Ring of Earth - Descent into Darkness

[Trogdor]

Eisai steps to the side and hangs his head low. He was not here for the original investigation of the Shrine. But he can't imagine that the actions taken by the monks have not cleansed it of any remaining taint. "Fellow magistrates," he says at last. "Surely the monks have done all that could be asked of them and more. And there has been no hint of further troubles here. I don't see how there can be any question of lingering corruption, nor can I see any reason for a requirement to submit to further investigation."

[ManWithDoor]

"You must be mistaking me as a representative of the Crab. In fact, we are Magistrates of the Empire, and our jurisdiction extends everywhere. We recently lost a Jade Magistrate in the mountains, or he would have taken the lead in making sure that this place has been cleansed fully." He holds the gaze of the monk easily, not intimidated. "But as long as the Kitsu have done their tasks in guaranteeing the sanctity of this place I will take their word at full value, as they have always been guardians of the ancestors and the spirit realms. They would sense if something was amiss, as the ancestors would abandon this place otherwise. I would and do trust them in protecting even the Imperial City from supernatural threats, so I must bow to their expertise here. We will not take any more of your time."

Unless doubt can be cast that the Lion Shugenja have indeed failed in their task of cleansing the Shrine of Duty from the foulness of its previous inhabitants, Kuni Zenko sees no reason to dally.

[Vardaen]

The lead monk bows, "Please come in, meditate, enjoy a moment of peace before you leave. Coming all this way seems a shame if you don't enough the tranquility of the shrine." He insists and you come into the shrine and spend an hour in meditation and prayer. When finished you speak your good-byes and head down the stairs to the small village and continue on your way. While in meditation Zenko can see a failing in his zealotry and suffers for it but the meditation prevents it from eating away at him -- he is Crab after all.

So you are once more on the road heading to the Imperial City. You should reach it tomorrow....

OOC

Honor Hit: -1 Box Zenko

[Trogdor]

Eisai enjoys the opportunity to meditate, especially in such a shrine. These have been trying weeks, and have tested him physically, mentally, and morally. It was good to give the mind and body an opportunity to absorb all of that through deep meditation.

Once the hour is done, the monk joins the others, thanks the Setsu girl for her assistance, and proceeds to the Imperial City with his companions.

[Hayabusa]

Ryuichi spends the time to pray to his ancestors and kami for himself, for his fellow magistrates and the Jade Magistrate that was killed on the way here but after that he's ready to leave.

[ManWithDoor]

The Kuni scratches his stubble in contemplation, somewhat annoyed at himself for forgetting some of his more basic etiquette. Back on the Wall, he would have simply walked around and pressed jade to flesh, tossed the shrine for contraband, and been done with it. While it ruffles feathers, it weeds out enough Bog Hags, Lost, and other monsters, that the Crab accept the necessity. Out here in 'civilization', he has to remember to be more circumspect. He does get in some true prayer and meditation, steeling himself for whatever may come in the Imperial Capital.

[Vardaen]

The Shrine of Duty is behind you, and the Imperial City Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho is ahead of you...
The Imperial City has only been so for 9 years, since the Fall of Otosan-Uchi to Daigotsu and the Tsuno. Previously to that it was a Crane City or a Lion City depending on who you asked, and depending on the situation of the constant ware for the city between the two clans. The fighting for the city came to and end when the Crane Champion and Lion Champion declared a truce and both clans offered the city to the Imperial Families and the Throne. Since then the city has prospered and has been invigorated by the shift of the Imperial Throne to it.

The city is large, but not massive, but it continues to expand as grow as each clan in the empire builds up their embassies and holdings within the city. Much of the city is outside the old walls, but those walls are ever expanding thanks to the Kaiu Engineers of the Crab. Traffic on the "road" becomes congested and heavy, in fact however the heimin population and much of the samurai population isn't allowed on the roads, they belong to the emperor and so they travel along side it. Countless palanquins transport important samurai, farmers lug supplies on their backs, and horses clip clop along with guards atop them all paralleling the roads. You however, as Emerald Magistrates can actually use the roads, and in doing so speed your progress. Every time you ride past a group of peasants they stop and kneel, lesser samurai pause and bow deeply, the respect they have for the Throne means they have it for all that bare the Chrysanthemum, that includes you.

You ride through the main gate, stopping to present your traveling papers and Emerald Magistrate chops to the guards and lesser magistrates there in charge of such things. You ride through in a matter of minutes while many will wait a day or more to gain entrance into the city during this season. The sheer number of people and homes and buildings is a bit overwhelming to say the least but you have a mission to do any you ride into the city swallowed up by it.

Violence Behind Courtliness City

http://l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Toshi_Ranbo_w ... _Reigisaho

Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho, Violence Behind Courtliness City, became the capital city of Rokugan in 1160 after the Fall of Otosan Uchi in 1159. It was commonly referred to simply as "Toshi Ranbo".


Toshi Ranbo (CN1)
For generations the city had been fought over by the Lion Clan and the Crane Clan. The common folk had been forced to do what they could to survive in a city frequently consumed by war. As a result, the city was riddled with hidden rooms and escape tunnels, where refugees from the current regime could hide until friendly forces ruled again.

Imperial City Edit

Toshi Ranbo: Imperial City
The continuing conflicts between the Lion and Crane ended with the unlikely alliance between the two Clan Champions Matsu Nimuro and Doji Kurohito. The new capital of the Empire was decided in 1160 in the newly rebuilt Imperial Court at Kyuden Miya. Doji Kurohito stepped in the Court and informed the Crane had already begun its construction, as a form of penance, to cause the distraction in the Crab from his duty due to the Yasuki issue. The city decided was the disputed Toshi Ranbo, under Lion at that time. Matsu Nimuro joined the Court and confirmed the location and their united effort with the Crane in improving the city. Nobody among the Court said a word against.

When it become the capital, Toshi Ranbo was growing faster than any other city in Rokugan despite some setbacks, most notably the Fires of Toshi Ranbo. In a few more years the capital would be the same size as Otosan Uchi was. The Imperial Families were the first to establish estates, but the Great and minor clans soon followed. New Doji estates were built, becoming well known throughout the Empire for its beauty and serenity.

[Hayabusa]

Ryuichi sits proudly atop his horse, seemingly getting more tense with any mile they got closer to the capital and now he's as tense as one might get. The time on the road has of course left his traces on his clothes but he still inquires what to do next. A meeting with their Champion should be next but he wonders if he should make himself more presentable in any case.

"Is Shosuro Jimen-dono in the city?" He inquires as soon as he has presented his papers and identification to the guards.

OOC

He's still the Emerald Champion, right?

[Trogdor]

Eisai remains quiet in his saddle. He has much to reflect on, not the least of which is the report the three magistrates will have to make in the hours to come.

[ManWithDoor]

Kuni Zenko remains calm, allowing Ryuichi to take the lead. As good as the Scorpion were at ferreting out every secret he has, the Imperials are just as bad, if not worse. He will report truthfully to the Emerald Champion everything that has transpired, but he has no intention of blabbing his mouth to every courtier that passes by.