Winter is Coming [L5R]

[BraveEarth]

The year is 1174 one year after the end of the Destroyer War, and the Rokugani Empire enjoys a peaceful year. Winter Court in Kyuden Doji will soon be in full swing and the Crane have already sent out many invitations to the Great Clans and a few Minor Clans to ask for their attendance. You are one of the Samurai chosen to attend the Crane Winter Court by your Daimyo to keep relations with the Crane and the hopefully gain some favor for your Clan. You are warned though of the Crane's strength in the court, their master of rhetoric, and their subtle tricks to lull their guests into complacency. Winter is Coming, and you will have to keep your wits during.

This is going to be a 4th Edition Legend of the Five Rings game, I am following the canon up to the year I put down and I will post a link to the wonderfully kept wiki to help you with getting an idea of the setting and political climate. As far as character creation goes I want you to answer the 20 questions you find in the core books Character Creation chapter, and I want to run this as a Insight rank 2 game, I won't put an restrictions on how your raise it yet so long as people don't make me. (Please don't.) I want 6 players in total to start with, and NO Spider Clan members. I will approve all characters individually and if you have any questions feel free to PM me

Players

   
• Mirumoto Takumi - Chris Brady
• Liang - kckolbe
• Tsi Chigiri -Katina Tarask

   

Character Sheet:

Code Select Expand

Name - School / Rank

Description / Background

Insight:

Earth  (Stamina  / Willpower )
Water  (Strength  / Perception )
Fire  (Agility  / Intelligence )
Air  (Reflexes  / Awareness )
Void

Current Void:


Initiative:


TN to be hit:



Wounds: Current -
Healthy (+0):
Nicked (+3):
Grazed (+5):
Hurt (+10):
Injured (+15):
Crippled (+20):
Down (+40):
Out :

Skills:
Skill (Emphasis): Rank – Attribute

School Techniques / Spells

Katas / Kihos

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Heritage

Equipment:

Honour:
Glory:
Status:
Taint:

XP Spent:

1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
A character's clan is their most defining characteristic because each clan has a well-established and distinct set of philosophies, prejudices, and ideals. Whether a character adheres to the stereotypes of his clan or breaks them, one way or the other they will prove very important to his personality.
2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Just like a character's clan, a character's family is an especially important defining characteristic. The stereotypes of each clan are broad, but individual families within the clan have much more specific, detailed roles and attitudes that further define the identity of the clan and those who serve it.
3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
Duty is an essential aspect of every samurai's life, and establishing exactly what manner of duty a character is obligated to perfrom in an important step in breathing life into him or her. Is the character a warrior and soldier, a priest and scholar, or a diplomat and politician?
4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?
Every character should have a rough description in order to give him some sort of life when describing him to others. What is the character's most striking feature? Does his mood come through in his appearance or is he inscrutable? Does he make other feel at ease, or make them uncomfortable?
5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION?
Though all samurai are, in theory, solely devoted to fulfilling the wishes of their lord, most have their own foals as well. Some may be simple, such as maintaining the honor of your ancestors, while other may revolve around the recovery of a lost heirloom or the avenging of a slight to your family's honor.
6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
Characters should have developed background in order to facilitate roleplaying. This question not only includes the individual's identity, but how that person met the character, why they are so close, and other similar questions.
7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
Strengths are what others see as respectable or admirable in the character, while weaknesses are what he would struggle to hide from others, lest they look down upon him for his failures. What does the character regard as his strengths and weaknesses, and how does this differ from his actual abilities?
8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
Although all samurai pay homage to the code, most Clans and families revere certain tenets over others. Which does the character consider the most important and which does he consider inconsequential? Do his views differ from those of his Clan?
9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS CLAN?
Of course all samurai are loyal and devoted servants of the Clan, but that does not mean they do not have their own opinions. Is the character a martial vessel of a pacifistic Clan? Or is he a pacifist in a society of warriors? Does he disagree with the Clan's current enmities and alliances?
10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
Marriage is very important institution in the Empire of Rokugan. A samurai's spouse is responsible for the managing the estate, and actually wield considerable  political power depending upon the size of their holdings. Was the character's marriage arranged, or is he or she still betrothed? Is it someone the samurai actually met, or a complete stranger? Is there a case of true lover that will interfere with the wedding, or will the samurai embrace duty over the wants of the heart?
11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
Most Clans are negatively predisposed against at least one other Clan, most often as a result of conflicts that have endured for decades or even centuries. Is the character one who readily  subscribes to these prejudices or has he developed his own dislikes of other Clans, even allied Clans, based on his own experiences?
12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
The simplest answer to this question would of course be "The Empress" by very few samurai have the honor to serve the Daughter of Heaven directly, instead serving someone in a long chain of authority that could included the Emerald Champion, The Clan Champions, the family daimyo, the provincial governors, or even the local magistrate. Whom does the character serve immediately, and is that person the one to whom he is the most loyal?
13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
This could address a wide variety of responses, including material possessions, activities, locations, or almost anything else that could spring to mind. Why does the character revere these things? What significance do they have to his history?
14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?
Since everyone tends to act according to the same protocol and etiquette, minor and inoffensive details of behavior tend to get noticed more frequently. Does the character chew his lip when he is nervous? Perhaps he has a unique greeting that he prefers to use. What does he do with his hands when nothing is going on?
15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
A true samurai is not supposed to show emotion, but no one is completely disciplined at all times, and everyone demonstrates to some degree of emotion at one point or another. What emotion is the character most likely to display when circumstances arise? What are the things that push him to the edge most easily, and which emotions are the easiest for him to hold in check?
16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?
The actions of a subordinate reflect the honor of his superior and in such cases a superior has considerable amount of leeway in dealing with a subordinate. Is the character the sort to demand the subordinates seppuku over even a minor infraction (something that could get the character into significant trouble very quickly), or will he forgive the behavior and attempt to correct it?
17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HIM?
Devotion to one's parents is considered proper behavior for any samurai, but devotion can be offered without any real respect between parent and child. Does the character have a proper relationship with his parents or are they estranged? Was the character's upbringing a source of joy or dismay for his parents? Are they still alive, or were they taken from the character at a younger age?
18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
Desire is a sin, but ambition tempered by duty is considered acceptable among most in the samurai caste. Bushi often aspire to become military leaders, for example, while courtiers desire nothing more than to rule over others at influential courts. What is the character's ultimate goal and, perhaps more importantly, how far is she willing to go in order to accomplish it?
19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
Among bushi and courtiers, the levels of religious devotion vary widely. Shugenja are of course religious, but even among their ranks some are more reverent than others. Is the character one to offer frequent prayers and make trips to the temple, or has she dismissed the need for religion and instead embraced the rule of steel in her life?
20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
This is a very important and intimidating question, but one that should be given consideration. Every samurai lives a few short feet from death, and death is a threat that can rear its head on any day of a samurai’s entire life. What is the character’s destiny? How will he meet his end when the time comes for him to join his ancestors, or to rejoin the universe as part of the Celestial Wheel?



Wiki Link : http://l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Legend_of_the_Five_Rings_Wiki

[Chris Brady]

Working on a Dragon duelist/bodyguard.  Not sure what I want to call him, yet.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

I'd love to play, but unsure what I would like to play.  Thinking Kitsuki magistrate.

[kckolbe]

I love both L5R and PumpkinSeeds, so this is definitely tempting.  Also, a chance to play insight 2!

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Kitsuki Magistrate it is.  Make a little Rokugan Sherlock..  >:)

[Muse]

Oooh!  Oooh!   Oooh!  May I play? 

What do you think, Pumpkin, should I reprise Kyou? 

[Chris Brady]

Here is Mirumoto Takumi, a relatively young Dragon Swordsmith and Duelist, whose wayward nature got him partially 'exiled' from the clan.

Mirumoto Takumi         
Clan: Dragon
School: Mirumoto Rank 2

Air: 2
   Reflex: 3
   Awareness: 2
Earth: 2
   Stamina: 3
   Willpower: 2
Fire: 3
   Agility: 3
   Intelligence: 3
Water: 3
   Strength: 3
   Perception: 3
Void: 2
   Void Points: 2

Skills:                     Mirumoto School Rank 2
Defense: 3                  Way of the Dragon
Iaijutsu: 2                  The Calm In Midst of The Thunder
Kenjutsu (Katana): 5
Lore: Shugenja 2
Lore: Bushido 1
Lore: Rokugani Geography 2
Meditation: 1
Theology: 1
Craft:  Weaponsmithing 3
Athletics: 3
Etiquette: 1
Jujutsu: 3
Kyujutsu: 3
Perform: Storytelling 3

Advantages:                  Disadvantages:
Balance (2)                  Bad Fortune: Unknown Enemy (-3)
Benten's Blessing (3)                    Infamous (-2)
Crab Hands (2)                       Lecher (-2)
Dangerous Beauty (3)
Darling of the Scorpion Court (2)
Sacred Weapon: Twin Sister Blades (3)
Voice (3)

Kata: STRENGTH OF THE DRAGON (Ring/Mastery: Fire 3 Schools: Any Dragon bushi Effect: While wielding a katana in your main hand and a wakizashi in your off hand,you gain a +3 bonus to your Armor TN)

Glory: 1.5         XP Spent: Oodles
Honour: 4.5      Insight: 150

Gear:
Twin Sister Blades (Identically length Daisho, they just LOOK the same length-ish, there's no rules changes), Light Armour (TN 5), Sturdy Clothes, Bow w/Quiver 20 arrows, Traveling Pack, 2 Koku, Several Pillow Books (detailing the true escapades of his direct ancestor),

Travelling pack contains:

Code Select Expand

Blacksmith's Hammer, Bottle of Sake, Chopsticks, Coin Purse, Ink Brush Kit, Metal Kitsune Mask, Set of Dice, Spare Kimono and Sandals, Travelling Cloak, Wide Brim Hat

The twenty Questions:

Questions:

1. Dragon

2. Mirumoto

3. Bushi

4. Wickedly good looking with an 'evil' smile.

5. Perfecting the blade, whether by craft or use.

6. He trusts only in himself.  This is not to say that he can't make friends, it's just at the end of the day, the only one who can get him out of whatever situation that he's in, is himself.  Oshiro taught that self-reliance is as important as duty to others can be.

7. His strength is Balance in all things, as is his weakness.  He doesn't seem to excel at anything, but neither do he seem lacking.

8. Bushido is but one code to follow.

9. Proud of the Dragon Clan, although he wishes their reputation for inscrutability wasn't so well earned.

10. He is not married, likely due to a certain incident.

11. He tends to be overly tolerant to anything not of the Shadowlands or Hell.

12. A select few inside his clan, so far.

13. His favourite thing is simplicity, whether in a moment, in a blade or other facet of life.  His least favourite is noisy crowds.

14. No real mannerisms, which is unique in itself, he has no visible habits.

15. Unlike most Bushi, he enjoys expressing himself in moderation, he has an infectious laugh, and generally has a genuine smile for everyone he meets.

16. He will always try to forgive and correct any errant behaviour.  It's easier to fix than replace.

17. His parents would describe him as quiet, kind and odd.  They fully expected him to be a Shugenja, and then there was that incident...

18. His highest ambition is to be the greatest swordsman ever.

19. He's not very religious, preferring to trust in himself over the vagaries of fate.

20. He will die alone, but after his seven breaths.  Or so he believes.

He was born to a humble family of Dragon swordsmiths, and seemed have an incredible talent for speaking to the spirits in the forge.  As such his parents suggested that he go to the Tamori Clan for instruction to become a Shugenja.  No one realized that he didn't speak to them, they spoke to him.  So when they discovered he had no talent for it, they were at a loss as to what to do next.  But then Master Oshiro saw something in him and they were happy, despite the old Bushi's noted eccentric teaching methods.  Gen (as he was known then) was ever the dutiful son, and only wanted to have his parents approval, and so he joined the old man on his trips to various sights of Rokugan.

Despite hearing some rumours of some of the more 'unique' adventures they may have had, they were happy to see that Takumi growing to be a skill and worldly swordsman.  They didn't realize how worldly until the recent incident involving the Dragonfly Princess, her Tsuruchi Samurai-ko Yojimbo, two bokken, some whip cream and an orange.

When they gave him the name of a famous ancestor on his Gempuku, whose 'adventures' were detailed in several series of racy pillow books, they did not expect him to live up (down) to his example.  Although the original Mirumoto Takumi was skilled with the Katana, this was not how he is remembered.

Fortunately, instead of having to commit Seppaku, various forces (namely the women involved) conspired to get him exiled from the clan, for at least a little while.  He was assigned to be a Yojimbo and Shugesha (student of the sword), and sent to the Crane court for the winter, hoping for him to learn a bit more of etiquette.  Either that, or scandalize the Crane into silence...

However, it would seem he annoyed someone, for there have been little incidents, attempts on his life.  A rock here, an errant arrow there, a dropped Bonsai tree, something potentially dangerous, but nothing overt, all little accidents that could happen to anyone.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Question - Should I create the Kitsuki to be more a politician or an investigator? 

[Sel Nar]

I would have offered to join, but the last time I picked up L5R books was around 15+ years ago, and what books I did have in my collection have long-since disappeared due to a variety of reasons. So, sadly, I guess I'm out of the running.

[BraveEarth]

Pumpkin I think you should do investigator, but also have some politcal skills given where they are and also persuading their strange methods in such a traditional place. Should be awesome. And I'm sorry to hear that Sel, hopefully we get a more people interested.

[Wraith]

I'd like to try this out, if you don't mind a system and setting newbie. My corebook has been gathering dust until now.

Since this is taking place in the Crane Court, is a Crane a viable character? If not, I'll probably go Crab or Unicorn.

[BraveEarth]

Of course Crane are allowed again the only Clan I don't wish to see here is the Spider >.>

[BigBuckBob]

Working on a Togashi monk

[kckolbe]

I am going to bow out, plenty of folks on board already.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

This is definately a Dragon loving group.

[BraveEarth]

Pumpkin I'm definitely noticing this. And kckolbe, The more the merrier my friend one above six isn't going to break my back.

[Marie Reynolds]

I would love to be apart of this but alas i will be out to sea until the 26 of july and my ability to get on this site due to security of government computers will be spoty at best. so i was hoping i could atleast be left in consideration till i arrive back in japan.

[Wraith]

Crane it is! I'm thinking a Doji right now. I'll have the sheet up in a day or so.

[Muse]

I've settled on a Unicorn Clan shugenja.  I'll try to get her together in the next day or so. 

[Wraith]

Well, here's my Doji. First character I made using this ruleset, so I'm sure I've made a few mistakes.

Character Sheet

Name: Doji Okubo      
Clan: Crane
School: Kakita

Air: 3
   Reflex: 3
   Awareness: 3

Earth: 2
   Stamina: 2
   Willpower: 2

Fire: 3
   Agility: 3
   Intelligence: 3

Water: 2
   Strength: 2
   Perception: 3

Void: 2
   Void Points: 2

Skills:                     Kakita School Rank 2
Etiquette: 2                  Way of the Crane
Kenjutsu (Katana, Wakizashi): 4             Speed of Lightning
Kyujutsu (Yumi): 3
Sincerity: 2
Tea Ceremony: 1
Calligraphy (High Rokugani): 2
Courtier: 2
Lore (Bushido): 3
Lore (Crane): 2
Lore (History): 2
Lore (Art): 2
Lore (Theology): 1
Meditation: 2
Perform (Flute): 3
Battle: 2
Defense: 2
Athletics: 2
Jiujitsu: 3
Knives (Tanto): 2

Advantages:                  Disadvantages:
Balance: 2                  Bad Fortune (Secret Lover): (-3)
Allies: 3 (Devotion - 1, Influence - 3)   Dark Secret                           
Dangerous Beauty: 3
Clear Thinker: 3
Higher Purpose: 3
Sacred Weapon (Kakita Blade): 5
Soul of Artistry: 4
Virtuous: 3



Glory: 1         XP Spent: 164
Honour: 6.5
Status: 1      
Insight: 167

Gear:
Kakita Blade (Katana), Light Armour (TN 5), Sturdy Clothing, Traveling Pack, 8 Koku, Wakizashi, Tanto, Bow (Yumi), Flute, Quiver, 30 Willow Leaf arrows[/code]

Travelling pack contains:

Code Select Expand

Bottle of Water, Chopsticks, Coin Purse, Ink Brush Kit, Spare Kimono and Sandals, Travelling Cloak, Wide Brim Hat, Daisho stand, Fan, Miniature shogi set[/spoiler]

The twenty Questions:

[spoiler]Questions:

1. Crane
2. Doji
3. Bushi
4. Beautiful and serene, with a calm smile on his face at all times.
5. To uphold the tenets of Bushido to the advantage of his daimyo and his clan, to the best of his abilities.
6. His twin sister, Doji Hanako. They are one soul in two bodies.
7. His strength is serenity in the face of adversity. His weakness is boldness when caution is called for.
8. The mark of a true samurai is his adherence to Bushido. While Courtesy is important, he believes Honor is the most important of all. Honesty can be troublesome, especially in a court full of deception.
9. The Crane uphold civilization in Rokugan. That does not mean they do not fall prey to the weaknesses that plague other clans.
10. He is betrothed, but his parents have not yet seen fit to tell him who it is they've pledged his hand to. Occasionally, he worries that this means the marriage is to a Clan he finds less than admirable, but he never dwells on the matter, trusting in his parents.
11. He disdains barbarism, so that the Scorpion, the Crab and the Unicorn rank low in his esteem. He gives the Crab some leeway, given their onerous duties, but he still does not like to spend time with one. A personal experience has made him wary about trusting the Pheonix without reservation.
12. He is loyal to the Clan and its Champion.
13. His favourite thing is beauty, which he finds everywhere he looks. His least favourite thing is boorishness or raucousness, which distracts one from more seemly contemplations.
14. He has a trademark smile. If it vanishes, matters have become serious. He also has a habit of tapping his fingers when impatient or lost in thought.
15. A Doji is always in control. He achieves this by finding serenity in everyday life. If the mask is broken, it is likely that anger and contempt will spill through. It is, however, very hard to break that mask. He is adept at controlling his emotions, largely by deflecting them.
16. Forgiveness requires penance. If the impropriety came from incompetence or ignorance, one such as that is not worthy of serving a Crane. If it was a minor infraction, some leeway can be given, but it must be made abundantly clear that no repetition of such actions will be tolerated.
17. His parents would describe him as diligent, reliable and competent. He has done nothing in his life to disgrace the Crane (so far as they know...) and they do not expect him to.
18. His highest ambition is to be the Emerald Champion.
19. He is well-read and has thought much on religious matters, but his greatest devotion is to the lives of his ancestors and in emulating them, he finds inner peace.
20. He will die with his sword in his hand, a smile on his face and peace on his mind.
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=History]
Doji Okubo was, like all who are of the Crane Clan, born in the lap of luxury. His parents, Doji Hitomi and Doji (formerly Kakita) Sayemon, were high in the honour of the Clan and close in the counsels of the Doji daimyo. As honourable samurai, they believed in bringing their children up to the highest standards mandated by the Crane.

From childhood, Okubo - then named Tonto - was closest to his twin sister, elder by a few seconds, Doji Hanako. The two were as unalike as possible - Tonto was an energetic, boisterous child; he laughed easily and he cried easily. Hanako, on the other hand, was soft-spoken, calm and sweet. As they grew up, they only seemed to grow closer. Tonto, obsessed with the history of the Crane and with his ancestors, sometimes believed that they were the reincarnations of Doji Yasurugi and Doji Konishiko and that they had been given a second chance by Heaven to make up for the tragedy of their previous livves.

Tonto dedicated himself to becoming the perfect samurai. He learned the code of Bushido, read treatises on samurai etiquette and the nature of Honour. He practiced forms with his shinai even before he was admitted into the Kakita Academy. In public, Tonto announced his intentions to pledge his service to his sister, who had devoted herself to becoming a courtier in service to the Clan. To himself and to his sister, he divulged his deeper dreams and higher ambitions.

By the age of 14, Tonto had proven himself, with the sword, with his skill with words and courtly manners and with his knowledge of history and art. He was allowed to sit for his gempukku and he acquitted himself with great honour. He discarded his childhood name and took up his proper name in public, truly becoming Doji Okubo. It was shortly after this that he was formally introduced to the Crane daimyo, Doji Domotai, for the first time.

With the permission of his parents and daimyo, Okubo embarked on a journey around Rokugan, along with other samurai from the Crane and Phoenix. He wanted to learn more about his country, the peasants and the other Clans. In his travels, he learned and experienced much, only some of which he later shared with others.

At 18, Okubo and Hanako were introduced to the Imperial court for the first time. Hanako made an immediate impression and was soon the focus of intrigue. Okubo had a part to play in this and his fair looks, skill with the blade and the flute were not overlooked either. The brother and sister duo soon became a fixture of Crane events, earning the friendship and enmity of samurai from all Clans.

[/spoiler]


[kckolbe]

So we have a Mirumoto Duelist, Kitsuki Magistrate, Togashi Monk, Unicorn Shugenja, and a Doji Duelist.  So Phoenix, Crab, Lion, Mantis, and Scorpion are unrepresented, Minor Clans as well. 

I am thinking of playing a ronin Air Shugenja sponsored by one of the other Clans (open to GM direction as to which).  He'll be a mix of shugenja and courtier with Void as a high stat.  He won't be a particularly strong shugenja, but will hopefully be well-rounded enough to get by. 

[kckolbe]

Name: (Kanemochi) Liang Self-Taught Shugenja (Air) Rank 2

Liang was raised in a small community of Kaeru who refused to join the Lion when fealty was offered.  His family discovered that he had a bond with the Kami at a young age.  Bao, his first teacher, suspected that he had a gift for the Void, and attempted to appeal to the Phoenix, but they refused to let him study with them as the family had nothing to offer, having been forced to leave Toshi sano Kanemochi Kaeru and start over.  Bao did his best to teach him, guiding him toward the element of Air, but Liang was not particularly suited for it.  Eventually he found Liang another shugenja, one skilled with the Element of Fire, but that did not work as well as expected.  He seemed more talented with fire, but had far less control over it.

Insight: 160

Earth  (Stamina 3 / Willpower 3)
Water 2 (Strength 2 / Perception 2)
Fire  (Agility 3 / Intelligence 3)
Air  (Reflexes 2 / Awareness 3)
Void 4

Current Void: 4

Initiative: 4k2

TN to be hit: 15

Wounds: Current -
Healthy (+0): 15
Nicked (+3): 21
Grazed (+5): 27
Hurt (+10): 33
Injured (+15): 39
Crippled (+20): 45
Down (+40): 51
Out : 57

Skills:
School
Athletics 1
Hunting 1
Meditation 1
Spellcraft 2
Stealth 1
Defense 2
Commerce 2
Non School
Tea Ceremony 5
Courtier 2
Etiquette 2
Sincerity 1

School Technique-The Kami’s Gift – Those who are self taught possess an affinity for the kami that many among the clans would envy. When you spend a Void Point on a Spellcasting Roll, you add +2k2 instead of +1k1. Unfortunately, you do not automatically gain additional spells when you advance in Rank; you must seek them out on your own.

Spell Scrolls: Sense, Commune, Summon, Blessed Wind, Legacy of Kaze-no-Kami, Call Upon the Wind, Wolf's Proposal, Enticing Dance of the Flame

Spells Memorized: Earth's Stagnation (1) Extinguish (1), Fury of Osano Wo (1), Path to Inner Peace (1)

Advantages: Sage (4), Daikoku's Blessing (4), Ishiken-Do (8)

Disadvantages: Failure of Bushido-Honor (3), Unlucky (2), Social Disadvantage (3), Elemental Imbalance (Fire) (2)

Equipment: Sturdy Robes, Wakizashi, Machi-Kanshisha, Traveling
Pack, Scroll Satchel, 5 bu

Pack Contents: Perfume, Tea Set, Small knife, fine kimono and sandals, week's rations (left the rest empty in hopes of starting with more money)

Honour: 4.0
Glory: 1.0
Status: 1.0
Taint: 0.0

XP Spent: 120

1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
None
2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Kanemochi (branch of the Kaeru that did not join the Lion)
3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
Shugenja
4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?
He is dressed well for a ronin, his hair well-groomed and usually scented.  He generally conveys an expression of discontent.  He is tall and slim of build with dark brown eyes that rarely seem to focus on anything.
5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION?
Advancing the resources available to ronin shugenja, advancing his own wealth, and mastering his abilities.  He also wants to know if he really could be an ishken-do.
6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
His primary teacher, Kanemochi Bao, who first suspected his gift with the void and did his best to help him master it.
7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
His attunement to the Void is his greatest strength, though he knows he has far from met his potential.  His weakness is his ability with Air, which is embarrassing for one of his experience.
8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
Most important to him is Sincerity, and least important is Courtesy.  In general, though, he thinks anything beyond basic fairness and honesty is overblown.
9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS CLAN?
He has no Clan, but he respects the Badger, as they are well-versed with self-reliance.  He believes that their Clan is one of few that unequivocally benefits Rokugan.
10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
No
11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
He resents the Phoenix for denying his plea to study with them.
12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
His old mentor, followed by the one who appointed him representative
13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
Fine accommodations/properly trained shugenja
14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?
His tendency to look past people makes him seem insincere at times.  He clenches his jaw when he wishes to say something and doesn't.
15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
Pride/gloating when upstaging a proper shugenja.
16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?
He would be generous/forgiving to prove to himself that he is better than higher status types.
17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HIM?
He thinks quite highly of them, particularly for their adherence to the Kaeru tradition
18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
See question #5, and he will risk a great deal of danger to get there.
19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
Like most traditional Kaeru, Liang embraces worship of the frog spirit that rose the Kaeru to prominence.  He is moderately devoted to the Kami.
20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
Taking on too much to upstage an Isawa

[Katina Tarask]

Pumpkin, if you're gonna go more political, want an Oriole attendant?  They are pretty much under Dragon protection, after all, and having someone on hand to produce quality gifts is very useful.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

An investigator can always use friends.  Besides, an Oriole with knowledge of crafts could be useful for an investigation since they would know alot about materials and perhaps even weapons.  So that would be good for both courtier and investigator :: sage nod::

[kckolbe]

This is actually a pretty well-rounded group for intrigue/politics.  I'd say our chances in the Shadowlands are pretty low, though.

[Muse]

How many shugenja do we have now?  I could provide some muscle instead.  Of course, my shugenja girl is pretty good with her Yari. 

[Wraith]

I think there's only one shugenja so far, the one kckolbe made. So yours would make two. Other than that, we have two Bushi, one Investigator and now an Artisan. Oh and maybe a Monk.

[kckolbe]

Muse, I was definitely hoping to have a second shugenja, especially a water one, as mine is currently kinda meh.  If you want to do a shugenja that focuses more on support to make her better in combat that is fine, but I definitely think she will shine more as shugenja than bushi.

[Muse]

:)  Okay, I'll put up what I have on her so far--still got a lot to do on the 20 questions, but I want to give people an idea of what I'm workign on. 

[kckolbe]

Also, Pumpkin said you were originally interested in Air, not Water as I'd thought.  If you still want to go with Air I can change my character's affinity to something else, even Earth so we don't overlap as much.  Hope that helps.

[Wraith]

BraveEarth, I notice you haven't added me to the list of players in the first post. Is there something I've forgotten to do?

[BraveEarth]

Your character's History.

[Wraith]

Right! Sorry. On its way.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

                                                                                                                       

Makes the Dragon Breathe

Nobody knows where the child came from that summer night.  No sentries could attest to seeing a figure move along the mountainous path to the temple and no local villages reported missing babes from the few women ready to give birth.  The monk who found the baby saw no note or message to accompany the child.  Only a bundle of green cloth was found wrapped around the infant, meant to ward off the night cold and keep her safe from the elements.  The girl made no sound on the floor of the monastery.  Indeed the monk says if a gust of wind had not displaced a lantern, he might well have walked past the infant or stepped on her during his rounds.  Strong hands lifted the girl upward to be seen in the firelight and only then did she let her cry be heard.

The monks had no place for an infant.  So remote and cut from the world, they did not know how best to handle a girl so young.  A shugenja was brought in to speak rites over the girl.  Spirits were consulted and magic cast to determine the origins of the girl.  None could give answers save for noticing the infant’s guardian close at hand.  The ancestor spirit of Agasha Kitsuki stood watch over the girl as she struggled with tasks as mundane as kicking off her blankets.  Vigilant and present, the spirit was linked to her.  The monks could not ignore her place within the Dragon Clan, but no family would step forward to lay claim.  None would take the burden of the child’s care unto themselves except for the Togashi who held a reputation for taking in the disavowed youth. 

Before she was to be taken off to the Togashi monastery, a monk stepped forward to lay claim.  A retired samurai of the Kitsuki, he could not stand aside and watch the chosen of his ancestor moved outside of the family.  A grand daughter had given birth recently in his family and so he petitioned them to foster the child until the temple could care for her properly.  For a time then the baby that would be known at Kitsuki Tomo had a normal life.  She would feed as babies do and sleep as well.  Though never would she play like the other children.  Games meant little to her as she only sat and watched others play them.  No amount of enticement or bullying could cajole her to participate.  The infant would only watch and even as a child she played the part of observer.

Most interesting was that she knew the rules.  The girl could recite each rule of the games played, even when the games were newly made with children’s enthusiasm.  Often times the children would turn to her for judgment on the rules as she only watched, only observed them at play.  Those that practiced foul play would attempt to bully her, to push her into the mud or take her few toys.  Still she would speak her truth and pronounce the winner and loser of each contest.  Even at such a young age her foster family saw her need for truth and knew the guiding hand of Kitsuki was upon her.  When time came for her to return to the temple, all knew that her path was set for the ranks of the investigator.  Some cheered her while other pitied her.  Truth was never an easy road to follow.

The monastery offered a life more pleasant to her.  Structured and established, her teacher was the old monk that had sent her to his family.  The man had been an investigator during his youth.  Truth had shamed him into retirement, but he had been a great voice for reason and logic.  Techniques were shown to her, puzzles given over for her to learn while she grew to womanhood in the temple.  Many times her instructor would set a scene for her to learn from, send her out into the mountains to return with a list of what she saw.  Never was she to disturb the scene, only to observe and report.  Always did she come back with her list and rarely was she sent back for more.

[Muse]

Shinjo Tsukiko – Iuchi Shugena / Rank 2

Description / Background







   Shinjo Akane is a courtier more renowned for her theatrical abilities than for accomplishing her clans goals.  (She prefers it that way.)  She is wed to Utaku Kyuske—a bushi trained as infantry but with a gift for horses.  They have three daughters, 19 year old Tsukiko and twin girls ten years her junior. 
   Tsukiko is a martially skilled shugenja, gifted with a variety of spears and spells.  She has defended her people against bandits, bakemono, and hungry dead. 

Insight:   157

3   Earth  (3 Stamina  / 3 Willpower )
3   Water  (3 Strength  / 3 Perception )
3   Fire   (3 Agility  / 3 Intelligence )
3   Air   (3 Reflexes  / 3 Awareness )
2   Void

Current Void: 2

Initiative: 5k2? 

TN to be hit: 15

Wounds: Current -
Healthy (+0): 15
Nicked (+3): 6
Grazed (+5): 6
Hurt (+10): 6
Injured (+15): 6
Crippled (+20): 6
Down (+40): 6
Out : 6

Skills:
Skill (Emphasis): Rank – Attribute
Acting 1 - Awareness
Athletics 1 - Strength
*Battle:  3 - Perception
*Calligraphy (Cipher):  3 – Intelegence
Courtier:  1 - Awareness
Etiquette:  1 - Awareness
*Horsemanship:  3 -
Investigation:  1 – Perception
Lore: History: 1 - Intelligence
*Lore: Theology:  3 - Intelligence
*Meditation:  3 - Void
*Spears (Yari):  3 - Agility
*Spellcraft: 3 - Intelligence

School Techniques / Spells: 
Affinity:  Water
Deficiency; Fire
Technique: Spirit of the Wind – The Iuchi harness the power of the elements to grant the waves’ speed to others. As a Complex Action, you may sacrifice one spell slot of any element to grant one target individual an additional Simple Move Action. This Simple Action is in addition to the target’s normal Actions per Round. The additional Action must be used on the target’s next Turn or it is lost. You also gain a Free Raise on any spell with the Travel keyword.

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

SENSE
Ring/Mastery: All 1
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: 50’ radius from the caster
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Range (+10’)
This spell can be cast in any of the four standard elements. It allows the caster to sense the presence, quantity, and rough location of elemental spirits (not the evil spirits known as kansen) of that element within the range of the spell.  This is most frequently applied when looking for spirits with which to Commune (see below), but can also be useful as a crude, basic location device. For example, a caster lost in the wilderness could cast Sense (Water) in hopes of locating a source of drinking water.

SUMMON
Ring/Mastery: All 1
Range: 30’
Area of Effect: 1 cubic foot of summoned material
Duration: Permanent
Raises: Range (+10’), quantity (+1 cubic foot), composition of material (1-4 Raises, as outlined below)
This spell can be cast in any of the four standard elements. It allows the caster to summon a modest quantity (one cubic foot) of the chosen element. The summoned matter appears (usually in a rough ball shape) in any open space within the spell’s range. This cannot place the summoned material inside another physical object or living creature. The summoned element will behave in a normal and mundane matter – earth falls to the ground, water soaks anything it lands on, air blows away, and fire winks out unless there is something present for it to burn. In general it is impossible to use this spell effectively in combat, although clever shugenja may find a few modest combat uses, such as using Summon (Fire) to ignite a foe soaked in cooking oil. More commonly, the spell’s value is in simpler functions, such as summoning Water while in a desert, or summoning Fire to light a campfire without flint and tinder.  Raises may be used with this spell to summon a more specific type of the appropriate element, such as wood or iron with Earth, or tea with Water. The GM should choose how many Raises (generally anywhere from 1 to 4) this requires. However, these Raises cannot be used to create rare/precious materials (such as gold) or spiritually powerful substances (such as jade or crystal).   

COMMUNE
Ring/Mastery: All 1
Range: 20’
Area of Effect: Self
Duration: Concentration
Raises: See below
This spell can be cast in any element save Void. It allows the caster to speak with one of the local elemental kami, asking it a few questions, which it will answer honestly to the best of its ability. Typically this spell will invoke the most active and energetic spirit of the chosen element in the area of effect; if all of the local spirits are quiescent, the GM may require the caster to call 1 or 2 Raises to “wake up” a local spirit enough to answer questions. 
A spirit reached with Commune will answer two questions. The caster may
Raise to get more questions (one per Raise). The caster may also Raise for clarity, to get a more accurate and informative answer to the questions. (Kami are notorious for their inability to fully comprehend human behavior, and asking questions without Raises for clarity can often result in confusing, enigmatic, or incomplete answers.) Spirits do not forget anything, so theoretically a shugenja can ask a spirit about something that happened decades ago; however, they also do not experience time in the same way as mortals, so trying to ask about something from long ago will usually require Raises in order to make the caster’s wishes clear to the spirit. The nature of the information which spirits can impart varies by element:
Air spirits tend to be playful and easily distracted, conveying information as emotions or as riddles and jokes. Since they are more interested in feelings than in facts, and enjoy playing games with those who speak with them, communing with an Air spirit can sometimes be very frustrating.

Earth spirits are straightforward and matter-of-fact, often blunt, but are also often rather uninterested in the behavior of mortals, have a poor understanding of human emotion, and tend to be overly focused on obscure details such as the color of a piece of clothing or the weight of a horse. 

Fire spirits are irritable and temperamental, and are often angry at being summoned unless they are propitiated with an offering of something to burn. On the other hand, if a shugenja can please them they tend to offer the clearest and most accurate information.

Water spirits communicate their knowledge through soundless visual images. This can be very helpful to a shugenja trying to investigate a past incident, but since the spirits cannot convey scent, sound, or emotion, the information they provide can often be incomplete or misleading. 

BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON
Ring/Mastery: Air 1
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: 20’ radius around the caster
Duration: 1 minute
Raises: Area (+5’ radius), Duration (+1 minute)
You call upon the kami to reveal that which has been hidden. All concealed objects within the area of effect appear as slightly luminous outlines to you. Any non-magical concealment is revealed, including secret compartments, trap doors, concealed weapons, etc. Only you can see the presence of these objects.

CLOAK OF NIGHT
Ring/Mastery: Air 1 (Illusion)
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: One object
Duration: 1 hour
Raises: Duration (+1 hour)
You can call upon the kami to wrap an object in their embrace, hiding it from the sight of mortal beings. You may target any one non-living object smaller than you. This object becomes invisible to the naked eye. Attempts to perceive it magically will automatically succeed if the Mastery Level of the spell used is higher than that of this spell. Spells of equal Mastery Level require a Contested Air Roll to detect the hidden object. The object is still physically present and can be touched, smelled, or sensed with any normal sense other than vision.

LEGACY OF KAZE-NO-KAMI
Ring/Mastery: Air 1 (Craft)
Range: School Rank x 10 miles
Area of Effect: One known individual within range
Duration: Special
Raises: Area (+1 individual), Range (+10 miles)
You are able to call upon the spirits of the wind to take form as a bird and carry a message for you. The bird that is created by this spell appears perfectly normal in all regards, but if it takes any damage it dissipates into wind immediately, ending the spell. Upon creating the bird, you may speak to it, giving it a spoken message of up to one minute in length. The bird will then fl y away to deliver the message to the person (or persons) specified when the spell is cast. The bird will fl y to their location, deliver the message via a whisper (it can be overheard by others, but not easily), and then disappear. If the bird is unable to reach the individual, but they are within range (if they are within a building with no windows, for instance) it will remain outside waiting for up to one week before disappearing. If the person specifi ed by the spell is not within range, the bird will fl y away in a random direction and disappear when it is out of your line of sight. 

JADE STRIKE
Ring/Mastery: Earth 1 (Jade, Thunder)
Range: 100’
Area of Effect: One target
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Damage (+1k0), Range (+10’), Targets (+1 target, maximum of 5 total targets)
This spell summons forth the purest of Earth kami, those of jade, in the form of a blast of iridescent green energy. The jade power flies out and unerringly strikes the chosen target – it cannot be intercepted or deflected, although Magic Resistance or other forms of magical defense can thwart it.  If the target has at least one Rank of Taint, the Jade Strike will inflict damage with a DR of 3k3, burning and blackening the Tainted flesh. However, a target who does not have at least a full Rank of Taint will not suffer any damage from the spell. Casting Jade Strike on a non-Tainted target is generally regarded as a grave insult – except perhaps among the more paranoid ranks of the Kuni family, where it is seen as merely a sensible precaution. 

JUROJIN’S BALM
Ring/Mastery: Earth 1
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: One target
Duration: 1 hour
Raises: Duration (+1/2 hour), Targets (+1 per 2 Raises, maximum of 5 total targets)
This spell fills the target’s body with the purity and vigor of Earth, driving out poisons and impurities. If the target suffers the effects of any poison or toxin within the duration of the spell, or is already under the effects of a poison when the spell targets him, he may re-roll any failed Stamina roll to resist the poison, with a bonus of +2k0 to the second roll. (However, if the second roll is also failed, the poison has full effect.) An interesting side-effect of this spell is that it also cures drunkenness and other such effects, and it is impossible for the target to become intoxicated during the spell’s duration. 

BE THE MOUNTAIN
Ring/Mastery: Earth 2 (Defense)
Range: 30’
Area of Effect: One target creature
Duration: 4 rounds
Raises: Duration (+1 Round)
A variant of the spell Armor of Earth, designed to protect allies, this prayer causes the Earth kami to envelop the target with their embrace, covering his skin with a stony barrier that repels physical blows. The target gains Reduction of a value equal to 5x the caster’s School Rank, to a maximum of 20, but cannot take Simple Move Actions for the duration of the spell (Free Move Actions are still allowed). Only a willing ally can be targeted with this spell.

EARTH BECOMES SKY
Ring/Mastery: Earth 2 (Jade, Thunder)
Range: 100’   
Area of Effect: One target creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Damage (+1k0), Targets (+1 target), Special (make boulders Jade with 2 Raises)
This spell summons up several huge boulders from the earth, and hurls them through the air to unerringly strike one (or more) target creatures. The target struck by these boulders suffers damage with a DR equal to the caster’s Earth rank. If the caster strikes multiple targets, the DR is reduced by 1k1 for each additional target, to a minimum of 1k1 damage per target. These boulders are made of normal, mundane stone, and thus cannot normally bypass Reduction or Invulnerability, but a powerful caster can infuse the boulders with the power of Jade.

EMBRACE OF KENRO-JI-JIN
Ring/Mastery: Earth 2 (Travel)
Range: Personal or Touch
Area of Effect: One target creature
Duration: 1 hour
Raises: Duration (+1/2 hour) 
This spell allows the target (who can be the caster or one other person) to literally dive into the ground, which becomes as clear and easy to traverse as water for him. He can see for a distance of 100 yards through the earth, and can move through it in any direction as easily as though he were in normal air. The target can see through the edge of the earth into the normal world, but he cannot attack, cast spells, speak, hear, or otherwise interact with those outside the earth unless he emerges from the ground (at which point the spell immediately ends). If the spell ends while the target is still underground, the Earth spirits are offended by the target’s continued presence, and immediately expel him into the nearest open air, wherever that might be. 

HANDS OF CLAY
Ring/Mastery: Earth 2 (Travel)
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: Self
Duration: 10 minutes
Raises: Duration (+5 minutes)
This spell infuses Earth spirits into the hands and feet of the caster, allowing them to merge with the Earth found in wood, earth, and stone. This allows the caster to walk and climb along sheer surfaces, including walls and cliffs, at half his normal movement speed (rounded up). He can even hang from ceilings and move along them, although in that case he can only move 3’ with a Simple Action. When the spell ends, the effect concludes without warning, possibly leading to a painful fall.



FURY OF OSANO-WO
Ring/Mastery: Fire 1 (Thunder)
Range: 300’
Area of Effect: One target
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Damage (+1k0 per two Raises)
This spell is actually a prayer to the Fortune of Fire and Thunder, inviting his wrath upon your enemy. It can only be cast outdoors, and summons a bolt of lightning from the sky, striking the target for 5k2 Wounds. Everyone within 10’ of the target must make a Stamina roll versus a TN of 15 to avoid being deafened for 2 Rounds. If this spell is cast during a thunderstorm, the damage is increased to 6k2 for a moderate storm and 6k3 for a disastrous storm or hurricane.

PATH TO INNER PEACE
Ring/Mastery: Water 1
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: One target individual
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: None
The water kami can influence the flow of water through the body, dramatically hastening the natural healing process. You can use this spell to heal Wounds that another individual has suffered. This spell restores a number of Wounds to the target equal to the amount by which the Spell Casting Roll exceeded the spell’s TN to cast.

THE RUSHING WAVE
Ring/Mastery: Water 1 (Travel)
Range: 10’
Area of Effect: One target individual
Duration: 1 round
Raises: Duration (+1 round), Range (+5’)
You can temporarily increase the speed of your target. This spell allows the target to make a Free Move Action of up his Water Ring x 10’ (instead of the normal x 5’). Without Raises for Duration, this benefit must be used on the target’s next Turn or it is lost.

SPEED OF THE WATERFALL
Ring/Mastery: Water 1 (Travel)
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: One target individual or creature
Duration: 1 hour
Raises: Duration (+10 minutes), Range (may increase to 10’ for two Raises)
Those filled with the essence of water find their movement far faster than ever before. The target of this spell may move a total distance per round equal to their Water x 20’ plus an amount equal to twice your Water Ring. This spell does not grant the target additional movement, it simply increases the maximum possible amount they can move during a Round for the duration of the spell.

SPIRIT OF THE WATER
Ring/Mastery: Water 1 (Battle)
Range: 20’
Area of Effect: One target individual
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Range (+5’), Special (Increase additional action to Complex for 5 Raises)
The spirit of water is both fluid and rapid. The target gains one additional Simple Action during the Reactions Stage of the Round in which this spell is completed. This Action cannot be used to make an attack.


CLOAK OF THE MIYA
Ring/Mastery: Water 2 (Defense)
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: Self
Duration: 5 rounds
Raises: Duration (+1 round)
You wrap yourself in the protective embrace of the wave. Your Armor TN is increased by an amount equal to your Water Ring plus your School Rank for the duration of this spell.

INARI’S BLESSING
Ring/Mastery: Water 2 (Craft)
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: Created sustenance
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Special (Enough food for one additional person per Raise)
Inari is the Fortune of Rice, and one of the most beloved of all divine entities throughout the Empire. This spell invokes Inari’s blessing, and creates nourishing food and drink at your command. This spell generates enough food and drink to sustain a number of individuals equal to your School Rank +1 for one day. Without Raises, this food is bland but sustaining, such as unflavored rice and water, but with Raises, you can increase the quality of the food to seafood or tea at the GM’s discretion. The TN to cast this spell is doubled when in the
Shadowlands.

WISDOM & CLARITY
Ring/Mastery: Water 2
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: Self
Duration: 1 hour
Raises: Duration (+30 minutes), Targets (may target another with 2 Raises)
By entreating the insight of the Water kami, a shugenja may dramatically increase his ability to perceive the world around him. For the duration of this spell, your reading speed doubles, and you will have perfect recall of everything read while under the influence of this spell. This spell does not enhance comprehension, however, so any language or cipher you are not familiar with is still completely indecipherable.

Advantages:
Benten’s Blessing
Large
Touch of Yume-Do

Disadvantages:
Idealistic
Lechery
Overconfident

Heritage

Equipment:
Lance: 
--Attack Roll:  6k3
--Damage Roll:  7k4
--Shatters upon inflicting 30 +damage. 
Wakasashi: 
--Attack Roll:   3k3
--Damage Roll:   5k2
Yari: 
--Attack Roll:  6k3
--Damage Roll:  6k2

Calligraphy Set
Elaborate Clothing
Traveling Pack
10 Koku

Honour: 5.5
Glory: 1
Status: 1
Taint:  0

XP Spent: 119

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
The Unicorn

2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
   The Shinjo (Her father is Utaku.) 

3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
   Shugenja

4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?
   “What an alluring barbarian.  Smooth skin, fine features, seductive eyes, long, ink black eyelashes, whimsical garb.  I thought I might spend some time with her ‘til I got close.  Then I realized she was three inches taller than I!”  --Crane clan courtier. 

5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION?
   Though dutiful and compassionate, life is an adventure to Tsukiko, best lived for its own enjoyment. 

6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
   Tsukiko’s cousin Utaku Hikari is her morale guidepost, reminding of her duty and honor when the dreamy shugenja might float away on a breeze of adventure or abandon her quest to protect farm folk from petty bandits. 


7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
   Strengths:  Tsukiko’s spirit is unquenchable.  Hope springs eternal in her. 
   Weaknesses:  Like many dreamers, Tsukiko is flighty and romantic. 


8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
   A true unicorn, Tsukiko values compassion above all other tenants. 

9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS CLAN?
   Though not a fanatic, Tsukiko has yet to realize any true corruption in her clan. 

10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
   Tsukiko’s parents are embroiled in some negotiations, but they’ve yet to find her an appropriate suitor.  (There’s some disagreement among the extended family.  The otaku want her back in the bloodline.) 

11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
   Tsukiko judges most people by how they act when she meets them.  She does have a romanticized view of the villainy of the scorpion and the hubris of the Lion. 

12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
   Though a dutiful girl, when the chips are down she trusts her own sense of right and wrong. 


13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
   Racing across the planes into the setting sun.  Staring at the stars in cool of night, seeing within while seeing without.  The mytic history of the land regaled by her sensei.  Seeing new places and meeting new people.  Testing herself in battle against true evil. Her horse Dreamwind and her pet monkey Even.   
   She dislikes people who pride themselves on ignorance and reject what’s different on general principle. 

14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?


15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
   Tsukiko values stoicisim, but usually is more free with quite emotions than is strictly fashionable.  She might smile in public, though she would rarely grin. 
   Anger and sorrow prompted by compassion, on the other hand, she barely tries to contain at all.  She might cry soundlessly for a stranger’s suffering or clench her fists in rage ‘til they shake. 

16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?


17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HIM?


18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
Too travel Rokugan and beyond, seeing all she can see and learning all she can learn. 

19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
   Other clans find her rather personable relationship with the Kami improper.  She enjoys ritual but is just as likely to carry on a one sided conversation with the kami or passions as the spirit moves her. 

20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
   Battling to defend a stranger. 

[Katina Tarask]

Okay, got a chance to hammer things out with Pumpkin.  Now, to actually find time to finish my character...

[BigBuckBob]

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Togashi Hanku
Clan: Dragon
School: Togashi Monk Rank 2
         Body of Stone: +1k1 to unarmed attack and damage
Kata: Striking as Fire
         Add fire ring to one attack per round.
Kiho: Body is an Anvil
        Anyone I touch or touches me suffer wounds equal to fire ring.
Unarmed attacks:8k4
                 4k3

Void 3
Fire 4
agility-4
inteligence-4
Air 3
reflex-3
awareness-3
Earth 2
stamina-2
willpower-2
Water 2
strength-2
perception-2

Dragon tattoo:
The head comes up to the mouth activates a fire cone
- dr 4k4 / take damage equal to fire ring each use
His chest is covered in intricate scale pattern, when activated it shields him.
- Reduction 5xinsight/ no simple movements [taken from ve the mountain]


athetics-3
defense-3
craft: tattoo -2
jiujutsu-3
meditation-3
lore: history-3
tea ceremony-3

robes, bo, pack, 5 koku

clear thinker
balance
Hands of Stone

cant lie
ascetic
disturbing countenance

Glory: 0 XP Spent: Yes
Honor: 4.5 Insight: 150




Travelling pack contains:

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weeks rations,simple tea set, tattoo needles

The twenty Questions:

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Questions:
1. Dragon
2. Togashi
3. monk
4. Medium build, bald, dragon tattoo on face
http://images.epilogue.net/users/bamartin/Togashi_Shintaro.jpg
5.Searching for enlightenment
6. He is the person he trusts the most. Followed shortly by others who acknowledge the danger of Maya. Not from a lack of trust of others, but because he knows his own experiences and can reflect on his own knowledge without fear of worldly corruption.
7. His intelligence is both a strength and a weakness. He seeks knowledge wherever he can, but he is drawn into it and misses out on the world around him. This is more deliberate than people realize, the senses paint an illusion of perception, reflecting helps him to peel back the veil.
8. Due to a philosophical outlook on Bushido, he most identifies with courage. He respects and questions all aspects, but in his quest for enlightenment he does not fear death and acts accordingly.
9. He is proud to be a dragon. The dragon encourage independence, and the search for enlightenment is a personal thing so there is a need to indulge in selfish quests.
10. He remains unattached, wishing to explore the world in full. He is not opposed to relationships but realizes all things must end, so he does not attempt to make them last and does not make long term commitments.
11. In the rare event that he runs in to an individual that he can not find any redeeming qualities in, he will judge him unfit. But only the individual, never a group, nor a family nor a clan based on the actions of a single person.
12. He is loyal to those who earn it. And should they fail to act reasonably, he will take his loyalty back. He knows his clan history and knows that loyalty can be a burden, so he does not cling to it and guards it well.
13. A quiet spot with a good view delights him. There is one spot in particular near his home where he felt he could see all of Rokugan and it resonated with him more then any ritual or meditation ever had.
14. He makes a habit of waking early and meditating, making himself at one with his surroundings. If possible, by climbing the nearest tall object and looking out on the horizon.
15. He is not afraid to show emotion, but more often when he feels anything he looks within to uncover the the root of it. He is quite introspective.
16. He is forgiving of mistakes and believes in second chances.
17. His parents would describe him as quiet, smart, and dedicated. They would pointedly not comment on his etiquette or charisma.
18. His highest ambition is enlightenment, but he would never call it ambition.
19. He honors the kami and his ancestors. As a Togashi he knows well the importance both played in his clans history and in where he is in life today. It is that honor that drives him to seek knowledge and enlightenment.
20. He will transcend into the next life, if he is lucky. More likely he will find his end while still in pursuit of the answers to life. Perhaps so caught up in the beauty under the sea that he does not rise in time to catch his breath, or unintentionally dishonoring a duelist and falling at his sword.



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His history is particularly boring looking from the outside in. He studied and contemplated and from an early age was more concerned with enlightenment than any other facet of life. However, the search did lead him to experience many things. He experienced food, at the home of a crane noble and in a 'mad' Moto's tent. He experience music, going so far as to attempt and fail at playing one himself. He walked with eta, talked to them as equals, gained insight. And he took the ritual of the ise zume, receiving a single tattoo with a dual purpose. And he will continue to experience life, because that is how he best feels he can learn life.


[kckolbe]

Muse, I was not expecting a large woman, but hats off to ya.  You managed to create something about as cringe-worthy to the Crane as you could while making sure they pretty much have to accept her.  I'm not sure if our characters have a ton in common or are opposites.  Either way it should be an interesting dynamic.  I particularly like that she is better at Air spells than my character is.  Oh well, at least he can rock a tea ceremony. 

[Muse]

*Grins*  Thank you, KC, I'm quite proud of her.  I hope she'll do well, and I look forewards to gaming beside you all. 

Um...  I need to trim a LOT of spells.  Any advise?

[kckolbe]

Hmm, this is metagaming a bit but I already have Kaze-no-Kami.  Spirit of the Water seems kinda useless seeing as how she can't get the 5 raises yet.  Cloak of the Miya is probably trashable since you already have a lot of Water spells and an Earth spell that offers protection.  Earth Becomes Sky, Jade Strike, and Fury of Osano-Wo are all attack spells.  I would get rid of one or two of them, probably Earth Becomes Sky.  After all, she mainly does damage with her spear, right?

[Muse]

Shinjo Tsukiko – Iuchi Shugena / Rank 2

Description / Background







   Shinjo Akane is a courtier more renowned for her theatrical abilities than for accomplishing her clans goals.  (She prefers it that way.)  She is wed to Utaku Kyuske—a bushi trained as infantry but with a gift for horses.  They have three daughters, 19 year old Tsukiko and twin girls ten years her junior. 
   Tsukiko is a martially skilled shugenja, gifted with a variety of spears and spells.  She has defended her people against bandits, bakemono, and hungry dead. 

Insight:      167

3   Earth   (3 Stamina  / 3 Willpower )
3   Water   (3 Strength  / 3 Perception )
3   Fire   (3 Agility  / 3 Intelligence )
3   Air   (3 Reflexes  / 3 Awareness )
2   Void

Current Void:   2

Initiative:   5k3?

TN to be hit:   15

Wounds: Current -
Healthy (+0):    15
Nicked (+3):    6
Grazed (+5):   6
Hurt (+10):    6
Injured (+15):    6
Crippled (+20):    6
Down (+40):    6
Out :       6

Skills:
Skill (Emphasis): Rank – Attribute
Acting 1 - Awareness
Athletics 1 - Strength
*Battle:  3 - Perception
*Calligraphy (Cipher):  3 – Intelegence
Courtier:  1 - Awareness
Etiquette:  1 - Awareness
*Horsemanship:  3 -
Investigation:  1 – Perception
Lore: History: 1 - Intelligence
*Lore: Theology:  3 - Intelligence
*Meditation:  3 - Void
*Spears (Yari):  3 - Agility
*Spellcraft: 3 - Intelligence

School Techniques / Spells: 
Affinity:  Water
Deficiency; Fire
Technique: Spirit of the Wind – The Iuchi harness the power of the elements to grant the waves’ speed to others. As a Complex Action, you may sacrifice one spell slot of any element to grant one target individual an additional Simple Move Action. This Simple Action is in addition to the target’s normal Actions per Round. The additional Action must be used on the target’s next Turn or it is lost. You also gain a Free Raise on any spell with the Travel keyword.

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

SENSE
Ring/Mastery: All 1
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: 50’ radius from the caster
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Range (+10’)
This spell can be cast in any of the four standard elements. It allows the caster to sense the presence, quantity, and rough location of elemental spirits (not the evil spirits known as kansen) of that element within the range of the spell.  This is most frequently applied when looking for spirits with which to Commune (see below), but can also be useful as a crude, basic location device. For example, a caster lost in the wilderness could cast Sense (Water) in hopes of locating a source of drinking water.

SUMMON
Ring/Mastery: All 1
Range: 30’
Area of Effect: 1 cubic foot of summoned material
Duration: Permanent
Raises: Range (+10’), quantity (+1 cubic foot), composition of material (1-4 Raises, as outlined below)
This spell can be cast in any of the four standard elements. It allows the caster to summon a modest quantity (one cubic foot) of the chosen element. The summoned matter appears (usually in a rough ball shape) in any open space within the spell’s range. This cannot place the summoned material inside another physical object or living creature. The summoned element will behave in a normal and mundane matter – earth falls to the ground, water soaks anything it lands on, air blows away, and fire winks out unless there is something present for it to burn. In general it is impossible to use this spell effectively in combat, although clever shugenja may find a few modest combat uses, such as using Summon (Fire) to ignite a foe soaked in cooking oil. More commonly, the spell’s value is in simpler functions, such as summoning Water while in a desert, or summoning Fire to light a campfire without flint and tinder.  Raises may be used with this spell to summon a more specific type of the appropriate element, such as wood or iron with Earth, or tea with Water. The GM should choose how many Raises (generally anywhere from 1 to 4) this requires. However, these Raises cannot be used to create rare/precious materials (such as gold) or spiritually powerful substances (such as jade or crystal).   

COMMUNE
Ring/Mastery: All 1
Range: 20’
Area of Effect: Self
Duration: Concentration
Raises: See below
This spell can be cast in any element save Void. It allows the caster to speak with one of the local elemental kami, asking it a few questions, which it will answer honestly to the best of its ability. Typically this spell will invoke the most active and energetic spirit of the chosen element in the area of effect; if all of the local spirits are quiescent, the GM may require the caster to call 1 or 2 Raises to “wake up” a local spirit enough to answer questions. 
A spirit reached with Commune will answer two questions. The caster may
Raise to get more questions (one per Raise). The caster may also Raise for clarity, to get a more accurate and informative answer to the questions. (Kami are notorious for their inability to fully comprehend human behavior, and asking questions without Raises for clarity can often result in confusing, enigmatic, or incomplete answers.) Spirits do not forget anything, so theoretically a shugenja can ask a spirit about something that happened decades ago; however, they also do not experience time in the same way as mortals, so trying to ask about something from long ago will usually require Raises in order to make the caster’s wishes clear to the spirit. The nature of the information which spirits can impart varies by element:
Air spirits tend to be playful and easily distracted, conveying information as emotions or as riddles and jokes. Since they are more interested in feelings than in facts, and enjoy playing games with those who speak with them, communing with an Air spirit can sometimes be very frustrating.

Earth spirits are straightforward and matter-of-fact, often blunt, but are also often rather uninterested in the behavior of mortals, have a poor understanding of human emotion, and tend to be overly focused on obscure details such as the color of a piece of clothing or the weight of a horse. 

Fire spirits are irritable and temperamental, and are often angry at being summoned unless they are propitiated with an offering of something to burn. On the other hand, if a shugenja can please them they tend to offer the clearest and most accurate information.

Water spirits communicate their knowledge through soundless visual images. This can be very helpful to a shugenja trying to investigate a past incident, but since the spirits cannot convey scent, sound, or emotion, the information they provide can often be incomplete or misleading. 

BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON
Ring/Mastery: Air 1
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: 20’ radius around the caster
Duration: 1 minute
Raises: Area (+5’ radius), Duration (+1 minute)
You call upon the kami to reveal that which has been hidden. All concealed objects within the area of effect appear as slightly luminous outlines to you. Any non-magical concealment is revealed, including secret compartments, trap doors, concealed weapons, etc. Only you can see the presence of these objects.

LEGACY OF KAZE-NO-KAMI
Ring/Mastery: Air 1 (Craft)
Range: School Rank x 10 miles
Area of Effect: One known individual within range
Duration: Special
Raises: Area (+1 individual), Range (+10 miles)
You are able to call upon the spirits of the wind to take form as a bird and carry a message for you. The bird that is created by this spell appears perfectly normal in all regards, but if it takes any damage it dissipates into wind immediately, ending the spell. Upon creating the bird, you may speak to it, giving it a spoken message of up to one minute in length. The bird will then fl y away to deliver the message to the person (or persons) specified when the spell is cast. The bird will fl y to their location, deliver the message via a whisper (it can be overheard by others, but not easily), and then disappear. If the bird is unable to reach the individual, but they are within range (if they are within a building with no windows, for instance) it will remain outside waiting for up to one week before disappearing. If the person specifi ed by the spell is not within range, the bird will fl y away in a random direction and disappear when it is out of your line of sight. 

JADE STRIKE
Ring/Mastery: Earth 1 (Jade, Thunder)
Range: 100’
Area of Effect: One target
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Damage (+1k0), Range (+10’), Targets (+1 target, maximum of 5 total targets)
This spell summons forth the purest of Earth kami, those of jade, in the form of a blast of iridescent green energy. The jade power flies out and unerringly strikes the chosen target – it cannot be intercepted or deflected, although Magic Resistance or other forms of magical defense can thwart it.  If the target has at least one Rank of Taint, the Jade Strike will inflict damage with a DR of 3k3, burning and blackening the Tainted flesh. However, a target who does not have at least a full Rank of Taint will not suffer any damage from the spell. Casting Jade Strike on a non-Tainted target is generally regarded as a grave insult – except perhaps among the more paranoid ranks of the Kuni family, where it is seen as merely a sensible precaution. 


EMBRACE OF KENRO-JI-JIN
Ring/Mastery: Earth 2 (Travel)
Range: Personal or Touch
Area of Effect: One target creature
Duration: 1 hour
Raises: Duration (+1/2 hour) 
This spell allows the target (who can be the caster or one other person) to literally dive into the ground, which becomes as clear and easy to traverse as water for him. He can see for a distance of 100 yards through the earth, and can move through it in any direction as easily as though he were in normal air. The target can see through the edge of the earth into the normal world, but he cannot attack, cast spells, speak, hear, or otherwise interact with those outside the earth unless he emerges from the ground (at which point the spell immediately ends). If the spell ends while the target is still underground, the Earth spirits are offended by the target’s continued presence, and immediately expel him into the nearest open air, wherever that might be. 

HANDS OF CLAY
Ring/Mastery: Earth 2 (Travel)
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: Self
Duration: 10 minutes
Raises: Duration (+5 minutes)
This spell infuses Earth spirits into the hands and feet of the caster, allowing them to merge with the Earth found in wood, earth, and stone. This allows the caster to walk and climb along sheer surfaces, including walls and cliffs, at half his normal movement speed (rounded up). He can even hang from ceilings and move along them, although in that case he can only move 3’ with a Simple Action. When the spell ends, the effect concludes without warning, possibly leading to a painful fall.

FURY OF OSANO-WO
Ring/Mastery: Fire 1 (Thunder)
Range: 300’
Area of Effect: One target
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Damage (+1k0 per two Raises)
This spell is actually a prayer to the Fortune of Fire and Thunder, inviting his wrath upon your enemy. It can only be cast outdoors, and summons a bolt of lightning from the sky, striking the target for 5k2 Wounds. Everyone within 10’ of the target must make a Stamina roll versus a TN of 15 to avoid being deafened for 2 Rounds. If this spell is cast during a thunderstorm, the damage is increased to 6k2 for a moderate storm and 6k3 for a disastrous storm or hurricane.

PATH TO INNER PEACE
Ring/Mastery: Water 1
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: One target individual
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: None
The water kami can influence the flow of water through the body, dramatically hastening the natural healing process. You can use this spell to heal Wounds that another individual has suffered. This spell restores a number of Wounds to the target equal to the amount by which the Spell Casting Roll exceeded the spell’s TN to cast.

THE RUSHING WAVE
Ring/Mastery: Water 1 (Travel)
Range: 10’
Area of Effect: One target individual
Duration: 1 round
Raises: Duration (+1 round), Range (+5’)
You can temporarily increase the speed of your target. This spell allows the target to make a Free Move Action of up his Water Ring x 10’ (instead of the normal x 5’). Without Raises for Duration, this benefit must be used on the target’s next Turn or it is lost.

SPEED OF THE WATERFALL
Ring/Mastery: Water 1 (Travel)
Range: Touch
Area of Effect: One target individual or creature
Duration: 1 hour
Raises: Duration (+10 minutes), Range (may increase to 10’ for two Raises)
Those filled with the essence of water find their movement far faster than ever before. The target of this spell may move a total distance per round equal to their Water x 20’ plus an amount equal to twice your Water Ring. This spell does not grant the target additional movement, it simply increases the maximum possible amount they can move during a Round for the duration of the spell.

CLOAK OF THE MIYA
Ring/Mastery: Water 2 (Defense)
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: Self
Duration: 5 rounds
Raises: Duration (+1 round)
You wrap yourself in the protective embrace of the wave. Your Armor TN is increased by an amount equal to your Water Ring plus your School Rank for the duration of this spell.

INARI’S BLESSING
Ring/Mastery: Water 2 (Craft)
Range: Personal
Area of Effect: Created sustenance
Duration: Instantaneous
Raises: Special (Enough food for one additional person per Raise)
Inari is the Fortune of Rice, and one of the most beloved of all divine entities throughout the Empire. This spell invokes Inari’s blessing, and creates nourishing food and drink at your command. This spell generates enough food and drink to sustain a number of individuals equal to your School Rank +1 for one day. Without Raises, this food is bland but sustaining, such as unflavored rice and water, but with Raises, you can increase the quality of the food to seafood or tea at the GM’s discretion. The TN to cast this spell is doubled when in the Shadowlands.

Advantages:
Benten’s Blessing
Large
Touch of Yume-Do

Disadvantages:
Idealistic
Lechery
Overconfident

Heritage

Equipment:
Lance: 
--Attack Roll:  6k3
--Damage Roll:  7k4
--Shatters upon inflicting 30 +damage. 
Wakasashi: 
--Attack Roll:   3k3
--Damage Roll:   5k2
Yari: 
--Attack Roll:  6k3
--Damage Roll:  6k2

Calligraphy Set
Elaborate Clothing
Traveling Pack
5 Koku

Honour: 5.5
Glory: 1
Status: 1
Taint:  0

XP Spent: 119

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
The Unicorn

2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
   The Shinjo (Her father is Utaku.) 

3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
   Shugenja

4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?
   “What an alluring barbarian.  Smooth skin, fine features, seductive eyes, long, ink black eyelashes, whimsical garb.  I thought I might spend some time with her ‘til I got close.  Then I realized she was three inches taller than I!”  --Crane clan courtier. 

5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION?
   Though dutiful and compassionate, life is an adventure to Tsukiko, best lived for its own enjoyment. 

6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
   Tsukiko’s cousin Utaku Hikari is her morale guidepost, reminding of her duty and honor when the dreamy shugenja might float away on a breeze of adventure or abandon her quest to protect farm folk from petty bandits. 


7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
   Strengths:  Tsukiko’s spirit is unquenchable.  Hope springs eternal in her. 
   Weaknesses:  Like many dreamers, Tsukiko is flighty and romantic. 


8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
   A true unicorn, Tsukiko values compassion above all other tenants. 

9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS CLAN?
   Though not a fanatic, Tsukiko has yet to realize any true corruption in her clan. 

10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
   Tsukiko’s parents are embroiled in some negotiations, but they’ve yet to find her an appropriate suitor.  (There’s some disagreement among the extended family.  The otaku want her back in the bloodline.) 

11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
   Tsukiko judges most people by how they act when she meets them.  She does have a romanticized view of the villainy of the scorpion and the hubris of the Lion. 

12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
   Though a dutiful girl, when the chips are down she trusts her own sense of right and wrong. 


13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
   Racing across the planes into the setting sun.  Staring at the stars in cool of night, seeing within while seeing without.  The mytic history of the land regaled by her sensei.  Seeing new places and meeting new people.  Testing herself in battle against true evil. Her horse Dreamwind and her pet monkey Even.   
   She dislikes people who pride themselves on ignorance and reject what’s different on general principle. 

14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?


15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
   Tsukiko values stoicisim, but usually is more free with quite emotions than is strictly fashionable.  She might smile in public, though she would rarely grin. 
   Anger and sorrow prompted by compassion, on the other hand, she barely tries to contain at all.  She might cry soundlessly for a stranger’s suffering or clench her fists in rage ‘til they shake. 

16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?


17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HIM?


18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
Too travel Rokugan and beyond, seeing all she can see and learning all she can learn. 

19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
   Other clans find her rather personable relationship with the Kami improper.  She enjoys ritual but is just as likely to carry on a one sided conversation with the kami or passions as the spirit moves her. 

20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
   Battling to defend a stranger. 

[BraveEarth]

Just a four day check in to see if everyone is still interested. And to say Muse, -5 Koku for the Yari >.> But yay for you for spending money. ^^;;

[Muse]

  Done. 

  And I still owe you a story for why I got those two Earth spells. 

[BraveEarth]

That you do. ;D

[kckolbe]

Still around.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

:: waves:: still here

[BigBuckBob]

Still here, working on my history.

[Chris Brady]

Imma waitin', Imma waitin'!

;D

[Katina Tarask]

Tsi Chigiri - Tsi Smith 2

Description / Background

Insight: 167

Earth 2 (Stamina 2 / Willpower 2)
Water 2 (Strength 2 / Perception 2)
Fire 2 (Agility 2 / Intelligence 3)
Air 3 (Reflexes 3 / Awareness 4)
Void 3

Current Void: 3/3


Initiative:
5k3

TN to be hit:
20


Wounds: Current -
Healthy (+0): 10
Nicked (+3): 14
Grazed (+5): 18
Hurt (+10): 22
Injured (+15): 26
Crippled (+20): 30
Down (+40): 34
Out : 38

Skills:
Artisan: Painting*/Awareness 2
Calligraphy/Intelligence 1
Commerce*/Intelligence 3
Courtier/Awareness 3
Craft: Weapon*/Intelligence 5
Defense*/Reflex 1
Etiquette*/Awareness (Apologies) 5
Games/Go 1
Games/Shogi 1
Investigation/Perception 1
Kenjutsu*/Agility 1
Lore: Art/Intelligence 4
Lore: Craft/Intelligence 4
Lore: History/Intelligence 2
Lore: Materials/Intelligence 3
Medicine/Intelligence 1
Sincerity/Awareness 3

School Techniques:
Tools of the Fortunes: All Craft skills are school skills.  +1 Glory on successful Craft, +1 for every margin of 5 by which you beat the TN.  Minimum Craft TN of 10+SRx5

Tsi Xing Guo's Blessing: +2k1 from Void when using own creations. 

Advantages:
Prodigy
Benten's Blessing
Soul of Artistry: Craft
Soul of Artistry: Artisan

Disadvantages:
Lechery
True Love: Kitsuki Tomo
Weakness: Strength

Equipment:
Sensible Clothing, Wakizashi, Calligraphy Set, 3 koku

Honour: 4.5
Glory: 1.0
Status: 1.0
Taint: 0.0

XP Spent: 150

1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Oriole Clan

2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Tsi family.

3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
Courtier (Artisan).

4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?


5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION?
To serve Kitsuki Tomo, and see the world in exchange.  She's the one who gave her freedom, to a degree, and it's a debt not easily forgotten.

6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
Kitsuki Tomo.  Unfortunately.  She cut most ties with her family and made quite a few enemies when she left her life to follow her, so most of the people she once trusted, she can't anymore.  Which leaves Tomo.

7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
Chigiri is a woman of grace, impeccable breeding (by minor clan standards) and exceptional artistic talent.  Until recently, her works were afforded value and popularity far beyond there merit, earning considerable wealth for the clan, but she left that behind to fulfill a promise.  Though a capable craftswoman and businesswoman, she is, unfortunately, not the most adept at taking care of herself, as her life has left her rather frail and naive.

8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
The code is, by and large, a thing of value, which one should nominally aspire to, if only to prevent social calamity, though Chigiri does not hold nearly so much personal investment in it as most.

9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HER CLAN?
Although she has immense respect for her clan's history and works, she finds that the modern Oriole (or at least her little corner of it) has become too unsatisfied with their station, too obsessed with their pursuit of wealth, fame, and status.

10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
Technically, Chigiri is betrothed, even if she can't be married.  Her late father, Tsi Teishu, was a dear friend of the late Kitsuki Naisochi.  Unlike most Tsi, Teishu was an exceptional warrior and aided the Dragon many a time.  In their final battle, they defeated a mighty band of thieves, but both received mortal wounds in return.  On their death beds, they swore that their unborn children were to be wed.  Unfortunately, the bandits had allies, who came and were believed to have purged Naisochi from this world.

In memory of an honored friend, the Oriole's daimyo approved this last wish, even though it was already believed void with the death of the child.  However, the Tsi later learned that the Dragon's pregnant wife, Hitanko, had managed to make her way to a monastery soon after giving birth.  She'd left the child there to be safe, and left, to die in the woods from her wounds.

Unwilling to betray a friend's final wish, the engagement stood, even if it can never be fulfilled.

11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
Chigiri always offers the Dragon great deference and favor as the Oriole's patron and guardian clan, but otherwise, most of Chigiri's experience with other clans is a matter of business, and money spends well no matter who it comes from.  The Mantis are more wont to haggle, and far better at it, so she prefers dealing with them as little as possible, particularly after having some hot gold passed along to her once, followed closely in suspicion by the Scorpion.  Meanwhile, she considers the Crab rather foolish; they tend to either offer an excessively generous price or unforgivably miserly one, and refuse to budge.  But for the most part, cash flows just as well no matter whose hand it comes from.

12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
Currently, her direct superior is Kitsuki Tomo.  Being unable to fulfill the vow between them properly, honor demands that she take it upon herself to protect and serve Tomo-sama until such time as she can fulfill it.  Or they die of old age.  Either way.

13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
Despite being quite good at it, Chigiri hates business.  The peddling of wares, the manufacture of goods for petty wealth, they grate as if she were bartering off pieces of her soul.  Art is greater than the merely material.

Meanwhile, she has a great love of travel, of seeing new things and meeting new people.  A taste she can now indulge in.

14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?
As an artist in nearly every field, Chigiri is as interested in taking the measure of objects as she is in taking the measure of people.  She's likely to pay as much attention to a samurai's daisho or kimono or even sandals as to the samurai herself, opting to assess the craftsmanship and try to puzzle out their origins, sometimes to the point where she looks slightly surprised when she notices the human bearing the goods.

15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
Curiosity, above all.  She can hide many things, but never her voracious mind, and Chigiri is wont to show naked joy at learning new things.

16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?
With her previous artificially inflated status, finding help to her standards was a simple matter, and even when the help fell short, she could easily dismiss the offender from her service and send them to a lesser craftsman, replacing the subordinate instead of dealing with the matter.  This, of course, is not a luxury she has anymore.

17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HER?
Once, her mother would have described her with glowing pride.  Now, she tries not to describe her at all, as her daughter's life is now a constant reminder of her late husband's final days and the deaths of many friends.  They communicate little these days, but in truth, she is prouder of her daughter now than ever before.

18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
Chigiri has learned not to aspire, and wishes little for herself beyond what she has achieved, instead wishing success for her mistress Tomo-sama.  She has tasted wealth and prestige and it was naught but drudgery and sorrow, and instead wishes to serve one of her choosing, and hopefully to have the chance to truly spread joy with her art.

19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
Though she is likely to offer little more than lip service and the minimum socially acceptable level of respect to the spiritual, she has been known to offer sincere prayers requesting guidance from her ancestors in times of need.

20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
Of old age at a monastery having spent her day teaching children how to hold a brush, whilst Tomo has spent her day not a hundred feet away teaching a general a few things he never knew about playing shogi.  Or maybe she's just an optimist who forgets her place.

[BraveEarth]

Okay guys... I've held my tongue for a bit too long... I put the sheets in the code tag so that you could easily highlight and copy them, Please edit your sheets so it's just regular, especially if you put a code in the code like Katina did and the code doesn't work.

[Chris Brady]

OK.  I will remove the coding (And this is to bump the page onto the first.  I could barely find it...)

[Muse]

  Yay!  The page is findable again! 

  Thanks, Chris. 

  What's our status, Brave?

[BraveEarth]

I am waiting on your Spell reasons, Pumpkin's character given her's is interwoven with Katina's, I need Wraith to put on his Characters sheet everything I discussed with him and I need to start on the Opening post for when everything comes together.

EDIT: I'm not forgetting about Bob >.> No...

[BigBuckBob]

In development

[Marie Reynolds]

Hello I posted my interest but never recieved a yay or a nay to my entry into the game

[BraveEarth]

Marie anyone is welcome to submit a character. If you need help I will be glad to assist. I don't give a yes or no till I see a character though.

[Marie Reynolds]

Okay  by tomorrow we should have a medically focused mantis courtier ronin sheet posted

[Chris Brady]

Can you make them NOT a ronin, Marie?  In L5R, and especially Crane lands, they aren't respected very much.  And I'd rather not have one character being 'picked on' because the setting says they should be.

[Marie Reynolds]

I am aware and okay with that but if you are uncomfortable with I'll make something else.

[Katina Tarask]

I'm sure all the uppity Crane ladies and gentlemen will give the dashing ronin all sorts of by day, but give him plenty of company by night. :P

[BraveEarth]

Although the reason for a ronin. being invited to Winter Court is the one I'm most interested in.

[kckolbe]

I had to answer more than a couple of questions before my ronin shugenja was approved, but they are definitely possible.

[Chris Brady]

As per BE's suggestion, I've added a Kata.

[BraveEarth]

Yeah Bushi are encouraged to add Kata given their rank as for Kiho for Shugenja I'm kind of fine with it that would have to be more reviewed. Also Don't go raising rings willy nilly to met requirements. >>;; if you already submitted a character... >.> Edit: <--- This is more for the people who are approaching 170 IR

[Marie Reynolds]

Just have to type out my bio and answer a few more questions and spend koku

[BraveEarth]

Spend Koku?!  :o

I love you.

[BraveEarth]

Okay this might sound rather amateurish however, I really have wracked my brain in contemplating this. Does anyone here like the Lion enough to maybe lend me a few ideas or help run a few Lion NPCs? I've always had a tough time trying to get into the mindset of a Lion especially in a high political setting where less fighting is involved.

[Marie Reynolds]

I can try step 1 think your better then everyone and shit on minor clans as much as possible lol. Be confused by Dragon clan courtiers and Samurai on a daily basis.anything else you need more answers to i will do my best to help.

[Marie Reynolds]

Sorry i took so long to get this up.

Name – :Isha, Izami : Yoritomo Courtier School& Tsi Smith School / Rank 2 (151)

Description :
He is 5’2” and long dark hair tied back in a ponytail with no bangs covering his face. He has the stocky body that most of the Yoritomo clan poses and he has brown eyes. Tends to wear kimonos in earth tones and other neutral colors.

Insight: 151

Air:  2
Reflexes: 2
Awareness: 2
Earth: 3
Stamina :3
Willpower:3
Fire: 3
Agility :3
Intelligence:3
Water: 2
Strength :2
Perception:2
Void:2
Current Void:


Initiative:  2K2


TN to be hit:  15



Wounds: Current -
Healthy (+0):  15
Nicked (+3):  21
Grazed (+5): 27
Hurt (+10):  33
Injured (+15): 39
Crippled (+20): 45
Down (+40): 51
Out : 57

Skills:
Commerce(Appraisal):2
Courtier:3
Defense:3
Etiquette:3
Intimidation(Control):2
Sincerity: 3
Craft(tailoring):2
Artisian(Poetry):2
Polearms:2
Medicine:3
School Techniques / Spells:
YORITOMO COURTIER SCHOOL
RANK 1: DUTY BEFORE HONOR
Like the Yasuki, the Mantis courtiers are merchants as well
as diplomats, and they cultivate a personal style built around
intimidation rather than friendship. Furthermore, they spend
much of their lives outside of the courts dealing with some of
the more unsavory characters in Rokugan. You do not lose Glory
or Honor for using the Commerce skill in public, and you do
not lose Honor for using the Intimidation (Control) skill. Any
time you are making Social Skill Rolls against ronin, bandits,
gang members, mercenaries, pirates, and other lawless types,
you gain a number of Free Raises equal to your School Rank.
TSI SMITH SCHOOL [ARTISAN]
RANK ONE: TOOLS OF THE FORTUNES
The Tsi Smith dedicates his life to reaching perfection in the
heat of the furnace. All Craft Skills are considered School
Skills for you for the purposes of effects that target School
Skills. Whenever you make a Craft Skill Roll, you gain one
point of Glory for succeeding, and one additional point for
every increment of 5 by which you exceed the TN. This effect
only applies to rolls a made against a TN equal to 10 plus your
School Rank x5 or higher.

Advantages:
Multiple Schools 10 PTS

Disadvantages:

Lost Love 3 PTS
Social Disadvantage 3 PTS
Idealistic 2 PTS
Soft Hearted 2 PTS

Heritage

Equipment:
Extravagant Clothing, Wakizashi,  Sasumata, Calligraphy Set, Traveling Pack, 1 zeni, 10 medicine kits, Folding Stool, 8 servings of candy, Small Tent,Songbird,1 metal lantern,3 flasks of lantern oil

Honour: 0
Glory: 0
Status: 0
Taint:0

XP Spent:  40

1. WHAT CLAN DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Formerly  a member of the Mantis Clan.
2. WHAT FAMILY DOES YOUR CHARACTER BELONG TO?
Was once a member of the Yoritomo family.
3. IS YOUR CHARACTER A BUSHI, A SHUGENJA, OR A COURTIER?
A courtier and a physician.
4. HOW WOULD OTHERS DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER’S APPEARANCE?
Every character should have a rough description in order to give him some sort of life when describing him to others. What is the character's most striking feature? Does his mood come through in his appearance or is he inscrutable? Does he make other feel at ease, or make them uncomfortable?
5. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION? He will seek to redeem himself in the eyes of the Emperor and Rokugan. Regain a duty and family and clan maybe one day by building his own. See his vision of a extension of bushido for those dedicated to healing.
6. WHO IS THE PERSON YOUR CHARACTER TRUSTS MOST IN THE WORLD?
The person he trusted most was Tsi, Ayame  his now deceased  wife.
Characters should have developed background in order to facilitate roleplaying. This question not only includes the individual's identity, but how that person met the character, why they are so close, and other similar questions.
7. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS?
His greatest strength in his eyes is his Idealism. His Greatest weakness that many see in him is that he is to soft hearted.
8. WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER THINK OF BUSHIDO?
Bushido is an honorable path and a noble way to live but it can be improved upon by a unique focus of a healer and that not every death should be considered a failure of one’s duty. When all was given to save a life.
9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS CLAN?
His opinion of his  clan is they are short sighted and distracted by temporal matters. I would hold more faith in the fortunes and the Fortune blessed emperor than thos of the Mantis.
10. IS YOUR CHARACTER MARRIED?
He was it was a wonderful marriage he was fulfilling responsibilities to his clan and he was actually in love and she with him
11. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY PREJUDICES?
His prejudice is those who look down upon the peasants. We serve the Emperor and the Peasants are under the Emperors care so should we not treat them with compassion and respect.
12. TO WHOM DOES YOUR CHARACTER OWE THE MOST LOYALTY?
The Fortunes, The Kami, and the Emperor the only ones he feels that can now redeem him and grant him the path to his redemption.
13. WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER’S FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THINGS?
Favorite Thing: Spending a quiet moment at the shrine and the going to a tea house afterwards as that is the best way to end the day.
Least Favorite thing; Talking about himself cause he feels its tedious and he would rather hear about others.
14. DOES YOUR CHARACTER HAVE ANY RECURRING MANNERISMS?
When Contemplating something or nervous he will rub his left ear lobe.
15. WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS?
A true samurai is not supposed to show emotion, but no one is completely disciplined at all times, and everyone demonstrates to some degree of emotion at one point or another. What emotion is the character most likely to display when circumstances arise? What are the things that push him to the edge most easily, and which emotions are the easiest for him to hold in check?
16. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER HANDLE A SUBORDINATE’S IMPROPER BEHAVIOR?
The actions of a subordinate reflect the honor of his superior and in such cases a superior has considerable amount of leeway in dealing with a subordinate. Is the character the sort to demand the subordinates seppuku over even a minor infraction (something that could get the character into significant trouble very quickly), or will he forgive the behavior and attempt to correct it?
17. HOW WOULD YOUR CHARACTER’S PARENTS DESCRIBE HIM?
Devotion to one's parents is considered proper behavior for any samurai, but devotion can be offered without any real respect between parent and child. Does the character have a proper relationship with his parents or are they estranged? Was the character's upbringing a source of joy or dismay for his parents? Are they still alive, or were they taken from the character at a younger age?
18. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S HIGHEST AMBITION?
Desire is a sin, but ambition tempered by duty is considered acceptable among most in the samurai caste. Bushi often aspire to become military leaders, for example, while courtiers desire nothing more than to rule over others at influential courts. What is the character's ultimate goal and, perhaps more importantly, how far is she willing to go in order to accomplish it?
19. HOW RELIGIOUS IS YOUR CHARACTER?
He is very devoted he beliefs he exists merely by the good Graces of the fortunes and the emperor  and because of his faith he seeks to redeem and restore his position in the  celestial wheel
20. HOW WILL YOUR CHARACTER DIE?
Well his death would come about through medical intervention of an ally or maybe even an enemy.
Background:
His story starts in the Mantis clan civil war and it is wear he was sent to study and seal  an agreement of having the Tsi smiths well-crafted weapons supporting the followers of Yoritomo, Kumiko by a marriage but before the marriage came about to a Tsi, Ayame he would have to live amongst the Oriole clan and be instructed in their ways. When he completed his training and actually in his time with the Oriole clan fell in love with his bride. Though due to the chaotic  times of the Mantis civil war the clans politics lead to his wife’s death  and his failure to save his wife medical and not even try to go after her assassin and the destruction of the treaty between the Mantis and Oriole clan. He was casted into a life of a ronin and since then has spent his days as a wondering physician accompanying the commoners on trips to sell their wares at various festivals or whatever other long journeys might require a physician on hand and this would be no different with the upcoming winter festival he would be traveling with a family looking to sell their wares and it was his job to help keep them healthy and he would even aide in negotiations when necessary as he was a courtier once upon a time.

[BraveEarth]

Sorry guys I kind of had the plague the last 5 days I just to see if people are still interested and if they are gently nudge them if they owe me things ^.^;;;

[Chris Brady]

Still here!

[Chris Brady]

Hello?  *Echoes*

[Muse]

Ready and willing! 

[BraveEarth]

Hello Sir. ^^;;;

[Wraith]

Ok, BraveEarth. Added in the History, clipped the Advantages, fixed Skills and bought the stuff you wanted me to guy. Okubo should be finished. Finally. Do you still want a sheet for Hanako?

[BraveEarth]

Yes I do, heads up guys I start school this week so even if everyone gets there stuff up the posting schedule will be slow.

[SGTDan]

HA!

L5R!I need to resurrect my Crab character!

Still looking?

[Chris Brady]

*Still waiting*