A Sohei Passing Through Mantis Lands

[daigotsukentaro]

A lone sohei, dressed in black armor with light gray robes and often cowled, has been seen passing through Mantis lands.

He skillfully fends of bandits with naginata, fist or bow. Those guards who challenge him at checkpoints are greeted with a steely gaze of contempt, and a magisterial seal.

He seems familiar with the lands, though his knowledge is out of date, and often inaccurate. Witnesses say he shoots like a born Tsuruchi, and a few near Tsuruchi lands would swear they'd seen him before, but can't remember his name. He gives Genko as his, but that's not it...

(OOC: just a little RP bait; all welcome!)

[daigotsukentaro]

The lone sohei continues through Mantis lands. After a brief sojourn in Kyuden Gotei, he returns to the mainland.

At the home of the Kitsune, he pays his respects at the temple.
"Spirits, I offer my respect and devotion, despite your scorn." Without another word spoken, he leaves Kitsune lands for those of the Tsuruchi.

He continues his lonely ride through to Kyuden Ashinagibachi. In a near abandoned village along the way, he stops at an inn.

"Innkeeper, is Tsuruchi Ryohan still lord of these parts?"

The innkeep bows to the floor, unsure of the allegiance of his visitor, but very certain of his elaborate armor, and well used daisho, and stammers
"No, samurai-sama, he committed seppuku after his son was made ronin last year"

Genko answers with a grunt, and departs from the inn.

(OOC: Anyone is welcome to join, Mantis preferred, but again, all welcome)

[Tsuruchi Ishla]

As Genko is leaving you make eye contact with violet eyes, pausing a moment before stepping into the Inn an albino of the Wasp Clan wearing ancient armor a magistrates seal ,a Chui Head band. In his sash rests an exquisite ancient katana and a Fan of Command. You notice that he is covered in blood, dirt and grass obviously fresh out of battle due to some of the blood is glistening. Setting his Tsuruchi Bow and quiver against the wall as customary. Following behind him is a loyal Budokan standing almost a head taller with a reddish brown complexion. The Innkeeper upon hearing the requests hurries about assisting ,sending his helpers off to prepare for his guests. We'll need room and food for a night and be off by first light of morning, and a bath

[daigotsukentaro]

[ooc: edited for the massive continuity error I made]

A glimmer of recognition passes over Genko's uncowled face, but it is quickly gone. He returns to a small table, a small book visible tucked into his obi.

"Tsuruchi-san, I would be honored if you joined me for dinner. I am a simple ronin, known as Genko, and would be most honored by your company."

The book appears to have been a copy of Sun Tao's military treatise. Genko, motions to the innkeeper, who brings bowls of noodles, and sake and tea.

"Please forgive my impertinence, Tsuruchi-san, but not knowing your preference, I have ordered both tea and sake."


On closer examination, it appears Genko is also accompanied by a budoka follower. Genko's armor, though well maintained, has clearly seen action. The lacquered black plates show signs of cuts, and some of the grey lacing has been replaced due to damage. He appears to have the badge of office of a Chui as well.

Genko appears hopeful that you will join him for this meal.

[Tsuruchi Ishla]

Tea is fine ,yes I'll honor your request Genko-san. I am Tsuruchi Maiku. I see we walk the same path-Ah a good book much can be learned from it. chuckling softly, otherwise eyes are bright and a natural peace radiates from him. At times it must appear as a ghost town around here, so few of us yet so scattered,his tone having just a hint of sadness.I apologize for my melancholy- You know full well what I speak of, plenty of sword practice for all You noted some pride in is voice before he trails of looking into some distant past event. When he reaches for his tea you see black veins in his hands taking his time as if to savor the moment as well as the flavor.Tea is the key to the soul, there is a tea for every emotion.

[daigotsukentaro]

"Thank you for honoring me with your company, Tsuruchi Maiku-san. There has been much use for a blade of late. I am known as Genko, a wandering monk." Seeing you looking him over, he quickly adds "But, lest you think I am carrying swords I am not permitted, I must inform you I am a samurai, formerly of a Clan."

"I find Sun Tao's views most informative; perhaps somewhat of a middle ground between Tangen's Lies and Akodo's Leadership. But I oversimplify greatly."

He sighs, perhaps from nostalgia. "I must confess, despite my new calling, I am still drawn to the war of the samurai class. Perhaps my lot is to now fight for those who cannot. I have, perhaps improperly for a supposedly holy man, been participating in the war against the Yobanjin. I, and what few allies I can muster, have been working to protect outlying villages from the depredations of the bandits that flock to war like carrion birds."

"Ah well, the past is gone, and cannot be altered. Perhaps I shall travel to Phoenix lands, to partake in the gaiety of the new Champion's feasting." He chuckles slightly. "My, I'm far too somber. Yes, some merriment would do me well. Help to remind that this is worth fighting for."

[Tsuruchi Ishla]

I judge you not, was merely saying after noticing your armor that you knew what lies beyond the doors of comfort and the roads are wrought with dangers. Today I am satisfied that two men enjoy some drink and food.The water is our element, and without water we die. I also agree with protecting those that are weaker ,by teaching the few I can along the way.I give them a sense of duty in which they may earn honor for themselves Then falls silent as he eats his noodles. After a couple measured bites. We Wasp and Mantis are known for our lack of traditions.Does not mean we are ignorant of them or show a disregard for them ,we are just more relaxed about them.pauses briefly closing his eyes The bow puts distance between you and your target- the sword makes you look them in the eye,then opening his eyes as he trails off to continue eating at a measured pace his mannerisms does remind you of the way water moves on the ocean the way he sways side to side peacefully.There are some of my fellow brothers and sisters who frown upon me using the sword. Honor can not be taught we must go out and seek it to obtain it. After he finishes his bowl he motions for the hostess for more.Genko-san when I was younger I never imagined what I've laid to rest in past months.. Goblins-Oni-Undead-Yobanjin hordes and all seem to be an endless supply.

[daigotsukentaro]

"There are many ills afflicting Rokugan, yes. Perhaps one day, all this conflict will be done, and we may leave our weapons in places of honor, and not loose in their sayas" He pauses to eat another mouthful of noodles.

"I must admit something: I was once a Tsuruchi. I will spare you the details of my indiscretions, but I was made ronin. There is certainly a difference between the bow, and the katana. The ... intimacy is different. Oddly, I found the arrow to provide more closeness with the enemy. The waiting, the stalking, the following."

He finishes his sake, then "I suppose I came back here to find some semblance of home. Perhaps. But one can never set foot in the same river twice, eh?"

He stands, bows politely "I have dallied here too long; my purpose is North, fighting the Yobanjin. Perhaps we will meet again. It has been a pleasure, Tsuruchi Maiku-san."

[OOC: Alas, I got pinned down in MWK by Encircled Terrain. My choices were surrender or die. I choose death. I wanted to wrap this up, and thank you. After this, and a farewell in the City of the Lost, I am deleting my account.]

[Tsuruchi Ishla]

I stood up as well to bid my dinner companion farewell, I turned briefly to retrieve a token of friendship upon facing Genko, to my dismay it appears that he simply vanished. Being a seasoned tracker hunter I searched and found no trace of his stead either Genko is a better stalker or I lack skill as a Hunter. I returned to finish my meal in silence, though brief it was yet often is the way of water. Genko was right "

one can never set foot in the same river twice

". I smiled after finishing my tea ,I was going to enjoy my bath,shortly afterwards clean my armor. Sleep. At first light head out.