The Samurai
Prereqs:    Any lawful
Weapons:    Simple and Martial Weapons
Armors:    Light & Medium Armors, no shields
Vitality:    1d10
Skills:   Climb, Craft, Diplomacy, Batoujutsu Strike, Intimidate, Jump, Perform,
(4+Int SP)   Profession, Ride, Sense Motive, Swim, Battle, Knowledge (War)
Starting Gold: 6d4gp

Lvl     Atk   Fort   Ref   Will   Special            Def   Rep
1         1   2   0   2   Ancestral Daisho          3   1
2         2   3   0   3   Bonus Feat            3   1
3         3   3   1   3                  4   1
4         4   4   1   4                  4   2
5         5   4   1   4   Bonus Feat            5   2
6         6   5   2   5                  5   2
7         7   5   2   5                  6   2
8         8   6   2   6   Bonus Feat            6   3
9         9   6   3   6                  7   3
10       10   7   3   7                  7   3
11       11   7   3   7   Bonus Feat            8   3
12       12   8   4   8                  8   4
13       13   8   4   8                  9   4
14       14   9   4   9   Bonus Feat            9   4
15       15   9   5   9                  10   4
16       16   10   5   10                  10   5
17       17   10   5   10   Bonus Feat            11   5
18       18   11   6   11                  11   5
19       19   11   6   11                  12   5
20       20   12   6   12   Bonus Feat            12   6

Special Abilities:
   Ancestral Daisho -  Bonus      Cost      Min. Char. Lvl
            +1      200gp         4th
            +2      800gp         7th
            +3      1800gp      9th
            +4      3200gp      11th
            +5      5000gp      13th
            +6      7200gp      14th
            +7      9800gp      15th
            +8      12800gp      16th
            +9      16200gp      17th
            +10      20000gp      18th

Renshi left the Red Rock Clan and his old master, Sir Thenel with mixed feelings.  He had grown accustomed to the old Pointer's gruff exterior and the Fel way of things.  The Red Rock Clan culture and the Mawian culture had many similarities, which made life in this remote part of the West bearable for Renshi.  Now he was totally alone and on his own; although he longed for this day, it was bitter sweet nonetheless.

While riding out toward his destiny, he encountered a wounded man sitting by a tree.  The man was very near death, from several arrows wounds in his chest.  When Renshi approached the man to aid him, it was clear to him that the man was crossing over to the next life to join his ancestors.  The man knew it as well, and with his last grasp of life and strength, he requested a favor of Renshi with such force of will that Renshi could only listen to the dying man's request.  The man's name was Alkest Peralt and his family's farm was somewhere south of Moontown.  He requested that I locate the Peralt farm and speak with his brother, who was named Traver.  Alkest requested that I take a sealed, parchment letter to his brother Traver.  Alkest said it was the key that his brother needed.  I did not understand the reference, but I would deliver the letter.  As I removed the blood-stained parchment from Alkest's pocket, we could hear the thunder of many horsemen approaching fast.  Alkest grasped my arm with the last of his strength, and whispered the word 'go' with his dying breath.  I closed his eyes and looked at paused a moment to honor him.  A moment later, I jumped onto my horse and rode south quickly.

I found the Peralt Farm without much difficulty.  As I rode toward the house, a scarred man, who looked about 45 years old, walked out onto the porch.  He had the look of a warrior.  Also, he wore a sword on his hip.  On the pommel of the sword, I recognized the stamp of a Red Rock Clan Honor Guard.  This man was more than a mere farmer from a glance.  I greeted him with my right hand held high as a sign of peace.  I asked to speak with Traver Peralt, and he said that I was speaking with him.  I told him that I was bound by honor to deliver a message to him personally.  Traver invited me into his home.  I dismounted, tethered my horse, and entered his home.  I introduced myself and told him of the death of his brother Alkest, and the circumstance of his death.  I gave Traver the blood-stained parchment.  I told him that I probably would have been followed since Alkest's killers were not far behind me when I left his brother's body.  I apologized for not being able to properly honor his brother and lay his body to rest.  As Traver read the parchment, we could hear horsemen approach the farmhouse.  

A moment later, the horsemen called out for Traver to surrender himself to them immediately.  He looked at me for a moment and walked out onto his porch.  I followed him out onto the porch.  There were seven Imperial soldiers on horseback outside.  Three of them were bowmen.  Once they saw us walk out onto the porch with weapons at our side, the bowmen immediately dismounted and fanned out.  The soldier in charge told Traver that he was under arrest and that he was to hand over his sword.  Apparently, these soldiers were clearly aware that Traver was a swordsman because they were cautious, and the bowmen were immediately ready.  It was truly a tense moment.  Traver told the Imperial soldiers that they were going to die that day for the death of his brother Alkest.  With that said, the soldier in charge moved his hand toward his sword.  

In an instant, I was one with the Void.  I drew my swords and moved in the same motion.  I cut through the three bowmen quickly, killing each of them with precise strokes.  In the same instant, Traver drew his sword and cut through the four foot soldiers.  Within a minute the fight was over, and seven Imperial soldiers lay dead at our feet. [With a successful Sense Motive check, I realized that Traver Peralt was a 14th level Weapon Master]

If I was not wanted for being Mawian nobility, I was now wanted for the murder of Imperial soldiers on an Imperial mission.  I had no reservations, and acted as honor dictated.  I accept full responsibility for my actions that day.

After the fight, an Imperial Dwarven Knight named Magnarok, a Priest of Fate named Bob, a Mawian Ookami named Okani and a Half-Orc wizard named Plairyn appeared at the Peralt Farm.  They said that the Red Rock Imperial Magistrate had hired them to kill Traver Peralt, and retrieve a map and key from him.  Magnarok said that the Magistrate was a bad liar and it was clear to them all that something else was behind this bounty on Traver Peralt's head.  Under the circumstances of me being there and assisted Traver in fighting off some Imperial soldiers, Magnarok gave Traver a chance to explain why the Magistrate wanted him dead and the map and key.  

Traver explained to us that the Magistrate was dirty and wanted a chest that was hidden. He said that he and his dead brother were the only ones that knew the location of the chest.  He told us that evidence of the Magistrate's illegal dealing was hidden in the chest.  Traver gave us the location, and we found the cave.  Inside the cave was a ghost guarding the chest.  We dispatched the ghost quickly.  Inside the chest we found information implicating the Magistrate in illegal dealings.  Upon returning to Moontown, we used the information in the chest to have the Magistrate placed under arrest for his illegal involvements.

A few days after the arrest of the Magistrate, we were all on the street when Imperial soldiers posted the proclamation which stated that all Mawian's where wanted and outlaws in the Empire of the Sun and Moon because of the war.  Suddenly, Okani and I were in serious danger.  The Imperial soldiers where questioning the Dwarven Imperial Knight Magnarok, and were following him because they thought he would lead them to us.  Luckily for us Magnarok lured the Imperial Soldiers away from our location.  

We used this opportunity to make our escape from the streets of Moontown.  Plairyn, Bob, Okani and moved quickly and quietly toward the livery.  Bob, Okani and I entered the livery to get my warhorse, while Plairyn waited outside.  As I entered the livery, I saw the owner look at me and I knew instantly that he was aware of the proclamation.  However, he just turned and walked into office closing the door behind him.  I silently vowed not to forget his kindness that day.  I prepared my horse for travel.  Okani and Bob didn't have a horse, but they took a horse each and prepared for travel.  Before I could reprimand them as common thieves, they each left a bag of gold on the table in the livery.  I checked the amount of gold they left, and I felt it was more than fair market value for the horses.  Under the circumstances, I chose to leave the situation alone.  Much to my surprise, Plairyn was waiting outside the livery for us with a riding horse.  He said that the horse's named was Bloodycarrot, and it was his friend.  We quickly left town on horseback.

Once outside town, I used the Eye of Bishumon-ten to locate the closet weapon to me.  The closest weapon appeared as a bright yellow dot and was south of our location, which was deep in Fel territory.  The others asked where we should go from here, and I told that we should travel south.  They knew it was deeper into the Empire and balked at my suggestion.  I knew that I had to inform them of the quest given to me by Bishumon-ten.  I told them everything about my vision and showed them the Eye of Balor, as it was known in the West.  They agreed to aid me on the quest, and we all decided to travel south.

Plairyn was an experienced outdoorsman, and led the party into the wilderness.  We traveled the rest of that day and finished making camp as dusk turned into evening.  We were all sitting around the campfire, when out of the darkness walked an old human man into our camp.  He came into the firelight, and it was clear he was ancient.  He sat with a heavy sigh, and adjusted himself.  He said his name was Winston that he was on his way to Williamshire to record the great events unfolding there.  He said that a 3,000 year old mummy is leading an Orc Horde out of the north, and it was heading west with the destination of Williamshire.  He also told us that we must hurry because the forces of Darkness were seeking the weapons of the One Hundred Companions just like us.  He said that the Demon Dogs were hunting the weapons, and knows of us as well because they knew of my quest.  He advised to travel swiftly and not to stop for anything.  He said that it was very dire times that we must live through, and that his business was to record the tragic events as they unfolded.  He also revealed Plairyn's unknown lineage.  Winston told Plairyn that he was a bastard son of the great Orc Warchief named Zahl.  The old man packed a pipe of tobacco and lit it from the fire.  As he puffed, he again cautioned us to move quickly through the land as we quested for the Five Weapons of the One Hundred Companions.  With that last advisement, he walked back into the night darkness, puffing his pipe.  After he left, Bob the Priest of Fate told us that if Winston was telling the truth, then he was an avatar of the incomplete god Tymius.

•   After the Tournament in Rodan where Magnarok won the Sword of the Crane, we all traveled west to Nar.
•   Magnarok is originally from Nar, and it there that Okanti, Plairyn and I parted ways with Magnarok, Sir Thanos, Bob the Cleric, and Magnarok's two men-at-arms: Barego Bronzepick and Dilkey Tinshovel.
•   Okanti, Plairyn and I traveled north from Nar to the coast of the Sea of Tiber.  We then headed west along the coastline.
•   We traveled west for about two days when we encountered the deserted village with sack of heads.  All the villagers were killed, and there was a sign.  We were all horrified by this display of evil and carnage.
•   At the deserted village we saw the mysterious lone horseman.  He rode away to the east after a brief discussion.
•   We traveled west again and after another couple of days we found another village, which was active and unharmed.
•   We stabled our horses and went to the large inn and tavern, which was one of the village's central buildings.  The stables were directly across the inn on the village's main road.
•   I disguised myself and Okanti as best as possible.
•   At the inn, we ordered a meal, some drink, and a room for the night.  We had to rest our horses for at least a day or so because they there tired and in danger of becoming lame.
•   While in the inn, a runner came and told about the village which was destroyed.  Everyone went outside onto the street to discuss this terrible news.  We slipped away to the stables.  Outside the stables was a gypsy, which we warned of the coming danger.  He took his wagon and family and left the village immediately heading west into the Great Frontier.
•   Once our horses were ready we went outside, were the villagers were gathered still and talking.
•   I noticed four riders on a nearby hilltop who were watching the village activity.  I knew these must be scouts for the Tsaren mercenary Khaz Ti.  I immediately kicked my horses into a run and charged at the riders.  They turned and started to ride away.
•   Okanti and Plairyn followed my lead and gave chase as well.
•   We chased them and engaged them.  We killed three of the riders, and took one captured.  He was unconscious and badly injured.  We had to stop a couple of times so that Plairyn could heal him enough just to survive the ride back to the village.
•   In the running horse fight, I was struck twice, each hit for 6 VPs.
•   We returned to village with the prisoner.  We revealed our true selves and names to the villagers, and explained what we saw at the destroyed village.  
•   Many villagers started to leave immediately, but many stayed as well.  We prepared the inn as the best defensive position in the village, and we organized the remaining villagers for defense against the upcoming attack.  We had several hours before the attack, and I was able to rest and regain all my VPs back.
•   + 3,500 EXP


Attack on the village
•   1st Round: I stand in the street and use the Earthquake Tetsubu, which destroyed every building in the village except for the Inn and stables.  +200 EXP bonus to Renshi.
•   2nd Round: Three horsemen attack me and I hit for 6 VPs.  I attacked them and cleaved through them, knocking them off their horses.  I hit one in the arm for 15 VPs, one in the body for 22 VPs, and one in the face for 10 VPs.
•   3rd Round: I faced ten swordsmen in the street which surrounded me and were taking total defense against me.  I chopped one in the foot for 13 VPs and fell down to the ground.
•   4th Round: They attack me and I am hit three times; one for 5 VPs, one for 1 VP, and one for 4 VPs.  I am down a total of 16 VPs at this point.  I attacked three of them and hit two; one in the leg for 13 VPs and one in the body for 8 VPs.
•   5th Round: There are now eight swordsmen facing me and they attack me.  I am hit twice more; one for 8 VPs and one for 4 VPs.  I am down a total of 28 VPs at this point.  I attack and am become one with the Ways.  I am able to use the Great Cleave feat and cut down all eight swordsmen facing me.  +800 EXP for cutting eight men in one round.
•   6th Round: Khaz Ti attacked me and missed with his strange ring weapons.  I attacked him three times, but only hit him one once in the body for 14 VPs.
•   7th Round: Khaz Ti tried to grapple the Earthquake Tetsubu from me with his rings.  I was able to get my wakazhi into one of his rings and grappled it, which now prevented him from two-weapon attacking me.  I hit him twice with my katana; one in the brain for 13 VPs and one in the body for 9 VPs.
•   8th Round: Khaz Ti tried to break his ring free from my grapple, but fumbled and I managed to grapple both is rings now with my companion sword.  I hit him twice again with my katana; one in the body for 10 VPs and one in the eyes for 14 VPs.
•   9th Round: Khaz Ti breaks free of my grapple and gets both is rings back.  He punched me for 11 VPs.  I am now down a total of 39 VPs.  I was able to hit him once in the leg for 14 VPs.
•   10th Round: Khaz Ti attacked me twice, but only hit once for 11 VPs.  I am now down a total of 50 VPs.  I hit him once in the vitals for 13 VPs.
•   11th Round: Khaz Ti attacked and hit me three times, two of which were criticals.  He hit me once for 11 VPs.  I am now down a total of 61 VPs.  He hit me in the face for 3 WPs and in the head for 6 WPs.  I am now down a total of 9 WPs.  I hit him twice; once in the face for 11 VPs and one in the leg for 14 VPs, which cut his leg off at the shin.
•   Plairyn does a Coup-de-grace and kills Khaz Ti.  Plairyn healed me for 7 WPs, and I now only down 2 WPs.  He also healed me back 15 VPs, and I am now down 46 VPs.  
•   Renshi received + 750 bonus EXP for the fight against Khaz Ti.
•   The group received + 5,000 EXP for defending the village.

While waiting at my father's side for my mother's return from Seion, I found my father's documents.  I found a most enlightening and important document.  It was an Imperial report on the Clans of Bishu with hand-written notes by Emperor Tora Toran himself.  The report was a few years old, but the importance of the Emperor's own thoughts on the various Bishuen Clans was priceless.  I believed that the document would prove to be invaluable in the struggle to unite the Bishuen Clans in order to fight the coming invasion from the Empire of the Sun and Moon.  After reviewing the report, I carefully returned it to its case and placed it within the folds of my kimono.

A little while later, I was visited by Ieyaso, the Oko Clan's Chamberlain. He wanted to speak with me.  I welcomed the visit and invitation to speak with him so that I could try to settle the matter of my identity, and imprisonment of my Dwarven companions.  He said that he had seen me when I was very young, and that he did not question my identity.  In speaking with him, I felt that he was honest and forthright with me.  Therefore, I told him everything that had happened to me and my companions since I left the Red Rock Clan lands.  At this point, Chamberlain Ieyaso showed me the letter that the Lady Yukushia Asako, my mother, had sent him.  Lady Asako had traveled to the Island of Seion, which is the ancestral lands of Clan Torani, to see if the Isle of Tranquility had any herbs or medicines that could heal my father.  In the letter, Lady Asako said that a Dragon of Light had returned to her people, and that a new Covenant was formed between her people, the Torani Clan, and the Dragon Celestia.  Lady Asako wrote that the Divine Dragon of Cerene's brood had discovered the malady that afflicted her beloved husband, Lord Asako.  She requested that Lord Asako be brought immediately to the Island of Seion so that he may be healed, even though it would be a difficult journey for Lord Asako in his condition.

I explained that I trusted my companions with my life and that I would vouch for their honor.  I told Chamberlain Ieyaso that I wanted my Dwarven companions released from custody.  I asked him that they be released into my custody.  Chamberlain Ieyaso told me that my great-uncle, the venerable Renkotsu and Abbot of Bishumon'ten, would be arriving in Sun'Pu later that evening.  Abbot Renkotsu was my grandfather's youngest brother, and in his eighties.  Chamberlain Ieyaso told me that I would have to wait until the Abbot arrived, and that it would be up to him to release the Dwarves of Nar.  This was because Magnarok was an Imperial House Knight of the Empire of the Sun and Moon from House Kraggan, and the Dragon's Maw was still at war with the Empire of the Sun and Moon.

I asked Chamberlain Ieyaso if I could speak with Magnarok, Barego and Dilkey.  He agreed and escorted me to the cells.  I explained to Magnarok that the Abbot of Bishumon'ten would arrive later in the evening, and that he would make the decision to release them.  I asked Magnarok to wait several more hours, and then they should be released.  Magnarok said that he could wait several more hours, but that Barego and Dilkey were getting restless.  I understood the inferred meaning of that statement:  if they were imprisoned much longer, they would take action to escape.

Later that evening, my great-uncle Renkotsu, the Abbot of Bishumon'ten, arrived and had an audience with me and my companions.  My companions that were not detained and at the meeting were:  Plairyn the Half-orc Sorcerer, Okanti the Bishuen Ookami, Sir Thanos the young Shireling Paladin of Alimizad, Windsoul the Kushwan Ookami, Kuna Thalex the Mahash'tan Priest of the goddess Istara who is known as the Lady of Fate, and Oleren the Mahash'tan Bard.  Clan Oko Chamberlain Ieyaso and Captain Takemitsu, the Captain of the Daimyo's Bodyguard, were also at the meeting.  I did my best to follow custom and decorum in addressing the Abbot of Bishumon'ten, and to make sure I caused no unwanted offense.  I was able to make my greeting and the introductions of my companions to the Abbot well [successful Diplomacy check-21].  

Abbot Renkotsu approached me after the initial formalities were out of the way, and started several prayers to Bishumon'ten over me.  Having been around Plairyn and Kuna Thalex, I realized that the Abbot was casting magic spells over me.  I opened my mind and heart and let the Abbot perform his prayers over me.  Plairyn attempted to discern exactly what spells the Abbot had cast over me, but he was not able to discern them [failed Spellcraft check-19].  After communing with Bishumon'ten about my true identity, Abbot Renkotsu was satisfied that I was indeed Renshi Asako, the only son and heir of the Clan Oko Daimyo, Lord Renten Tenkazu Asako.  The Abbot then embraced me formally so that Chamberlain Ieyaso and Captain Takemitsu would have no doubts about my identity and his judgment.

Once the issue of my identity was settled, the Abbot wanted to see and speak with Dwarves of Nar that were detained.  Chamberlain Ieyaso and Captain Takemitsu escorted the Abbot to the cells of Magnarok, Dilkey, and Barego.  Abbot Renkotsu spoke with Magnarok and asked him why he was here in the Dragon's Maw.  Magnarok answered that he was aiding me on the holy quest given to me by Bishumon'ten to recover the Jimon of Ninjato, the Sword of Hoikaido, the Spear of Kotaro, the Sword of the Crane, the Earthquake Tetsubo and return them to the Dragon's Maw.  The Abbot then said he would ask them one more question and that he would take their word because they are Dwarves, who are legendary for speaking only the truth.  The Abbot asked Magnarok if he was a spy for the Empire of the Sun and Moon.  Magnarok answered that he was a patriot of the Empire and not a spy.  He told the Abbot that the Empire had become evil and oppressive, and that he sought to restore its honor.  The Abbot then asked Dilkey and Barego directly if they were spies.  They responded that they were not spies, and that they were loyal men of Magnarok of the Great Divide of the Dwarven city-state of Nar.  Abbot Renkotsu and Chamberlain Ieyaso were satisfied with their answers, and the Abbot signaled to the guard to release them.

The Dwarves then followed the Abbot and Chamberlain back to the room where we were all awaiting the Abbot's judgment on our companions.  We were all relieved when we saw Magnarok, Barego, and Dilkey enter the chamber.  I requested that all the Dwarves possessions be returned to them.  Chamberlain Ieyaso arranged that their possessions were brought to them by servants.  In addition to their possessions, the servants brought Clan Bull kimonos for Magnarok, Dilkey, and Barego to wear while here in the Dragon's Maw.  It was then that Chamberlain Ieyaso spoke to Abbot Renkotsu about the letter my mother had written to him about Lord Asako's chance for being cured by the Dragon of Light Celestia on the Island of Seion.  He showed the letter that my mother had written to him explaining about how Celestia, a Light Dragon and daughter of Cerene, had returned to Seion and renewed the ancient Covenant with the Torani Clan.  Once the business of my identity and the Dwarves was settled, the Abbot wanted to see my sickened father immediately.  

We all went to Lord Asako's chambers to visit him.  He was delirious and in terrible shape.  Abbot Renkotsu then started prayers to Bishumon'ten over my father's semi-conscious body.  The Abbot communed with the War God Bishumon'ten to discern the nature of his illness.  Plairyn again tried to discern exactly what spells the Abbot was casting over Lord Asako's body.  This time Plairyn was successful in deciphering the nature of the spells cast by the Abbot [successful Spellcraft check-29].  Plairyn learned that the Abbot had cast the same spells that Plairyn had already tried in order to determine the nature of Lord Asako's malady.  

While the Abbot was finishing his prayers over Lord Asako, Plairyn casually asked me where his land and tower were located.  I was upset that he would be so callous and bring this subject up at this time, but I quickly realized that it was his nature after traveling with him this long.  I curtly told him that I was not yet Lord Asako and, therefore, could not grant him his land yet.  Immediately Captain Takemitsu and the other Lord's Bodyguard in the room tensed up.  Captain Takemitsu quietly spoke with one of the guards next to him; no doubt tasking the guard with keeping an eye on the strange Half-orc Wu Jen who spoke so plainly in the presence of men of status.

Once finished with his prayers and observation of Lord Asako, the Abbot Renkotsu spoke with us.  He said that he could not discern the nature of his nephew's illness and that it was beyond his abilities.  He said that it would be wise to follow Lady Yukushia's request and immediately take Lord Asako to the Isle of Tranquility so that the Light Dragon Celestia can attempt to heal him.  He said that it might Lord Asako's only hope.  At this point Magnarok said that he had a gift for the Bull Dwarves that might benefit the Oko Clan.  He then told us about the plans for modern war machines and the internal combustion engine that Baron Delim Von Skavenich, of the city of Skaven, had sent within the crates of weapons.  I thought that the plans would prove useful in gaining an alliance with the Bull Dwarves.  Abbot Renkotsu said that it would something to consider while we brought my father to the Island of Seion.  

We loaded Magnarok's strange wagon onto the ship in preparation for the journey because he would not part with it.  My father was brought to the ship waiting in the harbor of the city Sun'Pu.  In addition to all my companions, venerable Abbot Renkotsu and elderly Chamberlain Ieyaso joined us on the sea voyage to the Island of Seion.  Although the actual travel time while at sea was about nine hours, it took us almost a full day to reach the Island of Seion due to ship preparations and loading.  

Once land was sighted, Abbot Renkotsu sent a message to Lady Yukushia Asako by a hawk messenger.  The Golden Hawk is Oko Clan's symbol, and is present on every standard of Clan Oko.  As the ship approached the dock, we saw Lady Asako waiting there for us.  Even though I had not seen my mother since I was thirteen years old, she was just as beautiful as I remembered.  It was a bitter-sweet reunion because as we spoke, my father was brought off the boat.  My mother was clearly distraught over seeing in his condition.  Without any further formalities, she quickly led off the docks and through the city.  She took us to meet the Chamberlain to Lord Torani.  The Torani Chamberlain informed us that we were granted an audience with Celestia.

The Chamberlain and several Children of the Dragon, the mute bodyguards of Celestia, escorted us to the meeting.  We walked for about twenty minutes deep into the mountain before we reached the inner chamber of Celestia.  The cavern narrowed to a single Cobwood and paper door of masterful quality.  There were several Children of the Dragon at the door's entrance.  As we approached the door, one of the Children of the Dragon opened the door for us.  We entered the chamber and saw a stone-hewn room decorated with Bishuen art and furniture.  In the middle of the room was a large Cobwood desk, and behind it was saw a beatific woman dressed in Mawian clothes with pure silver hair.  Of Course, this most regal and beautiful woman was none other than Celestia in human guise.

She welcomed us into her chamber, and addressed us all by name.  Her voice was that of playful babbling brook, and sounded heavenly.  Abbot Renkotsu spoke first and made the proper greetings to one of her station.  I then spoke to her and tried to maintain the proper reverence and edict.  Summoning all my courtly knowledge and skills, I spoke slowly and carefully and was able to present myself well [successful Diplomacy check-28].  Once all the formalities were taken care of, the Children of the Dragon brought my father into the chamber and set his body down on her masterfully crafted Cobwood desk.  Lady Asako quietly placed her face in her hands as Lord Asako was placed on the desk.  I then respectfully asked Celestia if she could heal my father.

With soft compassion in her voice, she said she would do what she could for him.  Celestia then started to say prayers over my father's delirious body.  She was using powerful dragon magic to discern the true nature of Lord Asako's illness.  Plairyn, always curious about any magic, tried to discern the spells that Celestia was casting over my father.  However, her powerful magic was beyond Plairyn and he could not discern what spells she had cast over my father [unsuccessful Spellcraft check-22].  After several minutes of contemplation and prayer over Lord Asako, Lady Celestia looked up with grave sadness in her eyes.  She said that not one of her kind has seen this malady in five hundred years.  She then announced to us that Lord Asako was going to die, and there was nothing she could do to prevent it.  

Chamberlain Ieyaso and Abbot Renkotsu gasped almost simultaneously after hearing this terrible news from Lady Celestia.  

The night was quite in the deep hours under stars out in this land named the Great Frontier.  Renshi sat in deep solace staring into the waning fire.  The occasional light whine of the winds streaming across the plains and the deep rhythmic snores of the drunken Dwarves Barego and Dilkey made an odd music, which reminded him of home in the far empire of the Dragon's Maw.  Renshi was polite and drank two mugs of the strong Dwarven drink of Nar, and drank no more for fear of becoming to morose.  So he sat quietly sipping the strong ale while Barego and Dilkey drained a couple of gallon barrels.  They sang and talked long into the night before Barego finally passed out while sitting in front of the fire opposite of Renshi.

They asked Renshi to recite some more poems from his homeland, which he did for his tried and true comrades.  Yet his poem selection always revolved around personal honor and the loss of it or the struggle to maintain, and slowly Renshi faded out of the limelight around the fire and became more introspective as the night waned.  His thoughts started to weigh heavily on him as the night passed into the late hours, and he was grateful to be alone at this moment.  

Long did he stare into the mesmerizing dance of the fire searching his memory.  The events since he left the shelter of the Red Rock Clan, and the vision granted to him by the Red Rock Holy Mother.  Renshi felt something he hadn't felt in many years; he felt shame welling up inside him.  Several times since fleeing the Imperial soldiers Renshi had to resort to disguising himself, hiding himself away, and using the trick of words to elude his captors and the death sentence on his head for being a Mawian in the Shosu's Empire.  He had only done this several times, but it weighed heavily in heart.  He had not discussed these feelings with anyone because he felt speaking of it out loud may give his feeling legitimacy.  Even though he knew that the task given to him by Bishumon-ten himself was greater than his personal honor, Renshi somehow couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and shame.  It was there in the back of his soul, and at quiet moments like this brought it forth.  Renshi knew that no one here would understand his shame and would think him strange for such feelings since they were not of his culture and did not follow the Bushido Code as him.  Okanti was Kindred and Mawian by birth, but he was raised in the Shosu's Empire as a slave and knew not much of his native culture.

Renshi started praying to his ancestors for forgiveness for his transgressions of personal honor.  He felt that he somehow he brought a taint to his family's honor, and this weighed upon him heavily as he chanted the ancient prayers of Clan Oko.  Renshi started feel strange and light-headed, no doubt the effects from the dark Dwarven ale and the trance-like effects of staring into a fire and joining the flames in their eternal dance.  The feelings of shame welled up in Renshi soul as recited the prayers, and suddenly remembered the last time he ever cried.  

He was a boy of five years old back in the Dragon's Maw, the homeland of his birth and people.  He was at the funeral of his great-grandmother Yashiko Asako.  She was a great woman and matriarch of Clan Oko of the Mawian Imperial House.  She lived to be one hundred years old.  Renshi loved her greatly.  She was always stern and gentle in a way that words cannot describe; she loved her great-grandson very much.  Even at her great age, she was able to discipline the youngsters of the family quite well.  Her small and old frame belayed her true strength.  Her touch could be as hard a cherry switch when giving discipline, or as gentle as a cherry blossom when showing her love with a fleeting touch.  

Many people attended her funeral prayers, and Renshi father, an Inner Palace Guard of the Mawian Capital, stood stoic as a statue near her laid out body.  Renshi's father had not moved from her body's side for a full day and night.  Renshi, the boy, was brought forth to the body by his grandmother, Oyumi,  for a final viewing.  It is there, at the feet of her body, that Renshi started to cry uncontrollably.  He sobbed hard as he lay on the cool stones.  He felt the hands of his grandmother pull him close and try to comfort him.  He smelled the scent of his mother, Emiko, near as well, but could not see through the haze of water in his eyes.  Slowly, the control came back to his body.  Renshi looked up and saw his father, who hadn't moved an inch except for his eyes.  Their eyes met as if that moment was frozen in time.  The haze evaporated from Renshi's eyes, and he met the gaze of his father.  No words were conveyed, but somehow Renshi felt his father's strength as their souls touched in that instant of a glance.  Renshi stood and walked away from Yashiko's body.

Later that evening, Renshi's father, Tenkazu, came to him as asked to him walk with him in the garden.  They walked in silence together, and finally came to sit under the great cherry tree near the pond, which was a favorite spot of Yashiko.  

"Many days I have passed under this old tree with Yashiko," Tenkazu said after a long silence.  

"I am envious of you my son," Tenkazu continued, "As a boy, you can cry when faced with such a great loss and your soul feels torn apart.  Men must shed such luxuries when they come of age, no matter how much they may feel the need to shed tears.  Such things are reserved for women in our world, even though men may feel the sadness just as hard."

Renshi stared down at the ground and focused his gaze on the cherry blossoms that covered the ground and floated delicately on the pond.  He knew that when his father talked in such a tone and manner that it was his place to listen and hear his father's words.

"Yashiko always said that you have the soul of a Warrior my son, and would follow my path of the Bushido Code," Tenkazu went on after a brief pause and long breath.  "She knew it from the moment you were born and she looked into your soul, just as she did when she aided in my birth as well.  So, my son I will share this with you.  Men must not cry and show weakness, especially at their weakest moment.  No matter how beloved you are, those around you may somehow, deep down inside and even though never voiced, perceive you as weak. The perception of weakness may lead to men to become your enemy at some point in the future, and they may take advantage of you or attempt it."

Tenkazu fell silent for a few minutes, and Renshi watched the coy come to the top of the pond for air disturbing the calm and floating cherry blossoms.  Finally, Tenkazu spoke again as he held Renshi close for a hug, "Do you understand, my son?"

 Renshi felt great comfort in this small but large gesture of love from his stern and firm father.  He looked up at his father's face and saw a softness there at he never noticed before.  He understood what his father meant, and the gift of that soft moment his father was giving him.

Renshi inhaled deeply and took in the musky scent of his father before he replied "I do father."

"Good," was his father's only reply.

They sat there for a few more minutes, and then his father pulled away and stood up.  Tenkazu's manner changed back to that of a cherry switch and Renshi knew that this rare moment of bonding with his father was over.  They returned to the house, and Renshi was put to bed by his mother with a gentle touch and light kiss on his forehead.  He laid there alone in the dark, and his thoughts wandered to Yashiko no matter how hard he tried to think about something else.  He felt the urge to cry again as it welled up inside him.  He felt himself struggling to control his body and emotions.  

Renshi felt the water well up in his eyes, and he buried his head into his covers to stop it.  Strangely, he saw orange light dancing in his mind as the fought for control of his emotions.  Suddenly, Renshi realized that he was dreaming about being a boy again so many years ago, and that he was lying down on his side staring into the dying embers of the camp fire.  His vision was hazy due to water that had welled up in his eyes.  He blinked several times to try and regain control, and then he smelled Yashiko as clear as the stink of the beasts that pulled Magnarok's wagon.  His mind raced to register this and comprehend it, because it could not be true.  

It was then that he felt the touch, which gently stroked his head.  Renshi was perplexed, and suddenly his urge to cry evaporated.  He turned his head skyward, and to his shock and amazement, he stared into the loving gaze of Yashiko.  Renshi's mind raced to assimilate this information.  He felt her and, more importantly, he smelled her.  He could feel the gentle breeze caressing his skin, and he could hear the loud snoring of the Dwarves.  He knew that this must be real, yet somehow it could not be at the same time.  Yashiko had been dead nearly fifteen years now.  He thought that maybe the Dwarven ale had affected him more than he wanted to admit.

"Silly little Renshiko," she said to him as stared into her eyes.  "This is real, my little Warrior."

Renshi felt a wave of emotion crash over him, and he started to sob quietly without tears in her arms.  She gently stroked his head while he struggled to gain his composure.  

She whispered into his ear, "Remember the words of your father under the old cherry tree, my beloved Renshiko.  Let his strength fill your soul now for I must speak with you and my time here is short, little one."

"I come to you at this dark hour of despair in your soul Renshiko because you are your greatest enemy, and you must not fail the task laid at your feet by Bishumon-ten.  A Warrior's greatest enemy is mortal men, weapons, nor the evil of Shadow creatures.  A Warrior's greatest enemy is his own soul.  Other men or creatures cannot bring dishonor to a man's heart; only he himself can cast the shadow of despair and dishonor on himself."

Renshi immediately thought the shame he secretly felt for using skills and talents that were not part of the Bushido Code, and knew this is what she was speaking to him about.  Deep down in his soul he felt unworthy of Bishumon-ten's task because of his shame.  He had disguised himself to avoid capture by Imperial soldiers so that he could continue to search for the five weapons of the One Hundred Companions, which went against the Mawian Bushido Code of the Samurai.

Yashiko's shade quickly and deftly slapped Renshi on the cheek.  "This is what I speak of Renshiko," she continued.  "Your self-doubt, even though a pinprick now, may grow into a tear upon your soul.  Then you will surely fail Bishumon-ten, the Oko Clan, your family, and me little one."

Feeling the string of her touch on his cheek, he quickly focused on her face and words.  Yashiko's face softened once he focused on it.  

"That is a good little Warrior," she continued, "Do not fret over trifles such as that my son.  It is merely a pebble under your blanket.  You have faced great men well such as the Yunan of the Earthquake Tetsubo and the Tsaren Khaz-Ti.  You have faced creatures of the Shadow such as the Blood Demon without hesitation.  You are a Warrior, like your father and my son Toturi, your grandfather.  Your resolve is firm, and you have the resolute acceptance of death that is the heart of the Bushido Code."

Yashiko's shade then bent down and kissed Renshi gently on the forehead.  He felt a wave of love and comfort swept his soul like the tide to the sea.  He felt completely at peace with her touch.

"I must go now Renshiko," she said with sadness.  "Your prayers and the dreams of gods have granted me this most precious moment with you.  But you are a man now, no longer a boy.  Your enemies are great and powerful.  Bishumon-ten's will is not certain, and you must be strong of heart and soul to fight the enemies of his will.  Even now, your enemies gather in force and search for you and your companions.  A Warrior you may be, but you may not be able to fulfill Bishumon-ten's task alone.  Trust your friends and companions, and they will stand firm with you at the darkest moments ahead.  After your encounter with the Blood Demon you have learned that resolve alone may not aid you against creatures of the Shadow.  You saw Okanti channel his Kindred powers of Light into his blades, and how deeply they cut the Blood Demon.  You too may have this power of Holy fire in your Daisho.  You will need it to fight the many opponents of Bishumon-ten's will in these lands so far from you ancestors' home.  Seek the aid the Dwarven Knight Magnarok.  The blood of kings and the god Gengrone course through veins.  With the gifts of Cyril and your humble prayers, Magnarok can channel the will of your ancestors into the blades of your father and infuse them with Holy power."

She then started to fade with her last words, "remember that the love of your family is always with you where ever you are Renshiko; be strong and resolute in this knowledge and power for it is great."

"No!" Renshi choked out harshly into the cold whispering winds of the Great Frontier.  He heard the stirring of the passed out Dwarves at his outburst, but none of his companions awoke from his strangled cry.  He turned over on his back and looked at the stars above, and as he did he felt something slide from his forehead onto the ground next to his head.  He turned his head and focused his eyes on the shape of this thing, but before he could focus his eyes onto it he smelled it and knew exactly what it was; it was a single cherry blossom.