Tag: Shosuro

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 33

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

The Perils of the Climb

Festival of Lady Doji and Lord Kakita and the 1st of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}). You think the Dragon and Lion cousins would remember to have rice every day, but guess whom left with their companions without a morning bowl of rice. Fate made sure this was noted as they passed the gates of Kyuden Tonbo on their way up the great climb to Shiro Kitsuki, otherwise known as Last Step Castle. The official gateway into the lands of the Dragon Clan. They were entrusted with several scrolls of discourse between the Emerald Ambassadors and the Dragon Clan champion. All of them were sealed in a chest they were bringing to the High House of Light, Kyuden Togashi.

About and half and hour of the day (OOC: 60 minutes. Remember a Rokugani day only has 12 hours so that is two earth hours) north of Kyuden Tonbo they came upon a most peculiar sight! An incredibly handsome man standing on the side of the road, freezing because they were unprepared for the cold weather they found themselves in. Wearing a beautiful black, metallic, mask and the mon of the Scorpion clan upon their crimson, silken, kimono. Donoha sama pulled the beleaguered Scorpion up onto Yukiabo, his personal horse. Also providing this person his bedroll so they could stop shivering. Once on the back of his horse with their belongings they learned this Scorpion’s name was Shosuro Hanzo san.

After a short period of time and a promise to take Hanzo san to Shiro Kitsuki for aid. The four companions came to understand that magic had whisked the Shosuro from a tea house in the Scorpion lands! Only to dump them on the side of a well protected road between the Dragonfly Clan and the Dragon Clan! If you ever meet Donoha sama please make sure he eats rice in the morning or fate may whisk you away to whatever adventure he is upon!

Around the time a full hour of the day had passed (OOC: 120 minutes. Remember a Rokugani day only has 12 hours so that is two earth hours), the sounds of battle began to fill the air! Some of them were monstrous and others appeared to be from a human or humans, it was hard to tell. Donoha sama with Hanzo san behind him, Asahi Sama, and Tamaki san raced ahead. Otaku Gunba san had to stay at a slower pace because his Unicorn horse was carrying their supplies and he was riding another Rokugani smaller horse that had a similar breed as the Dragon. While smaller these horses had been bred in either Dragon or Phoenix lands and were used to the terrain.

The Unicorn shugenja was not far behind them as our tale will tell, so fear not he has his hand on the share of glory inbound. Initially Donoha thought the monstrous sounds might belong to trolls, but to his surprise they were Yeti! Facing off against four Yeti was a lone Dragon bushi whom had just been knocked back upon the ground after killing three of the four Yeti BY THEMSELVES! Truly a magnifcent battle was underway, and the samurai present wasted no time to render aid. The Lion and the Dragon cousins raced to face against the last Yeti. Following the battlefield acumen of Asahi sama, Donoha sama changed directions to help the Dragon bushi. Isawa Tamaki got into an advantageous position should he need to call upon the kami for aid. Even Shosuro Hanzo san, only slightly less frozen found a defensible position from which to fire arrows in support of the bushi and the courtier rushing into the fray!

The Dragon bushi told Donoha sama to return to the fight for he would live and the blood on him was from the dead creatures he had slain. With a quick nod the sword and hammer wielding courtier spun to aid his Lion cousin. Only by that time his cousin had deliver a set of strikes to fell the fourth Yeti on his own merit! A shout from Gunba san alerted the group to another Yeti approaching from a nearby ridge. When it burst through the tree line, our Unicorn shugenja was getting up to the fight in progress.

Tamaki san threw fire magic at it and Hanzo san let arrows fly, which caused the Yeti to jump down to where he was! Talk about your day taking a hard turn. From teahouse to snow bound fight with a monstrous beast many think are folk tales, welcome to the Dragon lands!

Donoha leapt down after the Yeti and would have cut the creature in half if their katana had been an Odachi! As the red spray of the creature’s blood painted the snow. Gunba san used their magics to hurl rocks from the surroing area at it toppling it over! Calling out to his cousin not to help Donoha strode up and beheaded the snow beast and bringing the fight to a conclusion.

The introductions to the amazing bushi that had felled three of these beasts caused Donoha sama to bow so deep his face was in the snow. Standing before everyone was Togashi Hoshi, the son of the current Dragon Clan Champion! He knew everyone by name which was a little off-putting for the assembled samurai. Our Dragon investigator was only slightly less surprised because of his knowledge of the Dragonfly Clan and his own family were experts at gathering information. Certainly someone had provided this information to the son of the Clan Champion.

Togashi sama made an off-hand comment that the group was not supposed to run into Shosuro san until they were leaving for the caravan. That bit of knowledge was leading Donoha sama to other questions but manners would not let him ask them at this point. The very impressive Dragon offered to share his camp with everyone and it would be found on a shortcut to Shiro Kitsuki. When they arrived they only had to set up the tent Asahi sama had brought to accommodate Hanzo san. While Gunba san tended to the animals where they were far more comfortable, the rest of the group shared a meal and tea.

During the meal Hanzo san began to act strangely upon learning of Asahi’s family name. This sparked a line of questioning from Donoha sama which culminated in learning that Shosuro san maybe have been born in a spirit realm that looks nearly identical to our own Ningen-do! Donoha flatly refused to share any further details about that world he visited and is fairly certain this Scorpion is from there! Needing a break he brought food and tea to Gunba san before returning to the fire. Not long after sitting down everyone began to feel sleepy as they felt the warm taste of a Scorpion spice, known as cinnamon.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 23

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

MURDER, MURDER, EVERYWHERE AND ONLY SANGUINE LIQUID TO DRINK

Upon arriving at the eastern wards of Shiro Shiba, Kitsuki Donoha sama was met by Shiba Akihiro san, karo (high ranking advisor of a daimyo) of the guard for the Phoenix Clan Champion, Shiba Ujimitsu sama. The area had been quartered off by the samurai and ashigaru working under Akihiro san. It was here he learned of the death of Asako Eiko sama. The elderly priestess of the Temple of the Eternal Flame. Both Akodo Asahi sama and Hiruma Gombei sama had been awaiting his arrival with a pair of eta for touching the dead.

So began the examination of scene of the murderous act. Per knowledge of Donoha sama’s preferences they left the scene in the garden untouched. Asahi and Gombei samas were watching over it so Asahi sama’s cousin could look over the moment of death.

Their was a drizzle of rain coming down. The murder weapon was a ceremonial dagger in the chest. It had the artistic renderings of the firebird the Phoenix clan was named for but no mon present. The garden had been surrounded by a low wall and to aid the Kitsuki, Gombei sama searched the perimeter. He found scuff marks and blood on northwest corner of the garden. Heading back to the castle and the celebration.

Asahi sama had watched his Dragon cousin go through the recreation of a crime scene during the days liberating Mori Kage Toshi. So he knew the look when cousin began to focus on the dark event before them. While Donoha sama was examining the ceremonial dagger in the old priestess’ chest. Asahi sama focus on the immediate surroundings and her extremities. He mentioned to Donoha sama that she was clutching a torn piece of cloth and very little in the way of a struggle.

The Dragon nodded approvingly and told them she had been attacked from behind and the right arm of the assailant held their victim to them. While the left one delivered the fatal blow, also it happened roughly 30 to 60 minutes ago, so a quarter to half and hour of the day (OOC Note: Rokugan Hours of the Day are two hours long on Earth). Additionally, the position of the handle suggested the attacker was the same height as the later Asako Eiko sama. Quietly, he could fine no parallels between Matsu Mayumi’s kidnapping and this murder. Ever was the lady Shosuro in his thoughts

The eta were allow to remove the body and our group went over the wall in the direction of their quarry. After checking out they could find no more clues and the Lion and Crab both agreed they would have had plenty of time to change garments. The torn kimono would no longer be counted as an identifier. However they all agreed searching for those seeking repairs to kimono. The Dragon realized they had let the eta take the scrap of cloth!

Upon coming out of the alley they were soon joined by Shiba Akihiro san, and the guard he had blocking the area off. The trio was asked if they were done with the investigation. Donoha sama said they were but they were heading to the palace to try and locate the murderer. Akihiro san informed them he had orders to bring them to the Phoenix Clan Champion. There were things Donoha sama still wanted to accomplish, but he could not refuse a summons from the Daimyo of a great clan.

“Perchance there is a way everyone can get what we want,” Donoha mentioned in a suggestive tone. He asked Akihiro san if one yojimbo could quietly go and let the guards in the palace to be on the look out for a torn kimono and whom has it or wearing it. Next, if another yojimbo could be sent to the eta and retrieve the torn cloth. Akihiro san nodded in the affirmative and the two men ran off. At that point the rest of them left back for the celebration.

Back at the celebration they were led to Shiba Sono sama, Asahina Tadane sama, and Hida Mikoro sama. It would seem Shiba Ujimitsu sama had retired for the evening. Leaving the task of hearing the report to the Emerald ambassadors. Upon hearing the details the trio were tasked with solving the murder, quietly. Then Shiba Sono smiled, “Oh, and after you have rice.” Donoha sama could not hide his grin.

There was a chance by spending time being “on display” might afford them a chance to overhear some useful information. Since the party and celebration was for them after all, they should avail themselves of the opportunities it might provide. At least the Dragon courtier thought so as he was discussing with his friends. After being excused from the Emerald ambassador’s area. The Dragon’s Lion cousin wanted to check out the late Asako Eiko sama’s domicile in the Temple of the Eternal Flame.

While Donoha sama thought it was great intuition on his cousin’s part, he implored him to take Hiruma Gombei sama with him so they could act as each other’s yojimbo. Donoha sama promised to create a distraction to cover their departure in case they were being watched. In a rather uncharacteristically Dragon approach Donoha sama called out to see who wanted to hear the tale of the first damsel he saved – daughter of the Ikoma Family Daimyo? The crowd roared to life as the Lion and Crab made their escape.

During the tale the Dragon’s ears feasted upon the talk going on around him.

  • There’s talk of Lady Shiba Ren’s recent pilgrimage to the ancestral shrines deep in the mountains. Some whisper she seeks divine guidance amidst personal turmoil, while others speculate it’s a strategic move to solidify her spiritual influence within the court.
  • Lord Asako Takumi has been seen in heated discussions with emissaries from the neighboring clans. Rumor has it he’s negotiating a trade agreement that could significantly boost the Shiba’s coffers, but others suspect ulterior motives at play.
  • Word has it that Lady Shiba Ayame has been delving into ancient texts and forbidden scrolls, searching for lost knowledge hidden within the library vaults. Some fear she’s tampering with dangerous magic, while others believe she’s on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery.

Just after he finished the tale for those attending the celebration and the hundred or so attendees that could crowd close enough to hear. An older woman approached him and grabbed both arms of the Dragon. Her eyes milky white as a horse, raspy voice came forth, “Your friends are in danger hurry to them now!”

Donaha sama smiled as he replied, “Thank you Chiasa.”

The glazed eyes returned to normal and a very shocked older woman began to repeatedly apologize for touching him. Donoha excused himself before someone of higher rank could get angry on his behalf. Once free of the celebration he made his way to the temple of the Eternal Flame.

When he arrived to a location about halfway he found his friends waylaid by assassins in dark. Still dressed as though he was heading into battle. The Dragon leapt into the fray! It did not take long to turn the tables on the assassins and blood soon soaked the ground. One assassin did slip away into the night while the Lion, Crab, and Dragon were engaged with other combatants. At the end of the engagement Donoha sama was able to save one of the assassins that was bleeding out. He had questions and hopefully the wounded assassin had answers. His Lion cousin showed him some documents while he was mending the wounds and the Dragon noticed two names written among the papers.

Asako Takumi sama and Shiba Ayame sama. It woulld appear Asako Takumi sama had been seen in heated discussions with emissaries from the neighboring clans. Rumor has it he’s negotiating a trade agreement that could significantly boost the Shiba’s coffers, but others suspect ulterior motives at play. While Shiba Ayame sama had been delving into ancient texts and forbidden scrolls, searching for lost knowledge hidden within the library vaults. Some fear she’s tampering with dangerous magic, while others believe she’s on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery.

Donoha sama suspects that of the three he heard rumors about these two bear further investigation. The Dragon, Lion, and Crab met a Shugenja going by the name Isawa Tamaki san. They bore the Phoenix Mon and the mon of the Isawa (consisting of the five elemental symbols arrayed in a star pattern, arranged clockwise from the top, Void, Water, Air, Fire, Earth). Tamaki san’s sensei sent him to meet and Asako Eiko (our murder victim) and their apprentice Agasha Rei san. Whom both the Lion and the Crab met at the temple of Eternal Flame before being waylaid by assassins on their way back.

When questioned about Chiasa by Donoha. Isawa Tamaki san was selectively honest about knowing of Chiasa, but appeared to be under some imperative to not discuss the person in question further. They instead steered the conversation to their mission they were on. Isawa Tamaki san is to bring Agasha Re san into the Emperor Gift caravan. The assassins may have had her as a future victim. Everyone made it back down the hill and seeing the seen of death has prompted Agasha Rei san to become involved in trying to find out whom had her sensei murdered.

They gathered among the two wagons given to Donoha from his grandmother and partook of the unending Sake of Hiruma Gombei san. Donoha mentions treating the investigation as an experiment of “Akkam sama’a Tanto.” Eliminate all other possibilities and whatever is left, however strange, must be the truth. Of the third name the Dragon had garnered rumors regarding: Shiba Ren sama’s recent pilgrimage to the ancestral shrines deep in the mountains. Some among the crowds whisper she seeks divine guidance amidst personal turmoil, while others speculate it’s a strategic move to solidify her spiritual influence within the court. Agasha Rei san confirmed she is a name spoken about replacing Asako Eiko sama, however, it was Eiko sama that invited them to visit and study their ways. Of the three she is not considered a viable subject at this time. Agasha Rei san is staying the night in one of Donoha’s wagons and Tamaki san is staying in the bunk above Gombe san’s.