Actually, I'm going to just stick with Mirror, Mirror for the time being. Please continue making samurai as I have described above (205 xp).
Sorry for the brief GM ADD. :)
Heh, I know that feeling. I have a mechwarrior campaign that I'm going to run "any day now" that I started putting together.. in 2001.
Since you've decided, my character is ready to go and posted upthread. It may have been lost in the shuffle but crunchwise, I'll make one minor alteration to swap his Willpower and Intelligence end up swapping Fire 3/Earth 2 for Fire 2/Earth 3.
Proper alias created and updated.
Since we have eleven people interested and only six spots, I suppose this is a full-blown recruitment now. A few things:
1. Recruitment will end on Monday, aka 4/6, @ midnight EST.
2. I'll be taking three warrior types (bushi, ise zumi, shinobi, etc.), one shugenja, and one courtier minimum. The sixth and final spot will be the next best character from the pool.
So far, three bushi have been submitted:
Shinjo Nagasawa (deusvult)
Hida Yuo (aptinuviel)
Akodo Takaji (Anon A Mouse)
Character Ideas:
Crane duelist (Ashe)
Sword-wielding shugenja (Radavel)
Scorpion courtier (Sukrai)
Not Sure Yet:
Fiendish Zen
Rigor Rictus
Tourach
Arknight
GunMetalDrac
I've updated the character sheet a bit. Added some history for his Daisho and Ono.
GM, can u give an estimate as to age for some1 who's IR 3?
Does Kyuden Hida have an access to the sea??? Sorry dont have the map right now....
Kyuden Hida overlooks the cliffs of Earthquake Fish Bay, which is home to the Crab Navy. (The bay has other names based on time period and which Clan is talking about it, but I think googling it will find all that info.)
GM, can u give an estimate as to age for some1 who's IR 3?
IR3 characters are typically mid twenties to early thirties.
Ok, looking things over, since I'm not that up on the L5R system, it's going to be easiest for me to create a Bushi. I'm thinking maybe a Toritaka family member who was allowed to train at the Mirumoto Bushi school in the Niten style.
So what budget do we have again for our characters? Not just starting outfit I imagine?
I'm thinking maybe a Toritaka family member who was allowed to train at the Mirumoto Bushi school in the Niten style.
I'd place the approximate date of this campaign around 1122, so the Falcon Clan hasn't yet been absorbed into the Crab. Combined with a Dragon school, be sure to include a good reason why your character would be at Winter Court.
So what budget do we have again for our characters? Not just starting outfit I imagine?
This is a bit of a weird thing, because I don't believe that there's a standard for giving higher insight rank characters more money. What I'm going to say is that you should give your character things that make sense within the back-story and within the narrative you're trying to create*.
For instance, if you want to play a Crane courtier with a lot of merchant interests, go ahead and say that you have 15 koku tied up in assets. If you want to be a Scorpion bushi that is always prepared, go ahead and give yourself an escape kimono with blades in the sleeves (0k1). If you want a stylish wardrobe filled with in-fashion kimonos, do it. Just make sure that it makes sense.
And for Fortunes' sake, don't carry a lot of money on you. It's unseemly for a samurai. ;)
*Except for nemuranai or other extremely rare items, like jade or crystal weapons.
I'm thinking maybe a Toritaka family member who was allowed to train at the Mirumoto Bushi school in the Niten style.I'd place the approximate date of this campaign around 1122, so the Falcon Clan hasn't yet been absorbed into the Crab. Combined with a Dragon school, be sure to include a good reason why your character would be at Winter Court.
Ah, I missed that about the Falcon. I was wanting a Crab family not known for Bushi.... :)
Something else, Are you allowing rolls on the Heritage tables (I think from Great Clans)?
So what budget do we have again for our characters? Not just starting outfit I imagine?This is a bit of a weird thing, because I don't believe that there's a standard for giving higher insight rank characters more money. What I'm going to say is that you should give your character things that make sense within the back-story and within the narrative you're trying to create*.
For instance, if you want to play a Crane courtier with a lot of merchant interests, go ahead and say that you have 15 koku tied up in assets. If you want to be a Scorpion bushi that is always prepared, go ahead and give yourself an escape kimono with blades in the sleeves (0k1). If you want a stylish wardrobe filled with in-fashion kimonos, do it. Just make sure that it makes sense.
And for Fortunes' sake, don't carry a lot of money on you. It's unseemly for a samurai. ;)
*Except for nemuranai or other extremely rare items, like jade or crystal weapons.
I don't want to be "that guy" min-maxing one's stats.. but if the Wealth Advantage isn't going to be very relevant in Mirror, Mirror I'd be open to volunteering to open that point to something that'll help tie the group together. (Kharmic Tie or a group Gentry purchase or something along those lines)
I was wanting a Crab family not known for Bushi.... :)
A militant Yasuki would be memorable!
IR3 characters are typically mid twenties to early thirties.
In that case, I'll change my character's age to 27.
I don't want to be "that guy" min-maxing one's stats.. but if the Wealth Advantage isn't going to be very relevant in Mirror, Mirror I'd be open to volunteering to open that point to something that'll help tie the group together. (Kharmic Tie or a group Gentry purchase or something along those lines)
I'd also be fine with dropping the 2 semi-random skills I picked up (to deal with 1 XP overspent) in favor of Kharmic Tie. I considered it, but I just hadn't considered possibly connecting myself to a PC rather than an NPC.
I've also created an attempt at fluff for Akodo Takaji's obligation.
With that in mind, Takaji dismissed the notion of serving Yokumu and instead petitioned Matsu Bushime for a position as one of her guards, hoping that her time as commander might lead him to be a part of any future wars she might wage. His request, however, was denied; Bushime already had a full retinue of guards at her disposal. With the bitter taste of rejection on his lips, Takaji started to leave only to be stopped by Matsu Kenichi. Knowing something about Takaji's struggle to step out from under his brother's name, Kenichi took pity on him and offered him a position as his yojimbo. It wasn't exactly what Takaji had hoped for, but he believed--or at least hoped-- that it would keep him relatively close to Bushime and therefore any future conflicts, so he accepted.
Alright, still working on the backstory, but here is the crunch!
CLAN: Scorpion
SCHOOL: Shosuro Infiltrator & Bayushi Courtier
RANK: 3 (Infiltrator 1, Courtier 2)
Age: 24 Sex: Female Height: 5'2"
Description: A young woman with startlingly good skin, ink-black hair that she dyes an alluring blood red done up in a short ponytail behind her, and honey-gold eyes that smolder while overlooking a painted half-mask of red vines with flower petals on her lips. Those are the first things one would notice about this woman in a casual environment, when she deigns to show it. Her kimono is a beautiful red and black with scorpions dancing with one another amidst cherry trees with pink petals falling amongst them.
FIRE 3 (Agility 3; Reflexes 3
AIR 4 (Intelligence 4; Awareness 4)
EARTH 3 Willpower 3; Stamina 3
WATER 3 (Perception 3; Strength 3)
VOID 2
GLORY 1.0
HONOR 5.5
INSIGHT 199
INITIATIVE 7k3
TN TO BE HIT: 20
Armor Reduction: 0
Healthy (+0) 15
Nicked (+0) 21
Grazed (+2) 27
Hurt (+7) 33
Injured (+12) 39
Crippled (+17) 45
Down (+37) 51
Out 57
TECHNIQUES
Weakness is My Strength: When you are making a Contested Social Roll against someone else, you gain a Free Raise to your roll for every 3 points of Mental or Social Disadvantages (rounded off) he possesses. Disadvantages that did not award Experience Points still count for their normal point value for the purposes of this Technique. This cannot award more than 5 raises. Gain a free raise when using the Courtier skill to spread Gossip, and need not raise in order to conceal that you are the source of that gossip.
Shallow Waters: By conversing with someone for a few minutes, you can make a Contested Roll of your Investigation/Awareness against their Etiquette/Awareness. With a success you learn the identity and rank of their lowest Mental Trait and their lowest Social skiill that has at least one rank (GM chooses in case of ties). You may spend a Void point to also learn their next lowest Mental Trait and next lowest Social skill.
Secrets are Birthmarks: By speaking with someone for a few minutes, you can make a Contested roll of your Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness against their Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness to force them into revealing one Mental or Social disadvantage they possess. If they have no such Disadvantages, this will instead reveal one Mental or Social Advantage. (Note that this only reveals the rulebook title of the Advantage/Disadvantage, not the specific nature of it. One can learn that they have a Dark Secret, but not the specific nature of that secret.) If the roll succeeded in revealing a Disadvantage, with the GM's permission you may take a 2point Blackmail Advantage aginst this individual, for no cost in Experience points.
ADVANTAGES
Dangerous Beauty, Blackmail, Benten's Blessing, Darling of the Court, Perceived Honor (3)
DISADVANTAGES
None
SKILLS
Courtier 5 (Gossip)
Etiquette 5
Temptation 5
Sincerity 5 (Deceit)
Investigation 3
Lore Heraldry 3
Calligraphy 1
Kenjutsu 3
Divination 3
Defense 2
Games Letters 2
Perform Samisen 2
Lore: Bushido 1
Meditation 1
Tea Ceremony 1
EQUIPMENT
Extravagant clothing, fine wakizashi, fine katana, Courtier's fan, Hakama, Kataginu, writing box, pillow book, sake cup,
Traveling pack containing: Mask, Game kit, Divination kit, Jewelry, makeup kit, Perfume, personal chop, Spare kimono and sandals, Ink brush kit, smoking pipe.
"You can ALWAYS trust a Scorpion! What you trust them with is up for debate though..."
—Unknown
Well that took a while, very out of practice with L5R characters and 205 xp was a lot to work with (not complaining though!). L5RCM is great!
Also, I'd like to work knowing more of the other PCs in to her background, but that's tricky until they are selected :p
Without further ado, may I present Asako Shiori, Phoenix shugenja
NAME: Asako Shiori
CLAN: Phoenix
SCHOOL: Isawa Shugenja School
RANK: 4
Age: 34 Sex: Female Height: 5'5"
Description: With hair so black that it reflects the blue of darkest midnight, possessing eyes as blue as the ocean water and skin as pale as moonlight, Shiori would be considered incredibly beautiful were it not for the scars tracking their way up her neck and along her jawline. Her kimono is the blood-red of the Phoenix clan, edged in gold with no adornments aside from her clan embroidery. A satchel accompanies her everywhere.
FIRE 3 (Agility 3; Intelligence 3)
AIR 3 (Reflexes 3; Awareness 3)
EARTH 3 (Willpower 3; Stamina 3)
WATER 3 (Perception 5; Strength 5)
VOID 3
GLORY 1.0
HONOR 4.5
TAINT 0.5
INSIGHT 203
INITIATIVE 7k3
TN TO BE HIT: 20
Armor Reduction: 0
Healthy (+0) 15
Nicked (+0) 21
Grazed (+2) 27
Hurt (+7) 33
Injured (+12) 39
Crippled (+17) 45
Down (+37) 51
Out 57
TECHNIQUES
Free raise on all water spells
ADVANTAGES
Elemental Blessing (Water), Sage
DISADVANTAGES
Driven, Failure of Bushido (Courtesy), Shadowlands Taint
SKILLS
Spellcraft 5
Investigation 4
Medicine 1
Meditation 1
Calligraphy 2 (Cipher)
Lore (Theology) 2
Lore (Shadowlands) 2
Jiujitsu 3
Defence 3
Battle 2
Sincerity 2
Etiquette 3
EQUIPMENT
Robes, wakizashi, writing box, traveling pack containing: personal chop, spare kimono and sandals, Ink brush kit, candles (6), parchment and charcoal (10), small hand mirror, blanket, sweets, spices
Spells
Water (path to inner peace, reversal of fortunes, rejuvenating vapors, silent waters, heart of the water dragon)
Fire (fires of purity, fist of osano wo, wall of fire)
Air (tempest of air, whispering wind, know the mind)
Earth (jade strike, earth's stagnation, grasp of earth, the wolf's mercy, tomb of jade)
"How can you rise, if you have not burned" —Unknown
History
Shiori's father was a prodigy among the clan, an Ishiken-do of power who quickly rose to prominence through his superior skill, matched unfortunately only by his arrogance.
Her existence owed only to a dutiful wife from a politically and magically minded marriage, Shiori was a disappointment to her father when she failed to manifest his ability to speak to the void. His own research led him to believe he could open a gate in the soul of another shugenja that would allow them to perceive what he could. In his overwhelming desire to do that which had not been achieved before, his studies had included some texts and sources of power of less than honorable nature. His corruption became evident when the ritual he was
leading to empower Shiori went awry, sending magical energies coursing through his household and slaying or twisting all within.
Shiori survived solely by virtue of her power over water, the kami enveloping her form and shielding her from the blast. Aghast at what he had done, her father fled, leaving Shiori the sole survivor of the household. She was seven years old.
Sent to live in a remote village far removed from the usual Phoenix holdings, she grew up and studied, showing much promise as a shugenja. Watched constantly for any sign of improperness, she bloomed in to a polite and well-mannered lady who's only thoughts were of serving her clan.
Demonstrating a fondness for study, she read everything she could get her hands on, even including those scrolls she could borrow from the local garrison commander. Her appreciation of the arts of war, both strategy and hand-to-hand came from a healthy and blossoming friendship with a young samurai who was eager to spend his free time with her and talk about the things he loved the most. Amazed by her quick learning he taught her the weaponless forms and movements that even now she still practices each and every morning.
At her gempukku, she received an anonymous letter of congratulations, which tradition demanded she open. As she did so she recognized moment's too late the calligraphy of her father's hand, as the scroll in her hands suddenly burst, spattering ink-black blood across her chest and neck, burning like acid where it fell. She fled to her young samurai, but the look on his face as he saw the wreck that was her skin crushed the last of her hope, the disgust on his face causing emotional damage that has still yet to fully heal. Barely able to keep her composure, she sought solace in communion with her beloved water kami, yet now even they seemed afraid, behaving as if they feared rather than respected her.
Realizing both her body and soul would be forever marked, she vowed to learn how to purge the taint from herself, and dedicated her life to doing so.
Personality
Whilst well-trained and familiar with the usual Rokugani customs, she barely has the patience for them, her driving desire to eradicate the taint within her making all else hollow and meaningless. Her face is expressive, but very rarely animated with any real articulation. She suffers the presence of others, the demands of her clan, stoically performing to the best of her abilities so she can get back to studying again as quickly as possible.
Whilst rarely taking the time to get to know other samurai, she was once tasked with attending a winter court in <insert clan here> lands. There she met <PC to be determined> and was struck by their <virtue dependent on character>. A simple off-hand comment of theirs seemed to strike away the scales from her eyes, in one sentence they had achieved what she had not in a year of study. This caused her to realize that perhaps other people could help her cause, unknowingly of course, she has never told anyone of her taint nor does she think she ever will, never having really been close to anyone. Yet this one samurai would forever have a place in her mind, and despite herself she became fond of their company over that winter, reluctant in her goodbyes as she returned to her studies with a truly refreshed mind.
Description
With hair so black that it reflects the blue of darkest midnight, possessing eyes as blue as the ocean water and skin as pale as moonlight, Shiori would be considered incredibly beautiful were it not for the scars tracking their way up her neck and along her jawline. Even the most severe kimonos do little to mask the constant reminder of her past, and despite her power over the healing energies of the water kami, they have been unable to properly heal the wound.
Though only 5 feet 5 inches tall and slightly built, Shiori possesses an incredible inner strength, as though she is able to apply the power of every ounce of her body to any end she wishes. Her senses are incredibly acute, and it is rare for her not to notice even minor things happening around her.
Kyuden Hida
Shiori worked hard to be selected to accompany Asako Wataru's contingent an its visit to Kyuden Hida. Shiori's skill as a shugenja and her own ability to notice things out of place has proven useful to the emerald magistrate before now, and he was happy to accept her application to join his retinue.
Having reached the limit of what words on a page can teach her about the taint, Shiori intends to use the time she is at winter court to speak with the Kuni and learn as much as she can.
To everyone else submitting...Banzai!
May the best of us win :)
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For Sukrai:
The Rings and associated Traits are-
Air: Awareness and Reflexes
Earth: Willpower and Stamina
Fire: Intelligence and Agility
Water: Perception and Strength
Each one matches a physical Trait with a mental one. This will change your Air Ring to a 3.
And I just noticed that the original sample character posted had this problem. :)
Also, I highly recommend using the L5RCM program that the GM linked. In order to switch schools you need to pick up Multiple Schools and beside that you seem to be a few points over. The program is a little clunky in places, but really helpful. (Still it's good to do a double check of it's point costs with the actual books and a calculate everything out yourself quick). It really helped me!
Ah, that was my goof actually. She's only from the courtier school. Let me fix that up.
CLAN: Scorpion
SCHOOL: Bayushi Courtier
RANK: 3 (Courtier 3)
Age: 24 Sex: Female Height: 5'2"
Description: A young woman with startlingly good skin, ink-black hair that she dyes an alluring blood red done up in a short ponytail behind her, and honey-gold eyes that smolder while overlooking a painted half-mask of red vines with flower petals on her lips. Those are the first things one would notice about this woman in a casual environment, when she deigns to show it. Her kimono is a beautiful red and black with scorpions dancing with one another amidst cherry trees with pink petals falling amongst them.
FIRE 3 (Agility 3; Intelligence 3
AIR 4 (Reflexes 4; Awareness 4)
EARTH 3 Willpower 3; Stamina 3
WATER 3 (Perception 3; Strength 3)
VOID 2
GLORY 1.0
HONOR 4.5
INSIGHT 199
INITIATIVE 7k3
TN TO BE HIT: 20
Armor Reduction: 0
Healthy (+0) 15
Nicked (+0) 21
Grazed (+2) 27
Hurt (+7) 33
Injured (+12) 39
Crippled (+17) 45
Down (+37) 51
Out 57
TECHNIQUES
Weakness is My Strength: When you are making a Contested Social Roll against someone else, you gain a Free Raise to your roll for every 3 points of Mental or Social Disadvantages (rounded off) he possesses. Disadvantages that did not award Experience Points still count for their normal point value for the purposes of this Technique. This cannot award more than 5 raises. Gain a free raise when using the Courtier skill to spread Gossip, and need not raise in order to conceal that you are the source of that gossip.
Shallow Waters: By conversing with someone for a few minutes, you can make a Contested Roll of your Investigation/Awareness against their Etiquette/Awareness. With a success you learn the identity and rank of their lowest Mental Trait and their lowest Social skiill that has at least one rank (GM chooses in case of ties). You may spend a Void point to also learn their next lowest Mental Trait and next lowest Social skill.
Secrets are Birthmarks: By speaking with someone for a few minutes, you can make a Contested roll of your Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness against their Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness to force them into revealing one Mental or Social disadvantage they possess. If they have no such Disadvantages, this will instead reveal one Mental or Social Advantage. (Note that this only reveals the rulebook title of the Advantage/Disadvantage, not the specific nature of it. One can learn that they have a Dark Secret, but not the specific nature of that secret.) If the roll succeeded in revealing a Disadvantage, with the GM's permission you may take a 2point Blackmail Advantage aginst this individual, for no cost in Experience points.
ADVANTAGES
Dangerous Beauty, Blackmail, Benten's Blessing, Darling of the Court, Perceived Honor (2)
DISADVANTAGES
None
SKILLS
Courtier 5 (Gossip)
Etiquette 5
Temptation 5
Sincerity 5 (Deceit)
Investigation 3
Lore Heraldry 3
Calligraphy 1
Kenjutsu 3
Divination 3
Defense 2
Games Letters 2
Perform Samisen 2
Lore: Bushido 1
Meditation 1
Tea Ceremony 1
EQUIPMENT
Extravagant clothing, fine wakizashi, fine katana, Courtier's fan, Hakama, Kataginu, writing box, pillow book, sake cup,
Traveling pack containing: Mask, Game kit, Divination kit, Jewelry, makeup kit, Perfume, personal chop, Spare kimono and sandals, Ink brush kit, smoking pipe.
"You can ALWAYS trust a Scorpion! What you trust them with is up for debate though..."
—Unknown
That should fix that for mechanics. No multiple schools for one. And yeah, I was two points over.
Would it be possible to make Hida Yuo's brother-in-law (and Sworn Enemy) Kaiu Takakana? My intent is to make the point cost (3) more of a representation of how much time the character can devote to destroying Hida Yuo's life rather than his inherent personal power. Since Kaiu Takakana is clearly well above Hida Yuo in Status, Glory, and almost certainly IR. But it wouldn't be honorable to just kill Hida Yuo either directly or indirectly, he is, after all, related in a way. But he can withhold resources, manipulate situations to put Hida Yuo in difficult positions, and generally make things difficult for Yuo. In fact, he doesn't want Hida Yuo dead. He wants to keep kicking him down and spiritually torturing him.
I'm not sure if that fits the personality of Takakana, but it could be a departure from his normal fairness and impartial nature (if he is normally either of those) because of the anger over his sister's death and being unable to accept that this man couldn't protect her and her son.
Additionally, I'd like this situation to have lead to his current Obligation. Perhaps he's serving as a Yojimbo to the party's Courtier or Shugenja to offset the debt his Family is in because they've found it harder to trade and their ration of rice and jade have been lessened. Times are tight apparently. One of several humiliating positions Takakana has manipulated Hida Yuo into. (Not being a Yojimbo, but being one to offset a debt.)
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Soshi Obito Stats
CLAN: Scorpion
SCHOOL: Soshi Shugenja
RANK: 3
Age: 22 Sex: Male Height: 5'4"
Description: Wears a red and black Oni Mask that only shows his eyes mouth and long black hair tied into a pony tail. He appears to be a typical Scorpion Bushi.
FIRE 3 (Agility 3; Intelligence 3)
AIR 4 (Reflexes 4; Awareness 4)
EARTH 3 (Willpower 3; Stamina 3)
WATER 3 (Perception 3; Strength 3)
VOID 3
GLORY
HONOR 2.5
INSIGHT (205 xp)
INITIATIVE 7k4
TN TO BE HIT:
Armor Reduction: 0
Health/Wounds x2
Healthy (+0) 15
Nicked (+0) 21
Grazed (+2) 27
Hurt (+7) 33
Injured (+12) 39
Crippled (+17) 45
Down (+37) 51
Out 57
TECHNIQUES
The Kami’s Whisper -- The Soshi cast their spells as quietly as the kami themselves. You may sacrifice an additional spell slot (of the same Element) when casting any spell with no potential to inflict damage in order to eliminate all visible signs of the spell having been cast. All spell effects take place normally; there is simply no outward sign of what has happened. You also gain a Free Raise on any spell with the Illusion keyword.
ADVANTAGES Elemental Blessing: Air (4), Friend of the Elements: Air (4), Perceived Honor: 2 (4)
DISADVANTAGES Bad Fortune: Yogo Curse (4), Dark Secret (Lied about Fulfillment of Yogo Curse) (4)
SKILLS
Acting 4
Athletics 4
*Calligraphy (Cipher) 1
*Courtier 1
Craft: Poison 4
Defense 3
*Etiquette 1
Forgery 3
Iaijutsu 4
Kenjutsu 1
Lore: Maho 1
Lore: Shadowlands 1
*Lore: Theology 1
Ninjutsu 4
*Sincerity 1
Sleight of Hand 3
*Spellcraft 3
*Stealth 4
Affinity/Deficiency: Air / Earth
Spells
Lvl 1
Sense
Commune
Summon
By the Light of the Moon
Cloak of Night
Way of Deception
Envious Flames
Extinguish
Path to Inner Peace
Lvl 2
The Kami’s Whisper
Mists of Illusion
Rejuvenating Vapors
Lvl3
Essence of Air
Mask of Wind
Walking Upon the Waves
EQUIPMENT
Robes
Wakizashi
Knife
Scroll Satchel
Travelling Pack
5 koku -- spent on a katana
I added the lore skills to signify Obito's path to joining the Kuroiban. On this mission, he's been designated to present himself to the head of the Scorpion delegation to assist him in whatever plot the Scorpion is presently developing.
For the GM
Soshi Obito is an orphan. His parents died doing a mission for the Scorpion Clan when he was young. Obito often remarks that he will also be a hero like his parents.
On the other hand, Obito's family connection to the Yogo and he falsely claimed that he had already overcome his curse when a childhood friend of his died during one of the many winter games of his youth.
Obito joined the Soshi Shugenja School when it was discovered that he had easy command of the kami. His teachers at the Dojo quickly disabused Obito of the notions of honor and taught him his role as a Scorpion.
Years have already passed since he graduated and the skills he had been taught have served him well during his many missions for the Scorpions, missions he cannot divulge to the world. A fact that deeply saddens Obito for he dearly wants to have his deeds be recognized by the world which in turn will shine as beacon to his dead parents.
For Sukrai
Would it be possible to make Hida Yuo's brother-in-law (and Sworn Enemy) Kaiu Takakana?
I could indeed. Takakana is described as a charismatic, efficient leader, but if he does think that Yuo is, at least, indifferent to the death of his sister, or at worst, complacent.
Would it be possible to make Hida Yuo's brother-in-law (and Sworn Enemy) Kaiu Takakana?I could indeed. Takakana is described as a charismatic, efficient leader, but if he does think that Yuo is, at least, indifferent to the death of his sister, or at worst, complacent.
Sounds great!
Sounds great!Would it be possible to make Hida Yuo's brother-in-law (and Sworn Enemy) Kaiu Takakana?I could indeed. Takakana is described as a charismatic, efficient leader, but if he does think that Yuo is, at least, indifferent to the death of his sister, or at worst, complacent.
I'm glad you got the jist of it, because going back and reading what I wrote was pretty brutal. :)
First Draft of Sunao Yasuki: more fluff and background to come...
CLAN: Crab
SCHOOL: Mirumoto Bushi
RANK: 4
Age: 23 Sex: Male Height: 5'11"
Background: Father is Yasuki, mother is Mirumoto. Grandfather supported his entry to Mirumoto school as an attempt to restrain his temper and violent urges.
FIRE 3 (Agility 3; Reflexes 3
AIR 3 (Intelligence 3; Awareness 3)
EARTH 4 Willpower 4; Stamina 4)
WATER 3 (Perception 3; Strength 3)
VOID 3
GLORY 1.0
HONOR 5.5
INSIGHT 203
INITIATIVE 7k3
TN TO BE HIT: 25
Armor Reduction: 3
Healthy (+0) 20
Nicked (+3) 28
Grazed (+5) 36
Hurt (+10) 44
Injured (+15) 52
Crippled (+20) 60
Down (+40) 68
Out 74
TECHNIQUES
Way of the Dragon - When wielding a katana in main hand and wakizashi in off-hand, gain bonus of School Rank to Armor TN. Additionally, when targeted with a spell, may raise or lower TN of spellcasting roll by 5
The Calm in Midst of Thunder - While in Center Stance, bonus to total of Iaijutsu rolls equal to Kenjutsu Skill Rank
Strong and Swift - Attack as a Simple Action with Samurai weapons
Furious Retaliation - During reactions stage of combat, choose one opponent who made or attempted attack against you this round. During next turn gain bonus of +3k0 to all attack rolls against chosen target
KATA
Strength of the Dragon - When wielding a katana in main hand and wakizashi in off-hand, gain +3 bonus to Armor TN.
Striking as Earth - When in Full Defense stance, gain additional Reduction equal to Earth Ring
ADVANTAGES
Different School
Precise Memory
DISADVANTAGES
Brash
Daikoku's Curse
Phobia (Heights)
SKILLS
Defense 5, Iaijutsu 5, Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Courtier 3, Lore (Theology) 2, Meditation 2, Lore (Shujenja) 1, Etiquette 2, Investigation 2, Lore (Bushido) 2, Lore (Crab) 2, Perform (Flute) 2, Commerce (Appraisal) 1, Intimidation 1, Kyujutsu 1, Lore (Dragon) 1, Lore (Shadowlands) 1, Sincerity (Deceit) 1, Tea Ceremony 1
EQUIPMENT
Recruitment ends tonight!
Submitted Characters:
Shinjo Nagasawa (deusvult)
Hida Yuo (aptinuviel)
Akodo Takaji (Anon A Mouse)
Soshi Obito (Radavel)
Asako Shiori (Fiendish Zen)
Incomplete Characters:
Yasuki Sunao (Arknight) (backstory)
Shosuro Ayumi (Sukrai) (backstory)
Character Ideas:
Crane duelist (Ashe)
Not Sure Yet:
Rigor Rictus
Tourach
GunMetalDrac
This is Tourach's submission.
I didn't know when we'd be specifying the reason that people were called to the Winter Court, but I figured that I'd leave that vague with the potential to tie to NPCs or PCs that seem appropriate.
Here's hoping!
CLAN: Scorpion
SCHOOL: Bayushi Courtier
RANK: 3
Age: 24 Sex: Female Height: 5'2"
Description: A young woman with startlingly good skin, ink-black hair that she dyes an alluring blood red done up in a short ponytail behind her, and honey-gold eyes that smolder while overlooking a painted half-mask of red vines with flower petals on her lips. Those are the first things one would notice about this woman in a casual environment, when she deigns to show it. Her kimono is a beautiful red and black with scorpions dancing with one another amidst cherry trees with pink petals falling amongst them.
FIRE 3 (Agility 3; Intelligence 3
AIR 4 (Reflexes 4; Awareness 4)
EARTH 3 Willpower 3; Stamina 3
WATER 3 (Perception 3; Strength 3)
VOID 2
GLORY 1.0
HONOR 5.5
INSIGHT 199
INITIATIVE 7k3
TN TO BE HIT: 20
Armor Reduction: 0
Healthy (+0) 15
Nicked (+0) 21
Grazed (+2) 27
Hurt (+7) 33
Injured (+12) 39
Crippled (+17) 45
Down (+37) 51
Out 57
TECHNIQUES
Weakness is My Strength: When you are making a Contested Social Roll against someone else, you gain a Free Raise to your roll for every 3 points of Mental or Social Disadvantages (rounded off) he possesses. Disadvantages that did not award Experience Points still count for their normal point value for the purposes of this Technique. This cannot award more than 5 raises. Gain a free raise when using the Courtier skill to spread Gossip, and need not raise in order to conceal that you are the source of that gossip.
Shallow Waters: By conversing with someone for a few minutes, you can make a Contested Roll of your Investigation/Awareness against their Etiquette/Awareness. With a success you learn the identity and rank of their lowest Mental Trait and their lowest Social skiill that has at least one rank (GM chooses in case of ties). You may spend a Void point to also learn their next lowest Mental Trait and next lowest Social skill.
Secrets are Birthmarks: By speaking with someone for a few minutes, you can make a Contested roll of your Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness against their Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness to force them into revealing one Mental or Social disadvantage they possess. If they have no such Disadvantages, this will instead reveal one Mental or Social Advantage. (Note that this only reveals the rulebook title of the Advantage/Disadvantage, not the specific nature of it. One can learn that they have a Dark Secret, but not the specific nature of that secret.) If the roll succeeded in revealing a Disadvantage, with the GM's permission you may take a 2point Blackmail Advantage aginst this individual, for no cost in Experience points.
ADVANTAGES
Dangerous Beauty, Blackmail, Benten's Blessing, Darling of the Court, Perceived Honor (2), Crafty
DISADVANTAGES
Lost Love (Sister)
SKILLS
Courtier 5 (Gossip)
Etiquette 5
Temptation 5
Sincerity 5 (Deceit)
Investigation 3
Lore Heraldry 3
Calligraphy 1
Kenjutsu 3
Divination 3
Defense 2
Games Letters 2
Perform Samisen 2
Lore: Bushido 1
Meditation 1
Tea Ceremony 1
Iajutsu 1
EQUIPMENT
Extravagant clothing, fine wakizashi, fine katana, Courtier's fan, Hakama, Kataginu, writing box, pillow book, sake cup, chopsticks, writing kit, three books/scrolls for writing.
Traveling pack containing: Mask, Game kit, Divination kit, Jewelry, makeup kit, Perfume, personal chop, Spare kimono and sandals, Ink brush kit, smoking pipe.
"You can ALWAYS trust a Scorpion! What you trust them with is up for debate though..."
—Unknown
HISTORY
Your Family
Born into the Shosuro family, Ayumi is one of three children sired by Shosuro Shimizu and Kotone, herself, her twin sister Ayame, and their older brother Haruhiro. The three of them were all fairly good to one another, though the twins were closer to one another obviously than they were to their brother. The two sisters had both developed the looks of their Bayushi clansmen, rather than the blandness of the Shosuro blood, and it allowed them to get away with a LOT from those who were susceptible to their charms. Even their brother was not immune to their wiles, something they used ruthlessly when subjecting him to their pranks. Good-naturedly, Haru was more than willing to return the favor however, which resulted in more than one prank war within their household over the years.
As the trio grew, each of them grew to take up a different branch of the clan's lifestyles. Ayame joined the Soshi's shugenja school, while Haruhiro joined the Actor's school. Ayumi on the other hand, showing a bit of flair for both dramatics and wordplay, instead of going for the actor's school like her brother chose to enter the Bayushi's Courtier school, hoping to gain some reknown for her family. The three kept in contact with one another over the years, and shared letters regularly. Yet danger always threatens...
Ayame's wedding came as natural amongst Scorpions, arranged with the future of the clan in mind. The ceremony itself was good, with Ayumi's sister marrying a Soshi magistrate named Jinochi, much to the delight of their family. However, three months afterwards, word came to Ayumi and her brother that there was something wrong. When they went to investigate, they found that their sibling had been murdered along with her husband. The killer had apparently slipped into the house and attempted to accost Jinochi, but when Ayame got involved they killed both of them and fled. Noone knew who the killer was, or how they got past the village's guards, but the dead bodies didn't argue the facts.
This was a complete embarrassment for the clan. To have someone murdered, and no idea as to the identity of the killer or knowledge of their means of entry, within the Clan of Secrets was something that many within the family considered a direct insult. Ayumi petitioned to be able to head the investigation, but was instead turned down. Despite that, her brother Haruhiro was able to convince his sensei and the clan's leadership that he could find the killer and put an end to this shame. Much to his sister's regret, he was granted that chance. Her only comfort is that his letters to her have not stopped, and he keeps her informed as to what he finds...
Your Assignment
Ayumi's task is, as ever, to collect the secrets of those around her for future use. In an effort to distract her from her sibling's death, she has been sent far from Scorpion lands as a result.
"The Scorpion without a tail" is what some call her, some even to her face. While others might call that an insult to one of her clan, she takes it in stride. Few realize the significance of the phrase after all...
WHAT YOU THINK OF THE OTHERS
Asoko Shiori: The woman seems like quite the lovestruck little bird. Yet she hides something inside, I just know it! The only question is, how to get it? She seems like a hollow doll, and only time will tell how to find the truth.
Akodo Takaji : His brother looms as a mountain over him, yet it only an illusion made by the setting of a sun upon the horizon. When that sun rises once more, mayhap his own shadow will grow to eclipse his brother? Making this come about may put him in my debt, yet doing so half-heartedly or with little care will only result in the Lion making a meal of me... The unrest between his own clan and the Crane might make this easier than one might think though...
Hida Yuo : Our elders say that the crab are too stupid to be manipulated, but there's always an exception to the rule. This one is too quiet for him to be that brutish...
Shinjo Nagasawa : I know little of this one, but that will change... sooner or later.
Soshi Obito : My yojimbo, cousin, and sometimes confidant. A man who obviously wants to prove himself, but who cannot do so through his current means. This can be useful, or disastrous. My own prosperity may be tested in making it come to be though... Either way, the clan will be strengthened.
YOUR DAISHO
Shungou ("Talent") is the name of your katana. It is 212 years old, and despite being in good condition shows that it still has seen much use. The saya is jet black with scarlet sakura blossoms along with a winding scorpion's tail. The tsuba is patterned after a net, and the hilt's ray-skin is dyed blood-red with black cotton wrap.
Fuzen ("Mischief") is its companion. It is patterned with a red sakura tree with a scorpion wrapped around the trunk, a smile on its face.
Poor Nagasawa.
He'd be low hanging fruit versus the likes of a Scorpion Courtier. Three free raises against him in courtly shenanigans?
His only prayer is that he's too easy a target and Ayumi wants a challenge.
Takaji isn't in much better shape, haha. And it already sounds like she wants to manipulate him. At least it seems like he'd get glory out of it though...?
And posting now as my avatar!
I'm interested! Here's my shugenja. Hope it isn't too late :D
Isawa Katsuko (Isawa Shugenja School Rank 4)
Female
Age 26
Height 5’ 2”
Weight 115lb
Insight 204
Experience 205
Honor 4.5
Status 1
Glory 1
Air 3
Earth 3
Fire 4
Water 3
Void 4
Skills
Calligraphy (Cipher) 2
Defense 2
Divination 1
Etiquette 3
Games: Go 1
Lore: Elements 3
Lore: Phoenix 2
Lore: Shadowlands 1
Lore: Shugenja 2
Lore: Theology 2
Medicine 2
Meditation 3
Perform: Samisen 1
Sincerity 2
Spellcraft (Spell Research) 5
Advantages
Ancestor: Isawa
Sage
Disadvantages
Consumed (Knowledge)
Driven (Live up to Isawa’s legacy)
Overconfident
Spells
Commune
Sense
Summon
Blessed Wind
Reversal Of Fortunes
Jade Strike
Armor of the Earth
Courage of the Earth
Fires of Purity
Earth Becomes Sky
Grasp Of Earth
The Fires From Within
Hurried Steps
Strength Of The Crow
Regrow The Wound
Silent Waters
The Fist Of Osano-wo
Wall Of Fire
Armor Of The Emperor
Call The Spirit
The Dragon’s Talon
Wings Of The Phoenix
Gear
Elegant winter kimono
Wakizashi
Scroll satchel
Writing box
Medicine kit
Jade hair sticks
Samisen
Traveling pack
- Parchment and charcoal (10)
- Ink brush kit
- Miniature go set
- Court robes
- Mask
- Spices
- Blanket
- Chopsticks
- Small hand mirror
- Fan
5 koku
“Power does not come from the heavens, my daughter. It comes from our hands, our minds, and our hearts. Never doubt that, for it is the greatest secret of the universe - we are not the servants of destiny, but the makers of the future.” - Isawa
Character Description
Katsuko’s features are pretty, but stern. Her long black hair is typically worn up in a simple bun, secured by two simple jade hair sticks. Her eyes are deep brown, hidden beneath a brow often furrowing in contemplation. She wears no makeup, even at court, deeming it easier to instead don a mask. Overall, she has little patience for court intrigue, but will suffer through if it’s worth her time.
Character Story
Born with a prodigious connection to the elements, Katsuko began her schooling as a shugenja from an unusually young age. A direct descendent of Isawa, founder of the Phoenix Clan and Master of all four elements, young Katsuko was often visited by her ancestor - first in dreams, but as her skill progressed, in waking visions - guiding her to ever greater purpose.
As she grew older, Katsuko excelled in her studies - quickly outsripping other students her age. Noting both her ancestry and her particular proficiency for the art, The Elemental Masters saw that she was entered into the tutelage of the Fire Tensai. Katsuko, perhaps mirroring her ancestor’s distaste for such spiritual single mindedness, chafed at the idea of only pursuing mastery of one Element. After much discussion, it was agreed to allow Katsuko to continue with her normal studies at Mori Isawa. There, with the guiding presence of her ancestor, Katsuko rapidly advanced through her studies, taking little time for leisurely pursuits outside of the occasional game of go.
At the age of 13, she was selected to attend the Topaz Championship. At the tournament, she called upon the fury of Osono-wo to thwart an attack by several maho-tsukei. While she didn’t win the martial-focused championship, her feats earned her great admiration and recognition - especially among her own clan present at the tourney..
Knowing well that all of her achievements were a direct result of her breadth of knowledge, Katsuko became more deeply absorbed in her studies. Many nights she would sleep in the library, much to the chagrin of her teachers. Still, they were impressed, and gave her access to the vaults beneath Kyudin Isawa. Soon, she found scrolls documenting the power of blood magic. This discovery sparked in her a realization that in spite of her Clan’s vast collection of scrolls and tomes, many mysteries remained. She resolved to travel to the lands of other Clans and learn what she could.
With her sensei’s permission, Katsuko first travelled west to the Dragon Clan’s mountain strongholds, where she studied the Tao with Togashi’s order. Deeper readings of Shinsei’s teachings bore little fruit, however, and she left after few months for Scorpion lands, where she was sure she would find more explicit answers.
(I’ll tie this into the adventure story when we commence.)
I'd love to bud up with a yojimbo. Shiba Bushi are the ideal pick, with regards to both lore and mechanics, but I'd welcome a companion of any background.
Partial background for Sunao (wanting to get something in before the deadline at least...):
The son of Yasuki Hiryu and his wife Mirumoto Meiko, Sunao grew up feeling torn between his father's mercantile business and his mother's bushi family history. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for Sunao) an outburst of anger and temper at his father when he was barely in his teens, forced Hiryu to accede to Meiko's request to allow Sunao to train at the Mirumoto Dojo with her father.
For the next several years, Sunao put his family out of his mind while he focused on his Sensei and his School's teachings. To his father's and many other's surprise, he excelled at all the teachings and was an example of Bushido. The death of his father forced Sunao to leave his studies and return home where he learned much more about commerce than he thought possible.
Recruitment is officially over.
Characters selected will be posted tomorrow.
Thanks to all that applied.
Sorry I missed it, got busy with things and work picked up so just keeping up with the games I was already in took up my time. You guys have fun.
GM Koan, I see you posted in the discussion thread 4 hours ago, but can't see an announcement post here in recruitment saying who got on the team.
No worries if you sent out PMs and I didn't get picked, just thought I'd say in case the forum ate your announcement post here in recruitment!
Sorry about the wait, guys. I got blind-sided by a fancy dinner with clients tonight and only got home now.
My selections are as follows:
Shinjo Nagasawa
Akodo Takaji
Kuni Daigo
Shosuro Ayumi
Isawa Katsuko
Hida Yuo
Everybody that got selected, please head over to the discussion thread.
To those that didn't, I'm sorry. I know it's hard to find L5R PbP. Howeva, I am contemplating a second campaign, so keep your eyes on the PM button over the next couple of weeks.
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To those that didn't, I'm sorry. I know it's hard to find L5R PbP. Howeva, I am contemplating a second campaign, so keep your eyes on the PM button over the next couple of weeks.
Participating in this thread has made my L5R itch even worse rather than satisfying it.
I'm seriously thinking about running a L5R game as well. Probably springboard with Night of 1,000 Screams and see where the campaign goes from there. (actually, I know exactly where it'd go, but I suppose that's best kept secret..)
You should!
