We all have our own view of Rokugan and the RPG. My view is possibly at
the more heretical end of the spectrum - it's only a game and we should be
considering entertainment first. Official plotlines are for those obsessed with
following such, and I gather "In my Octopus" refers to ones own personal
gaming circle and viewpoint.
MON OF THE MONTH
UNICORN ARROW RIDERS
My view of clans, is that there are the major clans, but within that
division, lie smaller families. Thus, to outsiders everyone may be a
member of the Crane Clan, but within the Crane clan there may be
a hundred tiny families with their own Mon that they use to distin-
guish themselves (in this manner, they are similar to the Scottish
Clans, where Clan Sinclair for example has other names within it,
other than Sinclair). I thus present a picture, and my ideas for what
the clan members might be:
Whilst in the burning sands, the Unicorn realised the necessity to keep communication between various bands of the clan that were at different watering holes.
The Iuchi scouts were used for scouting the desert, and from then- ranks came the despatch riders, known as "Arrow men" (women who showed any promise found themselves being drafted into the Battlemaidens). Younger sons were preferred, or orphans, for the duty was often dangerous and hazardous.
Back in Rokugan the tradition continued, although the "arrow men" were now used for carrying Unicorn correspondence and news of events. Chains of relay stations from Otosan Uchi to Uni- corn lands have been established, where the riders change mounts before continuing. It is said that the speed of the "Arrow men" is such, that it is like an arrow being fired over and over again, until it reaches it's destination.
The "arrow man" bandages his body to provide protection from the rigours of the journey and help his endurance. They can cope with cold or hot weather, and seem to have a natural sense of direction, and the ability to foresee traps and other problems in the road ahead. They are excellent horsemen, although will prefer to evade and avoid any contact than engage in combat. The horse bow is carried, although it's use is more to dissuade contact than to tight. Thus, an "arrow man" will often seek to bring down any opposition, causing a pile up, rather than seek to kill. Speed is of the essence, and the message must get through.
Arrow men have been known to easily ride without sleep for 48 hours, eating "on the hoof some sort of dried meat and rich "biscuits" that are a Unicorn secret recipe.
Arrow men who become too old for the rigours of the road, often end up manning the relay stations with changes of horses. They seem to develop a sixth sense to know when a rider is approaching, and have a horse or pony (for in reality, many of the horses used are little more than ponies) ready.
(With credit due to Genghis Khan who organised the real "arrow riders" and provided the inspiration).
MORE ON TEMPLES & SHRINES
Our woodcarving Ize-Zumi continues to wonder through the
land of Rokugan (see issue 1).
There are several styles of Shrines, but in general, there is an inner sanctum, where only the priest will go, where the Kami resides, and the outer area where Pilgrims will walk. The simplest shrine is merely a one room structure, nor- mally raised up on stilts, with steps up to it. The more so- phisticated shrines, then add another room, or have a large room which can be subdivided, to keep people some dis- tance from the kami.
It would appear most shrines are raised on stilts, and have an outdoor walkwav around the shrine.
The approach to the shrine will have one or more Tom (or gates), and shrines exists in walled precincts, the inter precinct with just the shrine, the outer precinct having halls, wells, etc. No one with any illness, open wound, flowing blood, or in mourning should worship at a shrine. (Since Shinsei seems to loosely equate with Buddhism in the Buddhist-Shinto mix of Japan), I can now see followers of Shinsei coming more into things.
After the gates, the first rite would seem to be purification of the mouth and hands using sacred water, and then in the worship hall a bell may be provided which is rung to drive off evil spirits.
Offerings to Kami can consist of food or rice wine, whilst other material offerings can be such things as paper, silk or cotton cloth, jewels, weapons. If the Kami oversees a par- ticular trade, then characteristic products of that trade might be offered. Symbolic offerings consist of paper attached to the sacred Sakati tree. (The food offerings are later shared out by the priests and shrine attendants, occasionally with people in the parish).
Funerals do not take place within shrines, nor do shrine priests perform funerals.
In game terms, then I can see my Shugenja and Ize-Zumi, having to pay attention to their Theology and Shintao skills if they want to be seen as little beyond "attendants" in the religious world.