https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2017/6/21/the-rising-wave/

So the lion are raging against everyone it seems. But besides that, nice set up for the Dragon.

The cult just being a superstition is a tad dissapointing, I hope they show there is more going on behind it for something they seemed to stress in articles describing the dragon before this.

So glad I never had a Champion like Yokuni.

Poor Mirumoto daimyo though..dutiful as ever yet treated as such..

In this fiction: The Phoenix clan are not fans of freedom of speech

Quote

Of course it appealed to peasants, who lacked the time and education to devote themselves to the requirements of the Brotherhood. Three simple words, and Shinsei would save them. The practice was controversial at best; the Phoenix had outlawed the kie entirely, visiting harsh punishments on anyone, monk or peasant or even samurai, found chanting that phrase. They said it was heresy—a false path, not a genuine route to enlightenment.

This is the first of the fictions I kind if like. This is a good thing.

I wonder how much they are basing the Perfect Land Sect on the real world Pure Land sect of Buddhism.

I admit I was a little worried about this one. Its nice to be wrong.

I'll also say I have nothing negative to say about Hitomi. Masashige saying she could put her duty above her anger is a welcome change, if it holds.

For having no 'action' this was the strongest fic yet imo.

I guess we know where Kisada is going to get help from, if my read on Yokuni's vision is correct.

1 minute ago, Joe From Cincinnati said:

In this fiction: The Phoenix clan are not fans of freedom of speech

Correction: they are against freedom of religion.

Also the Unicorn's main export to the Dragon are widows/widowers.

so there's that.

Just now, Suzume Tomonori said:

Correction: they are against freedom of religion.

In this case, they go hand in hand, no?

2 minutes ago, Suzume Tomonori said:

This is the first of the fictions I kind if like. This is a good thing.

I wonder how much they are basing the Perfect Land Sect on the real world Pure Land sect of Buddhism.

I dont know much about Buddhisim.

I caught a monotheist, pray and you'll go tp heaven vibe.

That could just cultural bias tho.

1 minute ago, Joe From Cincinnati said:

In this case, they go hand in hand, no?

I think one could make a distinction between the saying of a prayer and the giving of a speech intended to sway others, but regardless of where you draw the line it appears the Phoenix aren't big on personal freedom (but who is in Rokugan?)

I will be interested to see if the Dragon Championship works the same as it used to or if they have changed it, i.e. actually Togashi anymore.

I'm not sure why, but every time I see that artwork of Yokuni, my first thought is, "Mantis!" That, combined with the title of the fiction left me rather confused until I opened up the news article and they explicitly said it was a Dragon fiction.

That being said, this is probably the fiction I've enjoyed the most so far. I rather prefer this technique of learning about the champion through his interactions with the POV character, rather than having him actually BE the POV character. I just think the clan champions work better when they're kept a little separated from the reader.

Just now, Joe From Cincinnati said:

In this case, they go hand in hand, no?

There's a reason that the US Bill of Rights includes both in the same amendment.

Also, does anyone know what castle/city is depicted at the top of page 3? I love how the towers look like pines on the mountain!

Just now, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

I dont know much about Buddhisim.

I caught a monotheist, pray and you'll go tp heaven vibe.

That could just cultural bias tho.

I get that vibe from Pure Land Buddhism myself, oddly enough.

I'm no expert on the subject, but if I recall correctly Pure Land Buddhism teachers that if you chant a prayer to the Amida Buddha (as its known in Japan) at least 10 times in your life you go to the Pure Land (a paradise / heaven) when you die, though I think there is a caveat about how long it takes your soul to go their being based on how good a life you lead.

But I could be mixing some traditions up.

3 minutes ago, JJ48 said:

I rather prefer this technique of learning about the champion through his interactions with the POV character, rather than having him actually BE the POV character.

This!

Though to be fair, champions like Hotaru are supposed to be fresh, unsure, and flawed characters, while Yokuni is older, more experienced, and mysterious.

5 minutes ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

I dont know much about Buddhisim.

I caught a monotheist, pray and you'll go tp heaven vibe.

That could just cultural bias tho.

I have the same cultural bias apparently, because I thought the same thing.

I'm pretty excited for the Dragon stories from now on. Definitely my favorite fiction so far, and I did like the first 2.

Although the main character thinking that Scorpion superiority in court is a bad thing is clearly off base.

As much as I enjoyed this fiction, still sort of bummed Hotaru didn't appear in the background getting a tattoo or something. Good story overall, gave some insights into where the story is and where it's gonna go.

1 minute ago, profparm said:

I have the same cultural bias apparently, because I thought the same thing.

I'm pretty excited for the Dragon stories from now on. Definitely my favorite fiction so far, and I did like the first 2.

Although the main character thinking that Scorpion superiority in court is a bad thing is clearly off base.

I've always liked Shoju since Steve Sullivans book, so I don't disagree with you there

Anyone have any speculation about Yokuni's vision?

1 minute ago, Zetsubou said:

Anyone have any speculation about Yokuni's vision?

I think its the big shadowlands attack about to hit the Wall

1 minute ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

I think its the big shadowlands attack about to hit the Wall

Seems a strong possibility. Would be kind of sad, in my opinion, to start off the "samurai drama" with a shadowlands invasion, however. Not to say the two are inherently mutually exclusive, I just think a balance would be hard to strike.

8 minutes ago, SHARKOSAURUS said:

As much as I enjoyed this fiction, still sort of bummed Hotaru didn't appear in the background getting a tattoo or something. Good story overall, gave some insights into where the story is and where it's gonna go.

They never named the woman who was "new enough to the order that she had only two tattoos gracing her bare arms".

13 minutes ago, Suzume Tomonori said:

This!

Though to be fair, champions like Hotaru are supposed to be fresh, unsure, and flawed characters, while Yokuni is older, more experienced, and mysterious.

I understand why they do it, but I still prefer this narrative style.

13 minutes ago, Suzume Tomonori said:

This!

Though to be fair, champions like Hotaru are supposed to be fresh, unsure, and flawed characters, while Yokuni is older, more experienced, and mysterious.

Pretty sure a section from Yokuni's POV would give the whole game away.

So, at this point, Satsu is already dead, I take it?

I wonder if it was death by tetsubo...

Just now, Zetsubou said:

Seems a strong possibility. Would be kind of sad, in my opinion, to start off the "samurai drama" with a shadowlands invasion, however. Not to say the two are inherently mutually exclusive, I just think a balance would be hard to strike.

I think the point will be keeping the invasion on the 'right' side of the Wall. If so, the impact on the other plotlines might be minimal