Lalúngi hiQurrúlama, Rank 6 Ritual Priestess of Lady Dlamelish (Katrina)

A beautiful and sexy Aridáni magician.

Nirún hiFershéna, worshipper of Lord Vimúlha, Expert Artisan, Veteran Soldier (Adrian)

An ugly brutal, scary, chlén-hide worker.

Máh’rel hiVrazhímü, worshipper of Lord Vimúlha, Master Merchant (Ace)

A charismatic and successful negotiator of some repute.

Kagésh hiVrazhímü, Rank 7 Scholar Priest of Lord Gruganú (David)

A clumsy but powerful sorcerer.

When the group reached the more populated areas of the realm they found themselves pushing through crowds of people who were fascinated by the strangers arrival. One question could be heard on many of their lips, “Have the Solars returned?”

Time was passing so seeking a faster route to the gate that was their destination, Ragara Anja suggested using the canal network and asked if they should risk using the, much faster, gold channel.

Agreeing that it was for the best, the team took up their places aboard a barge requisitioned by the beautiful Sidereal. The boatman poled the vessel into the centre lane and it shot off across Yu-Shan at a fantastic rate.

It was not a great many minutes later that they arrived at their destination and departed from the barge. As the last of their number stepped onto the jetty they spotted an intimidating, mustachioed figure in robes rich enough to challenge the fashion sense of Lord Typhon approaching. He was accompanied by a tough looking assistant.

Ragara Anja had seemed uncertain about if they should be using the fast lane, and it seemed that her concerns were justified. The portly figure introduced himself as The Imperial Censor of Travel and demanded to know by what authority they dared use the gold lane.

Son of Stone and Oak gave silent prayer to The Unconquered Sun for granting him the foresight to take advantage of Heaven’s Gaze’s library while waiting for dinner to be served a few days previously, and channeled a little essence to aid his recall. He then fixed the official with a steely gaze and launched into a tirade of bureaucratic minutiae, quoting obscure travel regulations and invoking rarely seen clauses.

When he finally finished, the Censor broke eye contact, mumbled something that was probably an apology and backed away, shooing his assistant as he went.

The journey out of the city was much like the inward journey, and Ragara Anja explained how the purposeless gods came to be. The tale plucked at Son of Stone and Oak’s heart strings and he became more subdued then he usually was during a journey through places he didn’t truly understand – and there had been many of these journeys in the few months since he had left his homeland and found himself caught up in a battle for Creation itself.

The gate to the Blessed Isle was also guarded by a Celestial Lion, but the creature granted access once Lord Typhon and Ragara Anja explained the situation.

Before the group departed, the Lion warned that there was those in heaven who would welcome the return of the Solars, but also those who would work against them, and confessed to being one of the former.

Before stepping through the gateway, The Wanderer In White plucked a few blades of grass from the field and gave the sent of them to his animals, before tucking them away in a pouch. The gods of the grass would ensure it stayed fresh forever.

The head of The Lap may not have been the warmest place in Creation, but it was in the South, and the altitude was not so high as the point where this gate exited – very close to the centre of Creation, near the peak of The Imperial Mountain.

The ground was covered in snow, and a chill quickly settled in. Ragara Anja did not hesitate to teleport the group to the outskirts of the city, where it was decidedly warmer.

A group of Solars, Dragon Kings and Sidereal were not likely to be welcomed with open arms at the centre of power for the Dragon Blood Empire, so it was under cover of rain and darkness that the group headed to the palace of The Roseblack.

With a little expenditure of Essence, The Wanderer In White heightened his senses to incredible levels, such that he could make out the outline of the god of each rain drop that fell from the sky. With this level of awareness he stepped the group through the streets and alleyways, avoiding all others who felt the need to be out on a night when enough water fell from the sky to flood Nexus.

The final hurdle was the approach to The Roseblack’s estate, a relatively busy thoroughfare that one of Lotus of the Solar Light’s stature would be be hard pressed to cross unnoticed.

To sidestep the issue the group sequestered him within an outbuilding, accompanied by Ragara Anja, while the others made their approach to the abode of The Roseblack.

The Wanderer In White handed the doorkeeper a token, insisting the he take it to The Roseblack and that she would recognise it. Leaving the visitors standing in the torrential downpour, the functionary hurried off to perform this service.

Nearly quarter of an hour later he returned and bade the group enter, whence they were escorted into the presence of one of the most powerful Dragon Blooded in Creation.

The traditional round of small talk ensued, and The Roseblack made arrangements for the rest of the group to join the assembly.

They turned up shortly thereafter, although Lotus of the Solar Light was looking distinctly more human then he had a half hour previously. Gone were his scales and claws, replaced by rippling muscles covered with dark chocolate skin and a mighty battle axe. Some form of glamour? Or a deeper magical change? The group didn’t know, but there would be time to find out later. First, there was business to discuss with their host.

She knew, already, that the invasion was coming, but the might of the enemy was, it seemed, not enough to provoke unity from the Houses. Two of whom had already sent their armies off to face the Alchemicals on two fronts.

It was a foolish gesture that would lead to their certain destruction.

The Roseblack became hopeful at the prospect of the elemental allies that the Solar’s could bring to the battle, and less so at the thought of some of the more unsavory forces they could call upon.

She made it clear that any Solar presence on the battlefield with the Dragon Blooded would lead to a disastrous three-way melee – the hatred of the ‘Anathama’ was too deeply ingrained for most Terrestrial Exalts to work with the Solars.

Any involvement from her guests would have to be discrete or far from the fields of battle.

So it was that they were returning to The Wanderer In White’s suggestion of attacking the Alchemical supply lines when The Roseblack received another visitor.

Accompanied by two worryingly nondescript bodyguards, Lady Mnemon, daughter of The Scarlet Empresses and likely the strongest Dragon Blood active in Creation, entered the room.

Last Updated ( Monday, 29 September 2008 )

Previously:

The massed alchemical forces of Authocthon marched on Creation. They met our heroes at the gates of The Lap and battle was inevitable.

Mighty though a Solar Exalt is, they are few in number and could not hold the raging army swirling around the city.

Heaven’s Gaze entered the gates of Yu-Shan and convinced those with the power to use it to save The Lap. So it came that The Lap existed 20 miles to the south east, and had always existed there. The invading force marched on – toward their true objective, important enough for them to bypass The Lap entirely.

Now:

The sun rose over The Lap, a city still showing the scars of the battle that never happened. Some of those instrumental in saving it are still within the city, recovering, training, and helping with the rebuilding efforts.

On the road to the city, Lotus of the Solar Light, loyal worshiper of The Unconquered Sun and member of the rare race know as The Dragon Kings had travelled south from the Blessed Isle, a sense of unease growing within him at the sight of a massive convoy of mechanical vessels taking the opposite route.

His seven foot form, covered in scales and bulging with muscle was enough to freeze the blood in the veins of most mortal men, and the guards in the watchtowers of The Lap were no exception. He marched through the ruined gates while they fled to beg the presence of the Solars still within the city.

The Solars were greeting the dawn, and planning their next move, the Wanderer in White favouring an attack on the enemy supply lines, when the interruption came. They abandoned their discussions to face this new threat.

There was a sense of unease in the air when they challenged him, they were confident they could defeat the creature if there was need, but at a time like this, any new enemy was enough to make the heart sink and allow despair to strengthen its position.

It took the intervention of Ragara Anja to settle the matter. Lotus of the Solar Light had had dealings with Braxus before but that charismatic paladin had secluded himself in meditation within his airship hovering above the city, he had been unseen for days. However, Ragara Anja had been present at those events and could vouch for the scaled one.

The matter of allegiances settled, the Solars invited the Dragon King to join their council of war, now the wounds of the battle were healed it was time to return to the frey.

Shunning the Great Hall of the palace for a smaller room where they could be more comfortable, the fellowship breakfasted and heard the news their new companion brought with him.

The information came as a mixed blessing, if the Alchemicals took control of the Isle then Creation would be in even greater peril then it was already. However, as Son of Stone and Oak pointed out, this might finally give the Dragon Blooded the motivation they needed to involve themselves in the fight.

Getting to the Isle and warning the Dragon Blooded became the overriding priority, but getting there quickly enough would prove a challenge. Braxus’ airship might be fast enough, but would attract unwanted attention. The Empire was notoriously unfond of the Solar Exalted and would have to be approached through back channels. Fortunately, The Wanderer In White had had prior dealings with The Roseblack and believed himself able to get them an audience with her.

Reaching her would still be a problem. Flying to the city in a golden airship would not be subtle enough, the forces of the Empire would likely array against them if there were to try such a bold approach.

Ragara Anja suggested that a member of the Eclipse Caste might be able to persuade the Celestial Lions that their need was valid, and gain them permission to cross the paths of Yu-Shan.

So it came to pass that a band of some of the most powerful beings in Creation came to stand on the giant head carved out of the mountain into which The Lap is built. Ragara Anja concentrated for a moment, then passed her hand through the air, tracing the outline of a doorway.

The path taken by her hand blazed with golden light and she stepped through into heaven, accompanied by Lord Typhon.

The land beyond the gate was blanketed in grass of the brightest green and bathed in glorious sunlight. It was beautiful, and a sharp contrast to the mountain top from which they had stepped.

The gate was not unguarded – a golden lion, a full seventeen feet from paw to shoulder, stood before it and challenged those wishing to pass.

Channeling Essence from the air around him and focusing it through his anima, Lord Typhon invoked the ancient treaties between Yu-Shan and the Caste Eclipse, his caste mark blazing out from his forehead announcing to all that he was a Solar of that Caste, Exalted by the power of the Unconquered Sun, and willing to use the power of his rank to achieve his goals.

The Lion bowed, a remarkable sight in itself, and granted Typhon permission to enter heaven with those under his protection.

So it was that the others left the cool mountain top and stepped into Elysium fields, bathed in warm sunlight with air that was perfectly still.

The route to the Blessed Isle took them through the city, and they found their way impeded. First by the spirits of purposeless gods, who’s touch was disturbing, but ultimately insubstantial. They dissipated when Lord Typhon shouted out that their time was past.

When the group reached the more populated areas of the realm they found themselves pushing through crowds of people who were fascinated by the strangers arrival. One question could be heard on many of their lips, “Have the Solars returned?”

We arrive on the Dragon Isle, onboard Braxus’ first age skyship Prometheus.

As we arrived, we were suddenly ‘escorted’ by two ships from the Imperial Isle.  We shoot down one ship.

The other damaged ship we board. Braxus fires an essence cannon at it severely damaging the back.

We all board the ship and head to the Imperial city.  We landed near the Deliberative and were ushered in to the Deliberative building.  We stayed there in a suite set aside for us.  The Wyld Hunt had not appeared and some said Lady Mnemon was using all her political might to hold back any repercussions of our visit.  None knew why, but again, some believed she planned to use us to tip the balance of power in her favour.

We meet Braxus’ mother – the Lover Clad in the Raiment of Tears.

We were invited to watch the Grand Deliberative in session.  Sitting in the public gallery, we watched in horror as Lady Mnemon got up and brought an action to the attention of the speaker.  It was to arrest us!  Braxus could contain himself no longer.  He gets to his feet, the statesman in him coming to the fore.

Striding to the floor of the Deliberative, he begins to speak, his words having a great impact on the men and women around him.  He is quickly joined by the other Solars who feel they should offer some solidarity.  Heaven’s Gaze is surprised to note her manager, Kejak Chejop, among Mnemon’s ‘retinue’.  Still, Braxus continues his discourse, and it seems, suddenly, as if the hearts and minds of the Deliberative hang in the balance.

Then Shadrach is moved to speak.  No one remembers exactly what he says with any real clarity, but it can be summarised as “You are the sheep.  We are the wolves that guard the flock.”  Gasps of horror can be heard from all around the Deliberative and his companions look on Shadrach with shock and disdain.  In a few dismal minutes, all of Braxus’ good work is gone.  The cry of “Arrest them!” resounds about the hall.

A dinner party.

The Wyld Hunt turn up. They look tough and have warstriders.

Heaven’s Gaze teleports the group to the docks. We land and fight the Wyld Hunt. Shadrak does some bad stunting.

Ragara Anja and Heaven’s Gaze open fire on the Wild hunt, saving the day.

Episode 1: The shortest route is not a straight line

23/Sep/2008

After the Battle of the Lap, Braxus goes in to seclusion while our heroes travel through Yu-Shen to warn the Blessed Isle of the impending invasion of Alchemical army. They meet The Roseblack but are interrupted by Lady Mnemon.

Episode 2: …

30/Sep/2008

…

Episode 3: …

7/Oct/2008

…

Episode 4: …

14/Oct/2008

…

Note: Series 13 is a shorter than usual series, featuring only four episodes.

After the meeting with the old man in the park, the wanderer had decided that time in the city was short and he needed troops. Walking to Cathak Letals home, he passed hundreds of people but none would look him in the eye. He had given up on being friendly with them, perhaps when a few generations have passed they may feel differently! HE had time and theirs was like a butterflies, a short and beautiful existence but nonetheless short.

Arriving at Cathak Letals house, he held back a laugh of derision at the crass opulence of his palace. Well at least he was sure that would be what Letal called it! The guards at the gate now had a backbone of pride, he smiled at that but knew that they would turn on them when they knew that troops would be coming. But he still had time, and knew that they feared them with good reason. 2000 Ragaran troops had borne witness to what he could do, Shadrach had defeated a giant autochthon in a duel, and the others had shown that on their own they would be capable of defeating Letal and his little band of loyal troops.

The guards turned to him; crossing their spears they asked his business!

“I am here to see Cathak Letal, with a matter of urgency.”

” The great Cathak Letal is busy and cannot be disturbed.”

” Then I shall wait for him within.”

” I am afraid that will not be possible, perhaps if you try tomorrow.”

” You will find that I have something important to put to Cathak Letal.”

” Again we must repeat that Cathak Letal is busy, perhaps if you come tomorrow he may well see you.”

The glint in the Wanderers eyes made the guards resolve wither, but the clank of the spears crossing each other again showed that they had a little back up. He turned to see Ragara Anja, damn was she quiet! “Ragara Anja, I did not expect to see you here. Are you here to see the great Cathak Letal as well?” Smiling she replies, “I came to see you ask for whatever it is you are after?” “How did you know that I was after something?” “Something in the stars, solar!” Holding back his shock, but not well enough to hide from Ragaran Ana, “does that mean that I can see Lethal now then?” Turning to the troops Ragaran Anja smiles, waves her pretty hands and they are allowed to enter.

“I thought the great Letal was busy?”

“He will see us now”

But the smile on her face, did not make the wanderer feel comfortable. A retainer came quickly, bowed to them both and requested that they follow him to the audience chamber. The audience chamber was not as crass as he expected. But one of the tapestries brought a rage in him to the fore. Anja placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him tearing it down. Turning swiftly he glared at Anja, but her smile was somewhat disarming.

“Now is not the time for that Char!”

“He is dead, I am the Wanderer in White.”

“Yes I know that, but nonetheless, you cannot hide that forever. We are not quite sure of all that you have done, but you did go missing from us for a while.”

“As I said he is dead, a deserved death for his crimes.”

The sound of a door opening ended the conversation. Cathak Letal entered the room in a loose fitting toga like an emperor at the head of a conquering army. The stench of sex and drugs was about the man, the wanderer barely disguised his disdain.  Ragara Anja turned to him, ” How nice of you to greet us all conquering Letal!” The barely held venom in her voice shock Cathak Letal him from his proud lofty platform. “This man has spilt his blood to help give you a reputation, I hope you will at least show the hospitality that you are known for. Would you treat the others the same as the Wanderer here, when they come to give their respects?” The wanderer was surprised at how Letal held himself.

“Apologies to you both, how is it that I can help you?”

“I need troops.”

“To the point” Letal replied.

“I thought that there would be no point to playing games, I have never played them very well!”

“And would you have me give over my loyal men.” The tone of his voice denoted his lineage, and barely held anger at his outrageous request.

The wanderer looked from Letal to Anja, his face full of pompous pride, and hers almost smiling, almost.

“You must have criminals in your cells, bandits, murderers and thieves? I want them, not your loyal men, I would make them deserving of a second chance and of course they’d be doing a service to society.”

Laughter fills the audience chamber, Letal calls for some wine to be brought. A few moments later food and wine are brought into the chamber, Letal offers Anja and the wanderer a place on cushioned divans.

“You want me to hand over the lowliest scum in my prisons, and deny the populace a viewing of beheading’s. And give into your hands those that would slit a childs throat for a handful of jade.That is a great risk, that I am not sure that I am willing to take.”

“But of course you will give over some of them Cathak Letal, a showing of mercy would of course help your reputation amongst the populace. As one of victor and one of mercy, surely you could not turn down an opportunity such as this?”

“And what guarantees will I receive that they will not be used against us here.”

“My word.”

“Your word, Wanderer is that all? You would have me hand over hardened scum to you on your word that  you would not turn them against  me?”

“Yes” The tone of the wanderer’s voice, stopped Letal in his tracks. He also feared the wanderer, but had so far hidden it but now he had shown it.

“I have only asked, I would not demand. I may be many things but I am not treacherous Cathak Letal, that I am not.” The edge in his voice left Letal no reason to disbelieve him.

Ragara Anja smiled, “Then we have a deal Letal, you will release the prisoners into the kind hands of the Wanderer here?”

“Yes, you can have what you are after. They will not be easy to command you know, positively rebellious I am sure.” The self-satisfied smirk on his face told the wanderer all he needed to know.

“I thank you for your audience Cathak Letal, when can I pick up my little band of helpful fellows?”

“In the morning, and I wish you luck with them.”

Letal rises from his seat, “You may leave me now, I grow tired and need to rest.”

Ragara Anja smiling turns to the wanderer, “Now that was interesting, you really are one to watch. Remind me to keep an eye on you.”

Ragara’s comment did not make him feel any easier, rising from the Divan he offers his hand to the lady. Smiling a most beautiful smile she takes his hand and with his help rises.

“Would you like me to walk in front, Ragara. So that you can keep an eye on me?”

Laughing “And there was me thinking you had no sense of humour.” Turning she kisses him on the cheek, the wanderer blushes which makes Anja laugh even louder. The echoes of her mirth echoing down the halls as she takes his arm.

The great feast at the end of rammadan had begun, the fasting was over and a time of celebration begins. In the grand market place you overhear one such storyteller in the square talking of a great white walled city Arkesh it sits proudly in the bay of Arkesh Alhun, the sun shines down upon the city radiating its glory for all to see.

A place of trade in the finest of items, it is even said that some sellers are not all they seem! Tales of a beautiful toy horse gifted to a shah, was in fact a true wonder, It could gallop across the sky. It is rumoured that it was made in Arkesh, just one of many wonders to be found there.

But a wonder that is rare, though not a wonder such as a galloping clockwork steed is that of the dream dust! A purse alone full of it is worth the dowry of one of the princesses of Baghdad!

The story teller himself sits grandly, listened keenly to by a crowd of over 100, a man in his fortieth moon, resplendent in his white silks tanned skin and piercing blue eyes. You feel the need to hear more of his tales, he talks of india and rubies the size of a childs head, and of china with a great wall built by the hands of small gods!

But he returns again to Arkesh and talks of the great white lotus’es that grow in the palace gardens, whose pollen is used to make the dream dust, of the bees that have no home in this world that travel from heaven itself to flower the beautiful blossoms. Whose honey is the sweetest in all of the world, but once tasted is like the bitterest of fruits as no matter how good or how much wine you drink you can never forget its taste!

His tales continue and you hear of palaces appearing in the deserts, of wild horsemen, beautiful green eyed maidens dancing that would make a blind man cry, and of the songs of the nightingales in the palaces of india!

Your mind is ablaze with wonderment at his tales, and of this dream dust!

Where is this city and how could one get some of this dust worth more than a thousand pearls!

The laps smashed gates, lay strewn across the causeway. Many of the buildings along the main route into the city lay smashed and blackened by the dragons fire. A miracle had happened, the beast had left, the Lap had been saved.

Ledats troops were heroes, the solars had done what was asked of them. One had nearly paid the price with his own life, Lord Typhon  had been blasted by the beast and had barely survived but only with the ministrations of a strange healer. Shadrach and the wanderer in white had been badly injured, but had survived and fought on. But the victory went to the glory of Cathak Ledat and his loyal men.

Soon troops would arrive to protect the city and the Anathema would leave, the people could breathe a sigh of relief.

The wanderer in white sat in the remains of a small stone pavillion, his familliars alongside him. An old man approached him. Turning  to him the wanderer smiled, but  the old man looked at him with  barely concealed hate.

“You are not welcome here anymore Anathema, our dragon blooded protectors will be here and you will run!”

The wanderer was shocked at his intensity, and hate!

I understand old man, I will be here again when the time comes, when you are threatened, I asked nothing this time and will ask nothing  next time.

The old man spits on the floor, and walks away. A small group had watched, the wanderer  was aware of them the old man was not. Smiling the wanderer rises bows to the back of the old man, looks like we have overstayed our welcome my friends.

He kept his emotions behind the stone wall of his will, he would turn that pain into a worthy weapon.The Autochon had a lot to teach them, and he would be a fast learner! Looking up to the sun, he mutterred a prayer to the unconquered  sun. Forgive me father for using Varin so, must I use him in this war so, or would you that I free him from his bonds? I do not know how I can release him from the blade, but if it is your will I will strive to free him. let me know your will on this and I will do as you ask.”

Righto part two of the PC options….

THE DRAGON CLAN

There are problems with players choosing parts of this clan. I don’t want to say no to anyone BUT in the 3rd Edition of L5R there are three orders of tattooed

monks (don’t ask!) However the official guys who write the rules have said that having three orders in the RP game has become too complex and in the online updating of the rules the orders have once become ‘one’ under the aegis of Togashi once more. Also there are families who would have little interest in the case at this stage (the Togashi and Tamori) but for the sake of completeness I’ll give you all the details.

The Togashi:

Simply put the ruling family of the Dragon Clan is not a family but a brotherhood. An order of Ise-zumi (tattooed monks) they are the most ancient of

the familiies of the Dragon and the most mysterious but yet probably the most energetic. To outside eyes they act randomly and without reason.  Yet there always appears to be an ulterior motive for the good of all Rokugan.

Gifted directly by the first Togashi the ise-zumi can tap powers through their tattoos which can achieve wonders that no ordinary samurai can achieve.  Well liked by peasants and most samurai they are rarely understood even by themselves.

The Tamori

The Tamori are the inheritors of the Agasha family that defected to the Phoenix Clan to help rebuild them after the disastrous civil war that took place within the Phoenix clan during the lead up to the Second Day of Thunder. What happened was that the leader of the Agasha at the time, Agasha Tamori became corrupted by the Living Shadow and aided Togashi Hitomi in her pogrom against the Dragon Clan itself. A pogrom which only ended when Togashi Hitomi became Lady Moon and Agasha Tamori was killed by his daughter after the War of the Spirits.

Therefore the Agasha shugenja family became defunct and were replaced by a family that holds it’s founding name in contempt! They are a martial family the most militant of all shugenja families in Rokugan and were practical clothing instead of the usual robes a shugenja might wear.

(On a personal note this is an absolute mess of a storyline in L5R. I can’t do anything about it but the ‘fate’ of the Agasha was decided at a games convention in the states by a card game. It makes little sense in the overall story arc and it indicates why the main writers have backpedalled on the ‘three orders’ of Togashi monks before the idea became too set.)

The Kitsuki

This family is not only well known within the Dragon Clan for it’s pursuit of justice but throughout the whole of Rokugan. Their role as the diplomats of the Dragon Clan is well known and the arts of court are a way of life for a Kitsuki that they revel in and excel. They are tenacious and effective as magistrates, diplomats and negotiators.  The presence of a Kitsuki in court rules out the presence of most illicit activity.

The Kitsuki pride themselves on their open demeanour and appearance. Physically speaking they are of small to medium build with the Dragon clan’s ever present lean physique.

The Mirumoto

Making up 75% of the Dragon Clan’s numbers the Mirumoto are the main bridge between the Dragon and the outside world. Forming the largest part of it’s armies the Mirumoto are born from a gruff and direct samurai who could not understand the master that asked him to serve his house. The first Mirumoto created the ‘Niten’ or ‘two swords’ style of fighting a direct style which allows samurai trained in the school to use both swords. Those who fail to understand the school call it a ‘coward’s way’ but those enlightened and particularly those schooled in the Kakita school (who have a long standing rivalry with the Mirumoto) understand that it comes from doing one’s duty to the best of your ability and resources. Physically the Mirumoto are strong and lean, with limited food resources you will never come across an overweight Mirumoto but might, if you’re unlucky, face one who has a trace of the original Mirumoto’s short temper.

Right the schools

The TOGASHI ISE-ZUMI have learned that by tapping into their tattoos they become closer to enlightenment and closer to understanding the true path that Shinsei showed mankind.

Upon starting along the path of a Togashi monk you are given a tattoo. That tattoo could be one of a variety of things, the Sun, Bamboo, a Tiger or even a Chrysanthemum. That tattoo gives you a start and as you reach enlightenment more tattoos will appear and your connection with the world of man will become more tenous.

The school teaches a variety of skills but it’s students are always encouraged to use peace as a way of negotiating and most followers of Togashi are practioners in the way of jiujitsu as a way of defending themselves if required to.

The KITSUKI COURTIER school is unsual when compared to other courtier schools.  Renowned for it’s ‘Kitsuki Method’ the school teaches its students to see through deceptions practised by the other clans. Sharp senses are required and honed over time coupled with the novel approach of using evidence in matters of law has resulted in the Kitsuki being sought specifically to solve murders of a serious nature when, before the school’s creation 300 years ago, a samurai’s word would have been enough to convict a man.

Because of the first Kitsuki’s teachings the Dragon uses diplomats from the Kitsuki to get their message across in other important courts but they are seldom allowed to get too close to what events are truly occuring. Most Kitsuki would say that they already know….

The TAMORI SHUGENJA school is next. Not the most honourable of the shugenja schools in Rokugan they hhave set their minds to uncovering the wilful elemntal forces of earth and combined it with the enigmatic nature of the Dragon Clan.

The Tamori’s former family were alchemists and to a certain extent students of the school continue that work but have discarded some of the irrelevant clutter that was sometimes associated with the Agasha. They are still focused on the arts of herbalism but are less concerned with alchemy than their predecesors. Still maintaining Shinsei’s mantra that ‘all ways are one’ they are mystic warrior philospohers with training at certain levels given over to Mirumoto bushi.

Which leads us to the MIRUMOTO BUSHI school. One of the oldest sword techniques in Rokugan, Mirumoto’s ‘Niten’ style teaches it’s students to use a katana in one hand with a wakizashi in the other. Not only making attacks more effective but also making it’s practioners harder to hit! Reflecting the desire to know all things Mirumoto bushi are encouraged to fight and learn from their brethren in the TAMORI SHUGENJA school.

Emphasising nothing other than Niten the school allows its students tgo follow what other skills they may choose, on the proviso that they will be the best at what they can do; be that Origami or Kyujutsu (archery). Shinsei said ‘All paths are one’ Mirumoto replied ‘I know one path will not teach me all I need to know.’

Developing skills from the bushi school the MIRUMOTO SWORDMASTER school developed out of the necessity to confront single powerful opponents. Taking on board the fact that students of the MIRUMOTO BUSHI school can fignht multiple opponents at a time, disciples of the Swordmaster school have taken their dedication to ‘Niten’ to a greater level, applying it in new ways, exclusive to Shinsei’s influence.  And as opposed to their Mirumoto brethren all students are required to take Iajiutsu (duelling/fast draw) as a skill so that they may apply Mirumoto’s technique in it’s most perfect form.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: PCs PLEASE READ

For the basis of the upcoming game I would like PCs, who would like to play a Dragon character, either to be from the Kitsuki or Mirumoto family and then, schoolwise, to come from the COURTIER, BUSHI or SWORDMASTER schools. There will be no negotiation on this! Thanks awfully.

Right *scrathes head* I guess the Scorpion Clan will be next……

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 October 2007 )

Hello there weary traveller etc etc..

If you’d like to take part in my L5R campaign please have a look at the info below and see if the Lion Clan is the option for you!

More info is available if you require it just let me know mmkay?

THE LION CLAN

The Akodo:

Until about 40 years ago the Akodo were the first family on military matters in
Rokugan, not just the Lion Clan. When the first Emperor chose his bodyguard it
was Akodo One-eye the founding father of the Lion Clan who had the role. And
the role of the Emperor’s right hand stayed for life.

What happened 50 years ago was that Akodo Toturi tried to defend the actions of
the Scorpion champion and was rewarded with his family’s dissolution. A
dissolution he was later able to overturn, however within that time the ‘ronin’
that were his family were corrupted by an entity called The Lying Darkness.
Again a threat that has only recently been overcome with the help of Lady Moon.
As a result the Akodo have come back but as a consequence of their recent trials
there are many samurai in the Akodo family who have very little memory of what
they did or who they were.

But they will survive because Akodo are stoic in nature and very conservative
and traditional when following the code of Bushido and their main strength is
working together cooperatively. The Akodo mantra is ‘If your brother drops his
sword in the battle line, lend him yours.’ With all their recent adversity the
Akodo know that only by pulling together as a family will they survive and rise
again.

The Matsu

The matriarchal Matsu are everything the Akodo are not. Followers of Bushido
with a natural fierce and independent nature. It is a foolish warrior who
confronts a Matsu who has had a bad day.

The Matsu’s power relies in their individual martial prowess and power. Just as
traditional and guided by bushido as much as the Akodo a Matsu is told from an
early age that they must rely on themselves only. They are Lion and a Matsu
must be fierce and strike down all enemies! They are the largest family in the
Lion Clan. Outside of the Clan the Matsu are regarded as being hot tempered and
unpredictable for their violent tendancies. The Matsu are aware of this and play
on that presumption.

The Ikoma

From the Matsu we move to the Ikoma.  When Akodo One-eye set the Lion Clan in
place he realised that not all his problems could be resolved on the
battlefield or via a duel so he gave the job of training a diplomatic service to
a braggart of a samurai called Ikoma. At the time it was an odd choice but a
thousand years later it has proved to be a wise choice indeed. The Lion Clan’s
scholars, diplomats, historians, storytellers, spymasters and even some of it’s
greatest tactictians have come from the Ikoma.

To an Akodo or a Matsu losing face through showing emotions is disastrous, it
goes against the tradition of ‘On’(face) within bushido so to counter that the
Ikoma are given a unique role within the Lion clan which no other samurai
family has in Rokugan: they are allowed to ‘let go’ in public.

An Ikoma may cry, laugh, declaim in public without any loss of face if he does
it on behalf of his Clan brothers and sisters. For example if a Matsu is
insulted and he is with an Ikoma ‘Omoidasu’ (storyteller) the Ikoma will tell
the poor samurai who did the insulting, with full cry about the history of the
Matsu and exactly why the Matsu is going to kill him. It is an extraordinary
role as when an Ikoma is on their own they tend to be a quiet sort, some might
say rather dull!

The Kitsu

Finally the last family of the Lion, but perhaps the most important are the holy
men and women of the Kitsu family. Besides being the normal shugenja that
funtion within the clan, the religious heart of the Lion, from a non-human
origin, they have kept the Lion Clan in touch with the Spirits of it’s
Ancestors for centuries. As an Akodo might organise and control a huge army on
the battlefield, an experienced Kitsu shugenja can call upon great powers and
favours from the Clan’s great heroes of the past and channel them through it’s
heroes of today.

They are closely tied to the Ikoma in emotions and with their origins the Kitsu
are semi histiorians carefully noting in detail who has done what within the
clan. And then asking politely for help as and when required.

The Akodo and Matsu dominate the battlefield but sometimes they need the
resources to achieve higher and greater results. The Kitsu are there for that
purpose!

PHEW!

So we move onto the Lion Schools:

Firstly there is the AKODO BUSHI school. This school takes as it’s creed the
first rules written by Akodo. That a samurai must learn not to act as a
solitary warrior but part of a huge titanic entity.  As a result an Akodo bushi
is happy either in the rank and file or as the army’s leader. Either role is an
honourable position.

Next there is the MATSU BERSERKER school. Epitomising all that is Matsu the
Berserker school trains it’s students in various weapon skills and physical
activities directed towards strength. Individual focus without fear and the
ability to strike with extreme violence in one stroke.

Then there is the AKODO WAR COLLEGE. Students of this school learn about the ebb
and flow of combat. Looking at the ‘Tides of Battle’ in it’s smallest detail a
samurai can apply lessons not only to the grander battle scence but also apply
himself in the smaller skirmish looking for weaknesses in his or her opponent,
and take advantage when required. Taking a more practical approach than the
IKOMA TACTICIAN school the AKODO WAR COLLEGE has a close relationship with the
AKODO BUSHI school.

Moving to the IKOMA OMOIDASU school. The ‘Omoidasu’ school covers the skills of
a storyteller.  In this school the samurai is taught the way of the diplomat.
It is an interesting way of life where a samurai would normally complete a
series of katas or demonstrate a perfect technique with a sword to learn the
next technique from his or her masters and Ikoma must recite a part of lion
history with accuracy and passion. Therefore not only increasing the glory and
honour of his subject but also of himself. The school also trains it’s
followers in the way of the sword but an Ikoma Omoidasu would have other
priorities.


The IKOMA TACTICIAN school is similiar to the AKODO WAR COLLEGE but tends to
lean towards historical aspects of battles and the lessons they could give.

When the Akodo were disbanded the Matsu, the new family head, insisted that the
Ikoma take the mantle left vacant by the subsequent disbandment of the AKODO
WAR COLLEGE. This caused difficulties as the Ikoma had always had the role of
bards and historians and although they applied themselves to their new role
they lacked the ability to apply the small unit strategies that the Akodo
excelled in. However students of the school have now begun to find their role
and the historical knowledge a student has of all opponents a Lion samurai
might face has proved invaluable. Especially in the current difficult
atmosphere.

Finally there is the KITSU SHUGENJA school. The Kitsu teach a rare and
specialised form of magic. Based around skills to perceive and contact the
various spirit realms the Kitsu are founded in reverence for the Lion Clan’s
history.

Those shugenja that become qualified from the school can draw power from
Ancestral Spirits and guide those who are lost within those realms to find
their way back to where they rightfully belong. In outlook they are hostile to
outside interference not because they are paranoid but because there are very
few who can actually understand the magic that makes the Kitsu what they are.

Don’t forget that picking one particular family over another does NOT dictate what school you should attend.  Family members within the clan can move quite easily around different schools.

Thank you for reading….Dragon Clan options will be up next…