Many visitors to Ryoko Owari make it a point to visit the House of the Morning Star - a tea house whose entertainments are renowned throughout Rokugan. The Morning Star is on Teardrop Island, which houses the Licensed Quarter of Ryoko Owari. Reaching it involves a lovely sail through the peaceful waters of the River of Gold - a journey almost as serene as the destination. The House itself is modest and unassuming, as befits the refined entertainments presented within. Here one will find no vulgar display or garish excesses; no, the arts practiced here are completely those of Rokugan, as traditional in their way as the services in a temple.
SHIGEKO'S DOSSIER: The House of the Morning Star can be
seen asthe polar opposite of the House of Foreign Stories.Where
one is loud and bright, the other is calm andsubdued. Where one
is foreign and exotic, the other is strictly traditional. However, in
the eyes of honor, both are equal and both are disgusting.
Both houses are where those of samurai caste (mostly men,
but women as well) gatherto drink,smoke opium, and engage in
disgraceful behaviors. In other words, it iswhere theygo to forget
their families, their clan and their duties. While Komachi and the
Scorpion clan would have you believe that such houses are a
venerable establishment in Rokugan, I say that there is nothing
more contrary to our national spirit.
The Morning Star is run by Jewel, but it centers around
her daughter Precious, who is their central attraction. It is
rumored that Precious is the mistress of Jocho , but it is also
said that she is the mistress of Korechika, Baranato,
Sanifusa and Sukemara. Some would even have me
believe that all of the above are true, but I fin d such a claim
dubious at best. It is certain, however, that both women enjoy
significant protection from their noble patrons.
It is four minutes from the Morning Star to the House of
Foreign Stories, five or more minutes to the Island Garden, and
seven minutes to "Swords Polished".