“Yes, let us hope we need enter the house only once,” replied Jinsei to Kadai.
He glanced up at the mid-day sun.“I suppose the theft of this prized teacup, a symbol of his ostentatious and dubious wealth, will deal a crippling blow to Jiro’s honor.”
“Well, let us gather our needed equipment and set out tomorrow at dawn?”
Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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- Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:30 pm
- Location: ImagiNation
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
That afternoon Jinsei prepared for his mission. He visited old Sekorei, herb-mistress in the north hill garden that grew medicinal herbs. She is wife to Jinsei’s fisherman uncle Kensosei.
“I go on a long journey, Sekorei, and one never knows when misfortune may arise. By any chance can you spare healing herbs?”
For the journey, Jinsei donned fisherman’s clothes over his ninja garb. A hollow two-part bamboo shaft held his two-section fishing rod, doubling as concealment for his ninjato.
As befitting his disguised role, Jinsei had in a tightly wound backpack foodstuffs of his trade. In oiled paper he had salted aya trout, a rare delicacy, unagi eel, dried shiitake mushrooms, edible herbs and an assortment of hooks, lines, sinkers and bait.
Finally he visited the jinja Shinto shrine next to the kami rock outcropping. There he meditated before retiring for the night.
“I go on a long journey, Sekorei, and one never knows when misfortune may arise. By any chance can you spare healing herbs?”
For the journey, Jinsei donned fisherman’s clothes over his ninja garb. A hollow two-part bamboo shaft held his two-section fishing rod, doubling as concealment for his ninjato.
As befitting his disguised role, Jinsei had in a tightly wound backpack foodstuffs of his trade. In oiled paper he had salted aya trout, a rare delicacy, unagi eel, dried shiitake mushrooms, edible herbs and an assortment of hooks, lines, sinkers and bait.
Finally he visited the jinja Shinto shrine next to the kami rock outcropping. There he meditated before retiring for the night.
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Sekorei nods. So, it must be that time for you, Jinsei-kun. From now I shall have to call you "Jinsei-san."
The herbs are for contributing to the clan, in exchange for the clan providing our rice and safety. But it will not mind if I share some with my nephew and his friends in his nakama She give Jinsei two little bundles. They're leaves containing some substance and tied with string at the top to make a ball. These are salves for wounds. Which I'm sure you as clever young ninja will not sustain. I give the salves to you as reassurance, to increase your confidence. In all things, confidence in oneself widens the pathway to success.
Uncle Kensosei and his friend, and man Jinsei knows as Kak'koh-san return to The Village with a basketful of unagi eels. He says, Jinsei-san. I suppose you believe you have been told that the mission is challenging. But if you think back, you will probably have only been told that the general profession of the ninja is very challenging, not this first mission. The clan does not waste it's young people in their bodies' prime, and the effort and resources put into their long training, on missions from which it is not likely they will return. Your nakama did not graduate from its ninja training because it was a set time. It graduated because the right mission for your nakama came, and it was time for you to perform it. For the clan, and for the next stage of your training. Which will go on forever. As it does for all human beings. Never be anxious about the mission is too much for you and the nakama. Anxiousness freezes the mind, and that causes mistakes. Be confident in the clan's wisdom gained from generations of experience. Then your mind can be free, so that it and your body use your full talents.
It is good to have a general plan about a course of action before setting forth. But the nakama may should not overthink it and become unable to move forward. There are always too many unknowns and uncertainties to make a full beginning to end plan. The clan assigns nakama to map locations they have visited, to help future teams plan with less unknowns and uncertainties. But even those clans will encounter unexpected situations. It's the nature of life on Earth for mouse, a stoat, or an ordinary person, or the greatest samurai general. The same for a ninja. The wise ninja knows that he or she should rely on using and and applying their best trained skills-- in any situation-- to resolve it in the very best way.
Ganbatte kudasai. He, Kak-koh-san and Sekorei bow at the waist. Jinsei contemplates Uncle Kensosei words. And remembers hearing that he was once called "Soroban."
The herbs are for contributing to the clan, in exchange for the clan providing our rice and safety. But it will not mind if I share some with my nephew and his friends in his nakama She give Jinsei two little bundles. They're leaves containing some substance and tied with string at the top to make a ball. These are salves for wounds. Which I'm sure you as clever young ninja will not sustain. I give the salves to you as reassurance, to increase your confidence. In all things, confidence in oneself widens the pathway to success.
Uncle Kensosei and his friend, and man Jinsei knows as Kak'koh-san return to The Village with a basketful of unagi eels. He says, Jinsei-san. I suppose you believe you have been told that the mission is challenging. But if you think back, you will probably have only been told that the general profession of the ninja is very challenging, not this first mission. The clan does not waste it's young people in their bodies' prime, and the effort and resources put into their long training, on missions from which it is not likely they will return. Your nakama did not graduate from its ninja training because it was a set time. It graduated because the right mission for your nakama came, and it was time for you to perform it. For the clan, and for the next stage of your training. Which will go on forever. As it does for all human beings. Never be anxious about the mission is too much for you and the nakama. Anxiousness freezes the mind, and that causes mistakes. Be confident in the clan's wisdom gained from generations of experience. Then your mind can be free, so that it and your body use your full talents.
It is good to have a general plan about a course of action before setting forth. But the nakama may should not overthink it and become unable to move forward. There are always too many unknowns and uncertainties to make a full beginning to end plan. The clan assigns nakama to map locations they have visited, to help future teams plan with less unknowns and uncertainties. But even those clans will encounter unexpected situations. It's the nature of life on Earth for mouse, a stoat, or an ordinary person, or the greatest samurai general. The same for a ninja. The wise ninja knows that he or she should rely on using and and applying their best trained skills-- in any situation-- to resolve it in the very best way.
Ganbatte kudasai. He, Kak-koh-san and Sekorei bow at the waist. Jinsei contemplates Uncle Kensosei words. And remembers hearing that he was once called "Soroban."
Last edited by jemmus on Tue May 16, 2023 1:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
PCs
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
The above post was revised after posting. Even more text was added to the end of post. 
PCs
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Bump
And for no reason at all, a Japanese saying: Saru demo ki kara ochieru. "Even a monkey can fall out of a tree." Nobody's perfect, even an expert can make a mistake.
And for no reason at all, a Japanese saying: Saru demo ki kara ochieru. "Even a monkey can fall out of a tree." Nobody's perfect, even an expert can make a mistake.
PCs
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
I think you can jist answer "do they provide a false teacup?" Then tell us how it goes when we set out on the trail.
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
"Thank you Sekorei," said Jinsei, bowing and taking the herbs.
"I will remember your wise words Uncle Kensosei."
Later, in the Shinto shrine...
Jinsei purifyied himself at a nearby water basin, symbolizing a cleansing of the mind and body. He sat on a tatami mat in the karesansui rock shrine in quiet reflection and meditation. His eyes traced a path among the carefully arranged rocks, gravel, and minimal vegetation. The rocks strategically placed to symbolize elements of nature such as mountains, islands, or waterfalls.
Jinsei began his contemplative practice by focusing on his breath, gradually quieting his thoughts and becoming present in the moment. A profound sense of mindfulness settled on Jinsei as he observed his thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment, so as to cultivate self-awareness, gain insights, and develop a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Jinsei let go of distractions and immersed himself in the simplicity and tranquility of the natural surroundings.
The experience of stillness and silence in the rock shrine led to a heightened sense of introspection and a connection to the natural world.
"I will remember your wise words Uncle Kensosei."
Later, in the Shinto shrine...
Jinsei purifyied himself at a nearby water basin, symbolizing a cleansing of the mind and body. He sat on a tatami mat in the karesansui rock shrine in quiet reflection and meditation. His eyes traced a path among the carefully arranged rocks, gravel, and minimal vegetation. The rocks strategically placed to symbolize elements of nature such as mountains, islands, or waterfalls.
Jinsei began his contemplative practice by focusing on his breath, gradually quieting his thoughts and becoming present in the moment. A profound sense of mindfulness settled on Jinsei as he observed his thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment, so as to cultivate self-awareness, gain insights, and develop a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Jinsei let go of distractions and immersed himself in the simplicity and tranquility of the natural surroundings.
The experience of stillness and silence in the rock shrine led to a heightened sense of introspection and a connection to the natural world.
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Fuma
Fuma will also join them at the shrine.
Fuma will also join them at the shrine.
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
The young shinobi rise before the Sun on a cloudy day in very early spring. Their parents stoically see them off, simply saying with sincere good wishes, ganbatte. They each carry their equipment to the dojo and break their fast together with a meal designed to provide both energy and sharpness of mind: hot rice, miso soup, steamed bracken, pickled asparagus root, safflower oil, fresh grilled finger-sized ayu trout, and green tea.
Kawaishi-sensei appears with a parcel wrapped in a plain indigo furoshiki cloth. She unties it, to reveal a small, lightweight box of white pine. Here is the equipment you requested. She opens it. She removes cushioning packing of black hair from haircuts (the Kumo clan wastes nothing). Inside is a tea cup that's gray-light blue on the bottom, with an irregular wavy dark earth color at the top. The late master's tea vessel is described as having "the Earth over the sky" pattern. This what our potter guesses that it may approximately look like. But you'll be the first of us to actually see it. Please bear in mind that the real item's appearance may be very different. This object probably has little chance of fooling anyone for long.
She closes the box and gives it to Jinsei.
The ninja visit the village shrine and cleanse their minds and spirits in preparation for the day ahead. The nakama-- Fuma, Jinsei, the shugenja Dragon-role Kaida, and the Rooster Minoru-- quietly set out for the city of Kofu on the other side of the mountain. They expect to be at the city's center and the merchant's house by the late afternoon. They move westward and upward, toward the steep ridge lying between two mountains. The sky above the pine trees is overcast, and light ice-crusted snow still lies over the brown leaves and pine needles on the floor of the mountain forest.
As they close on the crest of the ridge, they hear they sound of heavy bipedal footsteps approaching from the north, to the right. The ninja see a creature at the same time it sees them.
The thing stops walking and and raises its massive head stand at its full 8-foot height. Its jaw drops in surprise... to reveal huge upper and lower brownish fangs and tusks. The monster carries a crude naginata of an appropriate size for its own size.
Soft and tender humans? it says in an archaic Nipponese dialect. On my mountain? Again? Yes, again! The thing's eyes meet the ninjas'. A deep growl rumbles from its maw and it swings the nagina blade against the trunk of a pine, shearing off a yard-long slice of wood. It turns and starts running up the slope toward the higher ground of the ridge.
The dice kami and encounter table say you meet an oni! Actions?
Kawaishi-sensei appears with a parcel wrapped in a plain indigo furoshiki cloth. She unties it, to reveal a small, lightweight box of white pine. Here is the equipment you requested. She opens it. She removes cushioning packing of black hair from haircuts (the Kumo clan wastes nothing). Inside is a tea cup that's gray-light blue on the bottom, with an irregular wavy dark earth color at the top. The late master's tea vessel is described as having "the Earth over the sky" pattern. This what our potter guesses that it may approximately look like. But you'll be the first of us to actually see it. Please bear in mind that the real item's appearance may be very different. This object probably has little chance of fooling anyone for long.
She closes the box and gives it to Jinsei.
The ninja visit the village shrine and cleanse their minds and spirits in preparation for the day ahead. The nakama-- Fuma, Jinsei, the shugenja Dragon-role Kaida, and the Rooster Minoru-- quietly set out for the city of Kofu on the other side of the mountain. They expect to be at the city's center and the merchant's house by the late afternoon. They move westward and upward, toward the steep ridge lying between two mountains. The sky above the pine trees is overcast, and light ice-crusted snow still lies over the brown leaves and pine needles on the floor of the mountain forest.
As they close on the crest of the ridge, they hear they sound of heavy bipedal footsteps approaching from the north, to the right. The ninja see a creature at the same time it sees them.
The thing stops walking and and raises its massive head stand at its full 8-foot height. Its jaw drops in surprise... to reveal huge upper and lower brownish fangs and tusks. The monster carries a crude naginata of an appropriate size for its own size.
Soft and tender humans? it says in an archaic Nipponese dialect. On my mountain? Again? Yes, again! The thing's eyes meet the ninjas'. A deep growl rumbles from its maw and it swings the nagina blade against the trunk of a pine, shearing off a yard-long slice of wood. It turns and starts running up the slope toward the higher ground of the ridge.
The dice kami and encounter table say you meet an oni! Actions?
PCs
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
So the pious layman exorcism once per day is that one round of exorcism per day, or one exorcism battle per day?
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Grognardsw, you are wonderful and evocative.
Kaida lets her nakama head toward the shrine, falling back and watching them round the bend out of sight. The clan sent her to the shrine for much of her childhood, expecting her to be taken in by the kami, but for her it was much frustration. On this night, she does not wish to revisit that. She has trained hard to be human, to be normal.
She quietly lets herself into the small hut she calls her own. The door closing behind her, she drops to her knees as her dog happily licks her face, burying herself in his fur and letting her mask and pretense slip away. She shudders, tears well up. She must always be strong in the face of the others, there are so many expectations. The art of hensu-jutsu is not just to live in disguise elsehwere... it is like I wear a mask everywhere, pretending even to be a member of the clan, to be a ninja, to be human. Her fingers trace over the outline of the shelf of rolled scrolls, her most precious possessions. After this, I will truly belong, she thinks hopefully, as if convincing herself. She places a dish of sliced eel on the floor, smiling gently as she watches her furry companion eat. "I can always count on you, no matter who I am." She tousles his fur.
She lights her oil lamp, a stick of incense, settles on her tatami mat in the middle of the room. She relaxes and calms herself, allowing the tumult of feelings to flow out of her until her soul is tranquil. It is then that she crosses over, opening her eyes to the kariyuki-o, to her spiritual truth. She runs her fingers along her scales, their irridescent sheen not visible in the mortal world. Centering herself, she speaks there to her mother, as she always does, hoping that somehow, somewhere, she hears.
"I am one of them, mother," she whispers, voice shaking with both hope, pride, and trepidation. "I will complete this test and be accepted. She lets the last word linger, then flicks her forked tongue.
Kaida lets her nakama head toward the shrine, falling back and watching them round the bend out of sight. The clan sent her to the shrine for much of her childhood, expecting her to be taken in by the kami, but for her it was much frustration. On this night, she does not wish to revisit that. She has trained hard to be human, to be normal.
She quietly lets herself into the small hut she calls her own. The door closing behind her, she drops to her knees as her dog happily licks her face, burying herself in his fur and letting her mask and pretense slip away. She shudders, tears well up. She must always be strong in the face of the others, there are so many expectations. The art of hensu-jutsu is not just to live in disguise elsehwere... it is like I wear a mask everywhere, pretending even to be a member of the clan, to be a ninja, to be human. Her fingers trace over the outline of the shelf of rolled scrolls, her most precious possessions. After this, I will truly belong, she thinks hopefully, as if convincing herself. She places a dish of sliced eel on the floor, smiling gently as she watches her furry companion eat. "I can always count on you, no matter who I am." She tousles his fur.
She lights her oil lamp, a stick of incense, settles on her tatami mat in the middle of the room. She relaxes and calms herself, allowing the tumult of feelings to flow out of her until her soul is tranquil. It is then that she crosses over, opening her eyes to the kariyuki-o, to her spiritual truth. She runs her fingers along her scales, their irridescent sheen not visible in the mortal world. Centering herself, she speaks there to her mother, as she always does, hoping that somehow, somewhere, she hears.
"I am one of them, mother," she whispers, voice shaking with both hope, pride, and trepidation. "I will complete this test and be accepted. She lets the last word linger, then flicks her forked tongue.
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Alas, I took too long and we cross-posted. Jumping forward to the encounter!
Dressed as a peasant for the travel across the mountains, Kaida is glad for pants that will allow swift movement. "We escape, yes?"
I think it only makes sense as "one exorcism battle" rather than one turn's roll.
Dressed as a peasant for the travel across the mountains, Kaida is glad for pants that will allow swift movement. "We escape, yes?"
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
It seems to me that it's one exorcism battle, not just one exorcism BCS roll. It says you can call on the gods for exorcism "the way a gakusho does," and gakusho get multiple rolls.
PCs
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Fuma
"Yes, we should escape, quickly."
Fuma readies his bow just in case.
"Yes, we should escape, quickly."
Fuma readies his bow just in case.
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Jinsei readied his shuriken, judging whether the creature’s movement up the ridge would allow them to rush by without conflict. hi
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
The oni seems to be going for the higher ground for a tactical combat advantage. Avoidiing fighting it would require a wide detour move. The ninja are probably faster on their feet than it is. Maybe Kaida as well? (BTW, I can't view Jinsei's character sheet,
it's not shared).
it's not shared).
PCs
Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Should be fixed now.
You only described a melee weapon (naginata), but it is not closing to use it. Did we see a bow or ranged weapon?
"If it retreats to high ground, perhaps it uses a bow. We will need to flee through the thickest trees for cover."
Kaida considers her meager magics, but it needs to be much closer for them to be valuable. "Rabbit," she whispers, and begins sprinting away, choosing the best route she can that leads directly away from the Oni.
Perception (BCS 9) [1d20]=7
We know Kaida has the lowest BMA at 5.
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Grognardsw
- Rider of Rohan
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Re: Scroll 1 - The Master Craftsman's Tea Vessel
Jinsei’s eyes widened at the sight of the demon, a creature of legend made real. He clutched his shuriken. Jinsei was a hare uncertain, judging the distance for retreat, when Kaida decided and bound away like a rabbit.
Jinsei darted after Kaida, glancing back at the demon to see if it pursued.
Jinsei darted after Kaida, glancing back at the demon to see if it pursued.