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Cast List

The Company

Panda Samurai, Bamboo/Air Spirit Folk. Panda's the quiet type, and seems somewhat emotionless. She has long white hair and black eyes. She was Lord Akechi's most trusted samurai and is our embodiment of honor. One of Lady Yukiko's closest friends. Married to Nibori on 6/25/1583, and is now pregnant. She is also the inheritor of Skyhome, as it turns out she's Akechi's daughter, and part air spirit. Also has a puppy named Dog, who she is training to do various things.

Haku Aki Monk, human. Lord Rei, leader of the Dragon Clan. Haku's an expert at capturing people without actually harming them, and has excellent reflexes (though not good enough to avoid a bite from the griffon on occasion). He tends to blend into the background, on purpose. He and Panda are the warriors assigned to the protection of Yukiko.

Funitsu shugenja, human. Lord Soshi, leader of the Scorpion clan. Long black hair, pale skin, the prettiest member of the retinue. Also, something of an arrogant bastard, even if he doesn't really realize it quite yet. Married to Tomika.

Reiko Shaman, kitsune. Tiny, pretty, not quite sane. Has seven six five spirits who talk to her constantly and who she holds long conversations with--only one side of which can everyone else hear. She is charming, cunning, and much more intelligent than she usually acts. She is also Akechi's ancestor, Yukiko's half sister, and is at least seven hundred years old.

Hiroshi Ninja Barbarian, human. Also known as "the librarian"; people have trouble remembering his name. He is actually an archivist and researcher as well as a ninja; while his companions have figured out what he is, nobody's saying anything. Unremarkable in looks and seemingly unflappable in temperament. Is now the head of the Black Hand, the Scorpion assassin corps. Has been transmuted to a barbarian, which almost seems to suit him better than his former occupation.

Tadaki Wu jen, hengeyokai (Sparrow). Thin and nervous, Tadaki's turned into a competent wu jen. His very favorite spell is Fireball. Occasionally appears to be some sort of leader among the hengeyokai, perhaps by default. His hobbies include arguing with Reiko and setting things on fire. If he ever manages to combine the two, he'll be a happy, happy Sparrow.

Gryphon Finally able to fly, as well as bear one person on his back, Gryphon is something of a mascot. Enthusiastic and completely clueless about the subtleties of human relationships. Gryphon's perhaps the best fighter the retinue has, and both of the kitsune utterly adore him.

Tomika Wu jen, human. Third in line for the Head of the Crane Clan, Arenro's niece. Was captured by the group. Because killing her would lead to war between the Crane Clan and the Scorpion Clan, Funitsu offered to marry her instead of killing her, allying the two clans and preventing war for the time being. Now a trusted member of the retinue. Appears to be taking on some of the characteristics of her adopted clan.

Taura (pronounced ta-ura) Assassin, kitsune. Was once Ito, the only male kitsune to ever exist; has since been altered by the Demonbane to a female form, and given a conscience and the ability to feel guilt, much like Reiko. Currently traveling with the retinue, as her life expectancy is very short away from them. Her training is as an assassin, and she is nominally a member of the Black Hand.

Jeron Thrykreen general. The only Thrykreen not bound to an orb. Was sent to the retinue because he questioned Lord Takumi, and, evidently, irritated him; at least, this is the reason that Jeron was given. Is immortal and about fourteen thousand years old, in contrast to the rest of his race, who live usually no longer than three years.

Nibori Samurai, hengeyokai (Sparrow). Panda's husband, an old friend of Tadaki's. Was a general but is now traveling with the retinue, much to Panda's delight.

Personages Encountered

Lady Yukiko (also known simply as The Lady) Lord Akechi's wife, wu jen/fighter. Eight months pregnant, in training as a wu jen and a fighter. Quite practical for a noblewoman, with a quick mind and a keen eye for observation. Was Akechi's spymaster. Strong-willed and intelligent, Yukiko has been allowed more freedom than most noblewomen ever get. Currently in Kyoto with Akechi.

Lord Akechi The warlord that the group started out in the service of. Alive and well, after a Daring Rescue by the retinue. Currently in Kyoto.

Masumoto Ship captain, does a lot of trade with China and the English who trade in some of the Chinese ports. The librarian's friend.

Thomas Korobokuru. The company's guide, assigned by Hirohito. Traveling on the Benevolent with the retinue.

Muriko Scorpion Clan samurai, sworn to Watanabe. Killed Watanabe when he attempted to kill the group; the group escaped as Muriko attacked General Omura. Presumed but not confirmed dead.

Mirayashi Encountered for the first time 6/10/1583, outside Kyoto. Griffon bit her. She's hengeyoki, of the Sparrow, and was looking for Tadaki, one of her people. Appears to be a leader of some sort.

General Saran Encountered in Kyoto. Was General Nakasura's second in command, rebelled when he was given what amounted to an unlawful order. Now sworn to Yukiko and allied with Yasahiro, defending Kyoto with his army.

General Hirohito Akechi's brother, based in Hiroshima. Working against Hideyoshi by help Lady Yukiko and her retinue. Was a member of the Twenty-Five, but is no longer.

Lord Takumi Yamashita Lady Yukiko's--and Reiko's--father. Was under Emi's control; on her death, has reverted to his old self. Also known as The Demonbane; he and Reiko have every reason to hate each other. Has been working to eradicate the kitsune race for six centuries. Leader of the Phoenix clan.

Miu Yukiko's cat. A white patched with red tabby Japanese bobtail.

Dog Panda's Akita puppy. About six months old, fluffy, black.

Lady Soshi Karasuko Funitsu's stepmother. Was being held captive by Emi, now freed. Currently in Kyoto with Yukiko.

Lord Soshi Kaigen Funitsu's older half-brother. Not quite in his right mind; may have been permanently damaged by the slow poison that was removing his faculties.

Lord Akazawa Tsuneyasu Tomika's father. Second in command of Clan Crane. Allied with Yukiko through Tomika and Funitsu.

Minaku The woman who raised Hiroshi. Stole Soshi Tsutsako's body. How now been returned to her own body.

Storming Bear Unicorn samurai. First encountered when the retinue joined him to help kill General Jiro. A strong ally of the retinue.

Tohiro Second in the Dragon Clan. Based in Miyako.

Izumi Was one of the Twenty-Five Mages; now freed from Arenro's influence, and in Kyoto with Akechi and Yukiko. Scorpion Clan, loyal to Funitsu. Black Hand member.

Kalva Gaijin second mate on the Benevolent. Has solid copper eyes. Keeps very much to herself.

Oni Killer Storming Bear's main rival within the Unicorn Clan.

Kalidia A half-siren changeling, brought the Windtraveller project to the retinue's attention. Remained with Minako when the retinue left.

Edi-lo Reiko's mother, a kitsune and a very strong magic user. Rescued from Tokyo on 8/31/1583. Currently traveling with the retinue.

Soshi Tsutsako Funitsu's half-sister. Had her soul shoved into Minaku's body, and was exiled to the city of the Sun. Is now back in her own body, and traveling with the retinue for the moment, though she'll probably go stay with Yukiko in Skyhome.

The Twenty-Five Generals

1. Emperor Hideyoshi current emperor. One of Akechi's generals, engineered an armed coup that overthrew Lord Akechi on the day he was supposed to be crowned Emperor. All of the group has met him, none like him.

2.General Rokuro Lion Clan, Current assignment: Capture of immortals. Travels with 30 warriors, 10 of which are tracker specialists.

3.General Yori Crab clan member, Current Assignment: Exploration, city of the sun. Unknown reference

4.General Kenichi Crab clan member. Assignment was control of Tokyo and resistance forces therein. Secondary assignment: Protection of Empress, His sister. Was beaten and then true sourced by the retinue.

5.General Nanashi Lion Clan member, Current Assignment: alliance or non-aggression pact with spirit folk, if failing that, ambush of spirit folk leaders, in hopes of making chaos.

6.General Takashi Freed 8/23/1583; now back in Phoenix clan territory. Assignment was to delay and infiltrate phoenix army.

7. General Kenshin Deceased, see below.

8.General Ryoto Current Leader, Lion Clan. Working with General Isamu to decimate Lion clan numbers. Feared that lion clan samurai will soon turn on Ryoto. So they are making sure, that they don't have enough samurai to stop Arenro and Hideyoshi.

9.General Shiro Crab clan member, named 2nd to Hideyoshi, effectively runs Crab Clan for Hideyoshi. Current assignment: Readying crab pincer (section of army) to eliminate clan scorpion's armies and current leaders. Occupy and control Scorpions headquarters until Minaku takes control.

10. General Jiro Deceased, see below.

11.General Masuyo Lion Clan member, Current assignment: Defense of small town, Wakasi. 2500 troops stationed in a town of 250. Strategically unimportant. All black hand members, sent to area, have never reported back.

12.General Katashi Crab Clan Member. Assignment was protecting Tokyo Harbor from pirate attack. Investigation of strange Ship sightings, Tokyo. Has been true sourced and released to Shiro.

13.General Hikaru Deceased, see below.

14.General Sho Crab Clan member. Current Assignment: Guarding mining camp and slave trading yards of Nagoya.

15.General Isamu Dragon clan member. Assignment was: Leading group of Dragons to Lion clan territory. Inciting clan war between the two. Current location and assignment unknown, after Haku's intervention.

16.General Takuma Lion Clan member, Current Assignment: Attack of Kyoto and Hirohito territories. Destruction of any and all relations of Akechi. Currently gathering forces in the southeast of Japan. Numbers so far 4000. Mostly mercenary forces and ronin.

17.General Nibori Sparrow Hengeyokai. Panda's husband. Now traveling with the retinue.

18.General Katsuro Scorpion Clan member. Freed from the influence of the twilight spirit on 8/5/1583.

19.General Yoshiro Crane clan member. Assignment was: Overseeing imprisonment of Akechi. Crane clan Headquarters. Tokyo. Freed by the retinue, current loyalties/assignment unknown.

20.General Minoru Dragon Clan member. Assignment was infiltration of Unicorn clan and gaining their trust. Purpose to stir up rivalry between Storming Bear, current Clan Leader and rival, Oni Killer. Has been freed and is now spying for the party. Is also known as Tadao.

21. General Hotaka Crab clan member. Current assignment: Elimination of Hengeyokai. Prophecy of a Hengeyokai destroying Black hand leadership. Unspecific which type of Hengeyokai.

22.General Nakasura Deceased, see below.

23. General Hirohito Akechi's brother, helping the party, Currently fortifying Kyoto.

24.General Omura based near Mount Fuji. Last seen in battle with Muriko. Current assignment: Destruction of raiders near Mount Fuji. Believed being lead by Muriko Followers.

25. General Yasahiro One of Akechi's generals, the group discovered that he was under the control of malign Crane magic. He had a crystal around his neck and a small crystal embedded in the back of his head. We talked him out of committing seppuku and into helping defend Kyoto from General Nakasura.

The Twenty-Five Mages

1.Arenro Wu jen Leads a great many projects. Seems to now be taking power from Hideyoshi or at least is the man behind the throne, guiding Hideyoshi.

2.Shinju Crane clan member. Current assignment: Investigation of disappearance of Mirina. Experimental procedure that resulted in her sudden disappearance from the prisons of Tokyo.

3.Lin Deceased, see below.

4.Suzume Lion clan. Current Assignment: investigation of Dragons in effort to see which side they will fall on. Also research on dragon eggs and corruption of.

5.Amaya Phoenix Clan member Current Assignment: Destruction of Phoenix clan. Demonbane captivity cell to eliminate him or elimination of Han Reiko. Either of which will destroy Demonbane.

6.Midori Crane Clan member, Current Assignment: Very little information, assigned to Covenant. From what we now know, is on the council of the Covenant. Current loyalties in question.

7.Emi Deceased, see below.

8.Kumiko Deceased, see below.

9.Sumiko Crane clan member Current Assignment: Investigation of force barrier blocking entrance to abandoned mine. Central area, Japan. Exact location unknown.

10.Arisu Crane Clan member. Current assignment: Leader Nezumi population. Current target: Attempting to create more Nezumi though magical experiments, doubling and tripling birth and growth rates. Note: Arisu was human. Probable Nezumi transmutation occurred.

11.Takako Deceased 8/12/1583; see below.

12.Mariko Dragon Clan. Current Assignment: Information Gathering from prisoners. Sendai prison. Searching for information about other clan movements and any intelligence about unknown ships currently plying the waters around Japan.

13.Chikako Deceased, see below.

14.Usagi Dragon Clan: Assignment was: Ambassador to scorpion clan. Attempting to destroy clan scorpion's leadership so Minaku will take over the head. Is now at the Dragon Clan headquarters, gathering money for some reason.

15.Akemi Deceased, see below.

16.Izumi Freed, see above

17.Sakura Crane clan member. Current assignment: Creation of map that allows tracking of all Hengenyoki, currently with General Hotaka.

18.Hitomi Dragon clan Member, Current Assignment: Tracking of Lao-tzu, Chinese tattoo magic inscriber. Was brought from China to help with something called Medusa. He refused and escaped.

19.Naoko Lion clan member, Current Assignment: Tracking 5 swords called the Pentagram. Rumored to have more significant power when combined.

20.Kazuko Scorpion Clan member, Current Assignment: Divination skills, specifics on Tracking of orbs, Yukiko and renegade forces helping Yukiko, Scorpion Clan mother. Obscurement of future and scrying of key members of Arenro and Hideyoshi. Also searching for Skyhome, Dragonview, and Darkling Reach.

21.Minako Crane Clan member. Was the leader of the Windtraveller project. Is now freed from the dark spirit.

22.Hikari Scorpion clan member: Current assignment: Ambassador to Koboruko society. Attempting to garner an alliance.

23.Sachiko Unicorn Clan member, Current Assignment: Ambassador to Lion clan. Providing counsel to Ryoto and bolstering his injuries by use of magics.

24.Hitomi Crane clan member, captured by party. Freed from Arenro control. Loyalties in question.

25. Lord Watanbe Deceased, see below.

The Fallen

Emperor Nobunga was emperor until he was captured in battle by Akechi. Committed seppuku, faltered, and Akechi took his head. Is buried on his family's estate in Edo.

Lord Watanabe shugenja, Scorpion Clan leader. Completely mad. Was on Mt. Fuji killing gaijin and rendering them down into vials of a drug that renders people immune to the Crane magic that controls people's minds.

Kasa Crane Clan, wu jen, was turning humans into nezumi. Tomika betrayed him and the rest of the Lady's retinue killed him.

General Nakasura Presumed loyal to Hideyoshi. Was laying siege to Kyoto; was responsible for Lin escaping back into life. Killed by Panda, Haku, and Tomika.

Shurin Wu jen who performed the ritual to put Lin into a new body. Hiroshi killed him.

Emi (wu jen) Sparrow Hengeyokai, a childhood aquaintence of Tadaki's. Orchestrated the destruction of the village Tadaki grew up in. Was an advisor to Yukiko's father; was killed by the party on 7/1/1583.

Jin One of Reiko's spirits, was captured by a Jade Warrior's sword. When the sword was broken, went to the afterlife instead of coming back to Reiko.

General Jiro Killed by the retinue and Storming Bear on 7/7/1583.

Chikako Was third in command of the Black Hand. Killed 7/8/1583 by the retinue.

Kakita Reina A young Crane girl who gave Tadaki his tattoo wakizashi. Killed by Arenro when he blamed her for the disappearance of Akechi's orb.

Lord Tanaka Dragon clan leader, led a force against Haku's village a number of years ago. Killed by Haku when he ascended to the position of ruling lord of the Dragons.

Winter A friend of Hiroshi's, the only person ever to retire from the Hand. Cat Hengeyokai. Faded away after passing on his staff--and attendant powers--to Tadaki.

Kumiko Phoenix Clan member. Her assignment was tracking down the sleeper cages of Warresh creations.

Akemi Phoenix clan member. Her assignment was the creation of a new orb to take control of the Thrykreen warriors from Demonbane.

Takako #2 black hand leader under Minaku. Her assignment was to purge disloyal black hand members. Died after trying to kill Funitsu.

General Hikaru Scorpion Clan member, Current Assignment: Leader and captain of group named Shrike. Also the name of a ship, rumored to have teleportation abilities. Problem specialist. Was killed aboard Shrike, 7/23/1583.

General Kenshin Crane Clan member assignment was protection project Odyssey.

Lin shugenja Assigned to Odyssey project, reimbodiment of Arenro spirit. Also investigation of how long current spirits can reside in bodies without burning out. Tokyo most probable location. Reiko's granddaughter. Used to be one of Reiko's spirits; was given a new body by a wu jen named Shurin. Was killed five centuries ago by Reiko, who pulled her spirit from her living body and let her body burn. Created an intricate web of magical bindings around Reiko and the rest of her spirits that keeps her memories and her powers bound. She and Arenro knew each other before Lin was killed. Unknown what their relationship was. Killed by Haku and Gryphon.

Spirits

Ahn Zhane Her real name is Jane, but Reiko's never been able to pronounce it properly. Only speaks English. Appears to be at least somewhat mad; is blamed for the little midnight walk that Reiko took on Masumoto's ship.

Lord Setto Warlord, samurai, Reiko's favorite spirit. Was married to Reiko about six centuries ago; died by her hand, at his request.

Kei A young warrior and something of a hothead. Currently strongly bound by Lin's sigils.

Tsuyoshi An intensely curious scholar of artifacts. Helped create the spirit orbs. Now freed from Lin's control.

Miss M A dancer who died in the prime of her career, who is a bit of a libertine.

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