LETTERS - ANVIL OF DESPAIR

We are fools.

We have been deceived from the beginning. Things are not in hand as we had originally believed. They are far, far worse.

I sailed with my father at the head of his great fleet. I strode by his side as he unleashed his armies on the Imperial city. The Lion army was waiting there for us, but they were as children before an angry wind. We crushed them beneath us, and took the city as our own. Kisada strode into the palace as if he had been born there. The chosen son of heaven ready to claim his right as Emperor. The Imperial Guard was nowhere to be seen; we should have known then that something was wrong, but we were too drunk on our own easy victory to notice it. We entered the Emperor's throne room ready to wrest the crown from him and end this conflict once and for all.

And then, it all fell apart.

The sickened body of Hantei stood there like a puppet, his eye glowing with an unholy green light. Strange magics twisted around his body as he picked up my father up and broke him between his hands like a twig. I stood there dumbfounded as he threw the Great Bear across the room with a strength no mortal man possesses, cackling in a voice like a thousand screams. I felt certain I was next, but before he could turn his attentions to me, he seemed to wilt, and collapsed into his bed-sheets unconscious. I suspect that the Lady Kachiko may have had some hand in this. Whatever the reason, that creature in the Emperor's guise wielded more raw power than I had ever seen before. I had no desire to see what else it could do. Kisada's body had been shattered, but the Great Bear still lived. I gathered him up and fled the palace, ordering out army to retreat and regroup to the south. The Imperial city has been left in the hands of that... thing in the palace.

You may hear rumors that the Great Bear has been killed. Do not believe them for an instant. I have personally seen to it that my father has reached safety and that he will be secure while he recovers. I cannot disclose his location for fear that this message will be intercepted.

Our alliance with the Shadowlands is a sham. They have tried to use us to their own ends and we have paid the price for their treachery. We must now teach them what it truly means to cross the Crab. Purge them from your ranks if you find them, and strike them down wherever they may appear. Do not waste precious resources squabbling with the other Clans, for they can only distract us from the true threat.

And wherever you go, spread the word that the Emperor is not to be trusted. He has been swallowed by something ancient and evil, and if we do not strike back, all of Rokugan will follow him. More than any of the others, we understand the Shadowlands, and are best equipped to destroy their evil. We must act against them now, or there will soon be no Empire left to claim.

Hida Yakamo

My friends,

On the day of our greatest triumph comes the darkest news this war has yet to bring. First, the news of our victory at Asahina Temple should have reached you by now. We thought it would be our final stand against the army of madmen, but we were wrong. We had prepared the temple against attach, but our commander, Daidoji Uji, knew that we could not stand long. It was then that our Champion returned to us, along with a Dragon samurai and an army of shapeshifting Naga. Together, we stood against the Shadowlands, and on that day, we defeated them utterly.

Before the Shadowlands army's first charge, however, a shugenja from that festering horde called out our commander. Hoturi stepped forward to take the challenge, but the Phoenix samurai-maiden, Tsukune, begged him for the opportunity to face the necromancer. Hoturi permitted her, and the samurai-ko charged down into the open plain and cut down the necromancer with one mighty stroke from her naginata. The Shadowlands army then found themselves under a downpour as the Phoenix shugenja sent a thunderstorm of merciless power over them. The thing that claimed to be Doji Hoturi tried to keep his army together, but he could not. The Naga charged into his ranks, moving faster than any horsemen ever could. Their archers fired arrows into the air, landing only half a moment before the Naga hit the main body of Oni and madmen.

The battle was engaged. Our Lord Hoturi led Daidoji Uji's forces against the personal guard of the False Hoturi. For the first time our Lord faced the thing Kachiko had created and their duel began in the midst of the mighty clash of arms. Hoturi had to fight through three guards before he reached the False One, and their duel was mighty indeed. But in the end, our Lord crushed the false one, removing his head from his body with one single stroke. The army was routed, encircled and burned until it was nothing more than ashes and memories. We were victorious, my friend. We were victorious!

It was then that a lone rider came out from the north, carrying a message for our Lord. I have never seen him before, but I am told that he was the masked ronin who saved Hoturi from the clutched of the Lady Kachiko. Our Lord turned to us and told us the news. The Emperor's soul no longer resides in the Emperor's body. Now, the mortal shell carried the sould of the Dark God that Shinsei and his Seven Thunders banished a thousand years ago: Fu Leng.

Lord Hoturi commanded me to write you as quickly as possible to tell you this news. We need to gather together with all speed and communicate this news to the rest of the Clans. They must know the truth. Open your coffers, my friend and bring to our ranks the ronin of Rokugan. Theirs is a force that has yet to be brought to bear. This is a lesson our Lord has taught us well. Bring ronin to your ranks. We must do more than unite. We must hire any samurai who would join our cause. It is time to use those riches we have built for the last thousand years. Be well, and may the Seven Fortunes be with you.

Doji Kuwanan

My Brothers, our Champion has returned.

I have been directed by him to tell you of the dark times that have descended on our Empire. You have no doubt heard by now that a new army of Shadowlands creatures walks the land. Commanded by the undead shugenja, Yogo Junzo. What you may not know is that Junzo is connected somehow to another, far darker power - a power which has taken control of the Emperor himself.

The Great Fleet of Hida Kisada struck the Imperial City without warning. The Crab destroyed the Lion army stationed there and occupied the surrounding area, while Kisada and his son Yakomo stormed the palace with the intent of taking the throne. None yet know what occurred there, but scant hours later, the Crab army retreated from the city, scattering to the four winds. Rumor has it that The Great Bear was slain by the Emperor's hand, and that his son has been corrupted to the will of the Shadowlands. Tales of sprung up of the young Hantei weilding magics that the blackest shugenja will not touch, and throwingarmies about like a child's toys. Unfortunately we cannot confirm any of these ravings. None who have entered the Imperial Palace have thus far emerged alive.

As if this were not grim news enough, Junzo's horde had unleashed atrocities upon the Empire that would chill the blood of even the bravest samurai. We have not yet ascertained the exact connection between Junzo and Hantei but it is clear that the two are acting together. Even Yokuni, in his beneficient wisdom, could not have anticipated such darkness. With the Imperial City in shambles and an army of Shadowlands monstrosities walking the lands, we must take steps to ensure that this evil does not engulf us. If Hantei were to acquire the knowledge which we possess, he would be unstoppable.

I have ordered most of our forces back to our mountain strongholds in anticipation of an assault from either Junzo or the Imperial City. If they come for us, they will have to take us in a location of our choosing. Mirumoto Daini has been granted permission to remain with the Naga, while Togashi Mitsu and his legion is tattooed men continues to move with Toturi's rag-tag army. With the Crane victory at the Asahina Temples, perhaps these forces can join together in a common effort against Junzo and his allies.

And Hitomi? Hitomi is lost to us. She treads a path that none of us can follow, and we must abandon her to the destiny she has embraced.

The time has come to hold fast our couse. Hantei has been lost, and we must prepare to defend ourselves against the darkness which claimed him. If we stand strong, and Toturi is truly the man Yokuni claims he is, we may yet survive this night to see the coming of a new day. Courage, Brother.

Mirumoto Sukune

There are traitors among us, my clansmen.

There are those who would deter us from our duty to the Emperor. Honeyed words and poisoned tongues have tried to cloud our vision and turn us from the path of our ancestors. We must not allow them to succeed.

The mystery of Hida Kisada's whereabouts has been solved. His fleet sailed north from the islands where it cowered, and attempted to take the Imperial City by surprise. You may have heard many wild rumors in these dark times, but I can assure you he did not succeed. Our armies scattered the Crab to the four winds, and the Great Bear himself was slaughtered like a dog as he tried to storm the palace. I personally saw his sone, Yakamo, fleeing the city with Kisada's corpse in his arms.

You have by now heard of the Crane victory at the Asahina temple. Thier pathetic forces will soon try to wreak some measure of revenge for the justice we have dealt out. They must be hunted down and destroyed like the dogs that they are. Some remnants of the Crab army have escaped and may try to regroup. Show them what it means to challenge the will of Heaven. And lest we forget, the traitor Toturi continues to defy us - marching a pitiful band of ronin towards the Imperial Palace in a vain effort to prevent the inevitable. Bring us his head as a gift to the Imperial Throne.

But most importantly, we must locate some sign of our Champion, Matsu Tsuko. She received a letter from the Emperor's wife just before the Crab landed and has since vanished. We need her to help restore order within our ranks, to once more lead the Lion towards our proud destiny. There are those in our ranks who have questioned the Emperor's will. There are Lions who whipser that Hantei has fallen, and that the old ways can no longer be followed. They must be shown the error of thier disloyalty before our enemies can exploit thier weakness. Find Tsuko, my clansmen. Find Tsuko, and we can finally reclaim our sacred place at the Emperor's side.

You know who sits on the Emerald Throne. You have heard his name. Now you must ask yourself a simple question: Shall I serve the Throne, as I have sworn to to, or shall I turn from my duty and betray my ancestors' memory? That is what you must consider. If you betray your duty, you have no right to call yourself a Lion. This is the promise you swore. You did not swear to serve the Throne when it suited you, you swore that you would serve the Emperor or die. Are you men of your word? If you are, then you will follow the Emperor's commands without question. If not, then you are no better than a lying Scorpion.

Do what you must and show the rest of the Clans what it means to be a samurai

Ikoma Ujiaki

It is over

The time when we placed our pride before the welfare of the empire has passed, and we must now do what is necessary to ensure Rokugan's survival.

The Crab have taken the Imperial City, defeating our army there with a surprise attack from the sea. Our Champion, Matsu Tsuko, was ordered to stand aside while Hida Kisada marched his forces throughout the streets. The Lion forces attempted to fight them, but without Tsuko's leadership and tactical knowledge, they were no match for the Great Bear. He swept us aside and entered the Imperial Palace.

What happened next, I do not know. From what I have heard, Kisada engaged the Emperor in single combat and was slain. How a weak and sickly man could kill the likes of the Great Bear is beyond me, but a few hours later, the Crab army scattered, leaving the city in our hands. Then, we received an announcement from the palace - an announcement delivered by a hideous oni in the guise of Hida Yakamo. We were to take up arms again and march against the Emperor's foes. Joining us in this endeavor would be an army of Shadowlands abominations commanded by Yogo Junzo.

Now comes the time of our most painful choice. We have sworn fealty to the Emperor, whoever it is that sits on the Emerald Throne. We have failed in our duty to protect the Empire, and now we must decide how to serve the Throne: Do we serve the man who sits upon it, or do we fight to place a better man there? The decision is yours. I know it will be a painful decision, but is one that must be made.

You have heard news of the Crane victory at the Asahina Temples, Find them and join them if you can; our feud with the Crane is passed. The Unicorn are said to be holding order in the countryside, slaughtering bandits and destroying shadowlands creatures where they can be found. Help them in thier efforts. And yes, the ronin Toturi is on the march, with an army of samurai in opposition to Yogo Junzo. As painful as it is, we must ally with the traitor for the greater good of the Empire. His strength may be all that is keeping us from eternal darkness. Above all, we must find Matsu Tsuko. With her gone, our Clan is without leadership, and I fear that many will listen to the 'Emperor's' inhuman advisors in her stead.

If these words shock you, it is only because they are the truth. If you cannot swallow your pride, then Rokugan will surely be lost. We must strike against the evil now, or all that we claim to stand for is naught but dust in the wind. The threat is among us, my betheren, and it bears the Emperor's name. If we do not see it for what it is, then we are nothing more than puppets to its will. Let us teach it what it means to decieve a Lion.

Kitsu Motso

My daughter,

You must have heard terrible news coming from the Imperial City, and feared for my safety. This letter is to assure you that I am well, and have been escorted out of the city by a sympathetic samurai from the Lion clan. I however, am one of the fortunate few. Our fears of the Dark Land have been realized, and the ruler of the human kingdom has been corrupted by the Evil One. He now moves as a puppet under sinister strings.

The clan of the Crane has won a great victory against the Dark Ones with the help of our forces. The human Daini has guided us true, and we arrived in time to help the Crane destroy the army that threatened them with annihilation. Alas, I fear that this victory is not enough to stem the tide. Now word comes that a second Shadowlands army, this one led by an undead human sorcerer, is stalking the land. Stories of the horrors they have inflicted upon the human lands are enough to chill the blood.

But the worst, my daughter, is yet to come. The Imperial City has fallen from within by an Evil as old as time. A fleet of ships from the Clan Crab launched a surprise attack, and human defenders of the city fell before them. The lord of the Crab entered the Imperial Palace, with the intent of seizing the throne. The Emperor crushed the life from his body and shattered his forces like a toy. Our people were forced to flee the city and have tried to regroup with our remaining forces in the Crane lands.

The humans have learned that the Evil we fight is greater than all of us. Only now do they turn from their petty bickering to face the darkness rising from the west. Alas, I fear it has come too late. They fumble around like a newborn fresh from its egg, lost and confused in the face of their folly. Only Toturi seems immune to their panic. He leads his army towards the fallen capital with a force and a will I could not have imagined before now. We must do all we can to support him, for I fear he is our last hope.

I do not know if you have felt it or not, beloved, but our people have of late become distracted by a strange fog in our minds. It is not unlike the Great Sleep of a thousand years ago, but has subtle differences I have not felt before. The cycle is coming to a close, my child, and I believe our time in the world is slowly fading. We must do all we can to see that the next Rebirth delivers a world of hope, instead of the terrifying Evil that I fear is now to strong to be defeated.

Dashmar

We have a solution after long months of study and the sacrifice of far more than any would ask of us. We have found a way to defeat the Shadowlands. But that news must wait.

By now you know of the great victory of the Crane forces against the Shadowlands army at the Asahina Temples. Doji Hoturi met his doppelgŠnger on the field of battle and took his head, while a combination of Crane samurai and Naga troops shattered the power of his slavering madmen. Shiba Tsukune acquitted herself well in the battle, defeating an unholy necromancer in single combat while all looked on.

This victory, however, has been overshadowed by an even greater threat. A second Shadowlands army has emerged from the west, this one even larger and more terrifying than the first. They destroy without mercy, crushing everything in their path, and their troops do not bear even the semblance of humanity. To make matters worse, we have lost all contact with the Imperial City, just as an army of Crab troops arrived to lay claim to the throne. Rumors about that the Great Bear, Hida Kisada, has been killed and that the Emperor himself has been claimed by an evil spirit whose power is scarcely imaginable. This self-same darkness continues to extend its grip over our shugenja, taking one after the other as if toying with us. The Master of Fire, Isawa Tsuke, has now fallen prey to the siren call of the Black Scrolls, embracing their evil in order to better understand it. He has conjured the flames of hate and anger from his soul to create terrifying torrents of flame, and now roams far and wide across Rokugan to destroy the forces of the Shadowlands wherever he may find them. I do not know how long he can last before his power overwhelms him.

But as I said earlier, there is hope. Last night, Isawa Tadaka came to me with a proposal. In the blackest hours before the dawn, we gathered at the highest tower of the Temple and committed an unspeakable rite. I dare not describe the particulars of it to you, but suffice to say we were able to wrest a powerful oni from its den within the Shadowlands and bind it to our will. Tadaka gave the creature his own name, sacrificing all he has and is to enslave the creature thoroughly. Our shugenja can now draw upon its strength to assist us in our struggles, and tadaka assures me that the beast can tell us what has happened in the Imperial City, and who or what now sits on the throne.

We have seen the darkness rise to engulf our fair land. We have sacrificed our lives and souls and understand its mysteries. But I believe we have gained the power to stem the tide. We have paid the price for our questions, and it is time to see if the answers are enough to save us. Pray for the salvation of Rokugan, my friend. And pray that the Phoenix can rise from the ashes of this long night to the dawning of a new day.

Asako Yasu

He is dead! What can I do? He is dead. He is dead...

No time. All is lost. He is dead! The great Bear is dead! I saw it with my own eyes! The blood and his scream and his eyes as he looked at me - reached out to me for help. But I could offer him nothing. I ran. Bishamon help me. I ran for my life. Even now I am in my private chamber. Hiding in the secret room I found when I first arrived. Writing as quickly as I can before the fear devours my reason.

My hand is calming. My scrawling mad notes are slowly forming into words and sentences. I must tell you as much as I can before the panic fills me once again.

Hida Kisada is dead. Do not believe otherwise. I saw it with my own eyes. In the throne room. I stood vigil while I waited for him to arrive so our plan of vengeance would be complete. The empty Emerald Throne would soon be filled with the Great Bear of the Crab Clan: a tired old man who would be easy to persuade. But it was not to be. For while I waited, a thin shadowy form stepped into the room and smiled at me with eyes of fire. I recognized the lips, the brow, all his features, but those damnable eys. It was the brat Emperor, up from his bed and walking! And his eyes burned with green fire that was older than his years, older than... older than...

Kisada strode in, covered in the blood of courageous Lions, expecting me and the throne. What he found was... was... oh. I cannot! The brutal battle that ensued... Kisada, he... the blood. The throne. The sword. I saw Yakamo carrying the bloodied corpse, running for his life.

Running... yes. Run! Run now! Flee to the lands north where the Unicorn have traveled. There is a desert there. A long, sweeping desert with barbarian nomads who may take you in. There is nothing left. All is lost. Do not let anyone see you. Use the old ways, my beloved. Even now, a shadow spreads across the capital. Something ancient has awakened here. I must remain behind, but I will not allow you to do so. I care not for Yokuni's talk of 'destiny' and 'duty,' but he is right. I have chosen this path. But I will not force any others to join me in my fate. Run. And may the Seven Fortunes follow you.

Go now.

Bayushi Kachiko

Now, more than ever, we have been cut off from the rest of the Empire. Our armies who move inland have told us the other Clans have retreated to their lands and seem to be waiting. None will speak to us. Communication from the Imperial Palace has ceased. The Lady Kachiko, once our most trusted advisor, has disappeared. My friend, we are alone.

But this is nothing new to us. We who have wandered for generations in the vast wasteland to the north and west of Rokugan. We will survive as we have always survived: with our speed and with out wits.

I can tell you nothing of the news of the Empire. I can only tell you rumors. It is said that the Crab Kisada attempted to slay the Emperor and was himself slain in the attempt. We also know the Crane have won a victory against the Shadowlands army led by their traitor Champion. The snake Hoturi has been laid to rest, his body burned and his army destroyed, and we must celebrate with them now that they have seen the error of their ways in following such a man.

Shinjo Yasamura, in the meantime, has left behind Beiden Pass. He has a more pressing dury, a duty that they other clans seem to have forgotten. When we swore our fealty to the Emperor and became his "Samurai", we swore we would be the keepers of justice in Rokugan. Now, with all the samurai of the land engaged in this selfish battle for the throne, injustice runs rampant throughout the Empire. Bandits - peasant and ronin, human and shadowlands - run rampant through the villages, taking what they need and leaving behind only bloodshed and suffering. Others who should be performing this duty continue to be drawn further into this bloody conflict for the throne, leaving the people of Rokugan to die at the hands of criminals and oni.

We have seen this before. We shall see it no more.

Forget this foolish quest for the throne. Forget the fighting between selfish men and return to the duty we swore we would perform. Find those preying upon our green land, seek out the evil men and unholy creatures who would massacre helpless peasants, and destroy them. Teach them that there is still law in Rokugan. Protect those who cannot protect themselves, and assist them in rebuilding what they have lost. It is the people of Rokugan that will keep the soul of this nation alive. If we protect them from the folly of their would-be rulers and end the depredations against their homes and persons, then this nation will survive to see the dawning of a new day. This is our duty. This is our destiny. And we are the only ones who can perform it.

Otaku Kamoko

My cousin,

There is little left to say and too much to do.

Our armies have finally arrived at Otosan Uchi. Even now I can look up from my writing and see Doji Hoturi, Kitsu Motso and Hida Yakamo preparing for their initial assault. Yokatsu-sama stands south of us, preparing our infantry.

I have seen the armies os the Ronin and not even their motley colors can compare with viewing our infantry for the first time. They are simple farmers armed with farming tools. Two monks stand with Yokatsu. Together, they have turned this mass of simple farmers with simple tools into an army of fighting men.

Our cavalry, on the other hand, is as ready as always. My battle-maidens prepare with deep meditations. Soon, we will ride, and our steeds will be like fire as we charge down into the mass of marching dead men.

I will answer you question for I know it is in your mind. My wound is doing well. The spear-tip was removed by a Phoenix shugenja named Tadaka. He has much knowledge of the Shadowlands and it's dark magic. The wound festered for only a short while. His spells cured me well. Moto Tsume and his brother will haunt the villages of our followers no longer.

Togashi Yokuni came to me last evening just after our armies arrived. I told him I did not believe any Unicorn had ever spoken to him before. He laughed under his masked helm, then lifted his hands and removed it.

"No," he said to me, "but I have spoken to a Ki-rin."

When I saw what lay under his helm, I knew his words were true. I cannot tell you what happened then, but I can tell you that my destiny is clear to me now, as is the destiny of all our clan.

A time of great trouble is almost over, but a time of greater trouble lies on the horizon. All depends on our actions. The fate of the Empire. The fate of all men and women. It is a burden I must bear, but I do not know if I am worthy to carry it.

When I told Yokuni that, he smiled and touched my shoulder.

"If you were not worthy, you would not have been chosen," he said to me.

Not I sit alone, waiting for the battle.

I watch as the others set their souls to rest, peaceful as the falling cherry blossoms.

I think of the coming battle, and all I can do is remember Yokuni's words.

"... you would not have been chosen." May the Fortunes forgive me, but I wish it was another.

Kamoko

My friend, you must take care. There are dark forces moving in the empire. Darker than ever before. The Shadowlands army we fought against at Beiden Pass is nothing compared to the might of the army led by the insane Scorpion Shugenja, Yogo Junzo. It has crushed villages and homesteads all across Rokugan, and now, it moves with steady speed toward the home of our Emperor.

As I said, it moves toward the home of our Emperor. The last Hantei no longer resides in the palace of his ancestors. The soul of the last Hantei no longer resides in the body that Lady Kachiko has poisoned for the last year. That soul is no more. An ancient evil now resides in his body, an evil whose name I dare not speak lest I draw his attention to the men who follow me. It is the same evil that was banished a thousand years ago by Shinsei and his seven thunders. The same evil whose essence was trapped in twelve scrolls that were never to be opened again. Now they have been opened, and he has escaped into the weakened body of our emperor. All is lost. There will never again be a Hantei. The line to the Sun Goddess is broken and Rokugan must stand alone against the greatest evil Heaven and Earth has ever known.

Far to the East, the Crane clan has achieved a victory against the deceiver Hoturi with the aid of the Naga and the Phoenix. In the light of the news from the palace, it is a small victory, but it is one we must look to for inspiration. Binding together, they defeated the Shadowlands army. We must do the same. Only together will we be able to stand against the awful power the dark one can muster. Spread the word to all you see. Tell them to abandon this foolish quest for a throne that no longer exists and band together in the face of a common enemy. If we do not, I fear that Rokugan is doomed.

And yes, I have heard the rumors regarding my sensei, Kage-sama. I cannot believe such rumors. They must come from the Scorpion in the palace. I have known Akodo Kage for all my life, and I assure you, he would never betray us to the Scorpion Lady. Trust me in this my friend. If you have never trusted me in any other matter, trust me in this one.

This may be the last time I speak to you. As I write this, we are preparing to ride against Yogo Junzo's army, in the hopes that we can cut him off before he reaches the imperial city. If I fall to his forces, you must carry on in my stead. This is a harsh duty I place upon your shoulders, but I know that you are worthy of it. Take courage in these dark days, for courage it seems, is all we have left.

Toturi