Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Dec 4, 2011 4:36:09 GMT -5
OOC:Everything I post from here on out is canon for MY storyline only. Several key differences exist within this world compared to the Canon version; i.e, the Mantis are still a Minor Clan. Anyway, to any readers we may have, please enjoy this story of mine. To my players, thanks for being a part of this and bearing with me over the setup. Lets have some fun, shall we? Prologue: Beneath Winter Stars The year is 1133, and the Empire is in strife. Samurai from the entire realm are in in Toshi Ranbo in attendance of the first Winter Court since the battle at Oblivions Gate, each for reasons of their own. Yoritomo is there to negotiate peace with the Phoenix, though some rumor he has plans to petition the Emperor for the status of Great Clan be granted to the Mantis. Emissaries from the Crab, Scorpion, and Unicorn are all in attendance to regain their honor in the eyes of Rokugan. Or so they say...
The final weeks of the court approach, and the time is soon coming where Emperor Toturi I himself will be making his own proclamations, as well as accepting petitions from his loyal subjects. The air is thick with gossip, and the courtiers seem as hungry as starved wolves for this, plotting and scheming, masters of puppets in city of marionettes.
Meanwhile, the affairs of day to day life go on outside the Court, for better or worse. A string of mysterious kidnappings has been plaguing the capital, starting with the shocking disappearance of a young guardsman named Seppun Kiyato and his new wife, the night after their marriage. The Emerald magistrates, already stretched thin across an empire riddled with problems, are perplexed, and are preparing to enlist help from anyone they can find.
The stage is set for a performance most grandiose. Many are involved, their intentions honorable and nefarious, genuine and selfish. What is the next scene? Who will make the next move? Will you rise above the rest, and fulfill your role in this epic? Or will you be lost to the darkness that threatens to consume Rokugan itself...
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 4, 2011 4:50:47 GMT -5
The Scorpion are newly brought back into the empire, due to this, there is much attention to regaining their former position as the social equal of the crane, and social superior to all else. To this end, the Scorpion has sent a rather large delegation to the emperor's (may he live forever) winter court. All information is being detailed and chronicled to be returned to the stacks at Kyuden Bayushi. Every miniscule detail is being made record of.
And then there is Shosuro Eiji, who was sent as a protector of those who may need him. He is known as a bodyguard to the Scorpion delegation, and is married to Shosuro Saiki. Though to all appearences, their marriage is tenuous at best. Eiji has the reputation of being overprotective and domineering over Saiki. She seems to be weak, and he only emphasizes this point with his actions towards her.
Eiji has thus far been polite, and deferred all opinion on what they should/will end up doing to the courtier population of the clan present at the court.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 4, 2011 6:54:15 GMT -5
All this turmoil had reached Yoritomo Akizora's ears, for it was not a mere gossip that large kidnappings took place, but the common knowledge. Even though Akizora was a gossiper, he never disregarded the "morality" in spreading the news as proper... His duty had permitted him to travel through vast demesnes in search of people to talk, for even if he was a courtier of the minor Clan of the Mantis, he was still a perfect bureaucrat. His job wasn't to discuss extensive treaties and ensure peace and gift giving, but rather maintaining the proper spirit and idea of feeling hopeless and honor bound by the overwhelming Rokugani diplomacy. Akizora rose from his bed in the morning and looked outside the window, and he simply wondered if the news he'd heard yesterday, regarding the disappearances, would somehow affect his work!
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Dec 4, 2011 7:45:32 GMT -5
The Crane delegation is of course at this Winter Court being held at one of their cities in serious numbers. With the courtiers, artisans, and high ranking dignitaries presence at this court, there is a sizable portion of yojimbo and duelists that are in attendance, as well as a number of additional clan magistrates and their yoriki to assist with security. Daidoji Shigeoki is one of these yoriki who has been tasked with assisting at the main compound.
A sullen individual, Shigeoki keeps himself away from the main court room but wanders the outer passageways and corridors during the evening and early night hours. Even those who are frequently up late are still surprised when he comes around, as he causes barely a sound and says not a word unless spoken to.
While he does not see disturbed by his current mission as a glorified guard, it does seem like he is out of his comfort zone. Those who speak with him find he is usually straight and to the point without being insulting. Few know of his past prior to court, and even fewer are willing to share it.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 4, 2011 13:10:18 GMT -5
Shosuro Saiki, the young and petite spouse of Shosuro Eiji, treasured the first letter of the Shosuro daimyo inviting her to make part of the Scorpion delegation attending at The Imperial Winter Court. Errrr...maybe that letter wasn't exactly sent by the daimyo himself, a detail that Saiki was ready to overlook at. And maybe the fact that her presence wasn't exactly "so important to us" as it seemed in her first reading, was not something of matter to her. Saiki was at first very excited with the idea; now Saiki was a new person, she had left behind (or at least she was willing to believe she had) the sad events of her past in the gaijin lands of her clan's exile. But maybe... her excitement was day by day undermined by the crescent acknowledge of a winter's court routine. It wasn't so "exhilarating" as she used to fantasize in her days back at Medinaat al Shalan. In fact, she never had the opportunity of attending a winter court before, but she was disappointed. So, when the story about kidnappings turned official, it also turned object of conversation, and Saiki found these events thrilling enough to be the first really interesting thing this winter. And, in fact, Saiki was so anxious to be really useful to her clan that it seemed a good idea to go further in that subject. Maybe offering herself to help, somehow? If the Scorpion clan showed its dedication to the Empire in unraveling this case... Would not other clans bow towards Scorpion's excellence? And maybe she could use this opportunity to be something else than a mere adjunct in her clan delegation? Maybe... But,...with or without Eiji's consent?
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 4, 2011 20:27:01 GMT -5
Word had reached the hub villages outlying Otosan Uchi that winter court was approaching. Tsi Ayumu had taken time away from his forge to make arrangements to attend. A Crane friend that owed him a big favor made sure that the Oriole clan was invited to court, at Ayumu's request.
With his father, the clan champion, most likely seeing his last winter, Ayumu was looking at inheriting the position - and he had a vision. He was going to take his clan places it had never been, making sure that the Oriole would no longer be known solely for their skills at smithing. It was time to make Rokugan see them not just as an eccentric family of smiths, but as a clan that had a stake in the empire, just like the other clans. And so, the large man strapped on his nodachi, left his village, his father, his family and his forge, and made his way to winter court, stopping along the way to make certain he was properly attired and tutored in courtly etiquette. After all, it would hardly do to embarrass his clan on the eve of their "true" arrival to the empire.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Dec 5, 2011 10:51:11 GMT -5
Tamori Kazushige has a bit of a reputation; both famous and infamous, one might say. He is a brewer of some skill, though it's said his brews have an equal chance of being the best sake one has ever tasted, or vile enough to make one swear off the drink for the rest of one's life. He's also been known to cause quite a stir at any court where he might show up, with his friendly, open nature and his tendency to start fights just for the hell of it. The number of courts he's visited in his time is small, however, and he's more content to simply wander the Empire, handing out his latest sake creation for others to try and helping wherever he can.
Recently, a Kitsuki magistrate has arrived at Winter Court, ostensibly with the purpose of investigation the recent rash of kidnappings in the capital. When he asked that a shugenja be assigned to his security detail, Kazushige's name was mentioned, and he happily accepted the post. How could he refuse the chance to help restore harmony to a troubled city, and do a little violence in the process?
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Dec 6, 2011 12:01:20 GMT -5
A red sun rises over a cold morning in Toshi Ranbo; dark events have transpired in the night. The hushed whisperings of the early risers carried rumors of evil in the night; assassins and bandits, in the very city, during Winter Court! The very thought...
A missive is sent out, and all the heralds throughout the various camps are told to deliver the same basic message. An Emerald magistrate is in one of the smaller audience chambers, seeking aid for some official matter, and any who are willing or able are asked to attend. The court is abuzz with this news; what could it mean?
Many wonder, who will step forward to prove themselves? For the Emerald Magistrate is powerful, and his favor surely would be a great boon to any clan. Others still mock the turn of events, remarking upon how the Empire is falling apart, though none say this too loud.
Two guards in the armor of imperial legionaires stand outside the chamber, inspecting the identities of all who attempt to enter. It is clear that they are on edge, though when questioned they remain deathly silent. Inside the room stands a man of average height and build, who would be totally unremarkable if not for his fine clothes and hie piercing blue eyes. He is Otomo Toshuga, the Emerald Magistrate, and he awaits any loyal enough to the Empire to help him. He is currently deep in hushed conversation with several important looking figures, and his aide asks if you would be patient until he is done his current meeting.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 6, 2011 13:05:15 GMT -5
Following the emerald legionaire that led his here, Tsi Ayumu walks up to the silent guards.
"I am Tsi Ayumu. I have been informed that something has happened to my uncle, and that I would be given more information here."
Ayumu is a large man. Having had no chance to change out of his traveling garb, he is dressed in a simple yet durable brown kimono and dark green hakama. His earth-toned outfit does much to emphasize his physical size and strength, short black hair, grey eyes, and the nodachi on his back and wakizashi on his waist. A discerning individual might notice a hint of tobacco scent on him, as well as the worry in the corners of his eyes. Regardless of this, he seems calm and quiet. He bows to the guards before speaking to them, and his overall manner is polite and genial.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 6, 2011 13:38:57 GMT -5
Bayushi Eiji had moved into the antechamber of the emerald magistrate. He was here to accept the offer and be of assistance as this was the thing that any noble samurai would do. Of course, he was interested in the favor of an emerald magistrate, such was the way the scorpion built their extensive network of social control. And they would have that again!
As the guards looked him over, he heard and saw the man say the name "Tsi". Deciding that now was a good time to enter, especially as he was far superior to some ronin turned blacksmith; he moved past him and said:
"I'm sorry, dear friend Tsi, but I am here to accept the offer for assistance to be granted in the endeavor to uncover the murderer. Myself and my wife, Shosuro Saiki, are both at the service of the emerald magistrate and would crave audience with him."
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Dec 6, 2011 15:10:12 GMT -5
Dressed in his powder blue kimono with hakama and haori, Shigeoki stands silently behind and to the side of the Scorpion. His identification papers in his hand, he waits patiently for those in front of him to end that useless game before he moves up to the guards. Nary an emotion passes over his face, it remains passive, his eyes focused on the entrance, his body relaxed yet coiled.
If there is space, Shigeoki will sidestep the Scorpion(s) to move to the guards to present himself as a representative of the Crane who is there to assist with anything that may be required.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Dec 6, 2011 15:37:28 GMT -5
"Oy, Scorpion-san!"
A huge, bald, mountain of a man approaches the steadily growing group in front of the Emerald Magistrate's office. He has a sheet of paper in his hand similar to the ones carried by the others, and he wears a green-and-gold kimono that barely covers his enormous torso. "There's no need to be rude to our minor clan friends, is there?" he says happily, clapping the Tsi on the shoulder with his free hand in an overly friendly manner. He carries no visible weapons, but there is a scroll case hanging from his obi, marking him as a shugenja.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 6, 2011 15:43:05 GMT -5
Saiki was quietly waiting two steps behind her husband, observing with veiled interest the other persons in the room. Eiji, to begin, was dealing with everything alone, letting very little to her. The Tsi... He was big. But the other...was huge. He shadowed her. Maybe the indoors effect was quite disturbing for a small woman. She was impressed. Then the man in blue, a Crane, arrived, seeming impatient and quite ready to step over her toes to pass and be the first to enter… But Saiki would not be a hindrance to it. She moved to the side, silently permitting him to pass by her.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 6, 2011 15:48:23 GMT -5
"I'm not being offensive, Dragon-san. I'm simply trying to offer the assistance of the Scorpion clan in the investigation of these murders. Would you not agree that catching a murderer is more important than seeking information about a lost relative?"
His mask concealed his face completely, one could not tell what emotion, if any, would have marked his face. But it had turned to rest on the Tsi.
"I bear none of the minor clans an ill will. Everyone has their place in the empire. From the Emperor himself, may he live forever, to the lowliest of eta."
His mask turned to face the Dragon now, appraising him and his condition.
"And as far as I can tell, we are here on the same mission, so we shouldn't start this way. I will be courteous, I am Shosuro Eiji."
He bowed, ever so slightly to the dragon shugenja.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Dec 6, 2011 16:04:23 GMT -5
Kazushige was quiet for a moment, processing all of the little signs in the Scorpion's behavior. Then he laughed. "I agree Shosuro-san, please forgive my outburst. I am Tamori Kazushige. I see you have already discerned my clan of origin." He bowed more deeply than Eiji had, perhaps a bit exaggeratedly. "It would be unfortunate for us to start off on the wrong foot, especially if we're going to be working together in the future."
He stepped aside, so that Eiji was once again at the head of the group. "I am indeed here for the same reason as you. It is my hope that together we will be able to put an end to these heinous crimes."
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