Shosuro Genjiro
Genjiro Shosuro
The son of Shosuro Genji and Kistuki Hisayo, a young courtier among the Scorpion who has shown promise. Chosen at a young age to be put forward as a Bayushi courtier by Bayushi Setsuko over the objections of his mother (and initially the boy himself, though he seemed to come around during Winter court), Genjiro proved Bayushi out when he turned out to be a prodigy. Affable and intelligent, he has a rare gift among the Scorpion to engender some level of modest warmth from other Clan courtiers and cool professional diffidence from the rest, making him a good front negotiator for the Scorpion. When he petitioned for the chance to join Miya Ansho's entourage, it was because of this that he was allowed to join and serve.
Mental characteristics
Gender Identity
Male
Sexuality
Hetero
Year of Birth
1139
18 Years old
Children
Eyes
Caramel
Hair
Black
Height
5' 6"
Weight
148 lbs
Session VII - ...balls of them all
5/19/2019
-25th of Hare - 6th of Dragon, 1157-
Chiyoko and Akemi have no issues lining up the cook, talk with Moshi Masako and get her lined up, as well as the foodstuffs that were asked for. Genjiro lines up with wine from the village recommended by Itaru.
When it comes into looking to the supplies between Toshi no Naisho and Koso Mura, the difficulties are just described as shipping issues, but get quickly sorted out. In Toshi no Naisho, goods outside of the province are easy to come by and priced reasonably. Outside Toshi no Naisho, goods from the province are easy to come by and priced reasonably. The access and pricing are opposite otherwise. The conflict between the southern and northern dock workers isn't the cause, but is going to become a serious problem down the line as the imported samurai start wanting more of the imported goods. Prior to the last governor's death, there had not been the brawls and riots reported in the docks now. Dockmaster peasants should be part of preventing it, as well as a bunch of peasant doshin to keep them in line. The samurai in charge should be someone assigned by the governor or gokinen. No specific person from the old governor's entourage in charge. Shiba Himitsu, advisor to the deceased governor is the merchant patron - responsible for the merchants, and had some experience with the dock folks. Been doing this for about 7 years, since 1150.
Kazue and Genjiro go to see Himitsu to ask about the current situation at the docks, as well as the original setup. He does have some experience with them. There have been problems since Hiromoto-sama's death, since both harbor masters think there should be only one. Most of the difficulties with the current dock workers stems from that. Under Izuna's leadership, they simply have been trying to maintain course as it was until guidance from clan leadership. The harbor masters have taken that lattitude to cause trouble. Hiramoto-sama did not make the two harbor master setup; it just has always been, at least for the least several hundred years. Nothing tribal about it as far as he is aware - they are all the Takanobu tribe. He doesn't think either of the harbor masters would be more responsible than the other for the current state of affairs - believes it is simply the lack of governor that has allowed this situation to get out of hand. He has had more dealings with Shuzo, southern harbor master, than the northern one. As to the difficulties of the goods getting into the province, he believes its mainly tribalism - the Takanobu see themselves as superior to the others since they brought the others to heel militarily and see themselves as more civilized. Since Koso Mura is mainly the Yamataru and Morikawa Tribe, they have always had some heavy hands on the trading. The abbots have influence, whatever the tribe, for their chosen reflection of faith. Ask if there are any other troubles he's aware of? None he can think of at the moment for the merchants, aside from the difficulties with imported goods. Thinks that is also an opportunity for the governor; more importors. Asks what the governor's intention of the establishment of other merchant arm or patron? Genjiro says it is likely, with all the new samurai and them being here for a long time, but recommends he submit any concerns and recommendations to Ansho-sama; likely nothing will happen before the festival.
Haundo says to make sure that we put magistrates in the two ports, which will make sure we're tracking. We'll keep the two harbormasters in place as per the governor. We may should have something on the river to police that at some point as well. We go speak with Ansho-sama; Sou tells him we've done more investigation into the coming and going of goods, and recommends assigning two magistrates to help re-establish the authority that should be their since the governor's death and keep the goods flowing. He notes we haven't named any clan magistrates yet, but plans to start doing it over the next few weeks. There will be a pool submitted by the clans, but Ansho-sama is also open to our recommendations for those magistrates. The one Phoenix magistrate is out roaming still; expected back in a week or two. All named villages should have at least 1 named magistrate; after 500 people, at least 2; Koso Mura and Toshi no Naisho needs more with multiple in each district. Probably more than 1 in Panchu Mura or imperial legion there; same with Shijuku Mura. And a handful to roam the province itself. Probably need 3 dozen magistrates in total.
Major magistrate positions:
2; 1 to each port - recommendation - Kitsuki Umeji (Southern port), Lion recommendation (Northern port) (To be handled between sessions)
1 to samurai quarter of Toshi no Naishu
Couple to each village at edge of province (Panchu, Shijuku, Shuju Mura)
1 to Koso Mura Samurai quarter
Kazue goes and becomes familiar with the abbotts in Toshi no Naishou, Okimoto. Talks with him about current situation of the people. In times of strife, the greatest concern is survival. He has spoken with Ansho-sama, and is impressed with his passion and drive for peace. But he is concerned that the competition betweent the clans to curry his favor could impact the people in his care. Talks about the clans, and their different approaches to their heritage. Doesn't believe it rises to the level of animosity, but mainly just refusal to be associated with each other, maybe some yelling. Things have been worse lately, but seems to be from the void in leadership. Koso Mura is taoist, the rest of the province mainly fortunist, so tension there. Kazue gets the impression that he believes firm and even leadership and stability amongst the samurai will settle out the current elevated tensions.
Genjiro continues to learn the filing system and documentation of the manor to look into the report that should have been filed from Panchu Mura on the death of the monk.
Things in the kitchen are mildly tense, but do not seem to get out of situation.
Ansho-sama asks for the order of the gift giving. Sou thinks giving Phoenix the first pick of time, then a day later let each other delegation get to have a lot drawn by Iaimiko 3 days before; Ansho-sama likes the idea.Phoenix choose to go last; then Mantis go first, then Crab, Crane, Unicorn, Dragon, Lion, Minor Clans, Scorpion.
Soshi Masami is the 1st company commander of the Scorpion legion, assigned as Genjiro's escort by Itaru.
-7th of Dragon-
Each individual group shows up with all attendees. The first event is the gift giving. The Mantis - Yoritomo Etsuko (who remains stylishly yet scandalously dressed) - presents Tsuruchi bounty hunters placed at the governor's disposal to help with the law enforcement situation in the province (not much of a crowd reaction). The Crab - Yasuki Aiko - offers all the Kaui engineers (6) that will be placed at the disposal of the governor to help with infrastructure in the province (most onlookers impressed). The Crane - Doji Shunpei - offer up another Crane theatre troupe to be migrated to and tour the province in the next few years, a gift of the arts to the province (not much of a reaction, as expected). The Unicorn - Ide Ojong - offer a pledge to map the mountain passes north of the Taru Mountains and answer if there is a pass to Gaijin lands, and if so what is beyond them (some general amusement at this). The Dragon - Miramoto Hajitsu - pledge to support monetarily and personnel all the temples of the province to ensure they are cared for, fully funded, and have what they need (lots of nods, what was expected). The Lion - Ikoma Zenkichi - build and turn over fortifications to all the provinces' significant rice stores (not much reaction). The Minor - Kasuga Itsuko - swear to cleanse the curse of Ichinori Mura (amusement at this). The Scorpion - Bayushi Itaru - pledge a license under the Soshi cartel for an opium license to provide a good tax base to the province for the support and survival of everyone in it (a lot of derision, and some surprised Scorpion courtiers). The Phoenix - Asako Izuna - they offer up the collected history of the province to the good of all and will send their scholars through-out the province to collect the new information (another was expected). Ansho-sama graciously accepts all the gifts (seemed especially pleased with the Lion and the Minor, not happy with the Scorpion gift).
The art. Doji Takozawa's art is all incredible, all beautiful, all landscapes. Moshi Masako's art is quite good, with a lot going on, and a variety of anti-Crane clan themes that are evident. Iuchi Lassat's works have a real vibrance or life to them; the kami in her sculptures seem to be particularly active in the impact of it. Kakita Amihiko's ikebana are impressive displays; some of the best many have seen.
Ansho announces the magistrate choices we've selected so far - the Dragon and Lion are pleased.
Mingling occurs. Ichiro Oichi (Kasuga Hitsuko's bodyguard) approaches Haundo for conversation; heard a bit of his rep, and was impressed by it. Curious how he ended up servering Miya Ansho. He explains how he serves Kuni Taka, who is serving Ansho-sama. Itaru talks with Genjiro and asks his opinion of Doji Ayumi. Genjiro gives that aside from their first meeting that Itaru was at, he's heard the has earned her place as a great warrior and leader; Itaru agrees that she is a great general. Kitsune Sezaru talks with Sou and Yukika about the supernatural - everybody thinks there's a portal to jigoku in the swamp, and one to shikaku at the bend in the river, one reported in the swamp. No reliable of the earlier races in the area; seen the same info Sou has that there are perhaps Ninyo in the river, trolls in the swamp. Sou also talks with Lassat to complement her on the statues, and she's very interested in hearing about the Kitsune artisans. Amihiko is far more enthused about her Ikebana than performance when Sou compliments it; seems she's acting out of familial obligation. Isawa Suzuhiho, the Phoenix magistrate for Naishou, finds Kazue and introduces herself. Offers to meet tomorrow or the day after to talk about important matters, as well as answer Kazue's questions about the province - some place private and discrete, like the palace, our estate, or her quarters.
Kazue notices Doji Shunpei upset about something and looking around, studying the crowd. She tells Genjiro and Sou; Genjiro doesn't want to immediately antagonize Shunpei with his presence, so Sou asks Iaimiko to go with him to speak with Shunpei. Shunpei says everything is good, but Sou notices him reaching towards the center of chest, then stops when he realizes the gesture. Iaimiko comments that Shunpei doesn't seem very good at this; Sou agrees. Shunpei has a Crane pendant that was given to him by Kakita Kaiten, and is very proud of; has spoken of often. The crew remembers him having it earlier when gifts were presented; small silver necklace, silver crane in flight. While considering how to even look for the Crane pendant, Genjiro notices a Crane and Scorpion are looking around a bit in the garden. Very quickly there after, they disappear behind a hedge. It was Doji Miro and Bayushi Kenzo - both young samurai put forward as magistrates that came with the legions. It is not far from the bushes here to the palace itself. See the entrance that bush would lead to at the palace; collect Junko and head to that entrance. Other people are about, no obvious sign of them at that hallway. Ask a servant; points in the direction down another hallway (and Genjiro believes them). Happens a few more times to an emptier area of the palace, where no more servants, and no-one down that way. Listens; hears something in that direction, and go check in that direction. Find a hastily abandoned futon; rather than pursue, Genjiro returns to the party.
Chiyoko and Akemi have no issues lining up the cook, talk with Moshi Masako and get her lined up, as well as the foodstuffs that were asked for. Genjiro lines up with wine from the village recommended by Itaru.
When it comes into looking to the supplies between Toshi no Naisho and Koso Mura, the difficulties are just described as shipping issues, but get quickly sorted out. In Toshi no Naisho, goods outside of the province are easy to come by and priced reasonably. Outside Toshi no Naisho, goods from the province are easy to come by and priced reasonably. The access and pricing are opposite otherwise. The conflict between the southern and northern dock workers isn't the cause, but is going to become a serious problem down the line as the imported samurai start wanting more of the imported goods. Prior to the last governor's death, there had not been the brawls and riots reported in the docks now. Dockmaster peasants should be part of preventing it, as well as a bunch of peasant doshin to keep them in line. The samurai in charge should be someone assigned by the governor or gokinen. No specific person from the old governor's entourage in charge. Shiba Himitsu, advisor to the deceased governor is the merchant patron - responsible for the merchants, and had some experience with the dock folks. Been doing this for about 7 years, since 1150.
Kazue and Genjiro go to see Himitsu to ask about the current situation at the docks, as well as the original setup. He does have some experience with them. There have been problems since Hiromoto-sama's death, since both harbor masters think there should be only one. Most of the difficulties with the current dock workers stems from that. Under Izuna's leadership, they simply have been trying to maintain course as it was until guidance from clan leadership. The harbor masters have taken that lattitude to cause trouble. Hiramoto-sama did not make the two harbor master setup; it just has always been, at least for the least several hundred years. Nothing tribal about it as far as he is aware - they are all the Takanobu tribe. He doesn't think either of the harbor masters would be more responsible than the other for the current state of affairs - believes it is simply the lack of governor that has allowed this situation to get out of hand. He has had more dealings with Shuzo, southern harbor master, than the northern one. As to the difficulties of the goods getting into the province, he believes its mainly tribalism - the Takanobu see themselves as superior to the others since they brought the others to heel militarily and see themselves as more civilized. Since Koso Mura is mainly the Yamataru and Morikawa Tribe, they have always had some heavy hands on the trading. The abbots have influence, whatever the tribe, for their chosen reflection of faith. Ask if there are any other troubles he's aware of? None he can think of at the moment for the merchants, aside from the difficulties with imported goods. Thinks that is also an opportunity for the governor; more importors. Asks what the governor's intention of the establishment of other merchant arm or patron? Genjiro says it is likely, with all the new samurai and them being here for a long time, but recommends he submit any concerns and recommendations to Ansho-sama; likely nothing will happen before the festival.
Haundo says to make sure that we put magistrates in the two ports, which will make sure we're tracking. We'll keep the two harbormasters in place as per the governor. We may should have something on the river to police that at some point as well. We go speak with Ansho-sama; Sou tells him we've done more investigation into the coming and going of goods, and recommends assigning two magistrates to help re-establish the authority that should be their since the governor's death and keep the goods flowing. He notes we haven't named any clan magistrates yet, but plans to start doing it over the next few weeks. There will be a pool submitted by the clans, but Ansho-sama is also open to our recommendations for those magistrates. The one Phoenix magistrate is out roaming still; expected back in a week or two. All named villages should have at least 1 named magistrate; after 500 people, at least 2; Koso Mura and Toshi no Naisho needs more with multiple in each district. Probably more than 1 in Panchu Mura or imperial legion there; same with Shijuku Mura. And a handful to roam the province itself. Probably need 3 dozen magistrates in total.
Major magistrate positions:
Kazue goes and becomes familiar with the abbotts in Toshi no Naishou, Okimoto. Talks with him about current situation of the people. In times of strife, the greatest concern is survival. He has spoken with Ansho-sama, and is impressed with his passion and drive for peace. But he is concerned that the competition betweent the clans to curry his favor could impact the people in his care. Talks about the clans, and their different approaches to their heritage. Doesn't believe it rises to the level of animosity, but mainly just refusal to be associated with each other, maybe some yelling. Things have been worse lately, but seems to be from the void in leadership. Koso Mura is taoist, the rest of the province mainly fortunist, so tension there. Kazue gets the impression that he believes firm and even leadership and stability amongst the samurai will settle out the current elevated tensions.
Genjiro continues to learn the filing system and documentation of the manor to look into the report that should have been filed from Panchu Mura on the death of the monk.
Things in the kitchen are mildly tense, but do not seem to get out of situation.
Ansho-sama asks for the order of the gift giving. Sou thinks giving Phoenix the first pick of time, then a day later let each other delegation get to have a lot drawn by Iaimiko 3 days before; Ansho-sama likes the idea.Phoenix choose to go last; then Mantis go first, then Crab, Crane, Unicorn, Dragon, Lion, Minor Clans, Scorpion.
Soshi Masami is the 1st company commander of the Scorpion legion, assigned as Genjiro's escort by Itaru.
-7th of Dragon-
Each individual group shows up with all attendees. The first event is the gift giving. The Mantis - Yoritomo Etsuko (who remains stylishly yet scandalously dressed) - presents Tsuruchi bounty hunters placed at the governor's disposal to help with the law enforcement situation in the province (not much of a crowd reaction). The Crab - Yasuki Aiko - offers all the Kaui engineers (6) that will be placed at the disposal of the governor to help with infrastructure in the province (most onlookers impressed). The Crane - Doji Shunpei - offer up another Crane theatre troupe to be migrated to and tour the province in the next few years, a gift of the arts to the province (not much of a reaction, as expected). The Unicorn - Ide Ojong - offer a pledge to map the mountain passes north of the Taru Mountains and answer if there is a pass to Gaijin lands, and if so what is beyond them (some general amusement at this). The Dragon - Miramoto Hajitsu - pledge to support monetarily and personnel all the temples of the province to ensure they are cared for, fully funded, and have what they need (lots of nods, what was expected). The Lion - Ikoma Zenkichi - build and turn over fortifications to all the provinces' significant rice stores (not much reaction). The Minor - Kasuga Itsuko - swear to cleanse the curse of Ichinori Mura (amusement at this). The Scorpion - Bayushi Itaru - pledge a license under the Soshi cartel for an opium license to provide a good tax base to the province for the support and survival of everyone in it (a lot of derision, and some surprised Scorpion courtiers). The Phoenix - Asako Izuna - they offer up the collected history of the province to the good of all and will send their scholars through-out the province to collect the new information (another was expected). Ansho-sama graciously accepts all the gifts (seemed especially pleased with the Lion and the Minor, not happy with the Scorpion gift).
The art. Doji Takozawa's art is all incredible, all beautiful, all landscapes. Moshi Masako's art is quite good, with a lot going on, and a variety of anti-Crane clan themes that are evident. Iuchi Lassat's works have a real vibrance or life to them; the kami in her sculptures seem to be particularly active in the impact of it. Kakita Amihiko's ikebana are impressive displays; some of the best many have seen.
Ansho announces the magistrate choices we've selected so far - the Dragon and Lion are pleased.
Mingling occurs. Ichiro Oichi (Kasuga Hitsuko's bodyguard) approaches Haundo for conversation; heard a bit of his rep, and was impressed by it. Curious how he ended up servering Miya Ansho. He explains how he serves Kuni Taka, who is serving Ansho-sama. Itaru talks with Genjiro and asks his opinion of Doji Ayumi. Genjiro gives that aside from their first meeting that Itaru was at, he's heard the has earned her place as a great warrior and leader; Itaru agrees that she is a great general. Kitsune Sezaru talks with Sou and Yukika about the supernatural - everybody thinks there's a portal to jigoku in the swamp, and one to shikaku at the bend in the river, one reported in the swamp. No reliable of the earlier races in the area; seen the same info Sou has that there are perhaps Ninyo in the river, trolls in the swamp. Sou also talks with Lassat to complement her on the statues, and she's very interested in hearing about the Kitsune artisans. Amihiko is far more enthused about her Ikebana than performance when Sou compliments it; seems she's acting out of familial obligation. Isawa Suzuhiho, the Phoenix magistrate for Naishou, finds Kazue and introduces herself. Offers to meet tomorrow or the day after to talk about important matters, as well as answer Kazue's questions about the province - some place private and discrete, like the palace, our estate, or her quarters.
Kazue notices Doji Shunpei upset about something and looking around, studying the crowd. She tells Genjiro and Sou; Genjiro doesn't want to immediately antagonize Shunpei with his presence, so Sou asks Iaimiko to go with him to speak with Shunpei. Shunpei says everything is good, but Sou notices him reaching towards the center of chest, then stops when he realizes the gesture. Iaimiko comments that Shunpei doesn't seem very good at this; Sou agrees. Shunpei has a Crane pendant that was given to him by Kakita Kaiten, and is very proud of; has spoken of often. The crew remembers him having it earlier when gifts were presented; small silver necklace, silver crane in flight. While considering how to even look for the Crane pendant, Genjiro notices a Crane and Scorpion are looking around a bit in the garden. Very quickly there after, they disappear behind a hedge. It was Doji Miro and Bayushi Kenzo - both young samurai put forward as magistrates that came with the legions. It is not far from the bushes here to the palace itself. See the entrance that bush would lead to at the palace; collect Junko and head to that entrance. Other people are about, no obvious sign of them at that hallway. Ask a servant; points in the direction down another hallway (and Genjiro believes them). Happens a few more times to an emptier area of the palace, where no more servants, and no-one down that way. Listens; hears something in that direction, and go check in that direction. Find a hastily abandoned futon; rather than pursue, Genjiro returns to the party.
Session VI - Are we not entertained?
9/16/2018
-21st of Hare, 1157-
Before departure, Chiyoko also contacts the Fortunists to get their blessing at the festival.
-22th of Hare, 1157-
Taka and Haundo, along with 2 soldiers, head to Koso Mura.
Chiyoko, Kazue, and bodyguards arrived in Kaso Mura after midnight, then up and moving the next day. The to-do-list: paper for general invitations, a blessing from the Shintao, entertainers... possibly food and attire. Also might contact Moshi Masako (if there) and Iuchi Lassat about presenting at the festival, with formal invitations going later. Would have to go off to a village on the way back to invite Doji Takozawa. Also contact the chef, Otsu, in Koso Mura about building the menu / assembling a team. Take 6 to 8 troops with to escort the paper back, escort a message on resources back from the contacts in Koso Mura, and have two to four left for other messaging.
Chiyoko will seek out paper and talk with the monks. She stops in with the the paper merchant, Nanato, who has good quality paper in quantity for the rest of the invitations and can have it delivered by the 23rd to Toshi no Naisho. She also asks about entertainers; he mentions the Moshi, as well as Doji Takozawa, the gokinen of Mujitsu Mura, whom we knew about.
Chiyoko goes to meet the Shinsei monks, and meets Goro. Gets the tour, agrees to give the blessing.
Kazue goes to speak with chef Otsu. He's honored by the request, but would need the governor's permission to do so. Seems conflicted by the offer.
Kazue and Chiyoko meet up and head to Itsuki's for kimono's. He's knows their names already. Nice fabrics and designs, so they get theirs along with Daisuke's. Seem a touch more provincial, closer to what the locals wear.
Kazue and Chiyoko then head to meet Shiba Gaijitsu. Kazue lets him know Ansho-sama is keeping him a governor, the disposition of the legions, and tells him about the festival. She asks him about letting Otsu cook for the festival, to which he agrees. Chiyoko asks if he has any questions for Ansho-sama? He does bring up the matter of the "embargo" on goods from outside the province that the merchants of Toshi no Naisho have enacted on Koso Mura. It started a year ago, he can't say exactly when. As to why it started, he says there seems to be a rivalry between the cities; the villages seem less concerned about keeping things within their tribe like Toshi no Naisho residents do. Locals prefer to go to Koso Mura since they don't get sneered at or looked down, giving Koso Mura an advantage in local goods from the Kawa forest and Taru mountains. He provides a list of the major goods that they have difficulty getting. Also a bit of the rivalry based on Fortunists vs Shinsei. He says the Moshi is out of town, and Iuchi Lassat is in town.
They go back and tell Otsu that the governor will be coming with them to dinner, and has approved of him serving for the festival. As to any other plans he'll need, they'll meet again in the morning.
Kazue and Chiyoko also stop by Iuchi Lassat's house. Explain that they've heard of her art, interested in looking at the sculptures and bonsai she can display. Her sculptures are frequently a mix of stone and wood, looks 8k4 at both. She is interested in being at the festival, and would like to deliver a piece created just for the ball. She's also having issues getting things from outside the province through Toshi no Naisho; Kazue says she'll see if the can help; gets a list of what she needs. Talk about Lassat's shugenja school, the Horiuchi. Back in the burning sands, had to synthesize local magic that dominated the kami with their commune magics to capture the will of the kami into a talisman. She also tells about the pieces she can send now.
Taka and Haundo arrive and meet up with the rest. Group gathers together at Otsu's restaurant with the governor, have a very nice dinner. Then the covered market opens up to become the entertainment district. Watch the acrobatic troupes, and see a good performance. Haundo approaches them to see if they are willing, and given Gaijitsu's permission. They also spot a good jester.
Sou and Genjiro talk about Jottei's... reluctance to perform. Can't think of a graceful way to get Jottei out without too easily providing a way for the Crane to take offense. Sou goes to speak with the head Crane courtier, Doji Shunpei, about getting the service of Jottie's noh troupe. He is very agreeable, and will send the missive to Jottei.
Kasuga Hitsuko is waiting for Sou when he gets back to the palace. She wanted to offer her and her delegations assistance if we need any help with the festival. Also wanted to gauge his opinion about gifts; Hitsuko asks if he is familiar with "The curse of Ichinori Mura?" He's not aware; she says there is a rumor of a village in the Kawa forest that spend a night in the village are cursed to stay; they can't leave, or drop dead when they leave; stories vary. She thinks they can break the curse. Sou estimates it's a fitting gift, lifting the curse. They don't have the insight at present, so it could be easy, medium, or very difficult based on how real it is. Sou says it sounds good. She asks if there's anything we need? Sou asks for help with entertainment for the later evening samurai quarter festivities.
Sou identifies the locations back in the mansion for the artwork displays while Genjiro works with Obaasan to hire servants. For Genjiro and Obaasan, a long tedious day, but we weed out some. She slowly opens up through the day. That evening, Genjiro and Junko head to the geisha house to interview Hichihiko. Junko is impressed with her voice (10k5), so Genjiro offers her an engagement to perform at the festival. Sou and Genjiro sync up; will talk with Kikuko about hiring her apprentice to perform around the samurai quarter tomorrow.
-23rd of Hare, 1157-
Chiyoko and Akemi head out to Moko Mura to talk with Moshi Mosako, will take two days to get there and will arrive on the evening of the 24th.
Haundo and Taka visit Gaijitsu, and he easily approves the acrobats and jester for the festival.
Kazue checks in with Otsu, and he wants to ask for help from some locals to help. He knows of them, but doesn't know them, but wants to check on Kouki from Shizu Mura (Kawa forest), Kazue from Botsu Mura (swamp), and Suzu from Sujuko Mura (Taro mountain pass). Kazue also mentions Youta, who runs the governor's kitchen, will be assisting. He wants a good 5 days to prepare in Toshi no Naisho and is good with the help he mentioned vetoing and replacing ingredients.
Kazue sends two troops back to Toshi no Naisho with an update, Iuchi's pieces and the request for her materials, the plans for the chef and the ingredient list, and a request to send someone to Shizu Mura to ask for Kouki. She also sends a bird messenger to Chiyoko to hit Botsu Mura.
Haundo and Taka will head to Sujuko Mura to talk with Suzu, and Kazue and Daisuke will head to Mujitsu Mura to talk with Doji Takozawa.
Genjiro and Obaasan interview more servants, also continues working logistics for the party. Genjuro is requested to meet Bayushi Itaru for dinner, so he recommends a local wine, produced in a village half-day ride from Inari Seido. Knows we haven't gotten as much chance to see around as he has on the west; says Moko Mura is pretty. Also says Shizu Mura is interesting; a lot of fascinating superstitions. He does say he will provide a license to cultivate opium from the Shoshi cartel for the province. Also offers a Scorpion ko escort for the party.
-24th of Hare, 1157-
Haundo and Taka make it Sujuku Mura. Very rough mountain pass to get there. Head of the village, Takahiko, greets them with appropriate ceremony and welcomes them to the village. He says he does know of Suzu, takes them to the Happy Traveler inn. Haundo says she is invited to represent them, will give them a chop for tax breaks in her absence. The village is happy that she is recognized outside the village. Haundo also gives her the supply list to review and correct if needed. Haundo also asks the headman if they've had any issues; he mentions the lack of a magistrate visit since the tax collection. He does say the winter was more snow than usual, no major rock falls in the pass, aside from the Scorpion army that came through, no real traffic. Leaves a pair of imperial soldiers to bring Suzu when she's ready.
Kazue and Daisuke get to Mujitsu Mura. Very tiny farming village, along with Doji Takozawa's estate. Go to his estate, check in with a servant, and are greeted by Doji Takozawa. Kazue compliments his landscape painting; he says the area was the reason he decided to settle here. Kazue estimates his skill around 9k4. He could make some paintings available; the prior governor was a great patron of the arts, and he hopes Ansho-sama will be as well. Kazue picks up that he would like the governor's patronage to display arts during the ball (maybe commissioning him to paint a mural in the palace, or fund it traveling, etc). He notes a painting of his is hanging in Kyuden Doji. Kazue talks to him about what drew him here, what he likes about this place. Talk to him about Kakita Maliko, the one who painted the mural in Naisho, but he believes that is the only piece of hers in Naishou. There are pieces elsewhere; one in the Kakita academy of fantastical creatures and spirits of the air, one in Yasuki lands in the Black Crane Castle of forest spirits and creatures that she saw in the Shinomen forest. She was said to have seen the spirits themselves. Were Asahina in her family, but she herself was not a Shugenja. Meet his wife, Doji Natsuki, and Doji Urashii, his son. Kazue thinks they can make an arrangement.
Before departure, Chiyoko also contacts the Fortunists to get their blessing at the festival.
-22th of Hare, 1157-
Taka and Haundo, along with 2 soldiers, head to Koso Mura.
Chiyoko, Kazue, and bodyguards arrived in Kaso Mura after midnight, then up and moving the next day. The to-do-list: paper for general invitations, a blessing from the Shintao, entertainers... possibly food and attire. Also might contact Moshi Masako (if there) and Iuchi Lassat about presenting at the festival, with formal invitations going later. Would have to go off to a village on the way back to invite Doji Takozawa. Also contact the chef, Otsu, in Koso Mura about building the menu / assembling a team. Take 6 to 8 troops with to escort the paper back, escort a message on resources back from the contacts in Koso Mura, and have two to four left for other messaging.
Chiyoko will seek out paper and talk with the monks. She stops in with the the paper merchant, Nanato, who has good quality paper in quantity for the rest of the invitations and can have it delivered by the 23rd to Toshi no Naisho. She also asks about entertainers; he mentions the Moshi, as well as Doji Takozawa, the gokinen of Mujitsu Mura, whom we knew about.
Chiyoko goes to meet the Shinsei monks, and meets Goro. Gets the tour, agrees to give the blessing.
Kazue goes to speak with chef Otsu. He's honored by the request, but would need the governor's permission to do so. Seems conflicted by the offer.
Kazue and Chiyoko meet up and head to Itsuki's for kimono's. He's knows their names already. Nice fabrics and designs, so they get theirs along with Daisuke's. Seem a touch more provincial, closer to what the locals wear.
Kazue and Chiyoko then head to meet Shiba Gaijitsu. Kazue lets him know Ansho-sama is keeping him a governor, the disposition of the legions, and tells him about the festival. She asks him about letting Otsu cook for the festival, to which he agrees. Chiyoko asks if he has any questions for Ansho-sama? He does bring up the matter of the "embargo" on goods from outside the province that the merchants of Toshi no Naisho have enacted on Koso Mura. It started a year ago, he can't say exactly when. As to why it started, he says there seems to be a rivalry between the cities; the villages seem less concerned about keeping things within their tribe like Toshi no Naisho residents do. Locals prefer to go to Koso Mura since they don't get sneered at or looked down, giving Koso Mura an advantage in local goods from the Kawa forest and Taru mountains. He provides a list of the major goods that they have difficulty getting. Also a bit of the rivalry based on Fortunists vs Shinsei. He says the Moshi is out of town, and Iuchi Lassat is in town.
They go back and tell Otsu that the governor will be coming with them to dinner, and has approved of him serving for the festival. As to any other plans he'll need, they'll meet again in the morning.
Kazue and Chiyoko also stop by Iuchi Lassat's house. Explain that they've heard of her art, interested in looking at the sculptures and bonsai she can display. Her sculptures are frequently a mix of stone and wood, looks 8k4 at both. She is interested in being at the festival, and would like to deliver a piece created just for the ball. She's also having issues getting things from outside the province through Toshi no Naisho; Kazue says she'll see if the can help; gets a list of what she needs. Talk about Lassat's shugenja school, the Horiuchi. Back in the burning sands, had to synthesize local magic that dominated the kami with their commune magics to capture the will of the kami into a talisman. She also tells about the pieces she can send now.
Taka and Haundo arrive and meet up with the rest. Group gathers together at Otsu's restaurant with the governor, have a very nice dinner. Then the covered market opens up to become the entertainment district. Watch the acrobatic troupes, and see a good performance. Haundo approaches them to see if they are willing, and given Gaijitsu's permission. They also spot a good jester.
Sou and Genjiro talk about Jottei's... reluctance to perform. Can't think of a graceful way to get Jottei out without too easily providing a way for the Crane to take offense. Sou goes to speak with the head Crane courtier, Doji Shunpei, about getting the service of Jottie's noh troupe. He is very agreeable, and will send the missive to Jottei.
Kasuga Hitsuko is waiting for Sou when he gets back to the palace. She wanted to offer her and her delegations assistance if we need any help with the festival. Also wanted to gauge his opinion about gifts; Hitsuko asks if he is familiar with "The curse of Ichinori Mura?" He's not aware; she says there is a rumor of a village in the Kawa forest that spend a night in the village are cursed to stay; they can't leave, or drop dead when they leave; stories vary. She thinks they can break the curse. Sou estimates it's a fitting gift, lifting the curse. They don't have the insight at present, so it could be easy, medium, or very difficult based on how real it is. Sou says it sounds good. She asks if there's anything we need? Sou asks for help with entertainment for the later evening samurai quarter festivities.
Sou identifies the locations back in the mansion for the artwork displays while Genjiro works with Obaasan to hire servants. For Genjiro and Obaasan, a long tedious day, but we weed out some. She slowly opens up through the day. That evening, Genjiro and Junko head to the geisha house to interview Hichihiko. Junko is impressed with her voice (10k5), so Genjiro offers her an engagement to perform at the festival. Sou and Genjiro sync up; will talk with Kikuko about hiring her apprentice to perform around the samurai quarter tomorrow.
-23rd of Hare, 1157-
Chiyoko and Akemi head out to Moko Mura to talk with Moshi Mosako, will take two days to get there and will arrive on the evening of the 24th.
Haundo and Taka visit Gaijitsu, and he easily approves the acrobats and jester for the festival.
Kazue checks in with Otsu, and he wants to ask for help from some locals to help. He knows of them, but doesn't know them, but wants to check on Kouki from Shizu Mura (Kawa forest), Kazue from Botsu Mura (swamp), and Suzu from Sujuko Mura (Taro mountain pass). Kazue also mentions Youta, who runs the governor's kitchen, will be assisting. He wants a good 5 days to prepare in Toshi no Naisho and is good with the help he mentioned vetoing and replacing ingredients.
Kazue sends two troops back to Toshi no Naisho with an update, Iuchi's pieces and the request for her materials, the plans for the chef and the ingredient list, and a request to send someone to Shizu Mura to ask for Kouki. She also sends a bird messenger to Chiyoko to hit Botsu Mura.
Haundo and Taka will head to Sujuko Mura to talk with Suzu, and Kazue and Daisuke will head to Mujitsu Mura to talk with Doji Takozawa.
Genjiro and Obaasan interview more servants, also continues working logistics for the party. Genjuro is requested to meet Bayushi Itaru for dinner, so he recommends a local wine, produced in a village half-day ride from Inari Seido. Knows we haven't gotten as much chance to see around as he has on the west; says Moko Mura is pretty. Also says Shizu Mura is interesting; a lot of fascinating superstitions. He does say he will provide a license to cultivate opium from the Shoshi cartel for the province. Also offers a Scorpion ko escort for the party.
-24th of Hare, 1157-
Haundo and Taka make it Sujuku Mura. Very rough mountain pass to get there. Head of the village, Takahiko, greets them with appropriate ceremony and welcomes them to the village. He says he does know of Suzu, takes them to the Happy Traveler inn. Haundo says she is invited to represent them, will give them a chop for tax breaks in her absence. The village is happy that she is recognized outside the village. Haundo also gives her the supply list to review and correct if needed. Haundo also asks the headman if they've had any issues; he mentions the lack of a magistrate visit since the tax collection. He does say the winter was more snow than usual, no major rock falls in the pass, aside from the Scorpion army that came through, no real traffic. Leaves a pair of imperial soldiers to bring Suzu when she's ready.
Kazue and Daisuke get to Mujitsu Mura. Very tiny farming village, along with Doji Takozawa's estate. Go to his estate, check in with a servant, and are greeted by Doji Takozawa. Kazue compliments his landscape painting; he says the area was the reason he decided to settle here. Kazue estimates his skill around 9k4. He could make some paintings available; the prior governor was a great patron of the arts, and he hopes Ansho-sama will be as well. Kazue picks up that he would like the governor's patronage to display arts during the ball (maybe commissioning him to paint a mural in the palace, or fund it traveling, etc). He notes a painting of his is hanging in Kyuden Doji. Kazue talks to him about what drew him here, what he likes about this place. Talk to him about Kakita Maliko, the one who painted the mural in Naisho, but he believes that is the only piece of hers in Naishou. There are pieces elsewhere; one in the Kakita academy of fantastical creatures and spirits of the air, one in Yasuki lands in the Black Crane Castle of forest spirits and creatures that she saw in the Shinomen forest. She was said to have seen the spirits themselves. Were Asahina in her family, but she herself was not a Shugenja. Meet his wife, Doji Natsuki, and Doji Urashii, his son. Kazue thinks they can make an arrangement.
Session V - In war, as in party planning...
7/29/2018
-20th of Hare, 1157-
Consider the list of invitations as we head towards Toshi no Naishou. As we ponder the poetry competition, several consider the idea that the mythology of the local tribes could be close to blasphemy for some of the standard imperial points of view. Decide to have three prizes - one overall most moving, one specific to Naishou, and one spiritual. The reward recommendations for the poetry contests are priority in the selection of housing within Toshi no Naishou, if the poets so choose (with the best choices being at the top level, but all in the Samurai district). If the winners have no interest in moving, then they can either pass that reward to another of their choice, or they can be given a minor political favor of similar influence. That would include negotiating with the other towns for housing, if they wanted.
Talk about the invitees from the Clans. We have a good feel for who is who of the delegations, and we know how to invite the taisa and their command staff from the armies. We all agree to extend invitations to all the local samurai. Will have a 250 head count dinner at the governor's manor, and the rest of the samurai invited to a festival in the Samurai quarter. We would be short on servants, serving ware, and cook ware for the 250 headcount at the governor's manor. Considering headcount, consider allowing the clans 8 major clans and the minor clans each invite up to 10 headcount, making for a maximum of 90. We word the invitation in such a way that excluding the taisa from the invitation would be dishonorable for the three clans with armies in the province. Invite the local ronin to the festival, 5 or so, and the other 65 local samurai to the dinner. 12 of Ansho's party, the magistrate and his wife, 5 yoriki with 1 wife, and ask Konomi to send representatives of the Imperial legion, capped at 10. Max 26 for Imperial representation.
For the samurai quarter, the 150 other samurai that came with the delegations, as well as the other Clan samurai not invited to the dinner. Also allow the armies to each extend 50 invites to the soldiers of the 4 legions for the festival, 50 for the Phoenix.
Agree on sending out resources to the major settlements for festivals for the local, non-samurai caste. Also consider a festival for samurai not officially in the invite for dinner at the governor's manor. A week before the Imperial held ball, funding and supplies would be provided to the 12 largest settlements to have smaller festivals for the locals, in whatever fashion the local leaders think reflect the local’s idea of a good festival. Considering a military strike by any party on this ball would signify much larger problems in the empire that Genjiro believes are currently afoot, if Konomi (our Imperial legion Taisa) will agree, small detachments of our imperial samurai (at least 3 to 5) should go with the messengers delivering the invitations and escorting whatever supplies / funds are provided for these. In addition, those samurai will be pleased to wait and escort any guests back for the Toshi no Naisho imperial held festival.
Extra logistics. We will need to bolster the count of the guards and assistants helping polish blades surrendered when going into the governor's manor. We discuss having check points at the main entrances of Toshi no Naishou, including both the north and south docks during the festival. Will also have to look at getting support for the stables. Probably have entertainers brought in as well. In the decoration, make sure something from the three native tribes should probably be represented in the decorations.
We'll deal with the shenanigans of seating after we have RSVPs, aiming for 8 seat tables as the ideal.
Arrive in Toshi no Naishou that evening.
Deliver our recommendations to Ansho-sama, who seems pleased with the plan (including letting Konomi decide whether she sends herself or not). He'll write out the proclamation tonight and arrange the legionnaire to deliver the kits for the festivals. He will announce tomorrow where he wants the different clan legions moved to, with the Lion staying in Sujuu Mura, the Crane move to Moko Mura, and the Scorpion near Shizu Mura. He also intends to leave the governor of Koso Mura in place. Also tells if we need any help for the setup of the festival, bring it to him.
-21th of Hare, 1157-
A full night's sleep! Two weeks until the festival.
Next morning, think we should probably write the invitations in local paper / ink. Several folks identify that the best sellers are Taro, the best local paper merchant in Toshi no Naisho, Chuko, the best ink provider in Toshi no Naishou, and Nanami, best wax merchant. We will also need to identify the invitations which are best written by Ansho directly, or just stamped. He would want to do the 10 major invites at the least, as well as the acting Phoenix head of Toshi no Naishou and governor of Koso Mura, the Jade Magistrate, the local Otomo, the local Miya (and his sons). The rest we'll write. There will also be messages for the taisa to send their 50 troops to the festival, as well as the proclamation for the city announcement.
Considering the other logistics on the additional staff, serving ware, assistance for the polishers, room for the extra swords, servants to help with the horses, etc - several of us agree on the numbers we need. We learn the largest pottery seller in town, Kokuro. We talk with Obaasan about the additional staff, and she agrees with the numbers and has recommendations on how to recruit them for the evening. Also agree on the quantities of the food - regional fish in the lakes, muscles in the lakes, game birds all across the province, unique apples in the Taru mountains, apricots in the valley, steamed dishes and dumpling wrapped in leaves, mushrooms from the omikura forest, sake, plum wine, apple cordial, and different chefs. What to wear - silk made in Naishou province, tailors in Naishou, etc. 3 tailors in Toshi no Naishou - Akashi, elderly tailor, Shou, middle-aged, Rena, leading influence in local style. Tailor in Koso Mura, Itsuki.
Sou doesn't think he should acquire any of the servants or goods. Also in paranoid considerations, with the hustle and bustle going about, there could be a good opportunity to have nefarious actions going on.
Today, Chiyoko goes to acquire paper, Taka and Haunda go to acquire ink, Genjiro will acquire wax, and Sou and Kazue will work on wording for the notes for Ansho to write, the rest of the missives for those coming to the governor's manor, the city announcement, and the missive for the taisa's.
Taka, Kazui, and Haundo go and speak with Chuko. Says the best inks are made here in the Nobu valley, and she can supply the quantity. Taka and Kazui agree on the type, and get the highest quality ink for all the invitations. Pay what is asked. Success!
Chiyoko goes to meet Taro. He knows about paper, but has little of it since its made in the Kawa forrest, and traded in Koso Mura. Price seems high to her, triple the price, but purchases his high quality for Ansho's invitations and some durable paper for the city announcements. Will have to look elsewhere for the rest of the invitations.
Genjiro goes to meet Nanami (40s, pretty, spends a lot of time outside), who started as a bee-keeper, and has a monopoly on the best waxes in the valley. Genjiro agrees with the quality and price she's asking, so purchases. Genjiro also asks her about suggestions on the local honey, and she has a number of suggestions.
Sou works on the primary invitations for Ansho to write. Adds in the headcount, the theme, the local focus, and Sou works in an emphasis on the stewardship of the land. Next, he writes the invite to the Imperial legion. Then the letters to the governor of Koso Mura and the acting head of the Phoenix in Toshi no Naishou.
Group reconvenes at lunch. Paper is the most pressing issue (ha!), since if we left on horse now, we would get to Koso Mura around midnight. Discuss what else would be needed in Koso Mura. Paper, a blessing from the Shintao, entertainers... possibly food and attire. Also might contact Moshi Masako (if there) and Iuchi Lassat about presenting at the festival, with formal invitations going later. Would have to go off to a village on the way to invite Doji Takozawa. Also contact the chef, Otsu, in Koso Mura about building the menu / assembling a team. Take 6 to 8 troops with to escort the paper back, escort a message on resources back from the contacts in Koso Mura, and have two to four left for other messaging.
Plan is to send Chiyoko, Kazue, and bodyguards will go immediately with 6 soldiers. Taka and Haunda will follow, to Koso Mura along with 2 soldiers, after Yukika (dragging Sou), Akemi, Taka, and Iamiko look at kimonos from Rena. Ansho chooses to go with Takashi, as will Kano and his wife, as will Haunda. Genjiro and Junko will get an outfit from Shou. Sou and Genjiro will work on cooking ware, local entertainment (Geisha and Noh), a gallery display for the artists, and start interviewing servants.
Rena is happy for the business, happy to meet everyone, slightly sad that Haunda isn't getting one there. About 6 koku per kimono. Haunda goes to Takeshi's for fitting, very professional, 4 koku per kimono. Genjiro and Junko go to Shou's. Also professional, has the colors we're looking for. 5 koku per kimono. Each case, they should be ready in a week.
Genjiro and Junko, after fitting, go check on some cooking ware. Meet Kokoro, who is assisted by her two sons and daughters, with the largest crockery selection. Does not have stuff to match the palace, but quality stuff and some stuff from elsewhere in the province. When she hears of the quantity that we're looking for, she won't be able to acquire the stuff that the palace is looking for in quantity. She's got enough for about 150 seats of different styles; 16 from the forest, 16 from the mountain, 16 from Koso Mura. She explains with some regret that its been a challenge to stock those styles over the last two years; there have been trade disputes with Koso Mura. Mix that in with the Nobu valley, then she has enough if we do a mixed Naishou them for the tables. She quotes what Genjiro sounds like a high price, but purchase it considering the difficulties with supplies.
Sou and Yukika go to the Noh theater to attend a show; mixed samurai and heimen, but different entrances and exits. Both agree it was a skilled and moving performance. Meet up with the head of the theater, compliment him, and invite to perform at the governor's for the festival. Sou gets the feeling he is sincerely grateful for the compliments, but not as sincere about the invite since he'd likely need to get approval from the Crane leader's in the province's permission first. Sou's opinion is just that he's not interested in the job. Sou makes sure he understands the delicate nature of the request. Jottei seems to believe its his duty now to carry for, though it's clear to Sou that he's not interested. Sou also notices the arrangement, and Jottei mentions his sister did it, both trained in the Kakita artisan school. Sou offers that they do the arrangements instead, so he invites his sister over. Sou praises the subtleties of the ikebana, drawing her into conversation, with the subtext that this is something he wants to showcase at the ball, gauging her interest. Oh boy, is she! She is quick to agree, happy to learn more about what would be required. 6 to 8 arrangements in the court would probably be what would be needed.
Genjiro and Junko go to the Geisha house to gauge some of the talent, listen to them perform. The exterior of this house is very plain, unlike most he's seen. Right on the shore of the river. However, the interior is pure opulence. The madam, Kikuko, greets us very quickly, greeting us by name. 7 private rooms, 7 geisha, no more, no less. Apprentices in training at all times. Tells this history. Suzuko is the most saught after, followed by Hichihiko. Kikuko wants to know what he's looking for, so Genjiro asks for a lovely singing voice. It's her opinion that Hichihiko has the best voice, but all are lovely. Hichihiko is occupied tonight, but will be available tomorrow, so schedule her. Suzuku is booked for two weeks. Fourth girl, Hanako, is skilled; Junko thinks she's about a 5k3. Also plays the shamisen, and is better at that then singing. With Suzuku being booked until the festival, mentions to Kikuko that if Suzuku's customer cacncels for the festival, then we would be interested in having her for the festival.
Consider the list of invitations as we head towards Toshi no Naishou. As we ponder the poetry competition, several consider the idea that the mythology of the local tribes could be close to blasphemy for some of the standard imperial points of view. Decide to have three prizes - one overall most moving, one specific to Naishou, and one spiritual. The reward recommendations for the poetry contests are priority in the selection of housing within Toshi no Naishou, if the poets so choose (with the best choices being at the top level, but all in the Samurai district). If the winners have no interest in moving, then they can either pass that reward to another of their choice, or they can be given a minor political favor of similar influence. That would include negotiating with the other towns for housing, if they wanted.
Talk about the invitees from the Clans. We have a good feel for who is who of the delegations, and we know how to invite the taisa and their command staff from the armies. We all agree to extend invitations to all the local samurai. Will have a 250 head count dinner at the governor's manor, and the rest of the samurai invited to a festival in the Samurai quarter. We would be short on servants, serving ware, and cook ware for the 250 headcount at the governor's manor. Considering headcount, consider allowing the clans 8 major clans and the minor clans each invite up to 10 headcount, making for a maximum of 90. We word the invitation in such a way that excluding the taisa from the invitation would be dishonorable for the three clans with armies in the province. Invite the local ronin to the festival, 5 or so, and the other 65 local samurai to the dinner. 12 of Ansho's party, the magistrate and his wife, 5 yoriki with 1 wife, and ask Konomi to send representatives of the Imperial legion, capped at 10. Max 26 for Imperial representation.
For the samurai quarter, the 150 other samurai that came with the delegations, as well as the other Clan samurai not invited to the dinner. Also allow the armies to each extend 50 invites to the soldiers of the 4 legions for the festival, 50 for the Phoenix.
Agree on sending out resources to the major settlements for festivals for the local, non-samurai caste. Also consider a festival for samurai not officially in the invite for dinner at the governor's manor. A week before the Imperial held ball, funding and supplies would be provided to the 12 largest settlements to have smaller festivals for the locals, in whatever fashion the local leaders think reflect the local’s idea of a good festival. Considering a military strike by any party on this ball would signify much larger problems in the empire that Genjiro believes are currently afoot, if Konomi (our Imperial legion Taisa) will agree, small detachments of our imperial samurai (at least 3 to 5) should go with the messengers delivering the invitations and escorting whatever supplies / funds are provided for these. In addition, those samurai will be pleased to wait and escort any guests back for the Toshi no Naisho imperial held festival.
Extra logistics. We will need to bolster the count of the guards and assistants helping polish blades surrendered when going into the governor's manor. We discuss having check points at the main entrances of Toshi no Naishou, including both the north and south docks during the festival. Will also have to look at getting support for the stables. Probably have entertainers brought in as well. In the decoration, make sure something from the three native tribes should probably be represented in the decorations.
We'll deal with the shenanigans of seating after we have RSVPs, aiming for 8 seat tables as the ideal.
Arrive in Toshi no Naishou that evening.
Deliver our recommendations to Ansho-sama, who seems pleased with the plan (including letting Konomi decide whether she sends herself or not). He'll write out the proclamation tonight and arrange the legionnaire to deliver the kits for the festivals. He will announce tomorrow where he wants the different clan legions moved to, with the Lion staying in Sujuu Mura, the Crane move to Moko Mura, and the Scorpion near Shizu Mura. He also intends to leave the governor of Koso Mura in place. Also tells if we need any help for the setup of the festival, bring it to him.
-21th of Hare, 1157-
A full night's sleep! Two weeks until the festival.
Next morning, think we should probably write the invitations in local paper / ink. Several folks identify that the best sellers are Taro, the best local paper merchant in Toshi no Naisho, Chuko, the best ink provider in Toshi no Naishou, and Nanami, best wax merchant. We will also need to identify the invitations which are best written by Ansho directly, or just stamped. He would want to do the 10 major invites at the least, as well as the acting Phoenix head of Toshi no Naishou and governor of Koso Mura, the Jade Magistrate, the local Otomo, the local Miya (and his sons). The rest we'll write. There will also be messages for the taisa to send their 50 troops to the festival, as well as the proclamation for the city announcement.
Considering the other logistics on the additional staff, serving ware, assistance for the polishers, room for the extra swords, servants to help with the horses, etc - several of us agree on the numbers we need. We learn the largest pottery seller in town, Kokuro. We talk with Obaasan about the additional staff, and she agrees with the numbers and has recommendations on how to recruit them for the evening. Also agree on the quantities of the food - regional fish in the lakes, muscles in the lakes, game birds all across the province, unique apples in the Taru mountains, apricots in the valley, steamed dishes and dumpling wrapped in leaves, mushrooms from the omikura forest, sake, plum wine, apple cordial, and different chefs. What to wear - silk made in Naishou province, tailors in Naishou, etc. 3 tailors in Toshi no Naishou - Akashi, elderly tailor, Shou, middle-aged, Rena, leading influence in local style. Tailor in Koso Mura, Itsuki.
Sou doesn't think he should acquire any of the servants or goods. Also in paranoid considerations, with the hustle and bustle going about, there could be a good opportunity to have nefarious actions going on.
Today, Chiyoko goes to acquire paper, Taka and Haunda go to acquire ink, Genjiro will acquire wax, and Sou and Kazue will work on wording for the notes for Ansho to write, the rest of the missives for those coming to the governor's manor, the city announcement, and the missive for the taisa's.
Taka, Kazui, and Haundo go and speak with Chuko. Says the best inks are made here in the Nobu valley, and she can supply the quantity. Taka and Kazui agree on the type, and get the highest quality ink for all the invitations. Pay what is asked. Success!
Chiyoko goes to meet Taro. He knows about paper, but has little of it since its made in the Kawa forrest, and traded in Koso Mura. Price seems high to her, triple the price, but purchases his high quality for Ansho's invitations and some durable paper for the city announcements. Will have to look elsewhere for the rest of the invitations.
Genjiro goes to meet Nanami (40s, pretty, spends a lot of time outside), who started as a bee-keeper, and has a monopoly on the best waxes in the valley. Genjiro agrees with the quality and price she's asking, so purchases. Genjiro also asks her about suggestions on the local honey, and she has a number of suggestions.
Sou works on the primary invitations for Ansho to write. Adds in the headcount, the theme, the local focus, and Sou works in an emphasis on the stewardship of the land. Next, he writes the invite to the Imperial legion. Then the letters to the governor of Koso Mura and the acting head of the Phoenix in Toshi no Naishou.
Group reconvenes at lunch. Paper is the most pressing issue (ha!), since if we left on horse now, we would get to Koso Mura around midnight. Discuss what else would be needed in Koso Mura. Paper, a blessing from the Shintao, entertainers... possibly food and attire. Also might contact Moshi Masako (if there) and Iuchi Lassat about presenting at the festival, with formal invitations going later. Would have to go off to a village on the way to invite Doji Takozawa. Also contact the chef, Otsu, in Koso Mura about building the menu / assembling a team. Take 6 to 8 troops with to escort the paper back, escort a message on resources back from the contacts in Koso Mura, and have two to four left for other messaging.
Plan is to send Chiyoko, Kazue, and bodyguards will go immediately with 6 soldiers. Taka and Haunda will follow, to Koso Mura along with 2 soldiers, after Yukika (dragging Sou), Akemi, Taka, and Iamiko look at kimonos from Rena. Ansho chooses to go with Takashi, as will Kano and his wife, as will Haunda. Genjiro and Junko will get an outfit from Shou. Sou and Genjiro will work on cooking ware, local entertainment (Geisha and Noh), a gallery display for the artists, and start interviewing servants.
Rena is happy for the business, happy to meet everyone, slightly sad that Haunda isn't getting one there. About 6 koku per kimono. Haunda goes to Takeshi's for fitting, very professional, 4 koku per kimono. Genjiro and Junko go to Shou's. Also professional, has the colors we're looking for. 5 koku per kimono. Each case, they should be ready in a week.
Genjiro and Junko, after fitting, go check on some cooking ware. Meet Kokoro, who is assisted by her two sons and daughters, with the largest crockery selection. Does not have stuff to match the palace, but quality stuff and some stuff from elsewhere in the province. When she hears of the quantity that we're looking for, she won't be able to acquire the stuff that the palace is looking for in quantity. She's got enough for about 150 seats of different styles; 16 from the forest, 16 from the mountain, 16 from Koso Mura. She explains with some regret that its been a challenge to stock those styles over the last two years; there have been trade disputes with Koso Mura. Mix that in with the Nobu valley, then she has enough if we do a mixed Naishou them for the tables. She quotes what Genjiro sounds like a high price, but purchase it considering the difficulties with supplies.
Sou and Yukika go to the Noh theater to attend a show; mixed samurai and heimen, but different entrances and exits. Both agree it was a skilled and moving performance. Meet up with the head of the theater, compliment him, and invite to perform at the governor's for the festival. Sou gets the feeling he is sincerely grateful for the compliments, but not as sincere about the invite since he'd likely need to get approval from the Crane leader's in the province's permission first. Sou's opinion is just that he's not interested in the job. Sou makes sure he understands the delicate nature of the request. Jottei seems to believe its his duty now to carry for, though it's clear to Sou that he's not interested. Sou also notices the arrangement, and Jottei mentions his sister did it, both trained in the Kakita artisan school. Sou offers that they do the arrangements instead, so he invites his sister over. Sou praises the subtleties of the ikebana, drawing her into conversation, with the subtext that this is something he wants to showcase at the ball, gauging her interest. Oh boy, is she! She is quick to agree, happy to learn more about what would be required. 6 to 8 arrangements in the court would probably be what would be needed.
Genjiro and Junko go to the Geisha house to gauge some of the talent, listen to them perform. The exterior of this house is very plain, unlike most he's seen. Right on the shore of the river. However, the interior is pure opulence. The madam, Kikuko, greets us very quickly, greeting us by name. 7 private rooms, 7 geisha, no more, no less. Apprentices in training at all times. Tells this history. Suzuko is the most saught after, followed by Hichihiko. Kikuko wants to know what he's looking for, so Genjiro asks for a lovely singing voice. It's her opinion that Hichihiko has the best voice, but all are lovely. Hichihiko is occupied tonight, but will be available tomorrow, so schedule her. Suzuku is booked for two weeks. Fourth girl, Hanako, is skilled; Junko thinks she's about a 5k3. Also plays the shamisen, and is better at that then singing. With Suzuku being booked until the festival, mentions to Kikuko that if Suzuku's customer cacncels for the festival, then we would be interested in having her for the festival.
Session IV - A question of justice
7/15/2018
-19th of Hare, 1157-
Ansho calls us back just an hour after the ball discussion. He's changed his mind about something with Panchu Maru - the murder of the monk, due to the power of monks in this area. He wants us to round up the four peasants that murdered the monk after getting a lecture about being a drunk. The headman swears he sent word to Toshi no Naishou, then punished the people responsible. He wants us to round up the peasants for an execution in the morning when Ansho arrives with all the peasants assembled. Also wants our recommendations for the announcement of a new headman. We have the names of the perpetrators, and know where the headman is. The murder itself happened in the winter, several months ago.
Usually execution requires a confession of the crime; technically the headman, but not ensuring justice was done for this and not protecting the monks, also could have his life forfeit. If there is no confession, tradition dictates torture to get one. Will also need to arrange for the execution. Go to talk with Masashi about getting access to an eta torturer - Horuto. Masashi also says that if we do not wish to behead the peasants, Horuto can. We get ourselves cup of torturer, roll up the group, and head out to Panchu Maru.
The general plan is go speak with the surviving monk, find out what he knows of the situation, if he knows where the peasants live, and if he has recommendations on a new headman. From there, we will split up, gather the peasants and the headman, then question them at one of the abandoned houses.
Arrive in Panchu Mura around midnight; a little noise from the geisha, sake, and gambling house, but very little. Arrive at the monk, Ippei's. No answer immediately; enter the shrine. Knock at his room. He wakes up, asks us what we want. He says that the old abbot had been preaching to a crowd at the village, and some of the villagers did not care to be lectured. Drunk as they were, they assaulted him. He did not witness it, but was told that they carried it too far, and killed him. His understanding was the crowd broke up when the assault began, the headman was summoned, but he doesn't know what happened afterward. He says the headman sent work to Toshi no Naishou; they awaited word, and when it did not arrive, two weeks later Isamu (the headman) had the men whipped in the center of town as punishment. He did not know the men personally (Yoshi, Kenshin, Jiro, and Asuka). There have been no other incidents, but he also has had his hands full as the sole monk doing what needs to be done, and not been lecturing. Let him know that Ansho-sama has called for their execution, and ask for him a recommendation of a headman by morning. Chiyoko also asks if there are any healers, teachers, or the likes that would potentially qualify. Would also ask that he gather some of the community leaders and meet around 7am.
More detail he has on the ones responsible - Yoshi and Asuka are brothers; both work at the Dry Lotus. Jiro works at the Phoenix nest. Kenshin works at the Blessed waters, and is both Jiro's brother in law and Kenshin's son in law.
Chiyoko passses on that Ippei's message has been passed on to the monastery, and two young monks are being sent to help him.
Sou sets up Silent Waters to allow him to silently cast the Kami's Strength under contingency.
Haundo, Daisuke, and Junko go to the prior empty house we stayed in and put on armor. The rest of us head to speak with Kaku and his sisters. Sou and Yukika look for anything out of the ordinary around their home. Chiyoko asks for their assistance, starting with gathering primary people still invested in the town for a meeting at the temple at 7am. He agrees to go at sunrise. When Genjiro ask, he says he did not see it, but relays what he heard. Abbot preaching in village center, some drunk villagers took offense, attacked him, and killed him. Doesn't know if it was their intention. The headman told everyone afterwards that he had sent word to Toshi no Naishou. Two weeks later, the headman reassembled the village and stated that he had not recieved word, so he would take action to punish the men responsible, so had them brought out and whipped. On consideration, it's not on the headman to dish out punishment of any kind. However, he could have given the situation to any other samurai to get done. Kaku knows the same info that Ippei did about the perpetrators, and also knows the houses the men would be associated with, though not if they sleep there regularly. Doesn't believe there would be more than 5 or 6 adults in any of those homes, mostly mid to late twenties. Their families don't run the breweries, but much of their extended families do work there. When he heard, he was shocked that they would kill a monk, but not surprised that they were drunk. He was not surprised that they were violent in general. Also notes that Jiro's sister is married to Kenshin's brother.
Split up; Genjiro and Junko will go for Kenshin, Chiyoko and Sou will go to Yoshi, Haundo and Taka with Asuka, and Kazue and Daisuke to go after Jiro. Whether successful or not, will meet back at the house. Yukiko keeps an eye out around the town as much as she can.
Chiyoko and Sou go to Yoshi's. Greeted by a man, not Yoshi, and she asks for Yoshi's location. He's here, he's asleep; the peasant goes and fetchs him. Yoshi shows up, Chiyoko has him come along as she escorts him to the house. Yoshi asks what's this about, but they give him the silent treatment.
Haundo and Taka have a similar experience with Asuka. Arrive, someone else answers, Asuka is summoned and goes with. Tries to talk, doesn't get much aside from him being a witness to a crime. Arrive at about the same time as Chiyoko, Sou, and Yoshi.
Kazue and Daisuke know at Jiro's place. Young woman answers the door; says that Jiro is still at the Phoenix Next, he works there. Kazue says there is nothing else, and leaves.
Genjiro and Junko to to Kenshin's. Door is answered by a young woman. She gets Kinshen. Genjiro tells him to come. He asks what it is about, Genjiro tells him we represent the new governor. Here to provide official word of the murder of the Abbott. He says it was a terrible mistake; they were drinking, and it was an accident. Says he fell, hit his head. Says they were just drunk. He says it was afternoon; there was always extra sake. Arrive with everyone else.
Genjiro, Junko, and Sou remain with the peasants and Hotaru. Haunda, Taka, Kazue, Daisuke, and Chiyoko head to the Phoenix Nest to collect Jiro. Walk in, see him, and when Kazue says she's looking for Jiro, all eyes turn to the bouncer with a club (which Chiyoko and Haundo spotted when they walked in). Collect him, disarm him, and head back to the house.
Genjiro goes to question Kenshin. He says he has nothing to add. They were all friends, which is why they all attacked the abbott. Genjiro knows he's lying about something, but that will suffice as a confession for the moment.
Genjiro, Chiyoko, and Sou go to question Jiro. He remembers the abbot preaching, like he did a lot, they were all drinking. He was angry with them and preaching at them. He doesn't remember who started it, but they all ended up shoving him and swinging at him, then he fell, they hit him some more. He was drunk; he doesn't remember it very well. He's lying. Says the four of them attacked him. No one else tried to stop him. Gives the name of the owner of the Phoenix Nest, the madame of the brothel; says she was angry after the incident. That will also suffice as a confession.
Genjiro pulls in Yoshi next (Chiyoko and Sou still there). Works at the Dry Lotus; says there's a group of families, and provides the list. His and Asuka's family is one of them, but none of the rest. Gives the names of the three families that run the Blessed Waters; Kenshin and Jiro's families run the Blessed Waters. If he tells the truth, we don't have to torture him, right? They were drinking, the abbot was lecturing them specifically because they drink a lot. It wasn't anything they planned; it just sort of happened. They were all drunk and angry and had enough. Doesn't remember which struck him first, but they all attacked him. Kicked him when he was down on the ground. They killed him. Sou and Chiyoko don't believe him, but Genjiro does. The headman didn't question them; everyone knew what happened. No response, so the headman said he would punish them so things could get back to normal. Before then, they were confined. There was a lot of upset in the village. This counts as a confession. He's not aware of their brewery getting funding from the visiting armies. No rivalry between the brew houses; enough business for both. Names off his siblings.
Then pull in Asuka next. Says they started drinking at the Phoenix Nest. Also drank outside. Started drinking at lunch. Paid for some, some was the free they have access to. They say they drink like that regularly; not really that expensive, according to him. Says the abbot was yelling at them, which he did a lot. He thinks he singled them out because they drink so frequently. When he started yelling, they hit him. He doesn't have an excuse, he can't explain it. We believe he's lying about something. Get 8 or 10 names of folks that were there. Good enough for a confession, but he's lying about something.
Kazue watches them all while they wait in the house in silence while each is interrogated elsewhere. She feels that Yoshi seems relieved, and the others feel resigned.
Group gathers up out of earshot while the peasants wait, and discuss findings. Generally agree the four peasants are guilty; Chiyoko is uncertain they acted on their own, but we don't have a thread to unravel with them. Genjiro thinks the part to solve now is did the headman lie about sending a missive, and if so, did he do it for his own reasons (daughter or son-in-law?), or due to pressure from the breweries?
Chiyoko, Sou, and Genjiro go to get the headman. He answers, comes with. Isamu asks what is happening, Genjiro mentions Ansho-sama's interest in the return of law. In the incident, he agrees rule of law was not carried out. He sent his 16 year old son to deliver the message; left the day after the incident, returned a day and a half afterwards. Said his son delivered it to the governor's palace; handed it off at the gate, wasn't allowed in. Chiyoko and Genjiro believe him; Sou is not so sure. Since there was no answer, he felt something must be done, and it wasn't in his authority to have anyone executed. He did what he felt was in his authority to do. Chiyoko asks what the headman saw. He found the four men beating the abbot. He had been preaching; when the assault began, the crowd scattered; it was the commotion he heard. When they stopped, he checked the abbot and found him dead. He informed Ippei to have the abbot's body seen to. He had the four of them put into the rice store houses and the door locked. Then he wrote the message to the governor and his court, explaining what happened, and that they needed samurai, and sent the message with his son to deliver it and return immediately. He kept the men locked up. His son returned with no additional message, but had the name of the samurai who delivered it to. When no samurai or message came, he decided he needed to get the village back up and running again. So he decided it was in his authority to have them whipped, many were anxious to have something done. Sou asks, do you feel justice was done? He answers, he feels like he did what was within his power to do; whether it was just or not is not for him to say. Genjiro believes him; he seems to have some regrets. Certainly counts as a form of confession. He gives us the details of what was in the missive he sent to Toshi no Naishou. It strikes the group that with as helpful as Izuna was, odd that she would not have mentioned the unpunished murder in Panchu Mura if she had known about it. Talk through what we know so far. He had the chance to bring it up when we were with him, and did not. When asked who he would recommend to replace him, he recommends a woman not related with the 7 brewery families or the madame. When Haundo asks about how the breweries came about, Isuma doesn't think any one person came about. It was his responsibility to stop it, and he didn't.
To verify the delivery, we wake up Isuma's 16 year old son to talk about the delivery of the message. He was working in the field of the time of the attack on the abbot, didn't see it. His dad gave him the message, said to return back as soon as possible if there was no return message. Ran the way; got to Toshi no Naishou early in the morning, before dawn. Called in with the samurai at the samurai quarter; got escorted to the governor's manor. The sergeant on duty, same name as his dad provided, took the message and went into the palace. He was gone for 10 to 15 minutes, then came back, said the message was delivered, no response. Boy doesn't know who the sergeant spoke with. Says the missive was sealed. Genjiro believes him.
Kazue works with them for confession for cleansing before their execution; Yoshi is willing to confess. Asuka is accepting; acknowledges they did wrong. Jiro is resigned to his fate, but by the end of their chat, willing to admit he'd done wrong. Kenshin remains resentful and spiteful - places the blame on anyone else. Isamu is receptive as well, and is given the chance to write a message for his family.
Tea is made, some of the group sleep an hour or two, then we meet up with the shrine and the recommended people. Kazue and Daisuke stay with the condemned, the rest go to talk with folks with recommendations for new headmen. Six people show up from the monk and Kaku's list. The woman that the headman recommended is both on the monk and Kaku's list. She is the matriarch of a family, mid 50s, widowed, and farm rice. Tell those gathered that the headman will be executed, Ansho-sama will name a new headman, and their assistance will be needed in keeping things running smoothly. In talking with the others gathered, they do also seem to agree she is a good choice.
When Ansho-sama arrives, present the confessions of the four in the beating of the abbot, and the confession of the headman in abrogating his responsibility to the town. For execution, the headman is eloquent and remorseful. Hopes the village will not continue on this path, and the next head will lead the village back to its proper path. He is beheaded, as are the three who have sought confession. Yoshi is remorseful. Kenshin blames the samurai and celestial order, is beaten and beheaded. Some villagers look resentful, some pleased, some sick to their stomachs. For the replacement, the woman matriarch - Yuri - is named. And promises a new magistrate will be assigned.
Genjiro also reports to Ansho-sama about his miss in the monk's report, that the headman only said the murderers were punished. He brings up the gap between the delivered missive by the boy and Toshi no Naishou reporting it, which will need to be followed up on.
Ansho calls us back just an hour after the ball discussion. He's changed his mind about something with Panchu Maru - the murder of the monk, due to the power of monks in this area. He wants us to round up the four peasants that murdered the monk after getting a lecture about being a drunk. The headman swears he sent word to Toshi no Naishou, then punished the people responsible. He wants us to round up the peasants for an execution in the morning when Ansho arrives with all the peasants assembled. Also wants our recommendations for the announcement of a new headman. We have the names of the perpetrators, and know where the headman is. The murder itself happened in the winter, several months ago.
Usually execution requires a confession of the crime; technically the headman, but not ensuring justice was done for this and not protecting the monks, also could have his life forfeit. If there is no confession, tradition dictates torture to get one. Will also need to arrange for the execution. Go to talk with Masashi about getting access to an eta torturer - Horuto. Masashi also says that if we do not wish to behead the peasants, Horuto can. We get ourselves cup of torturer, roll up the group, and head out to Panchu Maru.
The general plan is go speak with the surviving monk, find out what he knows of the situation, if he knows where the peasants live, and if he has recommendations on a new headman. From there, we will split up, gather the peasants and the headman, then question them at one of the abandoned houses.
Arrive in Panchu Mura around midnight; a little noise from the geisha, sake, and gambling house, but very little. Arrive at the monk, Ippei's. No answer immediately; enter the shrine. Knock at his room. He wakes up, asks us what we want. He says that the old abbot had been preaching to a crowd at the village, and some of the villagers did not care to be lectured. Drunk as they were, they assaulted him. He did not witness it, but was told that they carried it too far, and killed him. His understanding was the crowd broke up when the assault began, the headman was summoned, but he doesn't know what happened afterward. He says the headman sent work to Toshi no Naishou; they awaited word, and when it did not arrive, two weeks later Isamu (the headman) had the men whipped in the center of town as punishment. He did not know the men personally (Yoshi, Kenshin, Jiro, and Asuka). There have been no other incidents, but he also has had his hands full as the sole monk doing what needs to be done, and not been lecturing. Let him know that Ansho-sama has called for their execution, and ask for him a recommendation of a headman by morning. Chiyoko also asks if there are any healers, teachers, or the likes that would potentially qualify. Would also ask that he gather some of the community leaders and meet around 7am.
More detail he has on the ones responsible - Yoshi and Asuka are brothers; both work at the Dry Lotus. Jiro works at the Phoenix nest. Kenshin works at the Blessed waters, and is both Jiro's brother in law and Kenshin's son in law.
Chiyoko passses on that Ippei's message has been passed on to the monastery, and two young monks are being sent to help him.
Sou sets up Silent Waters to allow him to silently cast the Kami's Strength under contingency.
Haundo, Daisuke, and Junko go to the prior empty house we stayed in and put on armor. The rest of us head to speak with Kaku and his sisters. Sou and Yukika look for anything out of the ordinary around their home. Chiyoko asks for their assistance, starting with gathering primary people still invested in the town for a meeting at the temple at 7am. He agrees to go at sunrise. When Genjiro ask, he says he did not see it, but relays what he heard. Abbot preaching in village center, some drunk villagers took offense, attacked him, and killed him. Doesn't know if it was their intention. The headman told everyone afterwards that he had sent word to Toshi no Naishou. Two weeks later, the headman reassembled the village and stated that he had not recieved word, so he would take action to punish the men responsible, so had them brought out and whipped. On consideration, it's not on the headman to dish out punishment of any kind. However, he could have given the situation to any other samurai to get done. Kaku knows the same info that Ippei did about the perpetrators, and also knows the houses the men would be associated with, though not if they sleep there regularly. Doesn't believe there would be more than 5 or 6 adults in any of those homes, mostly mid to late twenties. Their families don't run the breweries, but much of their extended families do work there. When he heard, he was shocked that they would kill a monk, but not surprised that they were drunk. He was not surprised that they were violent in general. Also notes that Jiro's sister is married to Kenshin's brother.
Split up; Genjiro and Junko will go for Kenshin, Chiyoko and Sou will go to Yoshi, Haundo and Taka with Asuka, and Kazue and Daisuke to go after Jiro. Whether successful or not, will meet back at the house. Yukiko keeps an eye out around the town as much as she can.
Chiyoko and Sou go to Yoshi's. Greeted by a man, not Yoshi, and she asks for Yoshi's location. He's here, he's asleep; the peasant goes and fetchs him. Yoshi shows up, Chiyoko has him come along as she escorts him to the house. Yoshi asks what's this about, but they give him the silent treatment.
Haundo and Taka have a similar experience with Asuka. Arrive, someone else answers, Asuka is summoned and goes with. Tries to talk, doesn't get much aside from him being a witness to a crime. Arrive at about the same time as Chiyoko, Sou, and Yoshi.
Kazue and Daisuke know at Jiro's place. Young woman answers the door; says that Jiro is still at the Phoenix Next, he works there. Kazue says there is nothing else, and leaves.
Genjiro and Junko to to Kenshin's. Door is answered by a young woman. She gets Kinshen. Genjiro tells him to come. He asks what it is about, Genjiro tells him we represent the new governor. Here to provide official word of the murder of the Abbott. He says it was a terrible mistake; they were drinking, and it was an accident. Says he fell, hit his head. Says they were just drunk. He says it was afternoon; there was always extra sake. Arrive with everyone else.
Genjiro, Junko, and Sou remain with the peasants and Hotaru. Haunda, Taka, Kazue, Daisuke, and Chiyoko head to the Phoenix Nest to collect Jiro. Walk in, see him, and when Kazue says she's looking for Jiro, all eyes turn to the bouncer with a club (which Chiyoko and Haundo spotted when they walked in). Collect him, disarm him, and head back to the house.
Genjiro goes to question Kenshin. He says he has nothing to add. They were all friends, which is why they all attacked the abbott. Genjiro knows he's lying about something, but that will suffice as a confession for the moment.
Genjiro, Chiyoko, and Sou go to question Jiro. He remembers the abbot preaching, like he did a lot, they were all drinking. He was angry with them and preaching at them. He doesn't remember who started it, but they all ended up shoving him and swinging at him, then he fell, they hit him some more. He was drunk; he doesn't remember it very well. He's lying. Says the four of them attacked him. No one else tried to stop him. Gives the name of the owner of the Phoenix Nest, the madame of the brothel; says she was angry after the incident. That will also suffice as a confession.
Genjiro pulls in Yoshi next (Chiyoko and Sou still there). Works at the Dry Lotus; says there's a group of families, and provides the list. His and Asuka's family is one of them, but none of the rest. Gives the names of the three families that run the Blessed Waters; Kenshin and Jiro's families run the Blessed Waters. If he tells the truth, we don't have to torture him, right? They were drinking, the abbot was lecturing them specifically because they drink a lot. It wasn't anything they planned; it just sort of happened. They were all drunk and angry and had enough. Doesn't remember which struck him first, but they all attacked him. Kicked him when he was down on the ground. They killed him. Sou and Chiyoko don't believe him, but Genjiro does. The headman didn't question them; everyone knew what happened. No response, so the headman said he would punish them so things could get back to normal. Before then, they were confined. There was a lot of upset in the village. This counts as a confession. He's not aware of their brewery getting funding from the visiting armies. No rivalry between the brew houses; enough business for both. Names off his siblings.
Then pull in Asuka next. Says they started drinking at the Phoenix Nest. Also drank outside. Started drinking at lunch. Paid for some, some was the free they have access to. They say they drink like that regularly; not really that expensive, according to him. Says the abbot was yelling at them, which he did a lot. He thinks he singled them out because they drink so frequently. When he started yelling, they hit him. He doesn't have an excuse, he can't explain it. We believe he's lying about something. Get 8 or 10 names of folks that were there. Good enough for a confession, but he's lying about something.
Kazue watches them all while they wait in the house in silence while each is interrogated elsewhere. She feels that Yoshi seems relieved, and the others feel resigned.
Group gathers up out of earshot while the peasants wait, and discuss findings. Generally agree the four peasants are guilty; Chiyoko is uncertain they acted on their own, but we don't have a thread to unravel with them. Genjiro thinks the part to solve now is did the headman lie about sending a missive, and if so, did he do it for his own reasons (daughter or son-in-law?), or due to pressure from the breweries?
Chiyoko, Sou, and Genjiro go to get the headman. He answers, comes with. Isamu asks what is happening, Genjiro mentions Ansho-sama's interest in the return of law. In the incident, he agrees rule of law was not carried out. He sent his 16 year old son to deliver the message; left the day after the incident, returned a day and a half afterwards. Said his son delivered it to the governor's palace; handed it off at the gate, wasn't allowed in. Chiyoko and Genjiro believe him; Sou is not so sure. Since there was no answer, he felt something must be done, and it wasn't in his authority to have anyone executed. He did what he felt was in his authority to do. Chiyoko asks what the headman saw. He found the four men beating the abbot. He had been preaching; when the assault began, the crowd scattered; it was the commotion he heard. When they stopped, he checked the abbot and found him dead. He informed Ippei to have the abbot's body seen to. He had the four of them put into the rice store houses and the door locked. Then he wrote the message to the governor and his court, explaining what happened, and that they needed samurai, and sent the message with his son to deliver it and return immediately. He kept the men locked up. His son returned with no additional message, but had the name of the samurai who delivered it to. When no samurai or message came, he decided he needed to get the village back up and running again. So he decided it was in his authority to have them whipped, many were anxious to have something done. Sou asks, do you feel justice was done? He answers, he feels like he did what was within his power to do; whether it was just or not is not for him to say. Genjiro believes him; he seems to have some regrets. Certainly counts as a form of confession. He gives us the details of what was in the missive he sent to Toshi no Naishou. It strikes the group that with as helpful as Izuna was, odd that she would not have mentioned the unpunished murder in Panchu Mura if she had known about it. Talk through what we know so far. He had the chance to bring it up when we were with him, and did not. When asked who he would recommend to replace him, he recommends a woman not related with the 7 brewery families or the madame. When Haundo asks about how the breweries came about, Isuma doesn't think any one person came about. It was his responsibility to stop it, and he didn't.
To verify the delivery, we wake up Isuma's 16 year old son to talk about the delivery of the message. He was working in the field of the time of the attack on the abbot, didn't see it. His dad gave him the message, said to return back as soon as possible if there was no return message. Ran the way; got to Toshi no Naishou early in the morning, before dawn. Called in with the samurai at the samurai quarter; got escorted to the governor's manor. The sergeant on duty, same name as his dad provided, took the message and went into the palace. He was gone for 10 to 15 minutes, then came back, said the message was delivered, no response. Boy doesn't know who the sergeant spoke with. Says the missive was sealed. Genjiro believes him.
Kazue works with them for confession for cleansing before their execution; Yoshi is willing to confess. Asuka is accepting; acknowledges they did wrong. Jiro is resigned to his fate, but by the end of their chat, willing to admit he'd done wrong. Kenshin remains resentful and spiteful - places the blame on anyone else. Isamu is receptive as well, and is given the chance to write a message for his family.
Tea is made, some of the group sleep an hour or two, then we meet up with the shrine and the recommended people. Kazue and Daisuke stay with the condemned, the rest go to talk with folks with recommendations for new headmen. Six people show up from the monk and Kaku's list. The woman that the headman recommended is both on the monk and Kaku's list. She is the matriarch of a family, mid 50s, widowed, and farm rice. Tell those gathered that the headman will be executed, Ansho-sama will name a new headman, and their assistance will be needed in keeping things running smoothly. In talking with the others gathered, they do also seem to agree she is a good choice.
When Ansho-sama arrives, present the confessions of the four in the beating of the abbot, and the confession of the headman in abrogating his responsibility to the town. For execution, the headman is eloquent and remorseful. Hopes the village will not continue on this path, and the next head will lead the village back to its proper path. He is beheaded, as are the three who have sought confession. Yoshi is remorseful. Kenshin blames the samurai and celestial order, is beaten and beheaded. Some villagers look resentful, some pleased, some sick to their stomachs. For the replacement, the woman matriarch - Yuri - is named. And promises a new magistrate will be assigned.
Genjiro also reports to Ansho-sama about his miss in the monk's report, that the headman only said the murderers were punished. He brings up the gap between the delivered missive by the boy and Toshi no Naishou reporting it, which will need to be followed up on.
Session III - Preperations begin
5/20/2018
-15th of Hare, 1157-
Genjiro continues working on the logistics of the arriving imperial forces, as well as waiting for the arrival of the Crane army representative. Genjiro also seeks some assistance from Obaasan in coordinating the efforts. Chiyoko goes to notify the monastery of Kinro-ni-jin of the current state of the monks, including one murdered by peasants. Next, she goes to check on the flooded district; due to the high river from the run off of the rough winter in the mountains. This is the eta district, so not much has been done to deal with this. She investigates further, and even without the flooding the village seems swampy, not on firm ground, and generally in poor condition. The eta living here seem fairly miserable. On the afternoon of the 15th, the peaceful silence of the samurai quarter is broken by Doji Ayumi and Bayushi Itaru, then 40 or so Crane and Scorpion. Invite them into the palace. Itaru and Ayumi enter alone; Genjiro greets them, then starts with reading the proclamation. Ayumi is steamed. She asks what she should do with her legion. Genjiro asks if she has any concerns; she does not. She asks if there is anything else; Genjiro says there is not. Chiyoko chastises Ayumi's men about their action. She storms out, on her way out, Itaru mocks her with "I guess we'll never know who would be better." Itaru says no concerns (but we both sense that he is disappointed in this particular outcome). Genjiro invites Itaru to dinner; Chiyoko goes to spar. Itaru is a charming conversationalist; draws a lot of attention. Genjiro provides him with the materials and informs him that Bayushi Yojiro has put Itaru in charge, and passes on the evidence the Scorpion clan had gathered. He enjoys sake, not to excess. Junko goes with, stands watch outside.
Kazue is getting a tour form Shiba Gaijitsu. He's upset about the discovery of the Emperor taking the province from the Phoenix, but not with her (just not good at hiding it seems more soldier than governor. He's a bit nervous about his place, now that there is a new governor. More concerned about the town than his personal outcome it seems, though. Universally well respected, and often quite liked. Shinsei-ist monks seem in particular fond of him. Walks her through the districts, out to where the laborers and farmers. Tours her through all 5 elemental temples, all of the same relative size and prosperity. She also notices some fetishes of leaves / twigs and such, which comes from the Morakawa tribe (from the Kawa forest) - supposed to keep bad luck and spirits away. At they are heading back for lunch, approached by a Mantis clan samurai - Moshi Masako. She brings forward a concern - seems Toshi no Naishou is not allowing certain things to proceed from the harbor; causing her some difficulties - possibly because of the difficulties between the cities? He promises he will bring it up to the new governor when he can. He introduces Masako and Kazue, and Kazue finds out she's a painter. Go and have lunch on Water upon the Stones. Patrons are almost entirely Phoenix, with one lone woman wearing purple (looking Unicorn). Crowd seems subdued. Go out later to the covered market place, and there's a monk preaching fortunism. Some of the more remote villages prefer to come here than Toshi no Naishou to sell their goods and raw materials. Kazue thanks Gaijitsu for the tour; he asks her to let the governor know they have pressing concerns in the city, and would like to meet with him as soon as he's able. Daisuke thinks if they left tonight, they could ride out tonight and still make it to the border in time without endangering the horses. Would still be safe to leave in the morning, but might just be a little late. So they stay the night to see the entertainment in the evening. A mixture of entertainment and refreshments for most budgets. Jugglers, jesters, acrobats, performers, games, a bit of gambling, some open air sake houses, open air tea houses. Sees the Unicorn, three or four ronin, but far more peasants than samurai. Daisuke notices that they are the subject of quite a bit of attention, considering they are the representatives of the new governor. Kazue offers to write to some of her teachers to come visit the elemental temples, which Gaijitsu appreciates.
Sou and Haundo are riding south, intending to meet Ansho at the border on the 18th. Pass along several villages, scattered all across the plains, some around the forest itself.
-16th of Hare, 1157-
Afternoon as they travel, Yukika first, then Sou and Haundo spot a reflection in the forest like sunlight glinting off glass. It's ahead in the path; Haundo is concerned that it could be spyglass and believes they need to go investigate. Sou agrees, and they try to head in that direction with minor path adjustments to hide the intention. Found the signs of a presence of someone that has left, maybe no longer than an hour in the camp. Had a horse, looks like it was likely male, and while could potentially be tracked, would be difficult and slow. If they had armor, it was small. Looks like they left when they were noticed, but had been here doing something before that. Haundo nails a proclamation to the tree that the person had been next to. Sou communes with a fox - what were they wearing, color of clothes? It says human male, wearing clothing (no armor), earth tones, beard and long hair. Maybe a peasant or ronin, or someone concealing their clan. As to his emotional state, was attentive, curious, and before he left, anxious. What was he doing? Standing in the place, holding up something that occasionally caught the sunlight to his face, looking back and forth. Probably scouting? When he left, though, he rode off due west, not in the direction of Shizu Mura. Sou asks them to watch him, sits down and starts meditating. Falls into a deep trance, then a small fox springs out of the ground next to him. Looks at everyone, nods, then trots off following the path of the lone horseman. Fox-Sou follows the trail west; following for many hours. He finds and creeps closer to a small camp, about 13 or so men and women, a little bit of light or ashigaru armor, a few swords, but weapons for all (bows, tetsubos, axes), 3 horses - a well established camp. 3 are talking; one, an older man that appears to be the leader; long beard, who appears to be who Fox-Sou followed; and a woman. The scout argues they should pull up stakes and relocate the camp somewhere else in the forest; seems clear he had seen them and saw them coming towards him. She doesn't see any reason to uproot - just got here; should hear 4 samurai coming long before they sneak up on the camp. Older man lets them argue it out for a bit, then says he agrees with Nimuro - let's relocate the camp. The woman, Mei, agrees, calling the leader's name as Sononsuke. They effectively break down the camp quickly; reasonably well coordinated. They head out to the northwest. Sou dismisses the fox. He informs the group that it looks like ronin; well organized and savvy, but he doesn't believe there were any shugenja.
Kazue sets out from Koso Mura, and Chiyoko and Genjiro head out from Toshi no Naishou.
-18th of Hare, 1157-
Borders of the province, meet up with Ansho, deliver our reports. He contemplates them, then lets us know about what he's currently fighting off all the clan delegation requests to supercede them to Toshi no Naisho; need to sort that out. Akodo Konomi was going to set small groups in the major cities from the Legion.
Discuss how to split up the various legions to keep the optics of the populace of Toshi no Naishou from having to stare down 3 legions in spitting distance, as well as keep from having a legion force a new village from popping up around it. After some discussion, the proposal is to keep the Lion at Sujuu Mura, the Crane at Oichi Mura, and the Scorpion at Moku Mura - Ansho-sama will consider. Haundo recommends a check point along the road to the south to be established; Sujuku Mura acts at the check point in the north; then a check point at the bend of the river on the west side to be able to watch the camps. Kazue asks Ansho-sama; squad of Phoenix samurai sent by Gaijitsu was who officially notified the emperor. We bring up our lack of knowledge in regards to river boats; recommend Ansho-sama and Konomi-san check with the Mantis, maybe? Genjiro passes along that Itaru may already be looking to purchasing real estate. Ansho-sama thinks we'll leave the negotiation and purchase of the real estate to the Phoenix, which would help compensate them for their current situation as well as molify them. Kazue does note that Koso Mura and Toshi no Naishou may have to be handled separately. Haundo recommends we have a final review, just to verify pricing is reasonable and not terribly favored / disfavored for someone. If any of us want homes, let Ansho-sama know.
Only one known Phoenix magistrate in the province; Ansho will be delegating some additional clan magistrates along way stations. And, one way to co-opt the clans is to have them put forth candidates for clan magistrates that we get to review and approve, then assign them to a particular place or settlement. Plans to co-opt all of them into the maintenance and administration of the province, so that any short-sighted foolishness impacts them directly and helps him determine the longer term view of who is the better magistrates.
Ansho is also planning on giving guest rooms in the palace to the delegations, so they can choose to stay close or have options for late nights or guests. Team gets a large estate with separate house for Sou and Yukika.
Ansho intends for Toritaka Kano to investigate the dead Phoenix, since the body was in Unicorn lands.
Ansho says, we should reach Toshi no Naisho on the 20th. He will announce on the 21st that he will hold a ball with the theme of celebrating spring time and new beginnings. Each delegation (all 8 clans and the minor clan alliance) will be responsible for bringing a gift to the ball for the province. The refreshments and festivities will be local. He would like to have a poetry competition. He would like a first draft of the guest list by the evening of the 20th. A small province ball would be 40 to 50 -- this will need to be much larger to accomodate all the clans.
Genjiro continues working on the logistics of the arriving imperial forces, as well as waiting for the arrival of the Crane army representative. Genjiro also seeks some assistance from Obaasan in coordinating the efforts. Chiyoko goes to notify the monastery of Kinro-ni-jin of the current state of the monks, including one murdered by peasants. Next, she goes to check on the flooded district; due to the high river from the run off of the rough winter in the mountains. This is the eta district, so not much has been done to deal with this. She investigates further, and even without the flooding the village seems swampy, not on firm ground, and generally in poor condition. The eta living here seem fairly miserable. On the afternoon of the 15th, the peaceful silence of the samurai quarter is broken by Doji Ayumi and Bayushi Itaru, then 40 or so Crane and Scorpion. Invite them into the palace. Itaru and Ayumi enter alone; Genjiro greets them, then starts with reading the proclamation. Ayumi is steamed. She asks what she should do with her legion. Genjiro asks if she has any concerns; she does not. She asks if there is anything else; Genjiro says there is not. Chiyoko chastises Ayumi's men about their action. She storms out, on her way out, Itaru mocks her with "I guess we'll never know who would be better." Itaru says no concerns (but we both sense that he is disappointed in this particular outcome). Genjiro invites Itaru to dinner; Chiyoko goes to spar. Itaru is a charming conversationalist; draws a lot of attention. Genjiro provides him with the materials and informs him that Bayushi Yojiro has put Itaru in charge, and passes on the evidence the Scorpion clan had gathered. He enjoys sake, not to excess. Junko goes with, stands watch outside.
Kazue is getting a tour form Shiba Gaijitsu. He's upset about the discovery of the Emperor taking the province from the Phoenix, but not with her (just not good at hiding it seems more soldier than governor. He's a bit nervous about his place, now that there is a new governor. More concerned about the town than his personal outcome it seems, though. Universally well respected, and often quite liked. Shinsei-ist monks seem in particular fond of him. Walks her through the districts, out to where the laborers and farmers. Tours her through all 5 elemental temples, all of the same relative size and prosperity. She also notices some fetishes of leaves / twigs and such, which comes from the Morakawa tribe (from the Kawa forest) - supposed to keep bad luck and spirits away. At they are heading back for lunch, approached by a Mantis clan samurai - Moshi Masako. She brings forward a concern - seems Toshi no Naishou is not allowing certain things to proceed from the harbor; causing her some difficulties - possibly because of the difficulties between the cities? He promises he will bring it up to the new governor when he can. He introduces Masako and Kazue, and Kazue finds out she's a painter. Go and have lunch on Water upon the Stones. Patrons are almost entirely Phoenix, with one lone woman wearing purple (looking Unicorn). Crowd seems subdued. Go out later to the covered market place, and there's a monk preaching fortunism. Some of the more remote villages prefer to come here than Toshi no Naishou to sell their goods and raw materials. Kazue thanks Gaijitsu for the tour; he asks her to let the governor know they have pressing concerns in the city, and would like to meet with him as soon as he's able. Daisuke thinks if they left tonight, they could ride out tonight and still make it to the border in time without endangering the horses. Would still be safe to leave in the morning, but might just be a little late. So they stay the night to see the entertainment in the evening. A mixture of entertainment and refreshments for most budgets. Jugglers, jesters, acrobats, performers, games, a bit of gambling, some open air sake houses, open air tea houses. Sees the Unicorn, three or four ronin, but far more peasants than samurai. Daisuke notices that they are the subject of quite a bit of attention, considering they are the representatives of the new governor. Kazue offers to write to some of her teachers to come visit the elemental temples, which Gaijitsu appreciates.
Sou and Haundo are riding south, intending to meet Ansho at the border on the 18th. Pass along several villages, scattered all across the plains, some around the forest itself.
-16th of Hare, 1157-
Afternoon as they travel, Yukika first, then Sou and Haundo spot a reflection in the forest like sunlight glinting off glass. It's ahead in the path; Haundo is concerned that it could be spyglass and believes they need to go investigate. Sou agrees, and they try to head in that direction with minor path adjustments to hide the intention. Found the signs of a presence of someone that has left, maybe no longer than an hour in the camp. Had a horse, looks like it was likely male, and while could potentially be tracked, would be difficult and slow. If they had armor, it was small. Looks like they left when they were noticed, but had been here doing something before that. Haundo nails a proclamation to the tree that the person had been next to. Sou communes with a fox - what were they wearing, color of clothes? It says human male, wearing clothing (no armor), earth tones, beard and long hair. Maybe a peasant or ronin, or someone concealing their clan. As to his emotional state, was attentive, curious, and before he left, anxious. What was he doing? Standing in the place, holding up something that occasionally caught the sunlight to his face, looking back and forth. Probably scouting? When he left, though, he rode off due west, not in the direction of Shizu Mura. Sou asks them to watch him, sits down and starts meditating. Falls into a deep trance, then a small fox springs out of the ground next to him. Looks at everyone, nods, then trots off following the path of the lone horseman. Fox-Sou follows the trail west; following for many hours. He finds and creeps closer to a small camp, about 13 or so men and women, a little bit of light or ashigaru armor, a few swords, but weapons for all (bows, tetsubos, axes), 3 horses - a well established camp. 3 are talking; one, an older man that appears to be the leader; long beard, who appears to be who Fox-Sou followed; and a woman. The scout argues they should pull up stakes and relocate the camp somewhere else in the forest; seems clear he had seen them and saw them coming towards him. She doesn't see any reason to uproot - just got here; should hear 4 samurai coming long before they sneak up on the camp. Older man lets them argue it out for a bit, then says he agrees with Nimuro - let's relocate the camp. The woman, Mei, agrees, calling the leader's name as Sononsuke. They effectively break down the camp quickly; reasonably well coordinated. They head out to the northwest. Sou dismisses the fox. He informs the group that it looks like ronin; well organized and savvy, but he doesn't believe there were any shugenja.
Kazue sets out from Koso Mura, and Chiyoko and Genjiro head out from Toshi no Naishou.
-18th of Hare, 1157-
Borders of the province, meet up with Ansho, deliver our reports. He contemplates them, then lets us know about what he's currently fighting off all the clan delegation requests to supercede them to Toshi no Naisho; need to sort that out. Akodo Konomi was going to set small groups in the major cities from the Legion.
Discuss how to split up the various legions to keep the optics of the populace of Toshi no Naishou from having to stare down 3 legions in spitting distance, as well as keep from having a legion force a new village from popping up around it. After some discussion, the proposal is to keep the Lion at Sujuu Mura, the Crane at Oichi Mura, and the Scorpion at Moku Mura - Ansho-sama will consider. Haundo recommends a check point along the road to the south to be established; Sujuku Mura acts at the check point in the north; then a check point at the bend of the river on the west side to be able to watch the camps. Kazue asks Ansho-sama; squad of Phoenix samurai sent by Gaijitsu was who officially notified the emperor. We bring up our lack of knowledge in regards to river boats; recommend Ansho-sama and Konomi-san check with the Mantis, maybe? Genjiro passes along that Itaru may already be looking to purchasing real estate. Ansho-sama thinks we'll leave the negotiation and purchase of the real estate to the Phoenix, which would help compensate them for their current situation as well as molify them. Kazue does note that Koso Mura and Toshi no Naishou may have to be handled separately. Haundo recommends we have a final review, just to verify pricing is reasonable and not terribly favored / disfavored for someone. If any of us want homes, let Ansho-sama know.
Only one known Phoenix magistrate in the province; Ansho will be delegating some additional clan magistrates along way stations. And, one way to co-opt the clans is to have them put forth candidates for clan magistrates that we get to review and approve, then assign them to a particular place or settlement. Plans to co-opt all of them into the maintenance and administration of the province, so that any short-sighted foolishness impacts them directly and helps him determine the longer term view of who is the better magistrates.
Ansho is also planning on giving guest rooms in the palace to the delegations, so they can choose to stay close or have options for late nights or guests. Team gets a large estate with separate house for Sou and Yukika.
Ansho intends for Toritaka Kano to investigate the dead Phoenix, since the body was in Unicorn lands.
Ansho says, we should reach Toshi no Naisho on the 20th. He will announce on the 21st that he will hold a ball with the theme of celebrating spring time and new beginnings. Each delegation (all 8 clans and the minor clan alliance) will be responsible for bringing a gift to the ball for the province. The refreshments and festivities will be local. He would like to have a poetry competition. He would like a first draft of the guest list by the evening of the 20th. A small province ball would be 40 to 50 -- this will need to be much larger to accomodate all the clans.
Session II - Assessing the situation
3/25/2018
-13th of Hare, 1157-
Two Shiba samurai are present, guarding the gate. Asako Izuna is who they say is in charge, will take us to her. Says she's holding court today, and introduces us before the court. Izuna is sitting close to the governor's empty seat; longest serving courtier in the palace. Screens with landscapes, as well as mythical creatures storied to be found in the river at various times. Show her the proclamation. She asks what they can do to assist. We note that we'll need assistance lodging Miya-sama's entourage and the legion. That we'll need help getting the proclamation spread across the province to villages of 200 people and over (everything on the map). The Crane and Scorpion are maneuvering around Tosho no Naisho, and the Lion were in and around Suuju Mura. Ask about other clans operating, tells of the Mantis acting as mercenaries.
Top floor of the palace is for the governor. 63 guest rooms in the palace for samurai (can easily support married couples). 2 others occupied by Asako Izuna and Shiba Yamiko. No servants quarters in the governor's palace; they all live in the heimin's district. The district the barracks can hold 2 companies (a legion is 7), a little over 300. Two other barracks that can hold a squadron, 21 each, 42 in total. The samurai district has 197 homes and estates of varying sizes, 160 are unoccupied, some might need minor repairs (all would need to be aired out). There are two inns in the samurai district that can potentially hold 24, 48 in total. Four inns in the merchant district; could hold 18 each, or 72 total. When Sou asks about why so many abandoned houses; she said that those were built over 500 years ago. Carpenters in the province are famously skilled. 2 squads in the main barracks. Izuna does ask about disposition of the real estate and existing Phoenix; Genjiro says we will do our best to honor existing conditions.
The closest flat land to setup a military camp is several hours outside the heimin quarter. Izuna says that there is more room in Koso Mura. Phoenix have about 80 in the city, and 3 companies (450 soldiers) at Koso Mura. 70 to 75 representatives showing up to lobby for their clans, with probably 150 guards / followers along with servants. Haundo asks about the grain stores, and Izuna presents the figures, can easily absorb the arrival of the armies. Current population is 90 to 95 thousand before the arrivals. Last census on Panchu Mura was 248 citizens, and just shows farming. Ask about the mural on the screens; artist is Kakita Maliko, and claimed they could see things in the rivers others could not. Kazue and Sou recognize several of the spirits, as well as some of the kami represented; kappa and ningyo. It was painted about 500 years ago. Chiyoko asks about how the Phoenix have taken the armies arrivals; Izuna says unfortunately, they have received no response back to their repeated attempts to contact the Phoenix about this situation. None of their messengers have returned; 4 different messengers dispatched over the course of 7 months. First was a single messenger (18th of Dragon 1156 - day after Hiromoto's death), sent south along the river. Expected to get a reply by Goat, 3 months later. When no response, 21st of Goat 1156, dispatched a pair of samurai north via Dragon lands with travel papers. Expected to hear back faster; dispatched third messenger 17th of Dog 1156, also a single messenger, south along the river. Independently, Shiba Gaijitsu dispatched a squad of 10 soldiers via the Dragon route on the 23rd of Dog. Says the Crane arrived near the end of the month of Dog, a few days after the third messenger left. The Lion arrived shortly after, still in Dog, and the Scorpion didn't arrive until Boar. She first became aware of the Mantis in Boar also. Kakita Seisho arrived in Toshi no Naishou the 23rd day Goat 1156, just after the second messengers were dispatched. He is the one attributed to reporting the lack of governor in the province. His Daidoji was dispatched a few days after with the message to the Crane. Emperor announced on 16th day of Ox, 1156.
All 3 armies did announce their arrivals by sending a squad to the palace and reassure that they had no intention of battling the city or damaging the infrastructure of the province. All suggested given the relative inequality of troop strength that the Phoenix not attempt to stop them. Each army suggested that when they dealt with the security situation, they were going to claim Toshi no Naishou and Koso Mura. Sou asks about governance philosophy used by the Phoenix; while rich in resources, its isolation means not rich trade. Kazue asks about the other clan samurai in town when the old governor died; 2 dragon, 1 lion, a mantis, a crane, several phoenix visiting Toshi no Naishou when the old governor died. All but the Mantis and the Phoenix were passing through, paying respect, but going to a monestary. Mantis was here for business, was successful, purchased some timber, rare plants, dried flowers, herbs, swamp plants.
Chiyoko asks about any issues she has concerns with, and Izuna is concerned about sending isolated samurai to remote areas for things like census taking, with concerns arising from the assumed fate of the failed messengers. Says the native three tribes are unlikely to intermingle; more likely to reach out to their same tribe then send word to the capital. A lot more common among the villages in the mountains. Kazue asks about Koso Maru - 10,000 pop, where Toshi No Naisho is 35,000 pop. Koso Maru is Shensai or daoist, and consider its a strenght to intermingle between the tribes and others. Recommends the covered market place. Giajitsu was named governor of there a few months after Hiromoto became governor. Get names of the Taisa of the Clan armies - Doji Ayumi, Bayushi Itaru, Matsu Tadanobu. Get to pick rooms themed after the fortunes: Iaimiko, Junko - Bishoman; Sou and Yukika, Taka - Benten; Daisuke - Jurojin; Haundo, Musashi, Genjiro - Hotei; Chiyoko, Kazue - Fukurokujin; Akemi - Jurojin.
To try and hit the armies, different groups will need to head out. Sou, Yukika, Haundo, Taka heading northwest to find the Lion, then head back to the border. If they make great time, maybe check out Shizu Mura or Inari Seido. Kazue and Daisuke head north to Koso Mura, then return. Iaimiko, Akemi, and Masashi head west to find the Scorpion, possibly the Crane. Chiyoko, Genjiro, and Junko remain in Toshi no Naishou.
-14th of Hare, 1157-
Group splits up.
Chiyoko and Genjiro go north and south of the town to read the proclamation. Izuna recommends both merchant quarters, both docks, the Three Winds Inn, parks in the samurai district. Genjiro also works on logistics for laborers, lumber, materials for housing. Airing out the existing housing.
Late in the day, Kazue and Daisuke arrive in Koso Mura. Get in no problem, are escorted to meet Shiba Gaijitsu. He takes the news, but is angry. He asks how the emperor found out about the situation. Kazue says we do not know, nor the fate of his men who were dispatched. She asks for a chance to read the proclamation to the city, and he agrees. He gives a report on Koso Mura to take back to Miya Ansho, as well as some pointers on local flavor. Recommends a meal at the Water Upon the Stones, mentions the covered market.
-15th of Hare, 1157-
That morning, Sou, Yukika, Haundo, Taka meet a Lion patrol. Hail them, ask to meet the Taisa to deliver the proclamation to Matsu Tadanobu. Get to Sujuu Mura, and find it well fortified by the Lion. New wall built. Escorted in, get to meet with Tadanobu, read out the proclamation. When Tadanobu asks about further orders, Sou requests that an envoy be send to Toshi no Naishou, where Miya Ansho will be setup by the 21st. Sou politely declines the invite for hospitality to head back south to meet up at the border. Head out south, to skirt the forest on the way back to meet up with Miya Ansho.
Two Shiba samurai are present, guarding the gate. Asako Izuna is who they say is in charge, will take us to her. Says she's holding court today, and introduces us before the court. Izuna is sitting close to the governor's empty seat; longest serving courtier in the palace. Screens with landscapes, as well as mythical creatures storied to be found in the river at various times. Show her the proclamation. She asks what they can do to assist. We note that we'll need assistance lodging Miya-sama's entourage and the legion. That we'll need help getting the proclamation spread across the province to villages of 200 people and over (everything on the map). The Crane and Scorpion are maneuvering around Tosho no Naisho, and the Lion were in and around Suuju Mura. Ask about other clans operating, tells of the Mantis acting as mercenaries.
Top floor of the palace is for the governor. 63 guest rooms in the palace for samurai (can easily support married couples). 2 others occupied by Asako Izuna and Shiba Yamiko. No servants quarters in the governor's palace; they all live in the heimin's district. The district the barracks can hold 2 companies (a legion is 7), a little over 300. Two other barracks that can hold a squadron, 21 each, 42 in total. The samurai district has 197 homes and estates of varying sizes, 160 are unoccupied, some might need minor repairs (all would need to be aired out). There are two inns in the samurai district that can potentially hold 24, 48 in total. Four inns in the merchant district; could hold 18 each, or 72 total. When Sou asks about why so many abandoned houses; she said that those were built over 500 years ago. Carpenters in the province are famously skilled. 2 squads in the main barracks. Izuna does ask about disposition of the real estate and existing Phoenix; Genjiro says we will do our best to honor existing conditions.
The closest flat land to setup a military camp is several hours outside the heimin quarter. Izuna says that there is more room in Koso Mura. Phoenix have about 80 in the city, and 3 companies (450 soldiers) at Koso Mura. 70 to 75 representatives showing up to lobby for their clans, with probably 150 guards / followers along with servants. Haundo asks about the grain stores, and Izuna presents the figures, can easily absorb the arrival of the armies. Current population is 90 to 95 thousand before the arrivals. Last census on Panchu Mura was 248 citizens, and just shows farming. Ask about the mural on the screens; artist is Kakita Maliko, and claimed they could see things in the rivers others could not. Kazue and Sou recognize several of the spirits, as well as some of the kami represented; kappa and ningyo. It was painted about 500 years ago. Chiyoko asks about how the Phoenix have taken the armies arrivals; Izuna says unfortunately, they have received no response back to their repeated attempts to contact the Phoenix about this situation. None of their messengers have returned; 4 different messengers dispatched over the course of 7 months. First was a single messenger (18th of Dragon 1156 - day after Hiromoto's death), sent south along the river. Expected to get a reply by Goat, 3 months later. When no response, 21st of Goat 1156, dispatched a pair of samurai north via Dragon lands with travel papers. Expected to hear back faster; dispatched third messenger 17th of Dog 1156, also a single messenger, south along the river. Independently, Shiba Gaijitsu dispatched a squad of 10 soldiers via the Dragon route on the 23rd of Dog. Says the Crane arrived near the end of the month of Dog, a few days after the third messenger left. The Lion arrived shortly after, still in Dog, and the Scorpion didn't arrive until Boar. She first became aware of the Mantis in Boar also. Kakita Seisho arrived in Toshi no Naishou the 23rd day Goat 1156, just after the second messengers were dispatched. He is the one attributed to reporting the lack of governor in the province. His Daidoji was dispatched a few days after with the message to the Crane. Emperor announced on 16th day of Ox, 1156.
All 3 armies did announce their arrivals by sending a squad to the palace and reassure that they had no intention of battling the city or damaging the infrastructure of the province. All suggested given the relative inequality of troop strength that the Phoenix not attempt to stop them. Each army suggested that when they dealt with the security situation, they were going to claim Toshi no Naishou and Koso Mura. Sou asks about governance philosophy used by the Phoenix; while rich in resources, its isolation means not rich trade. Kazue asks about the other clan samurai in town when the old governor died; 2 dragon, 1 lion, a mantis, a crane, several phoenix visiting Toshi no Naishou when the old governor died. All but the Mantis and the Phoenix were passing through, paying respect, but going to a monestary. Mantis was here for business, was successful, purchased some timber, rare plants, dried flowers, herbs, swamp plants.
Chiyoko asks about any issues she has concerns with, and Izuna is concerned about sending isolated samurai to remote areas for things like census taking, with concerns arising from the assumed fate of the failed messengers. Says the native three tribes are unlikely to intermingle; more likely to reach out to their same tribe then send word to the capital. A lot more common among the villages in the mountains. Kazue asks about Koso Maru - 10,000 pop, where Toshi No Naisho is 35,000 pop. Koso Maru is Shensai or daoist, and consider its a strenght to intermingle between the tribes and others. Recommends the covered market place. Giajitsu was named governor of there a few months after Hiromoto became governor. Get names of the Taisa of the Clan armies - Doji Ayumi, Bayushi Itaru, Matsu Tadanobu. Get to pick rooms themed after the fortunes: Iaimiko, Junko - Bishoman; Sou and Yukika, Taka - Benten; Daisuke - Jurojin; Haundo, Musashi, Genjiro - Hotei; Chiyoko, Kazue - Fukurokujin; Akemi - Jurojin.
To try and hit the armies, different groups will need to head out. Sou, Yukika, Haundo, Taka heading northwest to find the Lion, then head back to the border. If they make great time, maybe check out Shizu Mura or Inari Seido. Kazue and Daisuke head north to Koso Mura, then return. Iaimiko, Akemi, and Masashi head west to find the Scorpion, possibly the Crane. Chiyoko, Genjiro, and Junko remain in Toshi no Naishou.
-14th of Hare, 1157-
Group splits up.
Chiyoko and Genjiro go north and south of the town to read the proclamation. Izuna recommends both merchant quarters, both docks, the Three Winds Inn, parks in the samurai district. Genjiro also works on logistics for laborers, lumber, materials for housing. Airing out the existing housing.
Late in the day, Kazue and Daisuke arrive in Koso Mura. Get in no problem, are escorted to meet Shiba Gaijitsu. He takes the news, but is angry. He asks how the emperor found out about the situation. Kazue says we do not know, nor the fate of his men who were dispatched. She asks for a chance to read the proclamation to the city, and he agrees. He gives a report on Koso Mura to take back to Miya Ansho, as well as some pointers on local flavor. Recommends a meal at the Water Upon the Stones, mentions the covered market.
-15th of Hare, 1157-
That morning, Sou, Yukika, Haundo, Taka meet a Lion patrol. Hail them, ask to meet the Taisa to deliver the proclamation to Matsu Tadanobu. Get to Sujuu Mura, and find it well fortified by the Lion. New wall built. Escorted in, get to meet with Tadanobu, read out the proclamation. When Tadanobu asks about further orders, Sou requests that an envoy be send to Toshi no Naishou, where Miya Ansho will be setup by the 21st. Sou politely declines the invite for hospitality to head back south to meet up at the border. Head out south, to skirt the forest on the way back to meet up with Miya Ansho.
Session I - Arrival in Naishou province
3/18/2018
-7th of Hare, 1157-
The trip takes 2 months. A month and a half in, staying at a way station, about 2 weeks out. Ansho-sama summons us after dinner, including Toritaka Kano (new Emerald magistrate of Naishou province), his yoriki Toku Masashi, and Ansho's daughter (Iaimiko). Asks us to learn local customs, state of settlements, important peasants and samurai, and current lodging available for the samurai, current samurai in Toshi no Nashou. He also wants to know the disposition of the Crane, Scorpion, and Lion army and what damage has been done, if any. He is giving us magistrate status to do this investigation, and sending us ahead to check on these things. Konomi will continue on with him; in 10 days, we'll meet up at Panchu Mura. Lastly, Iamiko-san will give this proclamation to each settlement and the armies in person if posisble; troops will be sent to the settlements we don't make it to. Chiyoko, Sou, Kazue, and Genjiro each get jitte as a sign of our deputy status, as well as copies proclamation (saying Ansho's current status as governor ruling in the emperor's name, and all must present themselves to him to make a case).
Yoriki are samurai that has all the rights and privileges of a magistrate, but can only report crimes they witness. Doshin are deputies, have no authority to do anything on their own.
-8th of Hare, 1157-
Head out. Iaimiko is wearing Ansho's mon on a back banner as we head out.
-10th of Hare, 1157-
The river is a rushing torrent; usually supposed to be wide and slow. Must have been a bad winter up in the mountains for that kind of flooding. With investigation, we catch a whiff of something dead / (hunting) see buzzards circling overhead. Spot the disturbance much closer to the river, a few hundred feet up. Sou, Yukika, and Masashi go check it out. It's the remains of a person; greasy hair, bits of kimono, body is a slurry. Hounda and Genjiro also go to investigate. The corpse has daisho, Phoenix and Shiba mons on the blades. Evidence of both stabbing and slicing in the skin and on some of the bones. Probably a man, average build, long hair. Masashi retrieves an arrow head from the remains; looks Crane to Genjiro. Masashi believes he's been dead for 4 to 5 months. Crane arrived about 8 months ago. The daisho are good quality, about average; decent shape for having been in the muck for months. Looks like the body was buried here. Sou communes with Earth - was the violence committed here, how many people buried the body, and how strong the victim was in earth? Violence was within a couple of hundred yards on the road; half a dozen dug the whole; guy was an Earth ring 2. Kazue also communes with the Void after we look it over; it replies the individual had strong elemental connections, most of the victim's connections were to Naishou province, and a strong sense of duty (both to the Phoenix and the entire event, which probably means the others as well). Decide to go check the road, just to see if there is anything left after several months. We do find a number of signs of large groups, maybe armies, passing along the road. Discarded equipment, etc. We put the body at rest (Masashi puts the body in) before moving on.
-12th of Hare, 1157-
Arrive in Naishou, and arrive in Panchu Mura in the afternoon (supposed to be a day from Tosho no Naishou). Very few of these fields have been cultivated, and quite a few of the farm houses look to be abandoned. Even the ones near the cultivated fields look in poor shape. As we approach the village proper, the rate of cultivated farms and houses increases. However, even in the center, several fields uncultivated and houses abandoned. Town center seems larger than makes sense for a farming village, and several two story buildings in the center. They look fairly new, and in reasonable repair. A lot of activity in the village center; sake brewing, and Crane and Mantis colors evident in the village, as well as carousing. Hear drunk voices, cat calls, wolf whistles, propositions. Approach; Toku Masashi looks angry. Half dozen Crane samurai heckling 3 peasants, one brawny who has stripped Two sneering Daidoji are bracketing a peasant girl, and another is forcing a peasant girl to drink. On the ground around the peasants are several bundles and parcels, like they dropped them.
Genjiro approaches, addresses the Daidoji. He's the corporal in charge of this squad. Daidoji Hirofumi. He reports to Doji Ayumi's legion. It's encamped north of here. Arrived last fall to claim it. Ask him to send a runner to Doji Ayumi to report to Toshi no Naishou for the emperial edict. Let the peasants leave; notice they have a book. Mantis are here as mercenaries; currently not employed by the Crane as far as he knows. Plenty of carousing on the way. Offers to take us to the Phoenix Nest; ask he take us to the head man's house. Sou thanks the Crane, dismisses them.
Chiyoko notes the headman's house is not overly prosperous. The headman shows us the inns, Dry Lotus and Blessed Waters, both associated with the Sake breweries. Village has become more prosperous with the samurai that have arrived. Previously, they just farmed. Started producing sake last year, 5 months ago. Food production is still sufficient, and the koku can be used to pay taxes. He has seen the Lion army as well; hasn't seen them come through here. Has seen the Scorpion, but never the same time as the Crane. Never more than a squad or two at the time. Village does not seem overly prosperous. No Phoenix have passed through since the armies started coming; not that he can recall. Village is about 250 people; how much rice they normally account for; were notified when he passed away, but nothing since then. Taxes were collected in the fall by a Phoenix, just before the armies started coming. There is a ronin who lives here; hasn't signed on with any of the armies -- Takamuri. Tells us where he lives. Inns have loud and obnoxious common rooms. Some of us will stay in the headman's house; some in the abandoned houses. The brewery and geisha houses have taken jobs, and some people want a quieter life and have relocated to other villages. Get some names of families and villages that they left to.
Offer tea with the headmaster; Sou, Yukika, Iaimiko, Genjiro, Taka, and Chiyoko go for tea; Hounda stands outside. The rest go to find an abandoned farm house to setup lodging for the night. Sou asks about culture and custom in the region, confirm the shrines, etc.. Headman does so, Panchu Mura is descended from the Takanobu tribe, the dominant tribe. The village has been here for hundreds of years, he's been headman for a decade; his father before him. Always been a farming village. Temple of Kinro-ji-jin, kami of soil. Spring of 1156 is the last time they were trained by the Phoenix in spear usage (headman coordinates the practices with staves after). Sou asks about the Phoenix' rule; how were they as stewards of the land? He thinks it seemed fine - taxes were reasonable, the farm land was good, and the Phoenix trusted everyone to do their duty; appeared when they needed to, stayed out when they didn't. He supposes that the samurai have been that rowdy since they've been coming here. It was quieter under the Phoenix. He tells the story of Taimon (evil north wind) and the maiden. Says they experienced average winter here. Festival on the first day of Autumn where Taimon and the maiden are celebrated.
Evening, ring the bell, wait for peasants to gather for the proclamation. Chiyoko sees the 3 peasants that were being harassed earlier, as far as from the other samurai as possible. Iaimiko reads out the proclamation. The Crane don't seem pleased, and the Mantis seem indifferent. Chiyoko and Genjiro, Junko follow the peasants. We introduce ourselves. He invites us in. They try not to go into the village anymore. Since the sake breweries and inns have opened, there are more samurai in the village regularly. Better if they can keep to themselves. Clean house, small hut, two books in the house (one of poetry, one on the fortunes), family shrine. He agrees that is the reason for the families leaving; has been happening since the sake breweries started. Doesn't know who taught them how to brew. Says many peasants in the village have learned to read; something that is passed down here. They would relocate if they could. Young man is Kaku, and the two sisters are Anzu, Makiko. Says all of the samurai coming through seem to be making life more difficult for the samurai. Genjiro offers them some payment to keep Miya-sama's agents up to date on the treatment on the peasants. He says that Takamuri largely constrains himself to theft.
Gather Sou, Taka, Hounda and head to the common room of the Dry Lotus. There is a raucous good time happening at the inn - mostly peasants, a couple of Mantis. Not the cleanest place. Order food, sake; conversation on the new governor coming, what that will mean, happy that they have the sake houses in place. The two Mantis belong to Junko's Arrows, been here since just before the winter. Mantis dispatched them to see what they could do here. The unit is between contracts right now, but have worked for both the Crane and Scorpion. THe last they heard, the Lion are up in the north of the province. The Scorpion and Crane have been maneuvering around each other to the north since they got here. They've been trying not to destroy the place; the armies, that is. 50 Mantis. Only know of skirmishes with the armies. Lion have largely been removed; crane and scorpion have been at it since last fall. They each are about a legion in size, 750 give or take. Phoenix have a few squads up in Toshi no Naishou. Also in Koso Mura, which has a proper castle. Toshi no Naishou isn't really defensible. Innkeeper says, they import the dry lotus seeds from Moko Mura. The Mantis are also interested in gossip. Gambling house, two of them. Roll out, and on to the Blessed Waters.
A lot like the other. 3 Mantis in here! Here same gossip, though murmurs from the "new" sake house that it might be bad for them. Masashi goes on to the Phoenix Nest.
Kazue goes to the Kinro-ji-jin temple that night. Talks with the monk there; the shrine has been there for 900 years. She talks with him some, contributes a bu to the temple. He believes the village is in need of good and active governance. Hopes the new governor stations a magistrate here to ensure order. Asks to let the other temples of Kinro-ji-jin to know that he is the only monk left in Panchu Mura as we are about.
-13th of Hare, 1157-
Get up in the morning; head back to the shrine. Iaimiko asks what happened to the other monks? The previous abbot died of old age last summer; two died of fever during the winter, and the other monk was killed by drunk peasants who didn't like his sermonizing about their laziness and neglect of the shrine. We have also seen very few small children. Head on down the road.
Reach the outskirts of Toshi no Naishou by early afternoon. This town is well run; tidy, well cultivated. Up ahead of us, muscular samurai steps off the road, has a brown kimono with no mon or markings on it. Bows respectfully as we reach him. He offers his service as a local guide, introduces himself as Junzo. Sou agrees; hires him. Guides us from the heiman district to the merchant district, then the samurai district. Each district wrapped around each other, all up against the river, with the governor's palace in the center. Fisherman live along both sides of the river as well as in boats. Walks through the merchant districts, talks about rivers having had large flooding every few years, though it has been awhile. Junzo has been here for a little over 5 years. Phoenix are governing here in the city, but not far beyond. As we proceed, here sounds of fist fighting. North port handles all province traffic coming this direction, and south handles all traffic coming into the province from outside. This has been a long fued between the doc workers for as long as he's lived here. The Seven fortunes temple is raised, protected from flooding, proper monastery with students. Recommends the tea (Hotei's favorite) at the Three Winds. Dutiful Daughter allows multiple castes to visit at the same time. As we approach the samurai district, tells that their is a custom to loudly announce yourself before you enter. Some decent housing; the other armies have steered clear of the town so far. Very few of the houses are currently inhabited. Possibly 100 to 200 samurai and families could live in the Samurai district.
Arrive at the governor's palace; palace is large for a remote province, but the grounds are cramped. Junzo takes his leave, saying if we ever need him we can contact him at his place; offer him a bu.
The trip takes 2 months. A month and a half in, staying at a way station, about 2 weeks out. Ansho-sama summons us after dinner, including Toritaka Kano (new Emerald magistrate of Naishou province), his yoriki Toku Masashi, and Ansho's daughter (Iaimiko). Asks us to learn local customs, state of settlements, important peasants and samurai, and current lodging available for the samurai, current samurai in Toshi no Nashou. He also wants to know the disposition of the Crane, Scorpion, and Lion army and what damage has been done, if any. He is giving us magistrate status to do this investigation, and sending us ahead to check on these things. Konomi will continue on with him; in 10 days, we'll meet up at Panchu Mura. Lastly, Iamiko-san will give this proclamation to each settlement and the armies in person if posisble; troops will be sent to the settlements we don't make it to. Chiyoko, Sou, Kazue, and Genjiro each get jitte as a sign of our deputy status, as well as copies proclamation (saying Ansho's current status as governor ruling in the emperor's name, and all must present themselves to him to make a case).
Yoriki are samurai that has all the rights and privileges of a magistrate, but can only report crimes they witness. Doshin are deputies, have no authority to do anything on their own.
-8th of Hare, 1157-
Head out. Iaimiko is wearing Ansho's mon on a back banner as we head out.
-10th of Hare, 1157-
The river is a rushing torrent; usually supposed to be wide and slow. Must have been a bad winter up in the mountains for that kind of flooding. With investigation, we catch a whiff of something dead / (hunting) see buzzards circling overhead. Spot the disturbance much closer to the river, a few hundred feet up. Sou, Yukika, and Masashi go check it out. It's the remains of a person; greasy hair, bits of kimono, body is a slurry. Hounda and Genjiro also go to investigate. The corpse has daisho, Phoenix and Shiba mons on the blades. Evidence of both stabbing and slicing in the skin and on some of the bones. Probably a man, average build, long hair. Masashi retrieves an arrow head from the remains; looks Crane to Genjiro. Masashi believes he's been dead for 4 to 5 months. Crane arrived about 8 months ago. The daisho are good quality, about average; decent shape for having been in the muck for months. Looks like the body was buried here. Sou communes with Earth - was the violence committed here, how many people buried the body, and how strong the victim was in earth? Violence was within a couple of hundred yards on the road; half a dozen dug the whole; guy was an Earth ring 2. Kazue also communes with the Void after we look it over; it replies the individual had strong elemental connections, most of the victim's connections were to Naishou province, and a strong sense of duty (both to the Phoenix and the entire event, which probably means the others as well). Decide to go check the road, just to see if there is anything left after several months. We do find a number of signs of large groups, maybe armies, passing along the road. Discarded equipment, etc. We put the body at rest (Masashi puts the body in) before moving on.
-12th of Hare, 1157-
Arrive in Naishou, and arrive in Panchu Mura in the afternoon (supposed to be a day from Tosho no Naishou). Very few of these fields have been cultivated, and quite a few of the farm houses look to be abandoned. Even the ones near the cultivated fields look in poor shape. As we approach the village proper, the rate of cultivated farms and houses increases. However, even in the center, several fields uncultivated and houses abandoned. Town center seems larger than makes sense for a farming village, and several two story buildings in the center. They look fairly new, and in reasonable repair. A lot of activity in the village center; sake brewing, and Crane and Mantis colors evident in the village, as well as carousing. Hear drunk voices, cat calls, wolf whistles, propositions. Approach; Toku Masashi looks angry. Half dozen Crane samurai heckling 3 peasants, one brawny who has stripped Two sneering Daidoji are bracketing a peasant girl, and another is forcing a peasant girl to drink. On the ground around the peasants are several bundles and parcels, like they dropped them.
Genjiro approaches, addresses the Daidoji. He's the corporal in charge of this squad. Daidoji Hirofumi. He reports to Doji Ayumi's legion. It's encamped north of here. Arrived last fall to claim it. Ask him to send a runner to Doji Ayumi to report to Toshi no Naishou for the emperial edict. Let the peasants leave; notice they have a book. Mantis are here as mercenaries; currently not employed by the Crane as far as he knows. Plenty of carousing on the way. Offers to take us to the Phoenix Nest; ask he take us to the head man's house. Sou thanks the Crane, dismisses them.
Chiyoko notes the headman's house is not overly prosperous. The headman shows us the inns, Dry Lotus and Blessed Waters, both associated with the Sake breweries. Village has become more prosperous with the samurai that have arrived. Previously, they just farmed. Started producing sake last year, 5 months ago. Food production is still sufficient, and the koku can be used to pay taxes. He has seen the Lion army as well; hasn't seen them come through here. Has seen the Scorpion, but never the same time as the Crane. Never more than a squad or two at the time. Village does not seem overly prosperous. No Phoenix have passed through since the armies started coming; not that he can recall. Village is about 250 people; how much rice they normally account for; were notified when he passed away, but nothing since then. Taxes were collected in the fall by a Phoenix, just before the armies started coming. There is a ronin who lives here; hasn't signed on with any of the armies -- Takamuri. Tells us where he lives. Inns have loud and obnoxious common rooms. Some of us will stay in the headman's house; some in the abandoned houses. The brewery and geisha houses have taken jobs, and some people want a quieter life and have relocated to other villages. Get some names of families and villages that they left to.
Offer tea with the headmaster; Sou, Yukika, Iaimiko, Genjiro, Taka, and Chiyoko go for tea; Hounda stands outside. The rest go to find an abandoned farm house to setup lodging for the night. Sou asks about culture and custom in the region, confirm the shrines, etc.. Headman does so, Panchu Mura is descended from the Takanobu tribe, the dominant tribe. The village has been here for hundreds of years, he's been headman for a decade; his father before him. Always been a farming village. Temple of Kinro-ji-jin, kami of soil. Spring of 1156 is the last time they were trained by the Phoenix in spear usage (headman coordinates the practices with staves after). Sou asks about the Phoenix' rule; how were they as stewards of the land? He thinks it seemed fine - taxes were reasonable, the farm land was good, and the Phoenix trusted everyone to do their duty; appeared when they needed to, stayed out when they didn't. He supposes that the samurai have been that rowdy since they've been coming here. It was quieter under the Phoenix. He tells the story of Taimon (evil north wind) and the maiden. Says they experienced average winter here. Festival on the first day of Autumn where Taimon and the maiden are celebrated.
Evening, ring the bell, wait for peasants to gather for the proclamation. Chiyoko sees the 3 peasants that were being harassed earlier, as far as from the other samurai as possible. Iaimiko reads out the proclamation. The Crane don't seem pleased, and the Mantis seem indifferent. Chiyoko and Genjiro, Junko follow the peasants. We introduce ourselves. He invites us in. They try not to go into the village anymore. Since the sake breweries and inns have opened, there are more samurai in the village regularly. Better if they can keep to themselves. Clean house, small hut, two books in the house (one of poetry, one on the fortunes), family shrine. He agrees that is the reason for the families leaving; has been happening since the sake breweries started. Doesn't know who taught them how to brew. Says many peasants in the village have learned to read; something that is passed down here. They would relocate if they could. Young man is Kaku, and the two sisters are Anzu, Makiko. Says all of the samurai coming through seem to be making life more difficult for the samurai. Genjiro offers them some payment to keep Miya-sama's agents up to date on the treatment on the peasants. He says that Takamuri largely constrains himself to theft.
Gather Sou, Taka, Hounda and head to the common room of the Dry Lotus. There is a raucous good time happening at the inn - mostly peasants, a couple of Mantis. Not the cleanest place. Order food, sake; conversation on the new governor coming, what that will mean, happy that they have the sake houses in place. The two Mantis belong to Junko's Arrows, been here since just before the winter. Mantis dispatched them to see what they could do here. The unit is between contracts right now, but have worked for both the Crane and Scorpion. THe last they heard, the Lion are up in the north of the province. The Scorpion and Crane have been maneuvering around each other to the north since they got here. They've been trying not to destroy the place; the armies, that is. 50 Mantis. Only know of skirmishes with the armies. Lion have largely been removed; crane and scorpion have been at it since last fall. They each are about a legion in size, 750 give or take. Phoenix have a few squads up in Toshi no Naishou. Also in Koso Mura, which has a proper castle. Toshi no Naishou isn't really defensible. Innkeeper says, they import the dry lotus seeds from Moko Mura. The Mantis are also interested in gossip. Gambling house, two of them. Roll out, and on to the Blessed Waters.
A lot like the other. 3 Mantis in here! Here same gossip, though murmurs from the "new" sake house that it might be bad for them. Masashi goes on to the Phoenix Nest.
Kazue goes to the Kinro-ji-jin temple that night. Talks with the monk there; the shrine has been there for 900 years. She talks with him some, contributes a bu to the temple. He believes the village is in need of good and active governance. Hopes the new governor stations a magistrate here to ensure order. Asks to let the other temples of Kinro-ji-jin to know that he is the only monk left in Panchu Mura as we are about.
-13th of Hare, 1157-
Get up in the morning; head back to the shrine. Iaimiko asks what happened to the other monks? The previous abbot died of old age last summer; two died of fever during the winter, and the other monk was killed by drunk peasants who didn't like his sermonizing about their laziness and neglect of the shrine. We have also seen very few small children. Head on down the road.
Reach the outskirts of Toshi no Naishou by early afternoon. This town is well run; tidy, well cultivated. Up ahead of us, muscular samurai steps off the road, has a brown kimono with no mon or markings on it. Bows respectfully as we reach him. He offers his service as a local guide, introduces himself as Junzo. Sou agrees; hires him. Guides us from the heiman district to the merchant district, then the samurai district. Each district wrapped around each other, all up against the river, with the governor's palace in the center. Fisherman live along both sides of the river as well as in boats. Walks through the merchant districts, talks about rivers having had large flooding every few years, though it has been awhile. Junzo has been here for a little over 5 years. Phoenix are governing here in the city, but not far beyond. As we proceed, here sounds of fist fighting. North port handles all province traffic coming this direction, and south handles all traffic coming into the province from outside. This has been a long fued between the doc workers for as long as he's lived here. The Seven fortunes temple is raised, protected from flooding, proper monastery with students. Recommends the tea (Hotei's favorite) at the Three Winds. Dutiful Daughter allows multiple castes to visit at the same time. As we approach the samurai district, tells that their is a custom to loudly announce yourself before you enter. Some decent housing; the other armies have steered clear of the town so far. Very few of the houses are currently inhabited. Possibly 100 to 200 samurai and families could live in the Samurai district.
Arrive at the governor's palace; palace is large for a remote province, but the grounds are cramped. Junzo takes his leave, saying if we ever need him we can contact him at his place; offer him a bu.
Session XII - Draggin' Bandits Across the Border
6/7/2020
-23rd of Dragon-
Jou's journals show him to be unstable, and being haunted by his ancestor seems to have driven him over the edge. His timeline does fit withSuzuhiho having been on his trail. He was working on a way to protect himself from the kansen to still use blood without taint.
Kazue does request Jou's genealogy from Phoenix lands.
Give over the journals to Suzuhiho with thanks. We also recommend Ansho-sama let her superior know she did an excellent job.
-24th - 25th of Dragon-
Inigo writes up a case for getting the eta moved downstream; efficiencies in their process, etc. Genjiro gives the pitch, backing Iamiko and Suzume's request, leveraging the Kaui engineers to assist. Ansho-sama approves.
The Kaui will start work on the eta rebuild. One or two will go with Suzuhiho along the river to check on bridges and infrastructure to report back. (Inigo steps in and makes sure that the materials needed are acquired for lower prices).
Looking into Shiba Risu, the magistrate that was the second messenger who took news of the governor's death. Find her possessions for Kazue to see if she can get any void readings on. She has a cosmetic kit, nice calligraphy set. Kazue tries the calligraphy set; gets an image of her. Light armor, swords, carried a spear. Then of young man in Shiba colors, holding hands with her when dressed normally. Kazue sketches the man. She remembers seeing him in Koso Mura - one of the soldiers stationed there. Since Risu left through the north with another samurai, we decide to check in there.
Decide to head to Koso Mura to follow-up on Risu - take her personal belongings as well as the other magistrate that was dispatched with her. Will take the Kaui miner specialist with us as well.
-26th of Dragon-
Head out to Koso Mura. Uneventful trip.
-27th of Dragon-
Evening; we are welcomed by Shiba Gaijitsu and invited to stay in the keep. He hosts for dinner with some of his officers. Introduce him to Kaui Yukito and request projects they are thinking of in regards to the mining. Kazue requests a chance to speak with him in the morning.
Kazue gives us the tour of the town at night. Inigo goes and sees a little more
-28th of Dragon-
Kazue shows him the sketch of the samurai with Risu - he thinks it's Shiba Haruko, one of his soldiers. He can easily setup a meeting. Kazue and Genjiro meet with Haruko. At the mention of Risu, he's upset. He says they were friends and correspondents. He last saw her the day she passed through Koso Mura with another magistrate with a message for Phoenix lands. He says they were in a hurry, spent the night, but pushed on the next morning. He remembers it was hot. He remembers her being excited to be entrusted as a messenger. He only knows of the one main pass through the mountains into Dragon lands. There are smaller paths that aren't always open, due to rock slides and other hazards. They had travel papers good all the way to Shiba castle. He comes back with a collection of small letters and a ribbon.
Kazue communes with the void; the ribbon is an image of Risu brushing her hair; the letters, of them walking through the gardens.
Brief discussion; Emerald Magistrate Yuriki, Toku Masashi is stationed in Koso Mura
Inigo gets a handle on the commerce in the town. There is very little hard bargaining here - most ask for and get fair prices here. There are people from all over the province in Koso Mura as part of this. There are a few pick pockets in the market. Inigo checks on that; some of the urchins are organized, but no major organization running them. It's not out of control; more than you'd like to see, but not terrible.
Kazue gets us a reservation at the fancy restaurant, along with Moshi Masako and Shiba Gaijitsu.
Handou hits a bath house.
-1st of Serpent-
Get up in the morning, but get message from Gaijitsue that he wishes to see as soon as possible - it's an emergency.
Group gathers up in the keep's meeting room. Gaijitsu, a few guards, and a panting, dusty, imperial legionnaire. He bows to everyone, just arrived from Sujuku Mura, and Gaijitsue after hearing the message felt we should all hear it. He was stationed in Sujuku Mura; they received word late last night that the village of Hitori Mura was robbed by Dragon Clan samurai. Hirumi Moiri and a few scouts were going to see what they could; the peasants who reported said that the samurai left, taking their copper ore and rice, as much as they could carry. 14 samurai were
reported.
Inigo points out the rice problem; we request a wagon guarded by Phoenix soldiers dispatched to the village. We dispatch a message to Toshi no Naisho, gear up, and head out. Bayushi Chiziru says they have horses at Sujuku Mura to swap out. She's tired, but looks like she wants to keep up to be ready for a fight.
Around 3pm, arrive in Sujuku Mura. The Imperial legionnaires are all on alert. Yoritomo Michiko is the gunso of the squad; she gets horses dispatched for us. The magistrate and scouts haven't reported back as of yet. When we check for a guide, she dispatches for someone to get "Kiyoji". He's a local guide, so knows some of the alternate paths.
Timeline; 28th of Dragon around lunch, the village was robbed.
We leave Chiziru with her squad, and head on to Hitori Mura. We arrive around 10pm, seeing no signs of the bandits along the way. The guide thinks they used a different trail away from the village. Sou casts his earth tracking spell; finds some tracks in a limited area, but doesn't find anything in the first try. Village is seemingly carved into the mountainside, and even though night, the village is awake and alert. Greeting by Gakuto. As far as he knows,
The "Dragon" marched up, 14 people, all men. Most of the villagers were in the mine; headman and the women mostly in the village. The leader, on horseback, said this village is now in Dragon territory, and they were here to confiscate the ore and food supplies to feed the army. The man on horseback had a banner with the mon on it; among the soldiers were kimono in dragon clan colors. They did not attack anyone, made their demands, had the villagers load as much as they could to the cart. The rest of the troops stuffed their sacks and packs as they good; the sergeant. To Kazue, the lack of tattooed monks and shugenja is unusual. Also, the count is odd; a squad is 21 men, including a sergeant in most of rokugan. In Dragon, they do 10 men plus the sergeant for a squad. There was only one archer in the squad. Only 3 of the 14 had daisho; some were only carrying spears. Not much armor at all. And to Gakuto, while the banner and kimono looked new, the rest of the gear looked run down. They can show us the direction they left from. Thinks they were headed to Dragon lands. They took about 500 lbs of rice, all the iron mined since the last trip and 2/3rd of the copper they had mined. The cart was quite overloaded in his opinion. It took about 2.5 hours to round everything up and load it; moving that cart would be at half speed.
Inigo talks with Gakuto, gets the low-down on their trade routes, about their young people leaving.
-2nd of Serpent-
Leave early, tracking the scouts and the bandits. It is relatively heading towards the border. In a few hours, the trail gets narrower, rougher, a bit more dangerous. Spend the full day tracking. We do find a spot where the bandits camped. Less than a half-day from the border. Debate pressing on; decide to.
-3rd of Serpent-
Around 2 in the morning, guide suspects we've reached the border. We see Miori and the scouts trail split and head back towards Sujuku Mura. Press on.
Around dawn, the pass opens up again. We see a moderately sized village near a deep blue lake about an hour away.
Meet a Dragon patrol as we travel. Masashi greets them. The leader listens, reviews papers, and asks to be allowed to escort us to his commander. They take us into town, which is also where the tracks go. We are brought before Miramoto Namboku - taiso of the 17th Dragon Legion. (Wearing his armor, which is a bit odd) Masashi explains our tracking. Namboku blusters a bit, says no one in his group has raided or stolen anything. They would not have allowed bandits come through. Tells us we can wait at the tea house, and he will go look. The town is Iero Mura,
named for the lake it sits beside. The tea is quite good!
Two hours pass before all of us hear a commotion and what sounds like fighting from somewhere in the village. Masashi checks with the guards outside; they'll check on it, tell us to stay put. Kazue, at the shrine, gets info from the monks about the town, the fish they fish from the lake, the larger city near Sujuku Mura. When they hear the fighting, Kazue asks to be escorted to the tea house. After she arrives, we hear the fighting start to spread. It sounded like one fight, now like one group is running and scattering the fight.
After about 6 more minutes, the soldier comes and retrieves us. Namboku tells us that it turns out there were some ruffians in the village. When they tried to question them, they attacked; they've killed 8, and his troops are pursuing them. They found the cart, and the horse. Escorts us to the cart, which appears to still be loaded up.
He offers us a fresh horse if we wish to continue; we do. We inform him of the rice, let them keep it.
Session VIII - Rhymes and Reasons
6/2/2019
-25th of Hare - 6th of Dragon, 1157 - supplimental-
Sou and Yukika took two trips that they report back on. The first was to investigate the portal Sakkaku (trickster spirit realm) in the middle fo the Otochu river, just south of the Oichi Mura. Had heard rumors of the portal, and did find one at the bottom of the river. Doesn't seem to be anything out of sorts; no large number of spirits coming out of it or anything, linking to a body of water in Sakkaku at the surface. Were we pressed, we could get to it by swimming. No spirits hanging out; just the portal, so things seem fine.
On the second treck to pick up the Koki, the chef from Shizu Mura. The Scorpion seem to have settled in harmony and the people are being provided for. The headman be asked that they be considered for infrastructure. Village is about 1,000 people, day into the forest. There's a tradition of if people are visiting, but stay until the evening, they spend the night. Seems the same in the smaller forest villages as well; makes Sou think they may have some concern about going out at night. Also heard lore of a frog king, where a boy and sister roamed upstream to the mouth of the river and saw the frog king keeping court. The sister remembered her manners, the king was pleased, and offered her a boon in exchange for something from her - he gave her gold and ate her brother. They see it more as a joke than a horror. Some of the houses in the village have protective talismans made of the forest above their doors. A lot of the stories are darker than Sou anticipated with a town so in harmony with the forest around it, but he did not see signs of justification of this. Could be stories of a by-gone area? Or something from deeper in the forest? Sou saw nothing to justify it, no spirits. The Scorpion also passed on stories of a monk trapped in the spirit realm, but no one knows where this shrine is and Sou could not find any sign of it. Talk of a ritual of renewal; a goat tied to a tree at the edge of town on the night of a full moon, and in the morning, it is gone.
-Night of 7th of Dragon, 1157 - the ball is still rolling-
Poetry contest!
Doji Miro offers up a poem about the Senegawa lake (positive subtext about Bayushi Kenzo)
Doji Yoriko the Komi valley
Kaiu Fumiko about the weather and how pleasant it is here
Tomori Hiruka about the Taru mountains
HIkoma Mei about the Kawa forest (expressing admiration and longing for Shiba Ikko)
Yuritomo Etsuko taro mountains (expressing admiration for Hida Haundo)
Asako Izuna poem about the peasants of the province
Bayushi Itaru about the wide open spaces (either about Doji Ayumo... or Miya Iamiko?)
Bayushi Yoshiko about Senegawa lake (slightly better than Miros - a lot of really clever insults against the crane clan)
Shinjo Shinako about how the province is a gateway between the wider world (a bit scandalous in his longing for the wider world)
Suzume Hideyo (best poem of the night) about the commoners.
Kasuga Hitsuko about the commoners and how the minor clans have so much in common with them
Miya Kishan (not a good poem) about the countryside of Naishou (about the geisha he's currently seeing)
Genjiro notices that Kishan's son, Kuboti, is both embarrassed by his father's poem and not surprised. After Suzume Hideyo's poem, Miya Iaimiko seems more than a little taken with him.
Ansho-sama announces Suzume Hideyo as the winner, to no surprise. We all have the feelings inspired by the poem lingering for some time.
Kazue attempts to use By the Light of Lord Moon discretely, but she does not come across anything significant, including the missing pendant of Doji Shunpei. She covers about a third of the party before the Void catches up with her.
In the samurai quarter, Sou checks on the performances; acrobats, geisha performances, singing. All nicely done; not as good as the palace, but a good event for those that attend. He also witnesses a duel between a Crane and Lion; Crane wins, and doesn't seem to be anything unique to these two samurai.
Genjiro talks with his escort, Soshi Masami. She's a bit disappointed that they didn't manuever and fight the Crane before Ansho-sama showed up, since she thinks it would have helped the Scorpion claim. Likes Naishou, a pretty good conversationalist for a Bushi.
Kazue also attempts to speak with the air kami to ask questions about Shunpei's pendent. It was in this room that he noticed the missing pendent here; they describe a woman in red gold with her face half covered that was smug about the missing pendant. Likely either Soshi Sayumi or Soshi Shigeko. She found something that seemed to make her very happy. The spirits point out the area where she found it, not far from where Shunpei started to show distress; an area outdoors, in a portion of the garden. They say the necklace flew here; could mean dropped, fell, or was thrown. The sad Crane had it before it flew. Sou tries speaking with earth. Asks them if someone touched Shunpei after which he was lighter; no-one stole it from him directly. Second question about the necklaces says there was a weakness in Shunpei's earth that caused it to fall from him, then lay on the ground for some time. Third was whether or not the failure was caused or passage of time? Passage of time. Sou and Kazue would like Genjiro to go speak with Soshi Sayumi / Shigeko, or would need to report it to Ansho-sama.
-8th of Dragon-
Morning breakfast with Ansho-sama. He seems genuinely pleased with the outcome of the party. Get news of the prior night; brawl in the merchant quarter between the dock workers. More duels than the one Sou saw in the Samurai Quarters, but all to first blood only. Kasuga Inigo has arrived, who has been serving in Gaijin lands for the last several years. That has wrapped up, and has come to serve Ansho-sama here. Ansho-sama has met with Shiba Gaijitsu today, and would like to have some input into the magistrate and gokenin candidates - we could do interviews while we have the chance. Mention that it seemed Shunpei may have lost his pendant; we are looking into it. Kasuga-san has also been given magistrate papers, and will help serve in that capacity.
Send out invitations for the list of potential magistrates and gokenin we've been given to setup interviews today.
Genjiro goes to speak with Soshi Sayumi and Shigeko. He asks them about the necklace, saying that the matter is delicate. They say they know nothing. Genjiro doesn't detect deception there, but when he clarifies it's important, definately catches Sayumi in a lie. He goes to Bayushi Itaru, who says Genjiro can't speak with his authority, so should do what he thinks he must.
Regroup back to the compound, and Genjiro informs the group that he could not come to a clean resolution. Inigo recommends having someone propose someone approach Doji Shunpei in an open place and mention the necklace, talk about its wonder, so everyone will notice that he's not wearing it. That way, all of them can be testimony to show a time when he wasn't wearing it, and hasn't been wearing it in quite sometime. Discuss what is relayed to Ansho-sama; Genjiro will apologize that he could not locate the necklace, and is unaware of its ultimate fate from the evening.
Ansho-sama, Doji Shunpei, Kasuga Inigo, and dozens of witnesses are there during the day when Inigo is introduced to Shunpei. Inigo gushes about jewelry, and has heard of Shunpei's necklace. Shunpei apologizes that he's not wearing it, talks about how it was a gift, how he was not worthy of it. Inigo makes himself a spectacle, trying to defray Shunpei's embarrasment.
Kazue goes to speak with Isawa Suzuhiho and get a debrief for what she wished to speak about. Suzuhiho asks if Kazue knows of news in Phoenix provinces; asks if she's aware of any mysterious murders in Phoenix provinces. She has been on the trail of a murder for years, and she believes he is in Naishou province. He's a shugenja, and as far as she can tell, nothing connecting his victims aside from just his need to kill. She believes he came sometime in the last year; she's been tracking him for 3 years. She lays out the evidence, victims, and her thoughts on the matter. She believes its a Phoenix Shugenja crazed serial killer. She's looking for allies with the temporary governor. Most victims are samurai, some peasants, unsure about eta. Wants Kazue to know about the evidence, in case something happens to her. Its been one at a time in the cases she's seen. Spells are always used; she knows in talking with the kami afterwards, and has a feel for the signature of the spell caster. He started using more common spells, but he's been developing new spells. Also tells her about the province, and coaborates some of what we've already learned.
Start the magistrate interviews. Really looking for skills and things that might disqualify them. We'll send a message after a final pass from Ansho the following day for approvals.
Kitsuki Umeji. He admits he doesn't have enough of an impression of the province as to where his skills can best be utilized. Haundou asks him about what he would do in a case with only circumstantial information, but that actions have political implications; what do you do? He says the evidence is the evidence; a magistrate is as much political as law enforcement. Inigo asks about past appointments; most recently, the Dragon's clans holdings in the Imperial capital. Verdict - definately. Likely one of the dockside assignments.
Tsuruchi Goro. Recently a bodyguard with his perception, but was a bounty hunter the prior years and can rattle off an impressive list of bandits. Plains, rolling hills, mainly tracking along to catch them. Doesn't have a lot of political experience; mainly as a tracker and manhunter. Has a preference for the country side as opposed to the city. Inigo asks what the moment he is most proud of? The time he hunted down and eliminated a group of bandits terrorizing villagers in the Moshi province over several months. Seems duty over compassion.
Soshi Itaru. She's been focused primarily on finding agents of the Lying Darkness since her Gempukku. Last stationed in the Imperial capitol. Politics and the political situation doesn't effect the execution of justice. When asked about her greatest accomplishment, she shares a story of identifying, tracking down, and eliminating someone who had given their name to the Lying Darkness that also involved her needing to kill and eliminate several witnesses that were otherwise innocent and burn a house down. As to where, she believes she could be of equal use wherever she needed to be in the province. She has no concern about working with others, but would need someone that could accept the sorts of things that she must do. Verdict - scary, but competent - assign to Shizu Mura?
Shinjo Shinako. Mainly scouting, tracking, a lot of army duty. Was in the imperial capital when the assignment came. Instinct would be to enforce the law, but understands that politics subverts the law. He spent a month shadowing a hostile army for a month without having ever been detected. Would definately prefer to be roaming. No problem with working with someone, but they'd need a horse. Verdict - in. Maybe roaming with Goro?
Toku Mie. Most recently was a courtier for the Monkey in the capitol, previously the court of the Monkey captain, and prior to that a magistrate protecting peasants in the Monkey lands. She wished politics had no bearing on the law, but knows that's not the world she lives in. Her proudest moment was tracking down a shugenja that had cheated and extorted a village (that had gotten payment from the villages for asking the kami to bless the crops, and got food, lodging, and drink for the month she claimed to be working on their behalf). No particular preference in station. No particular issues with working with a partner. Verdict - in! Free floater for places.
Akodo Jun. A whole lineage as to his accomplishments. Proudest accomplishment was discovering the fate of a couple of Lion samurai that had gone missing, discovered to have been murdered by the peasants of a village and got justice. Haundo asks what reason the peasants gave; said the samurai were abusing them. The law is the law. No issues with working with a partner. He can ride. No particular preference as to assignment. Verdict - in.
Hiruma Miori. Hiruma scout, most recentlyf serving as a bodyguard. Has experience in the Shadow Lands. Her most proud moment was in her Gempukku when she had retrieved a previously lost artifact from Hiruma Castle when she went into the shadowlands; a piece of the shrine bell.
She can ride (but not in combat). She's tentative on having to deal with political ramifications. Would prefer not a city, okay with villages and towns. She prefers working alone. Verdict - in!
Usagi Yoshihiko. Very small. He's been in the Imperial, travelled there doing research on curses. Magistrate in Hare lands since gempukku, mainly travelling the country side. Most proud of defending a peasant village from bandits that had been raiding it, outnumbered 8 to 1. He knows how to ride, but not in combat. He would prefer to not have to deal with politics at all. He'd very much like to be assigned to the village of Ichinori Mura. He believes his past experience may make him ideally positioned to bring the law back to them and deal with whatever issue is troubling them. He talks about his experiences with curses; helped destroy a couple of cursed items, researched some, proved some existed. Verdict - in! Possibly Ichinori Mura.
Session IX - I'd be Lion if I said it was an ambush
6/30/2019
-9th of Dragon, 1157-
More interviews for the magistrate positions.
Doji Miro. Crane Clan magistrate. For the last year, being military police with the legion. Served in different cities. Nothing she specifically has done that she feels is a proud accomplishment yet. Text book answer on the balance on politics and law. Cannot ride in combat. She's prefer something in a city, large town, or village personally (but doesn't understand commerce). No issues with working with a partner. Verdict - in, likely a samurai quarter.
Bayushi Kenzo. Magistrate since his gempukku, over 4 years ago. Been with the legion over a year, but cities before that. Fair bit of experience with working with samurai of other clans. Prefers working in cities to the country side; no particular skills as a tracker or outdoorsman; no combat riding. He uncovered a smuggling ring where he was stationed, involving a number of peasants and the mantis clan. He had to learn more than he knew about commerce; understands ways people go about successfully smuggling things. Seems observant. Never had to deal with the Shoshi opium movements. Between law and politics, one must always be careful - sometimes they are the same, sometimes are not. Verdict - in!
Inigo recommends we setup a stronger trade agreement between Ichinori Mura and Inari Seido with the sending of Usagi Yoshihiko, to make sure that spiritual supplies are easily flowing between them with a day market (that also means folks don't have to worry about spending the night in the village and be concerned about the curse). Kazue brings up a potential conflict between the farmers clan and the forest clan in this.
Recommendation to Ansho-sama:
Magistrates:
Toshi no Naishou
Southern docks Kitsuki Umeji
Northern docks Bayushi Kenzo
Samurai Quarter (Shiba Ogai)
Koso Mura
Samurai Quarter Toku Mie
Panchu Mura
1st (Legion)
2nd -
Sujuku Mura
1st Hiruma Miori
2nd -
Sujuu Mura
1st Akodo Jun
2nd -
Shizu Mura Soshi Itaru
Moku Mura Doji Miro
Ichinori Mura Usagi Yoshihiko
Roaming
Solitary Isawa Suzuhiho
1st Pair Tsuruchi Goro
1st Pair Shinjo Shinako
He approves the list as is, and proclomations are sent out. Akodo Konomi also agrees to keep a Legion presence in Panchu Mura, as well as sending a small squad with Hiruma Miori to Sujuku Mura. Kazue informs him of Suzuhiho's goal of hunting the murderer, and he approves of keeping her on task, and is for asking for another magistrate from the Phoenix for the Samurai quarter of Toshi no Naishou. We also are willing to assign her two legionaires to help her report in or have backup if she needs.
-10th of Dragon-
Ansho-sama wants us to escort Iaimiko to Inari Seido to have a conversation with the abbot, Goichi, and see what the pulse of the peasants is, any problems the abbot needs the governor to recognize, etc.
We warn Tsuruchi Goro and Shinjo Shinako of the ronin we spotted in the forest before sending them out on patrol.
-11th of Dragon-
Genjiro stays in the palace and works on documents, general state of the province info.
Inigo goes to the Lonely Pearl; becomes enamored with Kikuko.
Kazue goes to talk with the Phoenix about the magistrate; goes to Asako Izuna. She thanks Kazue for the honor; will have names within the day. The name she submits is Shiba Ogai; he was responsible for helping keep peace in the city at another point, seems good. Kazue also wanders the city, and does notice some of the strain that all the various samurai have brought to the city.
-12th of Dragon-
Head to Inari Seido; ride most of the day. Mid day, Kazue notices a horse in the distance, far away - just grazing, no person nearby. Near a small grove of trees. Take a side trip to check it out. Smears of blood on the horse's hindquarters, as well as on the reigns. See buzzards circling overhead; Genjiro can hear them squabbling over something. Sou and Yukika go to get the horse; the rest head towards the likely corpse. See multiple bodies at the clearing of the edge of the lake. Tametomo shots a whistling arrow to scatter the vultures. 5 corpses; all wearing Lion colors, all armed and armored, all died violently. Another dead horse with a gold fletched arrow sticking out of its throat. We investigate. The arrow in the horse's throat is from the Lion, and the horse is not theirs; it's on the old side, frequently repaired gear. Most likely a ronin or poor clan samurai horse. Saddle bags are empty. Looks like this happened 24 hours ago. 3 of the dead have arrows stuck in then, as well as sword wounds. Two of the arrows look to be of Crane make; the third looks like a lower quality than the Crane arrows. Around the site, can also find two more arrows of Scorpion make. Tametomo believes one archer fired the arrows in the Lion; not in the horse. There is also a nice quality yumi nearby, looks like it was dropped by one of the Lions. The live horse has good quality tack and harness, and clearly belongs to the Lion. Also finds the patrol log of Akodo Kazushi who was leading the patrol. Patrol was to head along the bank to Toshi no Naishou, then west to the forest, then along the forest edge back to Sujuu Mura. Left three days ago; all were on horse back. Nothing unusual reported in his log. Some small villages mention a small band of ronin protecting villages from wildlife, bandits, and bullies. Ikoma Matsu (archer), Matsu Kichibei (private), Matsu Yuriko (private), Akodo Mine (private) were the others. Some off the bodies were dragged from where they fell; Kichibei and Kazuchi's fell at the water, and were drug away. Signs of multiple horses on the far side of the clearning that were gathered, easy to loose. Tracks (both from tracking and Sou's spells) show a group of 5 people sneaking from where the horses were tied to the clearing; the yumi started it, then the other 4 ran in to fight; seems the Lion started the fight. Someone went back to the horses to loose them. A party of 3 adults, a child, a fourth on one of the Lion's horses (after finding it), and headed to the north; one possibly wounded. Two more showed up, investigated the clearing, then left back to the south. Also a fishing pole dropped at the water's edge.
Kazue casts on the fishing rod; gets an image of a young man with a top knot, multiple arrows in a quiver, a pretty good fixed image of him. She tries one of the Scorpion arrows; gets the same image of the young man, this time with an assortment of fletchings in his quiver and a bow drawn, also a yumi. Looks at the quality yumi; see Ikoma Matsu firing repeatedly at a pretty massive man in the clearing wearing no armor, weilding a tetsubo, and an image of a woman in a kimono with a sword drawn rushing the archer. She is also plainly dressed; looks furious. Kazue draws images of the three; they do not look like ronin that Sou has seen before.
Sou talks with the horse. Who freed it was an angry woman with a sword, tore the reigns free, then slapped the others to get them to run off; she led the fifth back into the forest. As to the blood, she had blood on her hands when she hit him on the rump. This was a regular patrol; every few days it would go on patrol, though not always with this man, but frequently on this route. First time it was tied up here. Before being tied up, had heard some boisterous voices, calls on the other side of the clearing. Said the patrol seemed excited when they tied them up. He then asks the water kami about the fight. Shows the archer with the top-knot fishing; seated next to him was the woman. The giant man and 10 year old boy were performing kata (could be his son?). Another man with just a katana, plainly dressed, and stitching up a tent. The scene is interrupted when the giant man sprouts an arrow with gold fletching from his chest. Woman engages two, man with the sword engages one; big man pushes kid behind him. Woman kills one (Sou doesn't think its a common clan school), the ronin archer shoots into the lion charging the big guy. Ronin also shoots the male ronin with the sword's opponent. Woman kills another lion, then goes after Lion archer. Big ronin crushes his opponent's skull. Woman is clearly in charge of this group. They pull the bodies out of the water. Gather up their stuff, woman comes back with one of the horses, then load the big man up and head north. The second scene of the two that come after looks maybe an hour, hour and half after. Two bare foot peasants with axes come up, calling, then they go from body to body rummaging the bodies, then they haul ass back to the south.
Kazue tries to commune with the void to find answers to the connection of the ronin to the people, and the Lion to the ronin. As to the Lion and the ronin, there was no connection; the leading Lion felt a connection, but he was the only one, and had particularly strong feelings about the ronin in general. The ronin has strong feelings about this grove, clearing, and this lake; have spent significant time here. Been here for several seasons. They have links to several villages, as well as Inari Seido.
We continue north to follow the ronin. They skirt several villages, and head straight to Inari Seido. It's late; monks are out lighting lanters. Sou notices a Lion horse, as well as a monk hauling ass into the temple. We are greeted by two monks. Welcomed, taken into the guest quarters. A monk comes and collects us, takes us to see the abbot within the temple. Met the abbot; says he sent a runner at dawn. There was an unfortunate incident with the Lion clan. A group of ronin say they had been set upon by a Lion patrol; they defended themselves, and lost one during the night. He has used their services before, they are known by the villages, and that is how they make their living. He has known them to be thoroughly honorable. We agree to tend them first, will speak with him on further business tomorrow.
Go to meet the ronin in the guest quarters. Ome, the woman. Yugiro, her husband, the archer. Sakutaro, the tent man, her brother. The boy, Hoshi. Ome tells their story. They were spending the day in a grove they frequent. Had been between jobs for a time, travelling from village to village seeing if anyone was in need of ronin services. They subsisted on hunting and fishing; have some money. Nobuntsu was shot, then the others charged out of the woods screaming death to bandits. They didn't seem interested in talking, or answering their protestations. She describes a fight that tracks with what we saw. After the fight, Yugoro saw to Nobuntsu as best they could; they found the horses, and took one, scattered the rest. They were aware of the Lion patrols; avoided them, and had never been pursued before. She says they have been in the province a little more than two years. They have not encountered any other ronin in this part of the valley; they've heard stories of ronin living in the forest, but they have not encountered them. She is aware of some in the eastern part; they are more comfortable with the larger settlements there. They wish to avoid interactions with clan samurai as much as they can. None of them look particularly wounded. She's had no jobs and no hiring against bandits for the last three months. Genjiro gives them 20 koku in recompense for their horse; she's both grateful for the money and ashamed that she has to be.
Kazue sends a message to Ansho-sama about the current situation. The monks will get the local eta to assist in cleaning up the Lion corpses, but we still need to track down. We'll leave Iaimiko to discuss with the abbot while we head south to track the peasants that may have stole from the Lion corpses.
Inigo talks with Sakutaro; Hoshi's been with them for over 4 years now, so they intend to look after him. Also interested in hiring them for protecting trade routes? They aren't particularly interested in that.
-13th of Dragon-
In the morning, Ome says they talked it over, and are interested in employment on the governor's behalf. They'll wait here with Iaimiko while we head out.
We track to the grove. 2 of the 5 Lions were missing knives; a couple of the Lion are missing mess kits. All 5 have small purses; none of them have any zeni. Then track the villagers back to their village. This village is relatively small, but has a large store house and a surprisingly large shrine to the 1,000 fortunes. In the center of the village, meet the headman - Aratomo - Heion'na Kokoro Mura. Asks if we are here because of their message? Their two woodcutters went to the grove to get wood for a damaged house; when they got to the clearing, they found a bunch of dead samurai. They called out, no answer, so came back and sent out a runner. He gets them - Shuko, Josuke. Shuko talks, tells the same story as the headmaster. Genjiro tries to get them to own up; they do not. Josuke breaks; says he has his knife, the mess kits he says Shuko gave to Uki. Shuko breaks after. The headman also steps forward for punishment in response to this. Uki had no idea at all that's where it came from. No punishment for Aratomo or Uki; just ask them to use this as an example going forward to maintain the order. Whole village is called out; Sou pronounces the sentence, speaks, then executes the two men (38 damage needed!!). The eta dispose of the bodies.
Session XI - The foggy Hand of Fate
5/17/2020
-21st of Dragon: evening-
While waiting for Suzuhiho, Haundo, Daisuke, Junko, Yukiko and Genjiro don their armor and in one case, string the han-kyu.
The trail leads out of the village and into the wilderness, slowly gaining elevation as we leave the riverside. Track for a better part of an hour and half; the moon comes up, so can see a bit, but still dark. Come across a collapsed building in the distance, about 200 yards out. Might have been a small estate or way station, prior 2 story with stone outer walls and a low stone wall around the estate and a few completely collapsed outer buildings made from wood. Inigo and Genjiro hear a voice chanting, which suddenly stops.
Sou, Yukika, Inigo, and Tametomo go to flank, while the rest head towards the gate. Genjiro calls out to the building as the front line approaches and the flankers split. Tells the house we're investigating stolen property; present themselves if they are not involved. Hear more hurried chanting, now somewhat manic - prayers, but none that Kazue is familiar with, making offerings, trying to purify a vessel; he was entreating air, earth, fire, and water kami with offerings, but not clear to what purpose. Then, it yells, "No! You've ruined everything!" Then begins chanting again - a spell. Fog begins to boil out of the ruins, starting at the building the flanking team is near. Genjiro starts to oil and cloth a few arrows, Junko lights a torch; the others continue to close. The fog is heading further into the wilderness, 50' across, 20' high, and it itself is heading into the wilderness. Tamatomo and Genjiro shoot arrows into it; the flames don't seem to illuminate any fleeing suspects. Suzuhiho heads into the basement of the building. Kazue detects there is one other human in the area; down in the basement of the building. Sou, Yukika, and Tametomo move to chase the fog. Haundo joins Suzuhiho in the basement; finds a corpse in a circle along with what look like items for a ritual. Haundo checks with jade for taint, but doesn't find any. Does spot a body, maybe some gear. Looks like the missing eta, unconscious, very pale. Inigo joins them as Suzuhiho hauls back outside. Junko and Genjiro head to the basement. Looks like it was set up recent; not necessarily tied to years of events. Kazue checks on the eta - unconscious due to blood loss.
Suzuhiho and her legionaries also dash off after the fog.
Kazue investigates all the apparatus of the ritual; their are bowls of blood, but couldn't have all come from the eta... naturally. Looks like it was intended for the body to be burnt. Inigo finds a collection of non-spell scrolls; notes, etc... maybe a journal? Some food, water, a change of clothes. Genjiro doesn't recognize the writing, but thinks that by the dates, their writing has gotten more erratic as time has gone on, particularly over the last 5 years. Notes go back over 15 years. Also find the jar from the undertaker's, missing salt. Footprints around
the ritual circle, but not leaving. Genjiro and Junko will head back to the village to collect eta to help transporting the body back for purification and helping get Akinari back to the village, as well as clean up the blood.
Team fog chasers mostly catch up, when the fog dissipates. Sou remembers a spell, Legion of the moon, that can render someone undetectable by normal senses for the duration of the spell. Sou uses Whispers of the Land to double back and try to track the shugenja; is able to see the tracks where the shugenja split from the fog cloud and continues into the wilderness. Suzuhiho says this is the closest they have ever been; so they continue to track. After about 5 minutes, they spot him cresting a hill.
Kazue looks over the notes more. Seems this person has been talking with Isawa Kunimatsu as recently as last night... Kunimatsu was the last known practitioner of the Isawa bloodmagic, and committed sepukku over a millennia ago rather than giving it up. Looks like the ritual was how to do blood magic without getting tainted by the kansen.
At the chase, the shugenja casts the fog again, but Sou goes back underground and can see where he's running. A few shots, keep up the chase, and he eventually yells "Why won't you leave me alone!" and casts a spell. A gout of flame erupts from his mouth at Suzuhiho and the legionnaire. Tametomo shoots the caster in the hand. Suzuhiho gets burned again while Tametomo continues to stick arrows in him. One of the legionaries finally gets the last hit.
Slowly get the group back together with eta as needed to carry a couple bodies, and Akinari's oldest son to help escort his father back. Leave a bu with the youngest to replace their purifying salt and materials.
-22nd of Dragon-
Way too early morning. Akinari says he was working on the body, then woke up in the basement, trussed. The man would talk to someone, but he never heard any response, they would occasionally come over and take blood from him. When Akinari was too hurt, the man would heal him. To Kazue, it sounds like it could be Cloud Mind spell, which removes their memory and makes them extremely susceptible to suggestion. Everything Suzuhiho sees thinks this was probably him. To Genjiro's questions on magical correspondence that he may have been actually using, Kazue knows its possible he was haunted.
With the eta, get the man's gear. All of his scrolls were written in the Isawa cypher. Has a chop bearing the name Isawa Jou, a few coins, and what we already found in the basement. Kazue reading the scrolls finds a spell called Eminating Fog that follows its caster, Air 3, as well as a Fire 4 spell that burns a person from the inside out. Also get his wakazashi.
Taka and Haundo recommend we behead the body, so its done. Checked for taint; none shows on a jade examination.
Get back to the eta village; Inigo sends a missive to Isawa Kobo's family that their mother will be ready - Akinari insists on working the rest of the time today to make sure she'll be ready for rest by noon. Inigo hides zeni in Akinari's house.
Suzuhiho wants access to the journal, and would like to accompany us to talk with Kitsu Ayako when we go.
The team crashes, with Genjiro staying awake to give a report to Ansho-sama in the morning before he also rests.
-23rd of Dragon-
We meet with Kitsu Ayako and give her the particulars of who Isawa Kunimatsu was, and why we want to rule out or confirm if Isawa Jou was actually speaking with him. She says its possible that those haunted by an ancestor could communicate with them, if that was the case. If he was haunting him, it means Kunimatsu wasn't resurrected. Ayako can't reach all spirit realms, but could project to Mado to talk with Isawa Jou. She asks that if she does this, we consider it part of the Lion Clan's service to Naisho province. It will take an hour, so we wait.
She returns 45 minutes later, and reports she was able to make contact. He was indeed descended from Isawa Kunimatsu, the one who knew the old magic, and Kunimatsu had been speaking to him since he was a child. Told him it was his destiny to return the school to that side of magic. After gempukku, dedicated himself to that path. Ayako believes he was quite insane, and did know himself as the "Hand of Fate." He was working completely alone, just with what his ancestor told him. It appears what he was trying to do was purify the area and blood so it could be used to cast with without the possibility of a kansen being able to corrupt it and him. He never succeeded; he was slowly refining it over time, as his idea of how to use it safely again since Kunimatsu had no need for it. Jou was relatively easy to find, so she also looked for Isawa Kunimatsu, but couldn't find him in Yumi or Mado.
Phoenix happy to send a missive off to the Isawa for Shiba Midori on how to get to Ichinori Mura for us.
Masakado, second son of Akanari, shows up to offer his services to Sou.
Genjiro, Kazue, and Suzuhiho sit down to read through Jou's journals.
Session X - Technically, a nobody and no body
8/4/2019
-13th of Dragon-
Head back to Inari Seido. A messenger from Toshi no Naishou is waiting for us; giving us a run-down on the situation, expecting us to be working on it already. Asks us to head to Sujuu Mura to inform the Lion of the situation. Iaimiko feels she's spoken enough with the Abbot and monks to have a feel for what's going on, so we are free to leave in the morning. Genjiro writes up a chop of the ronin's hiring, along with a letter of introduction and intsructions for them to work under Kitsuki Umeji in the southern docks.
-14th of Dragon-
Send the ronin towards Toshi no Naishou while we head to Sujuu Mura. Meet several Lion patrols en route; talk briefly, and continue on to Sujuu Mura. Get an audience with Matsu Tadanobu in short order. Genjiro informs him of the fate of the patrol; unsure what set them off, but have returned all their effects and done a thorough investigation of the area. He asks for clarity that they attacked ronin? Yes. Says very well. Ask if there is anything we can see sent back with us to Toshi no Naishou, and gives us some missives to take back. Also inform him of Akodo Jun being assigned as the magistrate.
Inigo and Genjiro survey the town some for additional considerations on stronger trade routes north from Inari Seido, up to Botsu Mura and Moku Mura. Inigo needs to go to Koso Mura and Toshi no Naishou to really understand the conflict between the farmer tribe and the mountain / forest tribes. Ingio (with a 90) has a deep and instinctive knowledge of the commericial prospects of Sujuu Mura. The merchents are doing very well; if Inigo were to become the patron of these merchants, much money would be made. He'll invest 20 koku into stuff to send them from Toshi no Naishou to help them as a patron for them to resell to the Lion. Decide to head to Shizu Mura, then on to Ichinori Mura from there before heading back to Toshi no Naishou. Shizu Mura mainly supplies lumber to Sujuu Mura (and the broader province). They ship it down tributaries back to the main river.
-16th of Dragon-
Around noonish, make it to Shizu Mura. Get to the Scorpion encampment first; check in, inform them that Soshi Itaru will be assigned as the magistrate for the town. Collect some dispatches for Itaru, they request a good flow of luxury goods, and we head on to the village.
Shizu Mura is a lot more superstitious than Sujuu Mura. No real night life, most folks turn in at night. Relatively happy with their village life; content with how things are, and no real difficulties with the Scorpion legion, who have gone out of their way to not be disruptive. They have also been respectful of the forest, which the villagers are pleased with. There only note is the Scorpion go out at night, and they believe that's going to end poorly. Inigo (53) also invests 10 Koku to patron merchents in Shizu Mura. When Kazue asks why, they say evil spirits that kill or kidnap people at night (all hear-say, nothing in recent memory, but tons of stories). Inigo looks into resources to take us to Ichinori Mura. None of the village have gone there in living memory; tales of past encounters, but no trade, no knowledge of existing people.
Stay overnight in Shizu Mura, and decide to check back to Toshi no Naishou to get more solid info on HOW to get to Ichinori Mura.
-19th of Dragon-
Arrive back in Toshi no Naishou. Genjiro delivers the Lion missives to the Lion, and the Scorpion to Itaru. Iaimiko gives her report to Ansho-sama, and we also provide our report on what happened with the Lion patrol, Sujuu Mura, and Shizu Mura.
-20th of Dragon-
Inigo and Haundo go to check out the harbor and trade. Sou and Kazue go to find Usagi Yoshihiko and talk with the minor clans about how they intend to get to Ichinori Mura. Genjiro investigates the government archives.
Genjiro finds some older records first; taxes were being paid, though the village was always kind of small, never very prosperous. Last year, first year no taxes were collected. Taxes were last collected in 1155 by Shiba Risu. She was the second messenger sent out by the Phoenix to report the death of Hiromoto. She picked up takes back to 1152, and from there to 1143, Shiba Midori collected them (as well as Shizu Mura and several smaller villages) - will need to ask the Phoenix about her. She was reassigned, and is now serving in the Isawa province.
Sou and Kazue go and talk with Yoshihiko. Talk with Kasuga Hitsuko; she says Yoshihiko has already headed out on the 19th to Ichinori Mura. Finding the village was going to be his first task; they don't really know where it is, either. She is happy to forward on any reports they receive from Yoshihiko.
Inigo and Haunda check out the merchants around the port. Oh yeah, it's a cultural issue. In Koso Mura, more intermingling of the tribes, so more open. The Nobu valley tribes still don't like to trade luxury goods to the other tribes. Inigo feels like he'd be best served by actually going to Koso Mura and getting the other perspective as well. Does get to see the Kitsuki and the ronin policing the southern port. A lot of bustle, but nothing more nefarious than normal going on that Inigo and Haunda spot.
Look to get an eta assigned to the team.
-21st of Dragon-
Ansho-sama gives us a new task; he seems a bit embarrased by it. It's an important task of a relatively... delicate nature. One of the undertakers of the village nearby has gone missing, as has a corpse he was prepairing for the burial of Isawa Kobo's mother - Kobo is one of the lieutenants here.
When we leave, Suzume Hideyo and Miya Iaimiko are waiting for us. Iaimiko is the one who asked Ansho-same to get us to look into. Hideyo says that Akinari, the eta, had been reported missing by his family around lunch time, along with the body of Isawa Kama. Akinari had sent Taro, his eldest son, home the night of the 20th. As of noon today, he's missing, along with the body. Hideyo is moderately well known amongst the commoners, so he heard of it, and ran into Iaimiko. Inigo and Genjiro notice Hideyo uses an affectionate term for her, and Iaimiko is pleased by this.
Talk with Hideyo a bit on the way; he knows of the Iwane family of torturers, but doesn't know them personally. He tells of the curse of the eta village; once every couple of years, one of its residents go missing without a trace, and a few suspect that the Iwane family acting as torturers contribute to the cursed state of the village. Headman, Ekiken, can likely tell the tale as well as any in the village. Genjiro notes that this village is unusually shitty.
Boat ride across the village to the eta village. Population around 800, marshy, muddy, and stinks; had been underwater when the flooding occurred. Most are dilapidated; homes are huts in poor repair. The Akinari house is better, but that's because samurai are brought to rest there. Hideyo takes his leave, as does Iaimiko. Meet Taro, early 20s. He says they received word last night that there was a body to prepare. After they brought the body back, since it was so late, Akinari that he would complete the preparations so Taro could go get some rest. Then the next day, the sons could take it back, and Akinari would rest. Taro and his brother came here immediately and found neither the body nor their father. They didn't see anything, the neighboring undertakers didn't, so they went home and reported, and the family all scattered to look.
Inigo and Haundo go check the other undertakers to make sure all their palanquins are accounted for. First is Masuharo. He says he wasn't working last night, and nothing is missing from his mortuary. He doesn't seem to be lying. Asks him about the legend; he says the village is definitely cursed. He says two years ago, Shoko, Tokamichi's wife, vanished on a foggy night. She was late hauling garbage from the palace, crossed the river - Riozo, the boatman brought her across - but somewhere between the landing and her house, she vanished. He also remembers 5 years ago - Yoshiaki, one of the tanners, disappeared one night. It's only ever one person, they are always alone, and no sign is ever found. Inigo also gives him some zeni as he leaves.
Tokimasa, the other neighbor. He was working last night, seeing to his tools and preparations. Around midnight, he thought he heard something that might have sounded like chanting? He doesn't know what it was, doesn't recognize it. Lasted for minutes, maybe? 20, 30 seconds of chanting, then maybe a minute, two minutes of silence. Went on for maybe 10 minutes? Sounded like it was coming from the left (Akinari's direction). Man's voice, but didn't recognize it - wasn't Akinari. It sounded maybe a little... excitable? Actually, it sounded hysterical, or on the edge of hysteria; a little mad. Also gives Tokimasa some zeni.
Genjiro and Kazue investigate Akinari's mortuary, aimed at primarily serving samurai. The special kimono that they had made for Kama is still hanging on the wall; says that would have gone on in the morning with two people again. Working by himself, it should have taken four to five hours to prep Kama for the next day. Kama has been wearing an orange and red kimono when they retrieved her body. One of the urns of oils is half full, used for the prepping the kindling for the funeral pyre; nothing unusual about it. He does say that when they got in, they did notice their container of salt is missing - a small ceramic jar with a fitted lid, with salt blessed by the monks. There is also a large bucket of water near the trestle table to wash the body with. Last night, it was full, and this morning, it was empty; it was not emptied out here on the floor. Its definitely been moved, but no drag marks. Also doesn't seem to be any salt on the floor. Kazue asks the earth kami for information, but they inform her that they were not here last night. Seems like someone banished the earth kami from this place - it requires a moderately powerful shugenja to pull off. They were banished sometime around midnight.
Meet up with everyone. Outside, Genjiro looks around the mortuary for the prints of Toru and Akinari, as well as any others that might have been created. Looks like someone, a single person toting a heavy burden, left the building. It proceeds away from the river, moves down the street. Follow it down to the western edge of the eta village; still have a track we can follow. A puddle is nearby, so Kazue tries to an image of who may have moved passed it late at night; 11pm to sunrise. An image of fog moves through the area west to east, like heading down the street rather than spreading; after midnight and before 2, another similar fog bank move east to west and disappear to the west. An hour after that, a pair of peasants walk down the street west to east. And the last before down, east to west. Kazue isn't familiar with a spell that could do fog like that - summon fog is stationary.
Pause; Genjiro writes a chop to Ansho-sama; powerful shugenja involved in the disappearance; following track west from the eta village; requesting Isawa Suzuhiho and any assistance she requests to follow; Kazue is also contacting Suzuhiho directly. Send it via eta to the southern port. Kazue sends Suzuhiho a magical bird, sketching out that we're tracking a mid to powerful shugenja that seems to be using custom spells. A few minutes later, Suzuhiho returns bird saying she's bringing her legionaries and will be with us in 30 minutes.
We wait for Suzuhiho. Kazue communes with the void back at the mortuary. It shows her that this shugenja is a child of the tribe of Isawa, spellcasters before the kami came; images of blood - Kazue knows of the Isawa of old using untainted blood magic before Fu Leng came; images of air kami. Between the shugenja and the body, a body wrapped in a shroud, burning seemingly from the inside out; maybe as an offering to the fire kami? The void cannot sense any connection between the shugenja and this village.
Suzuhiho arrives; we prep to track down the shugenja.
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