building as well. Details can be worked out later.”
Lord Jyaku paused for a moment, looking over the others before continuing ‘Verick, it has reached my attention you are gathering money for a sake works. A costly endeavor and one being kept fairly quiet, yes? It will be my pleasure to expedite the situation a little with a contribution of cash. Yes..yes, I can imagine what you are thinking, don’t worry. The sake works is yours and you’ll run it as you see fit. The details can be worked out later.”
Lord Jyaku was less sure what to give the others, who were given time it think it over. Mir didn’t require any time at all, however. She was interested in pursuing becoming a part of the Shinjo. Not right away, but she wanted to know how it might work, what would be required of her.
Lord Jyaku agreed to discuss the matter later and went on to say ‘Now, I have another task for you. I know Verick will be going to Lion Lands for his gempukku. Travel papers have already been made out. From here to Shiro Moto and then on to Lion lands and Shiro Matsu. However, it would seem the Red Wizards have been very busy lately. During my stay at the Winter Court, Moto Chagatai, heir to the Championship of the clan, to bring one of the Red Wizards to Shiro Moto. He wished to speak to them. Those red robed bastards have not been as idle as they seemed. I am allowing one Red Wizard, one yojimbo, and one servant to travel to Shiro Moto. No doubt the servant will be a spy as well. Fah! You are assigned to escort them to Shiro Moto. Keep an eye on them, make sure they don’t get into trouble. Once you are to the capital of the Unicorn clan, they are no longer your problem.”
With that distasteful news out of the way, Lord Jyaku allowed himself a slight smile “The travel papers are set to take you to Lion lands and then back on a detour to Ryoko Owari. It will add a week to the trip, but Ryoko Owari is one of the great cities of the Empire. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the visit.”
With the rest of the group dismissed, Lord Jyaku turned to Kaz and Toshiro, a serious look on his face. “And now, one last thing. It is certain now I’ll be appointed governor to Ryoko Owari. I put it off for a few months because the Emperor is visiting that area and I did not wish to deny the honor of that visit to Shinjo Yoshifusa, the lord governing there now. But once that is settled the announcement will be made. At present the Unicorn legally control the city but the Scorpion clan is working hard to subvert our rule. And now I’ll be sent to a war of intrigue and secrets with the Masters of Secrets. You can imagine my unbridled joy at this prospect.”
“As you might have guessed, the trip through Ryoko Owari is not for sightseeing. Take this scroll and keep it safe. Guard it with your lives. When you get to Ryoko Owari open it, go to the address given and give the password provided to the owner there. He is a man who collects certain information for me. You are to bring what he gives you here. I will need every bit of information I can get before taking over Ryoko Owari. Look over the city while you are there, let me know your impressions. And a reminder. The scroll is secret. If anyone other than the two of you look at it, I expect it will be over your dead bodies, and in a final act of defiance your blood will make the words unreadable. Have a pleasant trip.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The last bit of news was given to Toshiro privately. It was now agreed that Hiruma Toshiro would be married to Shinjo O-Hisa. There would be a period where Lord Jyaku would be negotiating with Hiruma Tetsuo, Toshiro’s father, over the details. But now it was simply a matter of when, where, and who would take the other’s name.
As the news sank in Toshiro had to ask. ‘Have you already talked to O-Hisa? What did she say?”
Seriously, Lord Jyaku nodded “I’ve spoken to her. She will do her duty, of course.”
Not really the answer Toshiro had been hoping for.
Once he was dismissed, Toshiro walked straight over to O-Hisa’s home and the two of them had a heart to heart conversation. Toshiro admitted he felt on some level like O-Hisa would like him being more cultured. O-Hisa put it bluntly, she fostered with the Crab clan and she likes their ways. Finally the two worked out their differences and found more common ground. Especially riding, which O-Hisa loved and Toshiro was getting more comfortable with.
The next day the two went for a ride together out onto the western plains. And if a two hour ride somehow ended up taking them the whole day, that was nobodies business but their own, really.
[DM Notes: Toshiro’s player got a lot of teasing over his promotion, since it sounded like he got promoted for marrying the boss’s daughter. Toshiro’s at his best when he doesn’t think to hard on things but reacts with emotion. He’s at his most honorable when he’s not even thinking about trying to be honorable. He leads best when he simply decides ‘this needs to be done’. And he’s at his best with O-Hisa when he’s not thinking to hard about how to be what she wants.]
Volar has expanded the little building behind Toshiro’s house into more of a wizard’s school, thanks in part to the ‘gifts’ of gold from his students. Where they might have picked up the gold…well…that’s not important. What’s important is that the lessons are going well. Kokuro of the White Fan ronin brotherhood is fitting in well, but the gambler’s student, Kaosu, was more troublesome, always asking questions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For Kaz life has returned to normal. Despite the promotion, he remains very much one of the boys. The occasional duels coming his way simply served to reinforce his ‘tough guy’ rep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mindra too was promoted, after a fashion. The Bugaisha Carpenter’s Guild has promoted him to journeyman, raising his monthly wages to around eight gold. He’s continued to study the pearl as well, sometimes persuading the pearl to show him something he wanted to know. Other times the pearl sweeps him away and shows him something it thinks he needs to know.
The most disturbing comes just days after the battle against Nagatori. A peaceful woodland glen illuminated by starlight. Then the sudden push of a hand up from the ground. Frantic pulling and pushing at the dirt soon show a gaunt figure pulling himself up from the earth. Nagatori. The formerly dead Shugenja was looking very unwell, his face pale, almost waxy. Before he is even finished pulling himself up though, his head is suddenly rocked by the slam of a club, then another and another, sickening thuds that continue until Nagatori is no longer moving. Then the vision showed a hulking figure pulling Nagatori from the ground, the mysterious man’s face hidden behind an iron mask like Mindra saw the bandits from Kuzo wearing. Whatever the vision meant, nothing more was heard of Nagatori over the next month.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For Mir the next month was encouraging. Thanks to saving a number of people at the burning Inn, Mir’s shrine was finally have visitors and even a few offerings were made. Mir had requested offerings be in the form of a wood carving, and a few carved in the form of animals had finally turned up.
Even better, Kuroiyuki was actually learning the ways of the Oak Father well. Renamed Ware Natto (Cracked Nut) for a variety of reasons, he had thrown himself energetically into the study of the Oak Father. As well as coming up with a few ideas of his own, like Hakutenpu-tai, the great Oak Group. He had even developed a pose for it, standing straight, right hand held before his chest in a position of reverence and prayer, his left hand lifted out and upwards, mimicking a tree branch, but with the palm open in a show of generosity. Once you culled out the goofiness, Cracked Nut did have some good ideas…
Cracked Nut did take Volar’s advice to heart, but in this area the young man’s nerve failed him. And as the month passed his fumbling, too shy attempts to draw her attention were barely even noticed. Probably for the best. Finally by the end of the month, he consulted Volar again and followed the elf’s advice, doing some work finding an old song, then serenading Mir with it one night. It was a good try but Mir’s rather obvious lack of enthusiasm for his interest did solve that ‘problem’.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Toshiro’s moment in the sun has passed quickly. He continued his winter training with the endlessly cheerful Shinjo Fujinami, while trying to keep improving his relationship with O-Hisa. Well, half of that was going well. Despite his dread over O-Hisa’s reaction over his confession about his infidelity with the white haired, shape shifting ninja, she took that well. After all, he had thought it was her, so it was ok. Toshiro was so thrilled to be off the hook he didn’t take the hint, and his relationship with O-Hisa continued to be a comedy of miscommunication and tension.
At least one thing went well for Toshiro, a letter arriving from his Crane friend.
Hiruma Toshiro-san,
I’ve just arrived in Crane lands and decided to take a short detour to the lands of your Clan to Visit Friendly Traveler village. It is said they produce the finest sake in the entire Empire. Please accept this humble gift of a bottle of their finest Plum Brandy in repayment for your generosity in Mimura. Hopefully this will reach you before winter sets in. I’m sure our paths will cross again soon.
Daidoji Hachi, Gunso of the Crane Clan
Even this was spoiled by a letter arriving from home just a few days later, though.
Dear son,
It’s been a long winter, and I fear the spring will be equally grim. The Shadowlands have continued to be relatively quiet. The raids are constant, but nothing we have not been able to handle. But the news from the imperial city is bad. I told you the Daimyo of the Yasuki family of the Crab had died without an heir. One was found. A dung eating Crane samurai named Daidoji Hachi. The Emperor has confirmed he is to become the Yasuki Daimyo and the Crane are now claiming not only the title but the lands and wealth of the Yasuki. Lands that have been a part of the Crab Clan for centuries. Bastards! There will be a war over this, mark my words. The Crane have their political wiles but it’s nothing a few blows from a club won’t handle. Let Jyaku-sama know about this as well. Our allies in the Mantis should be enough to keep the Crane Clan in check, but you never know.
Hiruma Tetsuo
Toshiro could tell it was going to be a long spring.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For Verick the last month of winter was a whirlwind of activity. Akodo Setei pushed him to his limits every day. Physical fitness, learning the techniques of the Lion clan, tactics, calligraphy, heraldry…the study was endless. The only break was Verick’s occasional visits with his advocate and the slow progress toward starting up his sake works.
Finally with Spring only a few days away, Akodo-sensei took Verick aside. The old man was positively beaming, and reverently he unrolled a scroll onto the table.
“Verick, excellent news! When the training first began I wrote to the Lion Clan Champion, Matsu Nimuro to make a humble request. Each spring an event called the Topaz Championship is held. It is the most prestigious gempukku ceremony in the empire, and the truest test of what it takes to be a samurai. Most gempukku ceremonies you are simply trying to fulfill a few set goals. Tests of your basic skills and character. But the Topaz Championship is that much tougher! Ten entrants. Ten rounds. Each round will have a random draw, and the prospective samurai will be pitted against each other. Whoever finishes the Championship with five or more wins goes on to the final round. But more importantly, they will be made samurai by the Emperor himself!”
Surprised, Verick simply listened as Akodo-sensei went on, “There has not been time to train you for every event. But I have great confidence you have the skill and character to win at LEAST five events. You will be reassured to know I’ve never had a student survive training then fail his gempukku.”
Verick nodded, he had an all too good idea what probably happened to those students before they ever got far enough to dishonor the clan with failure.
“You are not officially a Lion, yet. So even if you did fail, you would not be required commit seppuku.” Akodo-sensei ‘reassured’ him.
[DM Note: Other players kept tossing ‘But no pressure.’ in OOCly during this conversation. “You’ll be competing before the Emperor himself” (But no pressure). ‘It’s tradition for true Lion to commit seppuku if they fail this’ (But no pressure). Verick’s player took it well, though.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finally, with the end of the month, came the New Year, spring, and the return of Lord Shinjo Jyaku. Riding in from the Unicorn Winter Court at Shiro Moto, Jyaku-sama had quite a lot to catch up on. After a couple days of reading reports the group was summoned to meet with him.
Lord Jyaku’s usual stern look never wavered as he invited the group to sit. He shared tea with them a short time, chatting about minor things before he finally got to the point of the meeting.
“My profoundest thanks to you all. It’s been a long, hard winter and you have done very well. You saved my daughter and very likely Bugaisha itself. You did very well, my friends. Such bravery and wisdom deserves to be rewarded.”
“Toshiro! You are promoted to Nikutai, you will now be helping lead patrols. Kaz! Please accept this daikyu, it’s a fine bow and has served me well for many years. Volar, I had previously given you permission for building in Bugaisha. I understand you have been starting a small school for teaching spell casting, and have a few students. It would be appropriate, I think, for you to have an actual school building as well. Details can be worked out later.”
Lord Jyaku paused for a moment, looking over the others before continuing ‘Verick, it has reached my attention you are gathering money for a sake works. A costly endeavor and one being kept fairly quiet, yes? It will be my pleasure to expedite the situation a little with a contribution of cash. Yes..yes, I can imagine what you are thinking, don’t worry. The sake works is yours and you’ll run it as you see fit. The details can be worked out later.”
Lord Jyaku was less sure what to give the others, who were given time it think it over. Mir didn’t require any time at all, however. She was interested in pursuing becoming a part of the Shinjo. Not right away, but she wanted to know how it might work, what would be required of her.
Lord Jyaku agreed to discuss the matter later and went on to say ‘Now, I have another task for you. I know Verick will be going to Lion Lands for his gempukku. Travel papers have already been made out. From here to Shiro Moto and then on to Lion lands and Shiro Matsu. However, it would seem the Red Wizards have been very busy lately. During my stay at the Winter Court, Moto Chagatai, heir to the Championship of the clan, to bring one of the Red Wizards to Shiro Moto. He wished to speak to them. Those red robed bastards have not been as idle as they seemed. I am allowing one Red Wizard, one yojimbo, and one servant to travel to Shiro Moto. No doubt the servant will be a spy as well. Fah! You are assigned to escort them to Shiro Moto. Keep an eye on them, make sure they don’t get into trouble. Once you are to the capital of the Unicorn clan, they are no longer your problem.”
With that distasteful news out of the way, Lord Jyaku allowed himself a slight smile “The travel papers are set to take you to Lion lands and then back on a detour to Ryoko Owari. It will add a week to the trip, but Ryoko Owari is one of the great cities of the Empire. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the visit.”
With the rest of the group dismissed, Lord Jyaku turned to Kaz and Toshiro, a serious look on his face. “And now, one last thing. It is certain now I’ll be appointed governor to Ryoko Owari. I put it off for a few months because the Emperor is visiting that area and I did not wish to deny the honor of that visit to Shinjo Yoshifusa, the lord governing there now. But once that is settled the announcement will be made. At present the Unicorn legally control the city but the Scorpion clan is working hard to subvert our rule. And now I’ll be sent to a war of intrigue and secrets with the Masters of Secrets. You can imagine my unbridled joy at this prospect.”
“As you might have guessed, the trip through Ryoko Owari is not for sightseeing. Take this scroll and keep it safe. Guard it with your lives. When you get to Ryoko Owari open it, go to the address given and give the password provided to the owner there. He is a man who collects certain information for me. You are to bring what he gives you here. I will need every bit of information I can get before taking over Ryoko Owari. Look over the city while you are there, let me know your impressions. And a reminder. The scroll is secret. If anyone other than the two of you look at it, I expect it will be over your dead bodies, and in a final act of defiance your blood will make the words unreadable. Have a pleasant trip.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The last bit of news was given to Toshiro privately. It was now agreed that Hiruma Toshiro would be married to Shinjo O-Hisa. There would be a period where Lord Jyaku would be negotiating with Hiruma Tetsuo, Toshiro’s father, over the details. But now it was simply a matter of when, where, and who would take the other’s name.
As the news sank in Toshiro had to ask. ‘Have you already talked to O-Hisa? What did she say?”
Seriously, Lord Jyaku nodded “I’ve spoken to her. She will do her duty, of course.”
Not really the answer Toshiro had been hoping for.
Once he was dismissed, Toshiro walked straight over to O-Hisa’s home and the two of them had a heart to heart conversation. Toshiro admitted he felt on some level like O-Hisa would like him being more cultured. O-Hisa put it bluntly, she fostered with the Crab clan and she likes their ways. Finally the two worked out their differences and found more common ground. Especially riding, which O-Hisa loved and Toshiro was getting more comfortable with.
The next day the two went for a ride together out onto the western plains. And if a two hour ride somehow ended up taking them the whole day, that was nobodies business but their own, really.
[DM Notes: Toshiro’s player got a lot of teasing over his promotion, since it sounded like he got promoted for marrying the boss’s daughter. Toshiro’s at his best when he doesn’t think to hard on things but reacts with emotion. He’s at his most honorable when he’s not even thinking about trying to be honorable. He leads best when he simply decides ‘this needs to be done’. And he’s at his best with O-Hisa when he’s not thinking to hard about how to be what she wants.]
Black Omega
First Post
Ah, Ryoko Owari. Some classic quotes from that adventure. And plenty of trouble for the group.
Tokiwong
First Post
Black Omega said:Ah, Ryoko Owari. Some classic quotes from that adventure. And plenty of trouble for the group.
How are you going to tease me like that, I want to know now! Hmm, I nearly missed that Daidoji Hachi bit, sheesh he is my fave, what a bundle of trouble that will turn to. Keep it up Black Omega, and kudos to your game, just started a Play by post game myself on these boards of Rokugan, this storyhour gives me lots of ideas.
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Black Omega
First Post
Tokiwong said:
A few notes. The Daidoji Hachi thing is my first foreshadowing of the group being involved in the L5R storyline in the game. Most of my group don't follow that, so the foreshadowing was pretty successful. I may foreshadow to much or too subtly, but no one can ever say I don't use it enough.
I've gotten some good use out of the Mimura book and the Ryoko Owari boxed set. Mimura is just good as a small village where things happen. Ryoko Owari is a huge city with alot going on, and a good supply of characters to throw at the PC's.
Black Omega
First Post
[The following story hour has been: Edited for content, Reformatted to fit your screen, Time compressed.]
The group made their preparations for the trip, Mir getting things set at the grove, Volar passing on teaching duties to his chief student, Chen, Verick and sensei spending a night in prayer at the temple.
Mir had a last minute visit from Iuchi Yoenki, the terribly cheerful girl quite pleased. Over the winter there had been a raid by the Unicorn clan on Lion lands that had wiped out a whole village. Yoenki was positively giddy over the prospect of war between the Unicorn and Lion clans. Mir was very interested in trying to pin down who’s side exactly Yoenki was on in the empire. Yoenki went as far as to admit the Empire was overbalanced in the direction of order and law and her side planned to restore the balance with some good, old fashioned, bloody chaos. Something the Oak Father, a god inclined toward balance, might even approve of. Evidently Yoenki had been doing some research on the Oak Father. The conversation left Mir with quite a lot to think about, especially Yoenki’s parting comment “By the way, Viktor says Hi.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The meeting with the Red Wizard went as smoothly as could be expected. Torisk Haut was a thin, sharp-eyed man in the traditional red robes. With him was a bodyguard in heavy armor and a unobtrusive servant.
The trip began uneventfully enough. Volar took pains to try and annoy the Red Wizard, but he simply wasn’t rising to the bait. Soon enough the group arrived at Mimura and for the first time passed through the village peacefully, no doubt to the relief of all.
But soon they found their first hint of trouble. At the next village a peasant approached the group and groveled before Toshiro “Thank you, just in time! It’s terrible, an Oni has been threatening our village for several months now. He need help!”
Questioning revealed that a menacing creature had appeared in a cavern to the north. No one could agree what he looked like, save he was huge and had a deep, booming voice. He had demanded food and the village had been giving in to his demands while awaiting the spring and the first samurai to show up.
Yukiyo went ahead to scout, looking the cave over. From inside came the rhythmic sounds of something large breathing. Curious, she crept into the cave slowly then as it grew darker she had second thoughts and retreated to hide near the mouth of the cave and keep watch.
The rest of the group arrived not long later, and were immediately puzzled where Yukiyo had disappeared. Mindra was eager to try out a new spell of his, however. He chanted, casting dust toward the mouth of the cave as he summoned up a spirit for questioning. A miniature earth elemental rose into view, ready and waiting.
“Has anyone gone into this cave in the last day?” Mindra asked.
In a gravely voice, the mini-elemental rasped “Yes.”
Pleased he was on the right track, Mindra asked “What did they look like.”
After perhaps a minute he realized the elemental was talking about Yukiyo.
Now finally Yukiyo came out of hiding and the group was ready to proceed. Creeping into the cave, they were suddenly confronted with a right hand turn and from just beyond it a flicking flame and a huge shadow cast on the corner in front of them. “WHO DARES DISTRUB THE GREAT ONI OF THE CAVE!” a booming voice asked, shaking the walls of the cavern around them.
Toshiro lost not a moment, charging around the corner in a flash with the others close behind. Confronting them was a tiny orange, demon like figure with scales and horns, with a flame flickering behind him to cast the shadow. Seeing the fierce warriors charging him he turned around running, yelling out “Mommy! Bad men are here!” disappearing around the next corner in a flash.
Toshiro led the way after him at a run, but then he suddenly disappeared into the floor without a trace. The others following suddenly pulled up to a stop. Yelling out Toshiro’s name were rewarded only with silence. Backing up, Verick decided to take the chance, sprinting forward and leaping as far as he could. Fortune was with him, he landed at the far end of a pit hidden by illusion, arms flailing for a moment before he recovered his balance.
Kaz meanwhile was fishing a rope forward down into pit, though all he could see was the rope disappearing into the floor. There was suddenly a pull by something heavy and the others started to pull it up, hoping Toshiro was the one coming out.
At the back of the party, Mindra watched intently for the creature’s ‘mother’ to arrive. Over his shoulder a playful voice advised, “Be very careful, these mujina are tricky creatures.” The creature tugged Mindra’s tail and then tried to fade into the stone but Yukiyo and Volar were too quick. And arrow passed through the orange creature but Volar’s magic missiles wounded the little creature badly and he fled with a loud scream, never to be seen again.
Toshiro was helped up out of the illusion-disguised pit, filthy and smelling badly. Mir and Volar helped a little though. With the mujina fled, they built up Toshiro as the slayer of the Oni in the stories they told, a great hero’s whose story was sure to spread.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The remainder of the trip to Shiro Moto, capital of the Unicorn clan, was surprisingly uneventful. Volar teased and baited the Red Wizard, who held himself aloof from ‘the rabble’. Once the group arrived at Shiro Moto the Red Wizard and entourage were greeted by representatives of Moto Gaheris, Champion of the Unicorn.
Left to their own devices, the group got in touch with old friends. Hida Toshiaki greeted most of the group with a hearty slap on the shoulder, and Mir with a big kiss. Toshiaki had stories of the courts from his own earthy view. He confirmed what had happened with the Yasuki family of the Crab clan, as well as stories of troubles between the Phoenix and Dragon clans, though that had not broken into fighting. Yet. He also had good news about the alliance between the Mantis and Crab clans. Meanwhile Toshiaki took time to give Toshiro a rough time about drinking only tea and generally not acting like a Crab. Toshiro’s replies bordered, and occasionally crossed over, into wussy. But Toshiaki had no time to deal with it, Verick had heard more than he cared to and impulse leaped to action with no thought between. Verick slapped Toshiro.
Deathly silence followed. Whatever Hida Toshiaki had been about to say against Toshiro was instantly replaced by anger at Verick. Inconceivably, Toshiro might have let the slap slide but his kinsman was very firm. “Toshiro, either you do something about this, or I’ll feel obligated to. And I’ll tear that punk limb from limb!”
And so it was set. A duel between Verick and Toshiro to take place that very evening. By agreement it was to be fought with wooden swords and until one surrendered or could no longer continue. In truth, Verick would have preferred a duel with real katana, he felt his katana was more than a match for Toshiro’s. But Toshiro was sworn to Lord Jyaku and could not fight a deadly duel without getting permission. News of the coming duel spread like wildfire through the castle.
[DM Note: A regret. I did not list the exact quote that caused Verick to slap Toshiro. Verick’s player keeps a journal, but even in that it just listed ‘Toshiro says something wussy, Verick slaps him.’ Toshiro’s player is very laid back, but under the circumstances, with other Crab samurai there, he could not escape a duel. If no one had been there to push him into the duel, the honor loss would have been enough to drop Toshiro from 3 to 2, easily.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While preparations for the duel were underway, the group went to work on other projects. Various people, notably Mir, were able to confirm the raid on Lion lands, and while the Moto were not claiming credit, they were doing nothing to contradict others saying it was them.
A bit to their surprise, they also discovered Lord Jyaku had fought a duel during the Winter Court. A Moto samurai had implied Lord Jyaku was less than loyal to the Unicorn Clan Champion, and a duel had been fought in a fashion traditional among many Unicorn samurai, archery on horseback. Lord Jyaku had won and the matter was considered settled, but…
Mir had time to get reacquainted with her Crane friend, Doji Shiima, who had a friend also entering to Topaz Championships. He was definitely looking forward to the duel that night. A perfect chance to scout out the competition. Not that a mere half-Lion could ever be competition for a Crane…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evening came and found word of the duel had spread all over the castle. The group was attending as was Hida Toshiaki and other Crab samurai, as well as various diplomats from the other clans, and a good number of Moto, including Moto Chagatai, heir to ruling the Unicorn clan. No pressure.
The two combatants picked out their bokken, the wooden substitute for their katana, and shared a final consultation with their seconds. For Toshiro, Hida Toshiaki’s advice was blunt and to the point “Kick his ass.”
Akodo Setei wasn’t quite so coarse, “Do your best. This is good practice for the tournament so feel free to experiment. Ganbatte!”
As the duel commences the two approached carefully, bokken held out in front. Verick as just a hint faster and got in the first attack. The sound of wood on wood filled the dueling area, a square of stone measuring 30 feet by 30 feet, and Toshiro’s powerful attacks sent the Lion Cub stumbling back. Another exchange of strikes left Toshiro in control and Verick decided he had to change gears. Backing off, Verick made Toshiro come forward to attack, then swept his katana in a low strike that tripped Toshiro to the ground.
Toshiro quickly regained his feet and attacked again, resisting another trip attempt by brute power before a second sent him tumbling down again. That was Verick’s last gasp, though, and in a few more moments Toshiro was back on his feet and a final powerful overhead blow finished the duel.
With the duel finished, Hida Toshiaki and the other Crab samurai considered the matter dealt with, no grudge held. Moto Chagatai congratulated both men on a well-fought fight. Toshiro was even approached by Verick’s sensei “Congratulations, Toshiro-san. Bravely fought. Your victory over a boy not even through his gempukku is a credit to your clan.”
The group was invited to go out later that evening, celebrating with the Crab samurai. Mir was also invited to accompany Doji Shiima to a social event, storytelling by popular Ide Matsunaga. Mindra also had things to catch his attention. One of the women attending the event had stood out to his Shaman’s vision. A golden green spiritual glow around her that he had never seen on anymore before. With Mir’s help in asking around, he found her name was Akasha, quite well known in Shiro Moto as a link between the Unicorn Clan and the Naga. Hard as it was to believe, she was evidently born from a golden pearl the Naga gave the Unicorns. Mindra made a note to try and meet her later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The storytelling was interesting and Mir even recognized a few tales from the Western Kingdoms, though the heroes were portrayed as more lawful and honorable than in the original tales. Mir made her apologies early though, and slipped out to join Toshiro, Toshiaki, and others who planned to take in the nightlife.
Hida Toshiaki drew upon his vast knowledge of seedy nightlife and took the group to a newer place frequented by the less civilized Moto. For lack of a better term, a strip joint. Less sophisticated entertainment than was usual for the Emerald Empire. The Grandmother rule forbids going into further detail, suffice to say a decadently good time was had. Mir had a few offers to do some dancing of her own, though she turned them down.
The group awakened the next morning in no condition to travel and it was decided to stay over one more day at Shiro Moto. They had a two-day cushion, one more day would still get Verick to the Championship in time unless anything happened on the way…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[DM Note: The best laid plans… I had plans for the stop off at Shiro Matsu but I had to make some fast adjustments once the duel came up. My PC’s do keep me on my toes. On slight misfire, I thought Mir would be a bit more interested in where Unicorn storytellers might have gotten tales from Faerun.]
Next: Mindra gets someone else into trouble! Kaz finds something in common with Sensei Akodo Setei! Verick finally gets to the Topaz Championships!
The group made their preparations for the trip, Mir getting things set at the grove, Volar passing on teaching duties to his chief student, Chen, Verick and sensei spending a night in prayer at the temple.
Mir had a last minute visit from Iuchi Yoenki, the terribly cheerful girl quite pleased. Over the winter there had been a raid by the Unicorn clan on Lion lands that had wiped out a whole village. Yoenki was positively giddy over the prospect of war between the Unicorn and Lion clans. Mir was very interested in trying to pin down who’s side exactly Yoenki was on in the empire. Yoenki went as far as to admit the Empire was overbalanced in the direction of order and law and her side planned to restore the balance with some good, old fashioned, bloody chaos. Something the Oak Father, a god inclined toward balance, might even approve of. Evidently Yoenki had been doing some research on the Oak Father. The conversation left Mir with quite a lot to think about, especially Yoenki’s parting comment “By the way, Viktor says Hi.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The meeting with the Red Wizard went as smoothly as could be expected. Torisk Haut was a thin, sharp-eyed man in the traditional red robes. With him was a bodyguard in heavy armor and a unobtrusive servant.
The trip began uneventfully enough. Volar took pains to try and annoy the Red Wizard, but he simply wasn’t rising to the bait. Soon enough the group arrived at Mimura and for the first time passed through the village peacefully, no doubt to the relief of all.
But soon they found their first hint of trouble. At the next village a peasant approached the group and groveled before Toshiro “Thank you, just in time! It’s terrible, an Oni has been threatening our village for several months now. He need help!”
Questioning revealed that a menacing creature had appeared in a cavern to the north. No one could agree what he looked like, save he was huge and had a deep, booming voice. He had demanded food and the village had been giving in to his demands while awaiting the spring and the first samurai to show up.
Yukiyo went ahead to scout, looking the cave over. From inside came the rhythmic sounds of something large breathing. Curious, she crept into the cave slowly then as it grew darker she had second thoughts and retreated to hide near the mouth of the cave and keep watch.
The rest of the group arrived not long later, and were immediately puzzled where Yukiyo had disappeared. Mindra was eager to try out a new spell of his, however. He chanted, casting dust toward the mouth of the cave as he summoned up a spirit for questioning. A miniature earth elemental rose into view, ready and waiting.
“Has anyone gone into this cave in the last day?” Mindra asked.
In a gravely voice, the mini-elemental rasped “Yes.”
Pleased he was on the right track, Mindra asked “What did they look like.”
After perhaps a minute he realized the elemental was talking about Yukiyo.
Now finally Yukiyo came out of hiding and the group was ready to proceed. Creeping into the cave, they were suddenly confronted with a right hand turn and from just beyond it a flicking flame and a huge shadow cast on the corner in front of them. “WHO DARES DISTRUB THE GREAT ONI OF THE CAVE!” a booming voice asked, shaking the walls of the cavern around them.
Toshiro lost not a moment, charging around the corner in a flash with the others close behind. Confronting them was a tiny orange, demon like figure with scales and horns, with a flame flickering behind him to cast the shadow. Seeing the fierce warriors charging him he turned around running, yelling out “Mommy! Bad men are here!” disappearing around the next corner in a flash.
Toshiro led the way after him at a run, but then he suddenly disappeared into the floor without a trace. The others following suddenly pulled up to a stop. Yelling out Toshiro’s name were rewarded only with silence. Backing up, Verick decided to take the chance, sprinting forward and leaping as far as he could. Fortune was with him, he landed at the far end of a pit hidden by illusion, arms flailing for a moment before he recovered his balance.
Kaz meanwhile was fishing a rope forward down into pit, though all he could see was the rope disappearing into the floor. There was suddenly a pull by something heavy and the others started to pull it up, hoping Toshiro was the one coming out.
At the back of the party, Mindra watched intently for the creature’s ‘mother’ to arrive. Over his shoulder a playful voice advised, “Be very careful, these mujina are tricky creatures.” The creature tugged Mindra’s tail and then tried to fade into the stone but Yukiyo and Volar were too quick. And arrow passed through the orange creature but Volar’s magic missiles wounded the little creature badly and he fled with a loud scream, never to be seen again.
Toshiro was helped up out of the illusion-disguised pit, filthy and smelling badly. Mir and Volar helped a little though. With the mujina fled, they built up Toshiro as the slayer of the Oni in the stories they told, a great hero’s whose story was sure to spread.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The remainder of the trip to Shiro Moto, capital of the Unicorn clan, was surprisingly uneventful. Volar teased and baited the Red Wizard, who held himself aloof from ‘the rabble’. Once the group arrived at Shiro Moto the Red Wizard and entourage were greeted by representatives of Moto Gaheris, Champion of the Unicorn.
Left to their own devices, the group got in touch with old friends. Hida Toshiaki greeted most of the group with a hearty slap on the shoulder, and Mir with a big kiss. Toshiaki had stories of the courts from his own earthy view. He confirmed what had happened with the Yasuki family of the Crab clan, as well as stories of troubles between the Phoenix and Dragon clans, though that had not broken into fighting. Yet. He also had good news about the alliance between the Mantis and Crab clans. Meanwhile Toshiaki took time to give Toshiro a rough time about drinking only tea and generally not acting like a Crab. Toshiro’s replies bordered, and occasionally crossed over, into wussy. But Toshiaki had no time to deal with it, Verick had heard more than he cared to and impulse leaped to action with no thought between. Verick slapped Toshiro.
Deathly silence followed. Whatever Hida Toshiaki had been about to say against Toshiro was instantly replaced by anger at Verick. Inconceivably, Toshiro might have let the slap slide but his kinsman was very firm. “Toshiro, either you do something about this, or I’ll feel obligated to. And I’ll tear that punk limb from limb!”
And so it was set. A duel between Verick and Toshiro to take place that very evening. By agreement it was to be fought with wooden swords and until one surrendered or could no longer continue. In truth, Verick would have preferred a duel with real katana, he felt his katana was more than a match for Toshiro’s. But Toshiro was sworn to Lord Jyaku and could not fight a deadly duel without getting permission. News of the coming duel spread like wildfire through the castle.
[DM Note: A regret. I did not list the exact quote that caused Verick to slap Toshiro. Verick’s player keeps a journal, but even in that it just listed ‘Toshiro says something wussy, Verick slaps him.’ Toshiro’s player is very laid back, but under the circumstances, with other Crab samurai there, he could not escape a duel. If no one had been there to push him into the duel, the honor loss would have been enough to drop Toshiro from 3 to 2, easily.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While preparations for the duel were underway, the group went to work on other projects. Various people, notably Mir, were able to confirm the raid on Lion lands, and while the Moto were not claiming credit, they were doing nothing to contradict others saying it was them.
A bit to their surprise, they also discovered Lord Jyaku had fought a duel during the Winter Court. A Moto samurai had implied Lord Jyaku was less than loyal to the Unicorn Clan Champion, and a duel had been fought in a fashion traditional among many Unicorn samurai, archery on horseback. Lord Jyaku had won and the matter was considered settled, but…
Mir had time to get reacquainted with her Crane friend, Doji Shiima, who had a friend also entering to Topaz Championships. He was definitely looking forward to the duel that night. A perfect chance to scout out the competition. Not that a mere half-Lion could ever be competition for a Crane…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evening came and found word of the duel had spread all over the castle. The group was attending as was Hida Toshiaki and other Crab samurai, as well as various diplomats from the other clans, and a good number of Moto, including Moto Chagatai, heir to ruling the Unicorn clan. No pressure.
The two combatants picked out their bokken, the wooden substitute for their katana, and shared a final consultation with their seconds. For Toshiro, Hida Toshiaki’s advice was blunt and to the point “Kick his ass.”
Akodo Setei wasn’t quite so coarse, “Do your best. This is good practice for the tournament so feel free to experiment. Ganbatte!”
As the duel commences the two approached carefully, bokken held out in front. Verick as just a hint faster and got in the first attack. The sound of wood on wood filled the dueling area, a square of stone measuring 30 feet by 30 feet, and Toshiro’s powerful attacks sent the Lion Cub stumbling back. Another exchange of strikes left Toshiro in control and Verick decided he had to change gears. Backing off, Verick made Toshiro come forward to attack, then swept his katana in a low strike that tripped Toshiro to the ground.
Toshiro quickly regained his feet and attacked again, resisting another trip attempt by brute power before a second sent him tumbling down again. That was Verick’s last gasp, though, and in a few more moments Toshiro was back on his feet and a final powerful overhead blow finished the duel.
With the duel finished, Hida Toshiaki and the other Crab samurai considered the matter dealt with, no grudge held. Moto Chagatai congratulated both men on a well-fought fight. Toshiro was even approached by Verick’s sensei “Congratulations, Toshiro-san. Bravely fought. Your victory over a boy not even through his gempukku is a credit to your clan.”
The group was invited to go out later that evening, celebrating with the Crab samurai. Mir was also invited to accompany Doji Shiima to a social event, storytelling by popular Ide Matsunaga. Mindra also had things to catch his attention. One of the women attending the event had stood out to his Shaman’s vision. A golden green spiritual glow around her that he had never seen on anymore before. With Mir’s help in asking around, he found her name was Akasha, quite well known in Shiro Moto as a link between the Unicorn Clan and the Naga. Hard as it was to believe, she was evidently born from a golden pearl the Naga gave the Unicorns. Mindra made a note to try and meet her later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The storytelling was interesting and Mir even recognized a few tales from the Western Kingdoms, though the heroes were portrayed as more lawful and honorable than in the original tales. Mir made her apologies early though, and slipped out to join Toshiro, Toshiaki, and others who planned to take in the nightlife.
Hida Toshiaki drew upon his vast knowledge of seedy nightlife and took the group to a newer place frequented by the less civilized Moto. For lack of a better term, a strip joint. Less sophisticated entertainment than was usual for the Emerald Empire. The Grandmother rule forbids going into further detail, suffice to say a decadently good time was had. Mir had a few offers to do some dancing of her own, though she turned them down.
The group awakened the next morning in no condition to travel and it was decided to stay over one more day at Shiro Moto. They had a two-day cushion, one more day would still get Verick to the Championship in time unless anything happened on the way…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[DM Note: The best laid plans… I had plans for the stop off at Shiro Matsu but I had to make some fast adjustments once the duel came up. My PC’s do keep me on my toes.
On slight misfire, I thought Mir would be a bit more interested in where Unicorn storytellers might have gotten tales from Faerun.]Next: Mindra gets someone else into trouble! Kaz finds something in common with Sensei Akodo Setei! Verick finally gets to the Topaz Championships!
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