|
Post by Soshi Kiso on Jul 22, 2011 21:11:10 GMT -5
Studying deeply with Akodo Generals over centuries of battle plans, preparing for the attack against Toshi Ranbo was taking Kiso's every waking moment.
It was a surprise when a Phoenix messenger came to bear the news of the White Orchid Shugenja contest. He had thought that such an event would be canceled in these trying times. But an armistice was to be struck to allow the event to occur. It was by the fortunes both Emperors could see certain traditions should be followed.
He had been awaiting and dreading this moment his entire life. Much like other endeavors he had faced, he worried about measuring up to his father, who had won the competition the first time he had been truly allowed to compete.
He made his way swiftly to the Shrine of the Ki-Rin, slowly climbing to the top....and.....was that really the Ki-Rin he saw? Either his eyes were playing tricks on him, or the fortunes were on his side.
Knowing there were many powerful shugenja making their way here, he sat in meditation, awaiting his competition.
|
|
|
Post by sprinkles on Jul 22, 2011 21:20:16 GMT -5
Sprinkles was in Toshi Ranbo arranging for more weapons to be delivered when he heard about the Festival of the White Orchid. The news was being delivered to Shoju of course but Sprinkles learned of it second hand. He of course set out to compete in the shugenja contest.
When he arrived he saw the first challenge was to reach the top. He used the little knowledge he had to make his way up although it was a rough climb. He rest a bit and took some time to further his trade arrangements by supplying the Phoenix with some silver. Then began sizing up the competition.
|
|
|
Post by Agasha Miga on Jul 22, 2011 23:28:32 GMT -5
OOC: Trade agreement for the silver the Spider is extracting without autorization from Mori Isawa?? You must be dealing with underground clients, cause I doubt any honorful Phoenix would trade for this ore.
|
|
|
Post by sprinkles on Jul 22, 2011 23:40:34 GMT -5
OOC: Nope none of that <_< >_> I'm innocent. I swear.
|
|
Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
|
Post by Agasha Shodai on Jul 22, 2011 23:52:10 GMT -5
The air at the base of the mountain housing Reihado sano Ki-Rin distorted as Void Master Agasha Shodai exited the Realm of the Void at his intended destination. The Void Master paused at the shrine to pray for the souls of the fallen during the recent Dragon-Phoenix War.
Agasha Shodai had - in his youth - harbored a distrust for the Dragon Clan because of the stories Ojisan Agasha, his grandfather whom had been a mere Hotei when the Agasha family had defected to the Phoenix, told of the madness of Mirumoto Hitomi and how his paternal grandmother had been killed during the Family's exodus.
It took him many years before he had come to realize that it was the dicotemy of Rokugan's culture that had been responsible... Samurai were trained to serve and not to question their superiors, even when they knew what they were commanded to do was reprehensible to their personal code of honor. When Shodai had come to that realization, his irrational hatred of the Dragon Clan as a whole faded, though it would still be many years before he could bring himself - if not to forgive - to pity Hitomi's insanity.
His prayers complete, Agasha Shodai began to climb the steep stairs that had been carved into the living mountain up to the shrine. As he crested the steps, the Void Master caught a glimpse of the Ki-Rin. Shodai smiled to himself: the young unicorn was curious about the arrivals at his mountain home, but avoided contact with all but the holiest of the monks at the shrine.
Shodai spotted a familiar face - one unmasked; something rather unusual for a Scorpion - and a smile creased his own; Soshi Kiso, an admirable Scorpion shugenja that was well-known to be a supporter of Kaneka - the self-proclaimed Toturi III. The Festival of the White Orchid was meant to be a place where knowledge and friendships that crossed the arbitrary lines of geography and politics that seperated the Clans of Rokugan. It was heartening to see that despite the looming threat of a divisive Civil War, the Festival was fulfilling its intended function.
The Void Master's nose crinkled reflexively as he caught a whiff of Taint in the thin mountain air, but a quick glance of the shugenja already in attendance revealed no one with an outward sign of the corruption of Fu Leng upon them. It was no wonder the Ki-Rin was even more skittish than normal...
|
|
Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
|
Post by Agasha Shodai on Jul 23, 2011 7:29:59 GMT -5
(OOC: Fixed)
|
|
|
Post by scorpionshadow on Jul 23, 2011 8:37:00 GMT -5
After a long, tortuous, tiresome and complicated journey, the young Bushi had made it. He was exhausted, his arms and legs felt like they would give up upon him but his face, partially hidden behind the Mempo appeared cheerful.
Probably that man had came on foot.
He inhaled the air, panting slightly, and as soon as noticed the others present, greeted them with great respect.
-This place seems to me enchanted, I'm glad to be here. I am Shosuro Hiromitsu, student of Bayushi Kusanagi-Sensei in the Bayushi Bushi Dojo, I am from a long family tradition in the art of war, the third son of Shosuro Unaoki-sama, governor of Goguri and Shosuro Tomoyo-sama. Agasha-Sama, Soshi-Sama.
He bows to them in respect.
-For the fortunes, can I speak? Should I be quiet?
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Jul 24, 2011 6:50:55 GMT -5
At the base of the Shrine stood a figure, hooded, and quiet. He knew that to not attend this celebration, especially in such a tumultuous time, would cast doubt upon his goals. He didn't want to be here. He didn't want to take time away from the war, or from his defense of the Hantei. Or from the gathering and deployment of the resources to turn Toshi Ranbo into a more fortified target. His Gunsos had promised him due diligence in the matter.
Shoju stopped at the shrine, and said a prayer for 3 people. First, his fallen Yojimbo, Minturo. Shoju had tortured his soul, and broken a man to turn him into a machine. He hoped that in the afterlife he had found a path to peace since his path was taken from him in life. Then, a prayer for Kijiro. His friend. Kijiro had been the first true friend that Shoju had in his second life. And the Scorpion Clan Champion had slain him. Then, he said a prayer for his love. News had come to him recently that she had been slain during the wars with the Yobanjin. Shoju's mood was cold and detatched after paying his respects.
He ascended the shrine, He hoped that his spells would be enough to conceal his taint. The wards were a mixture of Maho and Void magic. He knew he couldn't hide who he was forever, but maybe long enough to find a sympathetic person in those gathered.
As he reached the top, he removed his traveling cloak and hood, and stood in a stunning Kimono. It was black, trimmed with a ribbing of Jade Green, and Blood Red. His face was covered with a recently found treasure from his first life. His Scorpion Mask. The same ally who had delivered him the news about his love, had taken the time to find his masks. For this, Shoju chose his mask for court. It was a half face mask, the mask itself a light mempo in the style of a dragon's beard.
Shoju stood at the edge of the festivities and watched.
|
|
|
Post by Soshi Kiso on Jul 24, 2011 7:49:28 GMT -5
Kiso's meditation was disrupted by the young Shosuro bushi. He gave a slight nod to the samurai, and looked around the festivities. Many shugenja could be seen, although he could notice that two distinctive clicks had formed. Those of the Phoenix, Dragon, and Crane mingled amongst one another, while the Lion, Crab, Unicorn, and Mantis hung together.
A few figures he recognized, and some others caught his eye. Agasha Shodai was nearby, the Phoenix Master of Void and a staunch supporter of the Hantei. He nodded to the man who had recently been in his lands while he was away attending to the Trade Route.
An odd looking fellow pulling silver from a pouch stood out like a sore thumb. Was....that a gaijin?! He had known the Phoenix had dealings with Yobajin Mura, but they were going to let one of them compete? How peculiar.
He had not yet seen the Tamori Daimyo, but knew like Shodai, would be a worthy adversary. But the dark figure standing alone towards the outskirts of the festivities gave him a foreboding feeling. That mask...had some significance he could not yet place. He would find out in time who he was.
Standing up, he gave an equal bow to the Master of Void as fitting a fellow of equal standing. Shodai-san, I wish to thank the Phoenix on behalf of the Scorpion Clan for hosting this event during these troubled times. I must ask a troubling question though... He took a step closer to him, to speak in a whispering tone.
Is that....gaijin competing with us? I had thought only samurai from the Great and Minor Clans could participate?
|
|
Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
|
Post by Asahina Yukihime on Jul 24, 2011 8:38:04 GMT -5
The young Asahina took her time to climb to the shrine. There was no reason to hurry and not much expectations too. She has been on presence of "dignities" before and just wasn't the most pleasant conversation, she was no eager for more. And a competition, even between shugenjas, was still a competition. What else to do but enjoy the view? One step after another she slowly climbed the mountain took every necessary care, let's not get dirty.
When approaching the top she could sense all the excited elementals, lesser-kamis been called into action. Her own spiritual friend was also wishful for them to take a turn on the competition.
The view on top of the mountain was dazzling, summer had covered it in green grass and wild flowers. Even in such high mountain the air was nice, warmed by the summer with the help of some fire elementals that were around their masters.
Asahina politely bows to all those samurai present with great respect. Besides theirs clan, the gift of trading 'favors' with the kamis was not given to everyone. Most of those present sure deserved her attention and admiration. Without interrupting anyone, she presented herself, as she had not yet meet some of those samurais before.
-I'm Asahina Yukihime, daughter of Asahina Kyoshi-sama and Asahina Yumimi-sama. Student of Asahina Heitaro-sensei. It's a great honor to be in the presence of so skilled samurais-sama.
The brief glance of the amount of people present , and the glorious ones among them was enough to make her kinda nervous behind her fan. Well... if something have to be done better do it soon, then leave the "stage" for those truly able to handle it. She starts to look for some organizer, trying to get her place in line, and trying to figure out what to do there.
|
|
Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
|
Post by Agasha Shodai on Jul 24, 2011 10:09:05 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai glanced over at the mentioned gaijin, his mind rapidly shifting through the copious information that was stored in his photographic memory. After a few moments, the Void Master placed the gaijin as one of the residents of the hidden village of Yobanjin Mura located a few moutains away.
Shodai looked back to Kiso, sharing the whisper. So far the man in question was on his best behavior. "Perhaps he will and maybe he won't Soshi Kiso-san. The Festival is meant to allow shugenja from every walk of life to come together in celebration of the gifts of the kami that we are permitted to wield. The principal of the Festival of the White Orchid is to allow shugenja from all corners of the earth that make the journey a chance to display their skills in a non-threatening manner and share with each other the knowledge they are permitted to without endangering their Clan."[/b]
A slight smile crossed Shodai's face. "So far, the man in question has been on his best behavior, so there is no reason to deny him the opportunity to share what the gaijin shugenja are capable of. After all, he would be helping all of Rokugan should the Yobanjin horde from the west choose to give us an encore performance."[/b]
A merry gleam flickered in Agasha's eye. "And I seem to recall that when the Scorpion had returned from that ill-conceived banishment to the Burning Sands, they returned with more than a few new tricks garnered from the gaijin."[/b]
He tapped the hilt of his peace-bonded blade at his hip that Kiso should immediately recognize as one of the Crystal Katana forged by the Ashalan Sandsmith that had returned with the Clan of Bayushi. The Kuroiban had gifted the fine weapon to Shodai after he'd passed their initiation tests.
"And the man did WILLINGLY come here, after all. It would be the height of bad manners to deny a respectful contender a chance to participate because Tengoku chose to give his soul a challenge by causing him to be born outside the Celestial Order. If you are still distrustful of his motives, Kiso-san, you are not required to share anything with him. You may even keep an eye on him, if it would set your mind at ease, but it goes without saying that this is a place of peace; if you see the gaijin do something truly abnormal, let me know and I will deal with it... Personally."[/b]
Shodai looked around and decided there were now plenty of people gather to justify making the opening announcements. "Excuse me for a moment, Kiso-san. Duty calls."[/b]
|
|
|
Post by Soshi Kiso on Jul 24, 2011 10:37:43 GMT -5
Interesting, Kiso thought. In his father's day even the most powerful ronin wasn't allowed entrance into this event, let alone a gaijin. Shodai acted as if this was run of the mill. It would appear the Master of Void either had a hand in changing the requirements, or he was not one for the history scrolls.
He turned to the young bushi. Hiromitsu-san, I must say I am surprised to see you here. The climb to the shrine is not an easy one. He looked aside to see Agasha Shodai had traveled some distance away. I plan to win this competition, (yeah I know, I already lost, but this rp is set BEFORE our clicking, lol) but it would appear the Phoenix have changed the necessary entrances. I want to know what I'm up against, and there are two here I have no knowledge of. Perhaps you could engage the lone one on the outskirts and find out who he is. I will have my yojimbo follow the gaijin.
A small look of disgust crossed his face, such a disgrace to this holy ground to have a Yobajin set foot on it. I will be back shortly, I must prepare myself for the 'battle' to come.
|
|
|
Post by Isawa Goro on Jul 24, 2011 11:15:49 GMT -5
Isawa Goro stood at the centre of a group of low-ranking Phoenix shugenja. He was older and more weary looking than those who surrounded him but his status as a newcomer to the Phoenix meant that he was, for now, required to stay close to the more junior students. He had not yet earned his place among the higher councils of the Phoenix. If it chafed him to have to dally with young samurai fresh from their gempukku he showed no sign of it. Unlike all the others there wearing the mon of the Isawa family he wore the katana of a bushi, and his robes were unusually heavily cut.
Seeing the young Crane looking a little lost he moved over to her and got her attention with a cough. "Yukihime-san. You seem nervous. Actually you shoildn't be. The contest will not start for some time. Take a moment to relax. You will need all that energy you are currently expending later. Now is a time for contemplation and even enjoyment. This is a beautiful ceremony and as a Crane I hope you take the time to appreciate its beauty. Oh excuse me. My name is Isawa Goro, but I was once known as Ikoma Goro. Welcome to my Clan's lands"
|
|
Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
|
Post by Agasha Shodai on Jul 24, 2011 11:52:06 GMT -5
OOC: Peace bonding is where a thin piece of cord is wrapped around the hilt of a blade and its saya (scabbard.) It takes only a few seconds to remove, but its requires both hands to do so, so removing the peace bonding is a hint that trouble is about to start. Peace bonding is used when it would be inappropriate to surrender a weapon but a display that no ill intent is behind the continued carrying of the blade. Further the Hour of Shinjo/the Dog ends at 7:59 PM (modern time equivalent) and Hour of the Horse means 12 Noon. As the competition has already started in the game, this is just for the sake of the RP.
Also, Kiso, I couldn't find much on the festival, so I'm making it up as I go. But Shodai has learned to keep an open mind (to most things) and he would be the kind to suggest this change for the sake of "let's see how it goes." After all, there are the occasional gaijin that discover a deep love for the Celestial Order they act as Rokugani in the hopes that they will be reborn into a proper place on their next reincarnation.
The Void Master walked over to the head monk of the Shrine - who was standing on a raised dias - and whispered something to him. The monk bowed and made a gesture. The loud *BONG* of the temple's bell sounded three times, gathering everyone's attention.
Agasha Shodai silently incanted an Air spell that would carry his words to all those attending without him needing to shout to be heard. "I, Agasha Shodai - Void Master and Voice of the Elemental Council of the Phoenix Clan - welcome all the respectful and honorable shugenja whom have made the journey to this year's Festival of the White Orchid, despite the tumultous events that are currently weighing on each of our shoulders. Owing to the dynamic political situation afflicting the Empire, we are placing certain strictures into effect at this time. If you choose to not obey them, we will ask you to depart in peace from this holy shrine."[/b]
The Void Master gestured to the katana at his hip. "First, the legendary Ki-Rin, which some of you might have been lucky to catch a brief glimpse of upon your ascent to the mountain top is a creature of peace and is capable of detecting ill intent. This temple - and the mountains around it - are his home, so we ask that all show respect for the Ki-Rin's home by peace bonding all your weapons for the duration of your stay here and Reihaido sano Ki-Rin."[/b]
The Agasha then gestured to the gathered crowd. "Second, I'd like everyone to take a look around them. You will notice that there are shugenja from EVERY clan in Rokugan in attendance, regardless of where they stand in the debate between Emperor Hantei the 40th and his half-brother. The Festival of the White Orchid is intended to be a time when all shugenja are able to gather in brotherhood - despite political differences - to share information and new discoveries with one another. For the duration of the Festival, open discussion of politics is taboo. There is to be no outright campaigning for one side or the other on the main grounds of the temple. You are more than welcome to have private discussions about politics as long as civility is maintained and that it does not interfere with the peace of the shrine."[/b]
Shodai gestured to the head monk and the table that had set up on the dias. The head monk made another gesture and the other monks pulled down a tarp that had hidden five large mons cast out of pure and blessed silver. The mons were the symbol of the shugenja caste, but each had one of the elemental kanji that was larger than the other four. "The competition of the festival is very straightforward. For each of the five Elements of magic, there are two categories to participate in: offensive and defensive magic. You may sign up for as many categories as you wish and make multiple attempts at each as you see fit. You may only make one attempt per day and your performance will be judged by a panel of five judges that specialize in a given element and aspect of magic, drawn from every clan in the empire. The judges will give each display a numeric rating based off a system that only the judges are privy to. The contest grand champion will be determined by the highest score achieved between each of the 10 competitions..."[/b]
His eyes tightened slightly as he - once again - caught a whiff of Taint in the air. "As I mentioned before, there are five judges for each competition. One judge will be one of greatest known masters of that element and can come from any clan in Rokugan. The other four will be a Phoenix Clan Inquistor, a Crab Clan Witch Hunter, a Scorpion Clan Kuroiban, and finally a Jade Legionaire specializing in the element in question. It should go without saying that anyone caught by the judges utilizing forbidden magics or attempting to bring harm to their fellow competitors will be dealt with... HARSHLY."[/b]
The Void Master reached out and the shrine's monk placed a brillant white orchid in his hands, which he held up to the crowd. "Each competitor, following his first contest appearance, will recieve one of these: a sacred White Orchid grown here at the Ki-Rin's Shrine. The flower has been specially blessed to never wilt, fade or die during the life of the one whom earns it. For the grand champion and the top 9 runners up I understand that a special prize has been arranged..."[/b] Agasha said with a wide smile on his face and chuckle of amusement, as he handed the orchid back to the monk. "It's so special, in fact, that not even I have been told what it is! We'll just have to wait until the end and see what it is..."[/b]
He bowed to the crowd. "I look forward to competing with you all and I wish you all the best of luck during the competition! Thank you all for coming!"[/b] He turned to the head monk. "Venerable Sensei?"[/b] He said, turning the dias over to him and returning to where he'd been talking with Soshi Kiso.
The Asako family monk nodded as he took center stage. "I welcome you, one and all, to the Reihaido sano Ki-Rin. This year's Festival is very auspicious in that it occurs during the 350th year since the initial return of the followers of Kami Shinjo, the event for whom this shrine was built. Registration will conclude at the end of the hour of Lady Shinjo - that's the hour of the Dog for those of you not familiar with the Noble time table. The competition will begin tomorrow at the hour of the Horse. And with this, I now declare the Festival of the White Orchid for 1165 to have begun."[/b]
The monk gestured and the temple bell responded with *BONG* *BONG* *BONG*
|
|
Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
|
Post by Asahina Yukihime on Jul 24, 2011 13:01:30 GMT -5
Asahina promptly turns her attention to the Isawa as soon as her name was listened, even if she doesn't looks at him directly his words were welcome.
-I appreciate your attention, Isawa-san. *She bows briefly* It's a honor to meet Isawa-san. Yes, those are beautiful lands, even the long travel was enjoyable with such surroundings.
-It's the first time I'm allowed to leave my home lands. I have been finding more news than I expected during this travel. Mostly good news, and nice people, gladly. My sensei told me so much about this contest and ceremony, about the Ki-Rin, I
She was silent for a while listening to the Asako monk.
-Ow, tomorrow then... I have time to think on what should I perform. I let myself absorbed into his words and never asked what exactly should I do. But this is not a surprise anyway, each one should display a spell, right? The chooses sure can say much about those competing.
The Asahina seems to calm a little as she could let those words go. It was clear that the Isawa, knowingly or not, had helped her a lot. Yukihime bowed once more in a silent recognition.
-Are Isawa Goro-san going to join the competition?
|
|