Donoha removed the Three Souls (Mittsu no Tamashi) katana in its green and copper colored lacquered saya (sheath). While bowing he offered it to the Dragon’s Emerald ambassador – Mirumoto Tanetsu sama saying, “Until you choose for me to leave your service. Myself, my skills, my retainers and my possessions are yours to command, Mirumoto sama.”
“Your service to me begins on the 26th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) Kitsuki san. Until then, please give my regards to your Grandmother and Grandfather. Please clean for at least the remainder of the Hour of Bayushi and I will make sure your katana is waiting for you. I accept your pledge.” The Dragon’s Emerald Ambassador accepted the present katana.
The golden clothed with emerald accented garb of the Miharu imperial samurai of the Forbidden City with the Emperor’s mon and their imperial hiemin staff escorted Donoha and Shànzi past everything on the Way of Elements road to the clan bathing houses. While he did not display it at all, Donoha internally smirked every time they passed by someone that whispered they had been arrested. He remembered two of the samurai from when his Seppun relatives had met him in Ryo Bannin Toshi a few years back.
He was very happy about the fine kimono Tozawa sama had provided him. He had almost decided to wear the yellow one with the green shashiko patterned trim, but decided he should try and look his best when showing up. The leather shoulder pad was a fortune sent idea for keeping Shirogane from shredding it by just circumstance. When Donoha began walking the great bird took its place and Donoha asked it if it understood “bow?” Shirogane performed it again on his shoulder and was duly rewarded with a treat by its master.
Donoha remember that meeting in Ryo Bannin Toshi a few years ago and thought how amazing being a Seppun must be. Seeing it on the scale of Otosan Uchi left him at a loss for words. This made keeping a stoic face easier to do. Crowds parted like waves on the ocean! Shànzi was getting a “potentially” once in a lifetime view of the city from the position as a guest for one of the imperial families!
She was given a Seppun guard and heimin to guard and attend her in the Lion bath house, as the rest went with Donoha. After cleaning and settling into the bath the staff could hear her laugh once and say, “Ano rōnin-tachi wa bakadatta (Those ronin were idiots)!” Meanwhile Donoha was trying to maintain the manners his father and mother had drilled into him when it came to anything with his Seppun relatives. So even though everything felt great he was treating this as a meditation practice to retain his composure.
It was a quarter into the Hour of Shinjo (Dog / 8PM to 10PM; so about 8:30PM) when both of them had finish bathing, taking the customary milk tea and eating before being given a new set of clothes being told theirs would be delivered after laundering to the Seppun Palace. For Shànzi it was the first time she’d heard the word “palace” in association with the Seppun!
Before her was metallic crimson silk kimono with gold and copper colored shashiko stitching showing a lion stretched out in a crescent curve, attacking from the bottom to the trim at her neck! If someone walked around the kimono it would look like the lion on the front was fighting the one on the back, a grand battle! The Matsu mon on the trim of the sleaves, and Donoha’s mon over her left breast. Around Donoha’s mon is the arch you would find at a shrine to Ebisu, the Fortune of Honest Work. It also meant if someone else wore this besides Shànzi, they would likely be killed! If she wore it after leaving Donoha’s service the same fate could befall her. This was a gift and a warning.
Donoha’s was a metallic green silk and was covered in various shades of yellow shashiko stitching. It’s patterns appeared to trap the eye if stared at for to long. You could meditate looking at nothing but the kimono! One the Miharu samurai had the Three Souls katana and a message from Tanetsu that he has not personally wielded a finer sword. Donoha bowed and return it to the spot in his obi. His hammer front and center with the Wakizashi in the rear. Shirogane landed on his shoulder when it saw him, blessing to that shoulder pad!
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Thanks to the L5R game team for this image from the Atlas of Rokugan.
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As night had fallen upon the city it came alive in a wholly different way. It glowed in so many different shades of light! They boarded on one of three river boats and were carried over the waterway back to the River of the Sun. From there they traveled between the Toshisoto (Outer City) districts of Hojize and northern Juramashi. They crossed the river gates leading into the Ekohikei (Inner City). Initially between the districts of Karada and Hito, their sights were soon eclipsed and held hostage by the ten stories of the Imperial Palace of Hantei the XXXVIII!
It may have been dark but it was as though light and shadow danced across their view in ways that stunned their senses! While not showing emotion in public was the way of Rokugan, both Donoha and Shànzi had gasps on their faces. Donoha had such a great time because he could share this with someone and that realization dimmed his expression. Chiasa was not here to share it with. His chest tightened in pain, and he tried hiding it by taking in breath to cover up tears. He quickly rubbed his face and stared some more.
He hoped Akodo Maki had really found peace in the haiku he wrote her:
A lone lioness cries
Her mate is gone, her heart is torn
She will never forget.
His heart ached for Chiasa, a heimin maiden of the most talented wood-worker he’d ever met in the Phoenix Clan’s Aoijiro Province. He had a hard time looking about places of beauty and not wanting to share them with her. Now that she had gone to the Temple of the Elemental Masters he felt a kinship to Akodo Maki. Could he love again? As the myriad of lights played acrossed his face he was grateful for every shadow to hide a bit of his pain within.
Grateful when they docked at the border between the Karada and Hito districts. Donoha followed Miharu on the road around and entered the Forbidden City by the “Necessary Gate” located between the Hito and Kanjo districts. The Kanjo district still very animated with lights, sounds, smells, and night life! When the “Necessary Gate” shut the world felt quiet in a way you can’t quite put a finger on. Light was softer but not darker, it was as though the world pass the wall “almost” didn’t exist.
The 22nd of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) ended with the arrival at the Seppun Palace. To say this was opulent did not do it justice. Having been to Kyuden Doji in the Crane clan lands, Donoha, had a frame of reference to compare it to. To say it was more aesthetically pleasing than Kyuden Doji was bar he did not think he would see in his lifetime, but here they were. At the Seppun place the Sanbō-chō (majordomo / chamberlin / chief of staff) explained that Seppun Sora had retired for the evening and Seppun Yūshū was away on matter of the court. The lady would meet with them at breakfast.
Shriogane was provided a roost to rest, as there were other birds in the Emperor’s menagerie. He was cared for like a visiting prince. Donoha knew Yukiabo would also be well looked after while he was here. As they were shown where to stay on the second floor of the palace. In each of their rooms was a geisha performer. They waited for each of them to lay down and began to play lullaby songs until they had fallen asleep before removing themselves. The songs were all ones Donoha had grown up with from the Dragon lands. Incense had been lit that reminded them of scent of the trees in Dragon lands during autumn.
In the Forbidden City the Imperial palace shares its space with a grand neighbor inside the inner most walls protecting it and the Otomo Palace. Home of the oldest or simply the first of the Imperial Families. Snaking along the east to north side of the Imperial Palace, home of the Hantei family. They act as the “Voice of the Emperor” and often lead the Sentaku. The Sentaku decide whom can enter the forbidden city. Woe be upon the fool that attempts this without permission.
The Miya are the youngest of the Imperial families created on or near the 47th year of the Emerald Empire by the son of the original emperor Hantei Genji. They have been granted three buildings inside the Forbidden City. Two in the Northern corner, but on the opposite side from the Otomo Palace. The third is the building near the Necessary Gate. They are the “Heralds and Cartographers of the Emperor” often needing speedy departure for important missives.
Being the closet followers of the emperor created some issues within a few generations. The number of Princes and Princesses born to the Hantei family were so many, that rather than challenge the claim of the Emperor’s eldest child, at adulthood these other heirs joined the families of Hantei-no-Kami’s original followers, Miya and Otomo and Seppun.
Now the Seppun was the second family to be made at the same time as the Otomo. They are the “Protectors of the Emperor” which means the Miharu are the bushi Imperial Guards. They also act as magistrates, and most of the artisans and shugenja among them are the Astrologers of the Imperial court. Though it may seem like the Seppun have most physical presence in the Forbidden City that is due to there role as body guards not just to the Hantei, Otomo, other Seppun, and the Miya. They have studied every clan’s techniques so they can integrate them into the defense of the Forbidden City! They work with mostly Lion and Phoenix bushi samurai at the gates. You can find every clan represented upon the wall protecting the heart of the Emerald Empire. They also act as guards for every single guest welcomed to the Forbidden City.
Donoha woke to sunlight streaming through an open wall panel. When he noticed the servant they averted their gaze and froze like a deer afraid to move. Donoha greeted the servant with thanks for taking care of him and hoped he would not be a burden for the few days he would be staying. When the ask for their name they gave Oimo. Donoha thanked Oimo-san and made it very clear if the door to his room was shut he would be happy if Oimo-san would relax around him.
He stood and walked over to shut the door and asked him for help picking what to wear to the morning meal. Oimo bowed and showed him that his complete set of gear – everything – was laid out! His Three Souls katana and the Wakazashi that got him through Kenson Gakka were on a stand and his smithing hammer right in front. Just as he had it at his home. Oimo-san explained his Grandmother had been given a report of his attire and she had the Light Armor, Traveling Pack, Small Iron Box replaced with items that would not shame the family (upgraded from Poor to Fine).
Since breakfast was to be a private affair his yellow, cotton, kimono with the green shashiko pattern on the trim would be fine. He helped Donoha get ready. While doing so he mentioned another servant of his Grandmother was preparing Shànzi san as she was interested in the woman he had been traveling with. What Donoha did not know was Shànzi san already being at breakfast for half of the Hour of the Sun (Hare / 6am – 8am)!
Seppun Sora had made sure the young lady of the Lion clan was dressed in a red and yellow cotton kimono with similar designs from her silk kimono the day before imprinted and “some” shashiko pattern stitching on the trim. Her Mon was on the left breast this time directly below Donoha’s with Ebisu’s arch (Fortune of Honest Work) surrounding it. She let her know any anything she had that may have been poor quality has been replaced. When Shànzi woke that morning she had seen that someone had been in the room and laid out “ALL” of her things. Though some had been replaced with finer versions! Nothing of her possessions was missing and the greatest level of care had been given to arrangement.
It was about 30 minutes into their meal that Shànzi realized whom had ordered her stuff gone though. Her conversation was the most polite and engaging she’s had in a long while but this woman more fierce than a starving lion in the wild. If a vase could hold a hurricane was the impression she had from the glances she got the longer she talked with her. Seppun Sora clearly adored her grandson and was not unlike a mother protecting their cub. After seeing the care with which Shànzi was chronicling the tale of her mago-san (Grandson). The fire burned down and out of the older woman.
By the time Donoha joined them it had turned to making sure she had access to any supplies to help her continue the tale. It was also clear Donoha’s possessions had been gone through and upgraded when he kept thanking her for the gifts trying to say he was unworthy. He accept on the third time she told him he was worthy and then asked why he did not have heavier armor?
He went over the costs of learning how to make Mittsu Tamashi and it had taken a little over 500 koku over the three years. He talked about Supaku (Spark) having a straight blade and actually being the first sword. But because the temper did not use the clay techniques Kaiu and Kakita did, the curve did not happen naturally! Shànzi was stunned to learn he had made another sword and that first one had a seven man cut! Seppun Sora asked if he needed anything else and he mentioned because of Shirogane’s claws he’d love to get some heavier shoulder armor to save on kimono replacements. She smiled and said she would arrange something for a small favor and two Koku. Shànzi knew that’s all Donoha had since they’d been talking. So it was really for the favor.
She provided them both with jade pendants in the shape of the Seppun mon. She explained they were enchanted and would alert the guard you and anyone in direct skin to skin contact are allowed past the gates of the Forbidden City. They were never to take them off or show them outside even in the Ekohikei (Inner City). Be very careful of whom you come into direct contact with was the warning. With that breakfast came to and end.
When they went to leave three of the Miharu and one heimin clothed in the mostly gold and green accents (Seppun colors) followed them out. The heimin was Oimo and he had a chest strapped around his waist and another support strap going up over his shoulders and around his neck. Donoha understood that “ANYTHING” that required payment would be covered by his Grandmother. That was a responsibility and a gift.
Traveling had awakened in Donoha the notion that the heimin (commoners) did a lot of work and were often not treated well. The system should be in place to work together. A lot of samurai he felt did not deserve the respect they demanded. Naturally he’s never written this or shared it with anyone. If he ever was made a member of the Justicars he could see him happily spending his days destroying pompous samurai that did not deserve there “tax” of the Emperor’s rice.
During the 23rd of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) Donoha was thrilled to run into a friend at the markets from his early teen years, Otaku Kai. During two winter courts they got to hang out and bond as friends. Her detractors among the Agasha clan called her the Agasha Gaijin, which was due to their fear of her height, a smidgen above SIX SHAKU (6ft.)!
She came from the Otaku family of the Unicorn. Her father was Gaijin and the reason she was so tall, and when her dark hair was against the sun it reflected deep crimson-red tones. Donoha san and her spent two winter courts having adventures in the northern lands and through social and physical confrontations, Donoha san never left her side. He fell in love with horses having been given rides upon her great steed.
To say Matsu Shànzi shared his excitement would be a gross miscarriage of justice. While she kept her opinion to herself the Unicorn Clan burned her town and is the reason she has no immediate family. Donoha tried to explain that she accidentally killed a boy of a noble making inappropriate advances on her. She was exiled and more Dragon than Unicorn since her Shugenja training was a Dragon Fire school. This did little to help Shànzi accept her and she just nodded and said, “As you wish, Donoha-sama.”
Donoha let it go for now. Both of them were awkward around him for differing reasons. Kai hated crowds, and Shànzi was not the least bit fond of Kai-san.
During the 24th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) Donoha made a new acquaintance that would be traveling in the caravan with everyone else going, Dojii Hoto of the Crane Clan. Hoto had noticed him the prior day being followed by Seppun Miharu. That meant he had imperial relatives close enough to warrant a guard. This Dragon had a Lion retainer that did not like his friendship with another Unicorn. This seemed like a pleasant distraction from the “oh so close” thumb of Hoto’s father. Not only was Donoha sama thrilled to make his acquaintance. Hoto sama mentioned he knew all the stops Donoha sama was trying to find the day before when he ran into his Unicorn friend.
When Doji Hoto had taken them to an armorer that in his words – “Make even the roughest Crab shine like polished emeralds.” Oimo looked up at his guard and received a nod. When a Miharu chooses to move it is best to stay still so they may perform their task. The Miharu leaned into Hoto’s ear and whispered (PM to player & GM). Hoto winked and leaned into the other three (Shànzi on the opposite side of Donoha from Kai), “So our friend there (nodding to the Miharu that went inside the armorer shop), has a lady friend and a small portion of that box was so a gift could be acquired as a reward for something he did for your Grandmother. She’s going to make sure its delivered discreetly as a present. Oh and look, a candle maker! Let’s check that out until they’re done.”
Hoto kept them so busy that only Shànzi noticed one of the Miharu act as a go between from Oimo and the guardsman at the armorer and their group at the candle maker’s shop. When their group’s Miharu noticed Shànzi, the Lion shugenja nodded quietly and drew two fingers across her mouth suggesting her lips were sealed. The Miharu returned the nod and went back to looking for threats.
After a fashion the group at the candle shop was alerted the side transaction had been completed and could join. Hoto had watched Donoha and noticed he had a passion for questions and observations. He also seemed be trained to do nothing to upset Seppun Sora. Likely because was trained hard to be nice to her, and perhaps enjoyed her company. When queried about being to Otosan Uchi before he mentioned the closest he’d been was Ryo Bannin Toshi where his aunt and grand parents met him. If Seppun Sora left Kyuden Seppun for a day trip to see her grandson stopping by for three days and then leaving again! She really liked her grandson, in fact doting Grandmother might be a better moniker.
When the group entered the shop Donoha mentioned his issue with Shirogane and showed the smith the leather shoulder pad. Then the smith noticed the hammer in Donoha’s obi where the wakazashi would normally be and everyone present got the story about an ancestor beating a crab and returning the Kaiu blade to the family. In exchange they presented this smithing hammer. It was eventually given to Donoha and he made his katana with it!
The smith lit up in their expression at a craftsman in their shop and a samurai! He asked if he could examine the part he made (gesturing to a table and stools). Since very few smiths make anything other than the blade. For Hoto this was a goldmine of info about Donoha as he explained that he made every single bit of the Three Souls katana. Even Shànzi got a few extra details as he named every craftsman that taught him enough of a craft to make this entire sword!
Donoha and the smith discussed things and Shànzi realized the smith was trying to see if Donoha was lying about any of it. The way the conversation got deeper and deeper into a craftsman language, it was clear Donoha had passed some hidden test. Dutifully she record the details she did not have written down before. After two whole hours of the day (4 hours for us) they got back to the bird and Donoha’s issue.
[6:38 PM]
Donoha and the smith discussed things and Shànzi realized the smith was trying to see if Donoha was lying about any of it. Donoha was likely aware, they thought to themselves, but he appeared to be paying it no mind because he could answer all the questions. The way the conversation got deeper and deeper into a craftsperson’s language, it was clear Donoha had passed some hidden test. Dutifully she record the details she did not have written down before. After two whole hours of the day (4 hours for us) they got back to the bird and Donoha’s issue.
They quickly got into measuring Donoha at various stages of dress and he assured him that despite only needing some robust shoulder armor to stand up to large bird talons. The smith, Teppeki, assured him he would be back for a full harness, and Hoto had told him he could make a Crab into a diamond. It was as much a compliment to Teppeki as it was a dig at the Crab Clan. They made plans to meet up the following day for the celebration tomorrow.
The day of the Doll/Kite Festival: 25th of Hantei (Month of the Serpent) – this festival was originally only for girls but the custom now includes male children. They receive expensive gifts from their families, intended for use when they become adults, and the girls gather doll sets in tiered plaforms and the boys fly brilliant kites. The dolls represent the Imperial court, and it’s traditional for girls to go around and appreciate each other’s doll sets.
When Donoha woke up there was an absolutely gorgeous set of of aigote kote (chain mail and plate connected armored sleeves) which stopped the chainmail just below the elbow plate’s disc! It could be worn under a kimono for court! Each side also came with attached waki-baki yoroi (chain mail and plate armpit protectors). All of the plates were a mix of green-lacquered tempered steel and tempered copper.
As though that had not been enough both shoulders had tate-eri (shoulder protection consisting of a steel and copper trimmed shoulder band over silk with hidden reinforced little six-sided hexagon plates of steel. That have thick lace cords of woven silk going trough four holes in them – not unlike a button – for even more shock absorption.) added on as extra support. They were removeable as well with toggles. Green silk, golden dragons slithering among the clouds on the emerald sky. Donoha never had a nicer Doll/Kite gift in his life!
Two reasons this was amazing is that: 1) normally wearing armor to court is a no go. Unless something about your role demands it, if its wartime, situations like that. To have armor that can be worn beneath was amazing for keeping one safe in all kinds of situation not the least of which could be court. 2) The “Do” (Chestplate) normally supports the armor for the shoulders and arms. Putting this on a garment underneath the Do removes the cords and ties on the shoulder from being cut and removing most of the armor.
Donoha wrote at least five haiku’s just thanking his Grandmother, Seppun Sora! He tried to refuse each piece three times as one does with gifts citing how unworthy he was. Shànzi watched all of it quietly taking notes. It was a longer breakfast than normal several pieces of his armor might cost around 25 koku each. A requisite amount of groveling was a steal for what he got in their opinion.
During the day Donoha and Shànzi visited the merchants of the caravans setting ways for him to have access to supplies and tools. Being able to display Mittsu Tamashi as an example of his skill was super useful in setting up deals as long as he made an extra item they could sell. Donoha was hoping to make friends / contacts and having a tanto to present using his design would be a good gift in help cement his clan’s blade among the two giants in the realm.
The reason Donoha had to meet so many craftspeople of the heimin class was the same reason the armor maker quizzed him for so long. You typically need “SEVEN” different craftspeople to make a katana, naginata, wakazashi, nagamaki, tachi, tanto, odachi, etc. The Katanakaji (Swordsmith/Bladesmith), the Togishi (Sharpener/Polisher), the Shiroganeshi (Habaki Crafter), the Sayashi (Sheath Manufacturer), the Tsukamakishi (Handle Wrapper), the Nurishi (Laquer Painter), and finally Kinkoshi and Tsubakoshi (Metal Fittings & Tsuba Manufacturer). Donoha was an artist with an attention to detail he plied for the Empire as a Kitsuki Magistrate. Matsu Shànzi and Lord Akodo Tozawa have seen first hand how that focus can be directed to solving crimes.
After that he met up with Otaku Kai and then Doji Hoto. Hoto-san was kind enough to treat everyone to the town they called home! He introduce Kai to his merchant friend from the Crab clan, Yasuki Minoru. Donoha was quick to shut up and just sit nearby as Hoto helped Kai work out a deal for supplies to gift out to places they visit. It was an impressive discourse and Kai hates social encounters because she can’t see the enemy’s weapon.
During this time we met another Crab bushi coming along on the caravan, Hida Eiji. What Donoha found even more impressive was that Eiji was just a bit taller than Kai, possibly six and a half shaku tall! Not just tall but stout! I think sumo entertainer may think twice before wrestling Eiji!. His voice had a softness to it though, as though they had spoken to children or small pets a great deal, the Dragon found him interesting.
Under Hoto’s guidance: Kai, Eiji, and Donoha followed him to eat at a variety of restaurants that evening. Matsu Shànzi was sent back with Donoha’s jade pendant wrapped in a mint green handkerchief before being removed and given to her to return to the Seppun House in the Forbidden city. She was to arrange for their belongings to be moved to the Dragon portion of the Emperor’s Gift caravan and secure a wagon or wagons that can sleep up to 8 people and supplies. She nodded, thrilled to put distance between her and Kai.
Dragging into the evening Kai opened up more and more. Donoha was having a grand time watching Hoto and Eiji help pry her social walls open. He took a moment to jot down a haiku about the Crane’s efforts:
Graceful crane, you soar
Through the sky on silent wings,
A symbol of peace.
Donoha slid that to him on a slip of paper and Hoto read it and slid it into his kimono without anyone else noticing. The smallest smile was made as he did so. He said nothing else about it. In his travels among Kyuden Doji he over heard one resident say to another, “It’s okay she did not respond. When you write something on paper it is because you do not wish to discuss it aloud.” Donoha understood this statement much clearer than before.
They made their way back to the caravan staging area outside the Hojize district and its north gate of Otosan Uchi. Once Eiji saw the wagon(s) Donoha had arranged via Shànzi’s efforts with the Seppun’s assistance. They brought over their traveling companions. His daughter Miu and the first Nezumi that Donoha had seen!
He’d heard about them while in the Crab lands and the legend they were immune to taint of the Shadowlands! However, he’d not seen one but was very curious to learn more. Then he paid attention to Hida Miu and the way this giant doted on the little girl. All of Eiji’s soft spoken tone made sense now. Hoto and Eiji went outside to speak for a bit but had come to some accord. Meanwhile if Matsu Shànzi could meld into shadow she would when she found out she was traveling with Kai because she was considered part of the Dragon clan. Also Donoha saw this as practice for learning to see what other clans are like. Walk ten thousand shaku in someone else’s tabi and you’ll understand them in ways you never could before.
Donoha tried to get Gru’ Vi to play “Go” with him while the Crab and the Crane were outside but trust and games would seem to take time to build up to. Shànzi began to play with Miu to distract herself from the giant in the wagon. Kai found a bunk and once it took her weight she kind of recoiled into her shell like a turtle. This was not how you’re supposed to ride. Donoha remembered she’d been particularly unfond of wagons unless they were open atop.
As everyone began to prepare to sleep since the caravan would be leaving on the morrow. A horrendous sound split the nighttime low sounds of packing and drums to drown out the commotion of the packing. The drumming stopped and the ground across the road from the caravan began to split open with an eerie green light and smoke belching forth with sounds no mortal would make! Shapes began to appear! Ghost, Oni, some other supernatural menace? The heroes prepare as Donoha howls for Shànzi to protect Miu!
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!
