L5R Heresy Universe: Otosan Uchi

[Sylvain Torsin]

So here in the next few weeks we'll be starting up the next installment of the Heresy universe's game based off of the 'Heresy of the Five Rings' storyline in Imperial Histories 2.

For the upcoming game I'll put some general information here with a link to the new forum coming eventually.


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The basic premise underlying the game is that a great many members of the various clans are gathering as a result of the Emperor's desire to be wed has been made public. The Doji family, perennial spouses of the Emperors, succeeded in establishing a monopoly over the possible brides. Many delegates and their associates flock to the capital to ascertain who these women are and seek for ways to secure valuable agreements with powerful individuals on behalf of their clan. While it is not as formal as a Winter Court of the Emperor, this event draws the attention of all the eyes of Rokugan.

We'll be trying a slight variation on events this time around. There'll be a 'main' series of events centered around picking the emperor's bride. Additionally there'll be event chains that show up every couple of days that have little to do with that main thrust but instead offer some different flavors of the Capital. Players will have the opportunity to commit themselves to one of these event chains, which will give them priority placement in any event that fits that chain.... to the tune of a 24 hour headstart over the rest of the players that are not committed to that chain.

The titles of these chains include (and are not limited to):

Bloodspeaker Remnants

Yakuza Rising

Spirit Realm Problems

Kolat Acquisitions

The Oracle's Choice.

Clan Cultural Exhibitions

The intent is to provide some options to the gameplay besides the standard Courtier type vying for influence that will be highlighted in the main storyline. This is a bit of an experiment... but Otosan Uchi is a big place and we hope to provide some of the different shades of the capital in a way that would fit in with some standard character types that exist in the setting.

[Sylvain Torsin]

The Candidates:

Doji Kanekoshiko



This 'flower' of Doji maidenhood is the one with the best bloodlines of any of them, descended from three of the previous Emperors, and a sister of the current Doji Champion. She is also about 220 lbs of womanhood. Not because she isn't active; she's simply built like a sumo wrestler. She has never been known to be seen frequently at most social gatherings, though she is, in fact, known to like the Sumo matches.
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Doji Akumeko



A recent widow, She is a proven mother, having two children already, by her previous husband. She was a last minute addition to the listing of potential brides, as her husband was alive till recently. He seemed to pass suddenly, struck down by the kami in the middle of a conversation. She is known to be highly involved in politics, and to be a highly agreeable person.
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Doji Kumihime



This particular bride-candidate was a beauty famed far and wide; that is, before she was caught in an ambush among her Daidoji cousin's little civil war. She still has impeccable breeding, and bloodlines, but her face is now scarred, and will never live up to is past reputation. She is the most spiteful and unfriendly of the possible brides.
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Doji Mihatoko



This woman, who is plain of appearance, is the least as far as bloodlines go. She does, however, have many, many connections which have allowed her to get her name in connection. She is somewhat of a mysterious dark horse, with her motivations and tastes largely unknown.
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Doji Sumiko



This woman is probably the most beautiful of the possible brides since the scarring of Kumihime. She is friendly and polite to all, a well trained Doji maiden. Sadly, that is all she has to fall back on, as she is also the dimmest of the candidates. She is a bubblehead, taking weeks to implant any idea into her head. She doesn't think much about the Gorinno situation, but seems to feel he might be right (he's the famous kimono designer, right? He must be right!).

[Sylvain Torsin]

Some Returning Faces:



Otomo Sadako- Appointed Negotiator by the Emperor (Otomo Daimyo Hatamoto, 7.5)

Otomo Sadako is an austere and intimidating woman. She has served as the chief advisor to the Otomo Daimyo since the beginning of the ‘imbalance.’ She is known widely throughout the court as constantly advising in favor of a measured approach to the issue with the Hawk. Her widely known stance in favor of neutrality led to her appointment over this important mission. She is a well-connected woman who has few rivals (…left in the capital). She is well-trained in many of the finer arts of debate, oratory, and sadane. She gets the final say in any official matter that need be negotiated with the Imperials. Those who attempt to subvert her attempts to minimize complications, or discreetly attempt to avoid her gaze will find that she is not easily avoided and her vengeance cannot be extinguished without price.

(Sadako may not be taken as an Ally.)

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Seppun Haruka- Commander of the 3rd Imperial Legion (Rikugunshokan, 7.0)

Seppun Haruka is an exceptional young woman and younger sister of the Seppun Daimyo. While much of her training was done in the school of her family, Haruka also travelled throughout the Empire as a child to partake in training from several private sensei from each of the great clans. She rose through the ranks of the Imperial Legions at an impressive rate, increased by the misfortune of the recent past. Haruka is a serious and focused woman. She has a mind for strategy and logistics but also maintains a high sense of personal honor and direction. She has been known to be quite vocal in her disdain for any philosophical talk that threatens the peace of the Empire. She is trusted by many, but trusts few in return. She volunteered herself to be the court’s military liaison to the battle, feeling that only she could correct the problems that were sure to emerge in a conflict of such importance.

(Haruka may be taken as an Influence 4, Devotion 1 Ally with justification, or as a Devotion 2 Ally by members of the Imperial Legions and/or Seppun family... with proper justification.)

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Miya Sadaie- Imperial Kurodo (Miya Daimyo Karō, 5.5)

Miya Sadaie has been appointed by the Emperor to attend the festival and officiate all competitions of goodwill. Sadaie is known for being a master of games in the capital. His exploits in the court’s kemari tournaments are well-known by anyone who has an interest in such things. He is well versed on the current sumo scene, and has recorded many of the most important matches in recent days. He is a generally approachable and kind individual. He speaks with clarity and purpose, being trained in the school of his family and having spent several years as an Imperial herald in his younger days. Sadaie is known to have a great amount of interest in the philosophy of the Five Rings and pays special attention to any news related to violence that has emerged during the past several years. While his views are not widely known, Gorinno is rumored to have spent time in the capital discussing the philosophy personally with the Miya official.

(Sadaie may be taken as an Influence 2, Devotion 1 or 2 Ally by all members of the Hawk clan, or Ronin characters with proper justification.)

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Otomo Nachi- Imperial Matchmaker (Imperial Nakodo, 5.5)

Otomo Nachi is a newly appointed Nakodo. She spent much of her career in the various courts of the empire. She is known for being a quiet and well-mannered woman. There have been very few rumors of her or her exploits until very recently. Many were surprised at her sudden rise to an important position, but anyone who deals with her personally will soon find she is quite suited to the role. Nachi was married at a young age and already has two children in school who are excelling in their studies. She has been sent to primarily begin looking for potential spouses for Bayushi Mashiko, but her attention is also drawn to any who may show potential in this battle or the festival. She is known to be an excellent musician and conversationalist.

(Otomo Nachi may not be taken as an Ally.)

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Kitsune Sayuri- Minor Clan Ambassador (Kitsune Daimyo Karo, 5.0)

Kitsune (nee Asako) Sayuri was born and grew up in the City of Tears. Her mother was a renown historian and diplomat from the Asako family and her father a Fire Tensai with a personality that matched his elemental abilities. She was admitted into the Isawa Shugenja School and found a measure of success in both Air and Water elements. Unlike her father however, she chose to focus her talents on the less martial uses for the kami. She married into the Fox Clan after the events of the Shiro Kuni game. She is a renown historian and one of the caretakers of the Fox Clan's legendary library.

Sayuri’s appearance is quite appealing, she has all the correct proportions to make her highly desirable. If one ran into her in a snow storm and she was wearing white, she may very well be mistaken for a Yuki Onna. She has an alabaster complexion and is often physically cold to the touch. She enjoys ice and manipulating the water kami in it to create unique art. She has spent the last year in Fox Lands and the Imperial capital acting as a voice for the Fox clan towards the other Minor Clans and building a consensus concerning the Hawk issue. She was the individual responsible for the idea that commissioned the Hawk to join in the retaking of Shiro Kuni, but is also known as a friend to the Crane and Scorpion as a result of her reputation as one of the most vocal and visible opponents to the Five Ring Philosophy.

(Kitsune Sayuri may be taken as an Influence 2, Devotion 1 Ally by Minor Clan, Crane, Scorpion, and Phoenix PCs or characters who are members of the Kolat Conspiracy.)

[Remmington Thalalas]

Thanks for the preview. Looking forward to another installment of the Heresy game.

[Sylvain Torsin]

An event preview from the Bride Chain:

Public Offering.

Path: Doji Bride.

Time: EM-EE Any one, only once.

Where: Special.

Magic: Not allowed.

Each of the potential brides is looking for the support of the Heavens. You are one of those that have been selected to push a Bride's public appearance, by making an offering to one of the Fortune's in her name. You are given a simple offering by the one that asked you to do this. If you wish you may add more from your own supplies.

The first choice you must make is which Fortune to offer to. Due to her popularity with others that are making offerings, to make an offering to Benten, you must fight your way in, raising the TN of the roll by 3. If you choose one of the Lesser Fortunes, reduce the TN of the roll by 2. Though there are many Lesser Fortunes, they will all be counted as one group for this event. Monks gain 1 Free Raise for this roll. For each 1 Koku you spend on additional materials, you gain an additional Free Raise.

Making the Offering:
Lore: Theology (Fortunes)/Intelligence TN 15 or
Artisan: Any/Appropriate TN 15, but you must make one called Raise to make it a worthy offering.

The highest passing roll for each Great Fortune, and the combined Lesser Fortunes (8 choices in all), gains the Chosen Bride +2 Influence, as decided by the one who made the roll. Each person so deciding gains +0.2 glory.

[Sylvain Torsin]

Here are a list of Generic NPCs that can be taken at Character Creation or during gameplay:

Crab:

Kaiu Amanotora (♀) (1) - Architect and denizen of Shiro Kuni.

Hiruma Batako (♀) (4) - Future daimyo of the Hiruma family.

Hida Kii (♀) (1) - Very dedicated and loyal crab warrior, unmarried.

Yasuki Kinpira (♂) (2) - Disreputable man known for his fine collection of rare artifacts.


Crane:

Doji Shikamaru (♂) (2) - Aspiring Doji Magistrate with good breeding and a liking for tactics.

Daidoji Kaibun (♀) (4) - Sister of the Daidoji Daimyo and commander. Disliked by her numerous children for unknown reasons.

Asahina Gyoku (♀) (1) - Withdrawn shugenja with self-esteem issues.

Kakita Yubei (♂) (1) - Moderately well known duelist. Known for his capabilities with a sword... and for his evening pursuits.


Dragon:

Togashi Jinbo (♀) (2) - Wandering monk of the Dragon occasionally sent out to communicate orders to the more distant followers of the Dragon.

Mirumoto Aiki (♀) (1) - Mirumoto Duelist who traveled to several dojo across the land testing his skill.


Lion:

Ikoma Shinji (♂) (4) - War hero and cousin to the Ikoma Daimyo who lost his arm during the Bloodspeaker War.

Akodo Kyoko (♀) (1) - Up and coming strategist and aide to Seppun Haruka in the Imperial Legions.

Matsu Kaori (♂) (2) - Lion Gunso and veteran of the capture of Shiro no Meiyo.

Kitsu Kotso (♂) (1) - Officiant over an important but minor ancestral shrine in the capital.


Phoenix:

Asako Meiro (♂)(2) - Puzzle master and scholar, rumored to have a drinking problem.

Shiba Erika (♀) (4) - Hatamoto to the Shiba Daimyo. Former Yojimbo to the Master of Void, Isawa Amaku, recently relieved of that duty controversially.

Asako Tenshin (♂) (1) - Yasuki trained courtier and tax collector.

Isawa Hikari (♀) (1) - Unmarried Fire tensai. Younger daughter of the karo of the Master of Fire.


Scorpion:
Soshi Unmei (♂) (4) - Mysterious and calm governor of Anei Province in Scorpion lands.

Yogo Hatsuko (♀) (1) - She's a Yogo... yoriki in the capital.

Shosuro Kitahachi (♂) (1) - Political aide to Soshi Unmei. Young and promising poet.

Bayushi Yukisada (♂) (2) - Decorated veteran of the Battle of the Vale. Rumored to be a skilled biwa player.

[Sylvain Torsin]

Governors of the Various Districts of the Forbidden City:

Kanjo District

The governor of the Kanjo District is Otomo Sadako, who also serves as the Hatamoto to the Otomo daimyo. Otomo Sadako is an austere and intimidating woman. She has served as the chief advisor to the Otomo Daimyo since the beginning of the ‘imbalance.’ She is known widely throughout the court as constantly advising in favor of a measured approach to the issue with the Hawk. She is a well-connected woman who has few rivals (…left in the capital). She is well-trained in many of the finer arts of debate, oratory, and sadane. She gets the final say in any official matter that need be negotiated with the Imperials. Those who attempt to subvert her attempts to minimize complications, or discreetly attempt to avoid her gaze will find that she is not easily avoided and her vengeance cannot be extinguished without price.

(As listed above... Sadako may not be taken as an Ally.)

Chisei District

The governor of the Chisei District is Doji Chizuru. She is the cousin of the current Crane Clan Champion and trained as a Courtier. Her poetry and paintings are widely valued by all connoisseurs of art. She is known to be extraordinarily graceful but has subtly made it known that members of the 'Hawk' are not welcome in her streets... in the most politely passive aggressive means possible.

Doji Chizuru is an (Influence 3, Devotion 1 or 2) ally to any non-Hawk or Ronin character with proper justification.

Karada District

The governor of the Karada District is Kuni Michinaga. He is a grizzled man in his mid-forties who has put off retirement for several years now. He lived the life of a normal Kuni priest as a young man, and sired 15 children with his wife. He works directly with the Jade Champion to ensure the safety of the Emperor and his city from threats of a spiritual nature. Callous, rough, and direct, he is known for his reliance on common sense wisdom in administration. In private, and with a few liters of sake in him, he has been known to be willing to discuss some of the more philosophical aspects of the day.

Kuni Michinaga is a (Devotion 3, Influence 1 or 2) ally. He may be taken by Lion, Crab, Crane, and Hawk characters with proper justification.


Hito District

The governor of the Hito District is Akodo Sakusen. He is the oldest child of a well-bred Akodo lineage. Others have claimed a measure of glory or fame for their skill in strategy or combat within the Lion, but all who know him privately acknowledge him to be their superior. He has never lost in battle or personal combat, but has never sought for glory as a result of his deeds. He is one of the most well-respected men in all of the Lion clan, but personally he has always been rather cold. Many aspire to be like him, but few know him personally. He was married to a Seppun commander and given the post he now occupies.


Akodo Sakusen is an (Influence 3, Devotion 1) ally. He may only be taken by Lion Characters with an honor Rank of 8 or higher.
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Governors of the Various Outer Districts of Otosan Uchi:

Emperor's Road District

The Emperor's Road District is overseen by the Governor Miya Takahiro. Takahiro is a man in his mid-thirties and was well-known during his younger days throughout the Empire as one of the most skilled Heralds. He was given this position a few years back as a result of being the nephew to the Miya daimyo and runs the district with candor and grace.

Miya Takahiro can be taken as an (3 influence, 1 or 2 devotion) ally by Imperials or magistrates attached to this district.

Juramashi District

None.

Brutal Flame District

The Governor of Brutal Flame District is a veteran of 10 years. Her name is Soshi Yuki. She is known for her strict enforcement of the law on those who trespass against it. A relatively cold and serious woman, she has few friends beyond those in her immediate circle. Rumor has it that she actually smiles under that mask, but few live who have claimed to see it.

Soshi Yuki can be taken as a (Influence 3, Devotion 1) ally by Scorpion clan players, or magistrates within her district.

Spiritual District

The governor of this district is Yasuki Ninomiya. In an overly spiritual and religious district he is a relatively unreligious man. He has been governor for five years in the district. For his part, the district has been quite successful and well managed during his tenure despite the contentious nature of the religious debate of the day. His relative disinterest for religion has probably been advantageous for him. The monks of Daitoku in particular have a liking for him. He's known to be approachable and conversational with parties that require his attention.

Yasuki Ninomiya can be taken as an (Influence 3, 1 or 2 devotion) ally by Crab clan members, or others with merchant ties (subject to GM approval).

Gilded Hill District

The governor of the Gilded Hill District is Kakita Umibe. Umibe is a renown artist and duelist of the Kakita school. He maintains one of the most opulent gardens in the District and is known for throwing the best parties. Whispers of corruption have followed him now and then, but have never risen to be a serious concern.

Kakita Umibe can be taken as an (Influence 3, Devotion 1 or 2) Ally by Crane clan members or non-Hawk characters who possess the Soul of Artistry Advantage.

Rich Crescent District

The Governor of this District is Daidoji Hiromasa. He is in his late thirties but only a recent appointee to this post. He has served the Daidoji as a special council on economic affairs for many years. His no nonsense approach to governance has drawn the admiration of many in the capital. He is known to enjoy games of strategy and wit.

Daidoji Hiromasa is an (Influence 3, Devotion 1) ally that can be taken by Crane clan characters, or characters with the Merchant Patron advantage.

Eta's Island Sub-district

The deputy governor of the Eta Island's Sub-District is Yogo Gougo. He has been the deputy governor for many years, and many expected him to take the Rich Crescent governor's position when there was an opening. But it appears that this posting was meant to be a final resting place for the man rather than an opportunity for greater advancement in the future. He is relatively uncouth, and finer folks complain of the company he keeps. Gougo for his part doesn't pay much attention to the things said about him, he just goes about his business as he always has...

Yogo Gougo is an (Influence 2, Devotion 1 or 2) ally. He can be taken by Scorpion, Ronin, or Hawk (with GM approval) characters.

Prison/Moon District

The Prison/Moon District's Governor is Shiba Tamako. After being looked over for succession by her father Shiba Tadaka, Tamako began looking fora posting outside of her younger brother's domain. The Phoenix clan Champion was kind enough to arrange for her to receive this position last year after a space had opened up. She has found it somewhat difficult to adjust to the new position given the difficulty of the posting, but has pressed on with Shiba-like doggedness.

Shiba Tamako is an (Influence 3, Devotion 1 or 2) Ally. She may be taken by any characters with proper justification.

Tenari's District

Yogo Tenari, has begun two major projects at this time. The first is to build a wall that will occlude the appearance of the prison from this side. Better to live in a shadow, than to have to look at such an ill-aspected feature. His second project is a more personal one. When he became the district's governor a year or so ago, he decided the current mansion given for the Governor's use was not worthy enough. So, he began scouting for a newer, better location, and found one in a grove of trees. Those under his command have begun construction of a new mansion, one he feels is more worthy of his time.

Yogo Tenari is the governor of this District. He is an (Influence 3, Devotion 1 or 2) Ally. Can be taken by Scorpion, Imperial, Crane, or Minor Clan characters.

North Docks District

The governor of this District is Ikoma Kanetomo. He is a portly man in his late 20s. He conducts himself with candor and honor. He was renown as the best young strategist in the Lion army before his wife's brother Akodo Seisaku took that title from him in a heavily publicized series of go matches in their dojo. Kanetomo has reacted to the defeat by learning to expand his strategic skills to matters of economic policy and good governance.

Ikoma Kanetomo is an (Influence 3, devotion 1 or 2) ally. He may be taken by Lion, Crab, Hawk, and Dragon characters.

South Docks District

The South Dock District's Governor is Hiruma Sadae. She is an important governor, Hiruma Watabe, niece from Shiro Kuni. She is married with a child. After her deputization as governor after the attack on Shiro Kuni, she was granted a position as the governor of the South Dock District. Seen as incredibly young, and not particularly capable by many has not helped her keep many skilled retainers at her disposal. She is constantly looking for capable people to aid her efforts, but struggles just to keep her head above water with all the people who come and go from her bureaucracy. She is known as a skilled duelist among the Crab, and is generally accepting of almost anyone if they can lend a hand.

Hiruma Sadae is an (Influence 3, Devotion 1 or 2) ally. She can be taken by any character of any faction.

[Sylvain Torsin]

The new game's board is currently able to be viewed.

It can be found:

http://otosanuchi528.fallenash.com/index.php