Tag: Shinjo

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 49

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Shanzi Matsu

NOT IN THE PUBLISHED WORKS

The High House of Light

Over the last five days the will of Doji Kyouji san had broken, completely it could be seen by everyone. Using one working arm, as the other was slung in a sling made from a kimono that cost more that most katana! This Crane courtier had pushed the wagon to a bridge as tall as most castles stretching above them. Despite the searching efforts of the four samurai investigating for a secret way up, none was found. The Kitsuki courtier came up to him and maybe he had a look of pity in his eyes for the first time in dealing with the disgraced Crane.

While Donoha sama was appearing to being kind this person was still responsible for murder, and attempting to usurp control over a town. When the Dragon mentioned he had figured out a way for him to climb up. The disgraced Crane courtier, his arm in the most luxurious sling ever fashioned, raised as though he was trying to understand how. Tetsuo san had mentioned they would get Taro up there and they waited for the others to figure out their methods.

Isawa Tamaki san had done mystical investigation upon the bridge and found all five elements of air, earth, fire, water, and void to be in perfect balance. Sharing this news with the group they prayed to the kami for the ability to simply walk up the wall and onto the bridge. It was granted and they were soon tossing a rope down for others to use.

Donoha sama was the next up as they strapped a harness around the Crane and tied it to themselves. As he would climb all Kyouji would need to do is either dangle or use their feet to help scale the wall. The Dragon asked the Unicorn to bring the chest of missives up as he began his ascent. Otaku Gunba sama offered his thanks to the Earth Kami and they replied by constructing a set of stair out of the ground! Everyone else then used those stairs after him.

Despite some rather impressive tricks by Tamaki san’s ability to walk on any surface as though it was down. The group made there way down the bridge and through a few gatehouses along the path before them. To those few who actually found their way to Kyuden Togashi or the High House of Light as it is known. It had been described in many different ways. This has led some to speculate that the High House of Light was in fact several smaller castles, and with so many different ways to approach the castles there would be many different accounts of what it looked like. When they exited the last gatehouse the came upon a valley and a veritable city! Every building looked to be make from gold and trimmed in jade!

Donoha sama remembered the haiku that escaped Tamaki san’s lips:
Jade peaks shine,
whispers ride the morning winds,
wisdom in the clouds.

The group was led by Tetsuo san to an inner chamber of the tallest structure. Within this chamber everything was clad in jade! Yet he said this was not the most astonishing room. Another gate opened at the far end and they went though it to waiting chamber where they were greeted by Togashi Hoshi sama!

Kitsuki Donoha sama found himself sitting on his knees as his spirit was moved by everything he had seen. Then to be meeting up again with the son of the Dragon Clan Champion. It was only when Doji Kyouji san knelt behind him had he realized Taro san was missing. Tetsuo san seemed unconcerned as always and the Dragon thought perhaps he had been left at one of the gatehouses or in the care of one of the ise zumi tattooed monks. Strange he thought to himself that he had not seen anyone else as they moved through rooms and halls.

Togashi Hoshi sama spoke, “Welcome to the High House of Light, it is good to see you all again. My father will see you shortly, please wait here.”

Some of his companions waited, some walked over to gaze out of the windows. The Dragon courtier said he found it hard to focus on the passage of time as his senses were assaulted by the grandeur of room, the smells in the air, the crisp feel of a light breeze through the air. When he felt Kitagawa neko sama sit next to him as he had the jade katana on his back it was jarring enough to pull him from his sensory reverie. Soon afterwards, Togashi Hoshi sama announced his father was ready and what looked like a golden shrine in front of them split in half as it swung open to reveal the throne room of the Dragon Clan Champion.

When the group made their way into the throne room, there was a diamond shaped area made of stone, jade, and gold. Beyond that, was a small set of steps leading up to the dais where an empty chair awaited everyone. When Donoha went to kneel everyone else followed suit. Gunba sama set the chest of missives next to himself upon the floor. It was Tetsuo san that walked past everyone and began to ascend the steps. With each step there appearance began to shift until at the top of the dais was not a monk, but the Dragon Clan Champion that had been traveling with them the entire time!

They thanked everyone for coming to see him and then turned their focus to each of the people in the room. Kitsuki Donoha sama made it clear the group is not allowed to share all of the items discussed with their group but he would try to cover the highlights. When it came to the Void Rock from the sky Donoha sama was asked what he wished to do with it and he said he wanted to make items from it in the fashion of his sword, Mittsu Tamashi 三つ魂 the Three Souls Katana. Togashi Yokuni sama asked him if his family would mind him borrowing some copper and the young Dragon said no he did not believe so.

The Dragon Clan Champion waved their hand and 31 orbs of metal appeared along with a large chunk of copper out of thin air! With another wave Donoha sama was freed of the rope connecting them to the disgraced Crane. Togashi Yokuni sama mentioned for him to make his items, and to one side of the throne a large alcove had become bathed in light. Within was a forge and all the supplies and tools appeared neatly arranged around it. As Donoha sama took steps to it and away from his companions he began to become see through to his companions! To the young Dragon everything outside the forge became see through!

The next person Dragon Clan Champion focused on according to Donoha sama was Otaku Gunba sama. He answered the questions about his vision regarding a Unicorn Battle Maiden. While the identity of the prisoner was revealed along with those holding her captive. They cannot reveal it yet and they must wait until the caravan arrives in Unicorn lands to pursue this further. Next, he addressed the missives in the chest. With a wave of his hand the chest came to rest on a sitting area opposite the alcove where Donoha sama was a see through blur crafting weapons. Obviously, Togashi sama had plenty of time to read the correspondence and given the powers they displayed. They mentioned anything regarding there attention had been dealt with, no more need to worry about it. Then the Dragon Clan Champion provided Otaku Gunba sama with a nemurani to aid in freeing the Unicorn Clan Battle Maiden.

The Scorpion courtier, Shosuro Hanzo san was the next person Dragon Clan Champion focused on according to Donoha sama. Using ancient magics and for reasons he would not reveal. Togashi Yokuni sama revealed he was responsible for switching the Shosuro Hanzo san of this world with the alternate Shosuro Hanzo san that was standing before him! This would leave anyone stunned. All he would elaborate on about his choice for such an intervention is that each Hanzo san would more closely benefit the world they had been swapped with! The notion of alternate worlds that live out different events just boggles the mind.

Donoha sama did mention he was not necessarily going in chronological order, but trying to be careful about what he could and could not discuss. While not last by any definition when the Dragon Clan Champion focused on Isawa Tamaki san, even more surprises were laid bare. Apparently the Phoenix shugenja has been betrothed to a Kuni witch hunter of the Crab Clan! But that was all he ever knew about it, until Kitagawa neko sama was revealed to have been a form applied to the very witch hunter by a maho-user! The jade katana that Akodo Asahi sama found had been hers! Which explained why the cat followed the person that carried it. Then Togashi Yokuni sama waved their hand once more and Kuni Shirai san was restored to their natural form!

The Dragon Clan Champion turned their head in the direction of Donoha sama and mentioned he was almost done. The Phoenix shugenja wrote a haiku in thanks to the Dragon Clan Champion. Togashi Yokuni sama was so moved by the gesture that he waved his hand once again and the paper burned away like an ofuda charm, but reappeared etched in gold upon the jade wall to the Champion’s right side. Togashi Yokuni sama declared it would stay there so he could appreciate the gesture of kindness.

Jade peaks gleam at dawn,
morning winds bear Dragon’s voice,
wisdom veiled in mist.

Turning back to the new couple he mention she would be waiting for him in short order but he had two more items to discuss with the group. Another wave and the Crab samurai vanished from the room as fast as saki would from Crab bottles! As Donoha sama was returning from the forge and becoming more solid to everyone in the room once more. He had a beard now and it was long! In his arms he bore a bundle of blades made in the same style as his sword. He set the bundle down where he was instructed and with a glance he told the young Dragon he could take the two smallest blades and do with them as he saw fit. Both had his signature black gleam and copper hamon line. Donoha sama mention one of them was for Hanzo san and the other would replace his wakizashi. Among the remaining blades was the following:

  • fifteen katana swords,
  • five of the two handed odachi great swords,
  • four naginata,
  • three yari spears,
  • one nagamaki polearm sword,
  • one ono axe head.

The Dragon Clan Champion made a flicking gesture with their hand and Doji Kyouji san floated off the ground and landed next to Togashi Yokuni sama! It was explained he would be taking him on as one of the tattooed monks of the Order of Togashi. Ending the issue for both the Crane Clan and Kyouji san. It was also explained that Taro san had been sent home from the bridge when no one was looking. The group was welcomed to visit him as they headed out of Dragon lands. Donoha sama was instructed to now visit his parents on the return trip and he wondered how much of this did they know about.

The last item Donoha talked about, was a warning from Togashi Yokuni sama. For when the Emperor’s Gift met an ancient race awakening from a great slumber called the Naga. Many would consider them monstrous and they were not. The mistake of the Kami Akodo and the Kitsu must not happen with the Naga. The four samurai were charged with making sure the Naga were integrated within the empire and not obliterated by it. All of them bowed their heads in acceptance of the quest given, and when they lifted them they were standing in their provided house in Tall Pine Village! Kuni Shirai san was also in the room with them and just as stunned about the sudden change in location. All the men decided to head to the tea house and leave Tamaki san and Shirai san to get to know each other.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 30

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

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.