Age of Succession, 7217 IC
Month of The Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
About half-past the sixth hour of the morning
Chilly but sunny with clearing skies
Morimoto finally reaches the outer walls of the imperial estate. The closer he traveled to the heart of the city, the more its citizens seemed to be in a chaotic clamor. Most people actually seem to be overwhelmed with disbelief, but other groups (fewer in number, yet ten times as loud) seem to be stirring up unrest and panic in a variety of ways. Some seem to be religious or political rabble-rousers who are visibly shaken by yesterday's tragic events. Some are even spreading stories of the Jade Regent returning to power. Others believe that Minkai itself will soon fall since the line of emperors is now spent with the death of the last Amatatsu.
The gates leading into the imperial grounds are closed off as tightly as they would be during a siege. Kondo's imperial guardsmen stationed outside the gates and along the walls. They are ready for anything, but try to project the appearance of being assembled in a display honoring the empress' passing. They stand as still as statues, but are not arrayed in ceremonial armor & weapons. In front of them, closer to the chaos in the streets, are Osawa's city guard. The governor employs them as a police force of sorts. They are much more active, trying to keep some semblance of order so close to the palace.
Shortly after his arrival, Morimoto sees a group of horsemen trying to wind their way through the throngs. It is more of the provincial police along with Osawa Shunjei himself. The governor is also surrounded by several members of his own household guard. He is doing his best to part the masses of people so he may reach the gates. He tries to exude an air of quiet yet commanding authority, but it is not difficult to see that he is a tad overwhelmed by the whole situation.
He and his entourage are about to ride right past Morimoto...
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Scene 3: Dancing Kappa Teahouse
Age of Succession, 7217 IC
Month of the Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Third Hour of the Morning
Chilly with Clearing Skies (everything is damp from last night's rain)
Finally, the New Year's celebrations are dying away in the streets outside. Occasionally, a loud crack of fireworks will echo through the city, or there will be a group of drunken revelers that will pass by -- probably on their way to collapse somewhere -- but mostly, Kasai has decided that there has been enough revelry for one night. More and more of the citizens are falling off to sleep after an exhausting festival.
Gakusei sits at his usual table, nursing his drink for nearly its fourth hour. It was cold long ago. He has found he must make the simple things in life last longer than he once did. But that is wise, and it has taught him something of temperance. He has enjoyed watching the celebration from his lonely corner. There was a time, only a few short years ago, that such an event would be forbidden by the strict curfews set down by the Jade Regent. When the Amatatsu Empress threw him down off the throne, that was a blessed day.
So, the people of Kasai are free to drink and sing and debauch all they wish, particularly here in The Reeds, where there is plentiful debauchery on any night. And there is little to worry about of trouble. Years ago, there was no crime because the Jade Regent controlled the city with an iron fist. Under the new regime, there is little need for much policing on the outskirts. The Hitsugi Gumi keep things running smoothly, because trouble is bad for business. All is pretty much as it should be.
But, as soon as the old man thinks this to himself, there is loud, obnoxious laughter heard outside. There is a sound of breaking glass, and the front door to the teahouse swings violently open. Three men stumble into the teahouse, clearly drunk. From the size of them, they look to be common laborers of some kind -- their manners are too brutish to be bred from the warrior caste.
One of them flops back first onto the nearest table, laughing uncontrollably. The second has an oversized mask of red-painted papier mache -- probably pulled off of some festival decoration. He hangs it on his head where it tips at a ridiculous angle due to it being so huge. It depicts an outlandish demonic face grimacing in a frightful leer. It is difficult to find it intimidating, however, when the man wearing it is such an inebriated clown. He tries to pour a bottle of alcohol into the mask's mouth, but the drink just spills out all over the floor. This makes the first man laugh harder.
The third fellow immediately begins bellowing and slamming his fist down on the polished counter. He is calling for a paramour, presumably. The proprietor's daughter, no doubt. A pretty thing, but much too young for this idiot.
Month of the Cherry Blossom
First Day of Spring
Third Hour of the Morning
Chilly with Clearing Skies (everything is damp from last night's rain)
Finally, the New Year's celebrations are dying away in the streets outside. Occasionally, a loud crack of fireworks will echo through the city, or there will be a group of drunken revelers that will pass by -- probably on their way to collapse somewhere -- but mostly, Kasai has decided that there has been enough revelry for one night. More and more of the citizens are falling off to sleep after an exhausting festival.
Gakusei sits at his usual table, nursing his drink for nearly its fourth hour. It was cold long ago. He has found he must make the simple things in life last longer than he once did. But that is wise, and it has taught him something of temperance. He has enjoyed watching the celebration from his lonely corner. There was a time, only a few short years ago, that such an event would be forbidden by the strict curfews set down by the Jade Regent. When the Amatatsu Empress threw him down off the throne, that was a blessed day.
So, the people of Kasai are free to drink and sing and debauch all they wish, particularly here in The Reeds, where there is plentiful debauchery on any night. And there is little to worry about of trouble. Years ago, there was no crime because the Jade Regent controlled the city with an iron fist. Under the new regime, there is little need for much policing on the outskirts. The Hitsugi Gumi keep things running smoothly, because trouble is bad for business. All is pretty much as it should be.
But, as soon as the old man thinks this to himself, there is loud, obnoxious laughter heard outside. There is a sound of breaking glass, and the front door to the teahouse swings violently open. Three men stumble into the teahouse, clearly drunk. From the size of them, they look to be common laborers of some kind -- their manners are too brutish to be bred from the warrior caste.
One of them flops back first onto the nearest table, laughing uncontrollably. The second has an oversized mask of red-painted papier mache -- probably pulled off of some festival decoration. He hangs it on his head where it tips at a ridiculous angle due to it being so huge. It depicts an outlandish demonic face grimacing in a frightful leer. It is difficult to find it intimidating, however, when the man wearing it is such an inebriated clown. He tries to pour a bottle of alcohol into the mask's mouth, but the drink just spills out all over the floor. This makes the first man laugh harder.
The third fellow immediately begins bellowing and slamming his fist down on the polished counter. He is calling for a paramour, presumably. The proprietor's daughter, no doubt. A pretty thing, but much too young for this idiot.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Scene 2: Temple of the Sun's Blade
Age of Succession, 7216 IC
Month of The Sea Dragon
Last Day of Winter
Past the Seventh Hour of the Evening
Cold with Intermittent Rain (visibility reduced 1/2, Perception checks & ranged attacks -4, protected flames extinguished 50%)
Hojo welcomes the venerable Minoru and the haunting samsaran priestess, Megumi. Neither is talkative, but the latter seems especially shaken by this day's events. The high priest pats Megumi's arm gently, and then passes in through the double doors with some assistance from the sohei flanking the doorway.
Inside, Morimoto sees the robed man slowly make his way across the vast sanctuary. Ameiko still screams & writhes in pain, but before Minoru can complete his journey, the empress suddenly falls silent. There are gasps heard throughout the temple, and Minoru rushes as fast as his old bones can carry him to the dais.
One of the priests rises from Ameiko's side and moves towards Minoru. There are words whispered between them, but it is difficult to make out. The cavernous structure seems to swallow sound. Other priests remain with the empress, gently wiping a damp cloth across her brow and otherwise trying to make her feel comfortable. Whether this is to honor the dead or to treat a patient, Moto cannot tell.
Back outside, Kondo arrives at the compound leading the procession in through the temple gates.
OOC: Morimoto -- You may attempt a Perception check.
The rest of you can role-play as you see fit. The battle between Takeru & the assassin is still raging across the city. But that will be concluded in another thread.
Month of The Sea Dragon
Last Day of Winter
Past the Seventh Hour of the Evening
Cold with Intermittent Rain (visibility reduced 1/2, Perception checks & ranged attacks -4, protected flames extinguished 50%)
Hojo welcomes the venerable Minoru and the haunting samsaran priestess, Megumi. Neither is talkative, but the latter seems especially shaken by this day's events. The high priest pats Megumi's arm gently, and then passes in through the double doors with some assistance from the sohei flanking the doorway.
Inside, Morimoto sees the robed man slowly make his way across the vast sanctuary. Ameiko still screams & writhes in pain, but before Minoru can complete his journey, the empress suddenly falls silent. There are gasps heard throughout the temple, and Minoru rushes as fast as his old bones can carry him to the dais.
One of the priests rises from Ameiko's side and moves towards Minoru. There are words whispered between them, but it is difficult to make out. The cavernous structure seems to swallow sound. Other priests remain with the empress, gently wiping a damp cloth across her brow and otherwise trying to make her feel comfortable. Whether this is to honor the dead or to treat a patient, Moto cannot tell.
Back outside, Kondo arrives at the compound leading the procession in through the temple gates.
OOC: Morimoto -- You may attempt a Perception check.
The rest of you can role-play as you see fit. The battle between Takeru & the assassin is still raging across the city. But that will be concluded in another thread.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Scene 1: Cemetery of the Setting Sun
Age of Succession
7216 IC (Imperial Calendar)
Month of The Sea Dragon
Last Day of Winter
Fifth Hour of the Afternoon
Cold & Rainy (visibility reduced 1/2, Perception checks & ranged attacks -4, protected flames extinguished 50%)
Empress Ameiko, last of the Amatatsu bloodline, stands clad in heavy silken robes with her head bent over the grave of her friend and trusted advisor. An old woman stands next to her holding a white umbrella decorated with crane designs. She tries to shield the empress from the cold raindrops that fall over the cemetery. Somewhere on the gray horizon to the west, the sun is setting.
Before the empress is a stone monument with seven faces and seven stone tables radiating in different directions. Each is a grave of one of her gaikoku hito kyōgi-kai, a tightly-knit inner circle of companions who helped her survive the long journey over the Crown of the World, defeat the Jade Regent, and also hold onto the Jade Throne for the last five years. None of them now remain. Retainers, servants, and subjects surround her, but can she truly call any of them "friend?"
Nearest to her, just on Ameiko's right, is the old housekeeper, Taki. Rumor has it, the empress had to dismiss most of her household due to the imperial coffers being almost empty. Some say the palace is now like a tomb with only Taki shuffling about, performing her duties all alone. Other reports suggest that the empress prefers to have a smaller staff since then there are fewer left to betray her.
To the left of the empress is the governor of Kasai Province, Osawa Shunjei. He is relatively new to his station, as well, for the previous governor was a puppet of the Jade Regent and had to be removed from his office. He is, by all accounts, a loyal & competent administrator, but has his hands full trying to manage the affairs of the province and the city as well. With Ameiko focused on keeping Minkai as a whole united, most of Kasai's daily operations fall to Osawa.
Left of the governor stands Hamada Ichiro, the aged but well-respected war hero & general who is now retired, but serves as one of Ameiko's closest advisors. His knowledge & experience is said to be invaluable to her.
Arranged in ranks to the left of the gravesite are the imperial guard led by their mammoth captain Kondo Tsubame. Kondo rarely speaks and some assume he is as stupid as the ogre he appears to be. But, when the empress held an open competition to decide the new captain of the palace guard, Kondo swept through all other combatants easily. Sine then, he has remained loyal to the throne, which is all Ameiko cares about.
On the opposite side of the stone monument are more ranks of armored soldiers. These men belong to the house of Tokugawa. They are all samurai, elite warriors who follow a strict code.The Tokugawa are currently among the highest-ranked families in all of Minkai. While loyal to the Jade Regent during his reign, when Ameiko returned to claim the throne, the Tokugawa immdiately gave their support to the rightful heir. The clan patriarch, Tokugawa Kiyoshi, is present, along with his second wife, a woman half his age named Yokuki. All of the eldest sons are elsewhere, commanding armies & castles in service to the empire, but the youngest son, Hojo, is in attendance.
To the right of the Tokugawa, are the priests of Shizuru, Empress of Heaven. The funerary ceremony was presided over by Kaeda Minoru, high priest of the Temple of the Sun's Blade. Amongst his attendants is a curious young woman who has rarely been seen outside of the temple grounds. Rumors say she is a samsaran, a creature who has lived hundreds if not thousands of lifetimes in different bodies. To most, she is the subject of much superstition, if not fear.
To the left of the priests (and just to the right of Taki), is a handsome young man named Morimoto. He sits cross-legged on a reed mat that is spread over the wet ground. Little is known of his family or past, only that it is believed that he was once a travelling performer. Often he can be seen in the company of the empress.
The graves are in a clearing surrounded by a grove of ancient Minkaian maple trees. Their long, crooked branches twist in many directions weaving a leafless, yet still dense canopy overhead. Some of the contorted shapes formed by the bare branches make the trees look like they are in agony. In truth, the Setting Sun Cemetery is said to be haunted by unquiet spirits that were cut-off from the rest of the temple grounds when the canal system was implemented over 200 years ago. Ameiko's fallen companions -- most of them foreigners -- were only permitted to be buried here. Even her friends who were born in Minkai chose to be laid to rest by their comrades-in-arms.
The high priest has completed his ceremony, and now a pall of silence hangs over the proceedings as night begins to fall...
OOC: Most of you know where you are positioned in relation to the empress and the gravesite. If anyone would like to state actions, please feel free to do so now. Takeru is probably around, too, though he might not be visible.
7216 IC (Imperial Calendar)
Month of The Sea Dragon
Last Day of Winter
Fifth Hour of the Afternoon
Cold & Rainy (visibility reduced 1/2, Perception checks & ranged attacks -4, protected flames extinguished 50%)
Empress Ameiko, last of the Amatatsu bloodline, stands clad in heavy silken robes with her head bent over the grave of her friend and trusted advisor. An old woman stands next to her holding a white umbrella decorated with crane designs. She tries to shield the empress from the cold raindrops that fall over the cemetery. Somewhere on the gray horizon to the west, the sun is setting.
Before the empress is a stone monument with seven faces and seven stone tables radiating in different directions. Each is a grave of one of her gaikoku hito kyōgi-kai, a tightly-knit inner circle of companions who helped her survive the long journey over the Crown of the World, defeat the Jade Regent, and also hold onto the Jade Throne for the last five years. None of them now remain. Retainers, servants, and subjects surround her, but can she truly call any of them "friend?"
Nearest to her, just on Ameiko's right, is the old housekeeper, Taki. Rumor has it, the empress had to dismiss most of her household due to the imperial coffers being almost empty. Some say the palace is now like a tomb with only Taki shuffling about, performing her duties all alone. Other reports suggest that the empress prefers to have a smaller staff since then there are fewer left to betray her.
To the left of the empress is the governor of Kasai Province, Osawa Shunjei. He is relatively new to his station, as well, for the previous governor was a puppet of the Jade Regent and had to be removed from his office. He is, by all accounts, a loyal & competent administrator, but has his hands full trying to manage the affairs of the province and the city as well. With Ameiko focused on keeping Minkai as a whole united, most of Kasai's daily operations fall to Osawa.
Left of the governor stands Hamada Ichiro, the aged but well-respected war hero & general who is now retired, but serves as one of Ameiko's closest advisors. His knowledge & experience is said to be invaluable to her.
Arranged in ranks to the left of the gravesite are the imperial guard led by their mammoth captain Kondo Tsubame. Kondo rarely speaks and some assume he is as stupid as the ogre he appears to be. But, when the empress held an open competition to decide the new captain of the palace guard, Kondo swept through all other combatants easily. Sine then, he has remained loyal to the throne, which is all Ameiko cares about.
On the opposite side of the stone monument are more ranks of armored soldiers. These men belong to the house of Tokugawa. They are all samurai, elite warriors who follow a strict code.The Tokugawa are currently among the highest-ranked families in all of Minkai. While loyal to the Jade Regent during his reign, when Ameiko returned to claim the throne, the Tokugawa immdiately gave their support to the rightful heir. The clan patriarch, Tokugawa Kiyoshi, is present, along with his second wife, a woman half his age named Yokuki. All of the eldest sons are elsewhere, commanding armies & castles in service to the empire, but the youngest son, Hojo, is in attendance.
To the right of the Tokugawa, are the priests of Shizuru, Empress of Heaven. The funerary ceremony was presided over by Kaeda Minoru, high priest of the Temple of the Sun's Blade. Amongst his attendants is a curious young woman who has rarely been seen outside of the temple grounds. Rumors say she is a samsaran, a creature who has lived hundreds if not thousands of lifetimes in different bodies. To most, she is the subject of much superstition, if not fear.
To the left of the priests (and just to the right of Taki), is a handsome young man named Morimoto. He sits cross-legged on a reed mat that is spread over the wet ground. Little is known of his family or past, only that it is believed that he was once a travelling performer. Often he can be seen in the company of the empress.
The graves are in a clearing surrounded by a grove of ancient Minkaian maple trees. Their long, crooked branches twist in many directions weaving a leafless, yet still dense canopy overhead. Some of the contorted shapes formed by the bare branches make the trees look like they are in agony. In truth, the Setting Sun Cemetery is said to be haunted by unquiet spirits that were cut-off from the rest of the temple grounds when the canal system was implemented over 200 years ago. Ameiko's fallen companions -- most of them foreigners -- were only permitted to be buried here. Even her friends who were born in Minkai chose to be laid to rest by their comrades-in-arms.
The high priest has completed his ceremony, and now a pall of silence hangs over the proceedings as night begins to fall...
OOC: Most of you know where you are positioned in relation to the empress and the gravesite. If anyone would like to state actions, please feel free to do so now. Takeru is probably around, too, though he might not be visible.
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