Rai Dojo
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About three miles from the main complex of the dojo is a cliff. A huge chunk of red sandstone traced with vines, it seems a little at odds with the rest of the landscape. The size of a small mountain, there is no visible path to the top, save oddly spaced ledges climbing the side like a haphazzard staircase. On each level there is a brightly shining copper rod. Lightning strikes these rods at random times, no matter the weather. To ascend, one would have to discern a pattern of the lightning strikes and, as the saying goes, "haul a**." At the very topmost level is a large building, reminiscent of an old stone-block castle with high towers again tipped with lightning rods.
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The Entrance:
The gate to the dojo is a massive, apparently wrought-iron structure, except that no welding torch nor hammer has ever touched it. Close inspection reveals that the gate, hinges and all, was made of one piece of metal, wrapped, twisted and bent by lightning. It is an ornate thing, images of lightning falling to earth from the heavens forming the interstices of the gate.
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The Commons:
A large, well tended courtyard, the Commons is a place open to the stars and sky where students can relax and enjoy the weather. It is also large enough to host a large-scale spar should the need arise. Roses and vines line the walls,as well as large oak trees in each corner. One oak shares a corner of the square with a large iron statue of Haephestus forging a thunderbolt.
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The Annex:
A separate area for fighting, the Annex is separated from the Commons by a large wall and gate. It is square for the most part, with a circular paving in the middle. Following the circle's outline are words, etched in silver on the stone. "Never Strike Twice." Within the circle, what appear to be railroad spikes are at each corner of each brick, to act as conductors. A few of the same are randomly placed along the walls. Groups of these can be raised as wished to provide a hightened platform. Scaffolding can be found along the walls to aid in this. Above, hanging from a pully-and-wench-system is a large cage of steel, which can be lowered to make any rai-spar a lot more interesting.
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The Lab
This is a large room, consisting of where the barracks of a castle would be. Inside is all manner of metal objects. The concept here is to provide an environment where students can practice electric control of various items. Weapons, shields, armour, conventional tools, even an old airplane are present in a semi-organized fashion. The airplane is a bit of a mystery, the only hint to its owner being faded tail art: A skull with cat ears and a bell over two crossed kunai. This room also has wooden and plastic items, as well as substances found in nature, such as tree bark. As electricity can be found in most items, whether static or kinetic, the purpose of these things is to provide a challenge even as the student progresses.
Sensei's Office
The name is a bit of a misnomer, as it comprises of both the Sensei's and the Shojiki's offices, located in the largest tower of the complex.Only two broken stairs lie at the bottom- to ascend, one would have to put the metal stairs into place as he or she ascends in a sort of leapfrog fashion. At the top is a modest oaken door which leads to a hallway. A fantastic tapestry reminiscent of the Bayeux decorates one of the walls of the hall, at the end of which is a few chairs and a coffee table, not unlike any waiting room. Two doors are in the back wall, one labled Sensei and the other Shojiki. The two offices are left to their occupants to decorate.
The Mission Statement:
The mission of the Rai dojo, and its teachers is to provide its students with an understanding of the unpredictable power of lightning. Whether on offense or defence, the master of Rai can bend the situation to his advantage. After all, electicity can be found in all things- even human thought. Using this knowledge, a ninja can become nigh-unstoppable. It is the duty of this dojo to pass this competence on to you, along with the understanding that unlike our element, rai-nins must learn restraint, control and strength. We can call the heavens down on our enemies, but we must learn that we are not gods.
~Reeve Rhion
Rai Sensei
