Tag: Togashi Hoshi

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.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 37

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Road Back to Ningen-dō

Donoha sama had long thought the souls belonging to owners of the blades that make up Mittsu Tamashi were inside the blade already. It had not occurred to him that what he’d managed to perform was creating a tether to those souls. A link to them in Gaki-do! In some ways he was destined to have to journey to Gaki-do in order to save them and bring them forth from the punishment of the realm of the hungry dead.

The three shadowy souls of Hida Nagahide san, Shiba Tsukasa san, and Akodo Chun san fell in line behind the Dragon courtier as musical bells began to ring out. Donoha sama was becoming convinced that one of Hanzo san’s relatives or close family friends had been a monk in his world’s Brotherhood of Shinsei. Their knowledge of rites typically done by monks whom focused on rituals for points in one’s life seemed prolific to put a word to it.

They all returned in mass to the shrine where Donoha reverently replaced the Karmic Key. After bowing in a show of respect to his part in helping the five samurai defeat the Queen of Hunger. He retreated to allow the others to make their feelings known. They have, after all, saved the process of reincarnation! Hanzo continued their performance with the bells used by monks to help guide souls to their place in reincarnation. Normally done from Ningen-do or Rokugan depending upon how the scholar wishes to describe the world.

Outside the shrine’s entry the mist parted to form a column of golden light. They were being granted passage back to Meido. With the constant echo of bells helping the shadowy souls find their place in a train behind the heroic samurai. Once everyone returns to the realm of waiting the one known as Tenth Kami appeared before them once more. The shadowy souls immediately began to find their way back into the line to be weighed again by Emma-O, the fortune of Death. This time their suffering in Gaki-do would be weighed as well and their chance at reincarnation seemed almost a given!

When the Tenth Kami turning their attention back to the group. The Lion bushi was knelt on one knee. The Dragon courtier in a kneeling bow with his head low and hand in gesture of contemplation. The others had deferred their gazes respectfully, and three lone souls stood behind Donoha sama watching him.

“Kitsuki Donoha san why have these three souls decided to remain with you?”

To be addressed directly by one of the Great Kami is a rarity for anyone in Rokugan since the founding of the empire. The Dragon courtier refused to touch his sword in the presence of the Tenth Kami when he answered.

“I believe these are the souls of Shiba Tsukasa san, Hida Nagahide san, and Akodo Chun san. Either their blades failed them and broke during their time as bushi samurai, or they failed their lord in their service. I was gifted each of their katana and used it to make the katana at my side, Mittsu Tamashi. I wanted to serve the empire by making swords that could be used to redeem the souls of samurai that had fallen. To give them another shot at reincarnation.”

The Tenth Kami spoke, “They have that chance and have decide to stay and serve you within the blade. I shall bind them to that fate they have chosen.”

With a raise of their hand each of the souls took the shape they had in life. Constructed by an outline of tiny pieces of light as though drawn in the dark sky. Then they became a bright mist that was absorbed into the handle of Mittsu Tamashi. Each time making it glow before settling down.

The Tenth Kami continued, “You have all done a service to every soul here and ones having gone through reincarnation. I will grant a boon to speak with a soul that has passed on.”

The first to choose was Akodo Asahi sama and they chose to speak with their father, Akodo Isoroku. Once their soul took form the two were allowed to wander off and have a private conversation. Hanzo and Donoha talk about the fact he came from a different history. Without meaning to the Dragon mentioned the Emperor had a vision and put the Emperor’s Gift Caravan together for forestall or alter that fate. According to Shosuro Hanzo san that moment is the event that led this world in a better direction than his.

Isawa Tamaki san asked to speak to the original Thunder Isawa sama themself! Only to be informed they had gone through reincarnation and were on Ningen-do actively at this moment! The Phoenix shugenja then asked for a private conversation with the Tenth Kami after everyone else was done, and was granted their request. I wish I knew what they asked but alas somethings must remain private.

Thinking about what he wanted Donoha sama missed what both Otaku Gunba san and Shosuro Hanzo san asked for. He gathered they seemed happy, or maybe relieved at the outcomes of those discussions. The Scorpion courtier seemed to think this world was a blessing to him now. The Unicorn shugenja seemed a bit more contemplative about his their result.

Donoha thought about the people they could talk to that were dead and decided to try and make this a gift. He asked if he could pass this gift to the Ikoma. He tries to get a boon for the Ikoma family daimyo, Ikoma Anakazu sama. Acknowledging how much the Ikoma damiyo has done for him in the last year he asked the Tenth Kami if such a boon was possible. The answer was that it may be possible for them to grant such a desire. He would have to pray when he was near the person and hopefully the Tenth Kami would hear the prayer.

After all conversations were had, the group headed back into the mist and became one with it again as they were once greeted by the Maiden of the Void, Chiasa. Donoha and she shared a brief moment, although this author is sure it felt much longer to the Dragon than it was. She told him their would be a time in the future they could be together but her duties would not allow it yet. At the mention of possibly infringing on her duty to her cause or lord. He stilled his spirit and apologized for he would not wish to cause her any harm. It was a look shared of two people in love. The mist swirled as she sent them home to Ningen-do.

Back in the Dragon lands each of them came to on the 4th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}), 1123. Three days had past and Togashi Hoshi sama had been caring for them and their mounts while their souls had been away. As everyone was beginning to realize how hungry they were for not eating for three days! Donoha sama and Gunba san shared a brief look about the journey. The Unicorn wandered off to the horses is soon joined by Donoha as he goes to groom Yukiabo, his personal horse. When he asked if the Unicorn shugenja was alright, Gunba san assured him it was nothing of import. The Dragon courtier leaned back and rubbed his eye apologizing for snow getting in it.

Togashi Hoshi welcomes us back as Donoha sama returns. Asahi sama begins cooking food with provisions. They are so talented at cooking one wonders if they had not cooked for a Hantei in a past life. The Dragon and Scorpion courtiers play a game of Go to pass the time. Donoha won the game, and its been a fair amount of time since the game they played in the Valley of the Centipede in Moshi no Machi against the Mantis captain, Yoritomo Sekimoto san.

As everyone was eating the food Donoha sama praises his cousin’s cooking alongside Hanzo san. After their food was done the Scorpion acted out one of the classic tales done normally in kabuki or noh mask theatre. They are an accomplished actor and everyone enjoyed the tale. Tamaki wanted to try and meditate during most of the meal. even going as far with magic of the kami to pull a flaming log up to him through the air to keep warm. Eventually, the log was not enough and they had to leave their spot they had claimed on a rock column. Even Gunba returned when the group was given our next destination on the way to the High House of Light.

The group was informed there is a shrine on a lake to Fukuro-kujin, the fortune or Wisdom and Mercy. There we will meet our next guide, Tetsuo san. Donoha sama asked about a few details of the shrine. Togashi sama confirmed and the Kitsuki nodded that he’d seen the shrine before but it was never on his way to or from Copper River Manor where he was born. The group decided that since the day was only coming upon highsun they begin their journey with haste. They packed up being rested, refreshed, and fed most importantly.

As they began to travel Asahi broke into song several times with amazing renditions of ballads heard around the Empire! Their voice is a joy to listen to, clearly another past life coming through this very talented samurai. Donoha sama gathered a thick branch and began to carve it in his lap on Yukiabo with his chisels and smithing hammer. He finished it on the following day of the 5th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}), 1123. He presented a three compartment stackable inro box to be worn from their obi. A scorpion was carved upon both its sides and stretched over the three compartments.

During the trek the group shared a number of shared moments between the group. When they arrived at the shrine on the 8th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}). Both the Lion and Dragon were inspired to come up with a haiku which I will record below. Donoha’s Haiku:
Quiet mind at peace.
Peaceful heart, a knowing smile.
Wisdom’s gentle light.

Asahi’s Haiku:
Cold Snow Falls So Clear
A Statue’s Silent Gazing
Mercy and Wisdom

Tetsuo introduced themselves to the group. Then offered them a chance to visit and pay their respects. The Lion and the Dragon bow and kneel at the stairs to offer their prayers. The Scorpion took some wonderful incense to burn at the alter of the fortune. After their prayers the Phoenix offered some of theirs as well. The Unicorn took the most time but he carved a token to add to the altar. They did a job that made them feel the Fortune would be happy with the offering. As they came out Shosuro Hanzo was beginning a divination by the nearby lake.

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.