Toturi III is dead. The Empire is left without an Emperor. Toturi's wife, Toturi Kurako, rules as the Empress until her husband's written wishes can be found and acted upon.
With the Emperor dead, others seek to gain power. One such man is the Khan of the Unicorn Clan, Moto Chagatai, who currently lays siege to the Imperial City, Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho.
Here begins Chapter 2 of our story. In Chapter 1 the ambitious Khan, Moto Chagatai, conquered the last of Lion held provinces and began his assault toward the capital of Toshi Ranbo. Our heroes, a Seppun Nikutai of the Imperial Legions, a Matsu Deathseeker, and an Akodo War College-trained Kitsu saw their fates intertwined.
Matsu Akira and Kitsu Tadao delivered the fateful message to Toshi Ranbo that the last holding of the Lion, Kyuden Ikoma, had fallen to the Khan. Befriending Seppun Koshiro in the city, which has become a haven for many clans, and many men, the Lion were asked to aid the Imperial Family Daimyo, and in turn, the Empress eliminate nearby Unicorn scouts.
The three did so, riding to a nearby wooded area, and eliminated the gaijin that were in hiding there. It did come with a price, as another Imperial Legionary, Matsu Akinori, was killed in the process. There was not much time to gloat over their success as they were needed to help reinforce the last of the Lion army still pulling back to the capital. At the town of Oiku, the Unicorn had Matsu Shingen's dwindling army surrounded. With only one hundred ashigaru, Akira, Tadao, and Koshiro went on the attack. Though the force was officially commanded by Tadao, the Kitsu fell in battle, as did Akira, leaving the rallying of men to Seppun Koshiro. Never strong in his battle tactics, the Seppun used his force of will, technique, and the Fortunes to power his ashigaru to break the enemy army's will. With their banner in tow, the barbarians were finally pushed back and the rest of the Lion forces, though weakened terribly, were saved. A lone ashigaru led by Tadao at the beginning of the day survived.
New of their victory, and circumstances, spread quickly throughout the capital. The next day they were each rewarded with and audience with the Empress herself. During the audience, the 'Hand of Justice', as some had began to call Koshiro, was elevated to a newly formed position; the Chrysanthemum Champion was born. These Chrysanthemum Magistrates were to report directly to the Empress herself. They were to function where the Emerald Magistrates had gone stale, and where the loss of their own champion weakened them. Appointed to Koshiro were three yoriki, Matsu Akira, his yojimbo, Kitsu Tadao, and Bayushi Takeo, an appointment by Bayushi Norachai, the Protector of the Imperial City. The Daughter of Heaven's first missive was to contact the Dragon in Shiro Kitsuki and enlist their aid against the coming Unicorn army. To guide them, Kitsuki Ichiro, the lone Dragon attending court, had agreed ...
Day 29, Month of the Rat, 1168
Snow falls. Even though there is winter, there is also war. And travel. Seppun Koshiro, the Chrysanthemum Champion, and Hand of Justice, waits by the gates to depart. His Utaku steed is nearby, acting slightly strange under new guidance. Koshiro has seen his word turned upside down in just a few weeks. He holds his badge, a mon of his station, a red Chrysanthemum, which was hastily prepared, and which he has not even had a chance to place on his breast. Otherwise, he holds the traveling papers for each of his yoriki, and himself.
Kitsuk Ichiro stands with Koshiro, looking at his own Utaku steed with some distrust and reservation. One by one, Akira, Tadao, and Takeo begin to arrive.
Welcome to chapter 2! I hope you've enjoyed the story and RP so far. A note about 'stuff'. Koshiro's Status is now 4. Everyone else now has a Status of 3. Now, the word of your 'order' is not well known, so don't expect to be treated with respect everywhere. MV, you wanted to lower Tadao's Honor, so I have, lowering it -.3 (3 Boxes). Game on!
Last edited by TetNak on Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tadao rides forward on his steed. His slightly battered armour having been cleaned. Though it still bares the marks of battle. In a sheath across his back sit forty arrows. His weapons are immaculate including the gunsen tucked in his obi. His stern looks peek over the samurai's mempo as he approaches. His personal back banner flapping in the wind. If one were to study the man carefully. They would see that he is uncomfortable upon his horse. But to ask him he would deny any such feelings. He approaches quietly offering the best bows he can muster from atop the wide girth of the animal. Privately he hopes he will have chance to begin his penance and visit the wrath of his fallen men upon the unicorn...
Last edited by MadVlat on Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
...And the stone of the earth and the wind in the sky bowed before the wisdom of the Ancient One...
Snow falls sideways as the wind kicks up, and the banners of the Imperial City atop the gate flap loudly fighting against Kaze-no-Kami. The loud flapping suddenly ends as the armored footsteps of an approching samurai rings out in the cold winter air. In brillant golden armor stalks Matsu Akira, former Deathseeker, Chrysanthemum Magistrate, personal Yojimbo to the Chrysanthemum Champion. His heavy riding armor bares the honor marks of battle, but is cleaned and polished, the damage of it repaired by the Lion Armorsmiths. He wears his daisho on his hip with a bit more pride than he has in the past, and tucked under his left arm are two yari. A full kabuto helm sits on his head, and he bares a golden mempo that hides his face, all save his eyes, for his eyes burn with more intensity than any mask could hope to create. Up off his back is a back banner, the banner flaps in the winde caused by his walking. At the top of the banner is a Red Chrysanthemum, the symbol of his new order, under that is the symbol of the Lion Clan, the golden mon painted with a skillful hand. Under that is the mark of the Matsu family and the mark of the Seppun family as well, one guarding the other. Missing is the Deathseeker mon from the banner. Slung over his right shoulder is furoshiki sack with his traveling gear and tucked into his obi is a Tessen. He strides forward to the assembling group and bows deeply to his Champion. "Chrysanthemum Magistrate Matsu Akira reporting Champion-sama. He remains bowed awaiting the Seppun's commands."
Set on the horse he is to ride is a daikyu and arrows, already prepaired and sent ahead for the samurai's use should he require them.
Just to clear things up. We are Chrysanthemum Magistrates, not Yorikki right?
Koshiro - Chrysanthemum Champion, head of the order.
Akira, Tadao, Takeo - Chrysanthemum Magsitrates, the officers of the order.
Chrysanthemum Yorikki, the work horses, lesser samurai, budoka, etc who the Magsitrates press into service for the order. As of right now, there are no Yorikki appointed.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
The snow swirls white around his horse, but the rider shows no sign of chill or discomfort. His armor immaculate, his masterfully crafted swords sheathed, he approaches the waiting company. Though clad in the colors of Bayushi, it is his mask that reveals his identity without doubt.
Men whisper of the Battle of Broken Graves, when he was mortally wounded and rose the next morning to kill again. Rumors abound of generations of duelists who fell under his flawless skill as a swordsman. They say that he cannot die, and men who have laughed at that rumor have grown old and passed under his empty metal gaze.
The Laughing Steel Master reins in his horse beside the others, nodding respectfully to the others. His clothes and bags reveal thoughtful preparation for the journey ahead.
Bayushi Takeo steels himself on top of the horse, using every ounce of muscular control to not fall on his face like an idiot. It would be the greatest shame to be revealed as lacking in such a simple skill. For a moment he curses his fallen master - all that time spent drilling, yet not a few minutes a day in horsemanship!
Blessedly, his focus allows no consideration for the cold; though he is well-dressed for winter, he has little taste for the season's vagaries. A boy among men, he must put on his most honorable face, concealing his weaknesses as best he can.
Seppun Koshiro stands waiting, fighting off the chill of winter and inspecting the badge that represents his station. 'œThe Chrysanthemum Champion'¦'
He turns it over reverentially, mere weeks ago was it that the Empress and the family of the Seppun were the few who could wear the sacred Chrysanthemum. To be trusted with the very seal and icon of Imperial rule still took the Koshiro's breath away.
His armour is slick with the melting frost and the lacquered plates of emerald and gold gleam. His swords, armour and kimono are the same Akira and Tadao have seen before. If not for the decree of the Empress they would meet this morning as equal samurai.
'œMorning! It seems safe to say the fortunes give us their attention on this day!' His hands gesture around to the falling snow and bitter weather. He offers the travelling papers to each of his companions.
Tadao takes the papers offered him by the Seppun champion. A bow of his head and he silently stashes them deep within his kimono for safe keeping. He turns his steed slightly and addresses Koshiro and the others. "We should move quickly. The unicorn will not be polite enough to await our return and the fortunes are fickle. Already the wind bears the hint of snow. I can only imagine that the mountians will not be so tame"...
...And the stone of the earth and the wind in the sky bowed before the wisdom of the Ancient One...
Akira also takes his traveling papers, he actually pauses to read them over, double checking the authority of travel they give him, inspecting the seal and chop on the papers. Impressed, and dedicated to his new life, he stows them safely away inside a silk pouch tied to the inside of his obi. He grabs the mane of the Utaku Stallion and rubs the beast's neck and head, "You rode once for the enemies of the Empire. Today your dishonor is removed, and you ride for the Empress and her Chrysanthemum Magistrates, be honored that you have been given a second chance." He lifts himself up onto the horse, the simple Rokugan saddle is nothing like what the Unicorn use. The ones here are silk and wood, unlike the dead flesh leather ones the Unicorn use, and without stirups, like the barbarians use, the power of the horse is lessened, but this is still going to be amazing, and Akira looks forward to it. "I shall call you Daini Kikai, Second Chance." He rubs the neck of the horse and looks up at his Champion. "We are all assembled, give the command and we will ride Champion-sama." He tucks one yari into the back of the saddle, it stands upright like his backbanner, and the other lays across his lap.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
Kitsuki Ichiro, the Dragon guide, nods to Matsu Akira, the former Deathseeker. "We are ready," he says, "And should probably start out. The journey is not long, but if a snow storm would catch us, it could make the trip much more difficult." Ichiro mounts his own horse, patting it on the back, "A thousand thanks to the Empress for her generosity of these mounts." He does not say anything negative, necessarily, about the Unicorn, only that the mounts are much appreciated.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."
'œLet us make haste then and waste no time.' Koshiro climbs abreast his horse, his attention focussed more on the Kitsuki present than the journey ahead. 'œThe road to Shiro Kitsuki is perhaps easier to travel than any other in the lands of the Dragon, still I doubt the Khan will allow our overtures of peace to arrive safely.'
Riding he comes alongside Akira to jest, relishing an opportunity to talk as they once had, when their duty was simple.
'œFeel you can keep me out of trouble Matsu-san? I recommend we avoid the twin perils of tea-houses or purple banners.'
Akira bows his head, "My job Champion-sama is to keep you safe, not out of trouble. If you find trouble, but come out of it safely, then my job is done. I believe I still will risk a Tea House now and then." He kicks he flank of his horse as he rides off along with the others, riding close to his charge.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
