We are in the surrounding area of the Kitsu castle.
Koro's Question to the Kitsu - who are shugenja with an ancestor focus. What can Koro do to appease his grandfather who has been appearing in his dreams?
(Note - Lauren is not trying to buy off the Haunted flaw at this time.)
Koro is sitting at a tea house one day. Someone comes up to him and begins speaking addressing Koro's issues w/ his ancestors. Koro invites the man to sit and share tea with him. He introduces himself as Kitsu Amoro. Amoro heard whispers by ancestors of a man from another clan who has had problems with his ancestors. Since Koro is not of the Lion clan Amoro has discerned that Koro must be the person they speak of. Koro describes that he sees the face of his grandfather but cannot hear him. Amoro asks if Koro is really listening.
Koro says he doesn't know. Koro's grandfather's name is Agasha Yoshiro. Amoro asks after Yoshiro's type of passing. Koro can only say that Yoshiro disappeared and that his body was found in a manner suggesting murder. They have yet to find the actual circumstance of his passing. Grievous harm was done to him including sword cuts and burns. Koro describes that his grandfather appears with open arms and mouth and exudes a sense that something dreadful has happened and that Koro should be helping. Koro answers Amoro's questions explaining that he wants to discover the means of his grandfather's passing and help him find rest. Koro further explains that though he can speak with the kami but not his grandfather. Koro finds this frustrating. Amoro understands and explains that even among his clan the ability to speak with the ancestors is more rare than those who can speak with the kami. Amoro offers to speak with Koro's grandfather, though it is not without cost. Koro wishes this even if the results are not all he hopes for.
Amoro asks Koro to meet him the next day at sunset at the Shrine of the Fortune of Persistance. Amoro will guide Koro in prayer and the attempt to speak with his grandfather. Amoro further asks that Koro bring someone of martial prowess to protect him. Koro remarks on the unsuspected danger. Amoro states that caution when dealing with a spirit that has passed in a violent manner is wise.
Koro says that it is wise to deal in such matters with circumspection and will bring only one person. Amoro tells Koro that he will relay their intentions to the monks of the shrine.
Meanwhile, Hoshiko has gone Tetsubo shopping looking for something that will work for Mikio. Hoshiko found a merchant selling weapons. He first shows her a few training tetsubo's. They are of different woods with different bandings and spike styles. Hoshiko decides that she really needs to bring Mikio to look at these. The armorer says he will be there until sunset. Hoshiko informs the merchant that she will be bringing a large man back with her.
Hoshiko finds Mikio just wandering around looking at everything. He agrees to accompany her to go 'see something'. Mikio, up until then, had been looking over the subtle artistry of the Lion lands. His assessment of the castle wall is one of 'very well built and would be very hard to breach', many guards, and quite a few patrols of two men. Various stalls have samurai, not in armor, but standing guard.
The tent that Hoshiko takes Mikio to is quite large and tall with four guards outside. Mikio doesn't have to duck to enter the tent. Mikio's entrance, and subsequent blocking of the sun, surprises the shopkeeper. Mikio's eyes lightup when he enters. He notices a mancatcher on display though doesn't recognize it. Sayas are on display though not the swords themselves.
Mikio tries to answer the questions of the shopkeeper re: his preferences in tetsubo but cannot do so. All he knows is that he likes tetsubo. The shopkeeper dispatches a guard to bring several cases of tetsubo. The guard returns with several cases. The shopkeeper opens one and offers Mikio to pick it up. (The merchant is not a samurai but a peasant so is forbidden to touch the weapons directly, thus he has his ronin guards or samurai who are shopping touch them. As for the saya's - he didn't want to have them on display so anyone could grab a sword and let carnage reign, this way he keeps his product safe and others out of danger.)
Mikio does so with obvious joy and the guards suddenly become very aware with hands on hilts. (BIG man grabbing a tetsubo in a market - yeah the ronin guards were hyper aware.)
The shopkeeper guides Mikio and Hoshiko through the back of the tent into an enclosed practice area with a pell. Mikio takes a few practice swings. Shopkeeper opens another and offers Mikio the chance to try it. Mikio wipes the first one down and returns it to the case. In all they try three tetsubo. The second one is tip heavy compared to the first.
The 3rd feels heavier and off balance for Mikio. He misses the pell on the 1st swing. Mikio's second swing is with more empahsis. Hoshiko can see that Mikio is off balance. Mikio passes the tetsubo off to Hoshiko after she mentions that Mikio is off balance. Hoshiko determines that this tetsubo is too heavy. (It was designed for a Strength 4, and was a better deal than you know - too late now).
Mikio and Hoshiko discuss the merits of metal banding and flexibility of durability of wood. We return two of the cases, keeping the first one. The other three are fairly unremarkable. They are similar in style to the first but have pointed spikes and such.
Mikio finds he likes the first tetsubo the best. Discussion ensues concerning engraving on the tetsubo. Mikio suggests that the Badger mon would be nice. Hoshiko and Mikio sit down to have tea while the engraver is fetched. The engraver enters through the back flap. The artist is more refined and better clothed than the shopkeeper. Hoshiko asks if the artisan knows the Badger mon.
The artisan states that he can obtain it though he doesn't know it offhand. Discussion ensues concerning the size and placement of the mon. Hoshiko shows her tetsubo to the artisan so he has an idea of the size and placement. The artist says he will have an example of his work for them tomorrow morning. He will bring it to them at the inn they're staying it.
Haggling with the shopkeeper on price begins.
(Modified here - because we found the real price)
. She can have the first tetsubo at ½ price if she buys the second. Weapons are not cheap and since it felt off, Hoshiko decides that the first tetsubo is all Mikio needs. Hoshiko pays two koku and two bu for now and provides a promissory note with her chop for the rest of the payment the tetsubo is worth to be paid by her lord (Agasha Koro - who is here at an Inn for the rest). Mikio takes the tetsubo and leaves the case for the shopkeeper.Mikio walks down the street gazing at the tetsubo held in both hands. He and Hoshiko are stopped by two Lion guards. Mikio says, "See? New tetsubo!". The Lions compliment Mikio on his choice and politely request Mikio present the weapon in a manner conducive to walking down the road. Hoshiko apologizes to the guards for Mikio's enthusiastic behavior and suggests to Mikio that he put the weapon away until they get to the practice grounds. Mikio looks a little crestfallen but switches his daisho to the right side and slips the tetsubo through his obi. Mikio and Hoshiko have a discreet rotating guard all the way to the practice grounds.
Skipping ahead...
Koro asks for an audience to see a local magistrate. The magistrate was surprised of Koro's (a Phoenix shugenja) presence in his city but has decided to see him quickly. He mentions that he has recently been iven some samurai as retainers and since he was not a military man, was wondering how much to pay them. The magistrate listens to Koro's request on how much to pay a soldier. The magistrate sends for an expert in the field and then sits down for small talk and tea. Subtle barbs fly back and forth. Fifteen minutes later a guard appears at the door. The magistrate acknowledges him. The guard escorts Chui Matsu Kentaro in. The magistrates addresses Koro's question to the Chui. Koro and the Chui discuss how one determines the worth of a soldier, specifically in regards to their stipend.
Chui Matsu asks some questions to determine the rank, origin and expertise of the bushi with Koro. Chui Matsu chews this over ;).
GM's Note: Military Ranks-
Source: http://l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Rank
The following is a list of the ranks of those in the regular armies of Rokugan and what the ranks signify:
| Title | Control |
| Emperor of Rokugan | In theory, all of the armies of the empire |
| Clan Champion | Their respective clans |
| Daimyo | Their respective families |
| Rikugunshokan | Entire army (at the Champion's discretion).
The Rikugunshokan can own up to two or three castles, with a shireikan in charge of each and a small army stationed in each. (Way of the Dragon p. 26) |
| Shireikan | Five legions (Approx. 25,000 troops)
A shireikan will control five taisa and their troops, or approximately 25,000 soldiers. The Shireikan will often have a small personal guard, and may even own a large castle. (Dragon pp. 25-26) |
| Taisa | One legion (Approx. 5,000
troops)
The rank of taisa designates the captain of a legion under the command of a shireikan. A taisa will control five chui and their troops, or approximately 5,000 soldiers. |
| Chui | A chui will command from four
to twenty gunso and their troops, or one unit (Approx.
800-1,000 troops)
Chui's are sometimes rewarded for their command with a small castle near where their unit is posted. |
| Gunso | One platoon (Approx. 50-200 troops). The rank of gunso designates the sergeant of a platoon under the command of a chui. The gunso will control from five to forty nikutai and their troops, or approximately 50 to 200 soldiers. |
| Nikutai | One squad (Approx. 5-10 troops)
The rank of nikutai designates a corporal of a squad under the command of a gunso. The nikutai will directly control from five to ten hohei. |
| Hohei | The rank of hohei is equivalent to the rank of private. |
Chui Matsu offers the following information:
Nikutai- 5 koku/year + all initial equipmentKoro asks after a magistrates yoriki and their type of stipends. Chui Matsu Kentaro-san mulls this over and suggests 15-30 koku/year plus other potential gifts.
Pleasantries ensue and Koro takes his leave.
Koro-san brings his upcoming 'seance' to the attention of some of the party members. . Isawa Hisa is unavailable as is Daidoji Shotaro. (Players were absent from the game due to work).
Koro finds Hoshiko and Mikio at the practice grounds. Hoshiko stops when she sees Koro as this is an unusual sight at the practice ground. Koro comments on Mikio also using a tetsubo. Hoshiko explains that she has purchased a tetsubo for Mikio so that he doesn't have to keep borrowing hers. Hoshiko asks what her stipend is so that she can know how much she can pay the shopkeeper.
Koro replies that he is granting the rank of Gunso to Hoshiko with a yearly stipend of 25 koku.
Koro explains his upcoming meeting at the Temple of the Fortune of Persistance. Koro speaks plainly of the purpose and dangers of this meeting. He states that it is possible that if his ancestor has been corrupted and manages to take over Koro's body Hoshiko is to kill him. Hoshiko asks how she is to know this has happened. Koro explains that this is the providence of the Kitsu shukenja and if he states that this is happened Hoshiko is to kill him. Koro refuses to allow his body to be used for evil.
Hoshiko realizes that the Fortune of Persistance is Hida Kisada, the great Crab hero known as "The Great Bear." Mikio has been oblivious to this whole conversation and only realizes that Hoshiko has left when he doesn't hear the counter-beat of her tetsubo strikes on the pell. Mikio continues practicing until it's to dark to see. Afterwards, Mikio returns to the inn to eat and then goes in search of a Temple to Bishamon...
Mikio takes some of the incense he was given and makes an offering of thanks to Bishamon for his new tetsubo.
Hoshiko leaves the practice grounds, gets some sleep, then dons her armor, polishes her swords and joins Koro in the lobby of the inn they are staying at.
Hoshiko leaves an offering of two bu and Koro leaves an offering of five koku.
They are greeted by a monk who seemed to know who Koro and Hoshiko are. (The Kitsu had told him to expect a Phoenix Shugenja and a guard). He guides them through the temple and out into an open area in the back. The area is setup ritually and they participate in a tea ceremony. Hoshiko stays standing behind Koro the whole evening on guard.
At the conclusion of the tea ceremony, Kitsu Amoro's eyes turn red and he starts speaking in another voice and apparent language. It takes Koro a few minutes to understand what Amoro's saying as the dialect is unknown to him. (His grandfather was also an Agasha, but that was when they were with the Dragon).
"So grandson you are finally listening to me!"
Koro asks what his grandfather wants of him. Amoro's face turns into a rictus of hate and then, "Kill him!" Koro asks, "Kill who, grandfather?"
"Do they not teach you anything?!" Koro explains that they are no longer with the Dragon as they could not breathe under their rule.
Grandfather says, "Listen and learn." and begins an incantation.
Koro attempts to decipher the spell. It's an air spell of some sort and of a higher rank than Koro knows. Everything suddenly goes black. When everyone opens their eyes it's night and they are no longer at the temple. They are watching a conversation through the perspective of someone's eyes, speaking to another person. To summarize: it's the other person trying to convince the person who's perspective they are using to do something. Specifically, to embrace the destiny of man. To take the power of man to control his own life. From the lips of the person who they are viewing issues a denouncement of the other person as acting against the Celestial Order. The other person has a resigned look on their face, appears dejected and defeated, "If that is your decision."
Then he changes. A palpable darkness comes over him and as he straightens up his eyes burn with a green flame. Koro recognizes this as "Not Good!"
Hoshiko's Shadowlands knowledge shrieks in horror and she reaches for her sword. The body they are viewing from reaches to the opposite side of the body and into a bag. The other man flips his hand and they go flying backwards. The green eyed man begins speaking in a vile and unholy tongue. Heat and sharp pains rush over their body and then they snap back to the temple.
Koro and Hoshiko both feel completely nauseated. They want to hold back and, sadly, don't manage it. The Kitsu's eyes return to normal and he looks at his ease. Koro asks, "What was that?" The Kitsu respond, "What was what? The prayer I incanted only allows me to act as a vessel."
Koro and Hoshiko discuss what they saw with the Kitsu. The Kitsu is surprised that Hoshiko witnessed this as well. It appears that it was the work of Koro's grandfather that Hoshiko be a witness as well. The voice intoning the air spell was the same as the voice that spoke from them in the vision. They surmise that this was Koro's grandfather's voice though Koro never knew the man.
They conclude that this was a maho practioner and that though the body may have changed the voice may carry over. Hoshiko does her best to commit the voice of the maho agent to memory. The man wore all white robes (the color of death) and no mons were in evidence.
The Kitsu states he would be very hesitant to summon the spirit of Koro's grandfather again due to the possibility of corrupting himself. Hoshiko suggests the Kitsu carry jade from now on. The Kitsu replies that it is normally not an issue as there is very little chance of taint dealing with Lion ancestors in the heart of the empire.
As they leave the temple Hoshiko asks Koro about his grandfather. Koro tells her what he knows which isn't much as his father never spoke of his father - He was a Dragon Shukenja who died of an unknown fate (now known). Interestingly, based on their recent observations, there was no taint found on Koro's grandfather.
Next Morning...
Mikio and Hoshiko meet with the engraver. He has an example of the Badger mon which is accurate. Discussion ensues about the style of engraving. Sadly, the work the artisan could do would take longer than we have available. Hoshiko offers him a bu for the design. The man says that no payment is necessary that they simply refer someone to him when next they pass through. He stays for tea and polite conversation.
Since there is nothing further we need here we pack up and move on.
Travelling through Lion lands is much the same as before. Every so often a Lion patrol stops them and checks their papers.
Mikio plays with his tetsubo as they travel making sure he has enough space to avoid braining one of the porters.
We begin to see some cavalry patrols as we approach the Lion-Unicorn border.
We are entering the City of Honor's Sacrifice.
We cross the river to the City of the Rich Frog where the Setsubon Festival is being held.
The horses are much bigger on this side of the border. There are a lot of horses over here.
We find an impromptu inn to stay in and a place to store our gear. Hoshiko checks Koro's quarters for security and then hers.
There is a great deal of glasswork here and weapons that we have never seen (Broadswords and Scimitars). Drinking and festivities abound. A portly man bumps into Koro. Hoshiko checks his hands and find he is holding two cups. His clothing is gray with black trim. He drunkenly introduces himself as Morito Fume. Koro recognizes his name as one being on a document Koro carries. Fume's mon is Ox.
4 xp for all.
Appendix: Fortunes
http://l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Thousand_Fortunes
Appendix: Ancestor Worship
http://l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Ancestor_worship