Tag: Mori Kuroi

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 29

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Closing a gate and a loose thread.

Eventually Gunba san mentioned the wagon could not get any closer and still be able to turn around. So they set for the return trip and moved forward on foot. Continuing on the group fought another collection of tree spirits animating fauna to attack. While they were successful in defeating this group as well, it was the aftermath that bears note.

Embedded in one of the vine’s larger trunks was katana with a thin, jade green, colored blade! Having studied nemurani weapons Donoha sama was familiar with the tales of the Phoenix blades that had jade permanently infused during their creation. These tales talked of wakizashi sized weapons, so the katana sized version was exceptionally rare. Asahi sama took possession of the jade katana until he could figure out how it might be returned.

While that was unfolding, Gunba san had been communing with earth kami that had been trapped and animating the trees and vines. There was no telling how long some of them had been bound to the roots, trunks, and vines here. Now they were free once more as we cut our way through the cursed land.

The quartet continued onward until they reached the lost village inside of Kuroi Mori. Unsure of what to expected the town did not look like a disaster had befallen it. It was more a sense of abandonment followed by the elements beginning to reclaim it over the years. A blessing of the kami upon the samurai was Kitagawa-neko. They found a rather curious cat living among the abandoned town. Until Asahi sama named it Kitagawa the others had been calling it neko sama.

The reason for such deference was not to any kawaii nature of the animal. It seemed to understand low Rokugani when spoken to. It then led the group through the city to the Gate of Jigoku! Inside a humble temple near to center of the town did a longstanding thread become tied up.

In a rather large lower chamber was a ghastly sight. A circle of salt marred by blood and the body of a woman. Donoha sama recognized her even though he’d only seen visions of her when she was younger. This was the sister of the man whom went by Doji Hengo! Her blood was being drawn from a wound on her, and moving of its own voalition to the center. Where floating just off the ground in a column of green light was the possessed form of the man known as Doji Hengo!

The group leapt into action even without the context of Donoha sama’s realization. Asahi sama began to shoot the jade arrows into the shifting form as differing personalities began to show themselves. Gunba san began to entreat the kami to aid his newfound friends. Donoha sama pulled the woman from the circle to prevent more blood from entering this dark ritual. Tamaki san aided Gunba san in a binding ritual to seal the portal once more. Part of which was entreating the kami to lift the small section of blood soaked salt away. Then it was reapplied to make it whole once more.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 28

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

What’s One More Curse?

As the evening of the 9th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) was coming to a sunset. The sky over Shiro Shiba was inundated with hundreds of birds that fell to the ground. Upon hitting every last one turned to ash! Our group of intrepid samurai raced off to the Temple of Eternal wisdom to track down Shiba Ayame sama and coonsult her once more.

While the avian calamity appeared to be continuing, the four were led to the same internal chamber. Donoha sama got on his knees and bowed to the floor, “Shiba sama, it appears the curse you’re following has made its way to the city.”

Even with signs of a lack of sleep Shiba Ayame sama straightened their kimono and the air of a noblewoman adorned them as though it was the finest silk. The Lion followed his cousin in action and the two shugenja bowed at the waist. After the pleasantries were exchanged, the newer points of her researched was discussed. The hidden castle or fortress Tamaki san had uncovered on the map was indeed the source of the curse in Kuroi Mori (Black Forest). It would take days to reach as the length of all of Isawa Mori, of which the Kuroi Mori lies in its northern most part, is over 150 miles. Pressed against the Northern Wall Mountains that mark the northern border of the Phoenix, Dragon, and Unicorn lands. While not all maps are equal in their quality, the distance of the trip was thought to be about 49 Ri (120 Mi).

It would seem there has been a seal or gate to the realm of oni. This oni’s aura is what is spreading the disease affecting Shiro Shiba, and probably all of the northern Phoenix lands. It seems to be a curse on the Phoenix clan for when the Phoenix shugenja called upon the void kami is what brought the disease down on those around them but not the shugenja in question. However, cruel irony of the oni is that to keep it from spreading you must keep those that spread the plague around you!

The group knew they needed to do something but wanted to check in with Shiba Sono sama first. Leaving with the blessings of Shiba Ayame for success in resolving this. The four samurai made it to the cluster of caravan wagons and the Dragon was to direct, scarring an attendant. The next time he remained vague and the attendant mentioned they were expected and led them to the Phoenix ambassador’s wagon. When they entered Phoenix ambassador had the placements arranged minus a criminal Asako courtier among them. With bows everyone took their seats and tea was poured. While it tasted to the Lion and the Dragon as horrible their faces kept a stoic expression. Both the Unicorn and Phoenix shugenja thought it was some of the finest tea they ever had.

When it came time to discuss the dilemma the elder samurai wasted no time, “How long do you feel you’ll be gone this time?”

It was easy for everyone to see that the Dragon was happy at such a frank opening to the discussion. The caravan was preparing to leave in the morning and begin making their way west and south to Kyuden Asako, the Morning Glory Castle. Requests were made of supplies and tools for the road including a bag of jade finger stones since they knew they would be facing another Oni. Throughout the evening attendant brought the needed tools and supplies. Asahi sama spent time help Takami san into wearing a suit of light armor he had. Donoha was working on coordinating but would make his back up light armor available to Gunba san if they requested such. The Unicorn shugenja was busy arranging the mounts because they were taking one of the two wagons for this trek!

Agasha Re was loaned the other wagon for their lodgings in turn for keeping it safe and secure while they were gone. Donoha sama was happy to loan it to a distant cousin in the Agasha family, but it was Tamaki san that delivered the news and updated her as to the fate of Asako Takumi sama. Re san was fired up for vengeance, but Tamaki san extracted a promise she would work her fury through Shiba Sono sama and do nothing rash. With supplies set at the dawn of the 10th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) the caravan began to head west as Donoha sama’s group began to trek north.

They were told they were not allowed to stop at Kyuden Isawa or any other northern settlement unless it was a dire emergency. The settlements farther north had already been inundated with the plague and were struggling in helping their own populations. The last thing they needed were outsiders taxing their resources further. On the road that day Asahi sama requested his cousin make some jade arrowheads. After a discussion that these would be his first arrowheads from a piece of jade he agreed to try. Each arrowhead consumed a jade finger and was styled to match an armor piercing tip and then affixed to two shafts from the supplies acquired from the caravan. Being on the road was good as cleared 16 and a third Ri (40 miles) that day.

11th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) led to a discussion during breakfast to distract from the food’s taste for the Lion and the Dragon. About what would happen if a shugenja ran out of spells. Donoha sama asked Tamaki san if they felt they could learn the basics of wielding a knife in a fight. The Phoenix said they felt confident they could pick up the basics. Thus began their day of training with the Dragon courtier with his vast knowledge of weapons. It’s really no wonder many confuse him for being a bushi. At the end of the training some five hours of the day (10 hours to us) later. Tamaki san did indeed have the basics down but was physically and mentally exhausted! What surprised him the most was the dual focus of breathing and situational awareness. The Dragon kept beating into him all day that if you can’t breathe, you can’t fight. That day they made just over 12 and a quarter Ri (30 miles).

On the 12th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) Donoha sama took three fingers of jade and made a jade dagger in the shape of a tanto with a sheath. In a form of reward for Tamaki san for their work of learning the knife fighting basics. Named Hisuitsume 翡翠爪 for the Jade Talon. For their time while Gunba san was keeping the wagon moving, Tamaki san had been pondering the nature of the curse with meditation. They came to the conclusion that this may not be a thing that can be stabbed as much as a door or gate that needs to be closed and sealed once again. It was during this day that they entered Isawa Mori followed by the southern portion of Kuroi Mori.

It was the 13th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) when the group had to start clearing the way forward. Eventually they found the hidden pathway in the Kuroi Mori to the location obscured in Shiba Ayame sama’s research. They began following it as the afternoon began to continue onward. It was then they encountered truly their first obstacle, six animated vines that began attacking them. The battle was fierce but the Lion was skilled at engaging with multiple targets with the Phoenix combining water and fire magics to prevent burning the forest down but hurting their foes. The dragon’s black and copper blade made purchase and severed two of the vines so perfectly it looked as though something of the blade’s kami had been awakened. Onward they would push with Gunba san bringing the wagon up behind them.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 24

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

THE INVESTIGATION IS A FOOT FOR THE FIRE BREATHING DETECTIVE

5th of Doji in Rokugan’s year 1123 (Month of the Goat {OOC: August}) – The Dragon and Lion awoke and began morning sword practice with a mock duel using Donoha sama’s pale oak bokken. The Crab began their day alongside the Phoenix shugenja getting bowls of rice and a side of fish together. It should be noted that the cousins had drastically different styles of fighting. The Lion was trained to survive skirmishes where the numbers did not favor their side. The Dragon was trained to hunt criminals and make a decisive strike to finish their quarry.

Akodo Asahi sama asked to learn some of the finer points of dueling from his cousin as a way to support the skills of the courts he had been trained in. In the alternate world they visited he’d witnessed his cousin strike and use the blood of his opponent to draw the symbols for peace. All of that before his opponent could free their katana from their saya! Within 100 miles there were very few better teachers of the duel one could engage.

When the duel took place it was with the pale oak bokken he’d received from Pale Oak Castle in the Aoijiro Province of the Phoenix Lands. Made from branches of the tree above the burial of Emperor Hantei the XVII. First they assessed their opponents and then focused their ki or spirit before the strike. In a FLASH it was over! Kitsuki Donoha sama had disarmed Akodo Asahi sama and then spun the bokken back through the air and caught it with their left hand!

Next, before they had rice he spent the time to show his cousin what he had done and how to practice it. He asked his Lion cousin to show him his style once the investigation was over so he could learn to be better in a skirmish or mass combat. Thus was rice was served amongst the companions. During the meal Donoha sama mentioned his concern for having not seen Agasha Re san. Prompting Isawa Tamaki san to go over to the second of the wagons and check upon his charge. To everyone’s relief the shugenja had just been finishing putting themselves together for the day.

When they joined the circle of rice. They became embroiled in the discussion of the case surrounding the death of Asako Eiko, much to Tamaki san’s concern. Since they had two people to investigate it was decided to go after Shiba Ayame sama first. In order to find her it was determined by the Dragon to begin with tea houses where the more erudite members of society might go. Agasha Re san mentioned the Tranquil Lotus Teahouse as a place to begin. Not wanting to involve her more than she had become, it was decided Hiruma Gombei would stay as their bodyguard.

The Tranquil Lotus was located in a busy part of Shiro Shiba and Donoha sama decided to go unarmored to the teahouse. After consulting their lucky cricket, Kuri, Asahi sama wore his grandfather full suit of armor even the lion maned kabuto it was most known for. Tamaki san wore his usual attire and the three made their way to the teahouse. Upon arriving they asked a list of options the house provided and were shown to a private room. The group settled upon the half day retreat guided by the head mistress of the Tranquil Lotus, Shiba Miho sama.

Donoha sama mentioned that payment requests should be sent to Shiba Sono sama as he was the one that set them upon this investigation. Once was their guide made an entrance and began to discuss what the retreat would entail. It became very clear to the Dragon that this matronly Phoenix sees all in her bailiwick of a teahouse. This was her castle and she was the all knowing daimyo of it without question.

When Donoha sama let it slip in polite conversation his interest in finding a tea house he thought Shiba Ayame might frequent. Miho sama was quick to point out that while she has hosted many of Ayame sama’s fellow shugenja. The lady in question has not left the Temple of Eternal Wisdom since the eclipse upon the celebration. Nor has she personally visited the Tranquil Lotus herself. Not wanting to dash now that they had the information they sought, they took the half day retreat of the tea ceremony, small tour out to the hot springs where Donoha sama and Airi sama had shared a moment together not long before.

After the refreshing time spent in the care of Shiba Miho sama and the Tranquil Lotus teahouse. They made their way into the forest northeast of Shiro Shiba for the well ecologically integrated to the forest, Temple of Eternal Wisdom. It did not take long to be directed to the location of Shiba Ayame sama within the inner chambers of scrolls and books. From their dress and mons Donoha sama was able to recognize they were of the sixth dan amongst the samurai class.

In reverence he approached and sat across from Shiba Ayame sama. His Lion cousin took a seat at a nearby table and looked at a treatise on mass combat. Tamaki san sat next to the Dragon before he spoke to the scroll reading, engrossed, shugenja. Startled would be an appropriate descriptor for Ayame sama’s reaction to being interrupted. Tamaki san took the opportunity to glance over some of the scrolls and notated one about the “History of Eclipses” among them.

Donoha sama was able to explain that he had been tasked with the investigation of Asako Eiko’s death. He phrase his questions to Ayame sama is the guise of “Akkam sama’a Tanto.” By eliminating those that had nothing to do with the crime it made finding the criminal easier. Ayame sama went on to explain they had been plagued with dreams. Both leading up to the eclipse and after it passed. They had also been going over a dream connection to the spirits surrounding such and event. Some of the dreams had involved seeing a tortured soul in Jigoku, birds falling from the skies after the eclipse.

Worried about public embarrassment surrounding these events. She has locked herself away researching all of the meanings. Going over maps and trying to piece together a chain of events that could pre-date the Emerald Empire! Tamaki san offered to help if he could and they began talking about maps and locations did not appear to match up. With that information he tried a water element spell known as the Reflections of Pan Ku. When used upon the map it showed him a temple had been removed in the Mori Kuroi (Black Forest).

Tamaki san shared their findings with Ayame sama. Donoha sama made a mental note to scratch this shugenja off his suspects list. Everyone parted on good term but it was Asahi sama that left them speechless! As they exited the chamber, a pause was taken to quote a passage of the Tao of Shinsei to the elderly shugenja! While every Lion dojo is required to have a copy by the order of imperial mandate. It was common thought that none of the students in those dojo ever read it. The trio made their way out in order to head to the wagons. In the open air on the way back birds began to fall from the skies just as Ayame sama had researched about!

It ended up being a total of three birds but Tamaki san accompanied Donoha sama inside to let Ayame sama know one of their portent dreams had just come through. Tamaki san stayed behind as the Dragon brought the other shugenja to look upon their dream made real. Upon reaching front of the Temple of Eternal Wisdom, they found Asahi sama investigating the birds turned to ash and one had crumbled under the prodding with a stick. Ayame sama told them they would prepare for a plague and alert those necessary.

She retreated into the Temple and sent Tamaki san back out to us. After finding out he learned nothing further from his perusal of the scrolls with the another use of the Reflections of Pan Ku. Everyone present agreed Ayame sama was no longer a suspect. The group talked amongst themselves as they headed back to Shiro Shiba in the afternoon sun, discussing the next steps toward Asako Takumi sama.

It was decided to visit the docks and less savory teahouses in order to learn about a lord of the transportation of goods for the Phoenix. Donoha sama’s memory and his investigation skills regarding the celebration night had picked up all kinds of information. In this case he directed everyone to find Kaze ni sarasa reta rantan (The Wind-Swept Lantern). What made it easier to find was the very large lantern hanging from a post out front and swaying in the afternoon breeze.

They walked in and saw the proprietor cleaning a table. When Donoha sama ask if that table would be available now. The proprietor nearly fell backwards trying to bow while suffering from shock! Introducing themselves as Nasu Keiji, they offered a better table near the back. To the credit of the establishment the plates were made with presentation in mind as much as the content of the food presented. Donoha sama admired the effort and then was surprised to find out they made their own sake!

After everyone had tried sake, which was described as hot, potent, and quite flammable, Donoha sama had a thought and asked for a lit candle. Thus was one brought and the Dragon asked everyone if they wanted to see a party trick. When everyone nodded he took a larger sip and spit it out through the candle’s flame!

FWOOM!!! 

Everyone took quick note of the Dragon samurai BREATHING FIRE! Straight out over the table a five shaku long gout of fire erupted forth! The glow of it lingered the way a craven man gazes upon a geisha. No one had been hurt and everyone was whispering about it. Donoha sama thanked Keiji san and returned the candle to him. The group left after their meal having garnered no information from the patrons, although the Dragon did find it hard to hear over his cousin slurping the tast noodles down.

The nest stop was Sabita ankā (The Rusty Anchor) and this time, they were about to sit down at a table that had spare seating. However the heimin patrons got the wrong idea and vacated the whole table to the samurai. After whom could blame them.

  • Kitsuki Donoha sama was dressed in shades of mint green, forest green, and grey shashiko patterns. Bearing Mittsu Tamashi the three soul tachi katana. There was a black and copper accented wakizashi in the back of his obi. Lastly a smithing hammer, Chikai no kodzuchi 誓いの小槌 known as the Oath-hammer in the front of his obi.
  • Akodo Asahi sama was dressed in his grandfather’s fully functional armor but the amount of gold shakudo upon it was eye catching to say the least.
  • Isawa Tamaki san bore his straw hat with prepared ofuda talismans for spell casting. Adorned in their reddish-orange kimono bearing their clan and family mons.

The group waited patiently as Donoha sama began to comb over every detail, every conversation, every whisper. When the proprietor, Atsumaru Riku san, came out to serve a table their meals. Their reaction to seeing samurai sitting at one of their tables nearly mimicked the prior location. They were quick serve the one dish available, a fish stew. As with the last location he mentioned to send their bill to Shiba Sono sama of the Emperor’s Gift. It seemed correct in Donoha’s mind that the lord that requested services would cover the expenses incurred.

One table mentioned about their good fortune coming soon. Certain sea and river trade route would be getting better pay. The teahouse had just paid off as the food was brought back out. This establishment did not have their own brand of sake but did have a fermented fruit drink, which came with the meal. After tasting it Donoha sama made a pursed face and Tamaki san asked him if he wanted to do the fire trick again. The subtle grin was the Dragon’s reply.

The Dragon began to boast about how he could breathe fire to everyone and did they want to see him do it? Of course there was a positive consensus. So a candle was requested that was already lit, this would give Tamaki san the time to beseech the Kami of Fire to heed his request. When the candle arrived the Dragon and the Phoenix shared a look as Donoha sama inhaled once more…

…FWOOM!!!

The whole was stunned into silence and then from across the way in the group talking about the trade deal a cheer arose! Then quickly joined by everyone there, and Donoha sama introduced himself once more so the tales would spread about the fire breathing Dragon. With the swell of good cheer he invited the heimin tradesmen to drink and each side went through the customary three offers and two refusals to ensure both groups the offer was genuine. They caroused as a group till the late hours of the night and learned a few things.

  • The deal is not finalized yet but should be soon.
  • The organizer of the deal is far up the social ladder.
  • People whom have disagreed with the deal often disappear!

It would fit with “Akkam sama’a Tanto” that if Asako Eiko had reservations about the deals Asako Takumi sama was making she would be marked for removal! In thanks for the information Donoha sama had that group’s billed added to his. Then everyone began making their various ways to sleep.

Upon arriving at their wagons Donoha noticed Hiruma Gombei sama and Agasha Re were not visible. When they check the wagon Re san was using a Phoenix attendant stepped out. Re san could be seen sleeping soundly behind them. The attendant informed the three that Hiruma Gombei sama had been summoned away and they had been tasked in watching over the Phoenix shugenja. It was not lost on Tamaki that after grand adventures with Donoha. Two separate members of his group have disappeared under unknown circumstances. With that everyone turned in for the night.