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2013-06-22 : Kotei- Thunder Bay, ON
2013-06-22 : Kotei- Boulogne Billancourt
2013-06-22 : Kotei - Anchorage, AK
2013-06-22 : Kotei - Collinsville, IL
2013-06-22 : Kotei - Londonderry, NH
2013-06-29 : Kotei- QuezonCity, Philippines
2013-06-29 : Kotei - Santa Clara, CA
2013-06-29 : Kotei - Detroit, MI

[Doji Okita]

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[Kakita Kae]

By request, I'm posting what I had worn to the Nebraska 2012 Kotei. I was attempting to portray a Doji magistrate but, many of the people there who knew who I was referred to me as Kakita Kae who gained "magistrate" keyword.

I had chosen to write my essay (with some slight changes) as well as a much needed prop, an edict from the Emerald Champion, Utaku Ji-yun, on scrolls. Let me tell you... limiting myself to one typed page for my essay/story is much harder than you might think.

What is a magistrate without scrolls for their edicts?

The essay I had written provides glimpses in the life of the young magistrate that I was attempting to portray. For those who are into the RPG, some of her advantages and disadvantages include: Small, Brash, Driven, Quick.

The Essay
Year 1198, Month of the Hare

As per her regimen, a young, Crane magistrate meditates in her quarters within Kyuden Doji reflecting over her Mizu-Do training from the past day until a knock is heard at her chamber door.

Her eyes dart to the door, “Yes?”
“Doji Aiko-sama, an urgent edict from the Office of the Emerald Champion, Utaku Ji Yun, has arrived and I was instructed to bring it to you at once,” exclaimed the servant.

The servant notices the kanzashi that adorn the young, samurai-ko’s hair that were gifted to her from one of the finest Crane artisans. She then gazes upon her beautiful silk obi that belonged to her great, great grandmother that walked the floors of Toturi’s courts.

Upon hearing this, Doji Aiko’s eye’s widened for this might be the opportunity she has longed for since a young age. "Travel to the Ivory Kingdoms," whispers Aiko.


By edict of the Emerald Champion, Utaku Ji-Yun, you have been chosen to help further our holdings in the colonies in the Ivory Kingdoms. You have proven yourself resilient in body and spirit, though your brashness has been the subject of many a raised eyebrow behind a courtier's fan. However, it seems you have some favor in the court. Kakita Kae has given her support in favor of you in the courts so that you may bring honor to the Crane.

You shall report to Kyuden Hida to await further instruction and explanation of duties.

Go and bring order by the will of the Divine Empress Iweko I.


As the servant leaves, Aiko’s perceptive eye is caught by the daisho that adorns the wall, which was carried by her father’s father before her that was wielded to protect their daimyo from an attempted assassination. She lowers her head and whispers, “I will not fail you.” She walks over to the stand, bows, and removes the katana from its stand. “I will strive to bring honor to the Crane.”

Year 1198, Month of the Serpent
Upon arrival to Kyuden Hida, a Crab guardsman scans the Crane contingent. He notices one small figure hiding beneath a jingasa to protect her fair skin under the blaring sun.

“You’re such a tiny Crane,” says the Hida while attempting to conceal a chuckle.
“I would watch your tongue, Hida,” Aiko hissed beneath her jingasa.

A fellow Crane courtier deflects Aiko’s remarks and brings the attention to her while she fans herself with her elaborate yet delicate fan. “Thank you, Hida-san, for greeting us. Can you please show us to where the Crane contingency shall be residing while here at Kyuden Hida."

At the designated Crane quarters, Aiko is greeted by “First Magistrate”, Doji Hakuseki. Instantly, she bows as deeply as she can.

“Hakuseki-sama. It is an honor to finally meet you. I eagerly await instruction and whatever duties you have in store for me.”

“Soon enough. We shall see how you fare. The Ivory Kingdoms will be foreign to you. I expect diligence, dedication, and compassion when performing your duties,” as Hakuseki hands Aiko her magistrate badge.

“Hai!” exclaimed Aiko.


The Costume

Warning: this is not Gencon quality so please don't get your hopes up for anything amazing or fantastic.

Below are some photos of my costume where all pieces minus the katana and fan were made by hand.

So, that you all know, I did create 3.5 tall geta which were rather challenging to make and walk in. Overall, I was very, very pleased with how to costume turned out.

The green circle badge hanging from my obi is my emerald magistrate badge that I had hand painted on the chrysanthemum onto. Many thought that that empty scroll tucked into my obi was an Imperial Favor to prevent my death, bowing, and movement but, instead it's a blank scroll for my duties that I have in store for me upon arrival to Kyuden Hida. I had Aiko (myself) go to Kyuden Hida to await orders because the TO (Bob Yager aka Hida Yagimaki) of the Nebraska kotei refers to his kotei location as Kyuden Hida. I had a 8" diameter Crane mon on my back as well as two 4" Doji mons on the fronts of the shoulders of my kataginu. IMO, the kataginu is what really made my costume stand out.  I got inspiration from some notable magistrates in the game for some of my pieces.

Examples:
The shoulders (kataginu): Doji Shigeyuki and Kakita Idzuki.
The Jingasa: Bayushi Jutsushi and Kakita Idzuki



With the 3rd place costume finisher, Togashi Jo:



NEXT COSTUME GOAL: Myself (Kakita Kae) teehee

[Kakita Kasukaru]

Great costume. Well done Gio!

[Togashi Ayame]

It's the femme version of Idzuki!

[Doji Maidori]

It's the femme version of Idzuki!

Kakita Idzukae!

[Kakita Shiro]

Wow.

[Asahina Shimato]

The indomitable Kae strikes again! Congrats Gio!
You look fantastic. Love the hat.

[Kakita Shiro]

Where'd you get the daisho? I want to do some light costuming for playing L5R RPG @ GenCon

[Kakita Kae]

Where'd you get the daisho? I want to do some light costuming for playing L5R RPG @ GenCon

Here is where I found the daisho


So that you're aware the katana and the wakazashi are both made out of wood so they would be safe to carry around in conventions. I was definitely lucky to find them.

I had to use Bondo to fill in the etching of the daisho. After the bondo had dried I had to sand it down so that the sheath became an even surface. Once the sanding was done, I painted both daisho sheaths jet black then painted on a clear lacquer to give them some shine. I can you the exact name once I get home. Also, the blades of both the katana and the wakazashi are painted black but, I chose to paint the blade silver and the edge white then aged it so that it looked like an actual blade. The final touch that I added to the daisho was to hand paint the Crane mon to both sheaths.

[Asahina Dreamspoiler]

Love the costume! When I get mine finished, which I am planning on wearing to the StL Kotei and competing in the honor contest there, I will post some pics of it. It will probably be another month before I finish, as I am having to wait for some jade beads to arrive from China to finish some embelishment on the sleeves and noshi.

[Kakita Aki]

That's brilliant! I love it!

[Faris Kalin]

Very cool.  I wonder how you'd represent the Imperial Favor anyway?

Maybe a get out of jail free card with Iweko's face pasted over Mr. Moneybags face.  lol

[mocha87]

simply amazing

[Kakita Himura]

Beautiful