Mirumoto Heiko-Jiro is one whose life can be called a tragedy. He was born as Jiro, the eldest of two children to a humble bushi by the name of Kojiro. From the moment he was born, his parents knew that great things would come of him. Instead of educating him by the sword, he was sent to the Agasha Shugenja school in order to master the arcane arts. He did show his great potential, for only after a short stay, he showed very promising skills. Soon, he became one of the best in his group. His only contender: a young woman by the name of Heiko.
Heiko was indeed a very beautiful maiden. Her beauty is rivaled only by her skill in the fiery arts of the Agasha. Even with her skills, she was unable to surpass Jiro. This annoyed her so much, she actually hated Jiro. Jiro on the other hand admired Heiko for her talent, her beauty and her determination in their studies.
What happened afterward became a surprise to all, including Heiko. Aparently, Jiro was not only determined to be the best. He also was determined to reach out to Heiko despite her disgust of him. Slowly, disgust turned to indifference, indifference to interest, and interest to attraction. She now found herself in love with him.
Who would have known that her worst rival would become her soul mate? That is how the tragedy of Jiro's life began.
At the age of 14, Jiro and Heiko completed their gempukku ceremony. During the Topaz Championship, they were to meet each other in a duel. In the end, Jiro won. Heiko, contrary to her feelings toward him in the beginning, was actually glad that she lost to him.
After their gempukku, both of them were obligated to serve as Topaz magistrates for the empire. During this one year of becoming a magistrate, they grew even closer to each other. So close, in fact, that they could not bear being apart, even in the battlefield. The two became an effective tandem. During their service, they became quite known in the empire.
After that year, wanderlust struck Jiro hard. Despite being unable to bear being apart from Heiko, he found the call much more unbearable. Eventually, they reluctantly parted ways. Jiro vowed upon the Lady Sun that he would return to her in a year. Little did he know what lay ahead for the both of them.
He did return after a year, but the joy of his return was short-lived, for soon afterward, Jiro found out that Heiko has gone missing in search of him. With no time to lose, Jiro set off again to the other lands. This time, not because of his wanderlust, but because of her.
The moment that they found each other once again, Heiko was struck down by a lone samurai who apparently had a vendetta against the both of them. He had the eyes of a Scorpion and as soon as he struck Heiko, he came right for Jiro. Before this assassin could reach him, Jiro annihilated him with a gout of fire. This fire was different from the fires that he has used so many times before, for this one reflected the rage that burned deep inside his heart.
He came by her side and comforted her until her last moments. She died with a peaceful glance as she said these words:
"I knew you'd return for me....... after all...... you promised........"
At that moment, Heiko was no more.
He buried her at that spot and marked her grave with a simple tombstone that said:
"We will see each other again.... Someday..."
In her memory, he took her name before his own. This day changed him forever. No longer was he the gentle soul that people once knew him to be. His heart became colder than a river stone. Despite having killed that assassin, he never lost his hatred towards the Scorpion Clan... The clan that bore the man that killed his one true love........
Agasha Shugenja School
Earth:
2
Water:
2
Fire:
3
Air:
3
Void: 2
Stamina:
2
Strength:
2
Intelligence: 3
Reflexes:
4
Willpower:
2
Perception:
2
Agility:
3
Awareness: 3
Skills:
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Calligraphy -
2
Benten's Blessing
(-3) Driven (+3)
Etiquette - 2
Heart of Vengeance (Scorpion,
-2) Insensitive (+2)
History -
1
Innate Ability (The Fire
from Lost Love (Agasha Heiko, +2)
Kenjutsu - 2
Within,
-3) & True Love (Agasha Heiko, +3)
Meditation - 2
Shintao - 1
Honor:
Spells:
1 and 5
boxes
The Fire from Within, Katana of Fire,
Glory:
Heart of Inferno, Hands of Jurojin,
1
rank
Tomb of Jade, Wind-Borne Slumbers
Insight: 130 School Rank: 1
Kakita Tokiyo has never had the most blessed of births. His father died on the same day that his mother gave birth to him. This alone became a clear sign of a child forsaken by the ancestors. In spite of this, Tokiyo grew up by his mother's side like any other normal boy, only he lacked a father figure in his life.
His mother was known for her idealistic behavior. Her ideals became a guideline to life for Tokiyo. From her he learned the great ideals that the world had in store for him. Tokiyo treasured this as he grew. His mother enrolled him in the prestigious Kakita School of Iaijutsu, and there he learned the art of the sword.
After only a few years, his progress in the school was extraordinary. At the age of only 7, he was already learning the true Art of Iaijutsu from his sensei. This excellence carried on to the latter years, and so he became the candidate student to earn one of the greatest honors a Crane swordsman could ever earn: the Kakita Blade. With this, he became even greater at his art. He finally attended his gempukku ceremony at the tender age of 13, where he became champion of the Topaz tournament. There his path met with Mirumoto Heiko-Jiro (at that time he was known only as Jiro) and Agasha Heiko.
These three people soon became the best of friends. During their service as Topaz Magistrates, they showed each other their prowess in battle and in court. They admired each other not only because of their skills, but because of their personality. The short year of service was ended by their promises that they will meet again.
The next time that they met, Tokiyo heard the news of Heiko's death. After his grief, he noticed that something has changed in Jiro. He noticed that he became cold, very different from the Jiro he knew before. Even so there was still this trace of his former comrade-in-arms and friend within this changed man. This day proved to be a turning point in Tokiyo's life, for Jiro's loss made him think of his own loved one.
Tokiyo's mother had this friend who had a daughter about his age. Tokiyo and this young lady, named Kasumi, first met when they were still very young. These two children became very close. In fact, because of their closeness, their mothers have discussed their marriage many times before. As they grew up, they realized that they loved each other, although they were both too stubborn and shy to admit it. The two took different paths in life. One became a warrior, the other became a courtier. Even so, they constantly kept in touch of one another, telling each other of their day and exploits. It even became clearer now that they have grown up that they were meant to be together, but you couldn't tell them that. The moment that someone mentions marriage, the both of them look away with faces reddened.
Heiko's death somehow made Tokiyo think of Kasumi. Looking at Jiro now showed him that he should not take his feelings for her lightly. Instead of wasting time, he should tell her how he feels and cherish her while they are still alive. He made up his mind and decided then and there that the next time they meet, he tells her how he feels.
The act was easier said than done for him, however. Despite his decision, he was still unable to tell Kasumi that. Today, the two are still the best of friends. Time will only tell what will happen of their relationship.
Kakita Bushi School
Earth:
2
Water:
2
Fire:
3
Air:
3
Void: 2
Stamina:
2 Strength:
2 Intelligence: 3
Reflexes: 3
Willpower:
2
Perception:
2
Agility:
3
Awareness: 3
Skills:
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Archery - 1
Benten's Blessing (-2)
Bad
Fortune (Someone secretly
Courtier - 2
Kakita Blade (-4)
Loves Him, +1)
Defense - 2 Kharmic
Tie (Doji Kasumi, -3)
Bad Reputation (Idealistic, +2)
Etiquette - 3
Forsaken (+2)
Hunting -
3
Idealistic (+2)
Iaijutsu -
3
True Love (Doji Kasumi, +3)
Kenjutsu - 3
Sincerity - 3
Honor:
Techniques:
3 and 5
boxes
The Way of
the Crane (Rank 1)
Glory:
1
rank
Insight: 140 School Rank: 1
Kira is the younger sister of Mirumoto Heiko-Jiro, and pretty much his opposite. Unlike her brother, Kira studied the art of the sword under the Mirumoto Bushi School. There she became known for her passion. In fact, she had TOO much passion. So much, in fact, that because of her brash attitude, she became known as a tomboy during her childhood. As she grew older, she never lost this attitude. She has one trait, though, that would assure of her sexual orientation: She is afraid of mice. This irrational fear makes her scream at the mere sight of one mouse.
Another thing about Kira is her overwhelming vanity. She believes that she is irresistible. There is no denying that, in fact, she is beautiful, but the way she impresses it upon everyone is so annoying that she would seem otherwise.
Whatever traits she may have, one thing is sure, though. Her bond with her brother is great. This is due to the fact that they were born only one year apart. They have shared many memories together. They even attended each other's Gempukku ceremony. Though none of them won the Topaz championship, they were champions in each other's eyes.
Somehow, only recently, Kira started showing a more feminine side to her personality. This is mainly due to Kakita Tokiyo, with whom she has fallen in love. Despite her impulsiveness, she has told no one about this feeling. Even though Tokiyo is in love with someone else, who coincidentally is Kira's friend, she has never lost hope of being together with him. Nowadays, Kira is still trying her best to win the heart of Tokiyo, but the future is rather bleak. Still, that doesn't stop her from trying.
Mirumoto Bushi School
Earth:
2 Water:
2
Fire:
3
Air:
3
Void: 3
Stamina:
2 Strength:
2 Intelligence: 3
Reflexes: 3
Willpower:
2 Perception:
2 Agility:
3
Awareness: 3
Skills:
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Archery - 1
Dangerous Beauty (-2) Brash
(+2)
Defense - 2 True
Friend (-3, Doji Kasumi)
Bad Reputation (+2, Tomboy)
Iaijutsu - 2
Phobia
(+2, Musophobia)
Kenjutsu - 3
True Love (+3, Kakita Tokiyo)
Meditation - 1
Vanity (+1)
Shugenja Lore - 1
Honor:
Techniques:
1 and 5
boxes
The Daisho Technique (Rank 1)
Glory:
1
rank
Insight: 140 School Rank: 1
Hyanari
was born the eldest of 3 children to a Lion Samurai and Phoenix Shugenja.
During his birth, his mother, Isawa Kuranai foresaw that he would become
great. Little did she know that even her foresight could not prepare him
for his destiny.
At
the age of 6, his father, Akodo Hikari began his training under the Matsu Bushi
School for he feared that his son would not learn enough under the school of
Tactics taught by the Akodo family. By the age of 9, he had surpassed his
sensei and sought even more knowledge. Thus he entered the Akodo Bushi
School. There he stayed for only a year when the Lion Champion Akodo
Toturi saw his potential and entered him into the Akodo War Collage. Under
his tutelage, Hyanari mastered the art of Battle tactics by the age of 12.
Thus,
armed with everything he learned, he entered the Gempukku ceremony of that
year. He won the tournament with no difficulty but was disqualified
because of his age. Fortunately, he was accepted into manhood but not as
the Topaz Champion, which was given to the person who lost to him. That
person was Gosunkugi. The two grew close within several months of working
together and have remained unbeaten in any battle they have entered with Hyanari
as tactician and Gosunkugi in command.
After
his service, Hyanari began his quest to find what direction in his life he must
go. On his travels, he has seen one edge of Rokugan to the other.
Still lacking what he was looking for, he thought that he must travel even
further. This brought him to the lands of the Unicorn and there he found
the place that he longed for, the Burning Sands. He disappeared there for
4 years.
Upon
his return to Rokugan, he decided to go home, back to the Lion. Upon his
arrival, he found out a story that had avoided him for 3 years. His father
was dead; his siblings sent elsewhere and his mother stricken with a wasting
disease. He stayed by her side until she died 3 days later.
After
losing the only family he knew where to find, he decided to go to Ryo-Owari for
the Bon Festival. The Inn of the Orange Blossoms brought an unexpected but
pleasant surprise. Gosunkugi was there as well. They enjoyed each
other’s company, each telling the other what they’ve seen and what they’ve
been through. On their way out of Ryo-Owari, bandits were attacking a
caravan filled with items for the festival for that evening, belonging to the
Unicorn Clan. Several samurai were already dead by the time they came upon
them with only a lone samurai alive facing-off against 7 or more bandits.
Without thinking twice, the duo launched themselves at the bandits.
Suffice to say, tt ended quickly enough. The Unicorn Samurai (Shinjo
Wakaba) thanked them and asked them to go with him to report to the Unicorn Head
Magistrate in Ryo-Owari.
At
the magistrate house, Shinjo Usaba, the head magistrate was talking with those
under his command when the duo and the Unicorn arrived. Bloodied after the
battle but still able to move, Wakaba described the battle as best as he
could. As he did this, Hyanari’s eyes wandered to those gathered with
them and he found himself looking eye-to-eye with one of the female
magistrates. She blushed and looked away. Later on, he found out her
name. Otaku Jilya. Taking notice of the way the two looked at each other,
Usaba sent a message to Jilya’s family that a political marriage between Lion
and Unicorn would help the clan and within the week, Jilya and Hyanari were wed.
The 3 began their travels shortly after the marriage. They all went through several adventures together when Hyanari realized something. Jilya went with him because she was his and he was hers but why did Gosunkugi travel on with them? He asked him this while they were at camp somewhere near the shadowlands border where they would go next. Gosunkugi shrugged and said “I go with you because I just want to.?nbsp; With that they continued on their travels. Only time will tell what will happen to these 3.
Akodo War College
Earth:
2
Water: 3
Fire: 2
Air: 2
Void: 2
Stamina:
2
Strength: 3
Intelligence: 2
Reflexes: 3
Willpower:
2
Perception: 4
Agility: 2
Awareness: 2
Skills:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Athletics - 1
Benten's Blessing (-3)
Dependent (+2, Otaku Jilya)
Archery - 1
Quick (-3)
Insensitive (+2)
Battle - 4
Tactician (-7)
Overconfident (+3)
Bard - 1
True Love (+3, Otaku Jilya)
Defense - 1
Kenjutsu - 3
History -2
Iaijutsu - 2
Honor:
Techniques:
2 and 5
boxes
The Way of
the Lion (Rank 1)
Glory:
1
rank
Insight: 125 School Rank: 1
Gosunkugi
never knew of his parents. He grew
to manhood being raised by a relative who was a lowly peasant.
He worked in the fields at the age of 4.
Unfortunately, Gosunkugi had no sense of direction, which would end with
him being lost for several days before finding the way back home.
At 8 years of age, he lost himself again in a large forest where he
stumbled upon an old hut with a Monk. The
monk took pity on him and taught him how to defend himself.
As a member of the peasant class, it is against the law for Gosunkugi to
wield a katana so he was trained in another way of fighting, using two tongfas
made of steel, he learned to fight under the monk’s mentoring.
He
was 14 when he became renown as an unorthodox fighter but an honorable one.
This recognition found favor with the eyes of the Imperial Court and they
allowed him to enter the gempukku ceremony.
He entered and showed that he was one person to be feared on the
battlefield. He proved himself
worthy of the decision of the court until the final round where he battled the
leading competitor in the championship, Akodo Hyanari.
He lost the final battle but was awarded the title of Topaz Champion when
someone revealed that Hyanari was only 12.
Disgusted with his victory by default, he was about to complain to the
Emerald Champion when Hyanari sensed his feelings and they reached a compromise.
Gosunkugi would wear the title but Hyanari would bear the Topaz Katana.
This was the start of their friendship.
The
year of their service ended and Hyanari disappeared. Gosunkugi traveled on alone, wandering and lost from one end
of the land to the other. Swimming
some to the Mantis Lands, walking most withing the Lands of the Crane,
Dragonfly, Hare and Fox. Having no
sense of direction, he found himself deep within the bowels of the shadowlands.
He honed the skills he thought would prove necessary there.
As his Jade pendant slowly began to lose its purity, he gave up hope that
he would ever escape the shadowlands when a patrol of Crab Samurais found him
less than 3 miles away from the Kaiu Wall.
The
time within the shadowlands sharpened his hunting skills and developed his
physical prowess. He felt confident
that he could defeat anyone now and true enough; he proved it by defeating
warrior upon warrior that he came across. So
his skill grew, from a person who knew a few skills to a master of most.
He continued like this for 4 years, finding his way to Ryo-Owari.
He found the inn called the Orange Blossom after 3 weeks of being in the
city. There he rested and decided
to stay for the festival. With the
dawn of the day of the festival brought a surprise.
Akodo Hyanari had returned to Rokugan.
He challenged him to a duel and he lost, despite his faith in his skills.
They decided to leave before the festival began for there would be too
many people. Just outside, they
came across a caravan being attacked. They jumped into the fray and it was over
before it even began.
Brought to the Unicorn Magistrate house for questioning, Gosunkugi realized that he had never been lost since Hyanari was by his side. This realization offered Gosunkugi a new aim in his life. He would travel by Hyanari’s side until he decides to build a life of his own.
True Ronin (No School)
Earth:
2 Water:
2
Fire:
3
Air: 2
Void: 2
Stamina:
2 Strength:
3 Intelligence: 3
Reflexes: 2
Willpower:
2 Perception:
2
Agility:
3
Awareness: 2
Skills:
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Athletics - 3
Quick (-3)
Bad Fortune (+1, Eternally Lost)
Archery - 2
Sensei (-5, Old Monk)
Brash (+2)
Defense - 3
Phobia (+4, Allurophobia {cats})
Hand-to-Hand - 3 Social
Disadvantage (+3, Ronin)
Herbalism - 2
Hunting - 3
Iaijutsu - 2
Kenjutsu - 3
Law - 2
Lore: Shadowlands - 2
Medicine - 2
Poison -2
Traps - 2
Honor:
Techniques:
1 and 5
boxes
None
Glory:
0 ranks
Insight: 141 School Rank: 1
Jilya
was born to Shinjo Raguna and Otaku Laine as the youngest and only female in a
set of triplets. Raguna decided not to bestow upon them any surname until they
were of age to choose their own art of fighting.
At
7, Jilya’s siblings took on their father’s surname and entered the Shinjo
Riding School while she took on the name of her mother and entered into the
Otaku School for Battle Maidens. There she studied the art of horseback combat.
Unfortunately, she was the smallest in her batch and was almost always
overmatched. She left the Otaku School at age 10 and entered the Shinjo
Magistrate School shortly after. There she learned what she could. Entering the
Gempukku Ceremony 3 years later.
Accepted
into womanhood, Jilya was sent to her uncle in Ryo-Owari to learn the way of the
Magistrate. For 2 years she stayed, taught by her uncle Shinjo Usaba, then, sent
to the border of the Unicorn to show what she had learned.
She
was 16 when she was finally allowed to return to Ryo-Owari, arriving in time for
the Bon Festival. She was greeted warmly by her uncle but was immediately sent
to work on patrol for the Thunder Guard and Imperial Magistrates were
undermanned for the festival. The night was only beginning when she received
word to return to Usaba’s house to participate in an investigation regarding a
robbery just outside Ryo-Owari.
During
the investigation, her eyes came to rest at the smaller of the two samurai who
rescued the caravan. Even in his traveling cloak, his mon was unmistakable. He
belonged to the House of the Akodo.
Less than a week later, Otaku Jilya became Akodo Jilya but she chose to retain her surname for her mother who had died on the exact day of her marriage to Hyanari.
Otaku Battle Maiden School
Earth:
2 Water:
2
Fire:
3
Air:
3
Void: 2
Stamina:
2 Strength:
2 Intelligence: 3
Reflexes: 3
Willpower:
2 Perception:
2 Agility:
3
Awareness: 3
Skills:
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Athletics - 2 Benten's
Blessing (-3) Dependent
(+2, Akodo
Battle - 2
Quick (-3)
Hyanari)
Calligraphy - 1
Phobia
(+2, Opidiophobia)
Defense - 2
True Love (+3, Akodo
Heraldry -
1
Hyanari)
History -
1
Small (+3)
Horse Archery - 1
Horsemanship - 3
Hunting - 3
Iaijutsu - 2
Kenjutsu - 2
Meditation - 1
Honor:
Techniques:
1 and 5
boxes
Riding in Harmony (Rank 1)
Glory:
1
rank
Insight: 141 School Rank: 1