Opening Ceremony (Day 1, Early Afternoon)

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"They are Fortunes, but...they embody unfortunate truths." He, it seemed, was completely comfortable talking about this aspect of his religion. "Ekibyogami-kami, for example, is the one who brings illness. She is given her due, out of respect and out of the hope that, in so showing respect, we keep her from punishing us." Hirase paused a moment, then added thoughtfully, "Though even the generally kind Fortunes have a wrathful face, should you displease them. Suitengu-kami is known for his tempers, and Inari-kami's wrath, though rare, comes in the icy breath of a dragon."

"I see. So Rokugan worships the Kami and both the Fortunes and Dark Fortunes to keep from being punished. Is there any other gods worshiped?"

[Usagi Tomoe]

Kogo shakes her head. "With the feasting tonight, who knows what time the camp will go to sleep? Though I can rise with the sun, I suspect we may all wish for a few more hours after the revels tonight. And I know I am occupied during the late morning. What about early afternoon? It would give us some time to also refresh ourselves afterwards in time for any activities that might be planned. "

"Ara, that would not really be suitable for me... but perhaps the day after tomorrow, we can find a better time?"

[Matsu Nintoku]

"Whatever time suits you better. I will be at the dueling fields with the break of dawn to practice."

[Matsu Kogo]

"Whatever time suits you better. I will be at the dueling fields with the break of dawn to practice."

"Then why don't we do the day after tomorrow, early in the morning? That would work admirably for me. Noburu will also likely be awake and lively, so perhaps she will help us."

[Mirumoto Chou]

...

"I'll take your word for it and hope that I get the chance someday," he replies with amusement. "The Togashi are the monks of your clan are they not? When that was mentioned to me I didn't really understand it, monks that are part of a Great clan."

Chou hmmed in agreement. "They are both a Family and an Order, though they generally do not devote themselves to a particular Fortune or Kami. They are samurai, though their manner of service differs from bushi, or even other monks. They are also conduits for Togashi-kami, who blesses us with his presence still."

[Matsu Nintoku]

"I will be there then and the day after that one."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"It sounds like a plan. Excellent!" the Hare nodded happily to her compatriots. "I am greatly looking forward to it. But I apologize in advance for my poor skills in the field."

[Matsu Kogo]

"It sounds like a plan. Excellent!" the Hare nodded happily to her compatriots. "I am greatly looking forward to it. But I apologize in advance for my poor skills in the field."

"Everyone begins as a student Usagi-san. Akodo-no-Kami spoke wisely when he said, 'The superior warrior is not always the victor. If your opponent has better options than you, seek to eliminate those options.'. When you know more of your own options, you may find yourself more able to defeat one who would not expect such possibilities from you."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

...

"That's a very interesting position for them. How do they fit into the monk hierarchy though? Do they have abbots of temples that are under the care of the Togashi? Do they have personal families because they're samurai? Would they get appointed to positions of power like magistrates or military commanders?"

[Seppun Hitako]

"I've heard that also" Hideos gaze turned to the rest of the gathered "I would assume there are others of rank here also. I know precious little of the leadership structure of the Unicorn, other than the Otaku seeming to be a matriarchy. I will aim to meet with more of their number through the miai. What of yourself? Would you prefer the...strong warrior type that the Moto seem to be idealed behind?"

She shakes her head. "It would not be useful for the Family. A shugenja, or whatever they have that is closest. Even if only someone that could contact the kami, but is untrained would be best."

[Matsu Nintoku]

He nodded in agreement "Matsu-san speaks the truth. Every journey starts somewhere."

[Doji Ameka]

Butaj watches Khulun's shifting reaction with curiosity that leads him to thoughts he has not suspected himself to have. For a moment he smiles... differently. When she addresses him with respect, however, it is far greater a reward for him than her whatever yurt activity his assertiveness.

"May your enemies cower when your gaze rests on them, Sayyeda Khulun, and your friends be strong and true."

The man looks at her departure for a moment, then turns toward the crowd. His self-consciousness is gone, he now sees them for their strengths and their weaknesses. With topshur under his arm, he sets off to look for that Doji maiden who has got interested in his music.

The Dojo isn't too far away, though she stepped away a fair distance to give polite room for the other conversations around her. She preferred not to eavesdrop... obviously, at least. She was currently sorta through a small pouch containing small, unevenly shaped items, her lips moving silently.

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj, feeling bold, approaches chewing Crane with a radiant smile.

"Moto Butaj brings you greetings. Is Unicorn hospitality good for you?"

[Usagi Tomoe]

He nodded in agreement "Matsu-san speaks the truth. Every journey starts somewhere."

"It is as you say," she nodded. Ah, the intriacies of being polite where she has to apologise for not being any good, and they have to deny it politely as well.

"Speaking of journeys, I trust you both had a safe travelway coming here?"

[Matsu Nintoku]

"Well, I am here safe and sound." he retorted "But yes it was a very uneventful ride. I had hoped to ride from Matsu Lands but instead chose to come with the Lion delegation."

"Perhaps the Unicorn are right though. Riding is really a fun activity."