L5R - Unity - NPC Roster

[Rain Yupa]

KRAKEN CLAN NPCS

Himura Haruka - Clan Champion, Kaichiyo's mother, age 44. Haruka was single-handedly responsible for the creation of the Kraken minor clan, setting them up as loyal colonial servants to Iweko II and supplying him and the imperials with gifts. She is a somewhat stubborn woman, yet idealistic once you get to know her. She is also very gifted with a blade, easily the most adept Minor Clan duelist of her time, and skilled enough to compete with some of the Great Clan masters of iaijutsu.

Himura Arazan - Haruka's husband/Kaichiyo's father, age 51, former Seppun Guard. Arazan was a mid-ranking officer in the Seppun Guard, and consequently, someone who had the chance to spend a lot of time with Haruka. When the clan was first formed, she had made many trips to Toshi Ranbo to iron out the details, and usually Arazan was present in almost all meetings between her and the Otomo. Arazan admired Haruka silently, and never told anyone of his feelings for her. Unfortunately, it seemed that she did not reciprocate his feelings - or so he had thought. Somehow, behind his back, Haruka had managed to broker a marital arrangement between herself and Arazan on the side, and found himself betrothed, then married, before he knew what hit him. To this day, he maintains an aura of this marriage being a part of his duty, but those who notice out of the corners of their eye will often see him smiling contently when he thinks no one sees.

Himura Haru - Haruka's second child, age 7. Haru is Kaichiyo's younger brother, and is turning out to be very bushi-minded. He seems to have it set in his head that he will be ruling the Kraken one day after Haruka steps down, rather than his sister. Currently, he seems deadset on his logic (or lack thereof) that Kaichiyo can't rule it because "she's a girl", despite the fact that his mother rules it currently (she's different). However, his youthful determination for seizing power is currently focusing him on his early kenjutsu training, and as things are shaping up, he certainly has the potential to become a great swordsman in his adult years.

Himura Tenpi - Haruka's third child, age 3. Tenpi was born under a lucky star, and divinations seem to indicate that she will have a great destiny one day. Things were worrisome for a while earlier in the year, when she fell sick to a lung disease which threatened to end her life. However, she pulled through, and though recovery is slow, has been on the mend ever since.

Himura Miroku - Naohiko's father, age 48. Miroku was formally a scorpion of moderate renown, though he allowed himself to be robbed of that to save face for another. After living a Ronin lifestyle, he had the opportunity to compete in a tournament, the Tournament of the Emperor's Favored, where he was noticed by a woman who was named Himura Haruka, the founder of a fledgling minor clan with hardly any numbers. She promised him land, rank, even family if he joined her number - he accepted. Currently, he leads the samurai who shore up the defense of their little island, though he does make it a point to spend as much time he can with his family.

Himura Hanae - Naohiko's mother, age 40. A woman formally of the Bat, she lacked the spiritual abilities of her clanmates, and soon found herself brokered as a pawn to trade. Part of a rather complicated marriage arrangement between multiple parties that was over her head, she found herself being shipped to the colonies to be wed to a man named Miroku - a former Scorpion, of all things! But despite the contemptible preconceptions she sailed there with, she found him a charmer, and considered herself blessed with more than she was brought up thinking she deserved, and has given him four lovely children as proof.

Himura Katsuyori - Naohiko's brother, age 14. Katsuyori is training to be a courtier of the Kraken, as he seems to loathe the idea of violence as a solution to anything. He is definitely the type that would rather spend his time in a book rather than holding a bokken. With no formal courtier school available, however, there has been talk of him being married off to another clan in the next couple years. Katsuyori has not given any indication how he feels about that, one way or another.

Himura Sanjuro - Naohiko's brother, age 11. AKA, "Naohiko II". Though definitely too young to really do it well, he quite often emulates his eldest brother's womanizing tendencies, despite lacking any actual grasp of the whole process involved. On the plus side, he's turning out to be extremely handsome, and is turning heads of young samurai-ko his age. It's not unusual for Sanjuro, Naohiko, and Miroku to take trips to the Second City without the rest of their family, and the three have bonded well.

Himura Sakura - Naohiko's sister, age 8. Sakura is rather fascinated with her Komori heritage, completely neglecting her father's lineage (much to his broken heart's dismay). Sakura also shows signs and potentials of being able to speak with spirits, the way Hanae's kinsmen back east do. Sakura may end up as the Kraken's first proper shugenja one day, currently arrangements are being made for her to travel back to her homeland to see if her gifts can be harnessed, or if they were caught too late.

Himura Noboru - Gendo's father, age 51. Noboru was born a ronin, and in his youth, earned his keep by maintaining the equipment of his parents and fellow ronin, who kept themselves fed with coin earned by questionable means. Noboru never partook in such activities, and was orphaned in his early teens by the hands of local magistrates. Rather than be beset with vengeance, he decided to play the lone wolf game for decades, becoming a pinnacle of self-sufficiency. He was "hired" by a woman named Himura Haruka to help arm and equip her fledgling minor clan, a short-term arrangement that has lasted for a decade and counting.

Himura Hikari - Gendo's mother, age 51. A former Mirumoto warrior, and one of the few people blessed to have met and gotten to known Himura. While she doesn't have as intimate knowledge of the man as his own daughter, Haruka, Hikari admired him nonetheless, considering him an inspiration. It was no surprise to Haruka that Hikari quickly volunteered to join the ranks of the Kraken to honor Himura's memory. She did not marry though for some time, but it would take a traveling ronin smith to finally catch her eye. Hikari introduced Noboru to Haruka so an arrangement could be made. Hikari was instructed by her friend to do whatever it took to convince Noboru to stick around for the long run, so she married him and bore him a son. Where Haruka herself oversees some of the finer points of specialized Kraken bushi training, Hikari herself trains young bushi students in the basics they need to master first, and is Megumi Tenpi's unofficial sensei in that regard.

Himura Natsuki - A former Soshi Magistrate, age 50. This sharp-eyed, rotund artisan could not resist the call of Megumi Tenpi once the rumors of the Rokugan-famous fugu began to grow. Anxious to ply her trade upon a worthy project, Natsuki soon became the Kraken's best chef, and personally served the late Emperor on several occasions. Bold, quick-witted, and forceful, her personality is as spicy as her signature dishes.

Minato - While only a heimin, this salty sailor has earned himself a place of honor among the Kraken for his excellent shipwright craftsmanship as well as his "way" with the Akkorokamui that give the clan their name.

Himura Kagura - Age 50, Kagura was born in the Tortoise clan and was asked to join the Kraken clan by her daimyo as something of a favor. It was suspected that the nascent Krakens were very ill prepared to live a marine life. Rather than risk the Clan falling immediately under the sway of the Mantis, several "experts" were sent to help aid the Krakens in establishing themselves as a viable minor clan. Kagura trains young Kraken in practical skills outside of swordplay and courts, such as swimming, sailing, and fishing. Also, some weapon styles which are not approved learning material, to those young samurai willing to learn. Kagura is a rather stern instructor who gives few words of praise to her students. In her free time, Kagura skrimshaws pieces of driftwood that she finds on the beach.

Fukuro - A pesky sugar glider that has taken up residency in the trees of Megumi Tenpi. The first sign everyone in your clan had of Gendo's inherent problem with animals was how much time this creature spends harrassing him, even going so far as to attack him without provocation.

Himura Kenzo - Age 20, this young man has been in many small conflicts with Gendo, though the most notable of which was a dueling accident when they were younger. Playing with real swords when they shouldn't have been, dueling to resolve something ultimately petty and meaningless, Kenzo managed to wound Gendo in the left eye, ruining it. He claims it was an accident when "that damned sugar glider" flew at his face when he went to strike, but Gendo did not see (partly due to getting his eye slashed) and he had no proof. He felt bad about it for a long while, but after enough time passed, the two kids were at it again. After completing his gempukku, he focused his training on some of the more mercantile aspects of the clan, following his mother's example.

Himura Manami - Age 21, Manami is the daughter of two former Lion, who left their clan when Manami was a child and moved to Megumi Tenpi. The reasons behind such a parting and departure are not known to you all, but you get the impression that it was over something not good, as Manami's parents make it a point to avoid other Lion at any cost. However, Manami is a trained samurai-ko in the way of the Matsu and is proud of that, and will give anything to learn more, despite her parents' urgings to the contrary.

Himura Koto - Age 27, Koto was a ronin who joined the clan a few years ago with his younger sister Kinuyo, who has since passed. The reason for joining the minor clan was to give Kinuyo a better life before she passed on from a mysterious illness (or some call it a 'curse') that afflicts the women of his bloodline in the prime of their lives, killing them. Koto is a nice enough man, though he seems keen on avoiding any romantic endeavors, wanting the proverbial curse to end with him.

Himura Motoichi - Age 18, Motoichi is the son of a vassal Crab who failed his lord and purged his dishonor with seppuku. But rather than allow his surviving family to remain, the lord cast them out, and circumstances drove Motoichi and family to Megumi Tenpi and the Kraken. Motoichi openly swears to avenge this dishonor his former lord committed against them by killing him one day, though is often told to keep his anger in check and simply move on from the tragedy.

Himura Midori - Age 17, Midori is Motoichi's sister, likewise displaced. Midori was betrothed to a man of the Hida that she found charming, so she was doubly wounded when cast out. Rather than anger, though, Midori's reaction to the events of her life have been a deep depression instead.

Himura Takesi - Age 13, Takesi is Motoichi's brother, likewise displaced. Takesi is actually grateful for the change in destiny, having never fully come to appreciate generations of his ancestors dying senselessly on the Wall. He tries to be as upbeat as he can, considering, choosing to view this as a new opportunity and a new destiny.

Himura Shinji - Age 20, Shinji is of Crane heritage, and still dyes his hair white according to tradition. He has voluntarily joined the ranks of the Kraken just last year, with the blessing of his lord, and does what he can to assist them in diplomatic endeavors (as much as he can, with his inexperience and basic level training, anyways). He hopes to ingratiate the Minor Clan to the Crane in the process, hoping to hopefully one day secure a mutually beneficial alliance between the two groups. He has his eye on Kaichiyo and hopes to convince Haruka to allow him to properly marry into the clan as her husband one day.

Himura Mihoko - Age 22, Mihoko is a girl with a mysterious background that currently eludes everyone at Megumi Tenpi. Mihoko was found washed up on the beach, and currently suffers from amnesia, with no recollection as to her previous life, nor the circumstances that caused her to become lost at sea in the first place. The only memory she has is of the name Mihoko, which she's not even entirely sure is her own - she simply knows that it is important, and she should not forget it. While lacking any identifying equipment, she was very well dressed, so it was presumed she was of samurai lineage. She does her best to earn her keep, and doesn't seem all that interested in discovering her lost past unless the topic is brought up to her in conversation.

Himura Katsumoto - Age 16, Katsumoto is an orphaned ronin that joined many years ago; he showed up one day, having stowed away on a Kraken vessel, and insisted to Haruka that he be allowed to join the clan - even so far as to challenge her to a duel! He carries a daisho with unrecognizable indicators of his lineage, and refuses to speak about his parents. Eventually he was allowed to remain, and promptly began to throw his weight around to his peers, despite not having any actual station. That said, he practices his odd kenjutsu style without the aid of any instructor. He mainly practices his most basic kata regularly, but seems to only properly advance in his technique on particularly windy days.

Shi - ?????

Otsu - Age 18, Otsu is the daughter of a Dragon and a Phoenix, and voluntarily left on a warrior's pilgrimage a few years ago, and her travels have currently brought her to Megumi Tenpi. She insists that she's on some sort of quest, though she's not at liberty to discuss the details. She is not a proper Kraken samurai, but has left a considerably favorable impression on Haruka, and could easily join if she but asked. But for now, she seems to be waiting for... someone, or something.

Himura Echiko - Age 18, Echiko is the daughter of a Crab and a Unicorn who were in love but forbidden to marry nor to be together. While none of you are privy do the details, Echiko's mother showed up out of the blue without knowing anyone at Megumi Tenpi, 9 months pregnant, and days later, gave birth to Echiko. She begged Haruka to allow the baby girl to remain, and the champion decided to allow it; Echiko's mother would disappear from the island as quickly as she arrived and was never heard from again. Echiko was fostered to a couple who weren't able to conceive, and raised like any other Kraken samurai - though the tall, clumsy, awkward girl seems to have incredible difficulty mastering even the basics of the Himura bushi style.  

[Rain Yupa]

CRAB CLAN NPCS

Hida Kunitaro - A Yasuki's yojimbo who has had a bit of a miscommunication on the boat ride here. He's at the wrong court! However, with all the snow, travel to the court his charge actually went to is impossible. He is kind of the joke of the court right now and is having an utterly miserable time. He doesn't seem to be that bad of a person, but the situation is all sorts of horrible for him right now.

Yasuki Akane - The Yasuki daimyo's daughter. Not appearing in this story.

Kaiu Taniko - A mason and stone sculptor, Taniko is a mousy girl who feels that all the poncy artistry that'll probably be floating around in this court could use a touch of Crab. Despite her small build, she's both tough as nails and headstrong, and usually grinning. [CRAB HANDS]
Teamed with Hiruma Shigemasa during Scavenger Hunt
On winning side of Shogi Tournament
Winner of Stonecarving crafting competition, possibly insulting the Crane in the process.

Hiruma Shigemasa - Taniko's yojimbo, he married Taniko's older sister Suzue, and promised to watch over Taniko while she was at this court. Suzue herself is at home after having given birth to their second child. Shigemasa has married into the Crab from the Scorpion, and definitely has a dark, mysterious demeanor about him, despite the ditching of his mask. [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH]
Teamed with Kaiu Taniko during Scavenger Hunt
Competed in Weapon/Armor crafting competition

Kuni Sanjiro - A courtier for the Crab; despite not being magically inclined, he still dons the witchhunter kabuki make-up his fellow Kuni wears. He is rather personable, and loves tea and all things fine art.
Teamed with Ide Seibei during Scavenger Hunt  

[Rain Yupa]

CRANE CLAN NPCS

Doji Sayuri - The Doji family Daimyo and Clan Champion of the Crane Clan. She will not be present at Kyuden Doji, having been invited to the imperial winter court at Kyuden Otomo instead. She is known as a rather humorless individual, though her fuse is surprisingly long despite her countenance. She is a very skilled duelist, and experts say she's even improved upon her father's technique.

Doji Kioko - Sayuri's daughter and only child, princess of the Doji family and heir to the clan. Her training is still young, as she is not yet ready for the mantle of leadership of the clan, having only completed her Gempukku a few years prior. She is extremely beautiful, though the only thing that might rival it is her arrogance. Jin is a Tenat of Bushido in which she's currently lacking; despite this (or maybe, because of it?), Sayuri left her in charge of the winter court at Kyuden Doji this year. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [VOICE]

Daidoji Chikuma - Kioko's yojimbo. A short, bland-looking girl that generally shadows Kioko everywhere. She has one of those faces that makes it hard to guess her actual age. The only time she speaks up with her low, droning voice is to reign in some of Kioko's undesirable behavior that begins to border on dishonorable. But probably most notable about Chikuma, is how many of her peers, including full-grown men with much experience and signs of having survived many battles, seem positively terrified of her, and give her a wide berth. [QUICK HEALER] [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH] [BLAND] [SMALL]

Asahina Masanori - Kioko's spiritual advisor and personal tutor, and what appears to be her best friend. Masanori is a very playful man, who takes all the abuse Kioko throws at him with a grain of salt. He tends to be very playful and never takes things seriously, and like most Asahina, never really gets enraged at anything. He is not a shugenja - or rather, he has the potential for it, but he was never really good at it, no matter how much instruction and practice he received, so he went the path of the courtier instead. He is voiced by Greg Ayres.

Kakita Mitsuko - Artisan of the Crane Clan, she is currently betrothed to Shiba Noburo, who has come to spend winter court with her - honorably so, of course. She's been caught in the middle of a feud between her father and her fiancé, and has made it very clear which side she would choose if her father pushes the matter. However, the political weight of her decision has been causing her undue stress as of late.
Teamed with Shiba Noburo during Scavenger Hunt
On winning side of Shogi Tournament

Kakita Mutsuhito - Eligible bachelor of the Crane, Mutsuhito comes from a well-connected family, and is as well-off as he is handsome. Though he is a trained bushi, he tends to spend most of his time in court - he is said to handle the spoken word with equal skill as his blade. He was formally betrothed to an Otomo samurai-ko, but that ended when she died of mysterious circumstances. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY]

Kakita Otsu - An Iron Crane, Otsu has still learned some of her family's iaijutsu ways, but much prefers the feel of combat with her hefty tetsubo. Her combat style is odd and somewhat distasteful according to her clan - the fact that she enjoys it is troubling further. They've been trying to marry her off to another Clan as soon as possible.
3rd place in Scavenger Hunt, teamed with Isawa Marihito
Competed in Weapon/Armor crafting competition

Doji Sawao - An artisan with many heimin chefs in her employ. That said, she is a rather skilled chef of her own, and refers to her servants as "her team". Her goal is to one day be recruited as the official chef for the Emperor, and revels in any opportunity to have her dishes enjoyed.
Aides: Mei, unnamed aide, unnamed female aide, unnamed male aide
Tied for first in Cooking crafting competition

Asahina Isei - A shugenja that always looks tired and emaciated. Isei is said to have been cursed by Yume-do, which is of course slanderous hearsay. Regardless, rumor has it that he also suffers from sleepwalking episodes, and has shown up in people's quarters with ominous portents before waking. Isei probably just has priestly duties that keep him up later than most. [BAD HEALTH]

Daidoji Takahashi - A bushi of the Crane, Takahashi is a friendly enough fellow, and gets along well with most. He does tend to laugh rather boisterously, and with little jovial provocation - rather unseemly in polite company, to be sure. He doesn't seem to think much of it, anyways.
Teamed with Yoritomo Kiyonobu during Scavenger Hunt

Doji Sayo - Sayo is a dainty little thing that is super cute and super polite, plus she hosts a mean tea ceremony. Her downfall is that her wardrobe choices tend to be a little very unbecoming and revealing. It's hard to gauge whether this is intentional on her part, or she's completely oblivious to the distractions this causes. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [SMALL]

Doji Ryoichi - An avid go player, Ryoichi is a very handsome Crane samurai, but in a rugged way - which is very un-Crane in of itself. Having picked up some bad habits from his Yasuki heritage, he is a smoker and a gambler to boot. He has these habits under control, of course, but his clanmates tend to frown upon them regardless. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY]
Winner of Gamemaking crafting (only competitor)

Daidoji Benjiro - The Crane that will be responsible for the safety of the minor clan delegates while they sleep; Benjiro is pretty low on the totem pole, you presume, which is why he's guarding a handful of nobodies that no one cares about rather than someone important. He is a young man with chiseled face, who is doing is duty without question. Maybe if there's no problem with this winter court, he can move on to something better?  

[Rain Yupa]

DRAGON CLAN NPCS

Kitsuki Senzo - A young magistrate in the making. Senzo is a few years out of his gempukku, and is becoming famous for his attention to detail, having already solved several high-priority cases already. However, he is rather bereft of social skills, and tends to be oblivious to the interactions others try to have with him. This is compounded further by his stunning good looks. It is completely above his head why his peers sometimes refer to him as 'Kitsuki Senpai', when that title obviously is not applicable. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY]
Teamed with Mirumoto Otsune during Scavenger Hunt
On winning side of Shogi Tournament

Mirumoto Otsune - A duelist of the Dragon Clan, focusing on the Taoist sword style. She is a friendly enough warrior, and never engages in duels where emotion may influence her. She practices her art simply to improve it further, but only ever engages in friendly duels with willing opponents.
Teamed with Kitsuki Senzo during Scavenger Hunt

Mirumoto Katsunan - Something of an abnormality, Katsunan is a rather wealthy dragon. His father found a long-forgotten stockpile of gold, and he and his family almost immediately began interacting with completely different social circles because of it. He comes from a proud - but ascetic - family of warriors, so trying to honor the old tradition as well as the new is a juggling act he's not sure he will be able to maintain.
Teamed with Ide Urako during Scavenger Hunt
On winning side of Shogi Tournament

Togashi Yoshike - A militant-minded monk who was sent to winter court to temper her attitude. Yoshike revels in the opportunity to best an opponent, even if it means engaging them at a distinct advantage, and is, for the most part, too competitive to make friends well. Her enthusiasm is appreciated, as well as what she can offer to a battlefield, but her senseis have many doubts of her ability to discover enlightenment if she cannot change her ways. [QUICK HEALER]
"Competed" in Pottery crafting

Tamori Aritomo - You can take the man out of the mountain, but you cannot take the mountain out of the man. Aritomo is the type that likes living life on the edge, often engaging in many dangerous sports, especially free solo mountain climbing. Technically, he's a courtier, though he mostly uses his skills to leverage people into taking him up on his offers to do dangerous things. More often than not, they back out at the last minute and spectate instead. He won't begrudge you if you do the same. Not everyone can handle that sort of life. [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH]
Teamed with Ikoma Tadao during Scavenger Hunt
Got himself skewered in the Fishing crafting competition

Unnamed Mirumoto - Dragon woman apparently scared away by Shoichi, and left Winter Court. Totally feasible, as the rest of Rokugan doesn't know what real snow is until you've spent a winter in Dragon lands.  

[Rain Yupa]

LION CLAN NPCS

Matsu Ami - Daughter of the Matsu Daimyo, who completed her gempukku several years ago, at a fairly young age. She's only 2 years younger than Doji Kioko, but the two of them have an outstanding feud. Or, at least, Ami claims that is the case. Ami's goal in life is to best Kioko in an iaijutsu duel, but she has yet to succeed. She is very proud and strong-willed, and often comes into conflict with Kioko's personality whenever the two of them are around each other.
On losing side of Shogi Tournament

Matsu Koji - Ami's cousin and yojimbo, though he is trained under the Akodo school of swordsmanship. He mainly is here to keep Ami from getting in over her head, and is fairly protective of her. Only when there's a 0% chance of her causing mischief will he then seek to entertain himself with the others gathered at court. Truthfully, he'd rather not be out of Lion lands at all, but duty requires sacrifice. [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH]
Teamed with Akodo Tamafune during Scavenger Hunt

Akodo Masaru - A young strategist of the Lion, he's rather skilled at both Go and Shogi. He much prefers the latter, but he is much better at the former. Some sensei have criticized how much time he spends with his hobby, while others praise him for it - he is, after all, at the top of his classes.
Teamed with Daigotsu Danjuro during Scavenger Hunt
On losing side of Shogi Tournament

Akodo Tamafune - One of the Lion's courtiers, Tamafune is rather personable, and often encouraged to be on the front lines of the Lion's social battles. She never seems to take things personally, and does a good job matching any other courtiers toe-to-toe in any battle, be it one of complements, insults, innuendos, bragging, or intimidation. She finds the Mantis courtiers the most fun to spar with.
Teamed with Matsu Koji during Scavenger Hunt
On losing side of Shogi Tournament

Ikoma Ryobe - A quiet man with little to say, until you get some drinks in him. His professionalism does a 180 that point, and generally is not leaving the evening without some hefty honor loss.
On winning side of Shogi Tournament
Winner of Brew crafting (only competitor)

Ikoma Tadao - The Lion's prettyboy (complete with unusual natural blond hair), he is rather charming, to be sure. However, he kind of has a machismo fixation, and will often do anything to prove how manly he is. He is an avid wrestling fan and does engage in sumai in his downtime. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [HANDS OF STONE] [THEME SONG]
Teamed with Tamori Aritomo during Scavenger Hunt
Narrated the Shogi Tournament
Winner of Tailoring crafting (only competitor)  

[Rain Yupa]

MANTIS CLAN NPCS

Moshi Ruri - A shugenja of the Mantis Clan, she's a bit of a social butterfly, and gets along well with most. However, those who TRULY get to know her learn of her very dangerous addiction: Rumors. She loves rumors. She loves hearing them, she loves telling them, she loves twisting and distorting them, she even loves making them up when it suits her purposes. Her elders frown down upon her for this, but her peers do tend to enjoy her company. It's almost guaranteed she can tell you a rumor about anybody you want to know about - but what rumors does she say about you when your back is turned?
Teamed with Himura Naohiko during Scavenger Hunt

Yoritomo Mamoru - A courtier of the Mantis who has a 'social gambling' problem - that is to say, he tends to push the limits of what he can get away with a little too readily. For the most part, not a bad guy, he simply likes to get a rise out of people, seeing how close he can get to getting challenged and back off at the last possible moment. It isn't always successful.
Teamed with Yoritomo Katsue during Scavenger Hunt

Yoritomo Kiyonobu - Probably the nicest Mantis courtier you'll ever meet, without a mean bone in his body. He isn't particularly good at his school's unique's teachings, though he often gets deployed as the first half of a bait-and-switch combo with a more ruthless courtier. Would you care for some tea?
Teamed with Daidoji Takahashi during Scavenger Hunt
Competed in Fishing crafting competition

Yoritomo Natsumi - A wheeler and dealer of the Mantis, she is the protogé of her father, a very successful merchant patron and ship captain. It's no secret that her goals are fiscal in nature, she's become fairly good at sniffing out profit opportunities.

Yoritomo Shohei - Natsumi's brother. Shohei doesn't have the head for numbers and profits, but he's useful to keep around as muscle. Shohei adheres to the two-kama style of combat the Mantis excel in, and excels he does. For the most part, he's quiet, but quick to action when the need arises. [LARGE] [SILENT]

Yoritomo Satoko - A bushi duelist of the Mantis, Satoko is a straightforward and decisive woman. Her motives are usually suspect, though she doesn't seem to be the type to do anything dishonorable on her journey to get what she wants.
Competed in Cooking crafting competition

Yoritomo Katsue - A bushi of the Mantis, Katsue is skilled in several methods of combat: the dual-kama style, kenjutsu style, iaijutsu dueling, archery, naginata style, and a unique tonfa/tessen style where no one seems to know where she picked it up from. That said, she's husband hunting. For some reason, she's had trouble acquiring one. The fact that most of the time, she carries all her weapons with her probably doesn't help. Wait, is that a whip? [CRAB HANDS]
Teamed with Yoritomo Mamoru during Scavenger Hunt
On winning side of Shogi Tournament
Competed in Weapon/Armor crafting competition

Kitsune Ippei - A courtier of the Mantis, Ippei is definitely a pretty face. However, he's a bit of a clutz. He is rather effeminate in build, and sometimes even gets mistaken for a girl. For the most part, he's of little use to the Mantis except as a centerpiece to show off. Frankly, he looks incapable of hurting a fly, even if he wanted to. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY]
On losing side of Shogi Tournament
Forced to abandon Pottery crafting due to SOMEONE lighting the room on fire. YOSHIKE!  

[Rain Yupa]

PHOENIX CLAN NPCS

Shiba Noburo - Artisan of the Phoenix Clan, he is currently betrothed to Kakita Mitsuko, and came to winter court primarily to spend time with her - honorably so, of course. It is clear that they love one another very much, but for some reason her father has started making efforts to cancel the engagement and wed Mitsuko to another. Regardless, rumor is that they have every intention of following through with their marriage, one way or another. [LARGE]
Teamed with Kakita Mitsuko during Scavenger Hunt
On losing side of Shogi Tournament

Isawa Kasuga - Earth shugenja, Kasuga was kind of dragged along to this court by her peers, when it's plainly obvious she'd rather not be here. She has no quarrel with the Crane or anyone else, but she finds her own presence here wasteful, at best. She is usually found studying or practicing her skills instead of interacting with others. [BLAND]
Competed in Stonecarving crafting competition

Isawa Marihito - Courtier of the Phoenix, with an odd historical hobby. He is on his way to achieving the reputation of being Rokugan's foremost expert on gaijin cultures. This would have been an unsavory reputation a century ago, but with expansion into the abandoned Ivory Kingdom to form the Colonies, such knowledge is turning out to be practical and useful to have.
3rd place in Scavenger Hunt, teamed with Kakita Otsu

Agasha Mai - Courtier of the Phoenix, Mai is an avid music lover and skilled flute player. Winter courts often have opportunities to prove your skills in many different fields, and she's been extra excited to show her stuff. It'd be extra awesome if she met any other flute players while she was there!
Teamed with Suzume Kayoko during Scavenger Hunt
Winner of instrument crafting (only competitor)

Asako Akihito - Poet of the Phoenix Clan, Akihito has a bit of an anxiety issue when it comes to actually performing his poetry in front of a crowd. He tends to try to find someone else to read them on his behalf. A couple times where this has been the case, the author was cited as 'unknown' instead of Akihito himself, and the anonymity has bolstered his reputation as a poet greatly. [SMALL]

Asako Mina - Bushi, duelist, and yojimbo from the Phoenix, Mina has come to keep an eye on her clanmates, in case any trouble befell any of them. She's an extremely pretty girl, still unbetrothed, but is rather shy when it comes to things that aren't duty-related and is hard to come out of her shell. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH]
On winning side of Shogi Tournament  

[Rain Yupa]

SCORPION CLAN NPCS

Bayushi Kojiro and Bayushi Masuyo - A pair of fraternal twin courtiers from the Scorpion Clan. They are both skilled actors and storytellers, having chosen their names from two heroes they were inspired by from a century ago (though unrelated to them), due to their work as jade magistrates to help make Rokugan safer on the tail end of the War of the Spirits. Those adventures are the foundation of their performances, making them a hit in courts to audiences that enjoy hearing such fantastical tales. They have plain jade-colored half-masks, with Kojiro's covering the right side of his face, Masuyo's the left. [BLAND]
Teamed with each other during Scavenger Hunt
Kojiro was on losing side of Shogi Tournament
Winners of Mask crafting (only competitors)

Shosuro Hyobe - A courtier of the Scorpion, he has a penchant and love for floriculture. Lately, he seems down in the dumps because winter is not the ideal season for flowers. You get the impression that he's less interested in court politics, and more in simply having a diversion until winter's over. Hyobe has a dark red mask that outlines the edges of his face. [VOICE]
Teamed with Shoruso Kazu during Scavenger Hunt
Winner of Gardening crafting (only competitor)

Shosuro Nene - A courtier of the Scorpion, she has an odd hobby of collecting odd and exotic insects and arthropods as pets! It's not necessarily the most popular hobby, but she's fascinated by them nonetheless. She's insistent that she didn't bring any with her. You can trust a Scorpion, right? Nene has a mask that covers her mouth, carved and painted to resemble mandibles.
Teamed with Shoruso Tamiyo during Scavenger Hunt
On winning side of Shogi Tournament

Shosuro Tamiyo - A courtier of the Scorpion, who doubles as a medicine woman and focuses on treating snake bites. As such, she claims to have a large collection of specimens back home, many of which have endeared themselves to her. It's a noble duty for her clan, as samurai traveling through those lands are always at risk of a bite. Tamiyo has a broken hannya mask as her own, which covers her left eye. [SMALL]
Teamed with Shoruso Nene during Scavenger Hunt

Shosuro Kazu - A courtier and chef of the Scorpion, he specializes in the field of preparing meals with assorted and varied species of fish. His skill comes from not just the taste of his meals, but the skill he shows when handling extremely poisonous fish, like the fugu! Kazu has a black sheer cloth band covering his eyes, like a bandana mask.
Teamed with Shoruso Hyobe during Scavenger Hunt
Tied for first in Cooking crafting competition

Yogo Bakin - A courtier of the Scorpion, he doesn't speak much, nor does he involve himself with others. Somewhat a loner, even most of the other Scorpion delegates don't know much about him, though he does seem to be in charge of the Scorpion delegation at Kyuden Doji. Bakin has a rather twisted looking full-face kitsune mask. He is voiced by Steve Blum. [DISTURBING COUNTENANCE] [LAME]
Winner of Woodcarving crafting (only competitor)  

[Rain Yupa]

SPIDER CLAN NPCS

Daigotsu Shoichi - A bushi of the Spider Clan, who acts a bit atypical than one might expect. Shoichi is searching for a bride, and is quite often shunned for his rather blatant and public signs of affection and romance. He isn't particularly skilled with women, you see, and the fact that he's from the Spider Clan only compounds the issue. He is said to be a rather gifted warrior, but he wants so much more for himself than to simply live and die by the sword. [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH]
2nd place in Scavenger Hunt, teamed with Himura Kaichiyo

Daigotsu Josuke - A bushi from the Spider, Josuke is here to serve as a yojimbo to any spider delegates as needed. He is a strange one, however, usually noticed by the clinking of chains whenever he's around. While he doesn't carry weapons on him, as per protocol, he insists of retaining his armor, interlinked with those chains it seems. [QUICK]
Teamed with Daigotsu Arisa during Scavenger Hunt
On losing side of Shogi Tournament

Daigotsu Danjuro - A courtier with a winning smile and impeccable appearance. Danjuro is extremely polite, doing his best to win as favorable of a reputation as possible. He greatly enjoys kemari, dancing, and long walks on the beach.
Teamed with Akodo Masaru during Scavenger Hunt

Daigotsu Arisa - A courtier and trivia master from the the Spider. Arisa does seem to be keen on gobbling up knowledge, and seems to have an eidetic memory for facts. She seems intent on making good with the Asako, Ikoma, and Yogo families, due to their focuses on knowledge, though is typically spurned, due to her clan affiliations. [BLAND]
Teamed with Daigotsu Josuke during Scavenger Hunt

Susumu Tansho - A very dangerously beautiful courtier, Tansho is very seductive and typically wears outfits inappropriate for both court and winter. However, she generally rejects the advances of everyone, despite what some people define is leading them on in the first place. While many have found her distasteful over time, there are others whom she has elevated herself in their eyes to the point of worship. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY]  

[Rain Yupa]

UNICORN CLAN NPCS

Ide Seibei - Courtier representative of the Unicorn, Seibei is a jovial, portly man who likes to laugh and enjoyes a fine meal. He has a fair amount of wealth behind him to boot, though he doesn't hold any position of station - he's still young yet, so there's time for him to advance. As an emissary, he seems keen on networking while he's here at winter court.
Teamed with Kuni Sanjiro during Scavenger Hunt
On losing side of Shogi Tournament

Moto Guntomar - A huge, hulking man, completely fit for duty on the front line of a battle, not that of a court. But it is winter, and not a time for battle, as everyone knows. He really, really enjoys Go, and will leap at any opportunity to play it. [LARGE] [LARGE] [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH]
On losing side of Shogi Tournament
Competed in Weapon/Armor crafting competition

Utaku Bayarma - Duelist, bushi, treasure hunter, dashing heroine. Bayarma is the kind of woman that legends are based off of! Well, she's only 19 and hasn't had any significantly legendary adventures YET, but she's working on that! Is also dangerously beautiful, but only when a breeze dramatically makes her hair and clothes billow dramatically in the wind. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [PRODIGY]
1st place in Scavenger Hunt, teamed with Shinjo Hideki

Ide Chieko - Dangerously beautiful? Mo' like, DANGEROUSLY CUTE! Chieko retained a very childlike demeanor of cuteness about her as she matured, though she did fill in to a rather womanly figure. Most of the Unicorn are protective of her, as she is, for the most part, purely innocent. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [SMALL]
Teamed with Toku Seiichi during Scavenger Hunt

Shinjo Hideki - Warrior poet of the Unicorn, Hideki is a handsome man who views courts as another battlefield for him to hone his skills on. He has a great singing voice too, and is able to recite rhetoric more harmoniously than most. Rumor has it that he has his eyes on Doji Kioko, princess of the Doji Family. [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [VOICE]
1st place in Scavenger Hunt, teamed with Utaku Bayarma
On winning side of Shogi Tournament

Ide Urako - A courtier and 'musician' of the Unicorn clan. She is actually a pretty good musician, don't get me wrong. Except it seems to be all that goes through her head. She has a bad habit of humming new songs she's writing in her head instead of paying attention, or playing impromptu instruments in the middle of a meal, or tapping her fingers or feet rhythmically when people are locked in silent prayer. She's pretty low on the honor scale because of all this, but she doesn't seem to care. Or notice?
Teamed with Mirumoto Katsunan during Scavenger Hunt
On losing side of Shogi Tournament  

[Rain Yupa]

MINOR CLAN NPCS

Usagi Ichi - Ichi is a 'courtier' of the Hare Clan. At least, in the way that she probably has invested more time and effort honing courtier-key skills than all the other Hare makes her a courtier. She is very hyperactive and seems to have an unlimited about of energy. Even if she isn't very good at what she does, she always wants to be a part of everything. Ichi always seems rushed for no good reason, and is one of those people who sometimes forgets to breathe when she talks and uses run-on sentences a lot. [QUICK] [SILENT]

Morito Denbe - A tall, broad-shouldered man that has one of those faces that looks like he'll probably murder the jigoku out of you just because he could, but is in fact a rather nice guy when you talk to him for more than 30 seconds. He brought his pet shiba inu, Izo, with him, and can sometimes be found playing with him alone.
On winning side of Shogi Tournament
Winner of Toy Crafting competition (only competitor) and highest ranked craft of all.

Toku Seiichi - A rather competitive man, Seiichi loves a challenge. Generally, he will accept any challenge or competition or risk even if he knows he will fail, simply to see how he measures up. He has a very youthful appearance, and generally gives bad first impressions, but awesome second ones.
Teamed with Ide Chieko during Scavenger Hunt
On losing side of Shogi Tournament
Made a fool of himself during Crafting competition

Suzume Kayoko and Kiyo - Two young samurai-ko maidens from the Sparrow, they are mainly here to seek out potential husbands. These identical twins to sport an impressive array of high skills to show their worth. Though they seem to be lacking in actual courtier practice, and seem to be in a bit over their heads.
Kayoko teamed with Agasha Mai during Scavenger Hunt.
Kiyo teamed with Himura Gendo during Scavenger Hunt.

Kasuga Shoji - A bronze-skinned exotic-looking man from the Tortoise, who doesn't appear to have been invited. Shoji is mainly here for reasons other than court, instead more interested in the city of Kyuden Doji. Is he looking for someone? For something? Is he just bored? Whatever his reasons, he was given lodging at the castle, much to everyone's surprise. For the most part, he's only seen in passing, heading to his room late at night, and leaving earlier than most.  

[Rain Yupa]

IMPERIAL NPCS

Otomo Koto - An imperial envoy who is spending court at Kyuden Doji, instead of nearby Kyuden Otomo. Oddly, he wears a pale white noh mask at all times. He is not seen participating in any events, and usually is seen surveying things. Despite being a courtier, he wears his katana openly.

Tara - Otomo Koto's dangerously beautiful peasant budoka. She is often seen carrying a nage-yari, and seems to be rather protective of her charge. She has extremely short black hair and, since not clothed in samurai garb, extremely fit. Can you say "girl abs"? [DANGEROUS BEAUTY] [STRENGTH OF THE EARTH] [SOCIAL DISADVANTAGE]
On winning side of Shogi Tournament  

[Rain Yupa]

RONIN NPCS

Shingen - A ronin duelist who has been given permission to attend the court. Though he's not attending on his own accord, he is basically a duelist sellsword in case anyone has need of his services. He has a reputation of being a fairly decent duelist, despite his young age, and has pulled this shtick for several winters now. [QUICK] [SOCIAL DISADVANTAGE]

Jakuchu - A ronin samurai who served a Crane lord that was friends with the Doji Clan Champion but was killed while he was away on a duty. While most of his former clanmates have fallen on hard times and embraced the unseemly habits that ronin pick up, Jakuchu has done his best to remain loyal to his former clan and stay on an honorable path. It is unknown why he hasn't been adopted by a different lord all this time. [SOCIAL DISADVANTAGE] [MISSING LIMB: LEFT ARM]  

[Rain Yupa]

EVERYONE ELSE

Emi - A servant girl who Naohiko is familiar with from back in the colonies, who currently serves the Crane in the mainland. She has a thing for him, apparently.