PCs

[Bayushi Choudai]

Bayushi Choudai
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Height: Average
Build: Slender
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Occupation: Bayushi Bushi... albeit kind of an odd one. Also a skilled chef.
Marital status: Engaged, although he doesn't know it yet.

Bayushi Choudai is a young bushi who's already seen a fair bit in his service to the Scorpion Clan. The grandson of the fearsome Bayushi Oba, nephew of Bayushi Koga, many find it odd that he wasn't trained as a courtier. Certainly, his appreciation for artistic endeavors and his dedication to the culinary arts are more noteworthy than any martial accomplishments he cares to speak of.

He used to work in the Painted City, helping with guard duties and serving as his uncle's companion and perpetrator of legwork. After Koga's retirement, Choudai dropped out of sight, only for his name to turn up in accounts of the war in Naishou Province- a war which was disastrous for the Scorpion Clan's military. Still, he seemed to come out of the war materially better-off than he had been... whatever it was he was doing during the conflict. His involvement is a somewhat murky matter.

Following the Scorpion's losses, negotiations for Choudai's marriage have begun in earnest... with what can only be called a dutiful level of enthusiasm from Choudai himself.


Current mask:


The bishi bastard without his mask:




Hooks:

• Were you in Naishou province during the war? Rumor has it, so was Choudai.
• Were you in the Painted City prior to the war? You might recall Choudai- he wore a different mask at the time, quite distinct from his current avian-themed one.
• Do you like cooking? So does Choudai!
• He seems to know an awful lot about the Crab Clan.
• Looking for a deadly Scorpion bushi? Keep looking- his known martial accomplishments are incredibly sparse.

[Isawa Soichiro]

Name: Isawa Soichiro
Position: Ambassador's aide's husband and homemaker.
Affiliation: Phoenix Clan
Training: Shiba Artisan
Gender: Male
Age: 47
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Height: 4'11
Build: Slight
Disposition: Getting back into the swing of things.

The seventh of nine children, Asako Soichiro was never going to be much more than someone's spouse. And, aside from a brief, glorious sunrise at Winter Court, Kyuden Doji in 1141, that is precisely what he has been. He married Isawa Daigoro in the spring of 1142 and never looked back, raising four adopted children and playing the perfect host and homemaker, quietly supporting his husband's endeavors with meticulously planned parties and exquisite flower arrangements, sculptures, and other marvels for gifting purposes. As a result, the well-supported Daigoro has remained a solid player on the Phoenix Ambassadorial staff, and Soichiro has faded. Things have changed recently. With their children all grown, Daigoro seized an opportunity to return some shine to his fading jewel. He threw a considerable piece of Phoenix political capital supporting Utemaro's proposal for the Sapphire Championship, and in recompense a slot in the competition opened for Soichiro. Can this former Darling of the Court and homemaker hold his own against the great, the good, and the young, of the Empire's art scene? We shall see.


* Are you also in your middle-age or older? You might remember a (much) younger Soichiro's highly successful debut at Winter Court 1141. Where's he been all this time? What happened?

* Are you familiar with the Empress' Court? You might know Soichiro's husband, Daigoro, a prominent aide to the Phoenix Ambassador. Perhaps you attended a party at their manor?

* Perhaps you are married or related to one of Soichiro's eight siblings? Large families can have wiiiide connections.

[Otomo Yua]

Backstory:
Name: Otomo Yua
Gender: Female
Clan: Imperial
Age: 15
Height: 4’10
Build: Oh so beautiful
Occupation: Courtier
Marital Status: Single
Eyes: Soft brown eyes
Hair: Black and long

Otomo Yua, niece of the Otomo daimyo Otomo Hoketuhime, is viewed as one of the few true delights of the Imperial courts since her gempukku a year ago. With looks that can only be described as adorable, extremely well looked after medium length black hair, pale skin without a single blemish on it and soft brown eyes that could melt the hardest of hearts, she is often compared to the beauty of Crane or Scorpion maidens. Her voice is soft and sweet, a pleasure to hear no matter if she is singing or talking. Coupled with the grace she carries in her movements and her kind and compassionate personality, it is easy to forget she is trained by the Otomo, and many a fight has happened over her attention without her even seeming to prefer one or the other.

In attendance at the Winter court of Kyuden Naishou, Yua heard about the tournament first hand. Curious, she spoke with her superiors who agreed an event like this should have some Imperial representation. Yua, with her natural talent for the arts as well as being very young, was perfect for the role.

Hooks:

• Attended the Recent Winter court? You may have come across the young courtier making her Winter Court debut and not looking out of place
• Those who frequently talk with the Otomo may have heard of Yua
• Yua likes art, unsurprisingly. She's a talented singer.
• A fan of tea? Yua is!

[Bayushi Ameiko]

Bayushi Ameiko
Clan/Family: Scorpion, of the Bayushi family
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Height: 5'4"/162.5cm (and still growing)
Build: lithe (and still filling out)
Occupation: Bushi, yojimbo to Otomo Gaitsu
Marital Status: Single
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Ameiko completed her training at the famous 100 Stances Dojo, even among a terrible incident that occurred there. Proving her training was a success she was given her daisho and mask, as a reward for her excellence she was invited to be the yojimbo of Otomo Gaitsu, an influential member of the imperial court. Ameiko is growing still, publicly she does not seem to find herself out of place despite her age, already having showed great poise in social matters, but it would of course be impossible for one her age to not engage in some manner of foolery...right?

Confident and with a clear idea of where she stands with others, Ameiko does not seem to care much for friendship, but is always friendly despite this. Perhaps it is her duty as a yojimbo, or perhaps she finds others to be lacking in some way that keeps her from getting close to them.

In her travels with her charge, they have arrived at the manor town and much to her surprise, Gaitsu gave her leave to participate in this quaint competition if she wished. And so she practiced her shakuhachi to prepare.

Hooks
Have you studied the blade? Ever heard of the 100 Stances?
The shakuhachi is a simple but elegant instrument, wouldn't you say?
Have you experienced the disgusting and disappointing reality of the Empire as well? Let us never speak of it.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

Doji Nadeshiko
Gender: Woman
Clan: Crane
Occupation: Bushi & aspiring poet
Marital Status: "...perhaps that is best a topic of discussion for some other time." She dresses as a maiden does, so likely unmarried?
Age: 18
Height: 5'3"
Build: Solid from intense training, but with some softness due to a life-long love of sweets.
Hair: Extremely long. Tri-colored; black at the roots, fading to blue at the mid-back then the Crane bleached white.
Eyes: One sky blue, the other clouded by a cataract. She's been losing sight in her eyes slowly, and it gives her headaches.
Nature: Romantic
Demeanor: Amiable

A warm and affable Doji one could easily mistake for a fool, but a good-natured fool, at least. There's a warm air about her; it's given Nadeshiko a tendency to make friends wherever she goes. She's hopeful she'll find even more here, and, if not that, perhaps a good position to make her family proud. (The life of a poet suits her better, anyway...)
Nadeshiko completed her gempukku at thirteen and more recently released a pillow book of poetry and musings on spring; otherwise she seems to have done little to distinguish herself from her peers over the last five years despite her supposed talents. Crane and Shosuro can PM for more.

Hooks:

• Perhaps you've read her work, Cry of Spring? (PM if you want her pillowbook)
• If the cause is right and just, Nadeshiko's happy to act as another's champion.
• Loves to serve tea and talk art, especially poetry, though she'll get excited over anything artistic or crafty. Do you need help with ideas? Want a friendly critique? Nadeshiko's your girl!
• Always seeking fellow romantics... if you've a tale of love to tell or a good romantic play to recommend, she's all ears.
• Who will stumble upon kittens with her?!?
• Loves writing and receiving letters!

ETA: As a general aside, please don't use any of the art I post of this character. I made it myself for my own personal use. Thank you!

[Taijo]

Taijo
Clan/Family: Four Temples Monk
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Height: 5'6"/167.6cm
Build: Strong and lean
Occupation: Monk
Marital Status: Monk
Hair: Bald
Eyes: Light Brown


Hard of body and soft of voice Taijo is a contradiction, though he may look like a Sohei you are much more likely to find a rake in his hands than a staff. Always with a smile on his face he can often be found humming or softly singing a tune as he goes about his day. In stark contrast to his appearance his voice is light and soft like someone ten years younger. He is easily distracted by natural beauty, spending an hour staring at a flower growing in an odd way is common for him and often leads to him getting lost both in body and thought.


Hooks
Do you love the effortless harmony of nature?
Need some cryptic advice or the rocks outside your window raked?
Did you find me in a random location staring at something?
Lets talk.

[Kaiu Kunio]

Kaiu Kunio
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 5
Build: Bulky
Occupation: Craftsman, Imperial Legionnaire
Marital Status: Single
Hair: Brown Buzzcut.
Eyes: Amber

Kaiu Kunio, an oddity for the family, is certainly better off away from the wall. His time in service of the Imperial Legion has given him more insight into the minute details of administration (emphasis on minute). Like any up and coming craftsman, his looks aren't much to look at, in fact, his friends would all proclaim the fact that he has hair at all is a blessing. At first listen, you might be able to mistake his gruff voice for a man 10 years his senior, but that is simply the result of dedicated service to the forge. Don't let his appearance fool you though, he's ready to lend a hand whenever the cause is good.

Hooks:

• Ever been to Water Hammer City? No, well then let me tell you all about how much work you can get done there.
  Who doesn't love a good wall? Can't tell what the difference is, no problem Kunio will show you.
  Crafts of any kind are looked upon well by this samurai.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

Name: Shosuro Hatsuki
Position: Artisan - specifically makeup artist and crafter of custom cosmetics
Affiliation: Scorpion Clan
Gender: Female
Age: 19
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Black
Eyes: Blue
Height: 5'3"
Build: Delicate... though a little heavier-set than she was, especially around the middle.

Shosuro Hatsuki is a former Doji, and one of a pair of twins. She was a somewhat unusual student of the Kakita Artisan School, refusing to pursue a traditional art in favor of what her sensei considered a bizarre focus on makeup. Not being taken seriously for so long caused her to develop a considerable chip on her shoulder about the whole thing, and she can be very defensive about her art. Despite that, she managed to gain some notice for her skills, especially her talent for being to put attention on whoever she used her skills for. Despite her initial successes, while her brother has gone on to bigger and better things within the Clan (especially now that his hair has grown back somewhat after a particularly disastrous incident at the Painted City), Hatsuki married into the Shosuro family.

Despite some initial growing pains, she has done her best to get settled in and acclimated to life within the Clan, learning how to get along within it. She's found surprising use for her skills, especially among acting troupes, and has finally developed a decent friendship with her spouse (despite her finding him a little unsettling at times). Good news even came to the couple a few months previous that their first child is on the way. Fortunately, the initial sickness has abated in time for her to attend and hopefully finally prove herself to those who doubted her.

Her mask is a work of art, delicate porcelain shaped to her face with calligraphy etched and then painted onto it.

Hooks:

• Despite her sometimes-grumpiness, Hatsuki has a passion for all kinds of art, from poetry to cooking, and loves to talk to anyone who shares it... that has an open mind about what art can be, anyway.
• Want some makeup lessons or even to have yours done? Hatsuki likes any chance to practice.
• Perhaps you know her twin brother?
• Hatsuki has grown rather fond of stories of tragic love over time.

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

Name: Horiuchi Sriyani
Clan: Unicorn
Position: Meishodo Priestess and Artisan
Gender: Woman
Age: 22
Martial Status: Betrothed (into Phoenix)
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'5"


One expects athleticism from the Unicorn. Sriyani, while as hale as hammering metal and walking traplines can make her, would not fit the mold. Her hands bear the calluses and scars of her craft--on display dangling from her wrists, tucked into her wealth of hair, and draped around her neck. Metals fine and base bend in shapes that call clearly to the elements. Gemstones, polished beads of shell and wood, and a warmth of carved ivory rattle and shine wherever she goes, drawing attention from skin that speaks of the Sands and sharp, wary eyes.

There's a length to her step and her gaze that reflect the roaming nature of the Unicorn, things learned outdoors where they horizons are wide and one moves without a court's clustered crowd to avoid jostling. While her work has found its way into the courts here and there, there's not even a rumor of Sriyani herself in the courts.

Hooks:
Unicorn? Well, it's not like we all know one another, but there's few enough of us at these kinds of things, we should at least say hi. Also, Sriyani is known, at least a bit, for not riding. She travels with the wagons instead.

Phoenix? Sriyani's marrying into the Isawa, perhaps you know the family? Have opinions on folks marrying in? Have opinions on the Isawa snatching up all the shugenja they can get their hands on?

Speaking of shugenja. Also not always many of us around. There are new spirits to chat up, conversations to be had about how best to shove them into jewelry of the right sort, and blessings to pursue.

Sriyani makes jewelry, some of it suitable for Meishodo, some simply lovely to wear. Pieces have been given as gifts and otherwise used to benefit her family and clan. Perhaps you've seen some before?

Tea is always a welcome topic and beverage to pause for.

[Matsu Inori]

Name: Matsu Inori (松祈里)
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: It's complicated. Has been seen painting
Age: 14
Height: 5'2"/158cm
Build: Fairly trained/beefy for a kid, like most Matsu (around 50kg/110 lbs)
Hair: Dark brown, shoulder length
Eyes: light brown

Inori was born as Yuuka, second daughter to an officer from a cadet branch of the Matsu main family - her parents were very Lion, still not too far removed from the main line of succession and eager to maintain rank or climb again. So, naturally their daughters were trained in Shiro Matsu itself to become officers.
Yuuka, back then, wasn't a prodigy of any sort, but sincere and hard-working, willing to put in the sweat and the hours. This all went well for a while, and she seemed to grow into her role as a bushi, spear to hand. That is until her mind started wandering. Yuuka lost focus, started imagining....seeing strange apparitions and fell behind in her studies.

Her parents pulled strings to have her sent to the 1000 stances Dojo, for some of the best Sensei in the empire to salvage her prospects. Turbulent events, and eventually tragedy struck there, and at the end of it she reemerged as Inori - without a Katana, but with an easel and a paintbrush, and confusing new knowledge about the world and her place in it.

She'll make do. Figure it out, somehow. Seek out wise men or teachers, read scrolls with all the sincere effort she can manage. Inori will find her way - maybe with the help of what feels like a gentle hand on her shoulder, at the strangest times.

A not-so-gentle hand, however, saw her painting, and planted itself firmly between her shoulder blades to propel her all the way to Crane lands for the Sapphire championship. An Artisan? Not her!
Difficult to explain that to a Hatamoto though, when you hardly understand it yourself.


Hooks:

- No Katana, but Inori can still be seen in the Dojo doggedly doing calisthenics and training with a mock spear

- Painting? She does that, but she paints strange things, and insists that it'S not really for the sake of art or aesthetics. She'd be interested in talking to other painters though, to learn or exchange ideas

- Sometimes stands around in certain locations and stares at things it seems only she can see

- Overly serious and gloomy kid trying to figure herself out. Like the younger sister some people sometimes wished they didn't have to deal with.


Character artwork by Ayywa

[Mirumoto Jakuchou]

Name: Mirumoto Jakuchou
Clan: Dragon
Occupation: "Retired" Bushi
Gender: Woman
Age: 64
Martial Status: Married
Hair: Gray, short
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'3"

Jakuchou is definitely outside the norm for Rokugan. Usually when a samurai retires, they do so to the Brotherhood. She just lives at the temple closest to the Taoist dojo. If her life wasn't already relatively monk-like she probably would have joined one of the many Shinsei based temples.

As it is, however, she fills in for sword instructors and tutors students of her dojo, relaxes in gardens, shares tea and conversation, and enjoys a retired life. It was suggested to her to attend this event in the off chance she was able to perform well and find something constructive to do in her golden years.

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Name: Kitsune Shizenko
Clan: Fox
Occupation: Shugenja
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Marital Status: Single
Hair: Red
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 5' 6"

Shizenko is a little naive yet understand that human affairs can affect those she need to protect. She is followed by a mischievous racoon dog that collects leaves. She grew up in Kyuden Kitsune and most of her life in Kitsune Mori, she rarely knows what to expect from human interactions. She knows her animals and how to find them.

Hooks:
Do you like animals? Here is little Raakun!
Want to know about forest animals? Well... Let's talk
Do you like cute little paper replicas of animals? Here you go!
Need a heal? Won't let you die.

[Doji Minori]

Doji Minori
Clan/Family: A fair lady of the Doji
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Height: 1.60 m
Build: Neat and graceful
Occupation: Duelist, poet
Marital Status: Single
Hair: White
Eyes: Black

Doji Minori is a samurai ko of the Crane clan. The young woman is trained in the Kakita Dueling Academy just like her mother before her. Since her very early days in the academy she showed talent for dueling and poetry. Her father is a courtier and she has two older brothers and one baby sister, who is an actual baby, actually.

Minori was betrothed since even before her birth to a Bayushi courtier, the result of a minor agreement regarding… rice. Unfortunately the groom to be found sudden death two winters ago as a result of pneumonia. Her father was fast enough to arrange a second betrothal to a good lad of the Kakita this time since the Bayushi had no other unmarried brothers and the Scorpion were not unwilling to forget an agreement that was signed decades ago. But the Kakita was also unfortunate enough to die in a minor incident in the borders with the Lion a few months ago. So Minori is once again single but not really looking since this is a matter for her parents to arrange. Her father took the very first step towards this direction by arranging for his daughter to participate in a unique artisan event in the Naishu province. Soon more people will know her name and thus want her hand.

Hooks:

- Poetry, dueling, fashion, life at court
- Do you love... life? Do simple things flood you with enthusiasm? Let's celebrate being alive and well together!
- Flirting. Politely of course. A fair lady of the Crane knows no other way to do it.
- Do you also have a baby sister, who is an actual baby, actually? Aren't they a funny type of little persons?

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

Togashi Yoshiaki
Clan/Family: Togashi Tattooed Order
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Height: 6'
Build: muscular and athletic, on the lean side
Occupation: Tattoo artist
Marital Status: Single
Hair: White
Eyes: dull silver

Yoshi is a member of the togashi order said to have been raised there since he was a baby. He knows nothing of his birth parents and knows only his caregivers and sensei of the dojo. The young man has pure white hair and eyes that are a dull silver color which some find unsettling. He often has markings on his face that seem to have no discernable meaning and sometimes change daily but other times will stay constant for weeks. He has the lean muscular physique typical of those that train in the Order as well as a calm and collected demeanor. He has two Tattoos, a gorgeous Crane in flight across his chest and a beautiful Ki-rin bounding across his upper back.

Yoshi has been training in the sacred art of Tattooing for many years and was the best at his monastery outside of his sensei. When they heard about the competition he petitioned to go and with some consideration his lord allowed it. As a parting gift his sensei gave Yoshi a special set of needles that had been passed down through the generations.

Hooks:

- Do you do art that others might consider unconventional? He wants to hear all about it!
- looking for a sparring partner? He's no warrior but all monks learn self defense and the importance of seeking enlightment through exercise
- Have you always been curious about the monks and their tattoos? It's a subject he will talk about at length.
- enjoy tea? He doesn't know much about making it but he adores a good cup now and again. Maybe you'll join him?

[Tsi Hamada]

Name: Tsi Hamada
Position: Smith and otherwise artsy person
Affiliation: Tsi (Ronin/Recently achknowledged family)
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Martial Status: Single
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'8"
Build: Toned, bulky in the shoulders (but she tries to hide it)

The Tsi family has only recently been identified as a ronin family, leaving them in a somewhat precarious position. Hamada is one of the newest to reach adulthood, making her not only a prime example of the school, but also a eligable partner for marriage. She hopes to prove herself as a smith to bring honor, but has also been instructed to make as favorable a match as she can with other Clans, possibly to be accepted into one and pave a way for inclusion as a member of a Great Clan.

Hooks:

• Hamada is interested in all kinds of crafting. Do you have a unqiue style or medium? She'll be curious about it.
• Single and ready to mingle, and by mingle she means finding a spouse to legitimize the family.
• Is it looks like a ronin, and talks like a ronin, she might just me a- *furious whispering* oh

[Asahina Asano]

Name: Asahina Asano
Clan: Crane
Position: Priestess
Gender: Disney Princess
Age: 19
Martial Status: Single
Hair: White
Eyes: Grey
Height: 5'10"

Ayano is a sheltered, innocent individual who grew up in the heart of Asahina lands. Largely spared from politics and hardship, she grew up in a farming area where she was taken in as a kind of local magical girl by the local peasantry... whose woods and farms she would tromp across. Growing up with animal friends and a love of stories, she took naturally to air magic and talking to the Air kami. As she's grown up she's somehow kept the same innocence despite the happenings in the Empire, believing that everything will work out in the end, since samurai are just and honorable people!

She's come to the tournament to compete, but her lord doesn't believe she has much of a shot. Still, they think it would do her good to meet more non-Crane samurai... and just hope she doesn't get into any trouble.

HOOKS:
* Do you like animals? I can talk to them! And they're really good listeners too.
* Wanna go exploring? I'd love to see the land around here.
* Have any stories? I love hearing of far off places and daring adventures.
* Do you have interesting tea? I'd love to try it! I don't get to talk or try tea much back home... just plain temple tea.

[Ikoma Yuiko]

Name: Ikoma Yuiko
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Omoidasu
Age: 18
Height: 5'7"/170cm
Build: Athletic and toned
Hair: Dark brown, mid-back length
Eyes: Light brown

Never too far from a dish of good sake, Yuiko is a finely trained and honed Lion machine for turning fine alcoholic beverages and raucous living into grand stories: ones that, naturally, come out all the better for the teller having been in the thick of it all!

A true daughter of Ikoma, one with the proper - if distant - pedigree to prove it, Yuiko comes to the competition fresh off a tour as an attaché to the staff of a senior officer in one of the Lion's many armies. Though kept away from the hottest fighting, Yuiko was kept close enough at hand to properly records the glorious goings-on for posterity and retelling. For her skill and diligence at this work, she was awarded the opportunity to accompany her superior to court and so properly retell their glorious deeds for the edification and approval of the great and good.

With her former boss having secured something of a promotion for deeds on the battlefield (especially ones so richly regaled in the retelling), a letter of recommendation and a release to participate at this event was only just. Perhaps here, Yuiko would come across new stories to tell and make some new ones of her own.


Hooks:

- Yuiko has a trained athleticism uncommon in your average courtier. Fancy a workout?

- Stay a while and listen! Yuiko's got stories, plenty of stories, and she's hardly boring to listen to unlike some other storytellers...

- Ikoma Yuiko has very strong opinions about each and every sake house she's visited and she's visited many of them.

- Surprisingly enough, Yuiko's a deft hand at poultices, unguents, liniments, bandages, needle, and thread. She helped out at the field hospitals of her clan on campaign as well as having had to take care of herself after a wild night at the sake house got, perhaps, too wild.

[Doji Yoshino]

Name: Doji Yoshino
Occupation: Courtier
Age: 21
Marital Status: Single
Gender: Female
Height: 5'4"
Build: Slender
Hair: Black and long with an eye covering fringe. Often tied up
Eyes: Very dark blue

Yoshino is apparently a Doji maiden, but she looks more like a Yasuki than a Crane. Her hair is kept its natural black and often simply tied up. Her clothes are expensive, yes, but the colour palette is more muted than the usual shining sky blue her kin wear. Even her eyes are a darker, more sombre colour than the mesmerizing azure hues so often seen amongst the Crane. Perhaps this is why there are rumours she is shunned by the majority of her family and even that she was loudly religiously reprimanded by brave Sohei monks. Is she an ill behaved black sheep? Is she cursed? Some might even suspect she's some bastard child of a samurai and a peasant. She has no trouble talking about commerce, economics and the value of things after all. If that wasn't a sign of peasant heritage to a Crane, then what would be? She has no immediate family among the Doji either, which is surely suspicious.

On the other hand her behaviour is more explainable if compared to most Crab, especially the Yasuki. She even somewhat comes across as one. If she were a little more martial, a bit more cut throat or a pinch more crafty.... maybe. Maybe she could pass herself off as one. However, she displays Crane Mon and there is only ever a Doji Mon over her heart on her inner kimono. The truth is that she does have hints of Lady Doji's descendants about herself. Yes, she can be short in conversation, even morbid, but her dry humour is still an attempt at humour. Still an attempt to engage with others. She's rarely outright rude to anyone. In fact, most of her cutting remarks are reserved only for herself. Like other Doji and Kakita she is very sincere, cultured and artistic. More than others she is loyal and hard working. When she is at ease and encouraged to sing or tell a story her whole demeanour can change. Her usual impassive voice is replaced by something altogether more vivacious and enchanting. What could have been... her Crane ancestry is more likely than Crab when these details and her slender build are considered. She is certainly more the Daidoji warrior that became jaded on the Wall than a Hida turned into a princess after time spent in Kyuden Kakita. This makes some sense, as she has travelled from Crab lands to this competition. She is said to work in Yasuki Yashiki and Shiro Kaotsuki no Higashi attending to minor matters as part of the Crane ambassadorial delegation. How she ended up apparently studying with the Crab and learning their ways is more an unknown, along with how she ended up invited to the Sapphire gathering at all.

She cannot be said to be famous or breathtakingly beautiful unlike some of the other competitors. She also dresses in a less flamboyant style and presents herself with humility. This means she is easily overlooked. Other Doji might prefer it that way. Yoshino alone knows what caused her family to be ostracised and why she is so deadpan. In the past she was not like this. Those precious few that know her well would say that even if she isn't her once animated self, at least she isn't the broken shell she was when that event happened. That she's on the road to recovery and, with any luck, some measure of contentment. Maybe she'll take another step in that direction during her stay here? Of course, being a pessimist these days, if Yoshino was asked about any of this she'd certainly insist that calm moments happen before a storm.

Hooks:
• Did you train among the Doji courtiers? Perhaps you knew her as a student or saw the change that occurred in her and among the sensei in regards to her close to her gempukku?
• Are you a Crab or do you visit them? You may have met her in Crab lands or be aware of those Crab that took her under their wing.
• Have you ever been involved with many documents? Yoshino is a competent scribe that writes a great deal of letters, records agreements in writing and captures notes on behalf of her Clan. You may have come across these or a missive penned by her hand.
• Ever visited Crane lands? Yoshino returns sometimes, including over winter when more important Crane make the journey to see the Crab, so you may have encountered her.
• Singers, story tellers, lovers of the written or spoken word: Yoshino is a card carrying member. She likes to listen to stories and to read.
• Introverted? Yoshino is too. Maybe we can be a little awkward and grumpy together? At least she'll make you tea.

[Moshi Tatsuya]

Name: Moshi Tatsuya
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Merchant-Cartographer
Age: 20
Height: 5'10"/179cm
Build: Long and lean
Hair: Vaguely-golden brown, always somewhat disheveled
Eyes: Chestnut brown

Though a Yasuki-trained Moshi is far too uncommon to be stereotyped as anything, Moshi Tatsuya is perhaps exactly what a Rokugani samurai would assume happens when a son of the Valley of Sun is sent to be trained by the empire's preeminent merchants. The young Mantis certainly has the diligence and self-assurance typical to all members of the Moshi family, but being neither female nor a shugenja left Tatsuya in his youth with few ways to distinguish himself. But being an oddity among the Yasuki, who already have a somewhat complicated relationship with other samurai, has given Tatsuya plenty of room to be who he chooses - within the confines of his duty to the Yasuki and Moshi.

Tatsuya doesn't talk about and rarely has interaction with other Moshi. His master, Yoritomo Tomodachi, sees that most of the wealth Tatsuya generates ends up in the hands of one of Tatsuya's cousins back in the Valley of Sun, financing improvements to various structures and needs.


Hooks:

- the stern-looking Moshi is still a salesman, first and foremost. Want something? Need something? Tatsuya knows a guy.

- curious about the Valley of Sun? If you ask, be prepared for Tatsuya to glare and then just walk off.

- catching him unawares? Perhaps there's some in-progress origami he's hastily trying to hide as he realizes you're there.