Way of the Stag

'Beauty comes from nature, we simply guide it' - Ojika Family motto

History

In the grand city of Otosan Uchi there was a magnificent garden, tended by an
ancient family in the service of the Emperor. The Ojika, formally known as
the Stag Clan, are an incredibly tiny minor clan, smaller even than the Toad
and Firefly. Mostly the gardeners of Otosan Uchi were content to tend to the
splendid gardens, and it was very rare to encounter one outside of Otosan
Uchi. When they did leave the Imperial city, they could be seen in Asahina or
Agasha lands, trading seeds and gardening techniques.

However, the garden was destroyed by the corrupted Crab during the battle
against Fu Leng, causing the Ojika much pain and sorrow. Although Fu Leng
was beaten, and Toturi the First now sits on the throne, the Stag have seen the
grief of the peasants, the tragedy war brings and the pain it causes to the land.
They resolved to no longer cloister themselves in their newly rebuilt gardens
at Otosan Uchi, but to attempt to try to heal the Empire.

The Ojika Gardeners now travel the Empire, healing the sick and defending
the land from the ravages of war. Of course, the Stag clan still maintains the
Emperor’s garden, as it is their ancestral duty, and the garden appears to be
even more beautiful in recent months following the Ojika’s new found
purpose and direction.

The Stag Clan fosters alliances with the Fox and the Firefly, and many Ojika
still travel to the lands of their Asahina cousins. The current daimyo of the
Stag, Ojika Kagure is an honourable man with a strong vision of a peaceful
future for Rokugan.

The Ojika

The Ojika are the official gardeners of the Emperor, and are highly skilled and
in tune with nature. They are a peaceful family, very much like their cousins,
the Asahina of the Crane.
Bonus: +1 Intelligence
Mon: A golden stag's head on a black background.
Saying: 'Beauty comes from Nature, we simply guide it'

The Ojika Gardeners

'The time for seclusion has ended, let us heal the land of its pain' - Ojika
Kagure

The Emperor's Gardeners now travel throughout the Empire, helping those in
need and healing the land.

Benefit: +1 Perception
Skills: Bojutsu, Herbalism, Lore: Gardens, any three skills
Beginning Honour: 3
Equipment: (All considered to be Average Quality) Bo, Kimono, Scroll
Case, Travelling Pack, Kama, Wakizashi, 2 Blank Scrolls, 3 Zeni.

Starting Spells
3 Earth Spells, 3 Water Spells
Ojika Gardeners have an affinity to Earth and a deficiency in Air.

Ancestors

Asahina Ojika - 2 Points

Birth and Death Unknown
Ojika was an Asahina shugenja who gained the favour of the Hantei long ago
when the Emperor visited his gardens in Crane lands. The Emperor was so
impressed he invited Ojika to move to Otosan Uchi and build the finest garden
ever created. Ojika agreed, and took his apprentices with him.
Any character who takes Ojika as an ancestor is finely attuned to the plants
and flowers, he displays a vast knowledge of the plants and their potential.
The character gains a free raise on all Lore: Gardens, Lore: Plants, Lore:
Flowers, and Herbalism rolls.

Nemuranai

The Ojika Wakizashi

The ancestral wakizashi of the Stag is a finely crafted sword, but it has never
been drawn, and is simply used in ceremonial functions. It is believed that the
blade is not awakened, as it has been used so rarely since its creation.
In reality, it is awakened, following the reverential treatment it has received
over the centuries. It will protect those who show it respect, and are
honourable. If the bearer of the Ojika Wakizashi has an honour of at least 4.0,
no non-magical weapon can harm him. The damage rating of the Ojika
Wakizashi is 3k2, but should it be used as a weapon, it loses its protective
powers.