Sapphire Ambassadors

Doji Utemaro (Major Player)- Tournament Overseer and Lord of the Manor, played by Saibankan; Ally Influence 3 /Devotion max 2
Doji Takei (Major Player)- Local Magistrate / Militia Commander, played by Fukurokujin; Ally Influence 2 /Devotion max 3
Asahina Jorujo (Major Player)- Shrine Keeper, played by Fukurokujin; Ally Influence 2 /Devotion max 3
Kakita Akuba (Major Player)- Opinionated Visitor, played by Fukurokujin; Ally Influence 3 /Devotion max 3
Kakita Hyoukasha (Major Player)- The Judge, played by Saibankan; Ally Influence 3 /Devotion max 3
Busubi (Major Player)- The Groundskeeper, played by Saibankan; Ally Influence 1 /Devotion max 2
Shiba Aibou, played by Fukurokujin; Ally Influence 2 /Devotion max 4
Shosuro Otoko, played by Saibankan; Ally Influence 2 /Devotion max 4
Yoritomo Tomodachi, played by Fukurokujin; Ally Influence 2 /Devotion max 4
Otomo Gaitsu, played by Fukurokujin; Ally Influence 4 /Devotion max 2
Haruijin- Tearoom Manager
Natsujin- Tearoom Manager
Akijin- Tearoom Manager
Fuyujin- Tearoom Manager
Heiribeiri- Tavernkeeper
Akatupo- Tapster

For Shiba Aibou, Shosuro Otoko, and Yoritomo Tomodachi--the Three Amigos--the following rules apply:

• Each of the Amigos is available as an Ally of 2 Influence; Devotion is open, and PCs of the Amigo’s Clan and Friendly Clans pay one point less for the level of Devotion, to a minimum of 1.
  • Shiba Aibou is Friendly with Crane and Lion.
  • Shosuro Otoko is Friendly with Dragon and MCA.
  • Yoritomo Tomodachi is Friendly with Crab and Unicorn.
  • Imperials count as Friendly to all three; ronin and monks count as Friendly toward none.
• Allied PCs may expend Devotion to enhance their artistic endeavors once and only once during the game. Each point of Devotion used allows the PC to roll one additional die on the Chosen Art roll (i.e., a Devotion 4 Ally allows the PC to roll +4k0 on one Chosen Art roll during the contest).
• Allied PCs will be asked in character to provide a favor for the Amigo. Failure to attempt it will result in the loss of the Ally with no refund of XP; such failure may also result in a loss of Honor and / or an increase in Infamy.

Name: Doji Utemaro
Position: Tournament Overseer and Lord of the Manor
Clan: Crane
Training: Doji Courtier
Gender: Male
Age: Late Middle Age
Martial Status: Married
Hair: White
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Thin
Disposition: Polite, if weary

Doji Utemaro is one of a multitude of Crane courtiers who give the Left hand of the Emperor its strength. Despite his long years of service, his greatest achievement is a recent one, having put forth the Crane clan's proposal for the Sapphire tournament and haven been granted the honor of hosting the first one in the Empire's history. The previous weeks have been spent making sure all is in readiness, made more difficult with his immediate family being on assignment elsewhere in the Empire.

Hooks:

Tournament Overseer: If you have any issues or comments about the Sapphire Tournament, Utemaro has the final say.
Lord of the Manor: As a local, Utemaro has a wealth of knowledge about the local area.
Family Troubles: Not a conversation to be entered into lightly, but there are whispers of dissent in Utemaro's family and the notable absence of his immediate family.

Name: Doji Takei
Position: Local Magistrate and Militia Commander
Clan: Crane
Training: Doji Magistrate
Gender: Male
Age: Late 20s
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Slightly taller than average
Build: Strong, though not heavily muscled
Disposition: Polite, yet tough

Doji Takei has served the Crane loyally both in battle and as a magistrate. Teitaku Town is the posting that he loves best for many reasons. He enjoys training the local militia, enjoying the local art scene (though he is not himself an active participant), and spending time with his beloved husband, Asahina Jorujo.

Hooks:

Local Magistrate: Laws of the Town been broken? Takei is on the case.
Militia Commander: Seasoned Veteran adept at martial training
Patron of the Arts: Of course, I'd love to see your latest works!

Name: Asahina Jorujo
Position: Shrine Keeper
Clan: Crane
Training: Asahina Shugenja
Gender: Male
Age: Late 20s
Martial Status: Married
Hair: White
Eyes: Black
Height: Slightly short
Build: Slight
Disposition: Gentle

Asahina Jorujo has been aptly described as the gentle spring breeze that rustles the charms of the local shrine that rejuvenates. A naturally soft-spoken man, he has a kind word and a work of origami for those who seek his council at the local shrine. He often goes on long walks with the local magistrate, the two appreciating the charms of the town together late into the night.

Hooks:
Expert Healer: Jorujo is well versed in medical knowledge and healing magic and is happy to help the injured and share his knowledge.
Origami Enthusiast: While certainly not a master of the art, Jorujo love origami and is eager to learn more about art in general.
Close to the Magistrate: For those who find the magistrate too imposing, it is well known the healer has his ear and can put in a good word with him.

Name: Kakita Akuba
Position: Art Critic
Clan: Crane
Training: Kakita Artisan
Gender: Female
Age: Early 30s
Martial Status: Married
Hair: White
Eyes: Black
Height: Slightly taller than average
Build: Lithe
Disposition: Brutal

A true flower of the Crane (assuming that that flower is wisteria), Kakita Akuba has never viewed a piece of artwork she could not find a flaw in. Her open criticism of art is a work of art itself, some say, carved into an artist's soul with her razor sharp tongue and rinsed with the tears of those foolish enough to share their joy with her. There is only one person in the Empire truly safe from her criticism: her husband.

Hooks:
Oh, you call yourself an artist? Akuba is happy to point out all the flaws in your work. Publicly.
Sadane Master: Oh, you'd like to pay Sadane with me? How cute. And helping the less fortunate is a virtue.
My husband: Is the love of my life. Hands. Off.

Name: Kakita Hyoukasha
Position: Competition Judge
Clan: Crane
Training: Kakita Artisan
Gender: Male
Age: Early 30s
Martial Status: Married
Hair: White
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Average
Disposition: Stoic

In all things there must be balance. Besides the roaring inferno that is Kakita Akuba stands the glacial Kakita Hyoukasha. While his wife unleashes a torrent of searing words with a passionate gleam in her eyes, Hyoukasha observes with a detached boredom and is incredibly parsimonious with his words. This is not to say he has no talent with words. As a renowned Noh playwright, Kyoukasha's words have moved audiences to tears. Still, beyond his wife, little seems to interest him in town.

Hooks:

Oh you're a fan: The piece speaks for itself, my words should have no bearing on your interpretation.
Oh, you're an actor: An actor between works should be like water awaiting a vessel.
Oh, you're a playwright: No, I'm not familiar with your work, but if you must discuss it....

Name: Shiba Aibou
Position: Phoenix Diplomat
Clan: Phoenix
Training: Shiba Artisan
Gender: Male
Age: Late 20s
Martial Status: Single
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Slightly heavier than average
Disposition: Dreamer

A renowned painter, Aibou has spent a good deal of time travelling around the lands of the Phoenix, Crane, and Lion, painting majestic landscapes of plains, mountains and everything in between. Rather than competing in the Sapphire Tournament, Aibou is here to petition for the right for the Phoenix to host the tournament next year. And so he divides his time between petitioning Utemaro, painting the local area, and courting Otoko....with varying degrees of success.

Hooks:

The future of the Sapphire Tournament: As the Crane's longest allies, it only makes sense for the Phoenix to host next year, don't you agree?
Shosuro Otoko: Truly the pinnacle of Scorpion Beauty, I must painting something that compliments such beauty.
Yoritomo Tomodachi: The Mantis don't get art, they just throw money around and expected to be taken seriously as artists. So annoying.

Name: Shosuro Otoko
Position: Scorpion Diplomat
Clan: Scorpion
Training: Shiosuro Actor
Gender: Female
Age: Late 20s
Martial Status: Single
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Slightly Average
Disposition: Coy

The name Shosuro Otoko is well known to those who move in theater circles, if not so much the face. Indeed, Otoko is always seen in public with a full mask, on and off stage. Surprisingly, unlike many of her caliber, Otoko's performances are almost exclusively in either remote Dragon courts, or on the very humble stages that the minor clans can furnish. While some have tried to start rumors about her looks or her intentions, they've gained little traction as a whole. Otoko herself seems untroubled by such barbs, trusting in dark beauty of the Scorpion clan and her considerable acting talents to keep the attention of those in power. Rather than seeking to become a sapphire ambassador, Otoko's been tasked with convincing the Crane to allow the Scorpion clan to host the tournament next year. A difficult task for most, but she does seem to have the lord's attention, along with aibou and Tomodachi....though certainly for quite different reasons.

Hooks:

The future of the sapphire tournament: Given the Scorpion clan's long tradition in the theater, it makes sense for the Scorpion to host next year. Perhaps in the Painted City?

Shiba Aibou: Ah, a man so obsessed with painting he's become as soft as one of his brushes. You see many such in artistic circles, but they're not worth notice.

Yoritomo Tomodachi: Ah, now that is a fine specimen of a man. A sculptor who himself seems to have been sculpted by Bishamon and Benten.

Name: Yoritomo Tomodachi
Position: Mantis Diplomat
Clan: Mantis
Training: Yoritimo Courtier
Gender: Male
Age: Late 20s
Martial Status: Single
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Tall
Build: Broad
Disposition: Intimidating

While the Crane and the Scorpion are well known for their artistic traditions and the Mantis for their somewhat gaudy approach to wealth, there are artists from the islands of silk and spice. While he looks like a rough and tumble sailor (and conducts himself in such a fashion when it serves him) Tomodachi is a fairly talented sculptor. Wood is his favorite medium, working with everything from humble pieces of driftwood to the surfaces of the Mantis's great sailing ships. However, he's been studying using other materials as well, stone with the Crab clan and glass with the Unicorn. In typical Mantis boldness, he's not here to become a sapphire ambassador, but instead to petition for the right for the Mantis to host next year's Sapphire Tournament. Still, the Mantis have a tradition of reaching seemingly beyond their means, and hauling back unexpected prizes before.

Hooks:

The Future of the Sapphire tournament: The Mantis can well afford the expense of hosting the tournament and can provide artistic inspiration not found on dry land.

Shiba Aibou: A kind and gentle man who offers his heart forward only to found it ground beneath a well groomed Scorpion heel. Such treasures should be protected.

Shosuro Otoko: A villain straight out of a play. I can only hope you've not been taken in by her wiles.

Name: Busubi
Position: Groundskeeper?
Affiliation: Brotherhood of Shinsei
Training: Shin\maki Monk
Gender: Male
Age: Early Middle Age?
Martial Status: Single?
Hair: None
Eyes: Black
Height: Tall
Build: Gangly
Disposition: Disturbing

Busubi is....well certainly memorable. A man so tall and thin that it seems like his skin is stretched too tightly across his bones. As if there's just a little bit of skin missing making his smile just a little too wide. Add in his habit of giving far too much eye contact, as if he's trying to look through the person he's talking and he is...as said, memorable....if not pleasantly so.

Hooks:

Groundskeeper?: I tend to the roots that need tending to. You know, one so often takes the ground beneath their feet for granted until it is no longer there.

The Shrine: A noisy place these days to be sure....not so noisy as some may think, but louder than so many realize.

The Sand Garden: There is so much more sand than rocks....but all rocks turn to sand eventually.

Name: Haruijin
Position: Tearoom Manager
Affiliation: Crane
Training: Merchant
Gender: Female
Age: 21
Martial Status: Single
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Short
Build: Petite
Disposition: Perky

The youngest of the four cousins, Harujin favors brightly colored clothes and strong floral perfumes. She moves quickly from table to table at the Opening Blossom Tea Room making sure that all her guests needs are cared for. Besides managing the tea room, she has a pair of songbirds in cages that she cares for with equal diligence, adding her voice to there's when there is no one else around.

Hooks:

The Best Manager: While I may have the least experience, I have the most creativity! It's time to update all the tea houses.
Flowers: Oh, I dearly love flowers, regardless of the season, and there are so many to see in town, so well tended.
Song: Song is truly amazing isn't it? It doesn't matter, if it's a samurai or a songbird, it's the best way to share your feelings with others.

Name: Natsujin
Position: Tearoom Manager
Affiliation: Crane
Training: Merchant
Gender: Female
Age: 22
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Average
Disposition: Warm and Sunny

The second youngest of the four cousins, Natsujin runs the waving grass tea room with a smile as warm as a good cup of tea. She favors dark clothes with metallic highlights. Beyond caring for the tea room, she also has learned quite a bit about taking care of the koi fish that swim by her establishment, making for some rather fat and happy koi in the pond.

Hooks:

The Best Manager: It's passion that marks a truly great manager, and of the four, I am unequalled in my passion for running these tea houses.
Fish: It's fascinating to watch fish swimming about in their own little world, it's such an interesting reflection of the world above the water.
Running: Besides tea, if you ever need a quick pick-me-up, you should go for a run. After all, they say when you stop running, that is when your youth is over.

Name: Akijin
Position: Tearoom Manager
Affiliation: Crane
Training: Merchant
Gender: Female
Age: 23
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Tall
Build: Slightly heavier than average
Disposition: Stately

The tall figure of Akijin is often on the move, whether it's checking the market for fresh seasonal ingrediants, managing the tea room, or cooking behind the scenes. There is an elegance to her manner that is respected by many. While she might seem an imposing figure to some, very few share any reservations about interacting with her boon companion, Adzuki.




Hooks:

The Best Manager: Of course tea is important when running a tea room, but without the appropriate snack to serve it with, it's just hot leaf water.
Cook: I would be very interested in learning more about your regional cooking traditions. Perhaps we could add some to the menu?
Adzuki: Dogs are wonderful companions. The love and loyalty they give you is second to none.

Name: Fuyujin
Position: Tearoom Manager
Affiliation: Crane
Training: Merchant
Gender: Female
Age: 24
Martial Status: Widowed
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Thin
Disposition: Solemn

Fuyujin is the eldest of the four cousins, well known for her serious demeanor. She speaks only as much as necessary to the customers of her tea house, adding to the air of tranquility it is known for. Often her constant companion, Yuki trails behinds her quietly.

Yuki:


Hooks:

The Best Manager: As the eldest, my experience makes me the best manager.
Meditation: Tea and Meditation are the best ways to find one's center.
Yuki: A cat's company is a heart-warming experience indeed.

Name: Heiribeiri
Position: Tavernkeeper
Affiliation: Crane
Training: Merchant
Gender: Male
Age: Middle-Aged
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: Tall
Build: Wiry
Disposition: Worried

Heiribeiri is a very frantic man, racing to provide the kind of exceptional service that one expects from a well-run Crane Inn. Perfection is, after all, a lofty goal, and one which various misfortunes have prevented the Jinbaori from achieving multiple times in the past. He has, however, hired a new cook, Sunenokaiyo, after the most recent unfortunate unspeakable noodle incident, and things seem to be turning around.

Sunenokaiyo:





Hooks:

At your service: The Jinbaori is your home away from home. If there is anything you need, just ask.
Unlucky: Well...accidents happen. A missing shipment there, a minor fire there, but believe me, all the issues have been resolved.
New Staff: Sunenokaiyo is quite a good cook. I wouldn't be surprised if her food doesn't make the Jinbaori even more famous.

Name: Akatupo
Position: Bartender
Affiliation: Crane
Training: Merchant
Gender: Male
Age: Middle-Aged
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Salt and Pepper
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Average
Disposition: Sleezy

Far from more refined sake houses, Akatupo runs the Fallen Blossom Sake Bar. The Bar is in the poorer section of town, and Akatupo has drinks for a suprisingly wide variety of clients, from water that was once in the same room as some rice for the destitute, to some suprisingly strong brews for those who want to slum it while spending a pretty coin doing it. Akatupo doesn't judge people for patronizing his bar...though his wandering eye certainly judges the patrons on an entirely different standard.

Hooks:
Fallen Blossom Sake Bar: What's your poison?
Illicit goods?: Look, the Crane pride themselves on being hosts, neh? I just serve what the customer demands....for the right price.
Wandering eye: Mmhmm, hate to see you leave, but love to watch you walk away.

Name: Otomo Gaitsu
Position: Your Better
Affiliation: Imperial
Training: What do you think?
Gender: Male
Age: Middle-Aged
Martial Status: Out of your league.
Hair: Queued
Eyes: Black
Height: Average
Build: Average
Disposition: Haughty

Otomo Gaitsu just happens to be passing through at the moment, and it's just such a delight that there's this...festival?...going on right now. It might almost make the drudgery of travel worth the time and trouble, wouldn't it? It's always so...charming...to see the little people going about their quaint little ways...

Hooks:
Well, isn't this just so charmingly rustic?
Have you met my yojimbo? Do you want to?
What was I doing about this time last month...