Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 31, 2011 8:28:34 GMT -5
After a long and decimating war, the Empire had been flung once more in the dark arms of conflict. More than ever did the people of the Empire cry out for peace but every attempt had fallen into deaf ears. Only nature would oblige and therefore winter had come, the snow fell heavy in all the provinces the Empire turning water into frost and covering the fields with snow. Up at that time, Hantei Naseru had summoned all of the Clans' delegates in Kyuden Otomo to attend to a court that he'd organize and attempt. Many days had passed when the Clans would answer to his summons, individuals that would recognize him as the "rightful" Emperor and others that sought to undermine his authority, directly and indirectly. For once more, little did the people of the Empire know that they would again be flung into darkness, for the Winter Court had begun!
((OOC: Figured that we should get a thread to inaugurate the start of the Winter Court. Let's see how this unfolds, should some extra threads need to be created! Let's have fun guys and our days be merry and bright!))
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 1, 2012 10:23:43 GMT -5
Daidoji Ryumon made a fine entrance. To look at his robes he was the match of any Crane, his kimono made of the finest silk, his fan exquisitely crafted of rare ivory and high quality paper panels, even the simple pin of jade he wore through his obi carved with fine designs showing Cranes in flight over soaring waves. But he did not carry himself with the comport that most Doji courtiers learned before their gempukku. There was a stiffness that showed that to him, the court was as hostile and alien a location as a battlefield might be to one of said courtiers.
Of course, he was not alone - on his left hand was Asahina Isoroku, a young Asahina shugenja who had been tasked with acting as his calligraphy tutor and general advisor in courtly etiquette, lest he embarrass himself in a way that would reflect poorly on his brother-in-law, the Regent of the Crane. On his right was his bodyguard, an experienced kenshinzen who had previously served as yojimbo to his wife, a middle-aged samurai-ko by the name of Kakita Chisato. Ryumon dwarved both of them though - at six foot five inches he had the height and build of a Hida, although his form was less intimidating and more ungainly.
After the appropriate greetings, delivered with formal correctness but no excess of grace, he moved over to speak with a group of courtiers wearing the robes of the Yoritomo, presumably representatives of those Mantis who had at least openly not declared for the Shogun.
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Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
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Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Jan 1, 2012 11:59:53 GMT -5
Silk is always better than hemp.
This was one of my thoughts as I walked quietly among the Phoenix suites at Kyuden Otomo. Around me I could hear only snippets of polite conversation among the various courtiers who would live here for the next several months. Behind their sliding screen walls I could catch little comments about the gardens, the food, and the other people who were sure to be here at winter court. The hall was lined with a larger than usual number of stoic yojinbo, each one a dutiful Shiba seated in front of his or her respective charge's room. For myself I was trailed by my own bodyguard, Shiba Kanmaru, who seemed much more comfortable than usual inasmuch as he was now surrounded by his own kinsmen.
Returning to my thoughts that silk was in all ways superior to woven plant strands, I shrugged to adjust the sitting of my own outfit. For an initial appearance on the court scene I had chosen an orange kamishimo decorated with large roundels sporting a stylized emptiness, or void, kanji and interspersed with gold and silver embroidered phoenixes flying in their twisting swirling style among green and copper pine filled mountains. My hair was tied back in its usual loose tail under a short eboshi hat that was folded and tied in a traditional style. My feet were (thankfully) kept warm by a pair of colorful tabi socks which softened my footfalls against the already soft tatami mats in the hallway.
I made my way out of the phoenix quarters and into the more general areas of the castle and found myself approaching a large room that was open to the cold night air. Here an informal (though still very socially active) moon viewing gathering had sprung up and a multitude of courtiers was politely chatting with each other over small dishes of sake.
I thought about my plans for the days, then months, ahead. This was to be an important and prestigious court season, although I supposed that any court where his majesty, the Son of Heaven was in attendance would fit said description. Quite apart from the unfortunate misunderstanding as to his majesty Hantei's imperial legitimacy there was an entire other set of events that were to take place which would form the future of the empire this next year. There was, of course, the expected series of courtly business sessions which would take place, including the recognition of a new shrine near my family lands, which I planned to attend. Along with these enactments of imperial will there would also be a host of diversions as only imperial court could provide. Plays, poetry recitals, musical performances, and dance ensembles would all form a background against which the deadly games of court intrigue promised to unfold.
I of course had little intention of being at the forefront of said games, but it was always interesting to be in the audience when they occurred, and of course the flying rumors could range from the entertaining to the scandalous.
Bringing myself back from these musings, I bowed as I came into the moon viewing room, where very few people were actually noticing the beauty of the rabbit in the lunar face and found a small clique where I knew one or two of the people involved and sat to listen as the labyrinthine gestalt of courtly actions began to take place.
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Isawa Kaji
Phoenix Clan
Phoenix Clan Acolyte of Air ? Shugenja ? Magistrate ? Loyal
Posts: 25
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Post by Isawa Kaji on Jan 4, 2012 9:20:38 GMT -5
Once again it was the time of year that Kaji most enjoyed, Winter Court. Luckily the route from Kyuden Isawa to Kyuden Otomo had not yet fallen victim to hindering snows, surely a good omen for the festivities to come. It had only taken the main body of courtiers a few days to traverse along the main trading route down from the Phoenix lands, and now they were entering into this Winter's political battleground. The scene was set and now all the pieces slid into place.
There was an indescribable thrill from competeing in mind games with the finest from across Rokugan. Kaji followed the crowds flowing towards the Hall of Contests where colours of all the clans were evident. A quick glance across the large hall gave a reasonably clear picture of which competitions the clans were focused on. The Akodo and Daidoji were completely dominating the Go tables, determined to show the best tacticians. Kitsuki and Doji representatives seemed to be controlling the Sadane competition although there were a few other clans standing firm. Finally Kaji made his way to the back of the hall to where the painting competition was in full swing. Of the top ten pictures on show seven of them were by Crane artists, obviously this was a very strong year for the Crane clan across the board.
Isawa Kaji collected his brand new sumi-e set and began drawing the basic outline of Kyuden Otomo. Not being a very experienced artist he chose the more simplistic option of snow covering the majority of the picture. It wasn't strong enough to come anywhere near the top pictures on show, but it was the taking part that counted. This experience would be useful to build up from next year.
There was one final activity to complete before settling in for the night. Kaji headed to seek an audience with the Phoenix ambassador. It was more than likely that attempts were being made to get as much help as possible to the refugees who would suffer throughout the Winter. The cruel price of war.
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Post by The Book Keeper on Jan 6, 2012 21:17:53 GMT -5
How good it felt to be in a court room, listening to the news from every corner of the land brought a rush. Sitting outside the main hall, in one of the open windows watching the snow fall. Dressed in one of the finest black spider silk kimonos, carrying nothing more than his black bladed katana, and a simple bag over the other shoulder, for whatever he seems to pick up.
"If only you know what is coming for you soon"
Walking to the side of the room he started listening to the reports of the news of the war, needless to say it was quite interesting, watching the muscle bound fools do their little foot race, made him realize just how little this court had to offer anything from the Shadowlands....."Too bad, I really would like some black water sake right about now.” and he would be to if only that dumb lion had not tryed to start a fight and get arrested.
Now he was looking for some news on what the dragon where working on, the good thing is he has kept in touch with a lot of his old dragon buddies that wish to bring down the Mirumoto family in exchange for a few bits of information here and there. But to his surprise when their where announcing brides for the emperor when no spider, scorpion, crab, unicorn, or any of the other miner clans offer up brides. considering that what would normally be done for such a marriage but the war has made so many odd things happen around the land its really a surprise that the miner clans a not attacking the bigger clans with their main body away fighting a lot of the smaller clans could hope to reach out and extend their land.
Well after a while of getting information and seeing as how late in the night it was he was going to spend the night at that quite little room he has with that wonderful book he keeps under spells, locks and keys.
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Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
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Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Jan 8, 2012 18:17:42 GMT -5
“I think here that my honored lord crane unfortunately does not grasp the true measure of Shinsei's words,” I began. “What is important to remember in thinking upon this passage is that we as shugenja are the actualizers of the power of the spirits.”
I sat with a small party of crane and other shugenja at the moon viewing party. We were situated just inside the room, overlooking the beautiful crane gardens which were dimly illuminated with lamps and the bright light of a full moon. Though it was winter, the deep snows had not yet come and we all sat huddled in quilted robes while discussing the finer points of air magic.
The crane to whom I was now speaking looked put off by my retort to his previous faulty interpretation of a passage in the Book of Wind. It is true that he was older than me, and a scholar besides. In fact the vast majority of shugenja with whom I was speaking were well studied in magical theory. Most of them seemed to be haughty students of an unusually esoteric dojo within the Asahina School. They of course held themselves with the imperious posture of Cranes but they all seemed more stiff and acted superior in their clear understanding of the minutiae of magic.
However, as anyone from the lowly peasant to the emperor himself can tell you, the Phoenix are by all rights the masters of magic in Rokugan. While different schools may claim mastery of specific specialties, like the Asahina and their enchantments, or the Crab and their study of the Shadowlands, there is no single entity across the empire which can think to match the sheer wealth of knowledge held by my cousins in the Isawa libraries. And furthermore, as an Isawa magic was more or less my birthright. Afterall, our family for all intents and purposes invented magic.
That said, even though these shugenja may have been more experienced or may have studied at the preeminent school of the Crane, I felt few qualms about pointing out cracks in their reasoning during a discussion of a topic on which I consider myself more than a little educated.
“However, my young phoenix friend,” came the nasal reply from the previous speaker, ”what you have clearly forgotten is that we must importune the spirits for our magic, or rather, for their blessings. We cannot claim in the least that we are truly enacting any power at all. We are more correctly referred to as priests who speak to the spirits than magicians. Perhaps you would know this if you were foresighted enough to read the recently published treatise by your own clan's Isawa Kaeju on this very subject.” And with this pronouncement he took a flourished drink from his small cup of sake. The feel of his victory spread around our small party and all eyes turned to me, showing their agreement with this crane that I was lacking in my proper study.
“It is very likely true that I have not read as many books about magic as yourself, master Asahina,” I said. “I have only spent my scant time as a shugenja traveling with my master Gomaru, studying my lessons while visiting his many colleagues. In fact, if we are discussing the same master Isawa Kaeju I found my impression of him to be quite different when I met him. His treatise is very likely to be discussing the most effective way to ply spirits to obtain favors from them. If I recall correctly he was always a proponent of humility, especially when wielding great power. He also admitted however, that it is the shugenja, not the spirit that decides the efficacy of a prayer.”
This turned the tide slightly and I noted the twitch in the Crane's brow as he gracefully set down his cup. He turned toward me again, no doubt sifting through his internal library of books and articles on magical theory to find his opening argument.
Internally, I was quite shaken now. While I maintained confidence in my correctness on this particular subject, I doubted my ability to contend with an entire group of court trained Cranes in any sort of real debate. Internally I prayed, and in doing so activated my Void magic skills, that there would be something to aid me in this struggle against so fierce an opponent.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jan 10, 2012 3:59:10 GMT -5
Doji Naetaru had arrived but a few days before, and he had already got accustomed to the proceedings and contests going around. Today he had the luck to find two new prominent Phoenix at court Isawa Mitsuru and Isawa Kaji. With the corner of his eye he had caught both of them in a rather distressing situation, Kaji was searching for something and Mitsuru was trying to contain his nerves while dodging some barbs flung by his courtier kinsmen. He approached them both wearing his fine friendly and polite smile. He was wearing his long white hair loose dressed in his finest silken courtier in teal and silver, carrying the smell of his magnolia fragrance, his exquisite fan in hand.
As he approached them, the group of courtiers dispersed quickly offering a bow before leaving. He had a quick flashy look at their mons, both Isawas, much to his avail he had to be informed and much more polite.
"Good morning samas" offering a courteous bow.
"I pray Inari-kami has blessed you today?"he said musingly in a casual but friendly tone. He tried to pick up a conversation to let them know of each other.
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Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
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Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Jan 10, 2012 17:05:05 GMT -5
At first I was relieved when the group of court savvy cranes suddenly scurried off. Then I was horrified to see who had replaced them as a conversation companion. I couldn’t tell exactly who it was that stood before me, but he was clearly of a much superior station to myself. Everything about him made this fact obvious. From the way he comported himself, to his crisp, ornate clothing, to the cloud of deference that surrounded him. Perhaps this was the Doji daimyo’s hatamoto or some other highly ranked courtier.
I moved from my siting position into a kowtow and faced the tatami mats on the floor, nervously responding, “M-my lord Doji! Good evening. I am intensely sorry if our conversation has caused you any annoyance. We were discussing the Tao and I had not realized that our conversation had reached your illustrious attention.”
I continued to stare at the herringbone stitch of the bamboo mats, waiting for permission to move from this august visitor.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jan 11, 2012 2:14:50 GMT -5
Naetaru motioned over to the Phoenix shugenja to rise.
"Isawa-san, it is I who must ask for forgiveness for abruptly interrupting your discussion." he motioned over the departing courtiers.
"I wasn't annoyed at all. Your discussion over the Tao however moved me over and pray that I wished to hear over its depth from a person whose studies were devoted to it rather than from the mouth of some ignorant courtiers." he winked playfully at him smiling in advance.
"I am Doji Naetaru, daimyo of the Doji." he said with a solemn bow.
"I trust that you're new at court? I haven't seen you before Isawa-san. Now that I am thinking I haven't seen anyone but Shiba Entani and his retinue"simply referring to the Shiba courtier he had mentally noted as the Phoenix voice at court.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Jan 11, 2012 17:25:33 GMT -5
Kakita Hitoshi stood in the main hall of the Winter Court, thoroughly enjoying the experience. Upon his arrival he had managed to obtain a new kimono from another member of the Crane delegation and was now looking fit to attend. It felt ages since he had been clean and surrounded by civilised conversation, and he found them both to his liking.
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Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
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Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Jan 12, 2012 16:33:57 GMT -5
"I am Doji Naetaru, daimyo of the Doji." The color drained from my face as I realized with whom I was speaking. "Doji-sama, I...ummm...Oh my! Please excuse my horrible manners. I wish to say that it is true that you have very probably not seen me here before. I have only recently undergone my gempukku and before then I was primarily traveling throughout the Phoenix provinces. So yes, this is my first time in the Crane lands." I stopped talking and meant to wait for Lord Doji to continue the conversation but almost without my realizing i picked the conversation back up again, nervous as I was to let there be any awkward lag. "Your lands are indeed beautiful, Doji-sama. I am reminded of the story of Kami Lady Doji and the Beggar. ((OOC: l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Doji#The_Snowflake for reference.)) I see so many beautiful snowflakes both outside and among your very fine courtiers that I hope to just be able to remember the splendor of this experience. Although I'm sure the honorable Doji-sama before me has seen so many courts that coming to this one must seem very much like the usual day to day experience. I would be very interested to hear your opinion of the court so far and what plans your excellency has this winter." I shut my mouth tightly hoping to not seem like a fawning child in front of the most illustrious daimyo.
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Shosuro Rei
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion clan*Ninja*Poison Master*gokenin* Owner of the Geisha house The Scorpion's Tail
Posts: 38
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Post by Shosuro Rei on Jan 12, 2012 17:27:34 GMT -5
*A smile Graces the face of shosuro rei* i so love comming to court if for no other reason then i get to see what the crane are calling there new fashion.*looks around the room at all those who have shown up in there new kimono's, then she moves off to a corner to watch what happens next.*
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 12, 2012 18:35:13 GMT -5
Ryumon's attendants spoke to him and with a nod he moved over to approach Kakita Hitoshi. "Hitoshi-san, yes? I apologise I do not think we have had the pleasure of meeting. My name is Daidoji Ryumon. It is very pleasant to see you here at Kyuden Otomo"
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Isawa Kaji
Phoenix Clan
Phoenix Clan Acolyte of Air ? Shugenja ? Magistrate ? Loyal
Posts: 25
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Post by Isawa Kaji on Jan 12, 2012 22:36:28 GMT -5
Isawa Kaji stood silent and still whilst Doji Naeyaru exchanged pleasanties with Isawa Mitsuru. A quick flash of anger passed through Kaji's mind, how typical of a Crane to disrupt their discussion. Luckily he managed to bite his lip, softening his mind with a gust of fresh air flowing from the gardens. Time to begin the usual diplomatic graces.
"Good evening Doji-sama, I'd like to offer my own sincere apologies if our quarrelling has disturbed anyone. Mitsuru-san and myself forget ourselves. If it's not arguing about the Tao then it's about the strength of magic schools".
Kaji's hand instinctively rose to his face allowing a brief brush of the fringe. It was a slight nervous disposition he'd struggled with throughout his time in the Court, although it did provide the benefit of a few extra seconds of thought.
"In answer to your question I have attended Courts before, however, usually in more minor duties. This is the first time I've been afforded full guest privileges at the Winter Court. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
With that, Kaji offered a humble bow of his head.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jan 13, 2012 2:36:44 GMT -5
The announcement of the Yasuki Daimyo caused a brief silence to fall upon the assemblege. Many of the Courtiers had delt with him prior and during the Battle for Toshi Ranbo and had, for better or worse, strong feelings for one of the only Loyal Crab. Some credited him with laying the groundwork of the defence that allowed the Court and the Hantei to escape, others blamed him for his failure at failing to keep the Lion out as he promised, and surviving the attempt. Several bowed in his direction, while others sneered behind their fans.
His Kimono was White with dark blue edging. A scene of a snowy castle under siege decorated the front and back of it. A sharp-eyed observer would note the attacking army consisted of 10th and 13th imperial Legions, while the Castle was obviously Kyuden Otomo. While some socialites tried to ignore the Brothers war while indulging the winter court, the Crab Daimyo represented that Violence wherever he walked.
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