Celebration of the heroes of Mori Kage Toshi’s liberation
4th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) – Everyone adored the sleeping inside, especially without smelling the mortifying carcasses of two Ogres! Donoha san practiced his sword skills that morning, answered questions for me and moved to a garden to practice his drum. After a midday meal he began to get ready for the celebration. His armor had been repaired, stones and a box of cleaning supplies were provided to he could care for his blades. Every time someone needed something Asako Eiko made it appear, often before they even knew they needed it.
Armorsmiths were busy adding to Gombei san’s armor turning it into fine quality and repairing dents, scratches, lacquer, silk lacing, etc. Asahi san had been composing the song of the trials of Mori Kage Toshi! Airi san could be heard playing a Shamisen lute for a short time, otherwise her chamber was quiet. All of their preparations would would come to a head that night to a crowd over a thousand people strong!
The celebration was started with words by the Phoenix Clan Champion – Shiba Ujimitsu. He performed words of passing for Bayushi Akiyama san and Shiba Ogawa san Then as a mistress of ceremonies, Matsu Shànzi, was brought forward. She would give each hero an introduction and time to address the crowd. First up was the newest member of the group Hiruma Gombei san!
A thundering smash,
Tetsubo swift in motion,
Victory declared.
The soft spoken giant stunned the crowd by thinking of a haiku right on the spot. What made the crowd both gasp and then cheer was Gombei san physically acting out the haiku! He defied every expectation of a crass, rude, Crab bushi. He showed grace, gentleness, and inspiration of the arts with his haiku. His smile shattered preconceptions of other clans, marvelous!
The next samurai to be presented was courtier in gorgeous kimono. Having “just the right amount” of skin showing as they often say. Bayushi Airi san sauntered up in a full Oni mask of an ivory color with red accents. Their rendition of the liberation of Mori Kage Toshi moved me to tears it was so beautiful. For so much song and word to spill forth from behind their mask is a true testament to their talent.
Third in the line up was Akodo Asahi san. Until now the group had only heard him sing in battle. Now however, everyone would hear him sing to boast! He has such a beautiful voice and such range with highs and low tones! He even used the copper fan the ronin had given him to help with changing the pitch and volume. This samurai knew not just the sword but the art of song as well!
As the song picked up further Bayushi Airi san produced a shamisen from behind where she stood and joined in to accompany Asahi san. A few stanzas after that Kitsuki Donoha san produced the katsuki oke taiko drum with a shoulder strap and added to the song as well. It was not lost on the Emerald ambassadors this was the drum he had requested before going to Mori Kage Toshi!
To say the crowd was loving this was an understatement! People were clapping their hands, heimen and eta were dancing as it went on. The shamisen and taiko drum were in perfect sync with Asahi san’s voice! It was later learned that they had not been practicing together, but there timing came from teamwork in Mori Kage Toshi.
Last but not least was Kitsuki Donoha san. The second person ever to make an eight man cut. A multi-year gempukku and 500-koku to discover a new way to forge a katanna. He forgoes the differential temper and still creates a unique hamon upon the blade. Savior of 12 women from terrible fates:
- Ikoma Tsanuri, daughter of the Ikoma Family Daimyo – Ikoma Anakazu, in Kenson Gakka during a raid.
- Matsu Shànzi san, from three ronin on the road from Kyuden Ikoma.
- Akodo Maki san, repairing a precious heirloom and saving their honor.
- Matsu Mayumi san, from being kidnapped and killing the three ronin singlehandedly from Shànzi san’s encounter.
- Moshi Hikaru san, from being sold into slavery.
- Moshi Syuri san, from being sold into slavery.
- Moshi Inoue san, from being sold into slavery.
- Moshi Kondo san, from being sold into slavery.
- Moshi Takako san, from being sold into slavery.
- Bayushi Airi san, during one of the battles liberating Mori Kage Toshi.
- Seia san, from becoming a sacrifice of a Maho shugenja while liberating Mori Kage Toshi.
- Isawa Kyoko san, from becoming a sacrifice of a Maho shugenja while liberating Mori Kage Toshi.
Helped to defend Otosan Uchi in the Battle of the Emerald Shades.
Destroyed the Oni of Remembrance in Toshi Omoidasu with a ronin at his side. That Oni had plagued the city for 120 or more years!
Found the headpiece of the Oracle of Air
Negotiated the acquisition of the Scroll of the Blood Tree from Agash Yuzuki.
Aided the other samurai on stage with clearing out the tainted denizens of Mori Kage Toshi.
Performed the successful ritual pleading with the Oracle of Air to lift the curse on Mori Kage Toshi.
I am listing everything he did rather than trying to convey his boasting. However, what can be documented very well was the end of his boasting. He leapt off the stage and asked the children to come forward. When he had a crowd of them the Dragon had them all hold their hands out. Laying Mittsu Tamashi in their collective hands he told them to respect their families and listen in their dojos. One day that could be them on the stage. With a flourish he picked up the blade and leapt back stage sheathing his sword!
Each were presented with a gift:
- Warrior’s Tribute: Phoenix Blade Pendant – This elegant pendant is a symbol of the recipient’s valor and skill in battle, forged in the likeness of a phoenix blade, the traditional weapon of the Phoenix Clan’s samurai. Crafted from sterling silver, the pendant features intricate filigree work depicting the fiery plumage of a phoenix in flight. Suspended from a delicate chain, the pendant serves as a reminder of the recipient’s unwavering commitment to duty and honor on the battlefield. Etched into the back of the pendant is a short inscription in Old Rokugani script, translating to “Strength in Adversity,” a mantra embraced by the warriors of the Phoenix Clan. This was given to Hiruma Gombei sama.
- Courtier’s Commendation: Phoenix Feather Quill Set – This exquisite quill set is crafted from the finest materials, featuring a slender shaft of polished ebony adorned with delicate engravings of phoenix feathers. The quill itself is made from the molted feather of a majestic phoenix, providing a smooth and precise writing experience. The set is presented in a lacquered wooden box, lined with silk embroidered with the emblem of the Phoenix Clan. Alongside the quill, the set includes a selection of vibrant inks made from rare botanical pigments sourced from the Phoenix lands, ensuring that each stroke of the pen is imbued with vibrant color and elegance. This was given to Bayushi Airi sama.
- Tactician’s Tribute: Celestial Map Scroll – This ornate scroll is a testament to the recipient’s strategic acumen and visionary leadership on the battlefield. Hand-painted by master artisans, the scroll depicts a celestial map of the night sky, with constellations arranged in intricate detail. Each star is rendered with precision, shimmering with delicate touches of gold leaf to represent their celestial brilliance. Alongside the map, the scroll features intricate calligraphy detailing tactical insights and strategic wisdom passed down through generations of Phoenix Clan commanders. The scroll is housed in a silk-lined wooden case adorned with the emblem of the Phoenix Clan, symbolizing the recipient’s mastery of both the celestial and terrestrial realms in the pursuit of victory. This was given to Akodo Asahi sama.
- Investigator’s Accolade: Shifting Puzzle Box – This intricately crafted puzzle box is a testament to the recipient’s keen intellect and astute investigative skills. Made from polished cherry wood, the box features a series of interlocking panels and hidden compartments, each requiring careful manipulation to unlock. The outer surface of the box is adorned with subtle engravings depicting scenes of mystery and intrigue, inviting the recipient to unravel its secrets. Inside, the box contains a concealed compartment where the recipient can store valuable documents or artifacts, safeguarded by the box’s intricate locking mechanism. As a final touch, a small plaque on the underside of the box bears the emblem of the Phoenix Clan, symbolizing the recipient’s unwavering dedication to justice and truth. This was given to Kitsuki Donoha sama.
Hiruma Gombei sama, Bayushi Airi sama, and Akodo Asahi sama were promoted to Sandan 参段 or 3rd dan / rank for their efforts at Mori Kage Toshi! Kitsuki Donoha sama was promoted to Yondan – 四段 or 4th dan! There is talk about making him an Emerald Magistrate given his accomplishments. With that the awarding ceremony came to an end. The celebration of this momentous occasion regarding two lifted curses of the shadow was just beginning!. Phoenix Clan Champion – Shiba Ujimitsu sama proclaim the start of the party and with the raising of his arms fireworks began to explode above lighting up the sky in blue, red, yellow, and green!
Donoha sama was approached at an attendant mentioning a carpenter had come to see him from Pale Oak castle. Donoha sama immediately excused himself because he knew only one carpenter in all of the Phoenix lands that would seek him out. Unmei san, whom would be, Chiasa san’s father, was found to be waiting just outside his wagon in the caravan beyond the walls of Shiro Shiba. He too, had not heard from Chiasa san and was willing to risk traveling all the way here in order to get answers about his daughter.
Donoha sama welcomed him into his wagon undoing his kabuto (helmet) and mempo mask. He assured him that he had spoken to her, though he left out the part that this was via a vision. Calming down the humble carpenter, Unmei san, with this news. When we remarked on being surprised the daimyo of the Aoijiro province had given their permission for him to seek this audience he learned the koku’s flip of the story. Unmei san did not have papers for travel and could be put to death for such an act!
Thinking quickly he sought out the Phoenix Emerald ambassador, Shiba Sono sama, with Unmei san in tow. On his way there he noticed Bayushi Airi sama in talks with the Scorpion Emerald ambassador, Bayushi Negi sama. Begging forgiveness when he realized he had interrupted a conversation with the Crane Emerald ambassador, Asahina Tadane sama, the Phoenix ambassador he sought. He explained the situation and in their mercy for one of the heroes of the celebration they arranged for an escort to return him with papers stating that they requested he come and his assistance was of much use. They had families themselves and could appreciate the father’s concern. The father would await for the escort at Donoha sama’s wagon and the Kitsuki was to make haste to the eastern gardens where his other companions awaited him.
