The PCs

[Kitsuki Ketsudan]

Kitsuki Ketsudan
Male Dragon Clan Two-Heavens Adept Bushi
Age: Young adult
Height: Tall enough to reach the top shelves, not so tall he has to take a knee to reach the bottom ones
Build: Thin
Skin: Tanned and windblown so far as you can see it
Hair: Traditional and dark.
Eyes: Dark
Notable accoutrements: Wears a headband that seems hard to read, an indigo hanten jacket sashiko stitched in circles and diamonds; has a formal seal
Marital Status: Single, looking, open to discreet dalliances

Publicly Known:
The descendant of a lauded member of the Kitsuki family, whose token he wears in memory of that ancestor, Ketsudan was his sensei's favored student. Able to handily navigate the wildernesses and stand up to the rigors of mountain life, his quick hands and evident grace make him a solid representative of his School--yet, before being tasked with responding to Wu's call, he worked as a clerk in a town near the Dragonfly lands, carrying on correspondences with many people. He suspects that longtime rival Mirumoto Shosen is behind it; his mother might have made such a thing happen.

Less Known:
Ketsudan believes his ancestor's good fortune came from saving the life of a long-ago Kitsuki daimyo, from whom he had the headband that Ketsudan yet wears. The jacket, though, is because it's often cold.

Ketsudan is anxious about living up to the examples of his ancestors. Very much so. It'd be easier if that jerk Shosen weren't always in the way...

Hooks:
Looking for a correspondent? Ketsudan's an avid letter-writer--now as previously.
You know Mirumoto Shosen? I'm sad to hear that. You like him? I'm even sadder to hear that.
You know how to get an appointment as a yojimbo? Ketsudan'd love to hear it.
Have information on Kitsuki family history? It'd be good to compare notes.

[Kakita Sumire]

Kakita Sumire
Clan: Crane
Gender: Female
Status: Single
Occupation: Performer, Diplomat
Age: Late teens? Early 20s?
Height: 5’7
Build: Well hidden
Hair colour: reddish brown
Eye colour: Brown

Publicly Known
A young woman from a generally unremarkable family, Sumire and her mother Sumi have gone through a lot of changes since an incident where they were attacked six years ago by bandits outside Shizuka Toshi. Many have commented that Sumire since then has become a lot more outspoken and bold, but her art has improved nearly 100fold and she passed through her gempukku after the bandit incident. Just. She also started to insist on being called Sumire instead of her name before (Aimi).

Less known
Sumire has started to write books, taking inspiration from her past that she wasn't entirely aware of. Although the nature of the books is not one for public discussion it seems...

Apperance
Sumire has a very unusual but striking appearance. Her hair is closer to red than brown and always kept straight, and her eyes almost have a shine to them that makes them beautiful to look at but also incredibly odd. She wears looser kimonos to cover up her body, so it isn't obvious what her body style is, but she doesn't seem to be very thin like a lot of Crane artisans are.

Personality
Sumire is inquisitive, curious, and enjoys pranks. She’s a natural dancer, although is more into an exotic and very close up style that is considered less appropriate. She has made sure to learn all the proper Crane performing arts however; music, singing. Storytelling, and nihon buyo dancing. She plays a biwa that has a lot of history behind it, although Sumire doesn't seem to know what that history is.

Sumire is sometimes accompanied by an old woman called Miki, who despite being a peasant is clearly more than willing to scold the Crane woman when she inevitably goes off the appropriate path.

Hooks:

• Art? While Sumire is trained in the Doji diplomats, she clearly prefers to talk about, or perform, art. Are you an artist?
• Crane trained? Sumires 'incident' and sudden change is well noted. If you were a Crane or interacted with the Crane in the last six years (especially if you trained with the Doji) you'd know of it
• Do you like books? Sumire is a budding author and is working on her first manuscript! Just don't ask for a public viewing
• Want to go on an adventure? Sumire isn't an indoor Crane, she loves being outdoors far more
• Do you like animals?So does Sumire! She insists she can even understand them!

[Togashi Genkai]

Togashi Genkai
玄海
(profound ocean)

Clan: Dragon
Gender: Male
Occupation: Monk, artisan
Marital Status: Monk
Age: 23
Hair: Black, shaved bald
Eyes: Deep green
Height: 5’8”
Build: Lightly toned, fit

Physical appearance
Togashi Genkai looks very much like a monk, with simple but beautiful robes, a shaved head, and in good physical condition from a life of honing his body as much as his spirit. He often wears his robes open or with one arm out, showing off the tattooed lotus between his shoulder-blades. His forearms are covered in tattoos of dancing flames. Rarely does he leave his few belongings behind, which also includes an assortment of inks and paints, divination tools, and a modest assembly of medicine.

What is known
The silent monk of the Dragon has been travelling the empire for the past couple of years, studying and learning with monks of the Brotherhood of Shinsei, and overall seeking out spiritual trouble. Among the Dragon it is known that he is seeking answers to the current affliction plaguing the clan in regards to the low birthrate, trying to find if there could be signs of a spiritual curse or something of a non-mundane nature.

Hooks

• Art! - Genkai enjoys art that soothes the soul and brings harmony, such as painting, rock gardening, and bonsai, but he's curious about other forms too. He is very fond of Feng Shui.
• Divination! - Curious about the future or simply looking for guidance? We can look for the clues in the stars and the coins.
• Spirits! - With an almost supernatural sense for spirits, Genkai is always on the lookout for spiritual trouble.
• Silence - Genkai cannot speak, but he's an excellent listener.
• HELP I NEED A DOCTOR! - Genkai is trained in the art of medicine, and also possesses rare gifts for healing.

[Moto Taka]

Moto Taka
Clan: Unicorn
Gender: Male
Status: Single
Occupation: Solider
Age: Late teens
Height: 5'10
Build: Well hidden
Hair color: Black
Eye color: Brown

Backstory

Taka's origins are comparatively humble, with a ashigaru grandfather who elevated to a ji-samurai for his service to the Unicorn. With modest upbringing, he is supposed to be the next step in the family growing in prestige and prosperity. With a glut of better connected samurai in his generation, Taka has turned to experimenting with new methods to advance. He swore to a master, Moto Kili, who was not terribly well connected or politically savvy (with incredible bluntness) but had gained a reputation for out of the box thinking. Moto Kili claims that he once knew Master Wu, and that the man's resourcefulness and tactics were an inspiration. Hearing that the monk was taking students, Taka has journeyed to the monastery to learn from the man.


Appearance
Taka takes pride in his appearance, though his look is unconventional. His dark hair is cut short, and he maintains what little beard he can grow carefully. He wears bright purple clothes with fur, with a bit of ostentatious decoration, but inspection will show that they are very functional...and with armor hidden within.

Personality
Taka is a giant ball of energy: passionate about whatever has his interest, relentlessly curious and always puzzling over the next thing, and notorious for flirting with anyone and everyone. This is a very stark contrast with standard Rokugani morays, and often leads people to expect that he is an unintelligent barbarian and are surprised to find that he has a keen intellect, but rather that he

Hooks:

• Are you attractive and with a pulse? Taka might be hitting on you.
• Animal Lover? Taka isn't, but will appreciate people getting along with his mount Kokku
• Gaijin? I barely even know 'em Taka visibly embraces the clothing and hair style from beyond Rokugan, and is notoriously blunt
• Wilderness fan With plenty of time riding, Taka is something of a naturalist.
• On? Are you flirting with me?Taka doesn't believe in hiding who he is, believing it is less honorable to hide what he thinks and feels than to pretend otherwise. This...doesn't always work out well for him.

[Doji Riri]

Name: Doji Riri
Clan: Crane
Age: 24
Occupation: Officially assistant to sensei Doji Saki in Shizuka Toshi, currently acting as diplomat(?) in Musume Mura
Marital Status: Single. Some hope not for long - if a suitable match can be found…
Gender: Female
Height: 5'3" (1.60m)
Build: Average, maybe somewhat sturdier than one would expect from a courtier.
Hair: Dark brown, short, slightly above shoulder length
Eyes: Crane blue, but somewhat ‘dim’
Complexion: More tanned than would be expected (or recommended) for a Doji courtier

Physical appearance
Riri will often be seen dressed in flowing, eye-catching kimono or other delicate, intricately sewn garments with resplandescent Crane blues, as expected of any good Doji - although a careful eye will recognise that these are always more on the practical side than typical for the clan's courtiers.
Other times, though - and probably quite often around the Monastery - practicality takes the main seat, and her often messy tufts of hair will be seen flowing around the kind of simple travelling garments one would expect to see on a Crab or a Dragon - or maybe even a Hare or other Minor Clanner - some details in Crane blue and an embroidered Doji mon barely recognisable at a distance, almost as if they were hiding under (or from?) the appalingly drab clothes.
Her apparent airheadedness and distant eyes may throw off casual observers, but anyone who spends some time around her will notice her clear blue eyes shifting around attentively and curiously - some might say impatiently, even, perhaps influenced by her tendency to fidgeting and pacing around when things seem too quiet.
Appropriately to a monastery - but maybe not so much for a Doji maiden - she usually walks around carrying a bo staff, and she has a large number of netsuke and charms dedicated to a variety of fortunes, dangling from her hair, her clothes, her staff, one would almost say everywhere. Unsurprisingly, she's often fidgeting with them as well - especially a small badger which she usually ties to a lock of hair to the right of her face.

What is known
Riri has spent the last few months as a diplomat in Daughter Village - and so her closeness to the monks in the local Temple to Benten and Hotei may be known to those who went through the village on their way to Kyuden Doji in the recent past, or maybe even spent time there to receive help from one of the prestigious Doji Nakodo the village is famed for. Those who heard some of the rumours in the city may know she was previously - maybe still is, technically? - an assistant to a Sensei in the Doji Academy in the Silent City, and they may wonder why she was moved to Daughter Village if that was the case.

Why she was sent to the Monastery is possibly easier to guess. It may not be that uncommon to find a Doji Courtier with strong ties to the brotherhood - but one who walks around with a staff and seems to have some experience using it?

On second thought, it may not be so hard to fathom why she was moved to Daughter Village after all...

Loyal squire
Riri is often followed around by a young man, Kichi - although with how prone she is to wandering off to explore on her own, he might be seen doing chores or reading without her in the Monastery. Kichi is usually clad in robes typical of the Brotherhood, although his unshaved head suggests he's not a full-fledged monk - or maybe a rather odd monk. The two are often chatting (arguing?) when seen together - according to some, in unbecomingly familiar terms. Baseless rumours, of course.

What Riri lacks in actual theological knowledge, he often makes up for, and despite their sometimes heated conversations, it is clear she trusts the young one a lot.

Hooks

• Adventure! Excitement! - Riri may not be impulsive, per se, but she's always interested in finding something new to do. If it's challenging and exciting (... does she mean dangerous?), all the better!
• A Charm for everything! - Do you like theology? Riri... should. She's not exactly great at remembering names or rituals, but she takes religious rites more seriously than she does many things - and she carries charms from a variety of Fortunes, just in case!
• A Disappointment to your Parents? - A younger sibling who seems to be all your parents wish you were? She knows nothing about that. Nothing at all!
• Physically fit! - Riri likes to move it, move it, and it shows - in her build, stronger than one might expect for a courtier, and in her constant fidgeting.
• Act twice before thinking - "Step aside from all thinking, and there is nowhere you can't go" - Shinsei's words, so the monks said! Also... thinking too much is hard, isn't it?

[Soshi Naoko]

Name: Soshi Naoko
Age: 20
Occupation: Provincial priestess
Marital Status: Single.
Gender: Female
Height: 5'2" (1.57m)
Build: Entirely average
Hair: Raven black
Eyes: bright green

Naoko's mask is probably the first thing most people notice. The simple fox mask bears minimal adornment; covers half her face; and shows evidence of recent repairs under a fresh coat of paint. Simple, dark clothing no doubt blends into these mountain forests well; fitting the standard Scorpion aesthetic is an obvious bonus. Everything is a bit travelworn, with the simplicity of 'timeless' fashions that would come off as rustic in larger courts. The only
unusual element is the bow she carries when in the woods. By size and shape, it's a yumi, but layered of interestingly pale wood, with a flair to the curved ends that gives an impression of wingtips, somehow.

She's not quite local, but has spent the past few years in the mountains nearby, monitoring the shrines and tending to spiritual needs of the villages and small towns scattered on the Scorpion side of the Lion/Scorpion border. One might suspect that anyone assigned in such a place might also be watching or using the small, dangerous passes through the mountains that locals, spies, and smugglers might use. One can suspect anything they like, of course, but there are rumors that the young Soshi vanished for months last summer and was assumed to have died or fled repercussions for failing in her tasks without dying in the process. Obviously, she didn't do either of those. But she certainly hasn't been offered any better assignments, and her invitation to this strange little contest smells strongly of 'well, she's basically right next door, and we should have some observers check this out.'

She's accompanied by a large three-colored cat. Hanakuso has a gaze that says he's won many a staring contest, but is too dignified to bother unless there's something substantial in it for his trouble.

********************
Hooks:

Almost local, if you're looking for almost local gossip.

Familiar with the woods and likely to wander into them

Knows every miniscule shrine in the mountains for miles around, if that's your thing

Interested in learning similarly miniscule details about anywhere but here. Please go on at length about the variety of sake in your home province. Yes, really.

Do you also have no idea what to do with a broom besides sweeping?

[Seppun Akimitsu]

Clan: Imperial Families
Gender: Male
Status: Single
Occupation: Bushi, Guardsman
Age: appears to be in his late teens
Height: 5’9
Build: well built
Hair colour: black
Eye colour: Brown

Background:
Akimitsu is a graduate of the Seppun Palace Guard school, since his gempukku he has been placed on a posting as a guard to the Seppun maintained Imperial Library. It is an honorable posting anyone would be happy to have, safe guarding the arts and history of the Empire. Akimitsu, as always, has performed his duty excellently. Always on time, standing where he is told, walking where he is supposed to, and ensuring all who enter are supposed to be there and all who leave do so with the same number of things as they entered with.

His father is also a member of palace guard who protects one of the children of the Emperor. His father is very excited for Akimitsu to follow in his footsteps to protect the royal family and Akimitsu seems ready to make his parents proud.

When he heard about the monk taking on students he went to his lord and presented a solid and logical case for how learning all forms of martial arts will better equip him for his duties.

Apperance

Many would consider his features handsome though some find his serious expression and intensity off putting. Long black hair is often securely tied to keep any wayward strands from his face. Dark brown eyes are inquisitive and alert always reacting quickly to any sudden noises or movements. He is a bushi who trained his whole life to make his body a weapon and it shows even with kimono or armor covering him it is clear he is well built with little excess on hos frame putting him a bit on the lean side but clearly quick and powerful.

He is most often found wearing a resplendent set of lacquered armor wherever he is allowed it, it seems to be of high significance to him. When not appropriate to be in armor he is in quite expensive looking kimono befitting his status as an Imperial but when working out he wears simple clothes or sometimes just pants.

Personality

As serious as his expression, Akimitsu is dedicated to his duty. Many are intimidated by his severe eyes and emotionless gaze but those that push past those find that while he is not necesarrily warm akimitsu is quite kind and enjoys talking to people even if he is often too blunt and says things others would have danced around.

Hooks

Sparring? Akimitsu works out everyday and wouldn't mind company or even to test himself against someone.

Aside from sparring akimitsu just enjoys being active and is happy to have a workout buddy

Do you enjoy food? Akimitsu actually rather enjoys cooking despite his parents insistence that it is peasant work, perhaps you could try a new recipe.

Akimitsu carries a curious jitte that seems to have the seal of the emerald magistrate on it.

[Kitsu Hayato]

Kitsu Hayato 隼人
of the Lion

Gender: Male
Age: Early Twenties
Occupation: Artisan, Diplomat
Status: Single
Height: 5' 6" or thereabouts
Build: Slim

Publicly Known
Fourth child of Kitsu Hanzo, retired keeper of the Temple of the First Five in Hiyai province, and the only member of his immediate family not blessed with the Shugenja's gift. His mother is Asahina Tomiko, whose betrothal to Hanzo in ~1060 helped facilitate a peaceful resolution to an otherwise heated territorial dispute along the Azuma-Kosaten border. Hayato himself is something of an enigma, having accomplished little of great renown in the years since his Gempukku, but shows promise for his flexibility and bredth of talents in court, as well as his capacity to treat with priests, warriors, and diplomats with equal care.

Less Known
Hayato seems to be suffering from some stagnancy in his career--his movements have been unpredictable, as if seeking something, and he has never committed to a single great endeavor as is common in young Samurai.

In Rugashi Toshi, merchants tell mixed tales of a shrewd samurai boy they deemed "Kitsu's Golden Cub"--an investigation of these tales indicates this title seems to refer to Hayato.

Daimyo Ikoma Anakazu of the Lion seems to have dispatched Hayato personally in response to Sensei Wu's call for students.

Hooks

• Striving for greatness? Hayato is a lover of stories and great passions; he'd love to hear all about your ambitions.
• Big Family? It's a struggle and a blessing, truly--and Hayato knows the best and worst of it.
• Know any Asahina? They might be one of Hayato's cousins! He's had back and forth letters with the Crane since childhood.
• An eye for fashion? Finding the perfect accessory is an art form, but I guess everyone knows that.
• How about music? Hayato plays the Shakuhachi and the Koto! The latter of course is a bit... large to be carrying about.

[Kaito Maya]

Kaito Maya

Gender: Female
Age: Early Twenties
Occupation: Shrine maiden
Status: Single
Height: 5' 5"
Build: Slim

Publicly Known
One half of a pair of identical twins, Maya is the daughter of (Shiba) Kazu and Kaito Shoko and sister to Kaito Saya. Presently assigned as an itinerant miko, Maya has no home shrine but is rather assigned a region to tend to. Her travels have brought her out of Phoenix lands in order to provide support to other clans in the region near Circle's End monastery in their esoteric spiritual needs.

Less Known
Maya's reputation precedes her and it is not good. Hardly the best or brightest among the traveling miko, to have Maya assigned to one's shrine could perhaps be considered something of a rebuke by the Phoenix.

Hooks

• Counting the Stars Maya's always found the open sky fascinating - and the best place to see it is outdoors! Do you like to stargaze too?
• Behind the Mirror Maya and Saya are two sides of the same coin, with all that entails. Are you close with any of your siblings?
• Not Your Kind of Miko Maya doesn't strictly adhere to what orthodoxy exists in mikodo and that's not done her any favors among kith and kin. What do you think about that?
• On the Road Again Tell Maya of the places you've seen and the people you've met. Better yet, tell her of how she may get to travel there as well.

[Kitsuki Kindaichi]

Name: Kitsuki Kindachi
Clan: Dragon
Gender: Male
Status: Single
Occupation: Yoriki
Age: 20
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 60 kg
Hair color: Black
Eye color: Black
Noticeable Gear: Silver dragon ring, journal

At first glance, there's nothing really remarkable about Kitsuki Kindachi. He's a young man of the Dragon clan with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. The sort you'd expect to see serving a magistrate competently, most likely bringing in reports, pouring tea, or doing the other various legwork that one needs no longer do when they are of rank.

Those who take the time to get to know him will not reveal any great secrets behind the calm face, but will find someone willing to discuss nearly any topic, no matter how niche. He is happy to share what he knows, and is happy to learn more about what he does not. Affable and studious, he records what he learns and perhaps some day who knows when that knowledge will be needed?


Let's Talk About:

-You! Kindachi is very interested about learning whatever he can about non-Dragon clan samurai. What have you seen where you grew up? What sort of local festivals do you celebrate? What do you miss most while you sleep in a cave?

-The Method: Kindachi understands that to outsiders. the Method is some sort of weird Dragon belief that let's you accuse samurai of wrongdoing without proper testimony. He's not here to change your mind outright, but let's talk about the theory.

-Bojutsu: Well we are here to learn about Bojutsu, but what draws you to it? Let's see what thoughts we have on these simple sticks.

-Those wacky cultists!: Ah, the Perfect Land Sect. Just believe in Shinsei and you go to a place where you need never struggle again. Weird, right? Let's talk ramifications.

[Boku]

Name: Boku
Gender: Male
Status: Single
Occupation: Komuso in theory, foolish monk in practice
Age: Hard to discern under tengai, late teens or early twenties most likely.
Height: 5'7"
Build: Leanly athletic
Hair color: Usually obscured by tengai and shorn - stubble suggests black or brown
Eye color: Usually obscured by tengai but milky white

In honor of the past abbot Boku still tries to walk the path of the Komuso that he was placed upon. Judging from his eagerness for foolish stunts and showmanship it hasn't really taken hold yet it seems.

With his sightless eyes obscured by the tengai he wears, in perhaps futile attempt to eradicate ego, one could be forgiven for not realizing his blind state until it was brought to their attention. Having been gown up within the monastery and on the mountain he knows each step by heart and keen senses and reflexes compensate quickly for unexpected obstacles or changes. Other than the helmet and flute of his path there is little to set this monk aside from any of the other brothers and sisters of the temple visually... unless one comes upon him balancing on a stakepost at the roadside's edge, running along ropes, or other flamboyant stunts.

Hooks:
Want to do something challenging and quite possibly stupid? As long as it only risks the participants Boku is probably game.
Worried about getting lost in the monastery or the mountain? Despite not being able to see Boku can probably show you the way.
Speak to the kami? The spirits of the mountain seem fond of the young man... if unable to comprehend his impatient ways.

[Miya Yamashita]

Miya Yamashita

Clan: Imperial
Gender: Male, Fluid
Occupation: Miya Herald
Marital Status: Unmarried
Age: 25
Hair: Black (dyed white), long and luminous.
Eyes: Light Brown
Height: 5’6”
Build: Fit, healthy maintenance.

Middle child of a pack of little ones, Yamashita has ever strived to be noticed by any and all. A habit which yet follows him through life so closely that it oft seems to be his guiding light. Born to a respectable Miya family he has taken up the mantle of his mother before him and joined the prestigious ranks of Miya Heralds. Entrusted with this most sacred duty he see's much of the empire which is to his extremely private delight. Publicly he's an upstanding member of society, a true Miya Herald in honor and respect. However, it is only a veneer so much as no person is truly the stereotype of their group so closely as he appears.

Yamashita is a man who has spent a good portion of his life making use of his raised status in life. When he was born the world told him that he was special, and he believed it. Ever since he has sought to do exactly as he pleased and nothing else. Where his elder siblings paved a noble road dutifully serving the Emperor and Empire at large, he diverged. Yamashita in private is little more than a well placed scoundrel and philanderer. Making use of the Miya's most noble name as a mask that hides his indiscretions and likelihood in which to seek them.

Following at his side is a truly unfortunate soul, a ji-samurai by the name of Yakumo whom is a veteran of past conflicts and of a family long honored with serving Yamashita's family line. Yamashita has nick-named her Yakky and though the woman never seems to speak it is clear that she truly hates it. However, she is not such a hardened warrior as to be undone by a brat and so keeps her composure truly tight.

Yakumo:

[Seppun Hibiki]

Clan: Imperial Families
Gender: Female
Status: Single
Occupation: Shugenga, Astrologer
Age: Around 20
Height: 5’4"
Build: Lean
Hair colour: Black
Eye colour: Green

What is Known

Hibiki is a promising student of the Seppun spiritual traditions. While there is still much for her to learn, she has demonstrated a natural understanding of supernatural events. Much of her time is spent researching omens and portents, attempting to divine new insights from them. Occasionally, she has been called upon to investigate spiritual activity, to make contact with the spirits, learn what they want and try to bring them peace. These duties do not usually take her far from Kyuden Seppun or the Capital City, but she has had a few opportunities to travel.

Those who have met her are likely aware that her travels often included personal pursuits. Something in her past left her weakened in body and mind. She has been seeking a remedy for her maladies, visiting those groups and individuals who might have new ideas and solutions. Hibiki does not openly share this, of course. But, she isn't adverse to explaining her situations to those who ask. She has always been forthright in conversation, reluctant to offer anything but the truth.

Apperance

The Seppun is a small, petite woman, often found beneath a large, wide brimmed hat. She is friendly and charming and very approachable. However, observation of her movements hint at her lingering maladies. Her motions are slow and deliberate. She clearly takes steps to avoid over-exerting herself. She may be seen leaning on her staff or sitting for a short rest, whether to catch her breath or gather her thoughts. These are practiced measures that she has grown accustomed to, though her preferred therapy is a good pot of tea.

Hooks
Do you like flute music?
Would you like some tea?
What does your future hold?
Let's discuss spiritual matters.