S2E24: Criminal or Carnival

Podcast of the Five Rings

Tomo, Buro, and Kenshi attended the Tournament of Four Winds, an archery tournament held just outside of Otosan Uchi’s walls. Dozens of samurai came to prove their skill with a bow in front of spectators from all walks of life. As they approached the pitch, Tomo felt a strange yearning that he could not explain.

Tomo quickly rose through the ranks of the tournament, making it all the way to the final round. As the day progressed, he could his body having strange reactions. Round after round, these reactions would feel stronger. A twitch in his fingers, his back muscles tightening and relaxing, and an odd sensation of success of defeat.

Finally at the end of the tournament, Tomo met his final competitor. He was Tsuruchi, champion of the Wasp clan. A legendary archer, and infamous samurai. Tsuruchi revealed to Tomo that he has been using a bow made from the enigmatic trees of Shinomen Forest. The very wood that Tomo has sworn shall not be sold in his ports.

Tsuruchi recognized Tomo as the governor of Clear Water Village and asked if he would be willing to place a wager on their competition. If Tsuruchi won, he wanted a dozen more bows of the exact same material as the one he has been using. The Wasp explained that this wood is lightweight, durable, and flexible-- the best wood he’s ever found for crafting bows.

Tomo, knowing that this was an opportunity to capitalize on his family’s trade empire, decided against making the wager. He remembered the devastation he saw while traveling across Rokugan, witnessing first hand the destruction which harvesting the Shinomen forest has brought. Tomo remembered the blood which has been spilled for that wood, and could not agree to Tsuruchi’s terms.

The two competitors fired their last shots of the tournament. As Tsuruchi drew his final arrow, Tomo felt his fingers twitch, and as he drew and fired the arrow, Tomo could feel the muscles on his back tighten and then release. He realized that Tsuruchi and his bow were the source of the strange sensations he had been feeling all day.

After firing their last arrows, the points of the contest were tallied. Tomo had put on a great show, but he was no match for the unparalleled skill of the Wasp Champion. Tsuruchi won the tournament, and Tomo took second place. Nonetheless, Tsuruchi was impressed with Tomo’s talent and offered to practice together some time… Perhaps he also sensed a strange connection to Tomo and wanted to investigate this as well.

After the fanfare died down, Tomo and Kuni Fujiko had a quiet, one on one conversation. Tomo asked Fujiko about the whispers surrounding her father, Kuni Yori, daimyo of the Kuni family. Rumor has it that he has been making trips into the Shadowlands by himself, and many fear that he is in league with dark powers. Fujiko admitted that it’s true that her father makes frequent trips into the Shadowlands by himself, but insisted that the rumors about him being involved with dark magic is not true. Nothing more than falsehoods crafted by their enemies at court to harm their reputation and question their honor. Fujiko explained that her main objective at court this year is to improve the reputation of the Crab clab, and undo the harm caused by these scandalous rumors. Fujiko claimed proudly that she believes Tomo is a brave and virtuous samurai who could help shape public perception of their clan.

After the tournament, Buro went to celebrate the Kakita festival on his own. While wandering around Otosan Uchi, he fell into a trap set by a group of ronin to try and steal Squee. Buro noticed the trap being set before him, and just as the ronin were about to attack him, he grabbed Squee and jumped into the nearby bay. After pulling himself from the water, he realized that all the scrolls and notes in his scroll pouch had been ruined—including a book of poems he was writing for Kuni Akari. He frantically tried to salvage the book of poems, but a malicious force deep in his spirit was preventing him. In that moment, Buro came to a dark revelation about Akari and the curse of the Yogo which plagued his family.

Meanwhile, Kenshi sought out his sister, Niao, to learn more about what it means to be a samurai of the Fox clan. Niao explained that a true Fox must use a wide range of skills to master the complicated social arena in which they operate. She pointed him in the direction of a busy street vendor, and told him he must procure whatever item the merchant was selling. Wading through the sea of people, Kenshi realized that the vendor was selling Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. His most popular piece was a scene depicting Kenshi himself being physically humiliated by a woman baring a humorous resemblance to Matsu Tsuko.

Afterward, Niao apologized to Kenshi, admitting that it was too good of a prank to pass up.

Credits

Album Art by Dylon Munoz

Music

Rokugan Theme by Podcast of the Five Rings

The Staredown by Podcast of the Five Rings

Tomo's Dilemma by Podcast of the Five Rings

Kenshi's Lament by Podcast of the Five Rings

Ekohikei Afternoon by Podcast of the Five Rings

The Royal Baths by Podcast of the Five Rings

Artwork by Dylon Munoz

Music by Brandon Spain & Podcast of the Five Rings