It is spring of the year 1137 of the Imperial Calendar, the ninth year of the reign of Toturi I, Lord of the Seven Hills and Master of the Chrysanthemum. A fresh spring breeze carries the scent of cherry blossoms to you from a nearby orchard. To the south, just visible on the horizon, is the splendid tower of Shiro Sano Kakita, the ancient seat of the Kakita family. Ahead of you is the village of Tsuma, a modest-sized city located next to a minor river, and home to one of the major dojos for the Kakita Dueling Academy. Here, the best and brightest young samurai of their generation have competed for the title of Topaz Champion, to bring glory and honor to their Clan. This is the first year the test has been held in over a decade, and though fate denied you the opportunity to take part, you have been sent by your Clan to assist those who can.
Tsuma is a modest city of about 1,200 people – essentially a very large village. Located in the peaceful Crane lands, it has neither walls nor a military garrison. There are no formal embassies maintained by other clans, since most only have business within the city once per year. The largest structure in the village is the Kakita Dueling Academy, a sizable compound of buildings and gardens, linked under a shared roof and protected by a high stone wall… the only fortification in Tsuma.
Each of you arrives in Tsuma by land, as do most of the other attendees – the road is crowded with samurai, both mounted and on foot, as well as noblewomen in palanquins. Crane magistrates patrol the roads carefully, and you are stopped at least once to show your travel papers.
The vast majority of samurai in Rokugan regard the Topaz Championship as the most prestigious gempukku ceremony in the Empire. The ceremony is open to any who wish to attend, but the Great Clans tend to be very selective in determining who represents them at the Championship. To permit just anyone to enter the contest would risk embarrassment, and no Great Clan would risk such a thing in front of their Crane hosts. Minor Clan samurai and ronin candidates require a Great Clan sponsor to be admitted to the competition. The Topaz Championship has been held in the Kakita town of Tsuma for centuries, at one of the largest dojo for the Kakita Dueling Academy. This year will be the first Topaz Championship since 1126, due to the Crab Clan’s invasion of the Crane lands leading up to the Clan War. The Crane have not been in a position to host the event since, though saying that outright would be a breach of etiquette. While in years past, the contest has drawn dozens of prospective samurai, this year there are only nine contenders: one from each of the Great Clans, and a lone ronin who has managed to arrange a sponsor from the Imperial Legion.
Rather than contenders, with the exception of Takagi you are present as guides, guards, assistants, or sensei for your Clan’s aspirants. You have passed your own gempukku already and are ineligible to take part yourselves, but are here to serve your Clan’s interests as ordered by your individual lords.
The contenders are young samurai who have not yet passed their gempukku; as such, they are not full adults, though they have been trusted with their swords for the competition. They will be expected to listen to advice from their betters (including each of you), and to do their utmost to bring honor to their Clan. You are free to decide for yourselves how much or little assistance you wish to provide their young charges. However, samurai from all across the Empire are present to witness the tournament, and they will be judging the participants based off their actions. These actions, ultimately, will also reflect upon their instructors.
Your charge is a young woman named Isawa Ume. Ume has had a strong connection with the Void for all of her life, and this was recognized early. She was taken to be trained as an ishiken at a young age, and despite an accident while traveling that left her with a strong aversion for horses, she has become a valued member of the Phoenix as they continue to rebuild after the last decade of devastation. She has significant potential as a shugenja, but is currently a better scholar and is very aware of it. Ume is reserved and quiet, and prefers study or communion with the spirits to socializing. She does, however, have an almost worshipful attitude toward Toturi Kaede – the Empress is her personal heroine. Although your relationship with the Isawa family has not often been pleasant, Ume has behaved herself fairly well; the times she has ignored you have seemed more like simple distraction than deliberate insult.
Airi:
Your charge is a woman named Matsu Sachiko. She is one of the first students to be trained by the Akodo after the return of their name. She is highly controlled, unlike many other Matsu samurai. She is very honorable, and like most Lion, has a great respect for tradition – her sensei was a returned spirit who instilled in her the values of Rokugan’s history. Sachiko is a tall young woman who wears her hair in a maiden’s foxtail. She is, unfortunately, plagued by minor mishaps, a fact she attributes to some form of kharmic balance she must address at some point in her life.
Seijuro:
Your charge is a young man by the name of Doji Arata. Doji Aroshi was a skilled duelist who died in a kharmic strike with a Lion general during the Clan War. His son, Arata, has a significant amount of talent with the blade, and bears a burden of expectation from his family as a result. During your time with him, you have sensed some kind of conflict within him as relates to this tournament or its after-effects - so far, though, Arata has not opened up to you about whatever might be bothering him. He is a handome youth with white-dyed hair and a nearly-perpetual worried expression.
Takagi:
You have been hired by Yoritomo Denkyu, a wealthy and respected Mantis samurai, to help bolster the Mantis' representation at this event. As such, you have been given charge over the Mantis contestant, Yoritomo Ayano. The daughter of a Mantis marine that fought alongside Yoritomo on the Day of Thunder, Ayano has a proud heritage for a member of the newest Great Clan. She does have a fondness for the finer things in life (music, sake, games of chance), but usually manages to temper this with some restraint; unfortunately, her impulse control is somewhat lacking when it comes to finding a fight. She is a very athletic young woman, pretty in a tomboyish sort of way, and years on the sea have given her a very strident voice.
As you enter Tsuma, you are directed to the House of the Tranquil Lotus, as you will be staying there free of charge, and to the Kakita Academy, as several smaller dojo have been set aside should you wish to spend any time giving your charges last minute lessons.
After arriving to the Tranquil Lotus and securing a room I change from my deep blue kimono with green details into my sturdy clothing for some sparring. I go searching for Ayano-san in her room stopping at the door "Ayano-san as I knock on the door Let us have one last practice and talk, it might helpful to get a feel for the place. as I still patiently await for her to open the door.
Kitsu Airi took a moment to sit down (in the proper position, of course) after long days on the road. Her dark, earth colored hair shone in the day's light coming in through rice-paper doors, accenting the rich, warm tones of her kimono flawlessly.
"Well Matsu-san, are there any matters you desire to clear your mind of? There won't be much chance for doing so later on."
For Seijuro, returning to Tsuma was like seeing an old friend after a long absence. A small smile spread on his face as he renewed his memory of the village. A sense of gratified peace entered his being.
As much as he enjoyed wandering the village though, he had other priorities. His steps soon took him to Shiro Sano Kakita, where he was to meet his charge, Doji Arata. Sadness entered his heart as he thought of the boy's circumstances. To lose a parent at such a young age. I can't imagine how much pressure must be on the boy now, seeing the legacy he is supposed to live up to. How can he cope?
The guards at the castle allowed him entrance after verifying his chop. He waved off their escort. He knew this place well, even after all the years that had passed.
Entering the dojo set aside for Arata, he saw the boy was meditating, sword at his side. Smiling, Seijuro took quiet steps to place himself near the boy. Settling into his own meditative posture, he relaxed and let the peace of the universe flow into him.
"Domo arigato gozaimasu," Kenshi said to the proprietor as he bowed low and stepped into their quarters and laid their things on the floor.
He turned to regard his charge as she entered behind him. She was a young and studious woman who Kenshi had heard of long before being aside as her chaperone. She was, in some ways, what Kenshi might have been had his life, and perhaps fate, gone differently.
He thought back to his own gempukku which was normally a time of great honor for a samurai. And yet his had been what seemed to cement his shame in the eyes of his family. He had never lived up to their expectations. In some ways he didn't care. And in others he was determined to prove them wrong.
Kenshi shook himself from his silent reverie. Now was not the time for such things. This was about Ume's gempukku. Not his own.
"Ume-sama, how would you like to prepare now that we are settled in?"
"Hai, Takagi-sama!"[/b] you hear from behind the door, and it quickly slides open to reveal Ayano, bouncing on her toes. "Sounds exciting. Can we explore the village as well?"Even as a ronin, you have more status than she, who is still a child until she completes her gempukku: thus, "sama."
Airi:
Sachiko bows in recognition of your status as you speak. "I... can think of nothing," she says carefully, clearly giving the matter some thought before replying. [b]"I feel as prepared as I can be for this challenge, although I do not know what precisely it involves. Is there anything you would have me hear?"
Seijuro:
After a timeless time, you become aware of a small noise coming from your companion. Returning your awareness to the room, you realize that Arata is not actually meditating - though his eyes are closed and he sits in the proper position, you can just make out the sound of murmured words, too low to be understood. Glancing over, you can see that his lips are moving, barely. His eyes still closed, he does not seem to have noticed that you have stopped your meditations and are staring at him.
Kenshi:
Ume blinks for a moment in confusion. "Ah... Wha...? Oh. Of course. I, ah, I had thought perhaps to use the inn's library for studying. Unless you have an alternative suggestion, of course, Isawa-sama?"
Kenshi smiled at Ume's apparent confusion. He was forced to wonder how the Phoenix had chosen to send her, reserved as she was.
"Hai Ume-sama - that is one course of action. However you must consider that there will be martial tests as well as mental ones. I say this not to dissuade you from your scholarly pursuits, merely to remind you that there will be other areas which you are not as proficient in. You are presented with the option of honing your strengths or shoring up your weaknesses. Which is the wiser course of preparation is for you to decide."
Ayano-san, there will be time for that but first we must practice and then we can relax by taking a walk around the Tsuma knowing full well this could be very counter productive do the her strong fighting spirit, but she must learn to restrain herself. Are you ready to go, or do you need a moment still?
Airi steepled her fingers, well-groomed at every turn without designing excessive beauty.
"Hmm. While the Topaz Championship has not been held in some time, I believe I still recall my history lessons on the subject. I should expect that while there will be tests of your skill in combat, as befits any young Lion, I would not expect this ceremony to conform to the the tests proctored by your home dojo...or family. Given the prestige of the event, and its auspicious re-introduction this year, one might do well to project the appearance of a well-rounded samurai-ko, even if one is not entirely so in truth."
Arata's eyes snap open, and he looks startled. "Oh! Doji-sama, I am... forgive me, sensei. I did not mean to disturb your meditations." He looks at the floor, clearly flustered. "It is... nothing, sensei. Just a... calming exercise. Something to help steady myself. Shall we practice?" Arata's attempt to change the subject does not escape your notice.
Kenshi:
Ume frowns. "I'm rubbish with weapons," she says ruefully. "I'd already written that part of the tournament off; I'm hoping to do well enough with the scholarly elements to cover for my weaknesses there. I've never really thought weapons were appropriate for an Isaw-" She manages to cut herself off at the last possible second, staring at you with horror and a fast-deepening blush. "Ah, what I mean is... Isawa-sensei... Perhaps you might help me with some basics?" Ume's eyes drill into the floor, and she looks as though she's trying to disappear into the inn's finely-woven rugs.
Takagi:
"No, now's good," Ayano replies, looking a little disappointed. "Lead the way, Takagi-sensei." She visible tries to settle herself, and largely manages to succeed as she follows you out the door.
Airi:
Sachiko bows in acknowledgement of your words. "Hai, Kitsu-sensei," she replies formally. "The Crane's reputation is... well. I have not studied the niceties of court they way they might have expected one of their students to do." She looks chagrined at having to admit a weakness. "The only book I ever enjoyed on the subject was The Subtlety of the Court, and that was mostly for the parts on battle strategy."
Airi grinned semi-ferociously, as Lion are wont to do.
"I doubt they expect you to have done so, especially given the recent events in our Clan. While we all project the on required of us, not a one of us is truly completely rounded, nor perfect. Excel in what you find most skill in, and use every advantage you have, provided it is not dishonorable.
"Few among the Crane, I imagine, would expect a Matsu to train with the Akodo, much less to have even read The Subtlety of the Court. Use that to your advantage, and you may net a good impression even if wider knowledge on the subject is lacking."
Seijuro looks at the young man with great care, but his voice is firm. "Arata-san, your skills are already excellent. Your focus, however, is lacking. How can you uphold the honor of the clan if you cannot focus?"
Seijuro gives the boy a reassuring smile. "Will you trust me, Arata-san? I understand the pressures upon you. I was in your place 11 years ago, during the last tournament. Please, tell me what is troubling you so."
It would have been dishonest for Kenshi to pretend that her words had not cut, but unlike so many others of his family, he knew the girl had not intended to slight him.
"The Tao teaches that we all have our place in the world Ume-sama and it is our duty to follow not only our daimyo's instructions but also to serve our daimyo and Rokugan in the way we are most capable. For me, that way is with a blade. For you, your blade is your mind. I would not push you onto a path you would not choose. If you believe that studying is how you can best prepare, then let us study and I shall aid you as I can."
"I will, Kitsu-sensei," Sachiko replies, bowing again. She looks up suddenly, as though a thought has just struck her. "I wonder... do you suppose that the inn has a library with a copy of The Subtlety of the Court? Or do you think I could borrow a copy from the dojo's libraries?"
Seijuro:
Arata looks down, clearly struggling to find the words. At last, he manages to start speaking. "My father... was a great swordsman, and my teachers have all told me I have inherited much of his talent. But the blade... I can use it, but it does not sing in me. Two years ago I began studying poetry with a teacher from the Kakita Artisan Academy, and it was as though dawn was breaking over a whorld I had only known in shadows. I started writing, and... my teachers tell me I have a gift, that my hand was born for a brush, not a katana, and my soul feels the same way. But my course is not mine to choose, Doji-sensei. I know that. I just do not know how to accept it."
Takagi:
Ayano grins, and she almost skips as you lead her down the stairs into the Inn's common room. The Tranquil Lotus is filled with other samurai guests here to watch the tournament, but two figures catch your eye in particular: a young, handsome man in a Scorpion's red and black, and a shaven-headed youth in a Dragon's green and yellow. Both are of an age to be ready for their gempukku, and both carry the slightly harried air of a student preparing for a massive exam the next day.
Once you leave the inn, you find that Tsuma truly isn't much to look at. In addition to the Tranquil Lotus (which you realize has a small shrine in among its gardens, and even a single monk to tend that shrine), you note the presence of a Unicorn market, called "Medinaat al-Salaam," whatever that might mean, along with the Poisoned Water Sake House - an establishment that also catches Ayano's attention. Beyond that, however, the village has little else to attract your interest, and you soon find yourself on the grounds of the Kakita Academy, in a small private dojo that awaits your use.
Kenshi:
"No, no, Isawa-sensei!" Ume says, still blushing furiously. "I am wrong to surrender before my trials even begin. Perhaps you can work with me on some basic techniques with your preferred style?" It is difficult to tell whether Ume's insistence stems from an actual change of heart or simple guilt, but it is clearly genuine regardless.
"Goodness, I certainly hope so. I can't imagine any dojo in Crane lands being without that tome! Shall I search it out, or would you prefer to do it yourself?"
"Hai Ume-sama," Kenshi bowed low as he spoke, "If it is truly your wish to practice then I am happy to oblige, though I again reiterate, only if it is your wish. If you have set your mind on this course, then we should proceed to the dojo."
Ayano-san, we better move on to the dojo prepared for us and I also want to gain some knowledge of your opponents if I can as he remembers the people at the Lotus We might gain some valuable insight, but we are still going to the dojo so you can do one last practice. as Takagi leads Ayano to the dojo trying to avoid the sake house at ALL costs Seven fortunes forbid that we start a fight in there... as he looks at the sake house.
"You're path may not be your own to choose, Arata-san, but that does not mean you cannot practice those talents you truly enjoy. I understand the pleasure one can derive from poetry. I practice the art myself. While my soul aligns with the blade, it does not mean that I do not see the worth in art." Seijuro seems at a loss for words for a moment.
"How can I explain this more properly? Your path may have been chosen for you, but you will not lose the opportunity to make use of the art you love. Our duelists are often found at the sides of our courtiers, and while your primary duty will be to prove our rightness with your blade, the ability to grace the courts with a well phrased poem is an asset that will lead you far."
"I will seek it out, Kitsu-sensei," Sachiko replies forthrightly, but she pauses for a moment before continuing. "Although... if you have any instruction to offer on its contents, I would be happy to hear them...?"
Kenshi:
By the way: using "-sama" isn't appropriate in this context - Ume is still a child (at least until the end of the Championship), while you are an adult, and thus your status is much higher. She should either not have an honorific at all, or should be "-kun" to you. Even "-san" is actually doing her more honor than she strictly deserves; "-sama" says she outranks you, which is precisely the opposite of reality. It's not a big deal, but I wanted to clarify.
Ume nods furiously. "I do wish it, Isawa-sensei!" she insists. She immediately gathers up her scroll satchel and readies herself to follow you to the dojo. Once you arrive, she looks over the racks of practice weapons with a slightly wide-eyes expression, reaching out to touch a hilt here and there, but not picking any up before turning to you and asking, "Um... which one should I choose?"
Takagi:
Ayano bows respectfully to the mat as she approaches it, but as she raises the pair of practice kama she has selected, she grins in a decidedly informal way. Her stance is strange to your eyes, used to the solid and steady fighting of the Boar and the Crab - she shifts her weight continually from foot to foot, moving lightly and ceaselessly as she starts to circle toward your left.
Seijuro:
Arata looks dubious, but his only response is a deep bow of his head and the words, "Hai, Doji-sensei." After a short pause, he looks up again and asks, "Is there something I should work on tonight before tomorrow?"
I bow with Ayano-san as we enter the Dojo and than prepare myself looking for a spear. Then I turn around to fin Ayano-san already on the mat You move as the waves Ayano-san fluid motions, but I wonder if it is enough for my spear as I move to my right keeping her at a distance with my practice spear giving back a grin Well I'm waiting Ayano-san, or do you want to practice your defense and want me to take start? as mi grin grows bigger.
Airi put two fingers to her lips, un-rouged today, and contemplated. She spoke while seemingly still in the midst of contemplation, one finger tapping on those full lips while the other remained still as a reed unbowed by wind.
"You said earlier that you had paid most attention to the volume's advice on battle strategy. In your review then, I would pay heed to the author's comparisons of those strategies to those used on the battlefield of the court. I think you'll find the knowledge useful, even if not to your personal taste, and far less divergent from the realm of war than one might expect. In Rokugan, everything is a battle of some sort. Some are just more polite than others."
Kenshi reaches for a practice katana and hands it to his charge before taking one himself.
"It is probably best to go with tradition. After your gempukku you may never touch a katana again, but it is the weapon you are most likely to face over the next few days. I will teach you some basics and, coupled with your clever mind, there is a fair chance you will prove proficient in whatever tests have been devised for you Ume-san."
Seijuro keeps his face calm, but inside is in turmoil. I wish there was more I could to do make him understand. His paths are not divorced from one another, but are one and the same! Uncle, I do not have your wisdom to teach another how you taught me.
He nods at Arata. "Yes, there is a specific task I have for you, Arata-san: I would like you to compose a poem. The subject should be your blade. Meditate until you can find the words to express it through your pen. I will send for paper and ink, and water." Getting up, Seijuro gives the slightest of bows to Arata. "Your paths are more closely joined than you believe. Let your love of poetry open your eyes to your father's love of the blade. Good night, Arata-san."
Ayano grins fiercely, then leaps to the attack in lieu of an answer. She is fast and agile, and you find yourself hard-pressed to keep up with her. For several rounds you trade offensive and defensive postures, and it seems as though you score three touches for every two or so of hers.
After perhaps 45 minutes of practice, you hear a stir among the servants outside the door, and hurrying feet indicate samurai and peasant alike are rushing to see something outside.
Thanks to your training efforts, Ayano will have 1 additional Void Point to spend in this mod on a Knives (Kama) roll.
Airi:
Sachiko nods dutifully, replying, "I know that was the point of the book... perhaps I will get more out of it this time," although she still looks a little dubious. With a suitably respectful bow, Sachiko slips out in search of the text.
Thanks to your efforts, Sachiko will have 1 extra Void Point to spend on this module - it can be spent on either a Courtier roll or an Etiquette roll. That choice is up to you, based on how you see the conversation having gone.
Not long after she leaves, you hear a stir among the servants outside the door, and hurrying feet indicate samurai and peasant alike are rushing to see something outside.
Kenshi:
Ume nods solemnly, taking a katana almost at random from among the wooden practice weapons along the wall. With a sigh, you find one that actually suits her reach and strength, and begin some basic kata. The young girl maintains an intense concentration, and it is clear she is trying to memorize the moves. It's not perfect, but it might help her at least look less foolish...
Thanks to your efforts, Ume will have 1 extra Void Point to spend on either a Kenjutsu or Iaijutsu roll during this mod (which one depends on which element of swordplay your teaching is focusing on).
As you complete the lesson, you hear a stir among the servants outside the door, and hurrying feet indicate samurai and peasant alike are rushing to see something outside.
Seijuro:
Arata looks ashamed, lowering his eyes to the floor as you leave. You have no difficulty finding a servant and directing him to bring the necessary writing implements to Arata's meditation space, but as you do, several other servants hurry by, clearly excited about something, and you hear samurai and peasants alike making a commotion outside.
Thanks to your training efforts, Arata will have 1 additional Void Point to spend in this mod on an Artisan: Poetry roll.
Kenshi allowed the faintest trace of a smile to grave his face as Ume-san drew her sword for the iaijutsu strike. She struck true, though her blow did little damage to him and her skill was still far from what he would consider proficient. Still, she was a clever girl and she had an intense devotion to whatever her current task was.
"Very good Ume-san. You certainly have the focus of an iaijutsu master, even if your training has been lacking to this point," he bowed low as he spoke, "You will do both our clan and our family proud, whatever tests they have planned for you. I am sure of it."
Hearing the commotion outside, Kenshi rose from his bow.
"It would seem there is something rather interesting occurring outside. You may continue to work on your kata or you may join me in seeing what is going on as you please Ume-san."
Now that sounds like someone making a dramatic entrance...or a dramatic death. Let's see which it is.
Collecting herself without undue hurry, Airi strode boldly outside in the wake of many rushing feet, glancing from side to side every once in a while to take in more of Tsuma. Or at least, that was her intent, but it seemed like the longer she lingered in defiance of the excitement, whatever it was, the harder it became to avoid quickening her pace so she as well could discover what prompted this break in decorum.
I know it hurts you, Arata, but if you will only persevere I am sure you can begin to see the path. His work done for now, Seijuro finds himself drawn to the commotion that seems to be occurring outside the dojo. Even my calm is no match for basic human interest. I must work harder.
As you all step outside (Ume and Ayano accompanying their sensei), you discover a crowd is forming in the streets of the town, moving quickly toward the docks. It takes little time before you overhear the cause, discussed in excited whispers by the press of people surrounding you: the Imperial Barge has been sighted coming upstream! The Emperor himself is about to arrive!
The first sign of the Imperial barge is the reflection of the setting sun glinting off a crystal staff atop the mast. The Imperial chrysanthemum mon waves in the light breeze as the river vessel ponderously glides into view. A hundred oars stir the water about its golden deck, and the emerald sail furls as the barge’s crew maneuvers it to dock. A stoic party of Crane samurai wait on the wharf, their servants scurrying about to secure the Emperor’s conveyance and the plank that will carry the Son of Heaven from the barge to the shore. Foremost among the waiting Crane is Kakita Kaiten, Master of the Kakita Academy, Kakita family daimyo, regent for the Crane Champion Doji Kurohito, and the host of this event. He stands proudly, unbowed by the weight of his many titles. Next to him is Daidoji Rekai, heir of the Daidoji daimyo and heroine of the War Against the Shadow. Her long white hair tumbles freely down her back, but it is the only concession to femininity she seems to permit herself; otherwise, she is every inch the ready warrior. The two stand still at the heart of the bustling preparations, waiting patiently for all to be in readiness.
At last, the Imperal Guard forms up on the deck of the barge, and the Emperor’s banner is brought forward. As the standard bearer steps onto the dock, the Emperor comes into sight with the Empress at his side. The assembled samurai kneel and prostrate themselves as the Son of Heaven approaches.
I assume none of you choose to single yourselves out for, ah, "negative attention" from the Seppun Guardsmen by electing to remain standing.
Toturi approaches Kaiten first and exchanges a few quiet words before bidding his subjects to rise. The Emperor is a tall, lean man in immaculate clothing made of the finest silks, and the faint glow of a returned spirit is visible around him in the fading light of day. Most samurai are careful to maintain a stern and serious expression while in public, but today Toturi I seems to have a difficulty keeping a joyous smile off his face as he steps onto a raised platform to address the gathered samurai. In his right hand, the Emperor holds a silk fan; he lifts it to focus the crowd’s attention like a general signaling to his troops, and it is easy to see a lifetime of battlefield training has not left him.
“People of Rokugan! We are honored to be present at this momentous event, and We are proud that so many of Our samurai are here to witness the rebirth of a proud tradition! And while it gives Us great hope for the future of the Empire to see such promising samurai, from each of the Great Clans, come together to compete for honor and glory in peace… We have this day received more news of great importance to Rokugan’s destiny!” He glances down at the Empress, and again a bright smile lights his face. “This very day, Our Empress Kaede, the Oracle of the Void, has informed Us that she is with child, and will be delivered of a son before winter!”
The news causes a stir through the crowd: while news of this nature is not normally discussed in public, the birth of an Imperial heir is obviously very important. Toturi and Kaede do have one child already: a year-old daughter, who has evidently been left in Otosan Uchi. The birth of a son will strengthen the new dynasty, as a more traditional heir is important to the Empire.
Toturi raises his fan again and the murmurs die down. “For this reason, We declare today a celebration! Let all rejoice in the birth of Our child, and give thanks to the Fortunes for the bright days ahead! Tomorrow, we will all continue looking to the future by witnessing the next generation’s coming of age!” Roars of approval greet the Emperor’s words as he steps down.
The Imperial procession makes its way to the Kakita Academy, where the high-ranking guests will stay for the tournament. While the Emperor’s presence attracts the most attention, other luminaries of the Empire still stand out. The Empress, Toturi Kaede, is a lovely woman with a slightly abstracted air. Her eyes are dark and mysterious, and even in the midst of a crowd, the Oracle of Void gives a sense of distance. The Emerald Champion Kakita Toshiken walks just behind the Emperor and Empress, clad in the green armor of his position. He watches the crowd as he speaks with Toku, the Captain of the Imperial Guard. The two make an interesting pair: Toshiken is tall and his stern face is conventionally handsome, while Toku is slightly under average height and somewhat homely, but with a ready smile. The Miya family daimyo, Miya Yumi, walks with Kakita Kaiten; as the Imperial Herald, she will be overseeing the tournament.
Kenshi:
Ume gasps and blushes at the sight of Kaede, and she practically squeaks when the Oracle's imperturbable gaze sweeps across the two of you. A few moments later, Ume hastily excuses herself and disappears into the crowd, heading in the direction of the inn.
Can I get an Investigation (Notice) / Awareness roll from all of you, please? (The use of Awareness instead of Perception is intentional, for the record.)
Kenshi is pleased that the Emperor would be in attendance, though the Empress's presence seems to have unnerved Ume a bit. He makes a mental note to talk to her about it back at the inn.
The Seppun guardsmen that surround the Emperor are, if anything, even more watchful and suspicious on his announcement that his wife is pregnant. You note that two of the miharu are, like Toturi himself, surrounded by the glow of returned spirits. Make me a Courtier / Intelligence roll, please.
As the crowd begins to disperse, word begins to spread rapidly that the Imperial Treasury is taking on the costs for all celebration tonight. A festive mood grips the city; musicians and storytellers from the nearby artisan Academy arrive to practice their arts for appreciative audiences, sake and shochu flow freely, and even the commoners move with a sense of joy. The celebrations soon develop two focus points: the Inn of the Tranquil Lotus and the Poisoned Water Sake House.
"Don't let the Emperor's presence make you nervous you are facing the same people and the audience should not matter but your opponent Ayano-san" as he looks at her for a moment, "We better go back to the Tranquil Lotus and change into appropriate clothing and have a soothing drink or two"
Ayano looks excited by the prospect of a "soothing drink," and it is clear she is not hoping for tea.
Kenshi locates his young charge praying in the shrine in the gardens outside the Inn of the Tranquil Lotus. The monk, a smiling old man with a carefully shaved head and a perpetual bounce to his step, offers the Isawa a deep bow as he arrives, then slips out to rake the stone path outside the shrine itself.
Upon hearing the news of the Treasury's involvement, Airi headed promptly back to the Poisoned Water Sake House after leaving a message at the inn for her charge, hoping that all the "good stuff" wasn't gone yet...both drinks and men.
Courtier/Intelligence: 4d10 ⇒ (6, 2, 9, 1) = 18 Keeping 9 and 6, for 15.
Seijuro keeps his face clear of any reaction, but inside wonders what will happen if any incident occurs. The guards are already tense. It could set something terrible off if someone decides to make an issue during the tournament. Let us hope that our guests remember honor...
Airi finds that, when she arrives at the sake house, the party is in full swing - and there are drinks and men both in great supply. In one corner, a large contingent of Crab samurai are shouting encouragement as the youngest of the number downs drink after drink, interspersed with roaring tales of glorious battle over the foul beasts of the Shadowlands. In another, a single Moto boy sits morosely in front of a line of empty sake cups as he mechanically fills another and knocks the entire thing back - all around him, several swooning serving girls eye each other warily while they look for some way to "ease his loneliness."
In the small shrine, Ume opens her eyes after several long minutes, looking at the carefully-polished wooden floor with an expression of quiet nervousness. Seeing Kenshi adopting his own meditative pose, she opens her mouth as if to speak, but then closes it and waits for her teacher to start the conversation, should he wish to do so.
Seijuro watches the refined Crane village around him slowly descend into a happy chaos, with drinking and merrymaking on all sides. If he is looking for trouble, though, he finds no signs of it on the streets of Tsuma - instead, there is only joyful, if drunken, celebration.
Airi sidled through crowds of people slowly, not sure who to go after yet. Considering the level of intoxication soon to be shared by everyone, it might not matter. Too much drink and I won't get any action tonight! she thought in a mental pout.
Grabbing a bottle from a passing servant without even looking at what she might be taking, Airi decides to try the Crab first. Though her kinsmen certainly looked down their noses at them, she knew nobody could throw a party like the Hida and their brethren.
And if she couldn't match them...well, maybe "misery" would love company.
Finally eyeing the bottle she'd grasped, she noted it was a smooth sake blended with plum infusions. Probably not to the taste of the Crab, and especially not one binging...but it was worth a try anyway.
She stepped to the back of the ring of shouting Crab samurai, and joined in the shouting, wondering when they would notice her...and her Clan colors. Interesting introductions were always the best ones.
Takagi doesn't drink much as he is busy keeping an eye on Ayano-san, so she might not get into unnecessary physical activity beyond a couple of words and avoid having a hangover.
Takagi looks around the bar seeing everyone drinking merrily, as the crab men are loud as usual, but nothing catches his eyes except for the lion clan woman, which Takagi feels still uneasy about regardless of how much time has passed since then "They are probably still the same" thinks to himself. Turning to Ayano-san Having some fun Ayano-san?
Airi steps in to the Crab gathering, discovering as she does so that they are telling stories of their own exploits south of the Wall. It is a display that would be shameful to most Rokugani, in that matters of the Taint are usually just not discussed in polite society, but the Crab laugh and roar their approval with each new story of brutal heroism. Once they see the shugenja standing there, the Crab at the center of the table raises a hand to quiet his fellows, then offers a bow that might be slightly mocking based on his smile. "Kitsu-san," he says, "have you lost your way? We do not often see such a beautiful lioness standing amidst the mud..." The other Crabs nearby chuckle and wait to see her response.
Ume looks up a little as Kenshi speaks, then down again at the floor. "I just... Isawa-sensei, I do not know if I have the words. I know you are not trained to speak with the kami, but even if you were, I do not know if I could explain it. Kaede-heika... you know what she has done in her life? She saved an Emperor's son from Scorpion assassins, lead our Clan during the strife of the Clan War, stood alone against the rest of the Elemental Masters when they chose to open the Black Scrolls, married the Emperor himself and now... the Dragon of the Void itself speaks through her! I... it is like having a Fortune looking at you, just to have her walk by. I can feel her... like the sun on your face when you close your eyes. I... how am I supposed to stand before her and proclaim myself worth her attention?" The girl's expression is a strange mix - somewhere between hero worship and religious awe.
Takagi discovers Ayano has already found herself a few fellow drinkers among the crowd at the sake house, and seems to be having a good time indeed, showing off her acrobatic talents with some flips and handstands on the common room's floor. She looks over at Takagi's question, laughs uproariously and replies, [b]"I'm beginning to understand the appeal of the mainland!" as she takes another sake cup from a passing tray.
