To be a Takumi (Quest/Enkon)

[drift]

So you want to become a Takumi? The legacy of such a proud profession is long and rich in lore, from enchanted blades and pieces of armor to your everyday Katana. In order to train to become a fully fledged Takumi you will need a master to show you the ancient methods of the craftsmen and their secret knowledge and jutsu that enable them to create fine tools of death. And so your journey begins.

It is a fine day In Kumo, the village buzzes with activity as shinobi and non ninja go about their business. Among the myriad of shops and faces you will search, looking where you can for a knowledge of where you can find a Takumi. You hear rumor that you can find what your looking for on the village outskirts. A less wealthy area it's inhabitants though lawful act just within the boundaries of the law, and you are in their turf.

There are a group of shady looking old men playing dice and chatting on one side of the street, on the other rough looking youths eye passers by and laugh through whispers. One of the groups may know something of what you need to know, the question is which? Choose wisely.

[enzan]

I couldn’t keep myself contained; and had to race down to the local shop sections, after hearing of the rumor that some takumi were around. I had always admired there work and skill, and there apparent attention to beauty. I glanced back, it was only for a moment, and I wanted to look at the guitar I had strapped on my back. I couldn’t remember the name of the man who created this for me, it was a hazy memory indeed but I was still honored. I needed to learn their ways immediately, my attention to beauty far surpasses the regular norm so there was no doubt my creations would become legendary.

The rumors were only a faint clue; there was more that needed to be found for my quest to continue. I had arrived upon a cross roads and needed to find answers about my dream fast. I walked over, towards the group that looked about my age, young except there beauty paled in comparison to mine. I approached them slowly, making sure to note how long it would take me to beat them all to hell if I didn’t get my answers. ” Hello, I am looking for information upon a certain skill. Would any of you know of the Takumi?”

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[drift]

The gang of youths would turn to face you, their eyes were sharp clocking your headband first, their expressions not exactly friendly. The most arrogant looking would step forward. A blonde haired lad with ice blue eyes and a muscular physique. "Takumi!!? Do we look like we're Takumi or even know of those fools. I fight with weapons i don't craft them, tch that's a losers job." Spitting at your feet the boy would return his attention to his friends ignoring your presence.

The youth may yet know something but it seems he has a problem with you, further questioning could prove fruitful, or could prove bothersome and time wasting. Your options on what to do are limited, and there are always the group of old geezers throwing dice perhaps they will know of what you seek. One old mans attention seems to have piqued and he gazes your way yet that might be at the thought i fight may occur, who can tell.

[enzan]

” Do you really think that was a wise choice, Boy.”

I had become slightly agitated by his actions but what he said intrigued me. He contradicted himself by saying he used weapons and didn’t know of the crafters who would create such a thing. I dismissed it; there was no need to continue so I walked across towards the dice game with the older gentlemen. I knew this would be simple because of my provoking words towards the boy which would allow me to investigate them both for the rumors at the same time. ” Hey, old guys, any of you have some knowledge on the takumi? “ I guess a second try wouldn’t be that bad after the first fail.

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[drift]

As you walk away snickering and jeering would follow your footsteps, your lack of retaliation seeming weak to the youths. However sometimes the peaceful route is more beneficial. As you approach the old geezers a few turn their heads your way though most continue with the game at hand rolling dice and exchanging coins. You vaguely hear the words no good punks and damn kids today.

At first nobody would answer you the old men seemingly having not heard your question, one however stands up and looks you over quickly with an expression of indifference. "Takumi eh?" The old man would pause savoring the sentence before withdrawing and opening up a pack of smokes. "What does a kid want with a Takumi? If you need a new weapon go to the stores like everyone else." he would ask lighting his cigarette and exhaling a large cloud of smoke toward you. Without waiting for an answer the old man would crouch down once more and throw another set of dice.

[enzan]

I felt insulted, how dare he tell me that I should just go buy some random pieces of filth from these non-takumi vendors. I had a visible look; it wasn’t a frown but almost a solemn and stern face. ” If I wanted garbage, yeah I would go to a vendor. Yet what I ask for is beauty and nothing is more beautiful than a creation given to you from the one who made it or making it yourself. I wish to learn from them. . I want something which is mine . . . not something I can pick up from a store. “ my words, they were filled with sincerity, this was my true emotions towards the work of a smith. I had hoped the old man would feel my sentiments, that he could at least point me into the direction from which I could become iron born. ” So do you know anything about them? “

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[drift]

For awhile the old man continued his dice rolls, showing no reaction to your word. With a a sigh after what seems an age he stands placing his small winnings away. "A weapon is only as good as it's maker." taking another deep drag on his cigarette the old man would turn away from you. "I know someone who might train you, you must give him a token of your worth. He will see your worth. If your worthy he will train you."

With that the old man would begin to walk away, small clouds of smoke trailing in his wake. "Come" he would call out. It seems you have found a lead, you can only hope the Takumi finds you worthy.

[enzan]

The old man was annoying, except the favored results were achieved. I followed behind him, this person who would judge my worth. I wondered what he would be like in the long run, would this be a woman or a man. And is there any chance that I can actually do the work, I wanted to make beautiful creations. Yet if I wasn’t worthy could I really go on? I stopped, maybe this wouldn't work out.

//Exit ( mainly because of the freeze on buying tools and until the system is fixed this quest is useless. I apologize drift. )

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[♚ aurora]

28 EXP @ Lunacy