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Cool Location Ideas for L5R Shrine of the Fawn Reborn In these dark times, many lose hope and given in to despair. The Lion and Scorpion are still recovering from the massive wars of the Unicorn's return, and the Lion are poised on the brink of a deadly civil war. The Unicorn are exhausted by their trials and travails and staggered by the immense culture shock they experienced in their return. The Shadowlands assaults on the Wall are intensifying. Even the Phoenix and Crane see dire times ahead. Iuchiban was defeated a mere 100 years ago, and his servants (or their descendants) still wander the Empire. Crop production is at an Empire wide all time low, though the word 'famine' has not yet been said. Everyday there is another story of a man killing his wife and children in despair at the seeming chaos surrounding the Empire, and many remark that the end times are near, if not here already. This was even more true of those days after the second death of Iuchiban as the Clans stepped into the ruined and blasted Scorpion lands. Seeing the depredation and terror unleashed on those left behind, many felt that Hope itself seemed to have died then. Seeing this, the monks and priests looked everywhere for a sign, a symbol of Hope that could lift men's minds to heaven and away from the tragedy that surrounded them. Jurojin gave them that symbol. As the armies entered Beidan, they approached the ruins of the oldest shrine to Jurojin in the Scorpion lands, the Shrine of the Venerable Stag. Many wept to see it so ruined, but just as things seemed their blackest, a young faun stepped into a shaft of sunlight and began to graze among the new shoots that were springing up. This faun was unafraid of the samurai that watched her, and as she stood in the light of Lady Amaterasu, all felt a feeling of intense relief; life would go on. The monks took the foundling in, bringing her to the Temple of Jurojin outside the town where she became the first of the new Temple Deer, and after giving thanks to Lady Amaterasu and Jurojin, they rebuilt the old Shrine. This time, they dedicated it to that miracle, that sign of perfect hope. The Shrine is small, but well cared for. Inside, where Jurojin normally stands, one can find a golden statue of the faun (golden plate, wrapped around cypress) grazing from the ground. There is a specially designed roof above the statue that forces light down by an ingenious series of mirrors and is reflected onto the faun as a pure beam of light. The monks will hand lit lanterns near the mirrors during the night or during storms to allow the faun to always graze amongst the light, just as she did so long ago. Many visitors place food offerings on the altar just beneath her muzzle, making it look as if she were grazing from their gifts. The statues to Jurojin then, are scattered about the Shrine, for once taking a lesser place to the famed deer. It is still His shrine, but he gladly shares it with this image, an image of hope and spiritual healing. Shrine of the Fawn Reborn

Temple to Jurojin Version 2 Nestled in the picturesque temple district, with the backdrop of the forested lower peaks of the Spine of the World Mountains, the Shrine of the Faun Reborn was among the first structures in the city to be funded for reconstruction. Once the Shrine of the Venerable Stag, during the march of Iuchiban's troops through Beiden and their subsequent expulsion shortly before the Battle of Sleeping River, the temple

along with many others in the district was set fire to by the blasphemous maho-tsukai in service to the infamous Bloodspeaker. Despite the best efforts of the monks, who were mostly slaughtered to the man upon Iuchiban's arrival, the temple burned for several days before finally all that was left was smoldering ash. It seemed almost fitting that not a single monk of Jurojin would outlive their temple, but all the same many feared what sort of terrible plague might now befall them for allowing one of the Seven Fortunes' temple to be desecrated in such a manner. Despite the rather ambiguously impious reputation of the Scorpion Clan, the Governor immediately set aside funds to go towards rebuilding the temple district in hopes of assuaging the wrath of the Celestial Heavens. Putting most of the heimin in the city towards rebuilding, and subsequently petitioning the aid of the Emperor, peasants, monks, and samurai descended upon the district en mass. Still, the temple district was a vast ward, originally occupied by large swaths of manicured gardens and arranged woodlands. Most of these had centered on the Temple of Jurojin, where all manner of wildlife had been kept to add to the natural splendor of the area. Unfortunately with the widespread fires, it was no shock that a majority of the fauna that resided there had either fled or been killed, among the casualties was a small herd of sika deer kept by the temple. Upon finding the slaughtered and charred herd, many a monk and nun had wept and set about praying to Jizo for forgiveness at leaving such sacred beasts to be killed by Bloodspeakers, no doubt used in some horrid maho ritual. Still, as the workers cleared away the debris and collected what salvageable materials they could, a young acolyte meandered in the gardens. Once carefully maintained, the fires had reduced the garden to almost nothing. The fresh loam however, fed by the ashes of the previous garden had begun to yield little patches of moss and grass, upon which a small faun was munching on. Approaching the docile animal, obviously one from the domesticated herd kept by the now deposed monks, the boy fed it some grass and gradually led it back to the others. Catching sight of the boy, a group of monks marveled at the auspicious site. Quickly the tale spread amongst the workers, and eventually the entire town. Spurned on by Jurojin's obvious show of favor upon their work, the temple was graced with a speedy and unfettered construction. That was all almost seventy years ago. Now the young acolyte, Sosei ("Rebirth"), formerly Gijin, has grown old, enjoying the lengthy time in Ningen-do that one would expect from Jurojin's favored, serves as the abbot of the new temple. Always happy to recount his tale of the little sika faun, his tale always ends the same way, by going out to the pens that hold the reestablished herd and showing his captive audience Ureshinaki ("Weeping Joy"), the little faun, whose antlered head is still held majestically high, and whose coat, the old monk says, shines like gold in the right light. Many visitors can't help but connect the abbot's story with the great statue in the main hall of the shrine. Depicting Jurojin, done in lacquered wood, painted by an obviously skilled hand and adorned with precious stones, beside him stands a majestic gold-leafed sika deer. Spots done in silver inlay, with antlers done in such marvelous detail to appear almost like real horn. Together the two look down at a small golden faun, curled up and sleeping at the feet of the great Fortune, both shining their benevolence upon it. In total, the majority of the complex, which is in the very center of the Temple District, is given over to a large meandering woodland. Just as its previous design had allowed, the Shrine is sure to keep the

district remaining its expansive and bucolic self. Filled with every manner of wildlife, the shrine is actually a very small part of the expansive grounds, walled in to keep the local fauna from disturbing other nearby temples or shrines. Still, the shrine is always accessible with entryways in all eight directions. The Shrine of the Fawn Reborn is a small complex nestled in a patch of semi-wooded parkland. Travelers on the main road will pass a stretch of the park wall—plaster and tile, about head-height—before coming to the front gate. The gate is usually attended by the elderly gatekeeper, Kansho, a lay brother who often appears to be more than half asleep in his open thatch-roofed shelter. However, if a dog passes the gate he becomes instantly alert, and he will politely but firmly inform any visitors with pets that hunting animals—dogs, hawks—are not permitted to enter the shrine grounds. The park gates are closed every night around the hour of the Boar (8-10 PM), though they would be no impediment to a determined intruder. The Grounds: Inside the gate, a stone avenue runs straight ahead over a slight rise and through a row of red torii arches. The area to either side is mostly covered with sparse trees and undergrowth—no ancient giants here, the trees are mostly young hardwoods and flowering fruit trees. From time to time a deer strolls across the path. After more than a generation of cosseting, most of the deer around the Shrine live there year-round and are completely tame, even taking food from the hands of the monks and the occasional lucky visitor. Feeding Jurojin’s deer is held to be a mark of good fortune in Beiden, and on festivals and in fine weather Kansho the gatekeeper sells an assortment of artfully bundled leaves and sweet hay to tempt the deer or, failing that, as souvenirs. Harming or frightening the deer would, of course, be a serious breach of guest etiquette. If a visitor leaves the main path to stroll the grounds, he will quickly find himself out of sight of the major paths and structures, though not out of range of a good shout. Deer paths lead through young woods and grassy clearings, and the visitor might stumble over ruined foundations or debris seventy years overgrown. Not all the buildings of the old shrine district were rebuilt, and the Shrine of the Fawn incorporates the grounds of several of its predecessor’s neighbors. Continuing along the main path, travelers pass several smaller branching paths (see Living Quarters and Jurojin’s Breath Dojo) before arriving in the courtyard of the shrine. The Shrine: Version 3 The Shrine of the Fawn Reborn was built on the foundations of the ruined Shrine of the Venerable Stag. Local history, which the monks and Beiden citizens visiting the shrine will be all too eager to relate to outof-towners, has it that the first exhausted Scorpion warriors straggling back to the ruined district after the Battle of the Bloody Retreat took shelter under Jurojin’s half-burned and leaky roof. The next morning, as they took stock of their bleak surroundings, one of the bushi spotted something moving at the edge of an patch of weeds. It was a young deer come down from the mountains, and though they hadn’t eaten in days, the soldiers knew better than to take a deer in Jurojin’s shrine. Instead, one man approached it— and the overgrown spot proved to be the remains of the shrine vegetable garden, more than enough to feed them all. In honor of this sign, donations of materials and time flowed from all over Beiden and the surrounding area, and the shrine was among the first in the district to be rebuilt. The main shrine building fronts a stone-paved courtyard. It has a high two-tier roof, red-and-white beamed and black-tiled. From outside one can just make out the gleam of the gilded statues of Jurojin and his fawn companion inside the main hall. The shrine has a handful of permanent attendants, both

priests and lay brothers, who can usually be seen moving about; at certain hours of the day they gather to chant poems and sutras inside the hall. There also tends to be a steady stream of petitioners from all walks of life who come to pray and leave offerings at the statue’s feet. To the right of the courtyard is the garden patch where the refugees found the first deer. It has been replanted with an artistic arrangement of plants deer like to eat, a variety for every season. Deer wander the garden and the temple courtyard at will, despite the constant flow of humans. To the left of the courtyard, a smaller building in the same style as the main hall houses a cedar statue of a stag, about half life-size and much marked by water and fire. One of its many-branched antlers has been replaced and the other is broken off halfway, giving it a battle-scarred look. This is the original Venerable Stag. Despite the delicacy and apparent fragility of the carving, it somehow survived the destruction of the old shrine and the original image of Jurojin, and people come to pray to this statue for relief in particularly desperate situations. Though it’s less talked about, the local people also come to the Venerable (or Vengeful) Stag when they wish to invoke Jurojin in his wrathful form. The Living Quarters: One of the branches from the main road leads, after less than five minutes’ walk, to a pair of buildings in a clearing, surrounded by gravel paths and green lawn. The larger building is the living space for the monks of Jurojin and their samurai guests; it’s built in the same colors and materials as the shrine itself, but with a lower-roofed and simpler style, and the inside is well-maintained but not luxurious. There is a common area and a few rooms for the monks’ use on the lower level, while the upper level (reached by a ladderlike staircase) is kept for guest rooms. Furniture is simple and private rooms are small, but the straw mats and bedding are always kept fresh. Decoration is left up to the occupants, though if a guest is particularly illustrious the monks will probably dig out some of the temple’s treasures for his walls. The monks’ small detached kitchen occupies the other building. Some of the lay brothers prefer to sleep in this warm stone room, especially in the winter. Also in the clearing is the monks’ real kitchen garden-it’s surrounded by a high fence of woven bamboo strips, but the monks place a small tithe of their crop outside the fence for the deer every day. Here, as everywhere within the shrine park, one is liable to come face-to face with a deer at any moment. Ink Stone Gallery Located in the sophisticated Upper Market, the Ink Stone Gallery seems to personify that market's attitude quite well. It is a quiet, cultured location, filled with bright minds and fine artists. The gallery was once the home of a wealthy and influential calligrapher who was known for taking on borders, free of charge, provided that they could provide him with some sample of their art. Initially he restricted it to other calligraphers, but one day a poet graced his home and regaled him with a bevy of fine and artistic poems, nearly enough for an entire book! This, now forgotten, calligrapher fell in love with the idea and soon opened his home to everyone who practices the art of the word, be it poem, written, or engraved, and soon the home was full of visiting artists. The owner's love of art grew, and he welcomed all artists, though he always had a special fondness for the Artists of the Word. He welcomed people to stay, and many did. Some stayed for a few days, passing through the city. Some stayed for weeks or even months. A few even seemed to make the house their home, but the owner never complained or made them feel unwelcome, so long as they continued to pursue their art. He would give short shrift to those who simply sought a bed for the night, visitors MUST be able to demonstrate some art, and most were encouraged to leave something behind, no matter how poor, as a testament to their journey along the Way of the Artist.

As the legend goes, one day a tax collector stopped by asking for back taxes. It seems the owner had not paid his taxes for nearly three years. No one staying knew anything of this, and after a short inquiry, it was discovered that the owner had quietly passed away some time ago. The servants had simply called the eta and no one said anything to the guests. For the last three years, the estate had been operating as a meeting point for artists, sans the benefactor! The magistrates were quite perplexed, and the long term residents of the house were fairly embarrassed, but eventually a will was found amidst the owner's documents. It laid out a bequeathment of the house and all his estates to a foundation to keep the home open, and the funds were more than adequate for such. The Governor at the time was equally embarrassed that none of his retainers noticed the passing of such a important individual in town, and forgave the tax debt giving his blessing on the project. Since that time, nearly two hundred years ago, the house has been built, rebuilt, and added to as residents come and go. Many stay entirely for free, required to only debut some piece of art they themselves worked on, but many others leave behind donations in coin and kind. As such, the house is nearly a museum of almost thirty rooms, great and small, all filled with wall hangings, painted screens, books of poetry, small engravings, wood block prints, and a vast library of stories, tales, pillow books, and plays left by visitors. Much of the upkeep of the house comes from the hereditary estates left to the house and the foundation (run mostly by artistically minded merchants and a handful of Samurai sponsors), but some comes from the reprinting of those works left behind. There does seem to be one odd thing about the building, many visitors and residents have claimed that they felt as if someone was watching them, that the audiences always seemed slightly larger and everyone agrees that those with true talent are never truly alone in this building. Some claim that this is because the original owner's spirit still lingers and observes his old joys as they evolve through the years. Some say that it is because the house itself is now aware and watches and learns. Some say it is nothing more than wily servants ensuring the master's will be done. Some say it is a trick of the mind, only this and nothing more. No matter what, unwanted guests and those who abuse the kindness of the home soon feel hunted, unwelcome, and are keenly aware that they should go. Slamming doors, cold breezes, and eternally cold food always seem to hit those who have no love of art in their soul. Visitors come and go, the art cycles through the storehouses, but the building endures. It truly is a testament to the sheer love of art and innate kindness. Estate of Truths A very traditional estate, the House of Truths was built for unmarried Scorpion Clan residents of the city, at least those that should not be staying at one of the barracks. Typically this means that most of the residents are either courtiers or duelists, those samurai who are not trained and accustomed to barracks life. Located in the Samurai district, the area is neither wealthy nor poor, and the building reflects that. A comfortable home, it is large enough to supply the needs of many residents at one time, a little over twenty bedrooms (and several more general purpose rooms can be turned into bedrooms at need) with six comfortable general purpose rooms for meetings, entertaining, and use throughout the day for any reason, the estate is large, but by no means immense. The rooms are scattered across two generous floors, the rooms themselves are rather small; suitable for at most four people to fit comfortably (rooms may be enlarged by removing the internal screens, but that isn't often). An outbuilding houses the kitchens and servants quarters, and surprisingly, the estate houses a large number of servants. This is not to spoil the residents, rather the servants are there to provide chaperons

when needed. Most of the unwed females provide their own chaperons, but even the bachelors will need an attendant when visiting a lady, married or not, and the house provides for such. The servants will attend samurai-ko who need a chaperon (theirs may need to rest or be unavailable, or in some rare cases absent all together) and a complex series of schedules ensure that no one servant attaches too strongly to a samurai. They are loyal to the governor above all else and do their best to ensure that propriety is held to by all guests of the house. The estate is surrounded by a high wall, six feet tall, that has but two entrances; a servants entrance in the rear, and a primary entrance in the front. Both are guarded by a small group of ashigaru with strict instructions to ensure that no one is outside of the house without notice, and a large peg board stands to the right of the doors. This peg board is updated with plaques inscribed with the names of all current residents and visitors (usually written in ink on wood), and as visitors enter and leave for the day, their plaques are moved to one side of the board or the other (conveniently listed 'in' and 'out.'). Many find this rather harsh, but the Governor sees many young Samurai passing through or even staying for many months to prepare for their assignments in foreign courts. After a number of unfortunate indiscretions, he put his foot down and enforced these rules and regulations. Too often, blame was leveled at him for not ensuring the moral security of guests of his home (several young samurai shamed themselves with various vices present in a large city like Beidan) and the Governor was sick of it. Forcing guests to be under watch and responsible for their actions in the city, he assuaged many parent's minds and further secured the moral security of those staying as his guests. It should be noted that unwed Scorpion who live away from the guest house are under no such security and may find their moral characters challenged. Short of a duel, there is little they can do. By staying here, any accusations of moral impropriety must have excellent references or else be direct slander to the governor, and few people are willing to risk that. This is not to say that the precautions are perfect, many Scorpion take in intrigue with their mother's milk, and ways around check in and guards can be found by anyone dedicated enough, but the precautions provide a veneer of moral protection that is noteworthy. House of Measured Weights Beidan is before all else a trade city. More so than even Ryoko Owari, much of the wealth of the Scorpion Clan flows through the gates of the city and merchants empire wide fill the marketplaces. Easily the equal of any trade hub on the coast, it is utterly impossible to move goods by ground across the Empire without passing through Beidan and the pass to the North. This is reflected in the massive trade building House of Measured Weights. Standing taller than any other building in the city, at six stories it is often confused for the Palace at a distance but the truth is that is little more than a great building dedicated to the pursuit of wealth. Not the most honorable of pursuits to be sure, but one that is embraced by the merchants of the Yogo, Yasuki, and the new arrivals from Shinjo's clan. The lower levels are home to merchants and assayers, trading coin and goods and seeing that the proper amount is sent off to the Lord's stores. More so than the taxes leveled at the gates, the revenue gained from just the sale of goods alone is enough to finance much of the Scorpion Clan's needs. The First floor is a true marvel of Rokugan, and one not seen anywhere else. Then again, given how critical trade is to the city, it is a natural evolution of things. A great indoor market, a little over a hundred stalls, merchants, and traders reside here, doing business from sun up to sun down, regardless of the

weather. Typically, the markets slow, or even close in inclement weather, but here, so long as goods can move and be presented, trade continues. The upper floors are more typical of Rokugani homes and palaces, and are luxuriously appointed residences; some of these are permanent dwellings lived in by merchants, brokers, and samurai for years on end. Other residences are brief stopovers for people on the way to do business. While anyone can stay here, the rents are expensive enough that only the wealthy can afford rooms, even for a short stay. Then again, if the visitor has business, they can usually recoup their costs in a matter of days; only the most successful businessmen trade in the building. An interesting side note, several enterprising merchants have begun insuring trade expeditions across the Empire. Younger, or poorer merchants, will pay a small fee to have the wealthy brokers insure their goods. If the goods are lost due to weather, bandits, or other calamity, the merchant recoups the full assayed value of the goods. If the goods make it to their destination, the broker takes a percentage of the sale (off the top, mind, not the net profits). Since most traders do make it safely, the brokers typically make piles of money on top of their own missions, but the broker must beware: a lost cargo can cost thousands of koku (or more for true luxuries). The Governor was wary of this at first, but after a few years of steady taxes rolling in, he has blessed this enterprise and encourages young merchants to insure their cargos. For those who simply cannot afford to lose their goods entirely, this is an offer too good to pass up. For those who can afford a loss or two... Well, it’s funny actually. The losses of insured cargoes are surprisingly low, some say amazingly low, while the losses of uninsured cargo seem to be on the rise. While no one has yet accused anyone of foul doings, there are some rumors going about of collusion between the Brokers and some... shall we say less than legitimate organizations in town to cause problems for those uninsured merchants. The Governor and his aides loudly decry these rumors, so gossip mongers best step lightly lest they insult the Governor or accuse him of complacency (or collusion) with these elements. The Northern Barracks The Northern Barracks was the first defensive structure built by the Combined armies after taking the city from the Bloodspeakers, and it was probably the most important at the time. For many years, it was the principle barracks for the city guard and the samurai protecting the Lion Gate, but with the addition of the Lion's Gate protecting bastion, the barracks has slowly slipped in importance. Now, the barracks is used to house the visiting Samurai from the more military Clans of Rokugan, the Crab, Lion, and Bayushi bushi make this place their home when in the city. Originally built by the Anou, it betrays the strong workmanship of the family blended skillfully with the style of the Scorpion. In other words, it is superbly crafted and very sturdy. Each wall has a single entrance which is well protected by an oaken door, and the walls are thick seasoned wood coated in plaster. There are windows, but they are high on the walls, small, and barred with thick wooden beams. Each window has heavy shutters that can be closed if the barracks is besieged. Ingeniously, the walls inside have platforms on which archers can stand to shoot out the windows. The Building itself is shaped like a giant 'T' with each Clan having a different wing of the 'T.' In the center, where the wings join, is a common area that provides a place for the Samurai to eat in common and pass time during non-meal times. Since the wings have been given wholly over to the use of the individual factions, each has provided their own art and decorations. Predictably, the Lion wing is nearly bare of decoration, showing only a few family banners and a small shrine dedicated to the Ancestors. The Crab wing is arguably the most well protected wing of any building; the Kaiu made sure to reinforce the separating wall between their wing and the rest of the barracks and the central corridor is rumored to be

extensively trapped (though the Crab deny this). The Bayushi wing is nearly nationalistic, with banners of the Bayushi family interspersed with images and icons of great Bayushi heroes. The common room is another matter entirely. Banners of the Crab, Lion, and Bayushi wage war for prominence and a riot of gold, red, and steel gray fill the room from numerous screens, wall hangings, and futons scattered about the chamber. It has become a friendly (and occasionally not so friendly) game to 'battle' with the clan representations, by maneuvering yours to cover up the other clans,' but in all cases one must be careful: if you are caught doing so you can expect much ridicule from the other two clans. Bushi often play this game, calling out ever increasing betting stakes (most often forfeits, where a loser will be required to do some menial service if caught and gaining menial service from another if he succeeds) and trying ever more daring ways to show Clan loyalty and dedication. Recently, a Lion snuck into the common room during the night and painted everything bright yellow much to the chagrin of a young Bayushi Samurai-ko who had vowed to sit the night through. She has agreed to spend a month in service to the young Ikoma, pouring him drinks and serving him his meal. Older Samurai in residence smile fondly and joke about young love, much to the protestations of both the Ikoma and Bayushi. The Estate of the Risen Wing The Estate of the Risen Wing is perhaps the most traditional building in the entire city; built to a standard set by Lady Doji herself nearly 800 years ago. The building itself is of newer construction, having been damaged in a nasty fire some twenty years ago, but a visitor from anytime before would be just as at home now as then. Indeed, the Crane take pride in noting that the original builders would find it just as recognizable in this day and age. The building follows a time honored model: a central Shinden (main house), surrounded on the North, east and West sides by Tai no Ya (pavilions) each connected by various covered walkways. Extending forward of the Tai no ya and surrounding a central courtyard are long covered walks (Ro) that lead to smaller pavilions called Tsuridono, which are often used for tea ceremonies, private gatherings, or moon viewing parties. Surrounding the entire structure is a wide and distinguished garden, betraying all the skill of the Phoenix and cRane gardeners and is arguably the finest in the city. Many personal homes of wealthy Samurai imitate this pattern, especially the homes of the Kuge, it is clear that this structure was designed from the beginning as a home for many Clansmen. The Shinden is larger than a private shinden, and stands two stories tall each story large enough for a good half dozen rooms, though the first floor is mostly used for meetings and reception rooms. Each of the pavilions is equally large, holding another dozen rooms each, though these are mostly used for sleeping rooms by the residents. While many other Clans divide their joint holdings along Clan lines, the Crane and Phoenix have divided the building into male and female wings; the Crane, Phoenix and few Unicorn living here share wings as a way to promote a further sense of camaraderie and friendship amongst the Clans, indeed so closely allied are the Phoenix and Crane that many outside the two consider them extensions of one another. This is not to say that there are never disputes, but the centuries of general amicability and civility have reinforced that if there are disagreements, they are never aired here in the home, disputes are always taken off grounds to be settled and usually in the least violent manner. Thugs and brutes are derided by both Clans. Artistically, the building houses one of the finer collections of art in the City, perhaps rivaled by the Ink Stone Gallery and the Palace of Beidan itself. As both the Crane and Phoenix are widely considered to be the most artistically gifted clans this is not surprising, the walls, alcoves, and rooms are tastefully

decorated with fine examples of art and that art is changed periodically to keep up with both the seasons and current court fashion. A note needs to be made here of the Unicorn's position. The Crane have invited many Unicorn to take resident in the Estate, a fact which has put strains on the more gentile and genteel Phoenix; viewing the Unicorn as little better than unwashed barbarians they do resent the intrusion, though none would ever say so directly. The Unicorn who reside here are doing their best to fit in, but the manners and ways of the two Clans are so at odds with typical Unicorn behavior that a great deal of friction has arisen and much unwitting offense has been leveled. When the Unicorn in question realizes this, they invariably apologize, but it doesn't do much to improve their image, they still acted as a barbarian after all. Locals have noticed the disruption in the house's feng shui and have come to call the Estate, the Estate of the Ruffled Feather, though only out of earshot of the Phoenix and Crane residents. So far it has not come to blows, but more than a few spirited discussions have taken place at local tea shops and salons. Not a few Scorpion are betting that before the year is up, blood will be shed. Marketplace of Stillness and Motion Located in the center of Ward 12, the Marketplace of Stillness and Motion is surprising to many. After navigating the often twisting and confusing array of alleyways, streets, and walled avenues of the Northern Market one passes hundreds of shops and smaller homes before they come out in the midst of a massive courtyard, packed to the brim with stalls, vendors, and hawkers of all stripes creating a cacophony of sound and a melange of smells. The courtyard is a riot of color lost in a sea of sound, and many people new to the city become stunned at the sight; indeed it is not uncommon to see small clusters of out of towners standing gape mouthed at the street entrances, easy prey for cutpurses (in fact, not a few of the more vocal snatch and grab thieves loudly announce that they take more in a day from those foolish visitors then they often do in a week among the more savvy citizens). This is more hyperbole than truth, as the yoriki watch these points for just such a thing, but still purses are cut and visitors do end up shy of a few coins standing there. In this massive courtyard one can find almost anything legally available under the sun, from weapons and armor to art and other luxuries; it can be found here. While most of the merchants do specialize in the higher priced objects, deeper in the press one can find all manner of day to day sundries, and that is honestly what does the most trade (from day to day). It has been said that one can spend a week navigating the press of bodies and stalls and still not see all that the market has to offer, though in truth a day or two will allow one to see all that is here. Still, most markets reveal their secrets by the noon point of a solid day of shopping. Flanking the market are the massive trade complexes of the Daidoji and the Bayushi families. Competing for prominence, the buildings stand equally (or nearly so) tall and are close in the realm of opulence. Inside offices and large store rooms fill the buildings all ready for the trade and business that passes by every day. Many merchants who serve the two houses call these buildings their headquarters and it is fair to say that the majority of the Trade conducted through the city and the great pass is done by these two buildings (or at least those who work here). Surrounding these buildings (at least on the sides not encompassing the courtyard) are several homes and gardens, used by the Samurai who oversee the merchants in their business. Many of these samurai have opened their door to kin and fellow clansmen that need a place to stay and do not mind the hustle and bustle of a busy marketplace. While staying here is monetarily cheaper than an inn (or even taking residence in some of the other housing complexes), it does leave one with a minor obligation to the their

hosts. While nothing onerous, one can expect to at least return the favor down the line, as these are the Samurai who do travel, and a friendly bed is often a welcome sight after weeks on the road. Indeed the Crane often sues these homes as typical favors for their servants that may be staying in the town for a length of time and it is rumored that many agents that need to avoid public eye are often offered shelter by their Bayushi cousins... Dojo of 1000 Faces The Dojo of a 1000 Faces is unusual among the Crane. Normally, their Dojo are set aside from other holdings so that students can immerse themselves in the sheer pursuit of their craft. The most obvious example of this are the Crane Artisan Academies: each is located away from prying eyes and distractions, situated in places the focus one's concentration onto only their craft. It is a strategy that is often duplicated, at least to some extent by many other Clans (notably the Dragon and Phoenix shugenja monasteries). So unique among the Crane is this concept that the very suggestion to do otherwise was almost laughed out of court. However the founding Sensei, Daidoji Keiko, spoke eloquently and fervently. She maintained that the very core concept of her school was immersion in society, that only by studying others can the truth of her teaching be spread. The Clan debated for several years before they gave her the Charter to establish a Dojo, had they known where she was going to found her Dojo, it is probable that the result would have been in the other direction. Moving to Beidan, she established her school in the middle floors of the Crane holding of the Marketplace of Stillness and Motion. Stunning her family, Keiko was almost evicted from the Daidoji and the Crane, but she was able to pull enough support to remain in operation for three years of testing. Three years later she returned to Kyuden Doji with her finest students, the Doji Daimyo proceeded to put these young Samurai to the test, challenging their skill with word, blade, and grace. Without fail, each student was able to succeed all the tests. What they excelled at though, was in understanding their opponents. The Doji Daimyo was pleased with the students work, but was not impressed enough to give leave for the charter to remain. He claimed that it was too risky to let the students practice in the midst of potential enemies, and that the student's performance was not good enough to justify that risk. Just as he was ready to refuse permission, the youngest student bowed deeply and asked to speak. Given permission, she quietly, and correctly, listed the family and personal history of everyone in the room, from her fellow students right up to the Daimyo himself. The next student stood, bowed and started listing each person's strengths and weaknesses in the art of the sword. Another student continued, extolling the virtues of bushido that each person in court was capable of. Finally the last student pointed to a quiet man in the rear and announced that he was honorless, a skilled warrior, and was none other than Shosuro Suigetsu, a famous assassin that had previously killed the Doji daimyo's predecessor. Suigetsu, turned to flee, but the students moved quickly and dispatched him. Surprised, the Daimyo asked them how they knew all of this. The answer of the students was the same as their dojo motto: "We watch. We learn. We act." Keiko was granted leave to permanently establish her dojo and bestowed with the explicit thanks of the Doji Daimyo. Since that day, Keiko has trained many students in the art of observation. Students must be able to know their enemy and be able to know them from any crowd, at any time. Most of their training involves them studying the sea of humanity that walks the marketplace and students are not given

certification of graduation until they can list everyone important person in a given block of people. The sensei (of which all five of the students present at the Doji court are now members) give additional favor and points for those students able to list additional information on those important people walking by, including martial ability and family history. They are, however encouraged to not shout out the trustworthiness and nature of honor of the people passing by. That's just rude. Governor’s Guesthouse An elegant estate, the Governor's Guesthouse sits just down a finely tree lined avenue from the palace away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets and markets, providing security, privacy, and protection from the noise of the city. Surrounded by the homes of the wealthiest and most influential samurai of the city the guesthouse stands out thanks to a subtle trick of city planning. The homes immediately surrounding the guesthouse are no more than a single story (though not a few sprawl) and all are required to front the guest house with their gardens (and those gardens are required to be as impressive as possible). It is not until the second tier of homes away from the mansion that one is allowed to build up, this visual effect makes the mansion dominate the local skyline and fools one into thinking the gardens are bigger than they truly are, especially when viewed from the finest rooms above the second floor. The guesthouse rises up three stories in the center of an impressive garden complex. The entire building is made from darkly polished cedar, lending a hue somewhere between deep red and black, with red glazed roof tiles. At the eaves of each corner, the golden chrysanthemum can be seen capping the roof beams, signifying a royal residence, though it has never been used by the Emperor or his immediate family. Inside, everything has been polished to such a degree that light gleams off every floor making it seem as if one was walking on tiny clouds of sun rays. The first floor is almost entirely rooms designed for entertaining and receiving guests, five separate rooms fit for a Daimyo to hold meetings, and a dozen lesser rooms for more intimate meetings between equals. The guest rooms are found on the second and third floors, presenting each resident with an amazing view of the local neighborhood (and those on the third floor can even see most of the city stretching beyond them). For people of import, but not august import, the Second floor guest rooms are provided. A dozen well sized suites, perfect for a noble lord or lady and a body servant (or hand maid) and their typically extensive luggage. While one could fit more than this, it is considered very rude to cram an entire entourage into these rooms; they are intended for two persons, children, and one attendant. This is not to say they are small; in actuality many Samurai families do with much less every day of their lives. The Third floor is what one would consider 'royal residences.' Naught but four rooms occupy the summit of the building, each one large enough for a dozen people. No less than four bedrooms (for the spouses, children, retainers, and a tiny alcove for trusted yojimbo) surround an impressively large receiving room which itself fronts a massive balcony that gives a perfect view of the gardens and city below. These rooms are truly luxurious; the finest tatami mats, gold inlaid screens, and every piece of wood either polished to mirror like quality or else so exquisitely carved as to seem alive. Indeed, these are rooms fit for the Son of Heaven himself! Governor’s Guesthouse As is befitting a guest home, particularly one catering to the elite of Beiden's guests, the house resides within the walls of the governor's estate. Protected from the subdued din of the surrounding samurai districts, the guest home is an exercise in simple elegance. Having to cater to the regal Otomo, as well as

the humble Miya, alongside the more austere Seppun, along with a milieu of other important dignitaries, it was impossible to design the home with any given family in mind. As such, as much as the Scorpion may have found it distasteful, they were forced to model the home on Crane standards. Kept as much within the Scorpion style as possible, the overall layout and furnishing is decidedly Crane, which, by extension, is decidedly Imperial. Connected to the Governor's palace by way of a meandering pavilion walkway, the guest home still finds itself with a given amount of solitude and privacy. Separated by the expansive gardens that are part of almost any estate of note, many guests are taken by the subtle transition from the more traditional floral styles of Kakita or Asako gardening, to the more exotic Shosuro style the further they venture from the guest home. One of the more famous poets to have resided within the home, Miya Akogare, is said to have eloquently put the feeling of moving about the garden as a sensation of traversing from the eastern to western borders of the empire in just one afternoon. The guest home itself, nestled as it is in its own private corner of the world, is a standard two stories, complete with servants quarters, kitchen, courtyard, library, and devotional shrine. All conveniently located within the estate, being sure that no matter the weather the guests will be kept as dry and comfortable as possible. To facilitate this comfort, particularly in the rather muggy summers that Beiden can have, the home is divided into two prominent sections, an inner and outer home. During the summer months the outer guest rooms become available, complete with verandas and folding screens so that entire walls of one's room might be opened to let in the cool, shaded breeze that the guest house enjoys. The inner rooms are used during winter, or when the guest home's outer rooms have been filled (a rare occurrence). The inner rooms, are arranged just as the outer ones though, of course, without the collapsing screens and peaceful verandas. Still, of the dozen rooms (7 outer, 5 inner), they are each a standard suit that will keep guests of high birth in the comfort their station demands. Complete with bed chamber, receiving room, adjacent servant quarters, and an attached room for yojimbo or other retainers, there is little that one would be want for when in the Scorpion's care. The courtyard is both a place to practice kata and is a private garden. Quite small in comparison to the garden surrounding the entire home, it nevertheless is maintained as a blossom garden, filling the halls of the estate with sweet fragrances during Spring and Summer. This is a great boon to the lavishly decorated and furnished estate, which can only be described as an exemplar of effortless order. Like notes in a perfect piece of music, the tapestries, scrolls, paintings, sculptures, and antiques are each in their place, scattered seemingly at random yet in flawless harmony. The overall feel is charming, mixing the exactitude with which the Imperial Houses are known for with the much more colloquial style, leaving one with a sense of familiarity, but not complete fidelity to the usual models. Yogo Bansuki’s Court The High Court of Yogo Bansuki is rather unusual, fitting for the man himself. Located in the central palace of the city, the room itself is located in two locations: by the gardens during warmer climes and nestled deep inside during the harsh winters. In either location, the room is shaped rather like an "L" with Bansuki sitting at the joint where the two arms meet. At that juncture there is a raised platform where he and his closest advisers sit (usually his wife, when she isn't entertaining guests) and he typically faces the shorter arm. In that shorter arm most of his retainers discuss the day to day business of the city: taxes, crime, fire fighting (a major issue in a city of wooden homes and paper walls), and Family business. Guests can sit there, but only by invitation and only when they have matters directly relating to the city. Even then, courtiers will feel surrounded by enemies as nearly every chest proudly bears the Yogo mon (with a few of the other Scorpion Families for leavening. This arm of the room is surprisingly well

decorated, a large map of the city graces one wall, and a map of the region sprawls next to it. The other two walls are either left open to the garden and hallways beyond, or else are covered with wall hangings depicting some of the more well respected Yogo artisans in the city, all gifts to Lord Bansuki. Partly this is to remind everyone here who this city belongs to, but also it is because Bansuki truly does care for the city and sees his duty through. At times, Bansuki may rotate to address the longer arm, where all other business (and all other courtiers sit), but this is a rare occasion. Mostly, this area is the province of his wife. Himiko moves about the area sitting with one or another courtier or group of courtiers, seeing that their needs are being addressed. While she has no authority to approve or deny claims, only a fool would not seek her favor: only those requests that she feels is worthy of her husband's time ever reach him. This room is more typically Scorpion, simple decorations in an elegant (although not always current) art style with the single centerpiece located in the room's niche across from the entry way (Writer's note: there's a Japanese term for this, I forget what it is. It's the place where people put treasured objects and favored gifts, etc in a traditional home). The centerpiece changes at frequent intervals, often daily, though a truly favored gift may sit for weeks. Typically, a piece of art from the rather extensive collection of Bansuki's family, it is sometimes occupied by a gift from someone who Bansuki favors (or more accurately, someone his wife favors). It is a great honor to have your gift displayed here, but it is also dangerous: it also lets every courtier in the city know exactly who is the current favorite. This room is also the most colorful of any in the entire city, as courtiers from all over the empire gather here. Though Red and Black dominate, one can find the Blues, Golds, Greens, and most recently: purples in the various shades of the rest of the Empire. But beyond wearing one's clan colors, this is also a good stage to show one's taste in current fashion: Himiko is a studious fashion socialite (or at least she has maids who are) and she dresses in only the most current and stylish clothes. It is a poor courtier indeed who does not debut at least one set of worthy clothing in this room (though the wealthier save their best debuts for the parties and social gatherings out in the city proper). Many have wondered why Bansuki has arranged his court like this, why he chose such an odd shape; most courts are simple linear boxes, with the entire room facing the Lord. They even wonder why, if Bansuki is so uninterested in court, he even shows up; his wife is more than capable, and no one important enough for his personal reception in court would ever think of arriving without sending word, so from day to day, Bansuki really does not need to be here. Canny minds remark that sitting where he does would allow him to hear what was going on in both rooms if he so desired, cannier minds would point out that with certain spells he can hear EVERYTHING said, even those who take careful precautions. Then again, that could just be paranoia talking... right? Abandoned Barracks of the Law Showing signs of its previous dereliction, The Barracks of the Law is fairly run down. The floor sags, the roof leaks in strong rains, and there is a decided tilt to the whole building. The followers of Agasha Kitsuki have claimed this old yoriki barracks with the blessing of the Soshi and are doing their best to turn it into a fit dwelling. At the moment, that means minor cosmetic repairs, though with time, and money, that could change. Currently, it is home to several Dragon samurai who are overseeing the repairs and refitting, but it also serves as a way station for the growing number of samurai recruited by Agasha Kitsuki as he builds his new Family. Many of these samurai are former ronin, though a few are minor clansmen or vassal families of other Clans. They all hold two things in common: a deep respect for Kitsuki and a deeper respect for

law. Many were yoriki or assistants to magistrates and a few were even magistrates themselves. It appears that Kitsuki is trying to build a new family dedicated to the science of law, and if these are representative of his new family, he is doing well. As stated, the building is pretty run down, The new Kitsuki family just does not have the funds to make a way station any nicer, but as they do get the money they do plan to make it a better holding. In pursuit of that, many of the residents offer their services as legal council for both the local magistrates and for the peasantry in the area and any and all payments from such are directed to rebuilding the house. One day it may be a center of legal learning, a school in truth, but for now advice and a place to sleep are all that it can provide. As partial caretakers, the Soshi do, from time to time, use the building as a place to stay, though most who can afford better try to stay elsewhere. In a surprising spirit of friendship, those Soshi that do stay here participate in the Dragon tradition of providing legal council and also donate their proceeds to the refurbishment. The House of the Heavenly Mokuren (Magnolia) Located in a sprawling four level estate, this massive structure rests in the dead center of the Entertainment District. Surrounded by a large pond and accessible two arched bridges, a large one painted a stunning cherry red for all guests, and a second much smaller bridge for servants and residents (although rumors abound of secret underground passages and hidden, folding bridges). The Heavenly Mokuren is a true sight for the eyes. From the bright blue roof tiles down to the crimson painted foundation stones, the entire structure is a work of art. The walls are white washed and gleam like silver, while each window and door has been painted with colorful and fanciful scenes from Rokugani myth and fable. Between each floor are sweeping gables and heavily carved support beams all worked by master craftsmen to resemble a different god or goddess of beauty. While Benten takes pride of place, one can also find the goddesses Ko-no-hama (Flowers), Sadahako (Geisha and Entertainers), Sakura (Art and Artists), Uzume (Dance), and the Gods Tengen (Writing), and Aizen-Myoo (God of Love). One well versed in the aspects of theology could even find several other smaller kami nestled in between the images, the servants and lesser gods and goddesses respected by entertainers and lovers. The Okaa-san (matron) of the house is a matronly woman by the name of Yanagi (Willow). She is kind, pretty, and very wise. She has led the Okiya for the last thirty years, having taken over at an incredibly young age when the previous Okaa-san passed before announcing an heir. Yanagi was unanimously chosen by the Geisha of the house, mostly because none of them really thought anyone else would vote for her (it is very bad form to vote for yourself in these cases). Rising from the status as a non-entity in the House, she proved herself to be very intelligent and amazingly competent. Indeed, the Heavenly Mokuren has reached a level of fame and wealth never before reached by the House in its almost 600 year history. In fact, the House prospered so well, that Yanagi was able to rebuild the House after a nasty fire three years ago, buying the Land in the center of the District and raising the building to its current glory. Yanagi was even able to purchase the contracts of many Geisha in the city whose Houses were burned out so that now, The Mokuren is the largest Geisha House in the City by a great margin. In a surprising break from tradition, the House is more than just a Geisha House. Yanagi has turned the entire first floor into a very large sitting room that holds a sizable stage for performances of dance and song and is often used for the debuts young Geisha (though for the true Stars of the House, even more prestigious venues are chosen, though it is no shame to debut here). While the stage is not truly large enough for theater troupes, small plays may be performed and the House holds two young Actors and a

very small troupe of puppeteers who play most nights. This is the floor most Samurai see when visiting the Geisha, only favored and repeat clients get to see higher floors. The Second floor is very humble floor, having been built as a series of tea rooms, each just the right size for three guests (and the Geisha) for private ceremonies. As Yanagi has wisely recruited the city's current celebrated Tea Master, it is also used as a place for lessons and for paying guests to practice their own skills at the Cha-no-yu. Yanagi has also considered using the rooms as a place for her Geisha to teach lessons in calligraphy and manners, but as of yet she hasn't yet found any students for such. The Third floor is where many people wish to visit, but seldom do. Sumptuously decorated, the rooms are awash in color and luxury. The room screens are painted with fine scenes and the tatami mats are always brightly gleaming and perfectly spotless. The futons and seating cushions are made of only the most excellent silk and stuffed with the softest material. Each table is a masterpiece of lacquer work and inlaid with gold, and each table has been designed to complement a unique set of dishes and platters. Customers who are invited to this floor are only the most celebrated and honored of guests and they know it. Here one eats only the finest of food and drinks the most elegant of sake, attended by his chosen geisha and enjoys a night of fine company and skilled entertainment. Canny patrons of this degree will often invite their own guests to these rooms to impress upon them their own importance. One must be careful though, the Geisha are discriminating and not everyone of importance in the City has been granted repeat visiting rights; one does not wish to antagonize anyone important by flaunting your gifts. The uppermost floor is NEVER seen by guests: it is the private residences of the Geisha themselves and they will never allow someone there who is not a servant of the House. Not even chosen lovers ever see these inner cloisters, dalliances are done in other establishments or else carried out in the fairly public (or at least indiscreet) Third floor rooms. To enforce this rule, Yanagi has hired two Ronin to protect the stairs to this floor, a task they perform with deadly skill and dedication. These men were chosen specifically to be incorruptible, even by the most convincing Scorpion and forced them to swear oaths of family to each of the Geisha to prevent them from taking one of the geisha as a lover (though none of the Geisha would have considered it, the Mai-ko might be more amenable to their charms). Important People of the House: Yanagi, Okaa-san Yanagai is in her early 50's, but thanks to a kind life, she does not show it. Proud of her status as a Geisha, she habitually wears the make-up and hairstyle of her status at all times. Rising from the ranks of a maiko, she won neither fame nor glory in her days as a Geisha, and her appointment as Okaa-san was a shock to many. Now, Yanagi has quelled all the questions and is regarded as one of the greatest Okiya managers in the entire Scorpion lands. Overall, she is fairly unassuming and unbecoming, though once you get to know her one realizes her magnificent intelligence and uncanny insight. Ajisai (Hydrangea) Ajisai is the eldest sister of the House and one of the more popular Geisha. She is very attractive and very graceful and is regarded as the finest dancer in the city. Few travelers consider a visit to the city complete until they can see her perform and her performances are always well attended and publicized across the city many weeks before she dances. Despite her skill, Ajisai is not the heir of the House, a fact which does rankle her quite a bit; that honor has been passed on to Hasu, the second sister, and Ajisai takes no small amount of pleasure in subbing her when she can. It should also be noted that Ajisai does not see too far into future as Hasu seems to be biding her time until she does inherit the Household.

Hasu (Lotus) Hasu is the second sister and has been designated as the heir to the House, few aside from Ajisai are surprised. Without a doubt, Hasu is the most graceful, attractive, and intelligent woman in the house. Capable of dancing nearly any dance (though Ajisai is better at this), Hasu is also capable of singing so beautifully that it is rumored to have caused the sky itself to weep for joy, bringing rain and sun all at the same time. Skilled with every instrument available to the house, she has mastered the yamatogoto (Seven stringed lute), a fairly rare instrument in the Geisha world. Most remarkably, Hasu is also very intelligent and has become a recognized expert on both history and heraldry, and is able to recount familial histories of numerous samurai just by seeing their mons or chops. Tsubaki (Camellia) Tsubaki is one of the young girls who have had their contracts bought away from other Geisha houses, and while she is very striking and knowledgeable in many different arts, she has a lot left to learn before she becomes a master. Still, she is earnest and a delightful conversationalist, and many young samurai are smitten with her joyful nature; she has many samurai seeking to become her patron, though she has as yet demurred on all of them. Ran (Water Lilly) Ran is... well, she is a very damp personality. It would be unfair to call her a moody depressive, but she does have a dark personality. Favoring grim jokes and spending much time sighing, she might be called "Goth" if such a word existed in Rokugan. As it is, many assume she has some dark or tragic past, though the truth is much simpler than any of the rumors; Ran is simply bored with life. Possessed with a great ennui, Ran goes about life simply because to do anything else would be too much of a bother. She has contemplated suicide, but she doesn't want to leave a mess behind and to be fair, she does have debts to pay. She might go through with it if she can pay those off, or if she can find a way that would be both easy and not troublesome for her sisters, but until that day she continues as she has been. This is not to say that she is sad, she actually does have fun much of the time and doesn't find her life that agonizing or problematic: she just finds life... boring. While it is known that she has taken a few lovers in the past, she has been discreet enough that no one truly knows who, and Ran won't tell (admission would be another bother to be sure). Surprisingly, Ran is a very popular Geisha, as many samurai, especially in these turbulent times, finds depression reassuring. Not surprising, many of her Samurai do end up dying as depression seems to feed on itself... Riko (Jasmine Child) One of the few male Geisha in town, Riko possesses an ethereal beauty that is captivating to many. Popular with both Samurai-ko and those Samurai interested in bi-do (the beautiful way, also called Shudo), Riko has a large following of patron and clients. He is articulate, kind, and almost perfectly flawless, carrying the faintest of scars above one eyebrow, an injury from childhood. He was sold into the Geisha house at a very young age and knows no other life, though he dreams one day of becoming the favored companion of some Samurai (though he cares little if it be a male or female samurai), though his sisters and few brothers in the house think him childish for such dreams (and they may be right, Riko is very young, no more than 14). Graced with a fine singing voice and eyes that can melt anyone's heart, Riko may perhaps be better suited to a brothel; he has little skill at musical instruments and the less said about his dancing the better, but he has become a competent shogi player and is working on his tea ceremony as well. Yanagi has debated selling his contract to a different establishment, fearing he will never become a first rate geisha, but she is reluctant to sell off such a lucrative contract, even if he is a mere fourth rate geisha. Hatsuoki (Firstborn + Middle of the Ocean)

Hatsuoki in another of the more popular Geisha in the house, and is the House's resident games master. She is knowledgeable in almost every game in the Empire and can play them all, though admittedly her strengths are in Go, Shogi, and Sadane. She is pretty, but not the most beautiful Geisha in the House, and she is quite intelligent, though again, not the smartest Geisha here. She is the wittiest, though, and is quick to solve puzzles and riddles, and few in the city are her match in Sadane; she is able to find just the right cutting comment on any subject and to interject it in such a way as to ensure no one takes offense. She is rumored to have a lover somewhere in the city, though no one even as a clue who it could be, Hatsuoki has lent her incredible wit and keen perceptions in making sure she is immaculately discrete. Chikao One of the two Ronin guards hired by Yanagi, Chikao is a dedicated bushi and fairly reliable. Given the amount of money he is being paid, Chikao is also as devoted to Yanagi as any Clan Samurai is to their Daimyo. He is, assumed to be, incorruptible. He has proven himself to be immune to the seductive ways of no less than four of the younger Geisha girls who find him a romantic figure, and has held to his oaths of brotherhood with the Geisha quite well, referring to all of them as "ane-chan" (little sister). Chikao is strong, swift, and very handy with a blade. He has had no problems dealing with the plethora of indulgences available to him, he shuns both offers of women, wine, and opium; what he spends his money on is anyone's guess, so far no one has even come close to finding him a bribe he would even hesitate over. This is not to say that he has no vices, just that none have yet been discovered. Chikao spends most of the day watch keeping tabs on the Geisha and making sure they are not disturbed by any ruffians or unwanted (or even wanted) guests. He has yet to be forced to draw his blade in combat, though he has been forced to man handle a few overly amorous suitors. Kaito Kaito is Yanagi's second guard and is her chosen night guard, a very trusted position for anyone, most of the House's business falls in the evening hours, and most indiscretions occur later still. Jokingly called, "eagle-eye" for his piercing gaze and near magical ability to see in the dark, Kaito is a terrific night watchman. He is quite capable in a fight and has already had to deal with several interlopers, and in one shocking case, a would-be rapist. Only the interlopers were able to walk out of the building after. The rapist was efficiently dispatched by Kaito's swordplay. Kaito takes his oaths to Yanagi and the House very seriously, though he does not enjoy the vows of family he was forced to make. Still, the pay is incredible so Kaito will handle his problems by simply visiting a different Geisha house or brothel if need be. Kaito is also rather unscrupulous in that he is more than willing to accept bribes, he just never gives what was requested. Those who chose to withhold payment until Kaito delivered were disappointed, he never delivers where his oaths interfere. Yanagi was initially angered that he accepted any bribes, but when he explained that he simply took their gifts and left them without anything in return, she simply shook her head and moved on. This is not to say that Kaito is greedy, he gives all of the bribes he receives to a local temple, Kaito simply hates the trusting and foolish. Painter's Studio Takumi's Studio Takumi is a local painter, well regarded by the town and often in demand by those that can afford his fees. He paints everything and anything, from wall hangings to personal fans to folding screens. He is a very skilled painter, though not as good as the famed artisans of the Crane or Phoenix. He maintains a modest studio with a small apartment in the back. He is wealthy enough, or lucky enough, to be the proud owner of a very small garden out behind his small home. Far from anything one would find in even a modest samurai house, it is quite nice by commoner standards, with a small stream, shared with his neighbors, and a very attractive weeping willow. He personally maintains this garden, adding the appropriate flowers for the season and carefully trimming the two small bushes. Takumi is very proud of

his garden, and shows it to all of his visitors discussing his joys and sadness as he constructed the garden. Takumi will paint what ever he is commissioned to paint, though he privately paints Ukiyo-e paintings for sale in the town. He mostly sticks to paintings of the local scenery, but he has been known to dabble in portraits. It is a poorly kept secret that he uses a pseudonym and false identity to paint more erotic paintings of the beautiful young women and young men of the town, and is always looking for new models. A even worse kept secret is that he has had several samurai-ko model for him, and their paintings have sold for a great deal, though he is careful to obscure their names under false identities and protect them from any shame. Ironically, any samurai-ko who is so captured and protected will usually gain a small bit of glory and fame for her beauty, though if it is ever revealed that she is indeed the woman in the painting, that glory can quickly become infamy so most people avoid the risk. Notable People: Takumi Takumi is a very young and very idealistic painter, he sees the beauty in all things and has made it his life's goal to catch on paper the perfect vision of beauty. Being so young and so easily infatuated with beauty, Takumi is a bit of a flirt, and a somewhat infamous womanizer. He does have the tendency to only chase those who wish to be caught, but some of those women have been married, a fact which has not endeared himself to the local married men. But, Takumi still tries, and as handsome and enthusiastic as he is, he tends to succeed as often as not. It should be noted that the local gambling houses do have a going pool on how much longer he will live before a jealous husband strikes him down...

Tea House Mariko. The Tea House called Mariko is a quaint establishment nestled in the heart of the ward, surrounded by stately homes and fine gardens. The street is a lazy street, and one that invites calm and peace, everyone living around are older and more prone to taking life at a slower pace. The Tea House was built several centuries ago and named after the builder's sweetheart in tribute to her. Local legend has it that the two were married in a joyful celebration of Benten's mercy and lived for nearly fifty years of married bliss, running the Tea House together until they both passed on in their sleep holding each other. True or not, the establishment has been passed down through the centuries to several different families, eventually resting in the current owner's control. Hitoshi inherited the house from his uncle and has run it superbly ever since. The house has several different blends of tea and serves a small choice of tea snacks. He has carefully maintained the decor from his uncle, who claims it is all original, though some dispute that claim. Elegant in its simplicity, the Mariko is small, but warm, with a very scenic view out each of the three sides patrons can see from: the stately mansion across the road, home to a local magistrate, a small shrine next door, and on the other side one finds a small public garden, cared for by several neighbors. Inside the wood work is old, but polished to a fine gleam, and deep cherry colored tables are placed about the seating area to allow for both privacy and a sense of community, as many locals gather here in off times to sit and chat and drink tea. Interestingly, there is something about Mariko's that affects the women who visit regularly, especially the girls who work here. Something, some say the will of Benten, leads girls into marriage ever so quickly. Few marry patrons, but all the girls who work here will find that within a few years at most, they will find themselves a suitor that pleases them and provides a suitable marriage. This is true of those female

patrons that visit frequently, a fact which has not been lost on the folklore of the town, though no priest or shugenja can prove supernatural influence. Both peasant and samurai visit here, though they do not intermingle, but both groups do spend time chatting amongst themselves about anything under the sun, from politics to religion to the local sumo matches. Notable People: Hitoshi. Hitoshi is the owner and a very affable young man. In his early 20's, he is happy and outgoing and enjoys serving tea and spending time talking with his patrons. He has hired several young girls to help him serve his tea, though few stay long. He accepts this and wishes the girls well when they leave, often gifting them with a nice tea set or a small supply of fine tea as a token of his thanks. Hitoshi does have some bad habits: he is a shameless gossip, and talks incessantly about anything he hears, so patrons should be wary; this is not a discrete establishment. Secondly, Hitoshi is a notorious meddler. He loves to help people and is always interfering with their lives and decisions but with the best of intentions.

Restaurant Gendo's Dining. No one really knows why Gendo chose to be a cook, especially after having tasted his food. No one knows how he got the loan to open his restaurant. No one knows how he was able to convince his wife that he should put away his calligraphy, stop drawing maps for merchants, and start a restaurant. But, to the surprise of everyone, he did. The building is a little run down, but is located just one street off the main avenue and market; a place one would suspect would be prime territory for any kind of shop. Two stories, with a much larger first floor, the building is home to Gendo and his family, two sons and his wife, with a small room for their live in house guest, Anko, who serves the food Gendo prepares. And let us be clear here: Gendo's cooking can only be called food because it is technically edible. It is, without question, the worst food served in any place of business in the city. It is overly spiced, usually deep fried, and utterly unoriginal. Noodles, fried vegetables, soups, grilled fish and fowl, and Nabemono (one pot stewed foods) fill his menu, and truth be told, they are the same food you can find anywhere in Rokugan, but of much lower quality. Common complaints list his overabundance of sauces and his desire to make his nabemono a little too all encompassing. To make matters worse, Gendo truly believes his food is terrific and ignores all words to the contrary, responding that "it takes a true artiste to appreciate my meals." So why does this establishment remain open? It clearly is not the dinner service, which caters to those new to the city (and thus do not know of Gendo's reputation) and those in a terrific hurry and hunger. No, it is Gendo's amazing bit of insight into the lunch crowd. He realized that his ward was populated with hundreds, if not thousands of laborers, merchants, and hungry shoppers who will want a large pile of food to keep them going throughout the long business day. So, to take advantage of this, he has created what is perhaps Rokugan's first, and only, all you can eat buffet. Gendo and his sons crank out huge mounds of food, which is placed in serving trays set atop bricks that were recently baked in the ovens to keep the food warm, and diners are able to take as much as they like for one low fee. Frugality often wins over flavor among the merchant class, so his Lunch time is always busy, usually with a line out the door. Coupled with a shrewd deal with a local sake brewery, Gendo makes money hand over fist selling plates of food and many, many bottles of sake (individually priced, of course) to hungry and thirsty laborers.

While it is not the place for anyone of true status to eat at, samurai who are down on their luck, find themselves short of cash, or just like to consume massive quantities of food are occasionally seen in the building, although most of the clientele is of peasant stock. Rarely, Gendo takes a day off to work on other pursuits and leaves his sons in charge, who are honestly trying to improve as chefs, so patrons are treated to a marked improvement in the quality of food. One can always tell when Gendo is out of the house, for the line is almost double and then one does see a number of young Samurai who seek a respite from the barracks kitchens. Notable people: Gendo, mid 40's Clear eyed, with his hair just beginning to go gray, Gendo is in perfect health, rare for a peasant of any status. He does enjoy his work and truly, honestly feels his cooking skills are of the uppermost tier. Despite his true lack of skill, his shrewd intellect and natural ability to find the best prices on food, has lent him his current success. Suwa, mid 40's Suwa is Gendo's wife and rather annoyed at her husband. She was enjoying the rather free life she had as the wife of a mapmaker and resolutely stood against his decision to abandon his career, which she rightly felt he had talent for, for a career she, rightly, felt he was incapable of performing. Still, she stood by him, and while she is pleased with the money they are making, she begrudges the hard work she and her sons must put forth every day. Ken and Ichi, teens. Ken and Ichi are Gendo's twin sons and they, unlike their father, DO have a talent for cooking, nascent as it may be. They enjoy cooking and hope to find a worthy teacher, though their father still refuses to send them to one claiming himself as the best teacher they could find. The boys roll their eyes and trudge along as best they can, trying new things and learning as they go. Thankfully they pretty much ignore their father's 'lessons' and do what they feel tastes best. The boys find humor in everything, especially their father, and delight in playing pranks (when they aren't cooking). As identical twins, they especially love trying to fool people into thinking one is the other (their mother is never fooled by this) or else they are just one REALLY fast young man by popping out of alternate alleyways to scare passersby.

Sake House "Taruzoko" (bottom of the cask) Named after the sake that rests at the very bottom of sake casks (a small amount of sake that is highly prized for its heady aroma and deep golden hue), the Taruzoko is a very popular establishment in the city, hosting a great many parties. Located in a very vibrant neighborhood, the locals are well used to the noise and roll an eye at the sound of people having fun and unwinding after a difficult day and several take the time to join in any revels. A well worn establishment, it does bear the mark of the many parties thrown in this building; the floors are scuffed, the walls are scarred, and the shoji screens rattle in their housings. It is very warm despite its rough look, not unlike a gap toothed old grandfather: happy, boisterous, and well lived. The tatami mats are clean, and the windows well shuttered and always containing newly oiled rice paper screens, and the tables are, if not elegant, at least well built.

Two things make the Taruzoko popular: the parties and the sake. First, a word on the parties. The owner often rents the establishment to anyone wishing to hold a party or any celebration and provides a safe house (complete with beds for those too 'enthusiastic' to return home at night). Both food and drink are provided for, but depending on how much the host wishes to spend, quality may vary. Second, the Taruzoko provides some of the best sake to its patrons, brought from nearly the entire Scorpion province in both the aged and fresh forms, and even has a merchant supplier that provides rarer sake from other lands as well. While this is not uncommon (many sake houses in the city can make that claim) the Taruzoko does so with flair. Takayuki, the owner, makes sure to debut each sake brew in only the biggest of celebrations, and being at a debut celebration can be a serious social coup for any socialite. Notable People: Takayuki The owner of the Taruzoko is a youngish man by the name of Takayuki, he bought the sake house from a previous owner after winning an amazing amount of money on a single night at a gambling house. Takayuki remembers very little of the night, nor the following celebration, though all of his friends talk loudly about how much fun they had. Takayuki was constantly asked to have more parties, and several local merchants even offered to pay him to arrange similar parties. Eventually he gave into the pressure and bought a sake house to answer their demands. The Taruzoko has been popular ever since, and Takayuki gives thanks daily to Daikoku and Hotei. The Temple to Jurojin Standing high in the Temple district, the Temple to Jurojin is one of the finer sights in the city. Built on a sprawling estate rather than a more traditional pagoda, it is a massive collection of shrines, structures, and meditation chambers. Doubling as a free clinic, the Temple houses the largest collection of trained healers and knowledge of healing in the entire city. With a large garden, designed to promote the spiritual energy that enhances healing and natural hot springs that range from simple water to highly complex mineral baths, the Temple is a true center for healing in the region. All of the features, healers, gardens, and baths are strictly for those who are in need of healing, healthy people are allowed to visit the Temple buildings, but are kindly asked to avoid the healing areas. The monks claim that the healthful energies of visitors can cloud the energies of those needing health, drawing the healing kami away from the patients and that only the monks, trained in chi suppression, can properly care for the patients. In any event, those seeking a cure for either long suffering wounds or illnesses are always welcome (though suitable donations are also expected) and most find relief, if not an actual cure. One interesting aspect of the grounds is that the temple maintains a fairly sizable collection of tame deer, the deer and stag being symbols of Jurojin, and three of the only white deer in captivity. The monks have raised the deer from foundlings, and treat them with kindness and mercy, a fact which has made many of the deer act as if they are humans themselves, often following monks about their duties and trying to help as they can (of course, the deer are less than helpful being deer and all, but it is cute to see a fawn trying to knock branches off the paths). If anyone is foolish enough to harm the monk's pets, they are sure to receive the wrath of the Temple as well as possible retaliation from the Lord himself. Notable People Abbot Eiji

The Abbot is typical of a monk, calm, peaceful, and very learned. He has been a disciple at the temple for most of his life, having been raised by the monks since he was left at the gates as a toddler. Eiji is very kind, always seeking a peaceful resolution to any conflict, and more than willing to create compromise. Now in his later life (he estimates his age at around 47), he is looking to enjoy his remaining years (and as a Monk of the God of Long Life, that may be quite awhile indeed). He sees the wounds of Beidan, caused by numerous battles and wars of the past century, and is hoping to heal them by whatever means are at his disposal. He opened the doors to the houses of healing to anyone, dispensing with the required donations (though voluntary donations are appreciated) and has been lauded by the elders of the city for doing so. He has also directed his monks to assist in any building projects to restore the city to it's previous grace. This action has not gone over as well. The Merchants and Governor appreciate the free labor, while the common workers are rather resentful at the influx of free labor that has driven wages down. The Widow's Estates Kawayama Remi, the Widow The stately home of the Kawayama merchant family (an officially unrecognized peasant 'family') rests on a small rise in the town, surrounded by a fine garden and a low wall, neatly imitating the estates of Samurai though in miniature. Two lovely stories tall, with large wings on either side for the servants, the estate is about as fine as one could hope for as a merchant. Kawayama Shihi was a very wealthy merchant in the Beidan area and owned many businesses and trading concerns. Recently, the merchant passed away, leaving his wealth and estates to his wife, Remi. Remi maintains his holdings and estates with, if not quite the skill of her august husband, a good degree of business acumen. She generally runs the businesses fairly lightly, allowing the managers to do their job and simply pays the bills and collects the profits. Where she does have insight that her late husband never did, was in loans. Remi is one of the leading loan sharks in the city, providing anyone, peasant, merchant, or samurai with variable rate loans. She generally relies on the recipient's sense of duty and shame to enforce payments, though she has been known to employ ronin to help collect from those who default. Important People: Kawayama Remi This lady is quite an esteemed matron, the heir to a very large fortune and sits at the head of a sizable family of sons, daughters, and their spouses. She is in her 50's and though her face shows the heavy lines of most peasants, her back is still straight, unbowed by labor. While avarice gleams in her eyes, she is smart enough to not be consumed by it and one should always take care to note that she is not a fool: people who try to cheat her often find out they themselves are the ones cheated.

Bath House #1 (Segregated) House of Sublime Relaxation (Onsen) Beidan is a truly lucky location, located along a vital trade hub and surrounded by the rich natural resources of the Spine of the World. One of those resources that is highly treasured by the Rokugani is that of the natural hot springs. Volcanically hot water rushes up from deep in the earth, sometimes in scorching geysers, but luckily in Beidan it rises up in a more sedate manner. Finally resting in pools, the waters can vary in many ways. Some have much higher mineral content and are prized for their healing properties, while others are simply relaxing.

A very nice Onsen (Hot Springs bath house), the House of Sublime Relaxation is located on one of the lesser pools, but it is still well regarded. Cascading down in a series of tiered pools, only the lower three are suitable for humans to bathe in, the higher pools are too hot and even a brief dip can cause serious burns. The pools do have a divider to separate the male and female sections, but it is a flimsy bamboo screen, easy enough to knock over and riddled with gaps. Of course, no self respecting adult would ever peek, and the Onsen is busy enough that it would be difficult to breach the barrier without being seen. Indoors, the Onsen has the usual amenities: washing rooms, changing rooms, and a small refreshment stand for selling all manner of drinks. Indeed, many are surprised by the sheer variety of drinks one could imbibe in the Onsen, ranging from sake and shouchu to tea and fruit juices, some of which can be quite rare and hard to get. The entire operation is segregated, almost from the moment the patrons first enter the bath house but as said above, it is segregated more by custom than by tall walls or rigid security. As the bathhouse is open to everyone of all ranks, it has become a tradition in the city that when inside the bath house, everyone is equal; from the governor to the lowest servant, and when inside you are yourself, not your titles or ranks. When in an onsen, the masks come off and people relax, indeed it is not uncommon for a lowly merchant to complain to a important karo how painful taxes are. Not because he expects things to change, but simply because it is human nature to gripe to a friendly ear. This bath house in particular has become a very popular location for city residents to meet and discuss the gossip and tidings of town, and is a vibrant center of politics and social networking. Even though social rules are relaxed, or maybe because they are relaxed, many people take the opportunity afforded by this custom to discuss what is important to them. It is important to note that another important custom is that one cannot take offense to what is said inside the bath house, and if one does (or later acts upon any bad feelings) one can expect to lose a great deal of face. Of course, if one deliberately provokes someone into losing face, they too lose face. Bath House #2 (Non-segregated) House of Sublime Relaxation (Onsen) Beidan is a truly lucky location, located along a vital trade hub and surrounded by the rich natural resources of the Spine of the World. One of those resources that is highly treasured by the Rokugani is that of the natural hot springs. Volcanically hot water rushes up from deep in the earth, sometimes in scorching geysers, but luckily in Beidan it rises up in a more sedate manner. Finally resting in pools, the waters can vary in many ways. Some have much higher mineral content and are prized for their healing properties, while others are simply relaxing. A very nice Onsen (Hot Springs bath house), the House of Sublime Relaxation is located on one of the lesser pools, but it is still well regarded. Cascading down in a series of tiered pools, only the lower three are suitable for humans to bathe in, the higher pools are too hot and even a brief dip can cause serious burns. Unlike many bath houses in the Empire, this location is not segregated, men and women bath in the same area. This can be quite disconcerting for many Clans, especially the Crane and Phoenix, although the Lion are more inured to this thanks to their non segregated military units (especially in the Matsu families). Indoors, the Onsen has the usual amenities: washing rooms, changing rooms, and a small refreshment stand for selling all manner of drinks. Indeed, many are surprised by the sheer variety of drinks one could imbibe in the Onsen, ranging from sake and shouchu to tea and fruit juices, some of which can be quite rare and hard to get. Inside, the changing rooms are divided but the washing room is not. In order to provide propriety, the washing room and bathing pools are observed by an attendant who is typically an honored neighborhood elder.

As the bath house is open to everyone of all ranks, it has become a tradition in the city that when inside the bath house, everyone is equal; from the governor to the lowest servant, and when inside you are yourself, not your titles or ranks. When in an onsen, the masks come off and people relax, indeed it is not uncommon for a lowly merchant to complain to a important karo how painful taxes are. Not because he expects things to change, but simply because it is human nature to gripe to a friendly ear. This bath house in particular has become a very popular location for city residents to meet and discuss the gossip and tidings of town, and is a vibrant center of politics and social networking. Even though social rules are relaxed, or maybe because they are relaxed, many people take the opportunity afforded by this custom to discuss what is important to them. It is important to note that another important custom is that one cannot take offense to what is said inside the bath house, and if one does (or later acts upon any bad feelings) one can expect to lose a great deal of face. Of course, if one deliberately provokes someone into losing face, they too lose face. Peddler Cart Eizo's Cart If one were to ask most residents, "who is the most memorable person in this city," they would list not the Governor, nor any of the high and mighty Samurai, but a lowly peasant by the name of Eizo (and if Eizo has a family anywhere, neither he nor they have allowed their name to attach to his personal moniker). Eizo is known by many names; 'Eizo Silver Tongue,' 'Eizo the Bastard,' and 'Eizo the Soon-to-be-dead' and others less savory. He is a fixture of the marketplace and his peddler cart can be seen and heard from almost the entire length of a street. Dangling pots and pans, fans and small lacquer boxes, hair pins and combs, netsuke and small idols of the kami, and all manner of small goods rest atop and around his cart. And that is just what is shown; often times Eizo has 'just the right item' for discerning customers. Many people whisper that he has all manner of other things for sale, things not meant for peasants to sell: weapons, opium, and even poisons. But, to be fair, this is not what Eizo is known for. No, Eizo is regarded as the best salesman in the entire city, he is capable of selling a man his own shadow. Oft times, Eizo has been able to convince even the most resistant customer to buy from him. One story recounts how he convinced a palace hunter to trade his old hunting knife for a small collection of spices then sold the peasant that same hunting knife for many times what the spices were worth, remarking that 'such a well loved hunting knife obviously has many valuable memories?' The story goes that that knife was once the hunter's father's and was bequeathed to him on their first hunt. After the man's father died, it was all he had to remind him of those early hunts. In any case, Eizo can be found pushing his cart through the merchant wards, crying out his wares and luring potential buyers to his cart, more often than not walking away with their hard earned koku. Eizo's sales cries are like a song, and his quick mind is very capable of inventing new songs on the spot, using cues from what his customers want, are wearing, and even little facts about them. Many patrons hear his siren call, and are drawn in; at first only by hearing themselves included in his sales pitches, but later by the undeniable good offers on the cart. Despite his mercenary way of getting sales, it can't be denied the Eizo sells anything less than quality products at very reasonable prices. Notable People Eizo As said, Eizo has a very quick mind, a perfect voice, and the keen observational skill necessary for any Merchant, but he also has a natural likability that makes his sales pitches almost like a form of entertainment. Few people walk away from his cart angered by their purchases (though many do later

wonder what possible need they could have of five ivory combs), but there are a few who despise Eizo and seek to slander him at all costs. These people were the few out right cheated or duped by Eizo and have made it clear he is not to be trusted. Most discount their complaints as they are all themselves notorious cheats and vagabonds themselves. Eizo denies targeting the greedy and foolish, but he does so with a smile, a laugh, and usually launches into a new sales pitch. His customers merely laugh and buy his goods. No one truly hates a man who only cheats other cheats, after all. Book Seller Seiji's Shop Located in an out of the way part of town, Seiji's shop is a very nondescript building, looking like just about every other shop in town. Two stories, shop below, home above with very small windows on the lower floor and a sturdy doorway with a small overhang. The walls are whitewashed and kept clean and around back is a small walled courtyard used for deliveries. Once you enter, the true nature of the building reveals itself. Each of the walls are lined with large shelves and in these shelves are hundreds of scrolls: a veritable library. Most are simple copies, duplicates for sale of the famous stories, serials, and literature of Rokugan. Mostly dealing with personal accounts, biographies, and fiction one can occasionally find scrolls of lore buried amongst the rest. Soshi Seiji himself is a frail, bookish samurai who has settled down in the city precisely because it is a trade hub. He can be found trolling through the merchant's wares, looking for any new scrolls to add to his collection. The shop is... well, its not really a shop. It should be considered Seiji's personal library, he just is willing to sell the copies of scrolls so long as he has at least one remaining. This small bit of whimsy tends to annoy those looking for an exotic or esoteric work, but Seiji is also very welcoming and usually allows those who are interested a chance to sit in his shop and read the rarer scrolls, indeed he will often sit with them and drink tea, happily discussing what is included in the scrolls. Truthfully, Seiji probably enjoys that as much as he enjoys buying a new scroll and has made sure to include several small tables and cushions for people to use while staying and he always has a massive pot of tea steaming. Notable People: Soshi Seiji Seiji is a quiet, bookish samurai who delights in scrolls and books of all kinds, but especially those that are rare or unique. He enjoys running his small shop, though he does spend a fair bit of time in the market anytime a merchant arrives who might be carrying a scroll he wants. People openly joke that he has the gate guards on his payroll to inform him when a book seller arrives and Seiji laughs just as much as they do. While he does carry his wakizashi with him, he often seems surprised to see it and is very non-confrontational; he tends to avoid the rougher sections of town and always leaves the scene when two samurai fight. The one time his wife insisted that he visit the dueling grounds to watch a cousin, Seiji passed out at the sight of blood, even though both parties later assured him it was just a flesh wound. Gold Mine Deep in the Mountains to the North East of Beidan lie a great complex of Gold mines. Owned by the Scorpion Clan, this complex is one of the most well guarded locations in the area, even if the Town of Beidan were to fall, these mines could hold out for many weeks, long enough for relief to come and drive away any invaders (read here, the Lion Clan). A combination of both deep mines and sluice operations, the mines employ many hundreds of peasants in the works, most as highly skilled smelters, but still using a good many as panners and sorters. A small number of the heartiest peasants are employed as actual diggers and laborers a fact which often surprises those not used to mining operations.

The Gold produced here is carried to Beidan, but little is actually used in the city; most is instead sent to other cities such as Ryoko Owari for later use, but one could buy the raw gold in Beidan with the permission of the Governor (most of the gold is earmarked for Scorpion coinage). The Gold mine does need one thing in large quantity: guards. Enterprising ronin, or mercenary minor clansmen, can find employment as guards at the mine. The work is not easy, as the Scorpion overseers use the Ronin as gophers and security in the most dangerous areas. One can expect to be overlooking both the deep mining operations and the smelting rooms, both areas with high mortality rates (for some reason, Ronin who push too hard on the peasants in these areas usually die, as often from a 'cave in' as from a 'drunken stumble into an open smelter'). The most prestigious duty is that of caravan protection. Only the most trusted, loyal, and skilled bushi (ronin or otherwise) are assigned to protect the gold caravans (or indeed even know when they will be sent out), and any ronin who get assigned to such a duty can expect to be offered adoption or fealty in due time, assuming nothing goes wrong. If something goes wrong however... the stories are quite grim. Hostile Clans can expect short shrift at the Gold mine and are rudely sent away, but the reception is not much better from Allied Clans. The Scorpion take security very seriously and do not allow outsiders (aside from Ronin or choice Minor Clansmen) into the establishment. They scrutinize everyone who enters and everyone who leaves. Anyone caught stealing is dealt with the utmost severity; crucifixion and quartering is common, and torture is often assumed. Those poor fools caught stealing large amounts are tortured to death before the entire mine complex as a lesson to others. Surprisingly, there is very little theft from the peasants. For the most part, they have hereditary positions as mine workers and are very well cared for. Good food, good homes, and warm clothes are only the start. Those laborers who are truly skilled (master smelters, mine foremen, and gold assayers) often receive large stipends and even small estates that rival some samurai (those of the lower ranks to be sure). Because of this, the workers know that there is potential for great familial advancement if they work hard, learn their craft, and remain loyal, and so trying to bribe one of these workers is likely to end up with the briber nailed to a cross and wondering what exactly happened. Silk Works Simple Elegance Silk Works Located to the South East of the city, the Simple Elegance Silk Works stands amidst a massive plantation of Mulberry trees. Collecting the silk worms and weaving it into delicate silk cloth. Silk Works are a major industry in Rokugan; no one who can do without silk will, and many who could won't. Many courtiers have said that a man's worth can be seen by the quality of his clothes, and even poor silk sets a samurai above other cloths. To be fair, most samurai own winter kimonos made from warmer materials such as thick cotton or linen, but even then if they can afford it the rich prefer layer upon layer of silk (often padded with yet more silk). It is said the Emperor himself dresses in as many as 21 layers of Kimono to fight off the winter chill and only a fool would expect anything but the finest of silks to touch that divine form. In any case, Simple Elegance is typical of Silk Works; large groves of trees, seasonal laborers collecting the worms, and a constant stream of skilled weavers unraveling, spinning, weaving, and dyeing the silk all days of the year. Men and women alike are employed by the works, and a surprising number of women are employed at high wages: generations of careful training and familial responsibilities coupled with a woman's naturally slimmer and more delicate hands have led to the custom of paying women more for the same work. Many young women find this exhilarating and try to find employment here, year after year. Sadly, the familial connections make the weavers nearly a guild, and few can get in (though in times of

great supply of cocoons, many can work for a short time, earning a reprieve from other, more traditional female occupations). Unlike some other holdings, Simple Elegance encourages visitors. People are free to take guided tours of the operation, and even escorted through the warehouses to see all the varieties of cloth in prints, colors, and weaves. It seems odd, but many of the more fashion conscious courtiers demand such; by seeing the newest patterns the season before they are sent to the kimono shops, they can get a head start on choosing the appropriate accessories. Other samurai also are interested in the silk works because they can choose the finest bolts of silk before the merchants can get to them, and still others are merely curious. The guided tours are offered by demand, and only by reservation; in fact the current manager has even begun offering refreshments to the samurai visiting, hoping to score favor with the presumably important visitors. It should be noted that these tours can be quite expensive depending on which refreshments are ordered, but to those who truly care about their silk, price is often never an object. Forest The Theater of Green Located to the west of the city, this is a large mangrove forest. Swampy and mostly flooded, the short trees are densely packed and covered in hanging vines, large populations of trees, surrounding large spaces. These open areas heavily resemble theaters, complete with the vines replicating whole curtains, so much so that observers have deemed this forest "Theater of Green." The forest is not often used for lumber, as the wood is far too twisted for building material, but some peasants have earned the right to harvest a few trees and fallen branches for firewood. No one is quite sure why the Scorpion have not yet drained the lands and cut down the woods, but many whisper that the wonderful cover provided by the clearings and groves is too useful for clandestine meetings. Some whisper that a dutiful lover was murdered by his love's husband, and now stalks the woods, seeking vengeance and killing all who intrude upon his unlife. Some say it is the locale of a group of opium smugglers, who use the open spaces as a meeting area. Some still say that private plays are performed here, for only the most special and glamorous citizens of Rokugan before the plays debut elsewhere. Indeed, some even say that the most famous of plays are performed before the greatest judges in the entire world; namely the Sun and Moon themselves! Another local rumor is that there is someone, or thing, guarding the woods, keeping it safe and protecting it from interlopers. Of course this is all just peasant superstition, and no one truly believes it. After all, it's just a wood, just a simple swamp. Nothing could possibly be sinister about it.

Spice Merchant The Spice of Life Located in the finest part of the Merchant's District, the Spice of Life is a well known shop for residents and tradesmen. Located in a large, multilevel building that dominates the ward. The upper floors are used as offices and living space by the owner, Ryuunosuke, and his family with the large lower floor being used as his shop. There, in the shop, one can find almost every spice used in Rokugan, and even some found outside Rokugan thanks to the newly returned Unicorn (and some whisper from the Tortoise and Mantis). The main floor smells strongly of all the spices that fill the room, a rich melange of dozens, perhaps hundreds of spices. Some sit in large boxes, heaping nearly beyond their rims. Some sit in small vials, so valuable that they are kept behind lock and key. Some others can be bought in small cases for individual uses. However they are displayed, the sight can be quite bewildering unless one is accustomed to the

sight, few samurai in Rokugan (well, aside from some Yasuki and those who frequent spice markets) ever see it. What surprises many visitors is the clientele of the shop, peasants, farmers, laborers, ji-samurai, buke, and even kuge can be seen shopping here (though the kuge do generally have servants to do the purchasing and carrying); the spices range from the common (pepper, curry, cumin, and vinegar) to the rare (ginger, red pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon). Ryuunosuke, in addition to providing the spice, also provides recipes for some of the rarer spices to help people cook special meals, after all a customer who tries cinnamon for the first time may never buy it again if they ruin their dinner. This is as true of the poor farmer as it is of the master cooks. Ryuunosuke also has come up with a creative way of drumming up new business (as well as disposing of old stock). Before the spices turn or go bad, Ryuunosuke uses them in a big cooking event, giving free samples to anyone who stops by the shop. Given that spices last a long time and that not everything spoils at the same rate (though they do spoil eventually), each month a different taste arises. Sometimes it is talked about for months after as the customers wistfully remember the fine flavor. Other times they talk of somewhat less enjoyable feelings. In either case, people are thankful that Ryuunosuke does this, as many farmers may get the only taste of a rare herb in their entire lives when this happens. Important People: Ryuunosuke, mid 30's A younger merchant, Ryuunosuke inherited the shop from his father and fully intends on passing it onto his own children one day and plans to continue in the odd family tradition of inheritance. When he was but 18, his father collected him and his three elder brothers and told them that it time for them to prove their worth. He gave each of them a small sack of Koku and told them to go forth and earn. Each proceeded to buy what spices they felt would earn the most and set forth on their enterprise. After fortune and folly, shrewdness and idiocy, each of the brothers returned home. One had lost everything in Ryoko Owari's gambling Dens. Another returned with a Phoenix wife, a stake in her father's business, and no desire to sell spice when he could sell silver. But Ryuunosuke proved he had better luck than his remaining brother and so was awarded the shop. Ryuunosuke was quick to move on it. Ryuunosuke's first act as manager was to hire both of his brothers (the gambler and the less successful one) to help him with his business. The gambler, he made his warehouse manager and sighs over his gambling habits (it has yet to manifest itself to harm Ryuunosuke), the other brother he sent out to procure the rarest of spices (and he enjoys traveling and hates responsibility, so it might be said he is the happiest of the brothers). Taking over the store himself, Ryuunosuke has prospered well; wealthy, happily married, and a father three times over. His one weakness is perhaps children, Ryuunosuke makes sweets from his spices (mostly from hardened sugar and cinnamon) and hands them out to the city's children. Because of this, it is not uncommon for many of the children, samurai and peasant alike, to call him 'Uncle' (and a few of the youngest call him 'Grandfather' a fact which irks him to no end). The House of Silk Roses Unlike the finely respected establishment of the Geisha house in the city, The House of the Silk Roses is a place to visit for those with a need for more than just mere entertainment from pretty girls. The House of Silk Roses does not deal with Geisha, but with Oiran (though it's not uncommon that those who failed to become geisha ended up here). When the sun sets, The House of Silk Roses open up their blinds, and the elegant flowers of the House sit by the windows to advertise their service.

However, the establishment is no mere resting place for any vagabond as the owner of the House is quite picky about the clientele. When asked why, the reply is merely because "what they are offering can only be truly appreciated by men of a more refined class", and those who want their regular Oiran can go further down the street. Okiku (respected chrysanthemum) Okiku is not the owner of the House of Silk Roses (which remains a mystery to many), but she is the hostess and is the one who greets the customers of the House. Okiku is in her mid 30's, but she is aging very well, and can still turn a few heads when she is seen in the streets. As with all the 'flowers' in the house, very little is known about her, but the locals gossip amongst themselves that she was once the concubine of a wealthy lord in the area. Toyako (peach arrow girl) Toyako is the highest-ranking Oiran in the house, and only the most elite clients are graced by her delicate presence. In the social circle of those who have visited the house, Toyako is described as a lovely flower, whose specialities should never be discussed except behind closed doors after nightfall. Whatever it is she does, it seems to keep drawing her regular customers back again and again. Karabana (imaginary flower) Karabana is a rare jewel of the house, though what exactly it is that makes Karabana rare has never been revealed to the world outside the House. For those who actually step into the Willow world, the persons with more... peculiar tastes in bed-partners are directed to this courtesan. Because Karabana is actually a man. Miumi (beautiful plum) According to the rumors, Miumi was well on her way to become a fully-fledged maiko (apprentice geisha), but something caused a great rift between her and the Okasan of The House of the Heavenly Mokuren, and in great haste Miumi's contract was sold to the House of Silk Roses. Though the girl is rumored to have a quite a temper, she is still a great beauty that attracts a great deal of young and hopeful customers. Miumi usually meets with the younger customers, as she seems to be what they are looking for. Osakura (respected cherry blossom) The newest and youngest girl of the House is Osakura, and she is already earning her fame as an exotic blossom. Many are fascinated by her appearance, though not as beautiful as Miumi, she has a unique quality about her features even underneath the traditional make-up. Her eyes especially draw attention, with their delicate amber hue, and people whisper that she most likely have some heritage from beyond the Empire's borders. World's Stage Theater Troupe No clan is better known for theater than the perhaps the Scorpion. Yes, the Lion are well respected for their dedication to the art, but if you were to list the ten greatest actors and writers, seven would be Scorpion and only two Lion. Beidan lacks a great deal of the sophisticated polish of the lower Scorpion cities, but it is still far and away a better source for the art than most other cities in the Empire. Located at a major trade juncture, Beidan's Theater is an amalgamation of multiple sources: Lion and Scorpion dominate, but one can also see elements of Crane, Phoenix, and even Dragon styles flowing in. True theater aficionados sneer and roll their eyes at this bastardization of the art, but a growing circle of universalists have embraced the more 'national' style (though it is perhaps a good 1000 years early to begin speaking of nations).

The World's Stage is a stately little theater, smaller than many, but still quite adequate for the needs of the troupes that share it. Given the Scorpion mastery of Theater, it should come as no surprise that this theater, like the other, lesser theaters in the city, is home to more than just one form of troupe. Noh, Kyogan, Kabuki, and even a Bunraku Troupe all use the theater for their shows, though competition for the usage of the stage can be quite competitive at times. Fortunately, the theater manager, Yogo Kiyonee, usually arbitrates fairly so the actors have yet to come to blows over it. The building is typical of Scorpion construction: it is well made, well maintained, and somber in tone. The stage is well lit by mirrored lanterns and decorated with sumptuous silk banners to accentuate the performance (or in the case of Noh or Bunraku, to drown out distractions). The stage floor has been polished to a perfect gleam and is smoother than the finest silk, a hallmark of careful generations of care. The stage contains a hanamichi (a walkway from the stage to the back of the room), but only the kabuki troupe uses it with any regularity. To the rear of the stage lie the actor's rooms, changing areas, and prop storage. It should be noted that the Bunraku troupe uses the lion's share of the storage thanks to their puppets and sets, and it is a bone of contention amongst the troupes. Being the most prominent of the several theaters in the city, it is no surprise that the actors and few actresses that make up the house are well regarded by the city and their company is appreciated by many; it is a poor social event indeed that fails to have one actor in attendance. Notable People: Yogo Kionee, Manager Yogo Kionee is the Stage Manager for the World's Stage and has shown herself to be competent at it. Having arrived in the city not too long ago, she ended up in the Theater, having lacked any real local political connections to be given a better position. That being said, she has prove quite adept at keeping the various troupes from killing each other and has even allowed several of the maiko to debut and perform at the theater as special arrangements. When it comes to the personal lives of her actors, she turns a blithe eye to their doings on, so long as they are sober enough to perform at night. She does make good use of her correspondences to ensure the House retains its fame and regularly sends out what amounts to press releases of the new plays and performances. Shosuro Ayumu, Noh Actor The prima donna of the Noh Troupe, Ayumu is the Rokugani equivalent of a rock star. He has hundreds of fans throughout the city who idolize him and the printers make a brisk business in ukiyo-e paintings of him. Beautiful and athletic, Ayumu personifies the ideal of the Noh Actor and many in the city seek his affections. Ayumu knows this, and his affections do not come cheap; many weeks of gifts and favors are expected before he will even speak with a samurai in private, and many more before he gives them anything else. He is in foul odor with the authorities, who publicly condemn his fairly blatant prostitution, somehow he retains enough favor to not be ordered to seppuku for shame. Shosuro Riku, Bunraku Head Puppeteer Riku is the leader of the Bunraku puppeteers and runs her crew like a stern older sister; and the troupe is as close as a family. She is quite pretty, but she never excelled at acting; her talents always lay in her delicate and nimble hands. Possessing an ability with her hand eye coordination that reaches a shocking level, she easily adapted to the life of a puppeteer. From the smallest to the largest, she has mastered all forms of puppetry. She and her troupe are recent arrivals to the city, mere months ago, and are still trying to find their place. It does not help that they have a rather unsavory reputation as traveling puppeteers, rumors of 'up-jumped samurai' and 'brothel rejects' have followed them, especially Riku, though she has

reacted quite hostilely to such rumors. Still, wandering theater troupes are often regarded as little better than commuting prostitutes (male or female), and the only difference between samurai bunraku and peasant bunraku for many is the quality of their gear. It should go without saying that Riku and her group are never invited to fine events. The Grove of Grandfather Cypress. Common in Rokugani religion, sacred trees are often venerated to a degree that nearly equals that of the Fortunes and Kami themselves. The mighty cypress can grow to incredible heights, towering over any structure made by man (including the nascent Kaiu Wall) and can live for many hundreds of years. Given the respect given to anything of great age, it is natural that the trees (and the spirits they represent) are worshiped as holy. Near Beidan lies a large grove of such cypress trees, the largest, called "Grandfather Cypress," is rumored to have existed since the coronation of Hantei Yogozohime. This grove receives a fair bit of pilgrims from all over the Scorpion lands, though few outside of the Scorpion visit it. Local rumor has it that if a person makes a pilgrimage to the tree and meditates on a problem or question, the tree's great wisdom will impart the proper solution or answer. Beside the tree, a small shrine has been constructed and is lovingly maintained by the pilgrims and residents of Beidan. Those who visit often clean the shrine as a symbol of their dedication and humility, and many people donate to the shrine so that whenever it needs repairs or replacement, it is quickly taken care of. The current shrine has been donated by the House of the Heavenly Mokuren and all of the charms and sacred accoutrements have been supplied by the Temple of Jurojin. The North gate: The Lion Gate The Northernmost gate of Beidan, it is also the most heavily defended. The last to fall to Iuchiban and the first to be rebuilt, this mighty bastion stands guardian over the city and the initial approaches to Beidan Pass. Called the Lion gate by all, it is considered the first line of defense from any marauding armies from the Lion lands and many Matsu battalions have crashed against the bulwark over the long years. The Gate itself is a large set of iron bound oaken doors, with a great bar that requires no less than ten strong men to raise and lower it. A smaller postern gate is off set to the side, but anyone wanting to enter that way must duck (and incidentally be easy meat for the defenders if such is required. A second story hangs over the gateway, providing a good field of fire to anyone trying to approach the doors, as well as providing a place to drop stones or other instruments of pain and death on any that do try to enter thanks to some devilishly concealed murder holes in the walls and ceiling of the gateway. In times of peace, the second story houses the offices of the gate warden, a very important figure who is ultimately responsible for the traffic in and out of the city. It is by his authority alone that people are permitted to enter, although he delegates most of this responsibility to his aides and personal retainers. Truth be told, so long as one has the proper identification and is not of sufficient rank, one will never see the North Gate Warden; he only stirs from his duties when important people are passing by and require formal greetings. That being said, the current gate warden is responsible enough and does make sure to watch the traffic through windows and arrow loops, just to check on his subordinates if nothing else. The gatehouse is nothing out of place, and is truly not something out of the ordinary; one could be excused for wondering how any army, let alone the Lion, could ever break on this barrier. Excused that is, until they turn to their right and see the mighty tower that watches over this gate. Sitting obliquely to the gatehouse and protruding from the wall stands a large, squat, three story building dotted with arrow loops and manned by dozens of well trained samurai, it completely protects the gateway. In times of war, the tower's guard can swell to hundreds of veteran soldiers. These men and women lay down a withering fire

of arrows, flaming and steel tipped, on the battering rams and crews sent to knock down the gates. The fields outside the gate are kept clear for three hundred yards, providing no cover for anyone who wishes to charge, and everyone in the tower is trained to respond to a breach. Up to three hundred Samurai will exit the building and sweep down a special road kept clear for their use that runs right to the gatehouse. It can take less than thirty breaths and any attacker that has breached the gateway will find themselves overwhelmed with the guardians of the gateway. Traffic at this gate is typically less than at the Southern gate, but more of it is of import. Visiting samurai, northern merchants, and the ever important gold shipments pass through these doors, though one should not be surprised to see a few peasants as well, since there are a few farms to the north (though not many). Important People: Yogo Junichi A rather surprisingly marginal figure, Junichi has just enough sway to be granted a prestigious position as Warden of the Lion Gate. He earned few remarks from his sensei and he has never won a commendation in battle or competition. Currently in his mid thirties and fairly striking in appearance, Junichi well aware of his looks he dresses in such a way as to accentuate his trim figure. Combined with his natural ease with making friends, Junichi has sued those skills to get him as far as he can go, and now as Gate Warden, he must rely on his own skills from here on. Junichi is a warrior, though he is not, perhaps, good enough to truly defend the Gate. He is proud of his skill though, and enjoys going to the Dojo of Spilt Blood to test himself. Junichi is not a fool, though and knows his limits; he knows he is good with the blade, but far from a master. He is trying to make himself worthy of his new position, both to make the Governor happy and also to make his allies in court happy (the ones that got him his position). He is careful to delegate his authority and duties to his subordinates, all of whom have been here for many years, and watches what they do. He is learning and one day, perhaps, will be worthy of his position. The South gate: The Gate of Loyalty Less impressive than the North gate when taken in it's entirety, the South Gate is far more functional. Overall larger and more used than the North Gate the South gate covers nearly four times the space with an equally impressive set of doors. The building stretches along the wall itself a fair distance, and while it does provide secure shelter for archers, that is not its primary purpose. Most of the rooms within are used by the city's tax assayers to measure and account for the local harvests and production and the rest are used as temporary storage during the tax season before the collected taxes (mostly paid in gross product) are sent to the Governor's storehouses and coffers. Called the Gate of Loyalty, many debate its meaning; some insist that as the tax building, it refers to the loyalty of the peasants. Others, citing the same reason claim it refers to the tax collectors. Quite a few visitors point out that, as the gate faces south, and thus the rest of the Scorpion provinces, it refers to the loyalty of the Scorpion Clan as a whole. Not a few residents recall a story in the sixth century when the city was briefly owned by the Lion. They claim that then, a Scorpion tax assayer sealed the gates and locked himself in with the harvest, refusing to surrender himself, the gate, or the taxes to the Lion saying that it belonged to his Lord. Eventually, the brave Samurai was killed when the Lion broke down the door, but not before he set fire to stores denying them to the Lion. A very Dramatic story, and one that has even been immortalized in a popular (though mostly local) play, "The Twenty Eight Days of Soshi Kunio."

Dramatic history or not, the Gate of Loyalty is perhaps the least dramatic post in Beidan. Though it is important, and only qualified individuals are ever stationed here, it is boring, in no way risky, and generally considered the end of a career. It is awfully hard to distinguish yourself counting rice and making sure that every jug of sake has the proper tax seal, after all. Though it is busy, and distinguished visitors do pass through, most of the traffic is little more than local peasants carrying their wares for sale in the city. Important People Yogo Masumi Short, squat, and dumpy looking coupled with an attitude that could best be described as caustic, Masumi is not one normally expects of a Scorpion courtier. Then again, she is overseeing the tax intake of the city, so maybe one should not be too surprised. Masumi was born to influential parents and was attended by the finest of tutors. She should have been a success story, but Masumi was not a pretty child and always tended to be overweight. Not issues that could not be overcome, but Masumi resented being plump and drab. Her sisters were shining lights and her brothers were graceful young princes. Masumi was more like a farmer. Teased by her siblings, she developed an acid wit and a willingness to use it, regardless who she hurt. Eventually her parents despaired of ever finding her a suitable husband and released her from any bonds; she could marry whom she wanted, when she wanted. Masumi could have cared less; no one was going to want to marry her anyway, not after her years of building a reputation as a harpy, so she rolled her eyes and continued with her life. Eventually she was assigned to Beidan, her status was such that she could simply not be given anything less without offending her family, and she settled in with her usual resentment and typical scorn ("Ah, a lovely position for me: out of sight and out of hearing range. Thank you ever so much mother, I am sure some dashing Prince will sweep me away from my glorious duties counting rice bales."). Despite her complaints, Masumi has a mind like a steel trap and is never fooled; one could call her a 'genius.' Since she has taken over her job, smuggling has dropped considerably and tax revenues have risen quite noticeably (ironically, enough that the Governor might take notice soon). The Palace of Beidan "The Maple Palace" Following the defeat of Iuchiban, the City of Beidan was retaken from his forces by the Combined Clans, but only at a terrible cost in lives and destruction. The previous Palace was destroyed in the attack, and many feel that that was for the best; the terrible deeds and acts performed in the name of their twisted leader no doubt defiled the previous home of the Governor. After the final victory at Ryoko Owari, the city needed to be rebuilt, and few areas needed to be rebuilt quicker than the palace. The Anou family stepped up to the task and labored swiftly to build the civic center and provincial capitol. Many people in those dark times were benighted by their losses and by the horrors they had seen, and the rule of the day was bleakness and darkness. The Anou disagreed and instead looked towards a better future. Taking their cues from nature and the heavens, they constructed a Palace that would lift the spirit into a new level of hope. Thus, the Maple Palace was born. The Palace of Beidan is a stately mansion with large wings that encompass a private, and much celebrated, gardens. The building itself is kept in excellent condition thanks to Beidan's incredible wealth. Painted a shining red, the Palace has all the hallmarks of a typical Rokugani governor's home for a prosperous city, but at the same time betrays its Scorpion traditions. Blazing red with fine filigree accented in black and gold, the building portrays the Scorpion Clan colors very well and while some wonder as to the white inserts that dot the walls, most of the staff kindly explain that those represent the masks the Scorpion wear, in fact during high festival days wealthy Scorpion often 'purchase' those white

spaces and paint them with representations of their own masks, both as a way to flaunt their wealth and status as well as to honor the festival being held. Inside, one is often surprised to find the building is deceptively larger than it appears. From outside it would seem to be no more than two, perhaps three stories, but the Scorpion designers carefully crafted the facade to make the building seem smaller by usage of optical illusions and careful construction. Once you enter though, it is clear the building is at least four stories tall, perhaps more if one were to look into the cellars, though few ever see those. Interior If the exterior is bright, it is nothing next to the interior. Embracing an opulence not seen in the more subtle Scorpion courts to the South, the Maple Palace is the seat of Scorpion wealth, even more so than Ryoko Owari, thanks to the critical passes and the unending trade with the Northern Clans. The ceilings are painted to resemble a stunning vision of gods, emperors, and heroes, all gleaming with the golden auras of those that dwell in heaven. The Pillars are rainbows, the bridges between Heaven and Earth, and the walls are painted in alternating colors; from the brightest red to the soberest blues, from the liveliest greens to the most august golds. Some ancient engineer has rigged fans to the ceiling joints and set them to be moved by hidden pulleys, trained servants stand by to deliver a breath of fresh air whenever visitors pass by in the summer months to kill the stagnant heat that surrounds Beidan from roughly the Month of Hantei through the Month of Shinjo. While walking the paths and walkways of the palace, one must also take note of the numerous alcoves set into walls and set by windows; in each of these places one can find a new object of Scorpion Art, from vases and wall hanging, to painted screens and other luxuries. Though most are nowhere near as fine as what one would see in the Crane or Phoenix Palaces, they are still remarkable to see and have their own fine elegance. The Garden The Garden of Beidan's Palace is what lends the name "Maple Palace" to this edifice. Surrounded by the wings and dwelling quarters of the Governor and his immediate retinue, the Garden is a fine sight to behold three seasons of the year. A babbling brook, secluded benches, and well kept shrubs and flowers make the Garden pleasant and enjoyable. But during the Fall, the Garden becomes a magnificent sight. Realizing that they could never compare with the famed Isawa Elemental Gardens or the Fantastic Gardens of the Kakita and Doji, the Yogo chose to highlight their garden by planting hundreds of red maples. When the leaves turn, visitors are stunned to see that each and every tree was chosen for its red leaves and magnificently dark trunks, tying the Garden, Season, Palace, and Clan together with their primary colors: Red and Black. When the sun shines down through the leaves, everything beneath is covered in a hue of red light, making it seem as though visitors were walking through a sea of flame. Shirai's Most Munificent Cuisine Shirai is a happy man; as one of the leading cooks in the city h is in high demand. His food has been described as 'amazing,' 'powerful,' 'deep,' 'moving,' and 'insightful.' He himself has been called a visionary. He makes more than enough to support his family: a wife, five happy children, his parents, and even a fine looking mistress. His lifestyle has been compared to the Imperials, though on a smaller scale. Knowing all this, one would be surprised to find his establishment. Located just on the edge of the Marketplace of Stillness and Motion, his 'building' is more of a covered stall with seating open to the elements. Working the stall with his eldest daughter, Shirai serves up to the market goers food of amazing quality. Mostly sticking to fried foods, he also serves a variety of pickled

foods and wok seared dishes. Occasionally he will serve fish, but given the lack of a large enough body of water, the fish is almost universally dried. His primary specialties are pork and chicken (both meats popular among the peasantry and growing in popularity among the Scorpion and Lion) dishes, cooked with a tangy glaze. The stall is amazingly popular and is almost always crowded, the only slow hours are those times when he stops serving so he can prepare for the lunch or dinner rushes. Still, one wonders how he could make enough to live the luxurious (for a peasant) lifestyle that he does. One wonders, that is, until a festival opens. At that point, Shirai's fame truly strikes. Beidan is a large enough community and a large enough melting pot that it seems as if every week has another festival of sorts, and at nearly every festival, Shirai can be seen. Possessing a near-perfect memory and a knowledge of Rokugani festivals that rivals most temple abbots, Shirai is usually hired by neighborhoods, wards, and even the Governor to see that the civil requirements of the festival are taken care of: food, games, and even what is appropriate for the merchants to sell. In addition, Shirai drafts his entire family to work many of these booths to not only cut his personal expenses, but also to make a terrific profit on those same activities. While many vendors sell their own festival foods, none dispute that Shirai is the master of Festival Foods. He usually refrains from serving these dishes at his stall on non-festival days, but persistent customers can occasionally convince Shirai to serve one of his specialties (it is recommended to play to his vanity by extolling the virtues of the festival food you had elsewhere. Shirai will often insist that he be allowed to prove his version is better). Pavilion of the Seven Splendors Acting, Ikebana, Dance, Oratory, Music, Writing, and Artistry (meaning such craft-based arts as painting, sculpting, or printmaking), these are the Seven Splendors of culture, and with the Scorpion's overall contribution to the artistic community of the empire it should be obvious that the clan would house a complex devoted to the Fortunes that preside over these treasures. Honoring Tenjin (Fortune of Writing and Literature), Sadahako (Fortune of Geisha and Artists), Uzume (Fortune of Dance), Yama-no-Kami (Fortune of Stone), and Ko-no-Hama (Fortune of Flowers); rather than provide only a single temple for all of them, possibly invoking their disfavor for lack of independent worship, the Scorpion have rebuilt the complex much as it once was, a series of shrines connected by Ro (covered walkways). Of the five shrines, three of them are actual open air pavilions, only the shrine to Tenjin being enclosed. Accessible from any of the four outer shrines, Tenjin's shrine comprises the northern entrance, offering about what most would assume from the site. Against the southern wall a lacquered wooden statue rests, depicting a wizened old man in meditative equipoise. Draped across his lap is a scroll, often left by one of the monks bearing a kanji that the devout can meditate upon. In Tenjin's hand, of course, is held a raised brush, as though he had just finished writing the character. The remainder of the shrine is given over to small tables where one might bring a scroll and sumi-e kit to practice calligraphy and offer it up in devotion to the Fortune. Otherwise, ofuda (small paper talismans) are provided, that can be written on using the brush provided beside the shrine, and then affixed to the statues base. The other three shrines are very much the same in overall lay out to one another. Being pillared pavilions the only differences between them are location, devotional figure, and number of pillars. The pavilionshrine to Uzume, to the East, is supported only by six pillars running along the outside edge of the edifice. This leaves a large, open area at its center that is often filled with monks, nuns, and many lay practitioners performing the meditative steps of tai chi or other rhythmic meditative 'dance'.

The Pavilion-shrine of Sadahako, to the South, is supported by eight pillars, six of which circle its perimeter, with an additional two supporting its center. Greeting visitors as they arrive, the warm face of Sadahako, in the guise of a perfectly modest geisha smiles down at them. Biwa in hand, the building was made for its acoustics and is the shrine most often visited by the monks and nuns when they perform morning and evening devotional chants. Finally the shrine of Yama-no-kami, to the West, is supported by twelve pillars forming three rows of four across its length. Likewise situated at the center of his shrine, the heavy, undecorated stone figure of Yama-no-kami stands upon a blacksmiths anvil with a hammer in his hand. The patron of metalworkers and all forms of sculptors, this shrine is actually the most likely shrine to attract the truly devout. Though the Scorpion are notorious for their rather ambiguous nature regarding the Tao and the Celestial Heavens, anyone about to undertake a lengthy (and more importantly costly) artistic endeavor comes here to pray that their work will be successful and pleasing. Of course, amid all of these pavilions is a large garden that goes more or less unmarked save for a simple hooded shrine, to be opened and closed each day, that holds a tiny figure of Ko-no-Hama, Fortune of Flowers. Just as inclined towards the practice as the Crane or Phoenix, the Scorpion take gardening as an extension of Ikebana, and as such both practices are presided over in part by the flower maiden. This is also the 'shrine' that attracts the most amount of attention from the resident monks and nuns who spend a majority of time working on the sizable garden as part of their daily routine. Koiji, the bun-seller Ever large town doesn't just have street side vendors hawking wares from their wooden facades, the streets of the merchant quarters and seen moving too and fro, are the cart vendors. Of them, Koiji is one. A simple, and rather unassuming bun-seller, he does just what his name implies, he sells warm doughy breads for the enjoyment of those who wish to partake. Never asking for much, his prices are reasonable and his sweetmeats are always just what you need on a nice day. Hunched slightly from carrying around the two heavy baskets attached to the yoke slung over his shoulders, he seems no worse for wear from the tiring physical labor.

Jinsho, the juice vendor Jinsho is exactly why men don't trust women. She's a cunning and shrewd woman who might have risen to the highest ranks of her lord's service had she not been born to a lowly merchant family. Instead she turns her overly-acute business sense towards exploiting the other vendors in the area, specifically Koiji. Seeing as how the idiot doesn't offer a nice beverage to wash down the wonderfully drying breads that he sells, Jinsho makes sure to be at least two streets ahead, carefully spying on Koiji and the other local food merchants, ready to offer a cooling drink to those suddenly parched samurai. Their loss is her gain. Offering from her push cart a surprising array of sweet juices, mostly apple, plum, or cherry given the prominent orchards in the area, they are a welcome change from the usual water, though many are not fans of how tart the drinks are. Then again, in comparison to the alternatives they were bound to be quite sour. Bochi, The Tea Merchant Not the owner of a Tea House, Bochi is simply a dispenser and supplier of tea leaves both medicinal and common to those looking for them. Situated on the edge of the 10th District, as close as one can get to

the samurai districts, his emporium is well advertised and among the larger shops of its kind in the city. This is mostly due to his supplying the larger tea houses in the city with their herbs. The shop itself is what you'd expect. The back wall is covered in large knobbed drawers, each one housing a different sort of tea leaf. Given what is visible to the average customer that would put the number of types at his disposal somewhere around fifty, quite impressive even for somewhere like Beiden. Aside from the wall there is little else in the shop save its counter, though with the size of the building it's obvious that a majority of the store's property goes towards storage, as 'the back' is at least twice as large as the shop. Shinkaijo, the Apothecary Another one of the lucky who runs his shop in the 10th District, Shinkaijo is, without a doubt, the most called upon peasant physician in the upper 10 districts. Among the few who makes regular visits to samurai homes, the kindly doctor is often well attired, with a large collection of apprentices studying under him, including his two sons (Bumi and Kaito) and eldest daughter (Momoko). Heralded as housing an 'inner nobility', his bearing has taken on more than a little of its form from the samurai which he interacts with so frequently. Always polite, and more than a little aware that his reputation hinges on each patient he caters to, his wisdom in the ways of natural medicines is nevertheless marveled at and respected by both heimin and samurai alike. His office and home are likewise as nice as one would assume. Though hardly equating to the regal estates of the upper classes, the Apothecary's house is still an even match for those of a ji-samurai, further causing a blur between himself and those who reside in the next district over. Met immediately by an enclosed medical garden following a path to the home, one will note Shinkaijo's prosperity immediately as his wife, Nari, dresses in kimono as to his children. His floors are clean, his walls are decorated, and everywhere there is a sense of comfort, which may or may not have been developed for the benefit of his samurai guests on their rare visits to his house. The House of Strings Though still eyed with varying levels of mistrust and dislike, the newly returned Unicorn Clan have begun to make their own contributions to the culture of the Empire. Though many of the ways and habits of the foreign-born samurai are strange, there are some things they brought with them which are welcomed, particularly amongst the Crane and Scorpion artisans. Beauty, after all, is universal and no one appreciates such things like those who's lifeblood is the Court. Music, and the instruments used to make it, is one import rapidly gaining attention in such circles. The House of Strings is a shop...but it is also something of an exhibition hall. All the luthiers are masters of their own particular craft, producing instruments that appeal to the eyes as well as the ear. They produce instruments of the Sands almost exclusively, instruments that are often completely foreign to the citizens of the Empire. Harps, Ouds, Kanuns, Santur, Rebabs, and other such instruments can all be found here. Also employed by the House are performers and composers of the sands, more than willing to offer lessons or private performances for small 'gifts'. At least one or two of these players is present at all times, performing softly in the front room of the shop where finished wares are displayed. Clever architecture of the small building ensures that the music soars into the surrounding streets even on the busiest of market days. The shop is operated under the patronage of one Ide Farim, retired diplomat and a fine musician in his own right. The elderly man, well into his sixties now, no longer speaks in the courts but instead splits his

time between training the youth of his Clan and overseeing the House of Strings. When in residence, he is often found in the 'exhibition' side of the shop, composing. Tokagure Topiary Garden A fine example of the Tokagure Family's mastery, this large pleasure garden stretches between the 4th and 5th Wards. Gravel pathways wind through beds of artfully sculpted bushes and shrubs, each section portraying a different tale from the history of the Empire. Lanterns are placed along the path in an artful fashion, both lighting the way and adding complexity to the scenes with subtle shading, achieved with different colored paper in the walls of the stone lanterns. The positioning and color changes over time as the plants themselves change, the tales evolving over seasons to the delight of long-term residents. Soldier's Solace Brewery This brewhouse is but one of many buildings in the older part of town. It's most distinguishing feature is the architecture, significantly older than the vast majority of the other buildings. It bears the distinction of being the only business to have survived the frequent conflicts between Lion and Scorpion over the centuries of conflict over ownership of the pass. Popular legend holds that both sides of the conflict would routinely spare the structure because the owners of the brewery would leave half of their stock of finished sake outside the doors during such conflicts. The rank-and-file samurai, grateful for the 'gift', would take care to ensure that conflict passed the small building by. Whatever the reason, the brewery remains intact and has for several hundred years. It produces several varieties of sake, well supplied by the productive marshlands around the city. Most of these are nothing special, manufactured for consumption by the common people of the city. There is one particular brew, however, which is favored by many members of the Scorpion nobility. If served warm, it has a very mild, smooth taste, refreshing to the palate and very, very strong. Many a negotiation or conversation has gone in the Scorpion's favor by careful use of this sake to loosen the tongues of dinner guests. Omoe's Kanzashi Boutique A small but very well patronized boutique, Omoe's Kanzashi Boutique is considered the very height of fashion for ladies of quality. The proprietress is a former Geisha of great renown, still considered one of the most accomplished hostesses among the heimen in the city. She is considered to have a gift for arranging more than just lovely ornaments, however, and is also reputed to be the finest matchmaker in the city. While this is obviously not appropriate for samurai, it is rumored that she is more than willing to aid her betters in the name of Lady Benten, arranging trysts with equal skill. Her years as a geisha have taught her the most romantic (and discreet) places in the city and she makes good use of this knowledge. The Kanzashi themselves are true works of art. They are designed by Omoe herself, but the crafting is done by a bevy of young women, chosen for their dexterity as well as their looks. Made of the silver mined from the mountains as well as imported gems and sometimes even carefully folded origami, lacquered to endure the passage of time, the pieces are much sought-after, especially in the fall as courtiers prepare for the winter Court season. At such times, one must have the right contacts to have any hope of acquiring such a suitable gift. One must also be in the good books of the right people to gain an appointment with Omoe for custom work, but it can be done...the resulting creations, the only ones crafted by Omoe herself, are well worth the time and resources, pieces worthy of becoming heirlooms of the lucky lady to receive them. O-tadanori’s (The Mask Shop) Among samurai native to Beiden, this shop needs no introduction—it’s the place where all the best families buy their masks. It’s located outside the bustle of both the Upper and Lower marketplaces, in an

old-fashioned residence on a quiet street in the samurai quarter of town. A small red-and-black banner hangs outside, displaying a personal mon: a spray of cypress (from which most wooden masks are carved) and a pair of stylized eyes. Most visits here are by appointment. On arriving, each customer is greeted by an apprentice and shown to a comfortable outer room to wait for the master. There’s nothing so vulgar here as a shelf of merchandise on display, but a few picture scrolls hang on the walls, showing stylized faces with designs of masks or makeup. Those in the know will recognize the personal masks of several illustrious Scorpion, each produced in this workshop. Besides personal masks, O-tadanori’s also supplies theatrical masks to actors who can afford them, as well as masks for court masquerade and decorative display. The Master: Bayushi Shigenori is the son of the eponymous Tadanori; now an old man himself, he created the masks for many Beiden samurai of middle age and younger. He’s an undisputed master of his craft, which, for a Scorpion, means not just making excellent masks, but also matching the mask to the wearer. Thus, most customers receive his personal attention. He shuffles into the room, sizes them up, closely scrutinizes face and clothing, perhaps takes a few mysterious measurements and asks a few probing but seemingly irrelevant questions. (Think of Mr. Ollivander choosing Harry Potter’s wand. Young Scorpion on the verge of gempukku find Shigenori similarly unnerving.) Then he goes out and returns with a sheaf of color sketches of masks and makeup patterns to consult over. Each mask is made to order and O-tadanori’s would never produce two in the same pattern. Needless to say, price is never discussed with the Master himself--it's all settled afterward between his servants and the customer's. The Mask Treasury This large and well-known mask shop fills the first floor of an expensive building in the Upper Market, with large, elegantly-calligraphed red signs hanging outside. Inside, a rainbow of masks, from the understated to the exotic, fills the walls, with more stored in back rooms. The proprietor and chief artiste, Shosuro Kojiro, is there about half the time; the rest of the time the shop is managed by Kaja, a knowledgeable and polite heimin. (Kojiro’s apprentices rarely appear; his workshop is a few blocks away in a cheaper location.) The shop is a delight to the eyes, and many customers are drawn in for a look even if they had no intention to buy. There are theatrical masks and wigs, personal masks, purely decorative masks, and even a few mempo (though you wouldn’t want to test their protectiveness in battle). One of the most extravagant items in the shop is a large mirror, placed right by the window, in which to try on the merchandise. There are no really cheap masks, but a wide range of prices and materials, usually with very good craftsmanship. Kojiro and his apprentices also make masks to order and will sometimes agree to work from a customer’s design. The fashionable set of Beiden scorn the Mask Treasury—Kojiro is a parvenu, his apprentices talentless, and his masks tasteless, flimsy, and overdone. Perhaps this is true of some of the Mask Treasury’s products, but several fashion mavens are said to have been observed complimenting a mask that later proved to be a Kojiro...

The Garden of the Perfect Verse (Kanpeki-na Tanka no Kōen, 完璧な短歌の公園) Once upon a time in the late 5th century Ōtomo Shironushi, a great poet of his age, was passing through Beiden while on one of his summer journeys in search for inspiration. Here, on the then-juvenile city's perimeter, he accidentally found a cypress grove of outstanding tranquility and beauty where he decided to rest, forsaking the visit in the city proper. His protracted evening meditation turned into slumber, and once the night had passed his slumber turned into awakening rebirth. He encapsulated his momentary enlightenment in one perfect verse: 君が代は 千代に八千代に さざれ石の いわおとなりて こけのむすまで Kimi ga Yo wa Chiyo ni Yachiyo ni Sazare-Ishi no Iwao to Nari-te Koke no Musu made May your reign Continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations, Until the pebbles Grow into boulders Lush with moss Once he wrote down this hymn glorifying the Imperial reign, he considered the purpose of his life fulfilled. Having ordered his escort to bring it to the Imperial Court, he committed seppuku on the spot. The news of his achievement spread like wildfire in Ōtosan Uchi and beyond, along with the achievement itself. The poem met full approval of Hantei the Tenth and soon became the basis and inspiration of many other pieces of art – calligraphy, songs, plays, religious chants or even paintings and kimono designs that dominated Imperial culture for several court seasons until the rise of Iuchiban temporarily drew the Empire away from artistic pursuits. Shironushi has not been forgotten though, and after this grave turmoil had passed a Shinseist shrine was erected in the grove and a small sect of the Brotherhood found abode there, being charged with taking care of the enlightening harmony of the place, both in the sphere of spirituality and in horticulture. The original text of the great poem is being stored on the altar of the shrine, guarded by sohei night and day even though the risk of sacrilege is minimal for the Scorpion have obvious interest in not falling into Emperor’s disfavour by allowing it to happen within the area of their authority. Many Imperials and other kuge, both those who trace their origins back to Shironushi and those who do not, stop by the shrine on their journey before or after crossing Roka Beiden to renew their spiritual devotion to the Imperial line and to seek inspiration for its displays by praying and meditating before the effigy of Shironushi-shiryō. Those truly worthy are sometimes allowed by the monks, who hail mostly from retired Seppun, to read Shironushi’s original calligraphy. As for the others, they need to donate a piece of exquisite poetry to the

shrine to be let in. This custom is many years old and has led to a creation of a significant library of poems within one of the sections of the shrine. It is needless to say that the monks are doing their job very well – the garden area of the shrine endows each visitor with great internal peace and clarity of mind. The wind, despite the proximity of the mountains, is never severe, the scent, despite the proximity of swaps and rice paddies, is never unpleasant and the temperatures are always bearable regardless of the season. The evergreen cypresses in the grove, of the aromatic fokienia genus, don a redder foliage than anywhere else in the Empire because of the soil that have been sanctified by Shironushi’s blood spilled in the name of the Emperor’s glory, as it is commonly believed. There is also a small festival and written poetry contest held by the monks on the anniversary of Shironushi’s creation and passing – on the last day of the month of Hantei. The winner has his poem copied and stored, while the original text is burnt before the altar in a pious ceremony that takes place on dawn the day after. The Inn of the Eternal Pass The Inn of the Eternal Pass is a popular stop for many travelers to Beidan, made famous thanks to the Inn's reputation as the oldest traveler's Inn in the entire empire of Rokugan. While this is certainly a hyperbole, it is often wonder how much of one. What is known is that an Inn has stood on this spot since the Fall. The building has changed owners over the centuries and has been demolished, burned, wrecked, and rebuilt hundreds of times in the last 800 odd years. Located North of the city by a few miles, this Inn buts against a small stream running from the mountains and rests flush against the foothills that descend from the heavens above. Cherry and maple trees surround the building, making it seem to be lost in the woods, though in truth it is in the midst of a large community of shops, sake houses, tea houses, and shrines designed to fortify those entering Beidan Pass or help those leaving recuperate. The Inn does hold a sizable hot spring in the hills behind and above the building, and many a weary traveler has stopped here for a quick bath before continuing the journey. Amusingly enough, a small tribe of mountain monkeys has made their home not far away and, perhaps in response to seeing proper samurai bathe in the pools, often uses the hot springs as a way to warm up in the winter.

These monkeys have become quite a sight for visitors, and during the winter season, many people travel to the Inn just to watch the creatures bathe. While they do come down into the pools during other times, it is only when the weather is cold; mostly the creatures avoid humans (some have taken to swiping food and shiny objects from unwary bathers). It should be noted that there are a large collection of hot pools in the area, and the monkeys will studiously avoid those occupied by humans for the most part, though it is not uncommon to see them in a pool not far away from the Inn's pools. (Note: This Inn is located near Beidan Pass, as the road descends into the City of Beidan. Say, 5 Miles from the city) The Inn of the Perfect Dream

Built on the hills overlooking the city, the Inn of the Perfect Dream is a stunning and mystical landmark of the city. Jutting out over a sheer cliff and surrounded by cherry trees on all other sides, the Inn has the finest view of the city, resting nearly one hundred feet above the lowlands the City sprawls across. Cunningly built on the ledge and supported with over 108 wooden pillars, the building is a marvel of engineering constructed by the Anou initially as a Miya way station, it has since been turned into a popular Inn catering to only the wealthiest of customers (the finest rooms are rumored to cost over a koku a night!). Home to many sumptuous parties and events, the Inn is well liked by those that can afford the stay. Some of the more famous patrons of the Inn include the governor, who often holds at least one social gathering here per season to show off the beauty of the city below the Inn. It is also said that when visiting Beidan, the Scorpion Champion will often stay at least a night here before moving into the Governor's guesthouse during his formal visits. The mystical aspect of the building is one that most holds the hearts and minds of the local residents. It is held that if one leaps from the stage of the Inn, whatever one wishes for will come true. This may seem foolhardy, and even stupid perhaps, but so far, most of those who have leapt have survived (though not all the survivors in good condition). Some say that only those who have lead good lives will survive, other claim that only those wishing for love will land well. Still other claim that one must have the favor of a fortune, and that fortune varies by who tells the tale. It should be noted that most of the survivors tried the jump in the Spring, when the cherry blossoms were blooming. If that is because the favor of a fortune falls on the Inn then or because there is still snow enough to cushion one's fall, or perhaps because the leaper is most at peace then, it is not for mortals to say or know until they have made that same leap. In any case, 584 people have jumped from the stage and 492 have survived to collect their reward. According to the tales, all have been granted what they wished for. True or not, not many people have the belief required to make that leap. In the nearly 500 years that the Inn (in one form or another) has been at this location, little better than one person a year has attempted the feat. (Note: Located to the East of the city, it is nestled in the foothills overlooking the city. Closer than the previous Inn, it's about 2 miles out, but situated high on the bluffs). The House of Silver and Gold A famed building, the House of Silver and Gold stands as a unique marvel of Jukami Mura, and quite probably all of Rokugan. This building is owned by a very well traveled Ide, Ide Gonkatsu who has collected artifacts from his journeys to decorate this small restaurant. The first thing that has graced these walls are the walls themselves. Crafted out of a rare wood that grows only in the highest Phoenix Mountains, it takes on a natural golden hue when properly polished, and Gonkatsu has taken no shortcuts there; the walls gleam like molten gold under the prodigious oil light lanterns that hang from delicate brackets. The floor too has a unique property. Set with fine stone to a glossy hue, it is flecked with small veins of pure silver and the whole glows with a pure white light, reflect any and all available light to a soft sheen. Gonkatsu claims that this stone comes from far distant Gaijin shores where entire buildings are constructed from this material, but few believe his fanciful tales. Between the floor and walls, it is easy to see how the restaurant received it's lofty name. To add to the mystique, Gonkatsu has adorned every table, sconce, shelf, and overhanging beam with another item he has picked up on his journeys. Suits of armor, weapons, artwork, vases, pottery, clothes, and oh so much more can be seen here, and Gonkatsu and his family has stories on each item. These

treasures are replaced every month, and locals know to watch out for the changing day and swiftly reserve seats to see what new items have been placed. To keep his guests coming, Gonkatsu has made a challenge: if any customer can point to an item of Gonkatsu's that he honestly can not remember where he got it, the country it came from, or a story about how he received the item, they will be allowed to eat free for one week at the restaurant! So far no one has claimed the prize, though many have tried, and a few unscrupulous people have snuck in their own items to trick Gonkatsu, but all have been caught. As far as the food goes, surprisingly it is very hit and miss. Gonkatsu loves to introduce foreign foods and sues the house as a means to do so. Some dishes, such as his famous Curry of Life, has been very well received (especially by the Scorpion, many of whom remember the curry served in the Burning Sands). Others such as the "Beefsteak" have not been so well received. some have been so poorly taken that Gonkatsu has been ordered by the former Governess to never, under any circumstances, serve "cheese" again. It is rumored that several Ronin have sworn vengeance on the poor Ide for serving them rotted milk, but most discount that rumor. After all, who would serve rotted milk of all things? Especially after calling it "yogurt." In any case, no visit to Jukami Mura is without a visit to this part museum, part resturant. Visitors with weak stomachs are recommended to stick to the rice and ramen or just drink tea if nothing else. The Shokudo The Shokudo is a typical restaurant that serves mostly traditional foods, grilled fish and hot pots as a specialty. The building is quite new, having burned down several years back, but is still well regarded by the townsfolk. The chefs are very skilled and the wait staff is very competent and knowledgeable on what sake complements each meal, although heavy drinking is discouraged. The new building is located just off the way in the Southern District, and gleams with a faint polish. Everything inside is well cared for; the tatami mats are new and clean smelling, the serving ware bright and new, and the art the freshest and most popular styles. Tasteful wall hangings decorate the room, changed monthly to adapt to the seasons and weather. Currently they are in autumn colors with a faint hint of summer. Aside from that, the walls have high set windows to let in light and cooling breezes and the room is strung with warm lanterns, papered in soft white paper to shed a happy light on the dinners. The clientèle range from well to do merchants and craftsmen to samurai, though admittedly it is more aimed at the average samurai than wealthy or important courtiers. At any time of day one can find families, singles, pairs, and groups of merchants, craftsmen, artisans, and samurai all sitting congenially near by one another, though typically at separate tables. The staff is, as said before, well educate on what beverages go with which meals, and the restaurant carries a fairly wide selection of sake for the dinners. They are also well trained in deciding when to cut someone off when they have had too much to drink ad are not above calling the guard to prevent rowdy behavior. That aside, they are all well mannered, attractive, and very attentive to the needs of their patrons. All in all, one could do far worse than dining at the Shokudo, it is clean, attractive, and the food is very nice, though it is aimed for families and simpler fares than for fancy palates.

The Temple of the 1,000 Fortunes Nestled inside a grove of pine trees, rests a fairly typical temple. It stands five levels tall, with red roof tiles and well polished cedar walls. The temple sits on a small hill, overlooking a pond filled with koi of a multitude of colors. It is perhaps the most tranquil spot in the city, as the priests tending the 1,000 Fortunes Temple are steadily turning the grounds into an amazing garden. The have carefully positioned rocks to add a flow of chi to the garden, and are bringing in a variety of trees and shrubs. They will happily admit that their work is one of generations, but the kami have the time. The building is fairly normal as temples go. Carved Fu Lions stand at the entrance to the temple proper, and the path up the hill is crossed with many Torii arches, all painted a noble red, signifying their spiritual purity. Inside there is no main statue, but rather a host of shrines scattered around the rooms, each one dedicated to a type of kami. No one spirit has preference here, all are equal from the greatest named Kami to the smallest kami of hearth and home. Here, all spirits are at peace and the mind relaxes, making this spot a highly visited one for people seeking calmness of mind and a place for quiet meditation. The priests and monks of the temple do a surprisingly brisk trade in fortunes and wards sold to visitors. While all temples sell fortunes and charms, most are tied to the Kami they venerate; being a temple to ALL the kami great and small, gives this temple a lock on variety. In addition the head priest is a master calligrapher and is renowned for the intricacy of his charms. He has also made sure that all of his priests and monks follow him in this regard, so the charms purchased here are rumored to hold a greater potency than other charms. The Temple of Bishamon As befitting a Lion holding, the temple to Bishamon is the second greatest temple in the city, second only to the Temple to the Ancestors. While the Lion can not be called gaudy, it seems they tried with this building. Rising seven floors with gilded eaves and roof tiles of gleaming yellow clay, the temple glows golden in the Sun. Like the temple to the Ancestors, each level is designated for one of the Eight Kami that fell to the earth, with the summit crowned by a globe of pure crystal gleaming like a miniature Sun to represent Hantei. Alternatively, some will say the seven levels represent the tenets of Bushido and the crystal represents the purity of all seven commingled. Either way, the temple is a sight to behold. Inside the floors are highly polished marble, etched with the mons of great heroes of the past, each one a testament to Bishamon. To those not used to the veneration of the Fortune of Strength, they will be surprised to notice many names from Peasants, Enemies of the Clan, and even brave warriors from the rest of the Empire. But, Bishamon's favor falls on everyone and in his temple all that matters is power and strength, not bloodlines or even status. This is reinforced by the names etched onto the stone at the foot of Lord Bishamon himself; a famed Peasant Sumo Yokozuna lies next to the names of Lady Matsu and Hida Aterasi. Visitors are amazed to see this egalitarian nature expressed by the most Traditional Clan, but it is not truly equal, it is the most traditional form of Bishamon worship there is: the love of pure ability. Not all the tiles are etched, some lie blank; awaiting the names of future great heroes and those Blessed by Lord Bishamon. Above the tiles, great Banners stretch over head, each one a trophy of the family of the Matsu Govenor, given in honor of Lord Bishamon. The banners include those of nearly every clan in the empire, and a few faded banners are presumed to have belonged to those crushed by Akodo-no-Kami and his servants in the Founding Days. Surprisingly, one banner stands out; made of royal purple silk with a flaming horse's head in silver; it is the Banner of the last lord of the Ki-Rin, those custodians of Shinjo-no-Kami's lands

that were left behind when she traveled outside the Empire. Many Unicorn resent that Banner's presence and many have sought ways to recover it. None have so far succeeded. All of the banners lay in a spiral, suspended from the eaves and stretching in towards the Statue of Lord Bishamon, a great figure worked in Cypress and coated with a skin of beaten gold. In his right hand he holds a massive sword, a great katana over 12 feet long, a marvel of the Agasha, forged specifically for use as a temple offering (a Craft: weaponsmith roll with a TN 10 lets you know that such a work is a lifetime achievement and is the greatest source of pride for any smith to forge a temple offering sword. Few can manage it (needs skill of 7+), but it earns great glory and honor for doing so). In his left hand sits a temple pagoda made of interlocked pieces of cut jade. During the festival of Bishamon, the pagoda is taken down and disassembled. Those seeking enlightenment or Bishamon's Blessing may try to reassemble the pagoda, but it is a tricky puzzle and each block weighs as much as a child. While not impossible, it is not easy to do so, and the Monks note that those truly seeking his favor should be able to do so one handed (it should be noted that only the Abbot of the Temple can do so). The Temple to Ancestors The newest temple constructed, the Temple to the Ancestors is the largest structure in the city. It stands eight full stories tall, one for each of the Kami, and small shrines to each clan lie inside, though the shrine to the Lady Shinjo stands alone and un-worshiped by any but the most devout of Samurai and priests, thanks to recent events regarding the Lion-Unicorn wars. Inside, the temple is mostly hollow, with only a few tiers of walkways stretching up to the roof, eight stories up and even then mostly to allow the monks to tend the bell at the top. The bulk of the temple lies beneath the floors, in catacombs dug deep into the bedrock. The urns and funerary ashes of the departed would be laid below, and the supplicants would pray above at the corresponding shrine for their clan. Currently, the catacombs hold many Matsu and Lion remains, those who died in the battle and shortly thereafter. Curiously, the Lion also held rites and interred those who fought against and alongside the Lion forces, thus many Scorpion and Crane lie below, as do numerous Ronin, Hare, and other erstwhile allies of the Lion. "Seven Black Stones” Go Salon A small building stands in the Samurai District of town near one of the Tea Houses. It is small and rather unimpressive, adorned only with a sign of a Go board on which are placed seven black stones. Inside, it is a warm and friendly place, staffed by two Lion Samurai, siblings of the House of Ikoma. Several low tables are scattered across the room, with a larger central table at the back of the building, set on a small raised floor. Each table has a finely made go set for use. The Go Parlor is often used by many Samurai as a relaxing place to study the game of Go (and to a lesser extent, Shogi) and to chat in a relaxed atmosphere. The Parlor provides inexpensive refreshments for a small fee, though finer fair can be ordered through one of the other establishments in the district. For a small fee, anyone may make use of the facilities, though many Samurai will often place bets with one another (though the owners discourage large betting) for the outcome of the game. Both of the owners are very skilled players and will happily provide a teaching session for Go (or Shogi, if requested), though a fee also applies. For those more daring, they can challenge one of the owners to a match.

Owners: Ikoma Josuke is a young male, not too far away from his gempukku and helps run the parlor with his brother. He is a trifle on the smallish side, and somewhat sickly, though is very energetic and happy. Josuke is very fair and thin, and rather delicate. He may one day mature and shed his sickliness; it is far more likely that he will always be somewhat frail. While he does not have his brother's skill with Games, he is still a formidable player and only needs practice, part of the reason he is here. The other reason was a carefully designed plot on his late father's behalf to "toughen him up" in the cold Mountains and the passes near Beiden. Only time will tell if it helps the boy, or further aggravates his condition. Ikoma Naoya is older than his brother, probably in his mid twenties, and rather frumpy looking. Naoya is of normal height and weight and rather unassuming. He might be considered attractive, but he is no ladykiller. His only passion that people know about is the game of Go. He opened this parlor several years ago after being stationed in town. Though he still works for the Lion Garrison, most of his duties are taking care of the Parlor and seeing to it that his Lord receives a fair bit of the profits. While he is every bit as enthusiastic about the game as Josuke, he tempers his ardor with a bit more worldliness and understanding that the parlor exists only at his Lord's discretion. That being said, while here, he will enjoy the opportunity he has been give to play and teach people from the town and the travelers that pass through on the way to Beidan Pass. Recently his father passed away, leaving him to manage raising his younger brother, always a sickly boy, and his sister, Ayame. His brother has since passed his gempukku, but remains rather sickly, and his younger sister is always a handful. Ayame. Ayame is a lovely little girl, about five years of age, and is always getting into mischief of some sorts. Both brothers take time to care for her, though Josuke's condition often prevents him, so much of the work falls on Naoya's shoulders. Either way, they love her dearly and would do anything to keep her safe. She is a caring, sweet, and happy young child, utterly carefree, and truly content with the world. She never knew her mother (she died in childbirth), and her father was often absent from the home, so she looks to her brothers as her true "parents." To her, "Jo-jo" and "Owie" are the best people ever, and she displays no small amount of Matsu fierceness in defending them from perceived insults. To those come to deal either brother harm, be warned: your ankles and shins will not be safe!

The Gyo-Kaku Filled with the mouth watering scents of grilling meat and vegetables, the Gyo-kaku is a traditional Rokugani grilling restaurant. In the middle of each table sit giant braziers loaded with hot coals; small wire grills sit atop those coals and diners roast their dinners table side. The menu includes nearly every kind of respectable Rokugani meat and vegetable as well as a surprising number of fish choices, though fresh seafood is quite expensive; most fish come from the river or a nearby fish lake maintained for the Governor and those with coin to spend. With each meal comes the traditional miso soup and rice, as well as a bevy of sauces to compliment the grilled selections. The decor is traditional, with colorful wall hangings and several plants in corners. The windows are wide and shuttered, though in good weather they are open and let in cooling breezes, and incidentally allow passersby to smell the food within. The owner is a jolly man with an exceptional girth that shows a familiarity with his food, and he is more than happy to help diners properly prepare their food, the first time. After that, they are expected to know

what to do and it it themselves. His wife and children staff the place, and if they are not as pretty as some of the wait staff in town, they all share their father's appetites and demeanor. The Temple of Benten Like many such temples, this Temple to Benten is one of beauty. Every line, every sweeping arch is designed and carved to imitate some form of beauty. Tall red arches line the path to the temple, drawing one's gaze upwards into the sky, each capped with golden phoenixes, tails spread in a fan of light. The path is paved with smooth river rock that winds and runs in switchbacks the entire length of the hill and every few feet another statue is carved and placed in niches and subtle bends in the road. Artisans have donated these statues for centuries, and while time may have softened the lines of some, many more seem as if the artisan as frozen real people and animals in place. Foxes, badgers, cranes, fu lions, samurai, geisha, courtesans, courtiers, monks, peasants, and a few demons have been so captured over the years. Some have been chosen because of their perfection, others for simplistic beauty, and even a rare few for the contrast in the horror of the monsters to the beauty around them. The Grounds are a stately garden, with a long winding path that leads up a short hill with flowers of all kinds scattered in decorous designs and formations. As one walks up the path, there are numerous benches set to the side for visitors to rest on and meditate on some work of natural beauty; all of the benches are situated for privacy and contemplation of a particularly artful design of the garden. The monks of the temple are careful to ensure that the gardens are maintained to utmost perfection, or so it would seem. At a first glance, it is indeed perfect, but closer study shows the occasional sign of imperfection. When asked, the monks always reply that there must be imperfection in this world or else there is nothing to hope for in the next. From Spring to Winter, the gardens are designed to personify that season, and the monks take pride in their skill. Once the visitor reaches the height of the hill, she is treated to the image of the Temple itself. Rising five stories and painted a stunning red and gold, the temple is a work of art. The eaves of the building are carved with aspects of Benten, both male and female, and on each of the corners and running between are carved representations of the most beautiful people in all of history. It is considered an honor to be given a place under the eaves here, and there is indeed room for more. Few are given such an honor. Inside the temple, a large golden statue to Lady Benten rises up fifteen feet (it is actually fine cherry wood wrapped in gold leaf, but it looks solid enough) in a striking pose of a maiden with a sunshade. Patrons of the temple often vie with one another to provide a parasol offering to the Lady, hiring the finest craftsmen and painters to create a work of beauty fit for the Lady's hands. Many an umbrella maker has tried to craft such a gift, but only masters can craft a stunning umbrella sized for a fifteen foot tall woman. Around her feet lie the many and assorted gifts and offerings given for the Lady's consideration. Poems and artwork, musical instruments and votive offerings, rice and other foods, and even more esoteric offerings such as songs performed are all accepted and appreciated by the Lady herself. The monk presiding over the temple is old, yet he retains his youthful beauty as a gift from the Lady herself. Said to be nearly 60, the man looks no older than 40 (and a young 40 at that). He is quite energetic, bombastic, and very humorous; to him life is a celebration of beauty and love. He feels it is part of his job to spread love and peace to all, and has been known to shelter lovers fleeing forced marriages, much to the Governor's chagrin. The Temple also maintains several large guest houses for travelers, pilgrims, and eloping lovers. As the Goddess of love and beauty, Benten favors these lovers and provides them a safe haven. In that tradition, if a pair of lovers can remain inside the walls for three years, all other betrothals are considered

waived, honorably, and the two are allowed to marry. But if either partner sets foot off the grounds for even a second, they are evicted from the grounds and returned to their families. Suffice to say, if they ever are ejected, the loss of face and shame can be great. Abbot Hasui As the head monk of a prestigious temple, one would expect a dour man, stoic and contemplative, enigmatic and wise. Then you meet Hasui. Abbot Hasui is quite energetic, bombastic, and very humorous; to him life is a celebration of beauty and love. Upon meeting the Abbot, one is usually treated to a joke or an offer of a game; indeed Hasui is known to play many games, though none at the level of a master. Nearing his 60th year on this world, Hasui looks closer to 40. His eyes are clear, his back straight, and if he did not shave his head one would find a full head of inky black hair, just beginning to go gray at the temples. Hasui holds a mischievous streak in him: it is not uncommon for him to play pranks on the monks at his temple. The monks have simply accepted his eccentricities and continue on with their lives, though they keep a sharp eye out for the wily monk, lest they find a bucket of icy water upended over their heads. Hasui's other feature, once you can get past his almost childish love of jokes, is his commitment to Romance. Not sex, he is as chaste as all the Monks and swore an oath to celibacy long ago. Hasui is dedicated to the ideal of Love itself. Courtship, romance, love, and all that it ensues, that is his joy. Hasui can not help himself; when he hears of two lovers in trouble, he is quick to offer his help in resolving it. When a young man or young woman in the community needs advice on how to pursue their love, Hasui is almost there on the scene before the young lovers even knows they need his help. In this Hasui excels; he has a large collection of Romances and stories and has a wealth of personal knowledge of such stored in his mind and he is always willing to help those in need of such. Role Playing Hasui: Laugh. Play jokes. Find the humor in even the smallest of things. Never become angry. Hasui will forgive nearly everything, especially if he can find the humor in it. Bear in mind above all else, that Hasui is a romantic, almost to the extreme; he is Lady Benten's creature to the hilt and is always seeking to spread the joy and love of the Goddess. New Monk School: The Temple of Benten Primary Devotion: Lady Benten-no-Kami Honor: 3.5 Skills: Etiquette, Storytelling (Poetry), Meditation, Lore: Marriage and Contracts, Painting, Defense, Theology Technique: Monks of Benten receive the Benten's Blessing and Voice advantages for free and may purchase them a second time with character points, doubling the effectiveness of these advantages. This benefit comes with a powerful cost however, and if the monk ever refuses to help two lovers for any reason, she loses the effect of the advantages, even those she purchased. Furthermore, if a monk ever arranges a marriage that becomes unpleasant because of personal feelings between the spouses, the monk loses the advantages. A monk may regain the Lady's favor, and these advantages by spending a week in prayer and meditation and undertaking a quest to unite two people in love. Potter This studio, found in the heart of the artisan district, amidst the other crafters of the city, makes most of its living from dishware and serving vessels. Run by a collective of potters who have joined together to better their chance of survival in the rather competitive world of Beiden's marketplace, the five masters have from one to three apprentices each, and by the wide ranging styles in their pieces, it is obvious that this

business has something for everyone. A large, two story building, the lower portion is reserved for the kiln and workshop. The upstairs is used for sleeping quarters and glazing. Meanwhile a forward room serves as their display room, showing off a vast array of beautiful porcelain and ceramic dishes in varying colors and sets.

The Koi Seller The vast, sprawling marketplaces of Beiden could truly be said to be a thing of legendary proportions, that is if Rokugani were given to making stories about enormous marketplaces. Still, within the merchant district of the city, comprising multiple wards, one can find almost every kind of shop imaginable. Most of these shops are nothing more than a display out in the street, or vending booths. The koi seller is one example of this. Selling live koi in the artisan district, the vendor hawks his fish to any with an interest. Selling to those in need of koi for their estate pond, or simply as a pet, the fact that the man has stayed in business for the last ten years is a testament to how many people live in Beiden, where the demand for something as inane as goldfish can allow for a living (if not a good one) The Flower Sellers Every Spring and through the Summer, a veritable regiment of heimin women that swarm the artisan district, large wicker pallets under arm or on top of their heads filled with a plenitude of local flora. Mostly catering to the various merchants who have taken their flowers on consignment, selling arrangements in their shops or whatnot, they still make a rather substantial living just wandering the artisan district, stopped by passers-by for a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers. All part of the same collective, these women, who number anywhere between twenty to thirty, live along the southern edge of Beiden's peasant quarter. Tending a communal garden their, they diligently cultivate their needed commodities, making sure to have the greatest breadth of flora allowing them to sell from the onset of Spring all the way through mid autumn (offering dried flowers during the very end months before winter). The Weaver House While the silk works are far more popular for samurai, having discriminating tastes. The weavers, of which there are many in the artisan district of Beiden, are much like this humble house, catering to the ronin and peasants of the area who are willing to take cotton cloth rather than silks. Mostly producing clothing for farmers and low end merchants, they are sure to keep a steady full of the lower classes into their shop to provide at least 80% of their revenue, meanwhile they keep a nice selection of kimono and other higherend garments. Placid Rain Salon One of the premier salons in the artisan district, the clientele making use of their trained hairdressers is almost exclusively samurai. Only the wealthiest merchants and their wives attend the salon to hobnob with those that are usually outside of their caste. A wonderful place for gossip (of course) the salon offers numerous beauty regimes that aren't offered at other such salons in the area. While others might just offer to style hair, the Placid Rain Salon, offers manicures, pedicures, facials, and even garment-pressing, providing dressing rooms for their clients to be professionally dressed. Even those with the servants to do such things at home often come to the salon to grab the latest bit of rumor and to gab with other equally in-the-know socialites of the governor's court, or just those of the nearby samurai district in general.

Blissful Heavens Forge Owned and operated by Master Otsuwari, the venerable swordsmith is one of the most respected pliers of his trade in Beiden. Formerly a ronin swordsmith, trained in an artistic style reminiscent of the Crane (though could never truly be duplicated), Master Otsuwari settled in Beiden nearly thirty years ago working as a freelance weaponsmith in the city. Originally nothing more than another face in the smithing community of Beiden, he mended weapons and farming tools alike. He shoed horses, forged cooking ware, and every so often put his original training as a swordsmith to work. A humble man, no job was beneath him, he practiced his craft with the same zeal no matter what it was. It can't be said that he was given his first opportunity to rise above his mediocre station by anything other than sheer luck. After a particularly taxing conflict with the Lion, the armies of the Scorpion housed at Beiden were in need of weaponry and repair. Commissioned along with over half the other smiths in the city, Otsuwari managed to work as a swordsmith for the Scorpion, preparing blades for naginata, ono, and even the occasional katana. Given access to Scorpion resources, he created weapons that easily outstripped almost any other smith in their employ. Commissioned by the residing general, personally, Otsuwari was given his second opportunity. access to a proper forge and materials, he crafted a yari for the rikugunshokan. Thanks to that one commission, Master Otsuwari became one of the most famous smiths in Beiden. Moved to the artisan district, given the resources he would need, he became one of a rather small cadre of non-Scorpions to earn a constant commission from the Yogo governor. Though as can be expected, Master Otsuwari accepts commission from others in need of his services, the Master often spends almost all his time preparing items for the Scorpion, leaving his growing number of apprentices to his other commissions. The forge itself, named in honor of the Heaven's blessing upon him, it is one of the finest forges in Yogo lands not attached to one of their major palaces or estates. Given the appropriate funds, Otsuwari has been known to craft some rather exceptional items. A normally hot and uncomfortable place, the dingy interior is only matched by the wonders that come out of it. Much like the master, himself, the inner forge is soot covered, with cinder burns everywhere. Almost always are the apprentices stoking the fires or hammering away on one of the dozens of anvils within. Aside from the rather large number of apprentices, and the quality forging implements, the forge seems deceptively standard...ever the reflection of its Master. Sweet Plum Tea House The Sweet Plum is what one might call Beiden's standard tea house. Hardly extravagant, its location is the only thing that allows it the moderate prosperity that it enjoys. Situated in the more fashionable Artisan District, capitalizing on the free flow of both heimin and samurai in the area, the tea house manages to be just one street over from the main way. With its staff of kind serving girls, the place has become a favorite to many, and with the business of the regulars alone the house would make a modest profit. Add in the random passers-by and we have a quietly prospering business. Run by Jushi, a middle aged man who recently took over after his father became too old to maintain the tea house, his wife and three daughters work the place, serving several staple teas of the Scorpion and Crab provinces. Alongside, one is able to get minor snacks such as rice cakes, dumplings, or sweet buns, though one would hardly come here for a full meal. Instead patrons come for the jovial atmosphere, the house filled with the sound of musicians strumming possibly in time to a dancer's cadence. Often offering poetry recitals or impromptu haiku contests, the establishment tries to be as dynamic as its customers, without seeming frivolous.

The overall layout of the house is what one would expect. A back room set up for storage, a small kitchen, the front room, and some upstairs bedrooms for Jushi and his family. The tables are somewhat base, but thanks to the etching of some of the local artisans, they have a lovely patterning along their edges. Similarly, the shoji screens that comprise the house's walls, have been given over to any painter willing to ply their trade for an exceedingly modest fee. Since each screen has been given over independently, the styles are quite dissimilar leading to a rather eclectic feel to the decor, still few seem to mind it, distracted as they are by the staff and the entertainment. The Sambei, Noodle shop Located right off the main street of the city that runs toward Beidan Pass, the Sambei is one of the most popular eateries in the city, although location has a huge impact on that. Serving noodles and one pot meals, the Sambei caters to the hungry traveler-on-the-go and to large groups of diners. For the man desiring a quick meal, the chefs can serve a steaming bowl of soup and noodles in a matter of mere minutes, thanks to large pots of stock and a continuous process of noodle making. The One Pot (nabemono) served by the Sambei are not the best in town, but they are filling and varied. Serving vegetarian options, tofu, egg, poultry, pork, and many kinds of fish hot pots, one can get a meal in almost any flavor. A traditional eatery in all respects, it stands two modest stories, with the lower floor consisting of a kitchen, store room, and a large dining hall where patron eat communally. There are several long low tables set around the room, maximizing space. Because of this set up, there are no private rooms or tables, diners who wish for privacy should eat elsewhere. The tables are each large enough for a dozen diners, more if they are willing to cram in, and there is no separate seating for Samurai or peasantry: all diners sit and eat alike. Oddly, this does not drive off Samurai, at least not the rank and file samurai. There's something inviting and camaraderie about eating here; almost every meal is like a party, with patrons laughing and talking freely. Its become a city custom among the lower ranks of Samurai to take meals here in stride and just enjoy the food and companionship, few fights occur here and few peasants are afraid of speaking to a samurai in this building (though still with respect, no peasant is stupid enough to be rude to a samurai, customs of tolerance or not). In fact it is not uncommon to see peasants and samurai eating from the same nabemono and pouring sake from the same flask! One can expect to find a good, hearty meal, with all of the most common food types available to a restaurant. Rice, noodles, numerous fried foods (the pork cutlets are the talk of the town and few Lion, Unicorn, or Crab will not try them at least once), the aforementioned soups and stews, and numerous pickles (almost everything can be pickled, and Rokugani delight in pickles of all varieties). Again, there are better restaurants in town, and also worse, but locals come for the atmosphere and visitors because it is one of the busier eateries right off the main highway. Locals maintain that this place will be here, in one form or another, until the city itself is gone. Komaki's Bookstore Run by a young heimin named Komaki, the bookstore is a rather new addition in the city, having opened up only six years ago. Opened by Komaki's father, who died shortly after the opening, leaving his barely adult daughter in charge of taking over his business (the store was named after her as well. Komaki=little book).

The little building that the bookstore was a part of was once an inn, then rebuilt as a small teahouse after it was burnt during one of the many wars the city has been plagued by, and was merely used as a home by Komaki's family line before her father turned it into a bookstore. The building is small, and inside it's slightly cramped, so few samurai enter the store together at the same time, since one can easily break a few personal space barriers if there are more than two and Komaki herself. In most of the shelves, are one copy of each book that they have available, and it includes famous titles such as Kakita's The Sword, Akodo's Leadership, collected sayings of Shinsei and other famous stories. In some other shelves, they have multiple copies of some local writings and pillow books. If one wants a copy of a book, they must wait two days before their copy is ready. Books are expensive in Rokugan, especially paper, so the store do not plan to copy more books than they can sell. So if a samurai wants a copy of Kakita's The Sword, he will have to place in an order and he will have his book in two days time. Komaki Komaki is a clever young heimin girl, who could not possibly be more than 16 or 17 when you look at her. She is quiet and proper when dealing with samurai. Ikebana pavilion After Iuchiban's attack, many were left without husbands and sons... for many of these women, there were mostly two options left: prostitution or hoping that a temple would take you in where you could live a nun's life. So, in order to find a way to earn their own living respectably, some women joined together with their knowledge of something that the samurai caste had appreciated since the time of lady Doji; Ikebana. It took a long time to cultivate their own garden of flowers, and practice to get noticed enough, but over the years, they have became rather popular amongst the nobility in the city. Today, the women of the Ikebana Pavilion work together with the flower-sellers of the city in maintaining their business. The Ikebana pavillion is located in the outskirts of the Market of Stillness and Motion, and their patrons consist mostly of samurai who enjoy the fine arts of ikebana and wish to show their good tastes to their guests. It's a small one-story building separated into three parts; where the main-part of the store is, their garden, and the backroom where the women sleep and live and maintain a small kitchen and bath. Samurai place orders for ikebana sets here, often requesting specific flowers, mood, or leave it totally up to the artisans. While they can't rival students of the Kakita Artisan Academy, their skill is admirable, and they often send arrangements for local parties in the city, or gifts requested by suitors for their loveinterests. Ume (plum) is the current 'chief artisan' in the pavilion, and is the one to greet customers and take their orders as well as deliver the finished product. The Smiling Uchiwa Located in the 10th Ward, in the Northern parts, is a small, but eye-catching shop. The Smiling Uchiwa sell fans of all types, and also other minor accessories and umbrellas for daily use and dancing, and it's easy to see when one approaches as the wide variety of collected colors greet the customers like a rainbow in an otherwise drab street.

The customers of The Smiling Uchiwa vary from the local Maiko and Geisha in need of dancing fans (the sets of matching fans for the Geisha's odori dances are made here) or umbrellas used for dance, samurai in need of the season's newest accessories or gifts, and even heimin in need of simple fans to cool themselves or umbrellas to protect them from the rain. The visit to The Smiling Uchiwa is always pleasant, and everyone regardless of their station are met with friendly smiles, making the shopping experience a nice one... this is how one gets repeat-customers after all. House of Serenity The Inn of Serenity is a rather grandiose title for a fairly unassuming building, but it is the name chosen by Agasha Kitsuki, so that is what it is called. Standing two stories, it is exactly like any other Inn in the empire: a kitchen, common eating room (that doubles as a low paying sleeping area), and private rooms on the upper floor for more discriminating patrons. The building is well made, though fairly banal; it was not the finest inn in the city but it is comfortable and warm in the winter. Agasha Kitsuki took over the inn as a meeting point for his newly forming clan as well as a place for them to stay and study with the Scorpion magistrates (who are still, after nearly 800 years, regarded as the best magistrates in the Empire). Purchasing the inn wholly from the previous owner, Agasha Kitsuki has retained the staff to cater to his Family and installed a hatamoto to oversee the day to day functions then without further ado, he left. Making his office on the upper floor, Kitsuki Akenaka deals with the greater part of the new family's operations in the Southern half of the empire (one assumes he has a counterpart in the North, though given the current size of the family, that might not be a safe assumption). The room is fairly bare of furnishings with only a few momentos to give it a personal touch. The rest of this floor is taken up by the personal rooms of the few upper echelons of the Kitsuki family in town while the majority stay in the common area below. Several times a day, Akenaka gives lessons on the finer points of Law and Investigation to those Kitsuki staying here. Ranging from the dry and boring discussions of Law and precedence to more detailed explanations of what to look for, these lessons are highly coveted by the fledgling Kitsuki, most of the instruction was written by Agasha Kitsuki himself. From time to time, Akenaka will invite a local magistrate to give a short lecture on pertinent topics, taking advantage of the well trained and experienced Scorpion magistrates as well as the competent doshin and yoriki force (a fact which has caused some scandal: peasants teaching Samurai? Unheard of!). An interesting note is that Akenaka ends every lesson with a riddle, usually a koan or verse from Shinsei, but equally as often a logical puzzle that leaves many scratching their heads for weeks afterward. The Pit Once a beautiful home, this house is now in ruins. The building itself has crumbled through age, negligence, and battle damage, although some oddities remain: Two walls still rise out of the charred and rotted timbers, marking the North Western corner of the building, and set in one is a once lovely window. This window is a sign that shows everyone just how much was lost; a round hole cut into the wall, it is filled with delicate latticework that has somehow survived over the decades since Iuchiban's forces were driven out. The faint remains of red paint still cling to the blackened, worm eaten wood, looking grotesque: not unlike a bleeding ulcer of rot and disease. It is made all the more grotesque by the fact that it was once magnificent. The window would have looked upon a fine garden, but now it is an

overgrown field. The waters are long since filled in with debris and detritus and the shrubs and grasses long since gone to wild. An eyesore to be sure, it is truly the sign of the decay that still haunts the city decades after Iuchiban. Many remark that it is Beidan's "Festering Pit," or simply, the Pit," and not a few lament the state of affairs that has allowed this home and many others to go to rot. This home is but one of many in the area, too many to count are now piles of timber, clay tiles, and stone; once they were elegant mansions and proud homes. No one has moved in, not in all the years since. Some say it is because of the expense of cleaning, some say it is because newer areas are open, and others say that the ground no longer wants to be lived on. Regardless, this entire district is abandoned by those with the means; only Ronin, thieves, eta, and scum live here now. Stories of vengeful ghosts, dangerous thugs, and murderous Ronin keep away most, but some people come here. Sneaking through the still of the night or boldly entering during the brightest part of the day, this area, this exact house, draws in people. They come from all over the city to settle disputes. Samurai duel here, away from the prying eyes of the magistrates and more than a few peasants sneak in to resolve their personal matters as well. The grounds of the Pit are stained with blood and tears and the very stones and timbers echo the screams of vengeance and fury. This is not a happy place, and few Shugenja will willingly commune with spirits here, those that do tell stories of weeping kami, crying out for the horrors they have seen: duels for love, duels for hate, righteous fights, ignoble murder, and all the sins of humanity. The Pit has seen it all, and will see it again. While one could fight anywhere in this district, this spot, thanks to the helpful landmark of the window makes this an easy one to find, tell someone to meet by the Window or to go to the Pit, and they will know exactly what you mean. Sadly, this same landmark is one often used by those seeking to meet for deeds most foul and not a few crimes have been plotted (or even carried out here). Mobile Command HQ of the Northern Legions The Scorpion Army is not the largest in the Empire, nor is it the best equipped, nor is it the best trained. In most respects it falls solidly in the middle of the Seven Clans. It is usually dead middle on any general's lists: numbers, equipment, training, morale, logistics, fortifications, or even command. Despite this, the Scorpion win as many engagements as they lose, and their losses are often enough more costly to the attackers. For centuries many have debated why this is and the overall conclusion is that no other Army in the Empire is as well supplied with information. Each and every Scorpion General has at their fingertips the disposition, direction, and details of each foe they cross. This gives the Scorpion armies a tremendous advantage, and one they frequently take. Most importantly it allows them to have relatively small local garrisons protecting each location with large, mobile army groups to protect various provinces and fiefs. The area along the Spine of the World is protected by the most skilled of these mobile armies, Heaven's Hammers, the personal legion of Bayushi Yawata. Moving his command frequently, Yawata travels all along the Spine of the World, visiting each garrison he passes and making detailed inspections of each. Troops are rotated in and out of garrison, so that none become complacent or too idle (though Daimyo's personal retinue are ignored for this), and also giving his own Army's troops time to rest. Yawata has decreed that each soldier will spend no less than one month in three traveling with his army, practicing maneuvers and fighting bandits (and any Lion, Crane, or Unicorn force) they come across. Because of this, the Heaven's Hammers is one of the best trained and most valorous Scorpion Army (and without a doubt the most experienced thanks to numerous skirmishes with Lion and Unicorn forces).

Currently, the Heaven's Hammers are encamped just to the West of the city, south of the fetid swamps while Yawata makes his home in Beidan reviewing the troops and helping with any fortifications to the city and pass as needed. Taking over a small estate in the Samurai district, Yawata’s retainers have continued their tradition of drilling troops in a makeshift dojo by squads. Each squad works for several hours at the estate, practicing all the techniques that are needed in the treacherous terrain of the Northern Provinces. Thanks to the plethora of hills, forests, and swamps along the Southern face of the Spine of the World, this means Yawata’s troops are some of the finest practitioners of unsteady terrain combat in the Empire (although the Mantis Wako might protest that). The Estate is fairly normal, with few oddities about it, save for the massive Legion Banner that sits just outside the doorway. With room enough for Yawata, his main officers, and a handful of picked men, the location is somewhat crowded, crowded enough that all drills take place in the courtyard and garden out back (the former owner who "loaned" the estate to Yawata might be rather annoyed to find that nearly 5000 soldiers has spent the past three months sparring in his formerly pristine garden). Once a week, Yawata personally leads his soldiers into the hills, swamps, and forests outside and around Beidan for extensive field training. Outsiders are welcome to join the training, as Yawata and his men are always looking for potential replacements and transfers, although only Scorpion and Ronin bushi should expect to be allowed in for true training, the rest are usually used as an exercise in learning the opponent's weaknesses (they especially love getting Matsu and Ikoma soldiers to "train" with them). The Temple to Kaze-No-Kami A large temple built by the Nagano in honor of the great spirit-god of wind, it is a wonder to see. Designed from the ground up as a object for the wind and air spirits to enjoy, it rises four stories: each story with a different and playful aspect. Tall arched gables with intricate carvings and lacework provide numerous points for the wind spirits to play in as they dance over the structure. One level has hundreds, if not thousands, of wind pipes arrayed to catch stray gusts of air, while another has screens of sturdy wood arranged across the entire floor in a maze to entice and entrance the air spirits; each day the priests and novices move the screens to change the maze slightly. The balconies are adorned with wind chimes to please the God with their music, and it is traditional for people seeking the god's blessing to provide a new chime. Steel, silver, gold, brass, exotic woods, even simple cedar or pine all make up some of the chimes here and many travelers come for leagues to see the collection. The House of the Silver Moon The Tea House is run by a nice elderly couple, a retired Monk and his wife who decided to settle down and run a tea house together. Having left the Order and his oaths behind, Benjiro is actually a very nice old man. His Order still looks up to him; he left under pleasant circumstances. His wife, Sakura, was a temple nun when they fell in love. They knew that their vows prevented from going any further than mere expression, so they did something remarkable amongst most people; they ignored their desires. Both continued to serve the Temple for a period of ten years, a dutiful enough time that they could retire and renounce their vows with no animosity or shame. When they did so, the abbot of the temple held a grand celebration and married them off in style. Their wedding was one of the most lavish seen in the city in years; even the old Governor made an appearance. Gifted by the Governor with a fine home, Benjiro turned it into a quiet and respectable Tea House. He and Sakura had several children and they were quite happy.

The building itself is small, but very well built. A central room holds the fire pit and a Kaiu built hood takes the smoke out. Surrounding the room are half a dozen smaller private rooms that may hold a few people each. Around the back is a small, yet very exquisite garden with a separate Master Tea House, for truly important ceremonies. The rooms inside are for anyone to use at any time, the House out back is only by reservation, and reservations are expensive. The House serves a staggering array of tea blends, and one could get nearly any tea from anywhere in the Empire, though restricted tea (Jade Petal and the Tea served only to the Emperor and Imperial Families) can not be had for any price. The Widow's Estates Kawayama Remi, the Widow The stately home of the Kawayama merchant family (an officially unrecognized peasant 'family') rests on a small rise in the town, surrounded by a fine garden and a low wall, neatly imitating the estates of Samurai though in miniature. Two lovely stories tall, with large wings on either side for the servants, the estate is about as fine as one could hope for as a merchant. Kawayama Shihi was a very wealthy merchant in the local area and owned many businesses and trading concerns. Recently, the merchant passed away, leaving his wealth and estates to his wife, Remi. Remi maintains his holdings and estates with, if not quite the skill of her august husband, a good degree of business acumen. She generally runs the businesses fairly lightly, allowing the managers to do their job and simply pays the bills and collects the profits. Where she does have insight that her late husband never did, was in loans. Remi is one of the leading loan sharks in the city, providing anyone, peasant, merchant, or samurai with variable rate loans. She generally relies on the recipient's sense of duty and shame to enforce payments, though she has been known to employ ronin to help collect from those who default. Important People: Kawayama Remi This lady is quite an esteemed matron, the heir to a very large fortune and sits at the head of a sizable family of sons, daughters, and their spouses. She is in her 50's and though her face shows the heavy lines of most peasants, her back is still straight, unbowed by labor. While avarice gleams in her eyes, she is smart enough to not be consumed by it and one should always take care to note that she is not a fool: people who try to cheat her often find out they themselves are the ones cheated. Onsen’s Fishery and Sake Bar Onsen, a local merchant, has hit on a wonder that is rare to the Lion Lands. Ostensibly a fishmonger, he leased the rights to a nearby quarry hill, and is using it to store ice and snow gathered from the river during the winter and harvested from the mountains during the summer. Using his connections, he sells most of the ice down stream at the larger cities on the coast; the remainder is used to keep the fish fresh on the trip back up stream to the city here. Taking things one step further, he sells much of the finest cuts directly to Samurai in the noble district at his Sushi Bar and Fishery. He will willingly sell fine cuts to domestic servants, but his true joy is in selling the Samurai sushi directly. The shop is actually three shop fronts all mashed together (and woe to the poor Samurai that rents the room above, lest he enjoys the smell of fish), one that sells to cooks and servants of the Samurai, another

that sells sushi, lovingly and expertly prepared by Onsen, and a final store that sells any number of drinks, all chilled to near ice temperatures by yet more ice from Onsen's Hill. All three stores are raucous affairs, with much laughter and jokes. Onsen himself is a very affable man, and though he may take liberties with his customers regarding formality, most truly enjoy his company and so allow him his familiarity. Onsen is a short, rather pudgy man (though he hides a great deal of muscle under the fat; ice hauling is never easy), with a winning smile and a quick wit. The Iced Refreshment Shop sells all manner of drinks, all cold, including one that is just becoming popular in the city: chilled tea. Many Samurai from the lowlands or southern lands (Lion, Hare, Scorpion, Mantis, Crab, Kistune, Imperial, Northern Crab) will often stop by just to experience cold beverages. His favorite joke is his own name; named by his mother, it means "Hot Spring," he jokes that his mother spent so much time around the Hot Springs when he was young, that he assumed she was calling for him all the time and not the bath house! He usually adds that that is why he went into ice hauling, after twelve years in an Onsen with his mother, he was sick of all the heat. Eccentricities aside, Onsen is a very clever man. He was able to convince first the Scorpion Governor to allow him to use an old quarry as an ice house, and then convinced the new Lion governor of the same thing. He was able to turn a failing dried and salted fish business into a fresh fish business AND start a whole new industry in the city: ice hauling. Despite working in the Sushi bar himself, Onsen is very rich; his home is just on the border of the Merchant's district, nearly in the Noble's district, and he lacks for nothing. A Samurai could do worse than having Onsen as a friend or as a creditor... On a typical day you will find Onsen or one of his sons working the sushi bar. Onsen is a master Sushi Chef while his sons are worthy apprentices. Onsen tries to be there for all the major meal rushes (Lunch and Dinner), but he may be absent for business reasons. Onsens's wife also works with him quite often and she is as large and happy as he is. Both Daikoku and Jurojin have been good to this pair, as they are well fed, happy, and blessed with dozens of children. Neither is truly sure at this point which child is theirs or a grandchild, so they have simply gotten around to calling them all "Child." Onsen's Wife, "Amai (sweet)," hates to see people leave her shop hungry, so she supplements every plate of sushi with a sturdy bowl of rice or miso soup, and woe betide to the man or woman foolish enough to refuse her food! The fifteen children and 34 grandchildren of the Onsen Couple also work at the Shop in varying capacities. The smaller children often watch the smallest children, while older ones help cut the vegetables to be pickled, serve the diners, or hand out drinks. By some miracle of chance, all of Onsen's prettiest Daughters and Granddaughters seem to always serve the handsomest Samurai that stop by, with much blushing and fluttering of eyelashes. Onsen seems to not mind this, though rumors do whisper that a drunken Lion was tossed into the street some months ago, not unlike a 40 kilo block of ice that Onsen used to sling. No one has yet said exactly what happened, but people do keep their hands off the help now. Notable People: Onsen-san, proprietor of the shop.

Amai, Onsen's wife and grandmotherly matron who loves to feed people. Tama, Onsen's most decidedly available and blushing daughter who would love to serve the noble and brave samurai just one more drink... And discuss the idea of true love and marriage... The Public Gardens The public gardens are quite large, and occupy a section of road that is not used by most commercial traffic, but pedestrians will often detour through the garden as necessary. The gardens are surrounded by a low wall, and are well kept by a team of groundskeepers who seem invisible to the passing observer. catching one of these master artisans at work is akin to spotting an imperfection upon the Crane clan champion's kimono. The road meets a bridge close to the center of the garden. The garden itself slopes to meet a pond in the middle of the garden. The bridge is wide enough to support an ox cart with room for pedestrians on both sides. It is a common meeting place for young maidens and their escorts for an evening. It is said that if you cast a coin into the water your rendezvous will be swift in arriving. It is then customary to toss a second coin in once they arrive in thanks to whatever spirit hastened their arrival. (It is also a tactful way of letting your date know that they were late) It has been theorized that there is a small fortune of coins in the water, but no one has been able to swim to the bottom of the pond to find out. Several paths wind through sakura trees, and meet with several gazebos that dot the shore of the pond. There are benches along the path, and young couples can often be seen in the late hours of the evening. The garden is lit at night by a series of stone lanterns that are threaded throughout the garden. There are similar lanterns along the sides of the bridge. Yorikki sometimes are given the garden as a patrol route, as it is the most peaceful area of the city. The Offices of Koji, the Mason and Quarrymaster The man in the city with quite possibly the largest demand for services, Koji is a happy peasant. He is being paid very well and gets to do the job he loves the most: work with stone. To him, stone is more than just a rock; it is vibrant, living, and dependable. It can do anything he wants, provided the right pressure and force is applied. It has very easy and discernible rules, and it never, ever acts against those rules. What's more, though he never will admit this, the stone talks to him. Not in a metaphorical or figurative sense, but in a very real sense. People whisper about it and it does bother Koji some. Not the talking with stone, stone is actually rather friendly; but rather the whispers. All his life people remarked what an odd boy he is, he talks to rocks. His parents despaired of ever finding anything to do with him; he seemed to have no aptitude for rice farming. "The rice doesn’t talk to me mother, it just grows. That's boring." They debated sending him to a temple to be a monk, but instead they ended up asking a cousin take him to the quarry and see what happened. In five years, Koji was managing the quarry. He knew where the fault lines were, where to split the stone, and how best to glean the finest facings of rock. His hands would trace the wall, and somehow find the perfect fracture point. Right Now Koji is 25 years old, and in the prime of his life. He quarries stone for all the great projects in the city, and everyone praises his work. He was even able to build the monumental Temple to the

Ancestors in record time over the winter, and received a huge grant from Ikoma Goro for his troubles. Having more than enough money as it is, Koji spent most of the money on his distant family, ensuring they will never want for food, and the rest he spent on a boulder. He claimed the rock "wanted to be moved away from that noisy tree." Koji can sometimes be found at one of the quarries north or west of the city, but is most often overseeing the repairs to the walls or the castle towers. His office in the Merchant's quarter has a very small bookkeeping staff, but they can always direct people to find Koji, wherever he is, though expecting to find him cooped up inside is folly in and of itself. The Physician’s Office Doctor Kanai is known to be a skilled physician, well versed in the art of healing. Despite his coarse appearance, he has a keen appreciation for beauty, and can often be found walking in the gardens, and attending one of the geisha houses. Professionally, Kanai takes patients at his office, making house calls to samurai patients. He is overworked, but would never let anyone hear him complain. Although not as effective as a shugenja at mending wounds, Kanai does his best, and many will consult him before a shugenja, especially when recurring conditions and certain diseases are concerned. Kanai serves the general populace, and has a trio of nurses that assist him, the sisters Kuyo, Kano, and Kikio, three orphaned sisters that he took in. Kuyo, the oldest, is sixteen, and is already quite lovely. She keeps a hawks eye upon her sisters. She aides the doctor with minor injuries, and prescribing medication while the doctor is busy with other matters. Kano is slightly more rotund than her elder sister who has just seen her twelfth summer. She assists the doctor in a more direct manner. Although not as pretty as her sister, she is far more skilled with delicate tasks. Kikio is the youngest sister, only nine years old, fetches supplies and runs errands for her caretaker, as she is not yet ready to assist in a professional capacity. She is well liked all over town, and many citizens are fiercely protective of her, due to her innocent demeanor, and cheerful smile. Iwai-zake Distillery Literally meaning "Celebration Wine," Iwai-zake is a form of sake usually served at festivals, parties, and in honor of brilliant victories. Amongst the Lion, it is often served after a General's first battle (which is, of course, a victory) and is a moment heralded with much anticipation and good cheer. Taking it's name from this type of Sake, the Iwai-zake Distillery brews several different kinds of Sake, including a rare type that has been heavily filtered, leaving behind a clear drink, unlike the more cloudy and milky Nigoro sake produced by many other clans. It has not quite caught on, but Onsen-san prefers it for his cold sake, so it might become something one day. While not all the sake brews here are used in celebration, the Toji (brewmaster) of the Distillery hopes to impart that feeling of good cheer onto his wines. The Distillery is very traditional, with great wooden tubs that hold the sake as it ferments and contains a massive yard out back for polishing the rice before it is brewed. The building itself has a small shrine set

up inside to Lord Inari-no-kami, the Fortune of Rice and daily offerings of rice, sweet rice mash, and sake are given up to him. Outside the symbol of the Brewery is that of two dancing peasants and a Tanuki happily pouring Sake. Further, the owner has, at great expense, purchased two stone foxes from an abandoned temple to Inari and placed them right outside the door. Medicine Peddler Zai is a curious old man who wanders the market place, calling out that he has medicine for sale. Although Doctor Kanai dismisses him as a quack, selling useless scraps of crushed weeds, many have sworn that a condition has been cured by Zai's 'miracle herbs' He has a genuine (if toothless) smile, and has a strange cackle of a laugh. He has a long beard, and wears a jingasa that has seen better days. Zai is considered a harmless old man. Many buy his wares out of charity. He is easily found, for his voice cries out above the marketplace din. No one is entirely sure where he goes to at night. The Ginga Shizuku (Divine Droplets) The Ginja Shizuku is a much livelier Sake House than the Mantensai, partly due to the fact that it is Yasuki Ueda's current favorite night spot, and partly due to the fact that the owner does not really care too much about how the Samurai treat him or his staff. As long as their Koku is the right weight and color, he will take what abuse they give. The building is fairly standard, though not of terrifically fine construction. It is much larger than his competitor’s, following the strategy of quantity over quality. It can easily hold a hundred Samurai and so it is often used as an informal gathering place for many of the Yorikki and Garrison troops when not on duty (and sometimes when on). The building has a small garden out back for privacy, but it is nothing fantastic; little more than a small pool and some grass, it fills the necessity of having a garden without the labor involved. Azumamaro, the owner, offers the local brews found in the city, though he also offers a few stronger brands of Shouchu that he brews himself. There is food available, but only the most basic of snacks and only those that would allow a man to keep drinking. Soups are right out. While it would be unfair to say Azumamaro lets his clients paw the serving girls, he does not stop them unless their tab is due. A few of the girls might be willing to negotiate for "private pouring sessions," most are not and take a fairly liberal hand (so to speak) at rebuffing grabby customers. Azumamaro runs a clean establishment and follows most of the laws he can. What few infractions he has performed do not concern the Yorikki so he is most willing to summon them if revelers get out of hand. Another major benefit is that Azumamaro keeps his doors opens so long as a customer wishes. While that means it does get very slow (there is often a curfew on the town), it also means that the Yorikki always have a place to warm up and grab some small foods while on patrol. The Staff of the Ginja Shizuku (Divine Drolets) Azumamaro, owner, mid 40's. Is very ingratiating and tries his best to defuse volatile situations when ever he can. He is rail thin and has a mean cast to his eyes. To Customers with no standing (or no Koku) he quickly loses his ingratiating nature and is quick to call for the Yorikki to toss out the "debtor." Motosuwako, his wife, late 40's. Very overbearing and quite fat. She sits at the door and greets customers. For Samurai she is always smiling an oily grin, for those that owe her money (and she DOES consider it "hers") she is gruff and outright hostile. Many a debtor has been surprised to find Motosuwako

threatening them with grievous bodily injury. Rumors whisper that a few didn't believe her. They now pay up front with mangled hands. Suki, his daughter, mid to late 20's, fairly pretty. Their only surviving child, having lost their son in the defense of the city, Suki takes on the burden of running the House and seeing that everyone gets served, her parents are far too busy collecting debts and sucking up to the Samurai to do so. Remarkably she has performed quite well, and profits have increased. Despite no formal training, she has become a very shrewd businesswoman and is well regarded by the other Merchants and Entertainers in the city. The difficulty in running the shop has begun to show on her, and she bears the signs of overwork. She may soon grow old before her time, but such is the life of a peasant. Yuya, the head waitress. She is quite pert and somewhat graceful. She tells everyone that she was an apprentice Maiko who was bought by a Danna early on and was able to retire, though few believe it. In her late 20's, she sometimes resents being ordered around by Suki, but Suki's obvious ability usually keeps her quiet in public. Hiroko, another waitress. A young woman, she is quite plump and happy. She loves her job and is quite good at it. Her easy going smile can disarm even the most callous of slayer, and she is very knowledgeable in the realm of Sake. She can suggest just the right kind of sake for any food or mood, and few have told her she's wrong. She has been known to help patrons order food from one of the neighboring restaurants, though Azumamano frowns on that. Hiroko is a woman who knows her sake and her food and is arguably the best waitress here. Kadiri, a waitress, mid 30's. Kadiri was once a beautiful woman and WAS actually a Geisha. She was bought from a Bayushi by the functionary of the Soshi governor as a concubine and brought to Kenson Gakka, however her patron died in the assault and she herself was horrifically burned. The scars run along the entire length of her body on the left side, from ankle to cheek. Though makeup can hide some of the damage to her face, it can not hide it all, Kadiri was close to killing herself in the wake of the assault, when Suki offered her a place at the House. Taking the Generosity that was given, Kadiri spends her time between performing for the guests and serving them sake. Riku, a waitress, late teens. Riku is young and full of hope. She left her parent's farm when they were killed in the assault and came to the city to make her living. Miraculously avoiding both the Yakuza and having to sell her body to feed herself, she immediately earned a position in the House serving sake. Motosuwako suspects Azumamano hired her just to sleep with her (she's right), but sees some of herself in that young girl and has taken Riku under her fleshy wing. This annoys Azumamano as he has no chance to get the girl alone, but it helps Riku quite a bit as she gets kindness from a potentially dangerous and nasty woman and also gets advice on how to survive on her own. Riku saves every koku in the hopes that she can buy her own shop one day, and Motosuwako is secretly (to Riku at least) helping with that goal. Fuyuko, a waitress, early 20's. Fuyuko cares little for the job she has, and only does it to make ends meet. Her real goal is to find a nice young man and settle down to raise a family. In that she is quite mercenary and has turned down several proposals from nice, but poor, farmers. She has her eyes set on several young men in town who are either heirs of a good business or else business owners themselves. Daisuke, a waiter, early 20's. Daisuke is a young man and quite handsome. Sadly, he is also as bright as a fence post. Hired by Motosuwako to "provide the young ladies and Samurai-ko with something nice to look at," he is little more than decoration. He can do his duties well enough, but pouring Sake is not the

most difficult of tasks and bringing out trays of snacks hardly challenging. Though he often gets the orders wrong, he has a winning way about him, and most people forgive his mistakes, though mostly because he is so pretty. He has a regular group of young towns-girls who fawn over him and are referred to by the other servers as "Daisuke's Flunkies." Mantensai Sake House (Star Filled Sky) The interior of this Sake House is very elegant, traditional cedar beams support the roof, and solid planking keeps the house warm through the winter, though windows may be tilted open to provide relief from the summer heat. Comfortable futons are scattered about the room set around several different tables, each with room for four diners. The Tatami mats are always fresh and clean, and many wealthy Samurai sip sake here. The collection of sake is fairly large, aside from that brewed in the city, Onsen's ice trade also allows Sake from the coast to be brought in (Note: Sake is brewed like a beer and is not, at this time, fully pasteurized, so it is VERY hard to transport unless it is kept cold. It CAN be pasteurized, sort of, but it won't last in bottles or kegs longer than a season.), so the variety here is larger than at the other regional sake houses, though non-local brews are very expensive. The House also serves a small variety of snacks, though nothing that could truly be called a "meal." If drinkers wish for a meal, they must send out for one at one of the local restaurants, though the House issues a surcharge for such actions. A bevy of young boys and girls often wait outside for such requests and run food to the diners, for a small fee. The House earned its name from two reasons: first, every full moon and new moon, the owner holds a star party and invites only the most popular and well-to-do Samurai to sit out back, in the garden, and watch the moon and stars. This event is well thought of by many in the city, and considerable favors are exchanged just to be on the waiting list; only a few people are always assumed to be invited; Ikoma Goro and his family, and the Ambassadors for the Crane, Phoenix, and Scorpion. Due to some unpleasantness involving Yasuki Ueda and the owner's daughter, the Crab have not received an invitation for months, and the Dragon seldom show up, even when invited. The second reason is far rarer. Every year at the O-Bon festival, the owner place hundreds of candles in the rafters of the main room, and closes all the windows and shutters all other light. This turns the common room into pretty fair rendition of the night sky and affords a great deal of intimacy and privacy, a fact which is not lost on those with ulterior motives, whether those motives are nefarious or romantic. The Staff of the Mantensai (Star Filled Sky) Konyo is a young man, in his early 30's. Polite and subservient to Samurai, but knows his place in City Society, takes some joy in rebuffing the crab delegation and appreciates the Protection given him by Ikoma Goro (and undoubtedly the protection that was given him by the Former Govenor) Sakamae, his wife, late 20's. Looks like a stereotypical wife would look like. Many visitors often slip and call her "mom," which she takes with remarkable aplomb, even when the customer is thrity years her senior. Serves drinks and prepares the snack trays. Yukari is his daughter and in her early teens. Very pretty and innocent, serves drinks and Dances for the customers on Festival days and special occasions. She is very graceful.

Ichiro, his son, nine. Irascible scamp, often snags the dregs of the bottles and shares them with his friends. Often gets into scuffles with Taro, the boy in charge of the Food Runners. Arisa, Konyo's sister, late 20's. Serves drinks and plays the Shamisen. During the day she also teaches young grils in the art of Poetry and Shamisen. She is often hired to tutor the Geisha Maikos in those arts. Taro, the head of the Food Runners, aged 12. Bully and tough, he runs the Food Runners like a street gang (which they most likely are). Boys and girls who wish to earn money here, must work for him or else face harassment and assault. The Akabeko Tea House and Restaurant The Akabeko is more than just a tea house; it is also a restaurant that serves a wide variety of foods. The proprietor decided to boost her flagging tea and snack sales with regular meals, and the shop has never been the same. It is always busy, and Samurai and merchants can be seen rubbing elbows as they order all manner of foods; soups, noodles, rice, spicy Scorpion stir-fry, and tangy Lion Teriyaki. The house specialty is a bowl of noodles (Udon or Ramen), cooked in a light broth (miso or soya based), and with a host of ingredients tossed in. Customers can get poultry, fish, egg, pork, several kinds of mushrooms, and even small dumplings placed inside. For a hungry Samurai, one could go far more wrong than an Akabeko Noodle Bowl. The Tea house also includes several private rooms for tea ceremonies and for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the restaurant common room. The proprietress is quite skilled in the art and even teaches Samurai and Merchants in the intricacies of the form, although she does need a few days’ notice to set up a lesson. The Staff of the Akabeko The owner, Chichuro, is a pretty woman, in her early 40's, though one would never know it to look at her. She is a widow and inherited the store from her husband who died in an accident several years before the sacking of the city. She runs the shop with the help of her four children, three daughters who serve the food, and a quiet son who manages the kitchen. She is always seen smiling, part of which adds to her attractiveness. Kei, mid 20's, pretty and happy. Kei has no husband, but plenty of suitors. She seems to enjoy teasing all of them, but is having difficulty in choosing. As an heir to the restaurant, many are very willing to wait for her to make up her mind, as the business is thriving and even a partial share would be an amazing dowry for a peasant. Aki, early 30's, plain, but with a nice smile. She is engaged to a local priest of the 1,000 Fortunes. As soon as the stars are correct, he will marry her. At that time, she will have to decide whether to move into his home and assist him in his priestly duties, or else continue to work here, despite a substantial walk every morning. Fortunately, the Priest is worried that the stars will not be correct for many months; he claims a dangerous sign is rising in the East, and wonders what it could mean. Nene, 19 and VERY vivacious. Lives life to its fullest, much to the dismay of her mother. She loves to flirt. She loves to shop. Nene has a different kimono, apron, or obi every day. She flirts and teases with every male who walks in the door, making her fairly popular, though no rumors talk about her doing more than that. She is being courted by a host of men, both young and old, and seems to thrive on the attention she

receives; the presents even more so. She delights in wearing other men's gifts when speaking with her current favorite, usually as a not-so-subtle hint as to what she wants next. Her sisters and mother are exasperated by her behavior, but none of the gentleman callers seem bothered by the behavior, so for now they let it slide. Everyone working, and many visiting, the Akabeko seem to have chosen her future husband, even if she has not. The side bets have since become rather impressive and a great deal of money will change hands when she does choose. Ichiro, late 20's and very quiet. He is a skilled cook and VERY good with knives. Has terrific knife scars from "protecting" the honor of his sisters. Grabby men beware. He is a brooding man, rather large, rumored to have a furious temper. His arms are crisscrossed with knife scars, and many of the rougher people in town avow that he is the finest knife fighter in the city. He is also very famous for his cooking and many of the servants to the Lords and important Samurai in the region have begged him for his recipes, but somehow he always forgets one key ingredient that makes his dishes so damned good. The Sumo Arena A large square platform predominates the center of this open air building. All around are tiered seating with low tables, affording patrons of the sumai a degree of luxury. Wrestlers compete here regularly, competing for position. This season, however, a championship tournament is being held among the sumo. The tournament has attracted all types of enthusiasts, and opportunists. Merchants have created a small marketplace around the arena proper, selling everything from paraphernalia of the Sumai to consumables. The tournament once began, will take ten days, with a new yokozuna emerging. On the night of the championship match, a great festival will begin to celebrate the passing of the old yokozuna, and the ascent of the new. Many courtiers use the sumai arena to informally form arrangements, and sway their rivals. The sumo is not merely entertainment; it is a focal point where the society of Kenson Gakka congregates. Sumo matches can be quite disconcerting for Samurai not used to them. Many of the rules and regulation surrounding decorum are tossed out of the windows when a competition is going. Samurai shout and jostle one another, women scream for favorites, and much money is exchanged on bets, both formal and informal. The aura of a match is often palpable and wild, yet at the same time disagreements are always left at the door. Hated enemies will sit aside one another and howl, pound one another on the back, and buy drinks, getting drunk and cheering their chosen Sumo wrestler. If two people cheer for different warriors, they may come to blows, but it is almost never deadly force. One story recounts how two Samurai entered the Sumo Auditorium, took seats, and began to cheer for the teams and stables of their clan. As each stable lost, the supporter would buy the neighbor a drink. Pretty soon they were quite well drunk. When their catcalling and cheers grew too loud, they began to push and shove. Many worried that they might draw their swords, but that never happened. Presently, they were separated and the matches continued. The next day, the Samurai saw each other in court and formally dueled to the death. When asked if it was over the match, the survivor laughed and said, "Of course not. He killed my brother last year and I swore a blood oath on him. Last night was a Sumo match, we couldn't fight then." The sumo arena is a massive stage, surrounded by a wide expanse of grass with tiered benches set up on all four sides, much like a modern grandstand. The stage is raised a few feet off the ground and ringed

by miniature bales of rice, set into a distinct circle. Off to one side, a small table and cushions has been set aside for the three judges who will watch the fight. The Sumo Tournament will extend for two hours, just after the Hour of the Monkey and extending midway through the Hour of the Dog (So 6pm to 9pm ish). Depending on the night and how quickly the matches are run, it could extend for longer, though most likely all the matches will be finished before the Hour of the Dog is even announced (so, ends at 8pm). Notable Sumo Rikishi: Onsen-san, of Kenson Gakka. A local favorite and the owner of both a massive ice and food hauling business as well as the owner of a sushi and sake bar. Golden Pavillion, of Toshi Ranbo. The Crane favorite, he is also a priest of the 1,000 Fortunes. Iron Mountain, of Yasuki Yashiki. The Crab favorite and a former Yokozuna. A bit rough around the edges, he looks like a peasant, though he is respectful enough. Little Giant, of Kitsune Mori. A devout servant of the departed Ki-rin, and current favorite of the minor clans, he has a burning passion to defeat and humiliate any Lion he faces for the dishonor caused to his ancestors be the seizure of the Ki-Rin land by the Lion. He is the smallest Rikishi, lacking much of the bulk they possess, but he owns a lithe grace and subtle skill. Heaven's Mountain, of the City of the Rich Frog. The current Yokozuna, he is the reigning champion of sumo. Standing at an impressive six foot three, he weighs in at well over 300 pounds, much of it dense muscle. Treated with the kind of sheer adoration given only to rock stars and living gods, Heaven's Mountain is given anything he wants. Despite being a peasant, he is rumored to have many Samurai-ko lovers, though he will never admit to such or even hint to their names. Blinding Glory, of the Daidoji Family. One of the few samurai professional sumo wrestlers here, he hopes to win glory for his clan and family by winning against the implacable foes in the Lion. He has his sights on being awarded the skirt of the Champion by Goro himself, and little will deter him. The Mountain that Walks, of the Matsu Family. Another notable Samurai Sumo wrestler, he is an easily identifiable sight. The tallest Sumo wrestler here, and quite probably the tallest man in the city, he tops off at an amazing six foot six, and weighs in at 275 pounds of rock hard muscle, he is like a statue of Bishamon given form. To make matters even more incredible, he is a fully accredited Priest of Bishamon, and often trains Rikishi in his dojo at Bishamon Seido. Shining Light, of Otosan Uchi. A young peasant, he was chosen by his sensei to represent the school in a local tournament. After winning there quite handily, he was promoted through the ranks, winning another tournament at great odds to come here. Rated as an underdog, he is still worth watching. Though yet raw and young, he has the potential to one day become a Yokozuna. His natural prowess is obvious, though skilled rikishi will dupe him with simple tricks that would never work on an experienced wrestler. Though his record is marginal, he maintains a plucky attitude that has won him many fans, despite his youth and inexperience. Cherry Blossom, of Ryoko Owari. A middle aged wrestler, he is quite skilled and displays a cunning that fools many experienced wrestlers. While many rikishi will have a small collection of tricks, Cherry Blossom has an array that stuns most of his competitors. He often loses in the first few rounds, but

usually sweeps the final rounds once he can analyze his opponents and choose the best strategy. It is a perfect display of Scorpion tactics for anyone wise enough to watch him. Kenchoji Temple - The Temple of the 1,000 Fortunes Nestled inside a grove of pine trees, rests a fairly typical temple. It stands five levels tall, with red roof tiles and well polished cedar walls. The temple sits on a small hill, overlooking a pond filled with koi of a multitude of colors. It is perhaps the most tranquil spot in the city, as the priests tending the 1,000 Fortunes Temple are steadily turning the grounds into an amazing garden. The have carefully positioned rocks to add a flow of chi to the garden, and are bringing in a variety of trees and shrubs. They will happily admit that their work is one of generations, but the kami have the time. The building is fairly normal as temples go. Carved Fu Lions stand at the entrance to the temple proper, and the path up the hill is crossed with many Torii arches, all painted a noble red, signifying their spiritual purity. Inside there is no main statue, but rather a host of shrines scattered around the rooms, each one dedicated to a type of kami. No one spirit has preference here, all are equal from the greatest named Kami to the smallest kami of hearth and home. Here, all spirits are at peace and the mind relaxes, making this spot a highly visited one for people seeking calmness of mind and a place for quiet meditation. The priests and monks of the temple do a surprisingly brisk trade in fortunes and wards sold to visitors. While all temples sell fortunes and charms, most are tied to the Kami they venerate; being a temple to ALL the kami great and small, gives this temple a lock on variety. In addition the head priest is a master calligrapher and is renowned for the intricacy of his charms. He has also made sure that all of his priests and monks follow him in this regard, so the charms purchased here are rumored to hold a greater potency than other charms. The Kenchoji temple also maintains a small room dedicated to the founding Patron of the temple, Lord Hantei Genji and boasts an impressive repository of artifacts of his life. Situated around the room are numerous items thought to have been used by Genji, from old kimono and jewelry, to books and scrolls penned by him, to even a suit of armor that was worn by the famed Prince for a time. Many Imperial visitors stop at this shrine and meditate and give thanks to their divine ancestor, but any samurai is welcome to give homage to the second Emperor. The two greatest assets of the Temple are its healing waters and the massive bell that sits outside the structure in a specially built shrine. First, the Bell. Truly massive it is almost fifteen feet in circumference and cast of solid bronze. When struck, it rings a deep pure note that fills the soul with wonder. It is even the central focus of a major part of the Bon festival, summoning the spirits to this world and back to heaven with its clarion notes. The Temple’s baths are also a prime feature that draws thousands of visitors a year. Water from the depths of the earth rise up and cascade down a series of pools, shining with the purity of the minerals they carry. These waters blend earth, water, fire and even air as they pour from pool to pool, and many see the harmony of the elements created as a powerful healing force and indeed many are healed of serious illnesses by bathing here. The Public Gardens Located on the far side of the river and facing the Merchant's District, the Public Gardens are a sprawling collection of trees, bushes, wide lawns, and well cared for flower beds. Willow and cherry trees dominate the shore line, draping the river in thin, sinewy branches and floating petals. Closer to the walls cypress trees sit comfortably and familiarly to the city folk.

Wide pathways meander through the park, circling around the various works and pieces, eventually depositing the walker back where they started. Many residents have chosen to walk this pathway daily, in hopes of becoming enlightened (how that works is anyone's guess), and more walk it because a full rotation is a good day's exercise. Some truly bizarre residents will actually run several rotations daily, often beginning before the sun even rises. The park is open for all of the city, not just the samurai or wealthy, and many residents can be seen visiting the grounds in the late afternoons and evenings. It is also a very popular location for lovers and those seeking privacy as the grounds are large enough to become lost in. The Palace of the Night Sea A Scorpion palace, this finely built complex sprawls over several buildings. Surrounded by a medium sized wall, it is not terribly difficult to assault, most of the defenses are designed more for keeping out random passers by. A sturdy gatehouse sits to the south and a large courtyard fills the central plaza. Dressed in well packed earth, it has been smoothed to an almost rock hardness that shrugs off rain, keeping the palace denizens' kimono clean during the frequent rainstorms that pass through the Scorpion lands. To the east and west of the courtyard are two identical buildings facing each other. The western building is the city administration building; three stories tall, it is filled with offices, storerooms, and libraries (tax records, maps, and census information, mostly). Most of the work of directing the city is done here, and all of the samurai who work in this building are well educated bureaucrats. Skilled in the matters of law and administration they keep the city running smoothly. Few samurai and fewer peasants have business with this wing of the building, but many merchants pass through the doors to pay their taxes and customs dues (usually assayed elsewhere, this is just for paperwork and filing). That being said, if a samurai or peasant is so "blessed" to be summoned here, one should note that this is also where the magistrates administer and decree punishments. Rarely one can expect to visit for more auspicious reasons; home purchases, business contracts, legal disputes between peers, and marriage contracts are finalized and dealt with here. One can also find the city records department located in the basement, but only a special favor can get a typical citizen to ever see these rooms. To the east of the courtyard are the guestrooms for the palace. A twin to the Administration Building, the Guesthouse is a practical and well built edifice. Three stories tall, it contains a private bath, kitchen, dining facilities, and even a small library with books and scrolls of pillow books, plays, histories, and poetry for guests to amuse themselves during the long bouts of inclement weather that so often spoils an otherwise temperate climate. The rooms on the top floor are by far the most opulent, with wide verandas and breezy windows allowing visitors to see much of the city and surrounding countryside. They also give respite from the sometimes stifling humidity and heat of the Southern Climate in Rokugan. Each of the upper rooms has many fine decorations that can ease the mind and calm the heart and all are fit for nobility. The lower floors are more typical of a samurai home and while not large are also not terribly small (though with judicious use of room dividers, portable screens, and other such tricks, the lower floors can easily accommodate numerous samurai in more 'cozy' rooms). Both of these buildings are whitewashed with the fiery red trim and roof tiles that denotes a Scorpion holding, and though they would stick out in any other city, here they are nothing next to the central building. Painted a blazing red with trim and tiles of jet black, it hunkers like a threat, oppressive and fearful. Banners the color of blood fly high above the building and strings of lanterns stretch from each point and corner to the very ground. Each night they are lit, and each night they blaze fiery light down on

the courtyards, soaking them in a red hue. During the day kites are flown from the rooftops, dancing in the wind. Each of these kites takes on the shape of fanciful animals, either directly or painted on a sheet; koi swim through the sky, while diamond kites carry scorpions high into the sky. Twice the size of the other two buildings, the central palace is massive and sprawling. Wings stretch out and surround private gardens, ponds, and even a small grove of bamboo trees for the daimyo's own enjoyment. A central tower rises up five floors (on the outside, six on the inside) and houses the Daimyo's own family. His personal suite is on the top most floor, with his children just below. Both floors share a veranda, with a short flight of connecting stairs to disguise the true nature of the building. Further all of the stairs and walkways in the tower are nightingale floors that are designed to squeak if anyone so much as tiptoes across them. Each of the sprawling wings is given over to a different use, dining, meditation, study, etc, but the Northernmost wing is by far the most impressive. Designed as the Daimyo's throne room, it is a marvelous sight, one sure to cause awe and trepidation in the hearts of all who see it. The interior walls are lacquered a dark red, so dark as to be nearly black and exquisitely carved with scenes of the great Scorpion heroes of the past: Bayushi, Shosuro, Soshi, Yogo, Soshi Saibanken, Bayushi Tangen, and hundreds more. Each figure is taller than life, standing the height of the wall, and all looking down on the room. The floor is stained black as midnight and set a single step lower than the hallway leading here. Polished in such a way as to be smooth, yet not reflect light, the floor seems both instantly close and bottomless depths away. Even when you are down on the floor, each step is intimidating as you never quite know where to place your feet. Those few Scorpion courtiers of the family heighten this effect by wearing long kimono that sit just at toe length, and each has a hemline of the purest black that rises to different heights. Even the guards get in on the act and wear unrelieved black: armor, kimono, mempos, and even the hilt wrappings on their swords, seemingly motionless, they blend in with the figures on the wall. Above the banners of the Scorpion lay heavy on the room, pulled across the ceiling and rustling slightly in the breeze that somehow always flutters through the Throne Room, making a sound not too far from that of thousands of insects crawling. The room itself is lit rather sparsely by a handful of lanterns, with several bright lanterns at the fr end where the Daimyo sits atop a cushioned raised platform. All in all, the room is an awe (and for some, fear) inducing sight. As they enter, visitors must first brave the step down, a step that seems both far and dangerous while figures dance in the shadows along the walls, figures eight or more feet tall, emblazoned with the mons of the Scorpion heroes and who look down with grimaces and frowns at the interlopers. Meanwhile a stray breeze makes cold air run across the courtiers skin as the rustling and scratching of thousands of many legged things swarm overhead. As you walk to your place, you are greeted by swarms of Scorpion that seem to float above the ground, some as much as several inches. Guards stand in the corners, wearing nothing but black and stand motionless, seeming to be statues or else more carvings from the walls. And to top it off, at the far end in an alcove of bright light and blazing silken robes sits the Daimyo, haughty, proud, and watching. It is a rare samurai that can walk into the room proudly and boldly, and the Scorpion here will respect that; but for those that stumble and jerk, trying to find their footing or twitching as if they were being crawled upon... well, the Scorpion can smell the blood in the water and are just as remorseless as the hungry shark. Koganeiro Heiya Shiro (Golden Plains Castle) This proud Lion Clan castle sits amidst the rolling plains of the mighty Akodo Family. These far reaching flat lands are dwarfed only by those of the Unicorn, and unlike the Unicorn plains, these are well farmed. Long stretches of land have been claimed for rice cultivation along with millet, wheat, and barley

(although the samurai mostly eat rice, some wheat-breads do see their tables, the rest is used for fodder or the peasantry). Wide highways pass through these fields and the villages that serve them, and tidy cities sit at the junctions of these highways. Most of the cities are but places to collect the fruits of the peasantry's labors alongside the workshops and forges that keep the Lion armies supplied. A few of these cities are something more. In these few cities waterways, canals, or the myriad of rivers that criss-cross the central plains and trade develops. While the Lion eschew mercantile activities themselves, they are more than ready to tax the labors of those merchants, and many sturdy castles have been built to house the samurai that enforce those customs dues. While far from glamorous, and seldom used as the way stations and marshalling points of the major Lion castles (such as Shiro Matsu, Ninkatoshi, Shiro Akodo, and Kaeru Toshi), these guardian castles are instrumental to the overall Lion economy and ability to make war: they protect the wealth of the Lion and see that it is properly used. Even still, few are happy to be assigned here as there is very little chance for glory or fame. Occasionally they are used for Winter Courts, but typically only when the Ancestral Family strongholds are unavailable (usually due to preparing a early Spring offensive against one of their neighbors). This castle is typical of its type; it consists of a central tower standing at five stories tall and surrounded by several layers. The lowest layer is a wide courtyard with a eight foot wall surrounding it. This outer wall has a wide and deep moat on the outside and arrow loops at regular intervals. Short and stubby towers project outwards at irregular intervals (usually to command a bend in the wall or where a rock formation makes a solid foundation). The courtyard is used both as a parade ground for training troops and as a death trap for invaders. It is overlooked by a second and third layer (set at oblique angles from one another) that are designed in a similar manner to the ones below; these alternating levels provide withering fire upon anyone foolish enough to enter arrow range. The Second layer is home to most of the barracks and troops, as well as forges for the production of more weapons and repairing armor. The third layer is home to the family shrines, a small garden, and several stately guest houses. Perched in the center of the third layer is the main keep where the Lord resides. Steep ramps connect all of the layers to one another, though never directly: the entire purpose of the castle is slow an attacker down while exposing them to constant fire from above. Each of the courtyards is flat and wide enough for troops to maneuver (a specialty of the Akodo), furthermore each of the walls have tiny gatehouses and posterns that allow small groups of troops to emerge from higher levels ensuring that in this defense one's flanks are never secure. (Note: the best way to envision this castle is to place three books on top of a table and then twist them slightly, almost 90 degrees, so that they occasionally overhang one another. Each book represents another level and that none of the levels are perfectly centered, making each area irregular). What makes this castle unique from its kin across the Akodo Lands is the Donjon itself. The tower is built using a local wood that is known for its durability and golden hue as the framing beams of the structure. These beams are not plastered over, painted, or lacquered. Instead they have been carefully polished to gleam in the sunlight. The typical whitewashing on the inner portions of the walls has also been dispensed with and replaced with beautiful murals of the plains below. On the walls tall fields of grain stretch golden and amber with painted peasants carefully tending them. The topmost floor has been paneled entirely in the golden wood and is carved with Lady Amaterasu's kindly visage as she watches the plants grow. Inside, the wood has been lacquered with a yellow-amber paint and is always kept well polished, so that even the smallest candle can make the room glow with a healthy yellow light. The motif of growing fields

and farmers working is repeated on many of the screens and art work inside. The damiyo's throne room is worked with a large disc in the central floor, while portraits of Lord Akodo One Eye and his family on down to the modern era line the walls of the Throne room and the family's private rooms and offices (canny observers will be able to trace these portraits all the way to the current damiyo and his children). Typical Border Checkpoint At various points along any Family or Clan border, Daimyo have established checkpoints; border posts really, that limit the free passage of anyone. Intended to read the travel papers and assure the local bureaucracy that all is in order, they also serve as a sort of rallying point for the many patrols that ride or walk along any clan's border. Not intended for defense, they are only as large as local traffic demands and funded as that clan can provide for. A Border post in the Sparrow lands is much smaller and less well manned than one in the Lion or Crane for that matter. Usually situated at a river crossing, valley, mountain pass, or clear spot along a dense forest; checkpoints are a common site in Rokugan. In more civilized areas they can be seen on both sides of a province's border (such as in the Lion Lands) but in poorer or less settled areas may only be found at the extreme edge of Clan's land. In any case, these locations always consist of a gate of some kind, a stables, a building for a magistrate, and a small barracks for the guards that are stationed here. This is no different. A wall about seven or eight feet high runs from either side of the checkpoint for forty feet or so before petering off. The wall is usually bamboo bound together, though in this location is sturdy wattle and daub plastered smooth and whitewashed. Some may wonder why the wall just stops forty feet away, wouldn't those seeking to gain entry just wander around? True, but the wall is more intended as a warning. Cross anywhere but the gate and you WILL be attacked and killed without any chance for negotiation. Grim, but fair. If you really had decent business, you would head to the gate. By crossing away from it, you are admitting that you have no right to cross here and forfeit your life. The road passes through the checkpoint, and a thin bamboo pole lies across the gap in the wall over the road. It can be raised easily thanks to a counterweight at one side and is usually up during the day. Again, it seems a poor barrier, but the threat of instant, remorseless death makes that barrier as stout as a ironbound Crab gate, at least to the typical peasant or merchant. A bored set of guards watches the gate during the day and checks travel papers. If anything seems suspicious, the wanderer is sent to the magistrate's office inside. Often enough a small 'gift' to the guards will allay their suspicions, though not always. Every now and then some honorable and dedicated samurai who follows the exact letter of the law will be assigned to a border post. Once past the gate, a traveler will find several buildings. First and most importantly is a stable that holds two types of horses. The first is the patrol horses that the guards use for watching the border near their post. The second is available only to messengers, either Imperial or Clan, to be used as remounts. Messengers will ride up to a checkpoint, pass off their tired horse, and quickly switch to a fresh one. Again, depending on the wealth of the Clan and the importance of the post there may be dozens of courier horses waiting. Here, there are but three. There is often a third type of horse, the type that is taken from smugglers, spies, and those whose papers don't match up. These are highly unofficial and should technically be sent to the local Lord for his or her use, but again many a border post will be happy to rent these horses for a small consideration. If they do, the renter should be aware that it is up to them to return the horse to the local lord and also that the quality of said horses varies wildly. More than a few travelers, seeking to shorten their journey, have rented horses only to have them die mid journey. To add insult to injury, they are then honor bound to repay the full cost of a healthy horse to the Daimyo. Of

course for more than a small consideration, the ownership papers of those horses can be lost, but that's just stealing, isn't it? The second major building one will find is the guards' barracks. Ranging in size from a simple home suitable for a few men to a vast complex for entire squads, most fall in the middle: room enough for the twenty or so soldiers that patrol these border posts. This border post has a smallish building with two floors. The first floor holds the majority of the rooms, ten in all with two guards assigned to each room. The top floor has three rooms; one for the guard captain, and two others for guests who might stop at the checkpoint. While no one really wants to stay in the barracks, sometimes bad weather may halt a journey, especially in the winter. These rooms may not be comfortable, they are for sure better than the open road. The last building one will find is the magistrate's house. Combining the functions of both home and office, the magistrate works from here and checks travel papers, writes reports, and often issues summary justice on those caught sneaking past the checkpoint (granted, he often passes justice on them after the fact, but since sneaking over is an admission of guilt, no one bats an eye). These homes are as well appointed as the magistrate can afford and given the generally pitiful stipend of a border magistrate, are usually rather plain and boring looking. There are exceptions, especially to those magistrates who receive a good deal of gifts, compensations, and rentals. Or for a few magistrates, they have discovered a lucrative business in declaring some merchants "suspicious" and confiscating their entire cargoes. Depending on the Border post, some may have a Inn or Roadhouse. These buildings are usually quite large and cater to the travelers that pass through, providing rooms to sleep, food, drink, gambling, and nightly company. In cases where gambling and prostitution are provided, the magistrate can expect a kickback for turning a blind eye. Again, these road houses will vary in quality depending on the route; in well traveled roads the roadhouses can be quite comfortable and opulent and in lesser traveled routes they tend more to the spartan and basic. Shinden Yubi, aka "Shrine of the Lucky Tigers" Found in Kenkai Hanto, on the border of Crane and Crab lands. Like many shrines its entrance is marked by a grand torii - this one is notable for its size and being freshly painted in red and gold. The arch itself stands very near a trade road, and visible from the road behind tended grounds is a long, low stone wall marking out an inner sanctum. The top story of a pagoda is just visible over the wall. An inn, less ostentatious in appearance but sprawling in size after several additions, stands just outside the wall. (It is in fact owned by the monks, but servants are ordinary heimin employees.) The wall itself is broken by another painted torii, though this one features bamboo gates on the inside and outside. Inside the grounds are broken by a large stream (barred at the entrance and exit) crossing near a small but elaborately painted temple pagoda. Also, tigers. Pens near the pagoda are normally left open, and tigers are given free run of the grounds and especially the temple. Monks or visitors alike may explain that the tigers are lucky, and impart good fortune on those who interact with them. They are, supposedly, entirely safe, and are at least genuinely well-fed. Shinden Yubi was an unremarkable minor shrine for most of its history. The land it stands on was never rich, and it was long ago granted to the Brotherhood to settle competing claims by the Crab and Crane to lands neither actually wished to trouble themselves to occupy. In the last century however, a Yasuki lord was troubled by what to do with a gift of live tigers from a Mantis ship captain who was sometimes his partner and sometimes his rival. Disguising his dubious gratitude in piety, he shortly dumped them on the

nearest monastery he could find that would agree to take them, sweetening the deal with a one time grant of koku for their support. By the time that koku had run out, the abbot had figured out that tigers made an excellent tourist attraction, and was operating a one exhibit zoo, accepting donations to view the tigers. For an extra fee, visitors could purchase live chickens or even goats to be thrown to the tigers. And monks being monks, those assigned to escort their guests would deliver short homilies on the virtues and good fortunes associated with tigers. This last grew in the telling... The famous tigers of Shinden Yubi are now associated with several virtues: virility in men, bearing sons in women, prosperity in general, and to merchants, wealth and success in business. Between the sermons of the monks and a few genuine (if possibly coincidental) testimonials of success, the fame of Shinden Yubi has spread throughout the peninsula. The greatest benefit is of course reserved to those who treat with the tigers without showing fear. To this end, the monks now offer their guests (for a suitable donation) the opportunity to participate in a most powerful and lucky ritual. Provided with rough cloth bags full of fish tied to the end of sticks, visitors are encouraged to play with the tigers, feeding them but not disrespecting them by making things too easy. The ritual has found favor with certain Crab and Mantis visitors, both of whom value courage, and who may remember their distant clan connection to the original bequest of tigers. The Crane originally affected to find it gauche, but the more superstitious among them were easily intrigued, and of course no true Crane wishes to be accused of either impiety or cowardice. Even the more prosperous among the heimin, especially merchants, wish to benefit. (Some donate less than samurai, but are accepted so long as they do not intrude on the more notable visitors.) Shinden Yubi now provides a rare source of hard cash to the Brotherhood, but this raises difficulties of its own. Local peasants joke among themselves about the current abbot's undefeatable "hungry tiger style" in fact, the abbot is a soft man with a visible paunch, well attuned to the needs of his guests, skilled at running his temple and monastery smoothly but with only a mixed reputation for piety. Too, the notable success of a commercial venture without a clan patron or lord strikes some as unstable. The Yasuki's original gift of tigers is more on their lips recently, and the Crane have been heard to say their original claim to the land was the stronger, and they gave it up only as an act of charity… House of Daikoku’s Respite The House of Daikoku’s Respite is, outwardly, the kind of facility that only a Crane would conceive. On the surface, it is a series of sushi bars/inns with artistic entertainments catering to medium to high-income clientele. In reality, it is a discrete hub of trade and entertainment for merchants, commerce-minded samurai, and merchant patrons. With a facility located in Clear Water Village in Crab lands, Mura Sabishii Toshi (Lonely Shore City) in Crane lands, Dragon Guard City in Mantis lands, Toshi sano Kanemochi Karu in Lion lands, Nikesake in Phoenix lands, Ryoko Owari Toshi (the City of Lies) in Scorpion lands, and Dark Edge Village in Unicorn lands, the Patron of Daikoku’s Respite maintains allies and contacts throughout all of Rokugan. The Logo for Daikoku’s Respite is a stylized combination of the kanji for Daikoku and Ebisu, painted in the primary color of the Clan’s city in which it operates, and outlined in the secondary color. Each facility operates with very similar formats. The common area boasts a small stage suitable for plays, orations, poetry readings, and individual or small-group performances. Art from local artisans line the walls as display (and anyone who is interested

may seek to acquire the pieces). There are many booths and sections to accommodate groups of patrons as small as two and as large as six (although screens can be moved and rearranged to accommodate larger groups at the cost of wasted floor space). In general, the floor can hold up to fifty guests. The food is mostly sushi, caught and prepared fresh and there is a chef’s performance station for those times when the operator chooses to emphasize the art and technique of creating the food. The operator also specializes in finding exotic tea and sake blends from throughout Rokugan but studiously avoids more common sake or hoichu. Pure spring water is also offered to guests with a less discerning palate. The value-added service provided to patrons is that any booth may be isolated so that the customers may engage in private conversations with one another, and there is a separate entrance and section for nonsamurai merchants to conduct their business. Further, the owner has arranged for privacy screens, created at great expense by the Asahina Family, which are blessed by the Air spirits to prevent eavesdropping – available for rent in exchange for future favors or information, of course. A small contingent of ashigaru stand watch both inside and outside of the facility to provide protection for the patrons within, and the facility staff are trained to carry messages discreetly from table to table as necessary. Additionally, there are enough sleeping rooms to accommodate thirty guests with spacious comfort, or twenty guests with extreme comfort. While the owner does allow for privacy, it is also very clear that they do not tolerate prostitution or provide for such. That said, Daikoku’s Respite does not pry into others’ affairs, and acts with the utmost discretion as long as its patrons do the same. Known by some by but not advertised (and fervently denied if brought up in public conversation), is that the network of supply wagons which travel to each facility also brings exotic and gaijin goods for sale or trade. In reality, this is a robust source of income for Daikoku’s Respite, and is done on the trade wagons in order to provide the owner with plausible deniability in case of discovery.