Tall Pine Village
Village Headman: Sanjiro
Tall Pine Village is a village of the Dragon Clan. It was a small place, significant only because it served as a way station for travelers. The village was named after a pine which had stood atop a ridge east of the village, alone and visible for miles around.
Donoha Notes: In the month of the Dog – 1123. The group arrives and settles into the Pine Needle Retreat Tea House (Pain Nīdoru Ritorīto in High Rokugani).
Nestled in the heart of Tall Pine Village, the Pine Needle Retreat Tea House is a cozy establishment offering fine teas, hearty meals, and modest but clean rooms for weary travelers. The tea house is adorned with wooden carvings of pine branches and traditional paper lanterns that glow warmly in the evenings, making it a hub of activity and hospitality in the village.
Owner/Operator: Nakamura Hoshi
Hoshi is a short, wiry man in his late fifties, with a face weathered by years of laughter and worry. His salt-and-pepper hair is tied back in a loose knot, and his plain yukata is perpetually dusted with flour or tea powder. He walks with a slight limp, a souvenir from an old logging accident. Hoshi has a quick wit and a warm smile, often greeting guests with playful remarks or a teasing comment about their road-worn appearance. He enjoys hearing travelers’ stories and keeps a mental map of the world outside Tall Pine Village, which he eagerly pieces together from conversations. He often hums tunelessly while brewing tea and has a habit of flipping a small wooden spoon in his hand when he’s deep in thought. Despite his genial demeanor, Hoshi has a sharp eye for trouble and isn’t afraid to stand his ground if someone threatens his establishment.
Characters at The Pine Needle Retreat
Miko, the Apprentice
Miko is a wide-eyed teenage girl who works as Hoshi’s apprentice. She dreams of one day traveling beyond the mountains but is fiercely loyal to Hoshi, who took her in as an orphan. Cheerful and clumsy, Miko is eager to please but often spills tea or mixes up orders, earning both laughter and mild scolding from Hoshi. She is curious about travelers and asks endless questions about the places they’ve been.
Kenjiro, the Retired Samurai
Kenjiro is a broad-shouldered man in his sixties with a bushy gray beard and a weathered katana resting by his side. He occupies the same corner table daily, sipping tea and carving small wooden animals to give to the village children. Gruff but kind-hearted, Kenjiro has little patience for fools but will share his wisdom (or a sharp reprimand) if he feels it’s deserved. He has a mysterious air, and many suspect he retired to the village to escape his past, though he rarely speaks of it.
Tamae, the Wandering Storyteller
Tamae is a traveling entertainer with an array of hand-painted fans and a repertoire of folktales and songs. She stays at The Serene Bough whenever passing through the region. Charismatic and theatrical, she thrives on an audience’s attention and delights in embellishing her stories. Beneath her cheerful facade, she is a keen observer and occasionally drops cryptic remarks that suggest she knows more than she lets on.
Special Menu Items
Pine Blossom Tea
A fragrant green tea infused with pine needles and a touch of wildflower honey, offering a subtle, earthy aroma. Said to provide clarity of mind and courage, it’s a favorite among travelers seeking focus for the road ahead.
Mountain Root Soup
A hearty miso soup with burdock root, mountain yam, and shiitake mushrooms, garnished with fresh chives. Known for its nourishing properties, locals believe it helps ward off mountain sickness.
Chestnut Mochi
Sweet rice cakes filled with roasted chestnut paste, served warm with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. A seasonal delicacy said to bring good luck when shared with others.
Grilled River Trout
Freshly caught river trout, lightly salted and grilled over charcoal, served with pickled vegetables and rice. Hoshi’s personal favorite, often paired with a small cup of sake from a neighboring village.
Snow-Capped Dumplings
Steamed dumplings filled with wild boar meat and mountain herbs, topped with a light dusting of powdered daikon (radish) for a “snowy” appearance. Popular among samurai, who enjoy its rich, warming flavors after a long day’s journey.