Mar 6, 2019 1:44 pm
Thread for discussing anything about the game before we get started.
Discussion Thread
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Mar 6, 2019 1:55 pm
Hi mcneils5, thanks for accepting my request. Just to let you know I am completely new to the L5R system.
I found 3 booklets for the beginner game (introduction, adventure book and rulebook) and 4 characters ( Akodo, Doji, Isawa and Togashi).
I'll read through these to get up-to-date quickly. Is there anything else I should have a look at?
I found 3 booklets for the beginner game (introduction, adventure book and rulebook) and 4 characters ( Akodo, Doji, Isawa and Togashi).
I'll read through these to get up-to-date quickly. Is there anything else I should have a look at?
Last edited March 6, 2019 1:55 pm
Mar 6, 2019 2:14 pm
I'll submit my character from Whistler's, although I'd be just as happy with a pregen. Let me know what needs to be changed to match the beginner game setup.
Mar 6, 2019 5:17 pm
Hi CESN - sounds like you’re off to a good start there. We’ll be playing through that adventure so you might be best served not reading through that until we’re done.
Hi Qralloq - I’m pretty sure it’s just that you don’t have access to any school abilities until the end of the first day of the tournament and you don’t get a daisho until the end of it but I’ll have another read through the adventure book and confirm.
Hi Qralloq - I’m pretty sure it’s just that you don’t have access to any school abilities until the end of the first day of the tournament and you don’t get a daisho until the end of it but I’ll have another read through the adventure book and confirm.
Mar 6, 2019 5:46 pm
ah yes! just noticed the big letters saying GIVE THIS TO YOUR GM ;)
Since you mentioned in the Games Tavern that there is a small "tutorial" at the beginning of the adventure, I'll go with the pre-made Togashi Yoshi and see how it goes. I'll try to to read the rules, but this way we can start as soon as everyone is ready :)
Since you mentioned in the Games Tavern that there is a small "tutorial" at the beginning of the adventure, I'll go with the pre-made Togashi Yoshi and see how it goes. I'll try to to read the rules, but this way we can start as soon as everyone is ready :)
Mar 6, 2019 10:07 pm
Hey, glad to be part of the game! I'll just take whichever pregen doesn't get picked by anyone else. I'll try to get a grasp on how the rules work tomorrow!
Hope I won't be too much of a burden. I'm really excited for this game
Hope I won't be too much of a burden. I'm really excited for this game
Mar 6, 2019 10:08 pm
So ive looked through the pregens available, and i believe id like to play Bayushi Kyo, the Courtier of the Scorpion Clan. He seems like a rogueish sort, Working subterfuge and spy type operations, and i think that fits my playstyle.
Mar 6, 2019 10:11 pm
Hey y'all! Glad to be here. And hey bowl, haha. I'm looking over everything right now.
Mar 7, 2019 5:14 am
Hey Lux, good to be in another game with you! Same to Robb!
Robb actually linked me to a ressource with a lot of useful information for this, especially the pregen characters. I read about the available characters and would be interested in Isawa Aki. She seems like an interesting character
Robb actually linked me to a ressource with a lot of useful information for this, especially the pregen characters. I read about the available characters and would be interested in Isawa Aki. She seems like an interesting character
Mar 7, 2019 9:37 am
Hi all,
Glad you're all on board - it will be a few days at least before I look to kick things off but the breakdown of the characters so far is as follows:
CESN - Togashi Yoshi (Dragon)
Qralloq - Utaku Kashita (Unicorn)
Tookie_Clothespin - Iuchi Odayaka (Unicorn)
Bowlofspinach - Isawa Aki (Pheonix)
RobbOgden93 - Bayushi Kyo (Scorpion)
Lux001 - TBC
Looks like a good mix to be starting with. The only thing I'd suggest Lux is if you could avoid the Unicorn Clan as having 3 in the game would be stretching credulity a touch.
As I've said to a few people so far I'm intending to run the adventure from the beginner game and then asses how things have gone playing this system via PbP. Assuming that it's all gone well then I'd be intending to keep running it but we can use that point to see how you're all feeling about your characters and whether you want to keep going with them or play something different.
If anyone is not feeling the game for any reason as we're going just let me know and I'll see if I can address your concerns but don't worry about dropping out if you find the system is just not for you (just give me a quick heads up)
Glad you're all on board - it will be a few days at least before I look to kick things off but the breakdown of the characters so far is as follows:
CESN - Togashi Yoshi (Dragon)
Qralloq - Utaku Kashita (Unicorn)
Tookie_Clothespin - Iuchi Odayaka (Unicorn)
Bowlofspinach - Isawa Aki (Pheonix)
RobbOgden93 - Bayushi Kyo (Scorpion)
Lux001 - TBC
Looks like a good mix to be starting with. The only thing I'd suggest Lux is if you could avoid the Unicorn Clan as having 3 in the game would be stretching credulity a touch.
As I've said to a few people so far I'm intending to run the adventure from the beginner game and then asses how things have gone playing this system via PbP. Assuming that it's all gone well then I'd be intending to keep running it but we can use that point to see how you're all feeling about your characters and whether you want to keep going with them or play something different.
If anyone is not feeling the game for any reason as we're going just let me know and I'll see if I can address your concerns but don't worry about dropping out if you find the system is just not for you (just give me a quick heads up)
Mar 7, 2019 3:48 pm
Whoops. Well, I'll be doing my character today, so don't worry guys. 😁 And don't worry, Neil, I won't pick the Unicorn Clan!
Mar 7, 2019 6:41 pm
Nice! Ive been reading up on the clans and stuff to prepare myself for the game. Theyre all really cool, and im looking forward to the challenge of playing a scorpion clan.
Mar 7, 2019 8:09 pm
Question to everyone: Are you going for a specific aesthetic for your avatar? L5R seems to follow a very, hm, realistic I guess, art style. I'm just wondering if everyone is also going for that or?
Rolls
Samurai Heritage - (2d10)
(74) = 11
Social Skill - (1d10)
(5) = 5
Mar 7, 2019 10:02 pm
Eh, forgive me for sounding dumb, but how exactly am i supposed to copy the information from the Pregen to the Custom character format on gamersplane?
Mar 7, 2019 10:35 pm
Not sure if there is a good way. I did it manually (probably something will be wrong). In the game description, McNeill has the markdown you can copy and then fill up
This one
This one
Last edited March 7, 2019 10:43 pm
Mar 7, 2019 10:38 pm
Yeah, I mean, I did my character manually as well directly on the sheet.
Also testing avatar, in case I need to resize it or change
Also testing avatar, in case I need to resize it or change
Mar 10, 2019 7:21 pm
Lux001 says:
Soooo, how's everything?Mar 10, 2019 10:08 pm
CESN says:
mcneils5 says:
has been a bit of a busy weekendMar 10, 2019 10:43 pm
First post is up here peeps :)
Mar 11, 2019 5:21 pm
So, I feel like we are all very active and for that reason, I would like the propose something. Could we, before posting as our characters, post an OOC message saying that we are about to post? This way we can avoid having two or more people writing a post at the same just for one to go first, potentially making the other change his entire write-up. :)
Mar 11, 2019 5:23 pm
Sounds like a good idea. We can even just edit that message afterwards into our actual post so it doesn't stay around after it's no logner needed
Mar 11, 2019 5:34 pm
I totally forgot to ask, would it be okay for my scorpion courtier to practise Bian Lian. I know that Bian Lian is traditionally chinese, but it fits the mask, and the performance background, so i think it would make sort of a cool detail, constantly switching masks.
If that doesnt work though no worries.
If that doesnt work though no worries.
Mar 11, 2019 5:55 pm
The idea is something along the lines of posting some quick ooc message to "book" the place and then edit it?
Sounds good to me :)
And so that you know, I'll be mostly posting during 9-17 UTC Mon-Fri.
Sounds good to me :)
And so that you know, I'll be mostly posting during 9-17 UTC Mon-Fri.
Jan 6, 2020 3:52 pm
So that's the end of the first adventure! For those of you who are stepping out now thank you so much for sticking with this and I hope to play with you both again in future.
I've invited Koszul and Jackwolfking to join the game now as they have both expressed an interest so they will be joining Qralloq as we move forwards into the next adventure. Qralloq, there is an offer on the table for Kashita to train as an Emerald Magistrate so what happens next is largely going to depend on whether you think that is something she would go for or not? Either is fine by me, once I know I will start working on the next adventure prep.
Koszul and Jackwolfking - feel free to start discussing any thoughts you have about potential characters here. Just let me know how much assistance (if any) you are going to need with character gen for this version of L5R
I've invited Koszul and Jackwolfking to join the game now as they have both expressed an interest so they will be joining Qralloq as we move forwards into the next adventure. Qralloq, there is an offer on the table for Kashita to train as an Emerald Magistrate so what happens next is largely going to depend on whether you think that is something she would go for or not? Either is fine by me, once I know I will start working on the next adventure prep.
Koszul and Jackwolfking - feel free to start discussing any thoughts you have about potential characters here. Just let me know how much assistance (if any) you are going to need with character gen for this version of L5R
Jan 6, 2020 4:01 pm
Sorry about dropping out and thanks for the great game. Feels like I should accept the offer and continue but I really need to drop my game count :(
Best of luck Qralloq and enjoy Koszul and Jackwolfking ;)
Best of luck Qralloq and enjoy Koszul and Jackwolfking ;)
Jan 6, 2020 4:05 pm
Thank you for running this! I had a lot of fun and it's awesome that we managed to play the full adventure :)
Like I said, I'm not going to continue playing after this adventure but if you don't mind, I would like to stick around and observe the game going forward if you don't mind
Like I said, I'm not going to continue playing after this adventure but if you don't mind, I would like to stick around and observe the game going forward if you don't mind
Jan 6, 2020 5:38 pm
Thanks bowl and CESN for accompanying Kashita through the dark times of gempukku.
As to continuing, I am leaning away from it, but I have no alternate plans. If the adventure idea you have for the EM is interesting, them count me in. Otherwise, we're stuck with a roaming samurai seeking glory and renown in her own name.
As to continuing, I am leaning away from it, but I have no alternate plans. If the adventure idea you have for the EM is interesting, them count me in. Otherwise, we're stuck with a roaming samurai seeking glory and renown in her own name.
Jan 6, 2020 6:36 pm
Hmmm I have not thought about my character I don't even know where to begin. I have the core rule book tho.
Jan 6, 2020 6:42 pm
Hi mcneils and thanks for having me. :)
I have the 4e core rulebook, will that work for character creation? Otherwise I might steal a pregen somewhere.
Edit: do you have an opinion on using this tool? https://hepaestus.github.io/L5R_Character_Sheet/#/
I have the 4e core rulebook, will that work for character creation? Otherwise I might steal a pregen somewhere.
Edit: do you have an opinion on using this tool? https://hepaestus.github.io/L5R_Character_Sheet/#/
Last edited January 6, 2020 6:44 pm
Jan 6, 2020 6:52 pm
This game uses the fifth edition, and unfortunately I don't think that the character creation is compatible with 4e.
In the 5e book, Jackwolfking, there are 20 questions. Answer those questions (making come choices along the way) and you'll have built your character.
In the 5e book, Jackwolfking, there are 20 questions. Answer those questions (making come choices along the way) and you'll have built your character.
Last edited January 6, 2020 6:54 pm
Jan 6, 2020 9:10 pm
I think I managed to build a decently cold Dragon. GM-san, let me know if some things don’t add up, I’ll make the necessary amends.
Also, does any of you have any tip on where to find an L5R avatar?
Also, does any of you have any tip on where to find an L5R avatar?
Jan 6, 2020 10:14 pm
Qralloq says:
As to continuing, I am leaning away from it, but I have no alternate plans. If the adventure idea you have for the EM is interesting, them count me in. Otherwise, we're stuck with a roaming samurai seeking glory and renown in her own name.LIFE ON THE WAVES
Many samurai voluntarily become rōnin for a single year, typically in the year or the second following their gempuku. Considered to be a healthy outlet for a young samurai’s desire to prove themself, this allows them to sharpen their skills and temper their attitudes with experience. Having experienced hardship in the outer Empire, most return and swear fealty to the clan anew with true loyalty rather than an inculcated sense of duty.
So what I'm thinking is that after the Topaz Championship Kashita will take a 'gap year' to decide what they want to do with the EM offer and it also seems like a very Unicorn thing to do. Hows that sound as a base to start off with?
Jackwolfking says:
Hmmm I have not thought about my character I don't even know where to begin. I have the core rule book tho.Qralloq says:
In the 5e book, Jackwolfking, there are 20 questions. Answer those questions (making come choices along the way) and you'll have built your character.Koszul says:
I think I managed to build a decently cold Dragon. GM-san, let me know if some things don’t add up, I’ll make the necessary amends.Also, does any of you have any tip on where to find an L5R avatar?
Jan 15, 2020 2:36 pm
Just wanting to check in here - Jackwolfking, how are you going with your character? You need any assistance? Qralloq - does what I mentioned above sound like a good route for Kashita in the immediate future. Koszul - I've taken a look over your character and nothing is jumping out at me as 'wrong' so all good :)
Jan 15, 2020 2:43 pm
Yup, the wandering samurai year was exactly what I was alluding to in my bit. That being said, of Koszul and Jackwolfking make characters that are Emerald Magistrate adjacent, we can definitely do that instead.
Jan 22, 2020 2:33 pm
Ok, it's been a week since I last posted and no word from either Koszul and Jackwolfking. Will leave it another week or so but if they haven't responded by then I'll have to have a think about whether to just wrap this up at that point.
Jan 22, 2020 7:37 pm
Apologies. I’m still here, but I didn’t think you were waiting for a response from me.
Last edited January 22, 2020 7:46 pm
Jan 24, 2020 11:47 am
Koszul says:
Apologies. I’m still here, but I didn’t think you were waiting for a response from me.Jan 25, 2020 8:57 am
Jackwolfking says:
Oh sorry I'm here.Jan 28, 2020 1:22 pm
Ok, I've decided to remove Jackwolfking from the game due to lack of engagement. Going to have a think about how to move things forwards for the next few days so please just bear with me for a little longer
Jan 29, 2020 12:34 pm
Quote:
bear with me for a little longerLet me know if I can do anything to help!
Last edited January 29, 2020 12:34 pm
Jan 31, 2020 9:26 pm
I'm in here now, just need to know what you need from me. Submitted Chirenei just in case someone's face needed to be insulted.
Feb 5, 2020 10:30 am
Update!
I'm still getting my ducks in a row on this one but it looks like all the players who want in have at least let me know now so I'm starting to make better headway - we should have the following:
Qralloq as Otaku Kashita
Koszul as Kitsuki Kaoru
Falconloft as Chirenai Shosuro
And Melanqolia as Ikoma Yoshiko
I'm going to spend the next few days prepping a couple of things but we should be good to get started next week if that's ok with everyone. The way I'm thinking I'm going to start things is probably to have a short interlude with Qralloq/Otaku Kashita to bridge where they ended the last 'session' and where we are picking up and then introductory scenes for each other PC as we start the adventure proper. I'm hoping that fairly quickly we can bring everyone together.
Thanks again for your patience everyone, any issues with what I've laid out above please just post here or PM me.
I'm still getting my ducks in a row on this one but it looks like all the players who want in have at least let me know now so I'm starting to make better headway - we should have the following:
Qralloq as Otaku Kashita
Koszul as Kitsuki Kaoru
Falconloft as Chirenai Shosuro
And Melanqolia as Ikoma Yoshiko
I'm going to spend the next few days prepping a couple of things but we should be good to get started next week if that's ok with everyone. The way I'm thinking I'm going to start things is probably to have a short interlude with Qralloq/Otaku Kashita to bridge where they ended the last 'session' and where we are picking up and then introductory scenes for each other PC as we start the adventure proper. I'm hoping that fairly quickly we can bring everyone together.
Thanks again for your patience everyone, any issues with what I've laid out above please just post here or PM me.
Feb 12, 2020 2:30 pm
Quick update, not sure if Melanqolia is going to be joining or not at this stage as I PM'd them a while back and they did respond saying they would be but they've not as yet so I'm going to proceed with the three of you.
Will have something ready to start moving with early next week at the latest.
Will have something ready to start moving with early next week at the latest.
Feb 12, 2020 2:56 pm
I think Mel has been afk from many of their games. They posted on Discord a few days ago something that implied that.
Feb 12, 2020 3:02 pm
Yeah I think I saw that too, will be leaving the invite open for them if they get clear and still want to join later
Feb 18, 2020 9:54 pm
Hi everyone — mcneils5 has graciously allowed me to join your game.
I'm thinking about a Shinseist Monk (Emerald Empire, p238). I will try to get the 20 questions completed today.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
I'm thinking about a Shinseist Monk (Emerald Empire, p238). I will try to get the 20 questions completed today.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Feb 19, 2020 3:35 pm
Hi and welcome Robert. Glad you could join. I'll be starting off the main game proper in a few days so there's plenty of time for you to sort your character if needed.
I've started a prologue for the next part of the game here but for the moment this is just for Qralloq to bridge the gap between where we left off at the end of the Starter Adventure (as they are the only player to come over from that adventure).
The main game will start off in a settlement within Crab lands I'm thinking which for various reasons you will all have found yourselves at. Again, thanks for you patience with the delay on getting things started on this, real life has been a tad time consuming of late :)
I've started a prologue for the next part of the game here but for the moment this is just for Qralloq to bridge the gap between where we left off at the end of the Starter Adventure (as they are the only player to come over from that adventure).
The main game will start off in a settlement within Crab lands I'm thinking which for various reasons you will all have found yourselves at. Again, thanks for you patience with the delay on getting things started on this, real life has been a tad time consuming of late :)
Feb 19, 2020 10:12 pm
Life has caught up with me, and I’m devastated to announce that I’ll quit this game before it begins.
I realize mcneils5 did heavy work, and I don’t feel great leaving just like this.
I realize mcneils5 did heavy work, and I don’t feel great leaving just like this.
Feb 19, 2020 10:23 pm
OK, I've basically finished the character — Asako, a former Unicorn who is now a Shinseist monk.
I haven't chosen a Ninjō as I want to make sure it is something that fits in with what mcneils5 has planned for us!
I'm pasting my 20Qs and working-out below. Let me know if I've tripped up somewhere.
I haven't chosen a Ninjō as I want to make sure it is something that fits in with what mcneils5 has planned for us!
I'm pasting my 20Qs and working-out below. Let me know if I've tripped up somewhere.
[ +- ] 20Qs etc
TWENTY QUESTIONS
Part i: Core Identity
What clan does your character belong to?
Unicorn (+1 Water, +1 Survival, Status 30) (but no longer loyal to the Unicorn, q5, q7)
What family does your family belong to?
Moto (+1 Earth, +1 Survival, Glory 40, Starting Wealth 6 koku)
Part II: Role and School
What is your character’s school, and what roles does that school fall into?
Shinseist Monk Order [Monk] (pEE238)
(+1 Earth, +1 Void; +1 Meditation, +1 Theology, +1 Martial Arts [Unarmed], +1 Composition; Honor 40; Techniques Available: Kata, Kihou, Rituals; Starting Techniques: Kata: Striking As Earth, Kihou: Cleansing Spirit, Earth Needs No Eyes; School Ability: Embrace the Void; Starting Outfit: Common clothes, bou, knife, travelling pack)
How does your character stand out within their school?
I am quick to learn, and can readily adjust to new situations or challenges. At times it is unclear whether I have shifted to fit my surroundings, or whether my surroundings have shifted to accommodate me.
Adaptability (+1 Water)
Part III: Honor and Glory
Who is your Lord and what is your character’s duty to them?
A mid-ranking monk who persuaded me to leave the Unicorn and dedicate myself to Shinseism. I am indifferent to the hierarchy of the order, and my loyalty to this monk is deeply personal.
(Giri: To raise funds for the temple and its order.)
What does your character long for, and how might this impede their duty?
Travel — to let go of worldly things that tie me to a specific location, to visit new places and meet new people, and through this to develop an understanding of the universality of existence.
(Ninjou: discuss with GM)
What is your character’s relationship with their clan?
Diverges from the Unicorn
While many aspects of Unicorn culture were formative to me (commitment to Compassion, acceptance of "foreign" customs and people, rejection of polite manners), I believe they have compromised those important values in an attempt to be accepted by the other Great Clans. In particular, I cannot abide the hierarchical structure of clan life, and the demand of complete loyalty to the clan. Exposure to foreign cultures led me to devote time to learning about the cultures of different regions inside and outside Rokugan, and I am convinced that there is value in the ways of all manner of people.
(Culture +1)
What does your character think of Bushidou?
Some aspects I agree with:
— Compassion (reflecting Unicorn upbringing, but believing the Unicorn do not go far enough in prioritising this aspect of Bushidou)
— Courage (but not necessarily martial courage)
— Honour
— Righteousness
— Sincerity
Some aspects I disagree with:
— Courtesy (important in broad principle, but the hierarchical courtesy of Rokugan is repulsive)
— Dury and Loyalty (loyalty to a worthy cause or to an individual who has earned respect is OK, but blind loyalty to a lord or clan can only bring calamity)
(Medicine +1)
Part IV: Strengths and Weaknesses
What is your character’s greatest accomplishment so far?
Renouncing my status within the Clan, forfeiting my worldly possessions, and working to rebuild a village after a devastating landslide.
(Distinction: Ebisu’s Blessing (Earth) p104)
What holds your character back the most in life?
Having taken a vow of poverty — distaste at displays of wealth, reluctance to accumulate even useful resources, etc.
(Adversity: Whispers of Poverty (Water) p130)
What activity most makes your character feel at peace?
Meeting the common people of Rokugan and learning about their lives and customs.
(Passion: Travel (Water) p115)
What concern, fear or foible troubles your character the most?
Disdain for manners causing trouble that prevents more important goals from being achieved.
(Anxiety: Painful Honesty (Air) p135)
Who was your character learned the most from during their life?
A mid-ranking Shinseist monk, who introduced me to the tenets of the sect and persuaded me to leave my family and clan.
(Advantage: Light Sleeper (Water) pSh96; Disadvantage: Disdain for Duty and Loyalty (Earth) p120; Labor +1)
What do people notice first upon encountering your character?
People first notice: Rough hands; hesitant bow.
Distinctive clothing: crisp white hood
How does your character respond to stressful situations?
Physical response to stress: cracking knuckles and neck
What are your character’s preexisting relationships with other clans, families, organizations, and traditions?
As a child, I was brought by my parents to a summit between all of the clans, where the children played together. This was a formative experience in my rejecting the separatism of the clan structure. I kept a ball as a souvenir, almost a talisman, although I have no aptitude for games.
(Item: Mari (ball) (cost 5 zeni, rarity 3))
How would your character’s parents describe them?
My father will staunchly defend me against any criticism, even at the cost of his standing within the Unicorn; however, in personal moments I can see that this has taken a toll on him — he resents my choices but feels guilty about that resentment. My mother would disown me if it wouldn’t break my father’s heart; she sees my new life as a personal betrayal and a repudiation of the life she has built for herself. While I am interested in Rokugani legal systems in order to challenge injustice, my mother hopes this reflects an underlying respect for the proper order and that I will one day return to the Unicorn.
(Skill: Government +1)
Who was your character named to honour?
Dice rolls… 10 = Unusual Name Origin (no)… 4 = Dynasty Builder (yes)
Social skill dice roll… 1 = Command
My Unicorn name, Moto Chisami, was in honour of my great great grandmother. She was instrumental in the rise of a powerful lord, using cunning stratagems and shrewd advice to secure their ascension. I have heard this story many times and understand the importance of power subtly wielded.
(Glory -3; Command +1)
What is your character’s personal name?
The name I took upon committing myself to Shinseism was Asako ("morning child", signifying my fresh start in life), and I go by this alone having renounced my clan and family.
How should your character die?
Among the common people.
Character sheet calculations
Rings (1 in each, max 3)
— Air: 1
— Water: 3 (q1, q4)
— Earth: 3 (q2, q3)
— Fire: 1
— Void: 2 (q3)
Skills (0 in each, max 3)
— Survival: 2 (q1, q2)
— Meditation: 1 (q3)
— Theology: 1 (q3)
— Martial Arts [Unarmed] 1 (q3)
— Composition: 1 (q3)
— Labor: 1 (q13)
— Government: 1 (q17)
— Command: 1 (q18)
— Medicine: 1 (q8)
— Culture: 1 (q7)
Available Techniques (q3)
— Kata
— Kihou
— Rituals
Starting Techniques (q3)
— Striking as Earth (Kata) p178
— Cleansing Spirit (Kihou) p182
— Earth Needs No Eyes (Kihou) p182
School Ability
— Embrace the Void pEE238 (q3)
Advantages
— Distinction: Ebisu’s Blessing (Earth) p104 (q9)
— Passion: Travel (Water) p115 (q11)
— Distinction: Light Sleeper (Water) pSh96 (q13)
Disadvantages
— Adversity: Whispers of Poverty (Water) p130 (q10)
— Anxiety: Painful Honesty (Air) p135 (q12)
— Adversity: Disdain for Duty and Loyalty (Earth) p120 (q13)
Honor: 40 (q3)
Glory: 37 (q2, q18)
Status: 30 (q1)
Starting Wealth: 6 koku (q2)
Possessions (q3)
— Common clothes (with crisp white hood) (q14)
— Bou
— Knife
— Travelling pack
— Mari (ball) (cost 5 zeni, rarity 3) (q16)
Relationships
— [mid-ranking Shinseist monk], mentor
Personality, Habits, and Quirks
— People first notice: Rough hands; hesitant bow, polite speech to subordinates (q14)
— Physical response to stress: cracking knuckles and neck (q15)
Endurance: (Earth + Fire) x2
Composure: (Earth + Water) x2
Focus: Fire + Air
Vigilance: (Air + Water) /2
Part i: Core Identity
What clan does your character belong to?
Unicorn (+1 Water, +1 Survival, Status 30) (but no longer loyal to the Unicorn, q5, q7)
What family does your family belong to?
Moto (+1 Earth, +1 Survival, Glory 40, Starting Wealth 6 koku)
Part II: Role and School
What is your character’s school, and what roles does that school fall into?
Shinseist Monk Order [Monk] (pEE238)
(+1 Earth, +1 Void; +1 Meditation, +1 Theology, +1 Martial Arts [Unarmed], +1 Composition; Honor 40; Techniques Available: Kata, Kihou, Rituals; Starting Techniques: Kata: Striking As Earth, Kihou: Cleansing Spirit, Earth Needs No Eyes; School Ability: Embrace the Void; Starting Outfit: Common clothes, bou, knife, travelling pack)
How does your character stand out within their school?
I am quick to learn, and can readily adjust to new situations or challenges. At times it is unclear whether I have shifted to fit my surroundings, or whether my surroundings have shifted to accommodate me.
Adaptability (+1 Water)
Part III: Honor and Glory
Who is your Lord and what is your character’s duty to them?
A mid-ranking monk who persuaded me to leave the Unicorn and dedicate myself to Shinseism. I am indifferent to the hierarchy of the order, and my loyalty to this monk is deeply personal.
(Giri: To raise funds for the temple and its order.)
What does your character long for, and how might this impede their duty?
Travel — to let go of worldly things that tie me to a specific location, to visit new places and meet new people, and through this to develop an understanding of the universality of existence.
(Ninjou: discuss with GM)
What is your character’s relationship with their clan?
Diverges from the Unicorn
While many aspects of Unicorn culture were formative to me (commitment to Compassion, acceptance of "foreign" customs and people, rejection of polite manners), I believe they have compromised those important values in an attempt to be accepted by the other Great Clans. In particular, I cannot abide the hierarchical structure of clan life, and the demand of complete loyalty to the clan. Exposure to foreign cultures led me to devote time to learning about the cultures of different regions inside and outside Rokugan, and I am convinced that there is value in the ways of all manner of people.
(Culture +1)
What does your character think of Bushidou?
Some aspects I agree with:
— Compassion (reflecting Unicorn upbringing, but believing the Unicorn do not go far enough in prioritising this aspect of Bushidou)
— Courage (but not necessarily martial courage)
— Honour
— Righteousness
— Sincerity
Some aspects I disagree with:
— Courtesy (important in broad principle, but the hierarchical courtesy of Rokugan is repulsive)
— Dury and Loyalty (loyalty to a worthy cause or to an individual who has earned respect is OK, but blind loyalty to a lord or clan can only bring calamity)
(Medicine +1)
Part IV: Strengths and Weaknesses
What is your character’s greatest accomplishment so far?
Renouncing my status within the Clan, forfeiting my worldly possessions, and working to rebuild a village after a devastating landslide.
(Distinction: Ebisu’s Blessing (Earth) p104)
What holds your character back the most in life?
Having taken a vow of poverty — distaste at displays of wealth, reluctance to accumulate even useful resources, etc.
(Adversity: Whispers of Poverty (Water) p130)
What activity most makes your character feel at peace?
Meeting the common people of Rokugan and learning about their lives and customs.
(Passion: Travel (Water) p115)
What concern, fear or foible troubles your character the most?
Disdain for manners causing trouble that prevents more important goals from being achieved.
(Anxiety: Painful Honesty (Air) p135)
Who was your character learned the most from during their life?
A mid-ranking Shinseist monk, who introduced me to the tenets of the sect and persuaded me to leave my family and clan.
(Advantage: Light Sleeper (Water) pSh96; Disadvantage: Disdain for Duty and Loyalty (Earth) p120; Labor +1)
What do people notice first upon encountering your character?
People first notice: Rough hands; hesitant bow.
Distinctive clothing: crisp white hood
How does your character respond to stressful situations?
Physical response to stress: cracking knuckles and neck
What are your character’s preexisting relationships with other clans, families, organizations, and traditions?
As a child, I was brought by my parents to a summit between all of the clans, where the children played together. This was a formative experience in my rejecting the separatism of the clan structure. I kept a ball as a souvenir, almost a talisman, although I have no aptitude for games.
(Item: Mari (ball) (cost 5 zeni, rarity 3))
How would your character’s parents describe them?
My father will staunchly defend me against any criticism, even at the cost of his standing within the Unicorn; however, in personal moments I can see that this has taken a toll on him — he resents my choices but feels guilty about that resentment. My mother would disown me if it wouldn’t break my father’s heart; she sees my new life as a personal betrayal and a repudiation of the life she has built for herself. While I am interested in Rokugani legal systems in order to challenge injustice, my mother hopes this reflects an underlying respect for the proper order and that I will one day return to the Unicorn.
(Skill: Government +1)
Who was your character named to honour?
Dice rolls… 10 = Unusual Name Origin (no)… 4 = Dynasty Builder (yes)
Social skill dice roll… 1 = Command
My Unicorn name, Moto Chisami, was in honour of my great great grandmother. She was instrumental in the rise of a powerful lord, using cunning stratagems and shrewd advice to secure their ascension. I have heard this story many times and understand the importance of power subtly wielded.
(Glory -3; Command +1)
What is your character’s personal name?
The name I took upon committing myself to Shinseism was Asako ("morning child", signifying my fresh start in life), and I go by this alone having renounced my clan and family.
How should your character die?
Among the common people.
Character sheet calculations
Rings (1 in each, max 3)
— Air: 1
— Water: 3 (q1, q4)
— Earth: 3 (q2, q3)
— Fire: 1
— Void: 2 (q3)
Skills (0 in each, max 3)
— Survival: 2 (q1, q2)
— Meditation: 1 (q3)
— Theology: 1 (q3)
— Martial Arts [Unarmed] 1 (q3)
— Composition: 1 (q3)
— Labor: 1 (q13)
— Government: 1 (q17)
— Command: 1 (q18)
— Medicine: 1 (q8)
— Culture: 1 (q7)
Available Techniques (q3)
— Kata
— Kihou
— Rituals
Starting Techniques (q3)
— Striking as Earth (Kata) p178
— Cleansing Spirit (Kihou) p182
— Earth Needs No Eyes (Kihou) p182
School Ability
— Embrace the Void pEE238 (q3)
Advantages
— Distinction: Ebisu’s Blessing (Earth) p104 (q9)
— Passion: Travel (Water) p115 (q11)
— Distinction: Light Sleeper (Water) pSh96 (q13)
Disadvantages
— Adversity: Whispers of Poverty (Water) p130 (q10)
— Anxiety: Painful Honesty (Air) p135 (q12)
— Adversity: Disdain for Duty and Loyalty (Earth) p120 (q13)
Honor: 40 (q3)
Glory: 37 (q2, q18)
Status: 30 (q1)
Starting Wealth: 6 koku (q2)
Possessions (q3)
— Common clothes (with crisp white hood) (q14)
— Bou
— Knife
— Travelling pack
— Mari (ball) (cost 5 zeni, rarity 3) (q16)
Relationships
— [mid-ranking Shinseist monk], mentor
Personality, Habits, and Quirks
— People first notice: Rough hands; hesitant bow, polite speech to subordinates (q14)
— Physical response to stress: cracking knuckles and neck (q15)
Endurance: (Earth + Fire) x2
Composure: (Earth + Water) x2
Focus: Fire + Air
Vigilance: (Air + Water) /2
Feb 19, 2020 11:08 pm
Koszul says:
Life has caught up with me, and I’m devastated to announce that I’ll quit this game before it begins.I realize mcneils5 did heavy work, and I don’t feel great leaving just like this.
Robert - thanks! I’ll take a look over Asako tomorrow.
Feb 26, 2020 2:01 pm
Hi all, just about wrapped up the prologue with Qralloq's character now and will be looking to start things off with everyone else in the next day or so.
Feb 29, 2020 12:33 pm
I’ve just caught up reading the first adventure, and now I’m very keen to see what happens next!
Mar 17, 2020 9:25 pm
Hi all, apologies for the extended silence. We've been dealing with illnesses running through our house for the last few weeks which has really cut down on the time I've had for gaming on here and now I am working from home and we have pulled our daughter out of school I can't see the situation changing in at least the next few weeks. For now I'm putting all of the games I'm running on hold and will hope to pick them up again at a future date. Apologies again everyone.
Mar 17, 2020 10:07 pm
Thanks for the update, and wishing for a speedy recovery to you and your loved ones.