Session Report: 8 April 2022

Elohim Descending

General Summary

In this session of Tsuwamono, the follow events transpired:

Notes on Fubuki v. Honda Tadakatsu

1559年11月17日 07:00 (Morning)

Shimonoseki

Historical Entry: Notes on Fubuki v. Honda Tadakatsu

Mōri Tournament

Day 5

Match 1

Notes

This battle is between Fubuki and Honda Tadakatsu. After considering the combatants, I came to the only logical conclustion: Tadakatsu would win the match. Sure, Fubuki has shown to have some tricks up her sleeve, but those should not be able to overcome her opponent’s sheer martial mastery. We haven’t even seen Tadakatsu suffer a wound yet. An “invincible warrior” for sure.
...
Fubuki took some attacks at range at first, blocking each one, probably to test the strength of her opponent. Then they met and the expected happened. Tadakatsu delivered a decisive blow. I heard bone snap somewhere in Fubuki’s leg (arm?). It’s only a matter of time now. Actually, it seemed a lot like she could have ended there, but Tadakatsu tried to break her opponent’s weapon instead. Why?
...
I can’t believe what I’m looking at. Tadakatsu struck with that incredible spear of hers and cut Fubuki in two. Except Fubuki wasn’t actually there? The Fubuki we saw die turned into a stump, while the real(?) Fubuki showed up behind Tadakatsu with wounds fully healed. What kind of magic is this? I didn’t see any spells cast. Even the Invincible Warrior would have trouble defending against those vicious attacks from behind, while overextended from her attack and unable to turn around. I think any human warrior would have died from it. Tadakatsu didn’t, but it’s still the first time we’ve seen her bleed. It sizzles when it hits the ground. I’m literally shaking right now.
...
There was an interruption. Some big flash of light and something about “Elohim.” None of my business. But... It happened twice? And it seemed like it made everything else happen twice as well. Including Fubuki’s last hit on Tadakatsu. Without...whatever this was (manipulation of reality itself), would Fubuki have been able to land such a decisive blow?
When it was over, Tadakatsu forfeitted. She seemed angry about something. Angry enough to leave her spear on the field while she fumed off beneath the stands. What was that all about? Fubuki won, but not from a knockout. I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if they kept fighting. I’ll need to collect my thoughts and edit these notes before I report to Sensei.

Heavens Shattered Above Shimonoseki

1559年11月17日 07:30 (Morning)

Shimonoseki

Historical Entry: Heavens Shattered Over Shimonoseki

明方 新聞

Akegata Shinbun

Heavens Shattered Over Shimonoseki

An awe-inspiring event was witnessed during the Mōri Martial Tournament today, near the conclusion of the match between Fubuki and Honda Tadakatsu. First came a flash so bright it blinded near everyone in attendance. Then, a lightning bolt seemed to crawl upwards from the earth and ground itself in the heavens, tearing open a hole in the sky.
The origin of this static bolt, which still remains fixed in place at this time, was confirmed to be Sumiyoshi-taisha, a small shrine to a minor Japanese god of the ocean. The head priestess of Sumiyoshi-taisha was unavailable to comment as the event left her traumatized and greatly in need of a bath due to the enormous amount of dust displaced. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Shortly after the tear in the sky opened, six winged figures were seen approaching the arena at high velocity. Although appearing human in shape, each figure displayed at least two wings on its back, with their leader boasting six of the same. Some witnesses describe the sextet as Tengu of the First Order, rarely seen outside of the highest levels of the Heavenly Pagoda in Echizen. Others, however, claim that these creatures are in fact “Angels,” figures prominent in the religious teachings of Sancta Sedes. The beings identified themselves as neither, instead calling themselves “Elohim” of "Netzach."
Although their demeanor appeared generally hostile, none of the six Elohim made any aggressive moves toward those gathered at the arena. Three of them were obviously in command, showing more individuality and poise than their armored companions. These displayed overt hatred toward the Demons present. Their leader, who gave her name as “Baraqiel,” condemned all for liaising with demonic agents and demanded that someone speak on the mortals’ behalf.
Once again, this display does little to prove the allegiance of the beings who appeared. Sancta Sedes are known to despise demons, but so is Bishamonten, patron of the Tengu.
Lord Aotsuki Tsukamoto, formerly of the Hashinara Clan, spoke for those assembled. None objected to his representation and with good reason. Popular opinion of Lord Aotsuki remains high even among clans who are opposed to the Hashinara’s growing interests and influence. However, the young Daimyō’s arguments seemed to do little to sway these heavenly judges. Hashinara Kiyowara(person) apparent Sheele of the Hashinara Daimyō and associate of Katsusada Shishauezaemon (recently returned from the dead) also attempted to speak for mortalkind, but was quickly silenced for not being mortal herself. This information did not escape notice.
After communicating with her companions, Ophaniel and Muriel, Baraqiel claimed that they would bring mortals’ case before a “Divine Council” which would decide our ultimate fate. Leading Daimyō Mōri Motonari has called a special meeting over lunch, between segments of today’s tournament, to discuss events and further action with the other ranking nobles in attendance.
All six beings left the arena thereafter and returned through the rift in the sky from whence they had come. The true nature of this portal remains unclear, although the Elohim are recorded as calling it the “Gate of Heaven” which has been closed for an interminably long period. Is this a dimensional rift similar in nature to that which remains open in the seas east of Mutsu and was recently closed beneath the Palace of the Firebird? Or is it merely a “shortcut” of sorts to the Heavenly Pagoda? These two prevailing theories continue to compete among experts on the metaphysical.
Only one thing is certain: something monumental is brewing as the number of demons within Japan continues to rise. Honda Tadakatsu herself proceeded to forfeit the remainder of her match and left the field in a huff. Her attitude seemed to indicate that she knew something about the events which had just transpired. Lord Maxim and Kensei Sasaki Kojirō were soon seen following her. Our reporters have attempted to secure an interview with Tadakatsu-senshu, but so far none have returned in any condition to speak. We will continue to monitor the situation.

Rewards Granted

• +4 total Kuma Commendations

Notes

• Nagasone Kotetsu has provisionally joined The Wolfpack

Report Date

08 Apr 2022

Primary Location

Shimonoseki

Related Plots

• Heavens' Gate
• Seed of Heaven
• The Mōri Tournament

Related Characters

• Abe no Seimei
• Aka no Kitsunebi
• Aotsuki Tsukamoto
• Baraqiel
• Hashinara Kiyowara
• Honda Tadakatsu
• Jorani the Whitesmith
• Kagami
• Kaguya
• Katsusada Shishauezaemon
• Kikkawa no Myōkyū
• Kitsuno
• Matsumoto Ooawagaeri
• Maxim
• Mōri Motonari
• Muriel
• Nagasone Kotetsu
• Ophaniel
• Oyama Hikari
• Phenex
• Ryūzaki Sanosuke
• Sasaki Kojirō
• Shibai
• Shigeaki Fujino
• Taira no Tokuko
• Tokku-hime
• Trivia
• Tsurugi
• Watanabe Hajime
• Yamada Arinaga

Related Historical Events

• Day 5; Independent Match Semifinal 1
  Notes on Fubuki v. Honda Tadakatsu
• 1559
  Heavens Shattered Over Shimonoseki