Hojo "Jo" Honjo: Cormite born of an Immigrant

[DOT]

Surname: Hojo
First Name: Honjo
Nickname: Jo



Born of Cormyr to a refugee mother of Kozakura descent from Thesk and a local Chondathan father, Jo lived most of his youth in a cramped and yet unnamed district of Marsember, the city of spices.

His features were too eastern looking for westerners, and too western looking for easterners, Jo more often than not stood out in whatever group he happened to be in. 

Most everyone wants to belong, how difficult then to feel some exclusion from not one but two groups of people...
still Jo would make every effort to be an outstanding citizen and to be a welcoming friend for that very reason.



The yet unnamed district, a small and  cramped district in northern Marsember inhabited
primarily by Shou and other immigrants that travelled the spice trade route, the Golden Way. 
(ooc: theme music of when Jo is in the family home within the district)




 

[DOT]

Freesail Oath



Meanwhile in Marsember... Jo swears an oath and is now officially a member of the Cormyrean Freesails and the Alliance of Freesailors.
He watches the stars twinkle as the sun disappears over the horizon... the sound of bawdy songs reach his ears from a nearby tavern. 
He smiles faintly. 

"I Hojo Honjo swear that I am not wanted by Cormyr, her vassals or allies on any criminal matter.

That I will uphold the Law of Cormyr and the Maritime Law as dictated by the Alliance of Freesailors.

That I shall answer the call to serve when Cormyr's Fleet and the Alliance of Freesailors so order it.

That I shall obey the orders of those appointed over me by the Crown of Corymr,

and that I shall treat my crew and those of other vessels with justice and honor."


Officers in attendance at Renewal of Oath ((on 3/24/23, original oath taken 5/17/21))
Commander Ulfred Fredersen 
Commander Seria Dall of Sword of Aribel
Lord High Admiral Ayesunder Truesilver, Warden of Marsember Harbor
Admiral Hazen Kelafin
Captain/Sir Soren Dauntinghorn of Ansiber's Wrath
Commander Lorister Singerthur
Commodore/Sir Hector "The Sailor" Dauntinghorn
Lieutenant Justian Waynolt

[DOT]

Favored Weapons


Although Jo is not a master of or even focused in any weapon yet, he is able to use all weapons with effectiveness, from the most simplist to the exotic choosing the right tool for the job.

As of this writing he tends to favor using a Katana and a Tessen.





The pair he currently wields are well-made by a local smith, but certainly Jo has plans for something greater.
On his person, he carries the design schematics for one... even going so far as to already bestow a name upon it.

Wishful thinking? Perhaps, but one must dream first. 

Tessen: Fujin - a warfan that carries the essence of a gust of wind, used defensively to parry projectiles and deflect incoming blows not too dissimilar from a shield.

Katana: Raijin - a traditionally forged katana that carries the essence of thunder and lighting

The Armory

Weapons, Shields, and Armors of note on his person or kept in storage. ((updated 6/25/23))

"Typhoon Winds"

Forged using traditional Kozakuran techniques, imbued with lightning magic to honor the spirits of the typhoons, and bearing the mark of master smith Hu Li,

it is clear that this katana is not a replica, but an authentic, Samurai weapon.

The inscription along the blade reads: "Typhoon Winds".

These distinctive factors, all indicate that the curved sword holds more than considerable resemblance to one that belonged to an exiled Samurai or Ronin known as Ozu Hada of Dojyu.

It is said that upon leaving his distant homeland in disgrace, Ozu traveled alone through the continent to the west for many miles, eventually reaching the kingdom of Impiltur.

There, he proved himself, and to the Lords of Imphras II, an honorable warrior and capable sailor.

Finding new lords to serve and a new purpose as captain of an Impilturan war caraval, he attained local renown. More recent reports state that during a violent scuffle with pirates,

Ozu was disarmed somehow and his blade, Typhoon Winds, has remained lost ever since.

[DOT]

Paladin




Paladin... what is it... or rather, what is it often?
Heavy Plate. A big sword. Blonde?

He was none of those things. Leather armor, a unique choice of weapons, a blend of two different worlds.

Why then should his path to the mantle of the Paladin be any different? Most paladins you hear of seem to have been born into the role.

Not so for him.

His story, is the tale before the mantle, should it ever be bestowed upon him.



//ooc: I believe this character's journey will be one in which the paladin class is the prestige class for the character,
and not one attained outright,
hopefully this will lead to interesting character struggles to feel worthy of both worlds he was born into,
as well as worthy in the eyes of Torm so that he might be bestowed the class.//

[DOT]

Wolf




With his plans to move from Greatgaunt and the wilds nearby, to the grey stone and dark waters of Valkur's Roar... it was time for Jo to set his companion of nine years free.

Free to run through the wilds of the Bramble and sow his oats.

Jo knew that Okami was in good hands with Neva. The large beast would not do well in the confines of the city, but that is where duty called him to... and so for now... this was goodbye.

Okami always had a forceful personality, keen to lead and not to listen... this was a bittersweet departure felt by both.

[DOT]

Valkur's Roar




The discourse within the Great Hall took many an hour. Jo had learned more about dragons than he had in all his prior years from that one sitting.

Following that lengthy audience, from which he obtained a better idea of the politics and personalities therein, Jo worked with the Reserves to cull any growth within the ruins of Hilp.

To this day the town remains a tragic scar on the kingdom.

It was a long day, but the task was accomplished, and he found favor with the Reserves and the nobles. Jo planned to stay and pursue this opportunity.

Luckily Jo found a place to stay longterm within the city... and it reminded him of the modest house his family lives in within a district of Marsember.

Within one of the Tipsy Imp's theme rooms, it smelled like someone he encountered in passing strangely enough.

[DOT]

Oath of the Roar




I shall serve no mortal power, above the King's Lord of Valkur's Roar, excepting only those placed above him by the Crown of Cormyr.

~adjusts his footing~

As a member of the Valkur's Roar Reserve, I pledge to aid and defend the people of Valkur's Roar from any force that seeks to harm them.

I affirm that I am not wanted for any crimes anywhere within the Forest Kingdom of Cormyr.

I pledge to do my best to perform the duties in the Reserves without fear of personal loss, obey my superiors' commands, and uphold the Laws of Cormyr and those of Valkur's Roar.

I pledge to serve faithfully and dutifully at the Barron's pleasure until I am released from my oath by the Lord of Baron's blessings or otherwise.


...and so it was that Jo became a member of the Valkur's Roar reserves. 


....

Tanya Steel: Gives a welcoming nod and gentle smile to the new Guard Elite.

Ru: Quietly steps forward, once the oaths are done, to hand Eranin a shiny new badge and flashes a smile at her and her pack.
Welcome ta both a you.

Eranin Ketia: She gives Ru a happy smile, and dips her head deeply, then pinning the badge to the strap at her pack.

Ru: Slight dip of her head in return before stepping back.

Runa Rothgar: The Captain produces a badge and pins it next to his emblem.
Your soul may belong to the Gods... however...
She finishes pinning.
Your Kara-Turan tush... belongs to me.
With that, she pops a fist into the pinned badge.

Hojo "Jo" Honjo: Looks ahead whilst being pinned.
Understood Captain.

[DOT]

Tribute




...so the journey was made to the Associate of the Benefactor, and a tribute was requested.

Jo is of modest means, but value is in the eye of the beholder.

On his person, the item of most value, was his katana. A decent blade warm to the touch.

Gone now, as duty demands.

[DOT]

Shakedown Cruise




The Pike under Captain Bensbane, C.C.S. Drake's Tooth under Captain Blake, and the Ashen Gargoyle under Captain Slinger ... underway at full sail at the call of Blue Dragon Commander Seria Dall.

A mostly successful training exercise with the Freesails and would-be applicants.

Prior to departure, Jo was reminded that he was ship's stew and would be voluntold to prepare food underway. 


...upon return, Jo requested and was granted permission to touch the Royal Navy's flagship, the C.C.S. Dragon... and so one of his life goals was checked off the list.


Fiddlesticks
Asgardian Grey Hawk
DM Sauron

[DOT]

The Mercenary

"When you are a mercenary and you travel with other mercenaries you learn to respect each other's gear.
You learn that a missing weapon or damaged one means your companion can't watch your back or defend themselves making fights harder on you.

You are responsible for your own equipment and you have care to not damage your companion's even by accident. 

And more, it has to be in good maintenance, damaged armor pieces need to be replaced, arrows kept stocked, food packed for lean times.

When you fight, your companions depend on you to have everything in good order to do your part and you have to make sure you don't interfere with their own preparations and gear as it can cost delays that get people killed."

-Cathea Steel

Whilst in Marsember, Jo opens up a conversation, and gains wisdom he might not have been privy to prior. 
Likely words to be repeated, despite not being a mercenary himself, but often working with many. 


ladyphoenix

[DOT]

Embarkation Day




"The sense of urgency among those that leave and those that assist them is only surpassed by another feeling; one that could probably be described as reassurance in that the destination of this aptly-named Liberator Flotilla, matters not as as much as the personal journey of those numerous daring individuals.

The first ship to set sail is the peculiar looking Pike, captained by the veteran and feisty treasure hunter known as Bensbane. Upon leaving the docks, the Pike slows down her speed and waits for other two Freesail vessels.

Second to leave after the Pike, is the Drake's Tooth, an aged carrack renovated and heavily modified for Freesail use.

The third of the Freesails vessels to leave is also the latest addition to the Freesail Alliance: the Ashen Gargoyle of the Four Winds Trading Company of Valkur's Roar.

As the three Freesailor vessels complete their exit of Marsember's harbor, the 4th Naval Squadron of Blue Dragons, commanded by Commodore Sir Hector Dauntinghorn, prepares to follow the Freesails and act as their support during the entire mission.

The first to leave among these navy ships is the Helm of Marsember, a speedy and agile coastal runner. Second to leave is the Sword of Arabel, a bomb ketch captain by the efficient priate hunter and Blue Dragon Commander Seria Dall.

Third to leave is the Thomdor's Fist, a war caravel recently outfitted with cannon.

Finnaly, the last ship of the commodre's squadron is none other than his own flagship, the Rhigaerd's Gauntlet. A war galleon 160 ft long and 45 ft wide, which carries enough heavy firepower to end victories against almost and odds by herself alone.

With nearly one third of current Cormyr's naval might in the rear and the three privateer ships spearheading the naval operation, the presence alone of the Liberator Flotilla is as much a sight to behold, as a theme of speculation among local commoners and nobles alike. What are they exactly after, where and why? This is yet to be known.

Ahead of them, an endless dark blue ocean of possibilities and perils awaits them. What stories will they bring back home and what tales of glory are to be shared in the future among their friends and peers?"

DM Sauron

Captain Blake advised of a stowaway. Jo found the blue crab in question, and turned it into soup for the crew.

Following that, he took watch for the evening as the flotilla sailed to Palaggar... a beautiful sky twinkled above.

[DOT]

Palaggar and the Freesailor's Tower




Early to rise and following morning prayer, Jo made the most of day 2 on Palaggar, spending a good deal of the day at the Freesailor's Tower, reviewing a map of the Sea of Fallen Stars, and a more detailed one of Cormyr's shoreline.

There were many naval charts to read through, different smaller maps, notes and letters left by other captains of the Cormyrean Freesails. The latest entry read:

"--Wyvernwater 'Treasure Island--
-The island is said to be a pirate hideout, near impossible to locate.
-An unknown curse animates the drowned sailors and pirates here.
-Vicious undead parrot attacked the cook of the Pike. Stuffed and left in the Sign of the Thunder Inn of Thunderstone as trophy.
*signed* Capt. Bensbane"


Another document listed the names of recent ships and captains that had been conscripted recently by the Cormyrean Freesails. 

"1378 DR - The Pike (Thunderstone) - Capt. Bensbane

1385 DR - The Tethys (Valkur's Roar) - Capt. Neckan Blake"

Perhaps the document was not updated yet as the fleet included the Ashen Gargoyle... but also what of the Wandering Scholar?

He would finish reading through documents and maps well into the night, before retiring to the Ensign's Lament Tavern & Inn.

[DOT]

"See you in the streets."




 On Tarsakh 30, 1386 DR... 

The Castellan, Inquisitor Steel, Guardsman Jo, along with several regular guard performed the task of raiding the [REDACTED].

It was a quick, efficient, and decisive operation with no loss of life. 



emeraldsnowx

[DOT]

Sites Unseen




More recently, Jo would change his patrol rounds to evenings and sleep during the day.

What reason that might be remains a mystery at this time, but certainly he is not likely to be seen for at least tenday by most...

[DOT]

Higher Justice




On 21st Mirtul 1387, high justice was served.


//ooc thank you for providing a foil of a character to many a player character, may Vindel Alow find more adventures on his new journey

Asgardian Grey Hawk

[DOT]

Drifting in the Wind




Jo saw the clouds drift above, his position in the crow's nest afforded him a grand view of the flotilla, assorted vessels of the Royal Navy and its Blue Dragon Knights, the Freesailors, a privateer of the Crown.

The Thayan vessel sank slowly as the depths began to claim its burning hulk.

A fierce fight on the seas it was, and yet the skies above were nearly clear as day... not a drop of rain in the... sky.

Jo felt the piercing cold from the waters below... but how did it reach him all of the way up the mast?

*SPLASH*



"Nnngh"... Jo awoke, blinking his eyes open and pushing himself up from the floor.

"Let's go sailor! Remember to stay hydrated in these scorching depths." A Blue Dragon marine or perhaps another with bucket in hand had poured its contents onto Jo's head.


Jo looked around... "Aye sir." The battle with the Enchanter was tenday twice over past now. His surroundings dark, smelling of sulfur, warm stone to the touch, the lava bubbling just nearby.

He must have passed out from the heat...


A blur of recent events passed through his mind as he attempted to steady himself.


The battle with the Enchanter and her crew of zealots...


Storming the beach...


Through the portal and breaching the gate...
wait no... they were still preparing for that. Jo fanned himself with his Tessen for a gust of wind.



He... had been here for some time now... far and away for an extended period of time, as is often the life of a sailor.

Standing upright now and reaching for his waterskin to drink... Jo's mind drifted to home...


wondering what his fellow Reserves were up to, hoping all was well.

...


*plop - bubble blup-plop* The lava churned slowly, the intense heat playing a distinct taunting melody.

[DOT]

No One Suspects the Honorary Inquisition




With belly full from the meeting's breakfast, Guardsman Jo was gifted with the status of an Honorary Inquisitor of Valkur's Roar.

The badge would sit in a new bracer on his left forearm made just for it,

counter to the green Valkur's Roar Reserve Guard badge on his right forearm,

leaving still the round badge of the Freesails at his waist.


Jo was curious, how he would fill this role in service, and how his path to the Mantle might affect it.

[DOT]

Threat Assessment




To the common untrained eye, Guardsman Jo would appear to be doing his normal patrol rounds along the docks of Valkur's Roar.

...now perhaps lingering more in areas and being more considerate with his thoughts...

a furrowing of his brow, scribbling on a scroll, a faint squinting of his eyes...

what he did, certainly was not typical.

As the sun set, Jo would pause and look onto the calm waters of the harbor...

exhaling loudly. A sign of frustration or concern? Perhaps only deep in thought.