Tag: Serpent’s Tail Mine

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 40

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Compassion’s Conclusion, Corrective Consequences

The six villagers and Donoha sama made it quite the distance into the nearby forest. The Dragon was pointing out to Saburo san, his brother Taro san, and four other villagers, which trees he thought would needed to be felled and then hauled back. They had arrived at a small clearing not visible by a road but with heavy worn foot traffic. Donoha sama thought this must be a common location to get wood for mine supports and to burn. The chest with the missives for the Dragon Clan champion secured to his back with rope was not nearly as heavy as he thought it might be.

What caught his attention was the villagers all pulling from their packs katana in various stages of deterioration. Clearly these weapons had not been maintained well. Then they all turned to face him as Saburo san spoke, “This is where it ends for you Kitsuki san, just hand over the chest and we’ll use it to buy a new life for ourselves!”

Unfazed by the weapons and wielders, the Dragon just had a hard believing how stupid these peasants were. Five of the six looked like they had steeled themselves for a fight, yet Taro san looked hesitant and shaky in their resolve. No one here was an actual threat, but he remembered the lucky strike one peasant Lord Asako Takumi had employed nearly killed his cousin. Resting his hand upon Mittsu Tamashi he mentioned Hida Nagahide’s name and the silk-wrapped tsuka felt warm in his grip.

“Please tell me you all are not actually this stupid,” retorted the Dragon samurai lifting his hammer with his left hand while his right remained ready on the three souled katana. They droned on about how they are mistreated by the lords of the land and Donoha sama made a mental note to definitely visit Mountain’s Anvil Castle. He tried to find a peaceful solution, but one of the men rushed him hoping to catch him off guard. Their head was still sailing through the air as the Dragon mentioned it did not have to go this way.

The rest charged except for Taro san, until his brother cried out for him to quit being a coward. From Taro san’s perspective more heads kept flying into the air but he did as his brother commanded. Making the potentially worst swing with a katana in the history of the weapon. It was clear to the dragon he did not agree with these actions but did not want to dishonor his brother. Four heads were sailing through the air as red rain began to fall upon the stark white, snow covered, forest floor.

“Taro, step back and drop your sword if you wish to live today,” the words were the final bit of compassion Donoha had left. Being betray by those he tried to help, wearing the very kimono he had gifted to them. He deliberately had left the “san” off when he addressed the peasant boy. Taro san wisely follow the ultimatum as the Kitsuki delivered on the wishes of the others in granting them a new life. Saburo san’s head left their body, spinning and turning in the air. The thud came in a pair of noises as the first one had hit the ground in conjunction with Saburo san’s body.

“Are you making a statement Itoko-san?”

While Taro san was dropping to a kneeling position and prostrating himself in the snow. Donoha sama turned to the voice that spoke. Coming into the clearing was Asahi sama, Tamaki san, Gunba san, and Hanzo san. The Lion’s look and question was one of curiosity, while the others were far more stern, particularly the Unicorn and the Scorpion.

Hanzo san had his bow ready in case more of the villagers were hiding nearby. Donoha sama had Taro san gather the kimono of the fallen peasants. Prompting the Unicorn shugenja to ask him if he had beheaded the peasants to spare the kimono. The Dragon looked over and simply said, “Yes.”

Still very angry over the betrayal of this attack after everything his group had been doing for the peasants and their village. The Dragon had Taro san hold up one of the kimonos so he could wipe his blade on it. There wasn’t any blood to actually wipe off, the cuts and been so clean and precise that all of it was arrayed around him in the snow. A red bloom of death, gruesome art is normally the trade of the bushi, but with the help of the Crab soul in his sword. He was able to draw his own flower. The act of doing this was to psychologically drive home home how finished he was with being nice. One wrong step from anyone in the village and they could potentially all share the same fate.

When Donoha sama wonders out loud about where the villagers got the worn katana, it was Gunba san that asked if this was the first time the villagers had pulled a stunt like this? Taro san was tasked with gathering the six worn katana and wrap them up with the kimono. Donoha sama wondered if they did this before because of mistreatment at the hands of the daimyo for Mountain’s Anvil Castle? He did not voice his concerns at this time. He was beginning to trust Hanzo san’s fortune telling skills more and more. The group headed back to the Serpent’s Tail Mining village.

Upon their arrival everyone was gathered and kneeling in the presence of Tetsuo san, the monk of Shinsei. They approached the group expressing happiness that the four samurai were able to find their Dragon companion. Donoha sama stepped forward to address the crowd. Tamaki san tried to enhance his Dragon friend’s speech with fiery theatrics, as they had in the sake houses. This close to the mine, the Fire Kami would do nothing more than some sparks.

On the way back to the village Asahii sama had filled in Donoha sama about the items they found in the mine and the discovery of Jade! There was the bell which the Dragon explained was often used in signaling people throughout the mine with needed information. Then the stone head hammer with iron and gold ore veins running through it. Followed by the pickaxe with the elemental symbol for fire etched into it and matches the symbol on Tamaki san’s staff. Then came the stone mask that would allow its wearer to see through rock as though they were swimming in water. Lastly, there was the iron lantern with glass-like panels of crystal and jade!

Donoha sama was nurturing a guess about the items but had to deal with the village first. He stepped forward and addressed everyone with his full name, and that he came from Copper River Manor. This ccopper mine had been in his family for a long time. He was very familiar with miner’s work and metalworking, smelting, crafting the ore into works of art. However, his compassion had just run out with the attack that had been carried out against him.

He made it very clear that if anyone steps out of line he would be inclined to wipe out the village and get new workers to start over. Furthermore, they have one last chance to rebuild their lives and village. Taro san was to be allowed back into the village and no harm was to befall him for trying to honor his brother even though he clearly disagreed with him. The five kimono he had would be given to Jiro san to redistribute among the villagers as needed. The six katana would be kept in the house they were using. If there were any more katana in the village turn them over now or pay the price if found later.

Tatsu san and Jiro san moved to help Taro san with the items in question. Donoha gave rough assignments to the villagers. The group being sent out to cut the trees were also to bury the bodies. While done out of earshot from any of the samurai word spread about how proficient the Dragon courtier was with his katana. While he deliberately did not always acknowledge it, if a villager passed his line of sight they would bow quickly and hurry along.

When a moment presented itself, Donoha sama has Asahi sama test the “earth-hammer” on a rock and confirms his suspicion of these being nemurani of the Agasha when they found the shrine centuries ago. Now this part is Donoha sama’s best guess based on the evidence presented to him. It was likely revealed by some of the kami in the mine. In hopes the samurai would partake in stopping the fighting between the Earth Kami and Fire Kami over whom has rights to the jade that has appeared.

While Tamaki san and Donoha sama work on the shrine, Gunba is the one that managed to succeed in getting the Fire Kami to finally speak with him. While Donoha sama was not sure of what was offered it appeared to be one of the kimono gifted to the villagers. The spirits of fire said they were watching and to tread carefully but they would not interfere with the shrine’s reconstruction. This amazing turn of events allowed him to use another kimono to effect repairs on the four smaller Inari “fox” statues. Using the fire magic of the kami to returned them to a new state as though they had just been made.

While Gunba san retired to the barracks to meditate. Donoha sama asked his Lion cousin over and did something I never expected. He instructed him on how to chisel a hole in a column of wood so he could say he helped with the shrine’s construction. The hammer he allowed him to use was the same hammer he made his katana with, Chikai kodzuchi 誓い小槌 the Oath-hammer! According to our Dragon since the hammer never left his sight he had not broken the oath. I know what your thinking and he explained how he sleeps but that isn’t interesting to write about.

Watching his cousin work and talking with him allowed Donoha to see another opportunity for him to gain experience leading people. He explained that there ware plenty of villagers needing guidance about what to do. It wasn’t that they were lazy, but they needed direction and did not want to overstep or anger the samurai after this morning’s incident. The Dragon suggested it might be good practice for his cousin to treat them like soldiers and keeping the base camp clean and orderly.

The Lion heads out with a renewed sense of purpose and gathers anyone not engaged in a task and they begin on the warehouse clearing and then move to the latrine. This way sanitary conditions with waste can be addressed. During the clearing of the warehouse the come across a small group of foxes and the peasants are instructed to leave them be. While Donoha sama was not aware of them at this time, he had asked Tetsuo san about foxes in the mountains and was told it would be rare to see any this far north.

Now, I have not forgotten about our watchful courtier. While Gunba san meditates our Scorpion patrolled the village and kept a watchful eye on his companions and the villagers. It was far less about keeping everyone safe and far more about making sure if anyone in the village breathed the wrong direction. It would be the last breath they ever took.

After some time, Gunba san awakens or self-rouses from their trance. Having recovered some of their spiritual energy they entreat with the Fire Kami once more and learn things are going poorly in the cavern and they should work out the issue between the Earth and Fire Kami sooner than later. Gunba convinces Tamaki san to join him and when the Phoenix mentions they could use a courtier, Hanzo san offers to join them.

Tamaki san confers with Donoha sama, and the Dragon mentions the nemurani: the Bell of Air, the Hammer of Earth, the Pickaxe of Fire, the Mask of Water, and the Lantern of the Void. Offering suggestions about whom should use each one when dealing with the Kami. The mask he mentioned should go to Hanzo san this time so they can likely see the kami in question. He also wanted to know if the kami want the items left in the mine when they were done or to be kept safely at the shrine? With this information the group of the Unicorn, Phoenix, Scorpion, the Shinsei Monk get ready to depart as Donoha sama and Asahi sama stay work on the village.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 39

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Village of the Serpent’s Tail Mine

When Tetsuo san and Jiro san saw the group had found their spots within the large being gifted to them for the duration of their stay. The two mentioned a brief tour of the village. The group was lead around to the barracks where they were currently staying. Then the latrine area, which had collapsed, posing health risks. Next was the warehouse where the miners had moved into but it was damp and unusable for due to broken doors and roof leaks.

Followed up by the forge, with its rusted anvil and decaying tools. The miners were having a hard time maintaining tools or creating new ones. Donoha sama nodded his head quietly, but his face was poorly masking anger mixed with frustration. The scar on the left side of his face helped to mask it as he always appeared slightly perturbed or deep in thought brooding.

This led to the mineral and processing building. It was a mess of unusable workstations under collapsed beams. Jiro san mentioned they had a partial output of gold and iron buried underneath the beams, but not enough for the full delivery. Which left to last spot of the tour, a small shrine and tori gate to the local kami in ruins. no roof, shattered statues, and broken pillars. The miners had forgotten how important the spiritual side of things were as it was just a pit stop mention because they walked past it.

Having been into the spirit realms and knowing how real the kami are made this a hard sight for the samurai to see so casually disregarded. They headed back into their quarters, the barracks, and Jiro san began with an explanation of the history surrounding the mine. Tetsuo san was present but really only nodded in affirmation as lending support to the village headman’s words.

Jiro san continued with a story about how the former Dragon family of the Agasha discovered the mine searching for ore. Depending on whom tells the tale it was either iron ore or gold ore, but to their surprise they found both. When it was discovered how far the twisting veins of ore went into the earth. The peasant workers named the gold vein Miko and the iron vein Mako.

Donoha sama was really hoping to learn why the Agasha had left the clan. They were after all one of the founding families that followed the great kami Togashi. However, those questions would have to wait until they finished the tasks they had been assigned.

Jiro san continued on that the ore processed there is brought to Mountain’s Anvil Castle, before being sent out to the other lands. After some further discussion amongst the five samurai when the monk and the headman left. Donoha sama suggested a two pronged approach. He had the skills to rebuild the village and just needed additional hands, which the peasants could provide. The other four should be more than capable of exploring a mine.

If they encountered the angry kami they had two shugenja that could handle the issue. If they ran into physical trouble both Asahi sama and Hanzo san were capable in a fight. Both could react to a developing situation and protect the shugenja as yojimbo. What Donoha sama did not explain to anyone was that he had a few private motivations.

He wanted Asahi sama to get time leading the group and working with people with very different backgrounds. This knowledge would only aid him when he became a general and dealt with interpersonal conflicts. Hanzo san would need knowledge when he met his superiors of this world’s Scorpion clan. This should give him the chance to gather secrets. Gunba san had a withdrawn he felt needed to get out more. Tamaki san was as inquisitive as he was. This would be a chance to scratch that itch. Finally both Asahi sama and Tamaki san were becoming great investigators and fostering talented teammates was always a good idea.

As the group was settling back in to tackle the mine in the morning. Donoha sama realize some safety issues and shared some tips about safety with the group going into a mine. Hanzo san began to talk with Gunba san and Tamaki san regarding a quick trip to the ruined shrine for another look. It was almost kabuki like how quickly the three of them left as a group.

While the three would be eventually joined by Asahi sama, Donoha sama spoke with Jiro san about using some of the men to repair the shrine with him. Next, he asked about lanterns and rope for the mine to traverse it. Upon finding out the mine’s current condition he then asks for Tetsuo san’s help in handing out all of the kimonos he had been gifted by Hoto san. I think it speaks to the growing minimalist within Donoha sama and his penchant for the virtue of compassion. He did not want to keep such expensive garments when he was unsure of how Hoto san had acquired the money to get them. He now only possessed two fine kimonos. One was granted to him by Akodo Tozawa sama and the other was presented by his cousin, which is also on the cover of Book Four – In Defense of Honor.

Donoha sama explained to Tetsuo that if someone is taking upon themselves the position, even temporarily, of lord over an area. Then they had better be prepared to provide for their subordinates. While feeling his offering was meager, and to be clear to the reader, it was not. Each kimono was worth several koku, it was likely more money than they had ever seen in their lives.

Once that was completed he bid everyone a good evening and headed back to the barracks they had been set up in. On the way though he was called out to by Hanzo san and asked to come over to the shrine. During Gunba san’s departure to the shrine he had taken over responsibility for watching the missives from the Emerald Ambassadors. Upon arriving at the ruined shrine he could see they had been busy at clearing out debris and snow.

While Donoha sama had been away the two shugenja had tried to entreat with the Kami of Earth and Fire, only to be rebuffed for their efforts. That left consorting with Kami of Air, Water, and Void to help sort out the broken statues to the Kami of Fire and Earth. It was Tamaki san that aided in this endeavor, using their magical incantations to move the broken statue pieces into an order the Dragon could figure out how to put back together using a method similar to kintsugi or gold joinery. Only this time he would use iron and then apply the gold using the mix metal technique of shakudo.

On the morning of the 14th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}), the group of Dragon, Lion, Phoenix, Unicorn, and Scorpion found steaming rice set next to where they sleep along with some small amount of boiled vegetables. They ate and the four heading into the mine made their way down while the Dragon got dressed in their simplest kimono and hakama. Using rope from the miners to perform tasuki gake to wrap their shins and kimono sleeves out of the way. The next half an hour of the day (OOC: Rokugan only has a twelve hour day, so 60 minutes) was having few villagers help him cut down trees from a nearby grove. Then drag them back so they could begin repairs.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 38

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Truth in Observation

As Shosuro Hanzo san went through the rote and ritual of their divination. The others gave him space as they set up their camp for the evening. The plan according to Tetsuo was to head out in the morning. Akodo Asahi sama was preparing dinner for everyone when our Scorpion companion finished with their divination ritual and packed everything up and made their way over to the camp.

They explained that they could feel kami, one, perhaps more. They were in a cold and dark place. Whatever problem they were facing the group should find a way to help. Soon our group will run across an unfortunate place and if we try and rush things we’ll create unfortunate ripples for ourselves. Then there was something about a small village very near the High House of Light. We should absolutely stop their and bring calm to some problem that appears to be non-violent.

Donoha sama continues to wonder if perhaps Hanzo san started their life in their alternate Ningen-do as a monk and somehow became adopted into the Scorpion clan and trained as a courtier. The reason for his line of thought is that the Brother of Shinsei, Tetsuo san, explained that their were some problems reported at the Serpent’s Tail mine not to many days travel ahead and their true purpose was to report to Togashi Hoshi sama how the five samurai dealt with the situation! He then shared the instructions from the Dragon Clan Damiyo was – I will be here when you arrive, no need to rush.

Togashi Hoshi sama alluded to having familial relations with the Scorpion clan, perhaps his mother. Donoha sama did not wish to broach the topic further in order to be polite and respectful. So far every interaction he’s had with the Scorpion clan, regardless of being negative or positive, has drastically altered fate in their favor. Hanzo san appears to be the next one to provide critical information allowing for a positive outcome it seems.

The meal was delicious but Tetsuo san ate and then retired to a small grouping of trees to rest and meditate. Despite offers being made of letting him sleep in one of the tents with the samurai. The monk mentioned this would be a good way to test himself and his training. The Dragon informed everyone he would be heading off to train, but not with bokken this time. He’d learned some new things about the sword he made in the spirit realms. He was going off to train with it so combat would go smooth rather than surprising himself.

The Scorpion followed after a fashion and watch the practice from a safe distance. At the beginning of what appeared like bushi studying a new school technique there were emerald green flashes coming from both sides of the blade. Their keen archers eyes could make out the marks after repeated flashes when he would reset from a technique. One side read “Mittsu Tamashi” or “Three Souls” in low Rokugani. The other was a bit longer spelling out “Itami wa chie to hikikae ni sa reru” or “Pain is traded for wisdom” in low Rokugani.

Some of the movements the Dragon practiced reminded him of how the Lion fought, others seemed to be training how to defend a person or a space from multiple attackers. Then the came the one with brutal bursts of speed where he appeared to strike twice with each swing. When the Scorpion began to chat with the Dragon he did not seem to mind the added complexity of maintaining a conversation while trying out techniques. When he finished practicing both of them turned in for the night.

On the 9th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}), the group was making their way along a trail when they came across a group of 8 peasants. The closer they got the more hurt and haggard they looked. Donoha sama had been leading Yukiabo while he had Hanzo san on the horse and Tetsuo on its other side. The Dragon had everyone pause as he approached the group waving his hand and calling out. The group moved to the side with the mountain and he approached. They were clearly trying to let the samurai pass by but this Dragon was a Kitsuki.

Intrigued by what got them in this state, he squatted and asked which one spoke for the group. Tatsu san was the one that spoke up and mentioned they had come from the Serpent’s Tail Mine. Problems had begun occurring in the mine. According to the Dragon, he was told they had seeking help to fix the problem but two days back two of their companions had been taken in the night. It seems the assailants match the description of yeti.

Donoha sama engaged his group and Tetsuo acted as the mediator between the samurai and the peasants. It seems they were worried their attempt to get help could be seen as abandoning their duties. Hanzo san was quick to point out that depending on how one looks at it that could very well mean a swift death at their lord’s hand even if help was found. There was a tense discussion between the two courtiers as each took opposite stances on the issue. The Dragon made it clear he would see it as seeking help and make sure the lord of the area saw it in the same light. The Scorpion apologized if he had offended the Dragon, but Donoha sama told him anyone not willing to listen to an opposing point of view was unwise. He reiterated that he valued Hanzo san’s opinions.

Otaku Gunba san had stayed back guarding the box with the missives from the Emerald Ambassadors. While Isawa Tamaki san moved up to heal them with the Lion assisting him. Next, Akodo Asahi sama made rice for everyone with boiled beans and root vegetables. Tetsuo san made sure to convey this in a manner to let them know they had succeeded in finding help. We made it clear we would go back and find either their companions, or at least confirmation of their death. Then the samurai would move on to the Serpent’s Tail Mine and help there as well.

It took about a day and a half to reach the ambush site on the 11th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}). During that time Donoha sama has taken some of the extra padded kimono he had for layering in colder weather and gifted one to a miner. Mint green with dark green sashiko quilting this was still worth a few koku. To another he passed an obi that they could wrap around their face to keep the snow out. At the location it was decided the Phoenix and the Dragon would be the ones to descend over the side into the snowy mist in search of the yeti and the missing members, Shige san and Yohei san.

Just before they were ready to descend Tamaki snapped their fingers and mentioned they had this covered. They removed an ofuda charm from their hat and cast the spell they refer to as Embrace of Kenro-Ji-Jin to swim through the rock! To say the miners were stunned to see him leave and return from the earth was an understatement.

They were able to find one of the arms of the miners and returned with the unfortunate news of their confirmed deaths. Time was taken to build to graves with piled stones and each peasant was given time to pray at them as they began to grieve the loss. Tamaki san offers rice & candles at each pile of stones with names on ofuda charms anchored tot he rocks. Gunba san honors them in the way of the Unicorn, before returning to the missive box and trading out with Asahi sama. Hanzo san rang their bells for the souls to find their way to Emma-O’s gate, and Donoha sama prays to Emma-O.

It was another two days before arriving at the mine’s village on the 13th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}). The only reason everyone was far more hearty upon arriving was Otaku Gunba san repeatedly using Inari’s Blessing to create food and drink. Once the group got close the miners and Tetsuo offered to move on ahead and get the village ready for the samurai’s arrival. Consent was given to do so and when the five samurai made it to the village it was the Hour of the Goat or Doji in High Rokugani (OOC: 2-4 PM).

The group met Jiro san, the village’s foreman for the mine and the miners were clearing out a large bunk house for the samurai to use. The Dragon knew it was useless to stop them, so he just made sure no one was going without shelter. Preferring to carry his own items in he tasked Tatsu san with putting together his collapsible sword stand. Everyone began to settle in before they learned about the history of the Serpent’s Tail Mine.