Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 35

Once More Unto the Breach

They turned as more of the mist pulled away to reveal a set of stairs. Slowly they began to ascend them as time did not hold the same meaning in the realm of the hungry dead. Donoha sama was worried about exhausting the kami or asking for to much help. However, he stayed quiet so as not to interrupt the conversation between Otaku Gunba san and Shosuro Hanzo san. In time they reached to top of this stairway to a cut, stone laden, landing. Before them was a temple that one could suspect held the Karmic Key inside.

Slowly, from the sides of the inner courtyard and the mist floating on the ground six more creatures appeared. Two of them looked like the shadow samurai many of the group had faced before. Then they were joined by three identical creatures of this realm of the hungry dead. The five samurai moved quickly to deal with this new challenge.

Shouro Hanzo san moved into and up the tower on the group’s right hand side to provide cover fire. Donoha san was not sure if he tried to throw a handmade explosive of some kind at the enemy. The throw seemed to go poorly and created a small cloud of smoke as he made his way inside and up the tower. Donoha sama posted up in the entrance closer to the left tower, while his Lion cousin did the same by the right tower. Gunba san tried to stay just behind the front line ready to support as Tamaki san began to unleash the fires of the kami upon the creatures!

As the world around the creatures continued to burn in spiritual wrath, they charged forward at the Dragon and the Lion. Trained as a courtier whom specialize in investigations Donoha has never been shy to engage in combat. It shows how brave their soul is to face off against the hungry dead in their own spirit world. This also showed the difference in training for a bushi and a courtier. Asahi sama was able to fare better due to their training from the Akodo school! Both of them were hurt as they took the brunt of the assault, but the Lion lived up to their name with the amount of strikes they were able to dish out!

Tamaki san was able to control the movements of the enemy with repeated uses of the area wide fire magic. Gunba san would make targeted attacks at the creatures, as would Hanzo san using the reclaimed jade arrows. One would think they would shatter on the ground but it would seem Donoha sama is a competent knapper. It was not lost on the Scorpion that the hard ground was an illusion from the maiden of the void, Chiasa san. The ground still felt like stepping on someone’s stomach, which Hanzo san was certain contributed to their ability to recover such treasures as these.

During the fight they learned that the hungry dead could pass through the structures but not each other, nor the five samurai. Then they engaged the trio of new beasts and realized that their strikes could ignore the armor they wore! Donoha sama and Gunba san ended up on one side fighting one of the armorbane creatures and dealing with laying low its cohorts. Tamaki san and Asahi sama engaged the other two. Outnumbered at first they stayed focused and everyone worked as a team to bring the threat to a conclusion!

It was then that they noticed a light coming from the temple. The glow had likely been subdued until the threat guarding it had been dealt with. The group of samurai saw the Karmic Key within the doorway of the temple. However, they set down to rest by the towers they had won their victory from. The Dragon, Lion, and even the Unicorn had been hit hard during the skirmish with creatures that were stronger and outnumbered them. Yet the champions Emma-O mentioned they were won twice against the odds. They bandaged their wounds and felt Chiasa san’s magic keep them from needing food. The battle with the Queen of Hunger lay ahead, yet this uncommon group held firm to the task they had been entrusted to perform.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 34

A Starlight Quest

Donoha sama described being pulled into and through the Void into the sprit realm of Meido. The land where the dead go before they meet Emma-O the Fortune of Death. Initially the new group of five samurai could not see each other or much of anything. A voice spoke to them explaining a problem of a karmic nature. The Dragon could tell to voice of the woman he loved anytime he heard it. The group soon knew the love of the Dragon as their guide and quest giver.

Composed of stars and light against what appeared to the the black of night or the Void. Hard to be certain if one or the other, perhaps both. As they focused upon her they became little orbs of light that could discern each other. If not directly “see” because they did not have eyes in this form.

How Chiasa san and Togashi Hoshi sama were apparently working together was a question the Dragon wanted to ask but weighed it as selfish compared to the task laid before them. There is an issue within the spirit realm of Gaki-do wear the hungry dead wander. It threatens the balance of the karmic cycle. In order to set the spirit realms back to the way they function. The group must go to the Gate of the Dead and convince the Fortune Emma-O to get passage to Gaki-do and retrieve the Karmic Key to defeat the Queen of Hunger.

Chiasa san warns everyone she has cast a spell to make us see Gaki-do in a manner different than how it would truly appear. To keep from possibly going mad and breaking the group’s minds! While the group asked after points of the challenge before them. Donoha sama made sure she knew her father was doing well, and if she felt safe where she was. She thanked him and assured him she was safe where she was. After she left the group to proceed their march toward the gate. Donoha reminded his Lion cousin of the time he healed Asahi sama in the cave with the stairs. A beam of what appeared to be stars shown down and he was completely healed when the bandage was applied. His cousin acknowledged the memory and Donoha sama mentioned that Chiasa san whom just left was the one he was talking about.

The group had been told about finding the Tori (Gate) of the Dead. Apparently, every path one could take would lead to the gate and the speed at which you would find it had to do with the purity of your soul. After moving through what appeared to them as a barren wasteland they found lines of people filing into a common direction. Everyone in the group had slightly different ideas on how to approach this but Donoha sama simply walked up to one and got in line with the souls of the dead.

When Gunba san, Tamaki san, and Hanzo san looked upon the faces of those in the line they found something unsettling. They had no face to speak of! The legends about this spirit world mention the wiping of your old identity to make way for your reincarnation and that was the closest guess the group could make about what was happening here.

Upon reaching the Tori (Gate) of the Dead the five samurai approached and stood before the throne of Emma-O, Fortune of the Dead. Once proper reverence was given to the fortune sitting upon their throne. They queried the group about why the living were traveling where they should not be? When they gave their explanation about the Karmic Key and the Queen of Hunger, the Fortune of Death’s tone changed to a more pleasant one. They welcomed the champions and bid them pass one and meet the one that would grant them entry into Gaki-do.

Donoha sama said that this part has to be vague. In part because the name of the individual they met was stricken from the imperial records by the first Hantei. This was told to them by the one they met! The person guarding the entry into Gaki-do was the tenth and youngest child of the Sun and Moon! The Tenth Kami, according to an excerpt from the Tao of Shinsei.

“Of the nine children of the Sun and Moon; myself, Doji, Akodo, Shinjo, Hida, Togashi, Bayushi, Shiba, and Fu Leng…” began the Emperor.
“No,” said Shinsei”
“No?” my brother asked quizzically.
“The Sun and Moon had ten children, though you will never know your youngest brother.”

The Tenth Kami stated he would only let pure souls through the gate to Gaki-do to prevent their corruption by Jigoku’s taint. The group’s souls were tested and Donoha sama was the first to pass with Asahi sami passing just after him. The other three began to fade out of existence! The Tenth Kami asked the Dragon and the Lion if they would be willing to bear the others karmic burdens. When they do the others become solid once more.

The Tenth Kami asked if we need anything before entering Gaki-do. Donoha sama was not sure if his sword, Mittsu Tamashi 三つ魂, the Three Soul katana, would be able to harm creatures that you would normally use jade or crystal for. His Lion cousin had that jade katana now, and both the Unicorn and Phoenix shugenja had access to the kami spirits. Tamaki san also had Hisuitsume 翡翠爪, the Jade Talon, that Donoha sama had made for him. Hanzo san was without a weapon he could discern that would harm the creatures they were anticipating meeting!

Donoha sama asked for a weapon to be provided to Shosuro Hanzo san so they could defend themselves. The Tenth Kami said he did not have one to provide him. However, if they needed time to make one he could halt time for a bit around him to allow for such a task! Hanzo san mentioned being very good with a bow and between the Dragon and Lion they had enough fingers of jade to allow Donoha sama to craft eight jade arrows.

As the Dragon began to knap the jade using the edge of the head and handle of Chikai kodzuchi 誓い小槌 the Oath-hammer. Asahi sama began to sing song that somehow lasted the length of indeterminate time Donoha sama needed to make the eight jade arrows. I will list the song below.

In the mountains high and old
Kami’s whisper soft and bold
Waves of time in silence roll
Mysteries of nature unfold

Lanterns flicker in the shrine
Ancient spirits intertwine
Moonlit path our lives align
With hearts a humble sign

Oh Kami hear our song
Guide us where we belong
Your breath makes us strong
Oh Kami hear our song

Cherry blossoms kiss the breeze
Life and death a sacred tease
In the rustle of the leaves
We find truths that never freeze

In the stillness of the night
Kami’s presence pure in sight
Folded hands a prayer’s light
We honor ancient might

The Tenth Kami stretched there arm out to a rolling storm cloud and it tore in half. Through the cloudy cleft came a light that flickered not unlike flame. The five samurai approached feeling no heat but a chill in their very bones. With purpose they left Meido the realm of waiting and entered Gaki-do the realm of the hungry dead.

Chiasa san’s enchantment on the five samurai’s eyes went into effect. They saw a cracked and rocky, barren, wasteland. Despite the ground feeling like soft, and well… Donoha mentioned it felt the same as when he punched person in the stomach. While he was not sure what the other were thinking he was personally very thankful for the visual enchantment.

Then the sounds in the distance of people crying out, dying began to set in. When Hanzo san mentioned it, Donoha sama mentioned that he was having flashbacks to the time he was visiting Kaiu Kabe. He was given permission to visit and collect the blades of a group of fallen samurai.

Their blades had broken during a raid by goblins. Donoha had wanted to restore their honor in his new sword. Every name fresh in his memory: Hida Shimazu san, Hida Nagahide san, Hiruma Kenji san, Hida Moriyama san, Kuni Asakura san, and Yasuki Saigo san. He only had a small moment in time to share his memory of the screams before Asahi sama had sensed the hungry dead found them.

The Lion drew their jade katana as his Dragon cousin drew Mittsu Tamashi. Hanzo san knocked a jade arrow as the Phoenix and Unicorn prepared to draw on the might of the Kami. The plan had been to use the Lion as bait because the creatures of Gaki-do sought him out over everything else back in Rokugan. However, that soon fell apart as the creatures split equally to attack the Dragon and the Lion!

Six total monstrosities of the hungry dead approached and two had been transformed by Chikushudo to each have as many limbs as a spider! The skirmish was fierce and both the Lion bushi and the Dragon courtier were lucky for their armor, school training, and the respective war fan and smithing hammer they carried in their spare hands.

Even with all of this helping them they were getting hammered to keep the attention on themselves. Thus allowing Tamaki san to cast the spell, Jade Strike multiple times. Gunba san to rip rocks from the ground, transform them into jade and throw them at the enemy. Last but certainly not least Hanzo san proved their skill with their yumi bow sinking jade arrows through the creatures and they did not shatter upon landing. Now Donoha suspect part of that it from the true nature of Gaki-do since the ground feels soft to the touch. Only “looking” the part of a rocky wasteland.

This was definitely a team effort. Donoha sama learned something about Mittsu Tamashi during the fight. His sword was warming up when striking the creature only harmed by magic, jade, or crystal! When his blows landed they cut and hurt the creatures as much as the attacks made from jade did! It was a gamble because he was concerned more for the Scorpion courtier that got pulled into this than himself. He trusted his sword would get him through and its clearly an awakening nemurani at this point! After they won, Tamaki san had their magic available to heal both the Lion fully and the Dragon to nearly full health.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 33

The Perils of the Climb

Festival of Lady Doji and Lord Kakita and the 1st of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}). You think the Dragon and Lion cousins would remember to have rice every day, but guess whom left with their companions without a morning bowl of rice. Fate made sure this was noted as they passed the gates of Kyuden Tonbo on their way up the great climb to Shiro Kitsuki, otherwise known as Last Step Castle. The official gateway into the lands of the Dragon Clan. They were entrusted with several scrolls of discourse between the Emerald Ambassadors and the Dragon Clan champion. All of them were sealed in a chest they were bringing to the High House of Light, Kyuden Togashi.

About and half and hour of the day (OOC: 60 minutes. Remember a Rokugani day only has 12 hours so that is two earth hours) north of Kyuden Tonbo they came upon a most peculiar sight! An incredibly handsome man standing on the side of the road, freezing because they were unprepared for the cold weather they found themselves in. Wearing a beautiful black, metallic, mask and the mon of the Scorpion clan upon their crimson, silken, kimono. Donoha sama pulled the beleaguered Scorpion up onto Yukiabo, his personal horse. Also providing this person his bedroll so they could stop shivering. Once on the back of his horse with their belongings they learned this Scorpion’s name was Shosuro Hanzo san.

After a short period of time and a promise to take Hanzo san to Shiro Kitsuki for aid. The four companions came to understand that magic had whisked the Shosuro from a tea house in the Scorpion lands! Only to dump them on the side of a well protected road between the Dragonfly Clan and the Dragon Clan! If you ever meet Donoha sama please make sure he eats rice in the morning or fate may whisk you away to whatever adventure he is upon!

Around the time a full hour of the day had passed (OOC: 120 minutes. Remember a Rokugani day only has 12 hours so that is two earth hours), the sounds of battle began to fill the air! Some of them were monstrous and others appeared to be from a human or humans, it was hard to tell. Donoha sama with Hanzo san behind him, Asahi Sama, and Tamaki san raced ahead. Otaku Gunba san had to stay at a slower pace because his Unicorn horse was carrying their supplies and he was riding another Rokugani smaller horse that had a similar breed as the Dragon. While smaller these horses had been bred in either Dragon or Phoenix lands and were used to the terrain.

The Unicorn shugenja was not far behind them as our tale will tell, so fear not he has his hand on the share of glory inbound. Initially Donoha thought the monstrous sounds might belong to trolls, but to his surprise they were Yeti! Facing off against four Yeti was a lone Dragon bushi whom had just been knocked back upon the ground after killing three of the four Yeti BY THEMSELVES! Truly a magnifcent battle was underway, and the samurai present wasted no time to render aid. The Lion and the Dragon cousins raced to face against the last Yeti. Following the battlefield acumen of Asahi sama, Donoha sama changed directions to help the Dragon bushi. Isawa Tamaki got into an advantageous position should he need to call upon the kami for aid. Even Shosuro Hanzo san, only slightly less frozen found a defensible position from which to fire arrows in support of the bushi and the courtier rushing into the fray!

The Dragon bushi told Donoha sama to return to the fight for he would live and the blood on him was from the dead creatures he had slain. With a quick nod the sword and hammer wielding courtier spun to aid his Lion cousin. Only by that time his cousin had deliver a set of strikes to fell the fourth Yeti on his own merit! A shout from Gunba san alerted the group to another Yeti approaching from a nearby ridge. When it burst through the tree line, our Unicorn shugenja was getting up to the fight in progress.

Tamaki san threw fire magic at it and Hanzo san let arrows fly, which caused the Yeti to jump down to where he was! Talk about your day taking a hard turn. From teahouse to snow bound fight with a monstrous beast many think are folk tales, welcome to the Dragon lands!

Donoha leapt down after the Yeti and would have cut the creature in half if their katana had been an Odachi! As the red spray of the creature’s blood painted the snow. Gunba san used their magics to hurl rocks from the surroing area at it toppling it over! Calling out to his cousin not to help Donoha strode up and beheaded the snow beast and bringing the fight to a conclusion.

The introductions to the amazing bushi that had felled three of these beasts caused Donoha sama to bow so deep his face was in the snow. Standing before everyone was Togashi Hoshi, the son of the current Dragon Clan Champion! He knew everyone by name which was a little off-putting for the assembled samurai. Our Dragon investigator was only slightly less surprised because of his knowledge of the Dragonfly Clan and his own family were experts at gathering information. Certainly someone had provided this information to the son of the Clan Champion.

Togashi sama made an off-hand comment that the group was not supposed to run into Shosuro san until they were leaving for the caravan. That bit of knowledge was leading Donoha sama to other questions but manners would not let him ask them at this point. The very impressive Dragon offered to share his camp with everyone and it would be found on a shortcut to Shiro Kitsuki. When they arrived they only had to set up the tent Asahi sama had brought to accommodate Hanzo san. While Gunba san tended to the animals where they were far more comfortable, the rest of the group shared a meal and tea.

During the meal Hanzo san began to act strangely upon learning of Asahi’s family name. This sparked a line of questioning from Donoha sama which culminated in learning that Shosuro san maybe have been born in a spirit realm that looks nearly identical to our own Ningen-do! Donoha flatly refused to share any further details about that world he visited and is fairly certain this Scorpion is from there! Needing a break he brought food and tea to Gunba san before returning to the fire. Not long after sitting down everyone began to feel sleepy as they felt the warm taste of a Scorpion spice, known as cinnamon.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 32

Ambushed!

The word was sent out to the attendants of the Emerald Ambassadors about the poison being applied to the communal food. Next, the four samurai shared it with the healers of their respective clans knowing word would soon spread that there was no curse following them, and more lives could be saved. Word came back soon that the Dragon, Phoenix, and Unicorn ambassadors would meet with the group in the morning for a report about the news. The morning of the 28th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}) entered the sky to close out the month as attendants brought the four to the Emerald Ambassadors at dawn where they were given rice, cooked meats and a tea that would provide a small boost of energy.

Upon leaving the encounter they met back up with three members of the Ronin Otokodate known as the Iron Fans. Our group had seen their members briefly as they had docked and then left Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho on their way here to Kyuden Tonbo. This group had asked an eta among the caravan to lead them to Akodo Asahi sama as they felt a need to pledge themselves to work for a reputable samurai among the Lion clan. Among them was:

They brought additional news of a group of bandits that had broken away from the caravan and where to find their encampment. The Dragon investigator was eager to learn more about this group and their machinations. Quickly the group gather means and headed out as a band of seven samurai.

To say fate is forging the souls of Kitsuki Donoha sama and those that travel with him may be the biggest understatement of this current decade! Fourteen well trained bandits comprised of assassins, swordsmen, and archers descended upon our troop about a half an hour of the day from the camp. The group began to regret their life choices as Isawa Tamaki san let loose with a kami-gifted fireball engulfing four of them! Throughout the battle the Phoenix rained fire down upon various groups softening them up for the rest of the team, and one did fall to just his flames.

In the most awkward, spontaneous, competition the Akodo bushi and the Otaku shugenja began to see whom could kill more bandits! Where Tamaki san had large areas on fire to control the mobs. Gunba san used fire more akin to a skilled archer and sniped targets to death individually with controlled flame bursts! Clearly used to moving around in battle and making use of his fiery, ranged attacks. Not to be left out was Asahi sama’s new cat companion, Kitagawa. The cat managed to take down one of the assassins that Tamaki san had lit on fire!

The three Iron Fans took down an Assassin using nothing but their iron tessen fans! It was a gorgeous display that almost looked like dancers whittling away their target. Then they were directed to subdue another assassin but keep them alive for questioning. A task they performed with ease!

The Dragon was not left out during all the fighting. He moved through the opponents like a specter of death, removing two heads! Then injuring the one he left for the Iron Fans to capture. He almost had a third kill but an arrow from his Lion cousin claimed it with skilled precision. The final tally ended up as a tie for Asahi sama and Gunba san at four kills each, Donoha sama with two and the others with one each.

The interrogation of the last assassin brought forth statements that the group which had backed Asako Takumi was still after Donoha sama! Even more disturbing was their wish to sabotage the caravan! Claims were made they had been with the Emperor’s Gift since Otosan Uchi! The Dragon had Ginzan the ronin kill him once they were done. Upon returning to the caravan he asked the Iron Fans to write their testimony down so he could submit it along with his report to he Ambassadors. Portents of doom about a potential peasant cult trying to overthrow the whole of Rokugan was not the news he wanted to bring to light but there it was.

This was all reported to the same Dragon, Phoenix, and Unicorn ambassadors. After which the group was told to rest because they had received word the four of them – and only the four of them – had been granted permission to enter the Dragon lands and they would leave tomorrow. Upon the Festival of Lady Doji and Lord Kakita and the start of the Month of Bayushi, or Rooster in low Rokugani.

They returned to the wagons and Donoha asked his cousin to have them watch wagons alongside Agasha Re. Ginzan would be allowed to stay in the wagon with Re san while the two men would make a tent outside. Donoha wanted to give the ronin a chance to prove they could make decent retainers for his cousin. He cited to me that merit and skill should not be overlooked when finding a good team. It also followed the orders of the Emperor that all ronin should seek service among a lord. Donoha sama saw great potential in his teammates and never doubted his cousin would be a powerful lord or general someday. Growing that powerbase now was important and setting the cornerstone to build upon had to start at some point, why not now. Next, they began to go about the steps to prepare for such a journey as the last day of Shiba wore on.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 31

Diminished.

The morning of the 27th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}) was welcomed to Donoha sama baring a missive received telling him not to return home at this time, disguised as as a completely other missive. It also mentioned that explanations would come later, and not to worry as it was not an issue of peril or shame. They told him they were proud and he should continue on his path.

When he arrived at the communal fire pit set up outside the two wagons gifted to him by grandmother he found his Lion cousin standing there. He just tossed his crumpled up missive in the fire which prompted Asahi sama to query his Dragon cousin if he’d gotten a cryptic missive as well. Donoha sama nodded and they mentioned that they would talk about their missives later since they were being joined by Gunba san and Tamaki san. Back from various duties and a morning meeting before breakfast rice had been acquired.

They conversed about the issue plaguing the Emperor’s Gift caravan:

  • Depleted Supplies – The caravan’s food and water supplies have dwindled significantly due to the prolonged journey, and the merchants are worried about reaching the next town.
  • Infected Travelers – Several caravan members have begun to show signs of illness, raising concerns that the Darkfever Plague has spread to the caravan.
  • Suspicious Strangers – New faces have joined the caravan during the group’s absence, including a few suspicious characters who keep to themselves according to this author’s sources.
  • Tension with the Dragonfly Clan – Upon nearing the Dragonfly lands, the caravan encountered a group of Dragonfly diplomats who express concerns about the caravan bringing the plague into their territory.
  • Damaged Wagons – Several of the wagons in the caravan have suffered damage during the journey, slowing progress and risking the loss of valuable goods.
  • Rumors of Bandits – There are whispers among the caravan members that bandits have been spotted in the area, possibly lying in wait to ambush the caravan.
  • Discontent Among the Caravan Members – Tensions have risen among the caravan members during the group’s absence, leading to disagreements and minor skirmishes.
  • Mysterious Disappearances – A few members of the caravan have gone missing over the past few weeks, leaving behind no trace.

During their morning meal it was decided to take an hour of the day (OOC: Remember a Rokugani day only has 12 hours so that is two Earth hours) and look into the problems of the caravan. Then they would reconvene and decide on a course of action. Donoha sama mentioned wanting to show them Kyuden Tonbo and his favorite tea house there, so it was agreed upon to meet there for lunch. While the others pursued their own endeavors, Donoha sama investigated a number of the wagons and determined the damage was not wear and tear, but actual sabotage! Upon meeting back up they did not discuss anything immediately but entered Kyuden Tonbo. It was obvious that the mysterious thing most Dragons have is cryptic talking where Donoha sama’s cryptic nature is how talkative he is.

Mentioning as they were walking to the teahouse, that they were in the Shinpi province. Which held not just the Dragonfly Lands and Kyuden Tonbo but Shiro Kitsuki further north. He had grown up in the Kaitou province in a smaller copper mining village just north of Great Falls Castle. Tapping his smithing hammer in his obi he mentioned that Great Falls Castle was built by a Togashi monk whose birth family was Kaiu! It was designed with running waterfalls going through the ground floor! Along the way he pointed out some of the people he knew in town as they would pass by on the street:

  • Tonbo Isamu – possibly the most venerable shugenja in the clan.
  • Tonbo Hideki – a renowned diplomat and poet, his son lives in Phoenix lands as a scribe. This person has helped Donoha sama become a better poet with a few pointers when he was younger.
  • Tonbo Ryuu – a skilled negotiator whom Donoha sama admires for his endless curiosity and travels.
  • Tonbo Koji – while they have not spoken in person to this date he did have correspondence with the legal expert among the Dragonfly clan.

When they arrived at the Glass Window (Garasu mado) tea house the group was greeted by the owner, Tonbo Eiji sama. The owner was also the younger brother of the Dragonfly clan daimyo, Tonbo Kuroto sama! The teahouse had long experimented with a newer art style brought by the Unicorn into Rokugan, stained glass! The tea house was divided into four quarters an each had a unique set of stain glass windows to catch the light of the sun throughout the day. Eiji sama had his staff sit them in the room with the most light and food and tea were brought out to the delight of their palates.

During their meal among the quiet anonymity in their part of the teahouse, they began discussing matters. The others had similar concerns that the caravan’s woes were being coordinated by someone or something. It was decided to have the group split up and with Asahi sama acting as Gunba’s yojimbo and Donoha sama would perform that role for Tamaki san. They would use entreat with the kami to try and find out as much as they could about these issues and decide upon a way forward. Donoha sama’s main reason for splitting the group was to get two independent observations that could, potentially, corroborate each other. At the very least the kami could shed light on past events otherwise shrouded in the veil of the past.

The plan was to meet back at the wagons and then advise the Emerald Ambassadors on which path or paths might prove fruitful in solving the issues of the caravan. Upon their regrouping, they were able to corroborate the following from Gunba san’s communing with the Air Kami and Tamaki san’s communing with the Water Kami: Depleted Supplies, Suspicious Strangers, Damaged Wagons, Rumors of Bandits, Discontent Among the Caravan Members, and Mysterious Disappearances. Were part of a plot that came to fruition about 6 days prior. Someone or some group had orchestrated the Eta and Heiman members to acts of sabotage, theft, and disruption of the caravan before fleeing and splitting up among nearby territories to disappear among the populace.

It was Isawa Tamaki san that thought to ask about the illness via the Fire Kami and learned it was another facet of the same plot by using poison on the communal food supplies! They learned that no one was still currently poisoning the food and those afflited would either pull through or die. At least by telling the healers it was poison and not a curse they could perhaps save more lives.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 30

The Return and the Rot.

It was three additional days when the four samurai and their rescued companion finally made it out of Mori Isawa. Given the girl’s amnesia and chance at a fresh start he gave her his mother’s given name of Hana. After further discussion it was decided to head on the road back to the Temple of Brilliant Rebirth (Striking this from any publications to protect the victimized woman). It would allow her the grace and anonymity to start a fresh life. The temple idea was proposed by Otaku Gunba san, or as they have stated in kawaii fashion, “I’m just that Unicorn guy.” Ladies that Unicorn has manners and is humble to boot. Just so we’re clear they’re also very easy on the eyes!

When they exited the forest by the fate of the kami they ran straight into the area of my encampment. I have had a friendly wager that the forest did not consume them despite how long they had been missing despite the curse being stopped. I informed them it was not the 16th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}), but in fact the 16th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September})! They were stunned by a time jump as I was to see them stunned. I joined up moved into the wagon and we headed south once more.

During the travel weather appeared to be perfect so it only took a day to make it to the temple. I went inside to escort the woman known as Hana and explain why the group was leaving her in the monks’ care. An important distinction is that in their presence no ritual of Jade Strike or any fingers of jade hurt Hana or changed colors to black. Remarkably, no taint has befallen her! Donoha sama keeps saying he did not save her, because Isawa Tamaki san healed her wounds. However, his actions of removing her from the ritual area is likely what saved her from taint seeping in!

Oh, one needs to also mention that Akodo Asahi sama has been blessed by the neko sama from the hidden village in Mori Kuroi. The kawaii neko they named Kitagawa and despite every attempt to proven them wrong it understands low Rokugani! Surely the kami of cats has blessed this adorable kawaii neko! While it seems to like everyone in the group it follows Asahi sama everywhere it can.

On the 17th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}) the group departed to catch up to the Emperor’s Gft caravan which had set its sights on Kyuden Tonbo, Palace of the Dragonfly Clan! Also known as the gatekeepers of the path to the Dragon Clan. In order to try and catch up Donoha sama had an interesting plan when he asked Gunba san if they would like to visit the Shrine of the Ki-Rin! The Unicorn shugenja agreed and the Dragon courtier did some math and stated we could likely spend three days there if we left soon that morning.

I want to say the adventure was fraught with peril, but in a lovely change of pace this trek to catch up to the caravan may have been one of the nicest travels in my life. We saw a number of sight through the road through Mori Isawa on the way to Aojiroi Oku Shiro (Pale Oak Castle). Where Emperor Hantei the XVII is buried beneath the pale oak tree that is said to have bark which can be made into healing tea! It is also said to be the place where Donoha sama fell in love for the first time.

Once back in Mori Isawa, Otaku Gunba san noticed an old, weathered torii gate stands alone on a hilltop, its wood cracked and faded by time. One of the gate’s pillars had fallen, lying across the path it stood over leading away from the road. The remaining structure of the torii still stands tall. The area around the torii was barren of trees as though the clearing was the shrine, with only a few tufts of grass and scattered stones. The Unicorn crafted the following haiku:
Broken but unbowed
Immobile but a gateway
Sister, do you see?

At the western side of the forest another path, winding through the forest away from the road was spotted. Consisting of vibrant red maple trees. Within this autumnal season, the entire area was ablaze with the colors of the leaves, creating a tunnel of red, orange, and gold. The ground was carpeted with fallen leaves, and the crisp air carried the scent of earth and wood. The Phoenix crafted the following haiku:
Path of red and gold,
Whispers in the autumn breeze,
Peace found in each step.

Upon arriving at town surrounding Pale Oak castle Donoha visited briefly with Unmei san and acquired a single bokken for his cousin Asahi sama made of the same pale oak as his were. Biding Chiasa’s father a farewell they continued onward to the shrine. Upon leaving on the path that would be the final leg of the journey to the shrine he showed everyone a grove of cedar trees shown to him by Chiasa. Dense, the air within the grove was filled with the sound of rustling leaves, which he mentioned that some locals say are the whispers of ancient spirits. The trees were unusually tall and straight, with soft, moss-covered roots that seem to invite rest and reflection. A small stream ran through the grove, its clear water reflecting the sunlight in dappled patterns. The Dragon also mentioned local legend speaks of a group of shugenja who once meditated here, seeking wisdom from the kami. It was said that those who sit quietly within the grove may hear the advice of long-passed ancestors. He also crafted a haiku regarding this beautiful location:
Cedar giants stand,
Whispers of spirits in the air,
Moss invites to dream.

There are a total of three waterfalls that feed the waterway funneling into the lake south of the Shrine to the Ki-Rin. The shrine was located on a remote mountaintop in westernmost Phoenix lands, roughly a half-day’s travel from Shiro Gisu in the mountainous Asako provinces, with the Dragon Heart Plains unfurling due west. It boasted a massive torii arch, clearly visible above the surrounding lands. While there was no main road, the path was subtly marked at regular intervals by stone lanterns. Beyond the second peak was a plateau, where several housing living quarters and the shrine’s priest had a single room administrative office. The shrine consisted of a single statue, a marble Ki-Rin entwined with sculpted flames facing the Great Wall of the North Mountains. Its eyes are set with jade, and a thick shimenawa rope encircled its neck. Across the stone pedestal it was carved: “Look to the horizon, for the visions there are footsteps of the future.”

While it only took a day to reach it from Pale Oak Castle, along the path they took in the distance a solitary stone watchtower stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. Though the tower was empty, and upon investigation by the group. Found the stairs within have crumbled, the view from its base is still magnificent. The surrounding area was a peaceful meadow dotted with wildflowers and tall grasses swaying in the wind. The Lion crafted the following haiku:
Ancient stone sentinel,
Silent in the wildflower breeze,
Time’s whispers linger.

Once they arrived Donoha sama sought out a Monk tending to the shrine and was given an introduction to a senior member. The senior monk confirm that in three days a would be arriving with a few supplies on its return from Shiro Gisu up north. This river barge is how he crossed from Nanashi Mura to Ukabu Mura during his gempukku. Since it was on its returning trip then they would be able to use it to load the wagon and traverse all the way back to Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho on the northern edge of Lion Clan territory!

While the city is hotly debated between the Lion and the Crane it is currently a Crane held location since Rokugan’s year 1120. In the days leading up to the barge’s return Otaku Gunba san began to seek martial training and even he was surprised at the courtier being the one he knew the most about hand to hand combat. The Dragon nodded when he was asked to be his sensei and began to instruct him with a focus on improvised weaponry. During the river trip he practiced a technique called slow form, where both the teacher and the student never went above a quarter speed. It allowed for instruction to be given during motion.

When he wasn’t training Gunba san in the evening he was building a new saya for the jade katana in Asahi’s possession. Using wood collected in Mori Isawa he constructed it in three segments. Leaving the small rings of bark to separate three sections. He carved the haiku Asahi sama had created into the publc facing side of the saya to commemorate the event: Ancient stone sentinel, Silent in the wildflower breeze, Time’s whispers linger. On the side that faces Asahi’s leg he carved: Jade fangs, claws of green, A king of beasts, a creature rare, Power in his eyes.

Our arrival in Toshi Ranbo was brief, we hit the docks on the eastern side of the city and I paid for the extra help getting the oxen and wagon back onto dry land. While I can’t be one hundred percent sure I believe some of the helpers were from the ronin group known as the Iron Fans. Well, basing that on the iron tessen stuck in their obi and a complete lack of swords. All of us were forced to leave any, and all blades inside the wagon once we had docked. We were told we could retrieve them once we left the city and having the wagon bearing the Seppun mon on a small plaque above the door. Along with papers proving we were a part of the Emperor’s Gift, allowed us to avoid a bureaucratic nightmare. Peace in that city felt like a gilded cage.

The group arrives at Kyuden Tonbo on the 26th of Shiba in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Monkey {OOC: September}). Donoha sama appeared very excited to be back in lands he was familiar with. We first visited with an attendant of the Emerald Ambassadors. We were instructed to get baths, eat, rest and we would have dinner in the evening. Both Otaku Gunba san and Donoha sama visited the stables. The Unicorn checked in on animals left behind by owners that had succumbed to the plague. The Dragon reconnected with his great potoo bird, Shirogane and his horse, Yukiabo.

When the baths were set up it was in a line at our wagons with small dividers. The food was good but everything seemed a bit demure and less than the onset of the caravan’s opulence. Afterwards Donoha sama wrote a thank you letter to his Grandmother, Seppun Sora, asking about his eldest aunt and Grandfather. Then another letter to let his parents know of his arrival at Kyuden Tonbo. Asahi sama spent the time either training or shadowing his cousin when he trained Gunba san. Tamaki san wrote to the master that had trained him as a shugenja.

When evening fell they were brought to a dinner with Mirumoto Tanetsu sama and Shinjo Akiba sama. The Dragon and Unicorn Emerald Ambassadors. Shiba Sono sama had sent word to Tamaki san to meet with him tomorrow morning at dawn. Kitsu Tsuguri sama had left Asahi sama a note to report if anything felt worthy to pass on, otherwise they were to stay the course they had chosen. The Dragon and Unicorn Ambassadors explained how morale had dropped with the group’s disappearance. They also explained the plague had ravaged the caravan’s supplies and everything was being managed and allocated in a more strict manner. They talked about the time distortion effect of the woods in Mori Isawa. Once that was done the current problems had been shared regarding, supplies, morale, and awaiting word from the Dragonfly clan to allow them passage to Shiro Kitsuki.

The group made plans after leaving the dinner with Donoha sama letting the craft trades people know he was back and ready to help. They kept him for a few rounds of sake before allowing him to find sleep. The others were excited about seeing a teahouse Donoha has visited a few times and enjoyed for either a midday or evening meal. The Dragon was also awaiting a reply from his parents asking him to come home so he could easily bypass Kyuden Tonbo and show his friends the Dragon lands.