KOMACHI'S TRAVEL GUIDE: 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 as the polar opposite of the House of Foreign Stories. Where one is loud and bright, the other is calm and subdued. 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) gather to drink, smoke opium, and engage in disgraceful behaviors. In other words, it is where they go 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 (P49), but it centers around her daughter Precious (P48), who is their central attraction. It is rumored that Precious is the mistress of Jocho (P2), but it is also said that she is the mistress of Korechika (P5), Baranato (P14), Sanefusa (P12) and Sukemara (P27). Some would even have me believe that all of the above are true, but I find 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".