My dear friend,
Another three months brings us even closer to victory. Even now, the ronin Toturi has been turned back from our gates and flees toward the trap that we and our secret ally have planned for him. Our allied spies in the Crane Clan have sent word to him of the assault Matsu Tsuko leads against Doji Palace, and he has called off his attack on the Eastern walls of our lands. He retreated to discover Beiden Pass is no longer a route that is open to him, also due to the careful machinations of our secret ally. Now Toturi is forced to move through Lion territory to reach the crumbling estates of the Crane, and when he does, he will find not one, but two armies waiting for him. Not even Tsuko knows of this second army. Once the ronin is crushed, all resistance to our rightful claim will be crushed. The Lion will have what they have always wanted: to stand on both sides of the Throne, while our secret ally expects to be sitting behind it. She believes that they can control the Great Bear with sweet whispers and promises. The cost of her error will soon be evident.
Do not be concerned with the Phoenix tactics that have so many of the shugenja of Rokugan in a panic. The old wives tale of "black scrolls" and "the age of darkness" are simply a ruse to distract us from our true goal. The Crab have battled the Shadowlands for a thousand years. If there is a threat from the dark lands, we will conquer it as we always have: with strength and courage. Our shugenja, Kuni Yuri, has researched two of the black scrolls himself, and he assures me that the reason the Phoenix do not want them opened is because they want to have complete control over their power. The Phoenix tell us that they are "corrupting" and "evil," and yet, they ask us to send them any that we have uncovered as quickly as possible. Does Shiba Ujimitsu think we are so stupid as to not see the truth of such a ploy? Punish the Phoenix for their insolence, my friend. They deserve nothing less than your full attentions.
That is all the news I have for now. Our spies in the Lion armies assure me Doji Palace will fall in days, and our messengers in the south assure us that our mighty fleet is near completion, thanks to the work of Kaiu Suman and despite the sabotage efforts of the troublesome Mantis Clan. They will be the first to fall when our allies march on the Capital from the West, while the Great Bear sails our armies in from the East. What a sight that will make!
Another three months brings us even closer to victory. Even now, the ronin Toturi has been turned back from our gates and flees toward the trap that we and our secret ally have planned for him. Our allied spies in the Crane Clan have sent word to him of the assault Matsu Tsuko leads against Doji Palace, and he has called off his attack on the Eastern walls of our lands. He retreated to discover Beiden Pass is no longer a route that is open to him, also due to the careful machinations of our secret ally. Now Toturi is forced to move through Lion territory to reach the crumbling estates of the Crane, and when he does, he will find not one, but two armies waiting for him. Not even Tsuko knows of this second army. Once the ronin is crushed, all resistance to our rightful claim will be crushed. The Lion will have what they have always wanted: to stand on both sides of the Throne, while our secret ally expects to be sitting behind it. She believes that they can control the Great Bear with sweet whispers and promises. The cost of her error will soon be evident.
Do not be concerned with the Phoenix tactics that have so many of the shugenja of Rokugan in a panic. The old wives tale of "black scrolls" and "the age of darkness" are simply a ruse to distract us from our true goal. The Crab have battled the Shadowlands for a thousand years. If there is a threat from the dark lands, we will conquer it as we always have: with strength and courage. Our shugenja, Kuni Yuri, has researched two of the black scrolls himself, and he assures me that the reason the Phoenix do not want them opened is because they want to have complete control over their power. The Phoenix tell us that they are "corrupting" and "evil," and yet, they ask us to send them any that we have uncovered as quickly as possible. Does Shiba Ujimitsu think we are so stupid as to not see the truth of such a ploy? Punish the Phoenix for their insolence, my friend. They deserve nothing less than your full attentions.
That is all the news I have for now. Our spies in the Lion armies assure me Doji Palace will fall in days, and our messengers in the south assure us that our mighty fleet is near completion, thanks to the work of Kaiu Suman and despite the sabotage efforts of the troublesome Mantis Clan. They will be the first to fall when our allies march on the Capital from the West, while the Great Bear sails our armies in from the East. What a sight that will make!
Hida Tsuru
There is no time for pleasantries. The armies of Matsu Tsuko have destroyed Doji Palace and are now on the march southward toward the sacred halls of the Asahina family. The shugenja have made no preparations for war. We never expected the Lion to turn their backs on their duty to protect the Empire. Our only hope lies with a tiny army on the west side of the great river that divides the Empire. A young Dragon samurai has sent word to us that he leads an army of Naga, and he will arrive as soon as he can. He assures me the Naga have a way to cross the river. I do not doubt him, but I fear that he may still arrive too late. We have received word of the Unicorns betrayal of Toturi when they turned him away from Beiden Pass, and we are appalled. What could have convinced them to not only turn their backs on Toturi, but on us as well? Certainly a poisoned tongue has been whispering into the ear of Shinjo Yasamura. And speaking of poisoned tongues...
Doji Palace fell, not because of the battle tactics of Matsu Tsuko, but because of the black sorceries of the Scorpion Clan. The doppelganger of our Champion arrived at the moment of Lady Tsuko's retreat with his army of gibbering Shadowlands madmen and massacred the shugenja of the Phoenix. Only three survived along with their general Shiba Tsukune. Daidoji Uji was helpless before the onslaught of the Shadowlands and he too was forced to retreat. At the moment of the attack, our scouts told us that the Lion armies made an initial advance against the dark forces, but then suddenly halted. My most trusted scout told me it was after a man wearing the sigil of the Emperor himself ordered Matsu to stand her ground. He also told me he saw the Lady of Lions watching the battle, and that her face was a mask of pain and helplessness. Perhaps now she realizes her error. Perhaps not. Whatever the truth may be, it is now too late. If Daini arrives with his Naga, will they be enough force to stop the advance of the Shadowlands army? I cannot say. All I know is that our Champion lies recovering in the south, the venom in his veins still too much to allow him any action. He awaits the arrival of Daini, and we hope that perhaps they have the cure to the Scorpion poisons that keep our Champion from leading us in battle against the False One with burning eyes who burns our villages to the ground and salts the ashes that he leaves behind.
Doji Palace fell, not because of the battle tactics of Matsu Tsuko, but because of the black sorceries of the Scorpion Clan. The doppelganger of our Champion arrived at the moment of Lady Tsuko's retreat with his army of gibbering Shadowlands madmen and massacred the shugenja of the Phoenix. Only three survived along with their general Shiba Tsukune. Daidoji Uji was helpless before the onslaught of the Shadowlands and he too was forced to retreat. At the moment of the attack, our scouts told us that the Lion armies made an initial advance against the dark forces, but then suddenly halted. My most trusted scout told me it was after a man wearing the sigil of the Emperor himself ordered Matsu to stand her ground. He also told me he saw the Lady of Lions watching the battle, and that her face was a mask of pain and helplessness. Perhaps now she realizes her error. Perhaps not. Whatever the truth may be, it is now too late. If Daini arrives with his Naga, will they be enough force to stop the advance of the Shadowlands army? I cannot say. All I know is that our Champion lies recovering in the south, the venom in his veins still too much to allow him any action. He awaits the arrival of Daini, and we hope that perhaps they have the cure to the Scorpion poisons that keep our Champion from leading us in battle against the False One with burning eyes who burns our villages to the ground and salts the ashes that he leaves behind.
Kakita Yuri
Brothers,
The ronin Toturi no longer leads an army of Dragons. The army he leads now is an army of Dragons, Unicorns and others who have seen through the mist of politics the Lady of Scorpions has dropped over the Empire. Toturi is the only one with clarity of vision and the strength of purpose to lead such an army. Some among us are protesting that so many of our number should not be following one such as he, but I can assure you that his purpose and ours are as one. He will not fail us.
However, the dark time that has fallen upon Rokugan will not fade with the passing of the spring into summer. We must make haste if we are to be ready when the twilight turns to night. Already the houses of the Crane are falling. first Kakita Palace and now Doji Palace. The houses of the Asahina family are next. Only the tiny army of Naga led by our own Daini will be able to stand against the Shadowlands army, and they may not be enough. Toturi has been cut off from the Crane by a charmed Shinjo Yasamura. Our spy in the Capital said that a young Scorpion Lady was sent to convince the young Unicorn to keep Toturi from moving through Beiden Pass. If this is true, then Lady Bayushi's influence extends much further than we anticipated. It is imperative that she not extend that influence any further. All the pieces must be in place when our Champion returns. If she continues to try to avert the inevitable, then all will be lost. She has even gained influence over the young Mirumoto Hitomi. The samurai-maiden now wears the Obsidian Hand, the ancient Scorpion relic. Once she was one of our bravest warriors, and now she is just another pawn of Lady Kachiko. The Scorpion are also responsible for the deep rooted corruption that has awakened in the Shadowlands. Its source is Yogo Junzo, the shugenja who once guarded the First Black Scroll. It was the Scorpion's duty to guard the Scrolls, to ensure their isolation, and now they have failed even that. We do not know how many have been opened, but unspeakable consequences await all of us should their secrets be unlocked.
Take care in these dark times, my friend. Soon, darker days will arrive, and we must be ready. We have been warned.
The ronin Toturi no longer leads an army of Dragons. The army he leads now is an army of Dragons, Unicorns and others who have seen through the mist of politics the Lady of Scorpions has dropped over the Empire. Toturi is the only one with clarity of vision and the strength of purpose to lead such an army. Some among us are protesting that so many of our number should not be following one such as he, but I can assure you that his purpose and ours are as one. He will not fail us.
However, the dark time that has fallen upon Rokugan will not fade with the passing of the spring into summer. We must make haste if we are to be ready when the twilight turns to night. Already the houses of the Crane are falling. first Kakita Palace and now Doji Palace. The houses of the Asahina family are next. Only the tiny army of Naga led by our own Daini will be able to stand against the Shadowlands army, and they may not be enough. Toturi has been cut off from the Crane by a charmed Shinjo Yasamura. Our spy in the Capital said that a young Scorpion Lady was sent to convince the young Unicorn to keep Toturi from moving through Beiden Pass. If this is true, then Lady Bayushi's influence extends much further than we anticipated. It is imperative that she not extend that influence any further. All the pieces must be in place when our Champion returns. If she continues to try to avert the inevitable, then all will be lost. She has even gained influence over the young Mirumoto Hitomi. The samurai-maiden now wears the Obsidian Hand, the ancient Scorpion relic. Once she was one of our bravest warriors, and now she is just another pawn of Lady Kachiko. The Scorpion are also responsible for the deep rooted corruption that has awakened in the Shadowlands. Its source is Yogo Junzo, the shugenja who once guarded the First Black Scroll. It was the Scorpion's duty to guard the Scrolls, to ensure their isolation, and now they have failed even that. We do not know how many have been opened, but unspeakable consequences await all of us should their secrets be unlocked.
Take care in these dark times, my friend. Soon, darker days will arrive, and we must be ready. We have been warned.
Kitsuki Yasu
The time for rejoicing is near, my comrade.
Our ancient enemy, the Crane,are finished. They have retreated from Doji Castle and are fleeing south for the temples of the Asahina family. Their shugenja will give them no more protection than their samurai have. The battle was a complete rout, thanks to our beloved Matsu Tsuko's courage and strategy. We have occupied Doji Castle, but have found the tell-tale signs of corruption there and have abandoned it. Obviously, the Crane have thrown in with the undead legions of the Shadowlands. They have followed their Champion's example out of desperation. They have no honor left. Even the Emperor's bride has turned her back on them, calling them eta, outcasts. The Emperor's Champion, however, refuses to believe our claims. Toshimoko claims that a scout from the Phoenix armies that helped protect Doji Castle tells him that a Shadowlands army assisted our beloved Champion in destroying Doji Palace. But our own Akodo Kage was there and assures me that such is not the case. Indeed, news of the attack comes from one of the Isawa family, who we all know have been falling under the influence of the Shadowlands. As for the impetuous Phoenix samurai-maiden who slew our shugenja and routed our army many months ago, word has it that she escaped the doom that our beloved Champion prepared for her. Obviously, she must have used black magic to do so. Another sign that neither the Phoenix or the Crane can be trusted.
The Shadowlands have become a significant force in the Empire, and we must turn our blame to the Crab. It was their duty to guard the Empire against the dark power of that land, and they have failed in that duty. Where is Hida Kisada? Why does he not rise up to destroy the ghouls that wander our countryside? I shall tell you where he is. He has fled to the south with a significant army. Even now he waits on the southern beaches, but what is he waiting for? We cannot say. Yet. However, the Emperor's spies have reported to us that he has sent many members of the Kaiu family to the southern islands of the Mantis Clan. We have not gathered information on what Kaiu Suman and his family are doing there, but I assure you, as soon as we discover the truth, you shall be the first to know.
Our ancient enemy, the Crane,are finished. They have retreated from Doji Castle and are fleeing south for the temples of the Asahina family. Their shugenja will give them no more protection than their samurai have. The battle was a complete rout, thanks to our beloved Matsu Tsuko's courage and strategy. We have occupied Doji Castle, but have found the tell-tale signs of corruption there and have abandoned it. Obviously, the Crane have thrown in with the undead legions of the Shadowlands. They have followed their Champion's example out of desperation. They have no honor left. Even the Emperor's bride has turned her back on them, calling them eta, outcasts. The Emperor's Champion, however, refuses to believe our claims. Toshimoko claims that a scout from the Phoenix armies that helped protect Doji Castle tells him that a Shadowlands army assisted our beloved Champion in destroying Doji Palace. But our own Akodo Kage was there and assures me that such is not the case. Indeed, news of the attack comes from one of the Isawa family, who we all know have been falling under the influence of the Shadowlands. As for the impetuous Phoenix samurai-maiden who slew our shugenja and routed our army many months ago, word has it that she escaped the doom that our beloved Champion prepared for her. Obviously, she must have used black magic to do so. Another sign that neither the Phoenix or the Crane can be trusted.
The Shadowlands have become a significant force in the Empire, and we must turn our blame to the Crab. It was their duty to guard the Empire against the dark power of that land, and they have failed in that duty. Where is Hida Kisada? Why does he not rise up to destroy the ghouls that wander our countryside? I shall tell you where he is. He has fled to the south with a significant army. Even now he waits on the southern beaches, but what is he waiting for? We cannot say. Yet. However, the Emperor's spies have reported to us that he has sent many members of the Kaiu family to the southern islands of the Mantis Clan. We have not gathered information on what Kaiu Suman and his family are doing there, but I assure you, as soon as we discover the truth, you shall be the first to know.
Ikoma Ujiaki
My daughter,
I fear the great sleep has caused me to slow somehow. Events are moving so quickly that it is difficult to keep up with them. I will try.
As you know, we followed Daini into the Empire of Men, and we have twice encountered the armies of the Dark Land. Our armies were twice victorious. The men fear the armies of dead men. I can see the fear fill their eyes as they march upon us. Their limbs freeze and their tongues waggle with madness. Our armies, however, are not so affected. Our Warlord Shahadet laughs when the men freeze and calls ours to charge into battle. It is his courage that brings bravery to the men. I am glad for that.
We have met with the man Toturi. I have looked into his soul and I have seen much courage there. I have seen what Daini saw, and now I know why he chooses to follow such a man. There is a great strength in him, and a great sadness. He cares for the men he leads, and they can feel it. We were wise to side with him.
But I am no longer on the battlefield. I am in a secret place with the men who call themselves "ambassadors" of the Clans. They represent their families at the Great Lord's court, but have been sent away by a wicked woman who now rules the Empire. We meet in secret so that the armies will not know our location, where we may talk.
I have tried to convince them of our concerns of the Dark Land. So far, my success has been limited. Only the Phoenix and the Crane will listen to me. There is another, however, a man named Akodo Kage. He is from the Lion Clan. His face is full of smiles and his voice is full of laughter, but his eyes are full of daggers. I do not trust this man, even if he is from the same family as the man Toturi. Family means nothing if the soul is corrupt.
We have divided our army in two. One has remained with Toturi, and the second Toturi sent to the East to assist another. I do not know who it was that Isha went to aid, but I do know that it is a great friend of Toturi's who is in dire need of aid. I only hope he can assist him.
I pray these letters reach you, my dear daughter. I know how much you wanted to come with us on our journey, but Shahadet was right. Your skills are indeed great, but you need more practice in the arts of warfare. Dear Mara, please hold your mother close for me and promise her I shall be home soon.
I fear the great sleep has caused me to slow somehow. Events are moving so quickly that it is difficult to keep up with them. I will try.
As you know, we followed Daini into the Empire of Men, and we have twice encountered the armies of the Dark Land. Our armies were twice victorious. The men fear the armies of dead men. I can see the fear fill their eyes as they march upon us. Their limbs freeze and their tongues waggle with madness. Our armies, however, are not so affected. Our Warlord Shahadet laughs when the men freeze and calls ours to charge into battle. It is his courage that brings bravery to the men. I am glad for that.
We have met with the man Toturi. I have looked into his soul and I have seen much courage there. I have seen what Daini saw, and now I know why he chooses to follow such a man. There is a great strength in him, and a great sadness. He cares for the men he leads, and they can feel it. We were wise to side with him.
But I am no longer on the battlefield. I am in a secret place with the men who call themselves "ambassadors" of the Clans. They represent their families at the Great Lord's court, but have been sent away by a wicked woman who now rules the Empire. We meet in secret so that the armies will not know our location, where we may talk.
I have tried to convince them of our concerns of the Dark Land. So far, my success has been limited. Only the Phoenix and the Crane will listen to me. There is another, however, a man named Akodo Kage. He is from the Lion Clan. His face is full of smiles and his voice is full of laughter, but his eyes are full of daggers. I do not trust this man, even if he is from the same family as the man Toturi. Family means nothing if the soul is corrupt.
We have divided our army in two. One has remained with Toturi, and the second Toturi sent to the East to assist another. I do not know who it was that Isha went to aid, but I do know that it is a great friend of Toturi's who is in dire need of aid. I only hope he can assist him.
I pray these letters reach you, my dear daughter. I know how much you wanted to come with us on our journey, but Shahadet was right. Your skills are indeed great, but you need more practice in the arts of warfare. Dear Mara, please hold your mother close for me and promise her I shall be home soon.
Dashmar
As sensai Shinsei teaches, "A messenger with bad news is better than no messenger at all." All that we have to offer you, my brother, is bad news.
Our armies in the Crane territory have fallen, but Shiba Tsukune's failure had nothing to do with the courage or tactics of the Lion. No, the unorthodox strategies of Lady Tsukune held off the enraged Lady Lion for nearly three weeks, but it was the arrival of a Shadowlands army - led by the blazing-eyed shadow of Doji Hoturi - that forced her to retreat back to the temples of the Asahina family. She and the Cranes barely escaped with their lives, let alone with their armies. There they wait for the arrival of Matsu Tsuko and her allies from the Shadowlands. It is obvious now that she cares not who sits on the Throne, she merely wishes to ensure her place beside it. As things now stand, it seems as if nothing can stop her from razing the Crane to the ground and sealing the doom of us all. We can only pray that the Lion Champion can somehow be made to see reason, or that the rumors of a Naga army massing near the Crane lands have some basis in truth. Desperate hopes, indeed.
But the worst news, I fear, lies not on the battlefield, but within our own walls. The Black Scrolls continue to work their dark magic on our sugenja, even as they gain startling new insight into the nature of our foe. More have arrived, coming from the most unspeakable depths of the Empire, and the terrible cost of this war demands that their hidden secrets be unmasked. Now, it is Isawa Uona who has fallen under their corrupting spell, taking the ashen pallor and skeletal countenance of her brother Tadaka. She walks the halls of our temples alone, muttering prayers to stave off the terrible whispers she hears on the wind. I fear that others may soon follow, and indeed that our entire clan may be lost to this darkness we toy with. But I also know that this price must be paid. Both Tadaka and Uona have spoken of terrible dreams, of a dark and horrifying evil reaching from the Shadowlands to engulf us all. We must learn more of this threat if we are to have any hope of combating it. The price is high, but we of all clans understand the need to pay it. May the Seven Thunders have mercy on our souls.
Our armies in the Crane territory have fallen, but Shiba Tsukune's failure had nothing to do with the courage or tactics of the Lion. No, the unorthodox strategies of Lady Tsukune held off the enraged Lady Lion for nearly three weeks, but it was the arrival of a Shadowlands army - led by the blazing-eyed shadow of Doji Hoturi - that forced her to retreat back to the temples of the Asahina family. She and the Cranes barely escaped with their lives, let alone with their armies. There they wait for the arrival of Matsu Tsuko and her allies from the Shadowlands. It is obvious now that she cares not who sits on the Throne, she merely wishes to ensure her place beside it. As things now stand, it seems as if nothing can stop her from razing the Crane to the ground and sealing the doom of us all. We can only pray that the Lion Champion can somehow be made to see reason, or that the rumors of a Naga army massing near the Crane lands have some basis in truth. Desperate hopes, indeed.
But the worst news, I fear, lies not on the battlefield, but within our own walls. The Black Scrolls continue to work their dark magic on our sugenja, even as they gain startling new insight into the nature of our foe. More have arrived, coming from the most unspeakable depths of the Empire, and the terrible cost of this war demands that their hidden secrets be unmasked. Now, it is Isawa Uona who has fallen under their corrupting spell, taking the ashen pallor and skeletal countenance of her brother Tadaka. She walks the halls of our temples alone, muttering prayers to stave off the terrible whispers she hears on the wind. I fear that others may soon follow, and indeed that our entire clan may be lost to this darkness we toy with. But I also know that this price must be paid. Both Tadaka and Uona have spoken of terrible dreams, of a dark and horrifying evil reaching from the Shadowlands to engulf us all. We must learn more of this threat if we are to have any hope of combating it. The price is high, but we of all clans understand the need to pay it. May the Seven Thunders have mercy on our souls.
Asako Yasu
My best beloved one,
It is all I can do to keep the tears from falling as I write this to you. Despite the defeat of the Crane at Doji Castle, despite the trap that we have prepared for Toturi in the Lion territories, and despite the fact that we are only weeks from complete victory, I have found that many of my kinfolk have turned away from me and dedicated themselves to a mistress with a much deadlier appetite.
I speak, of course, of the Shadowlands.
I know, do not be deceived, I know the siren song that sings out from that dark land. I hear it as well as you do. Perhaps I even hear it clearer. Perhaps that is why I can keep myself focused on what must be done. Our revenge against the Clans is nearly complete, and yet, many of you are giving yourself over to the corruption that hopes to claim the Throne for itself. Look at the example it made out of Yogo Junzo. Do you think Junzo will be as giving as I if he claims the Throne? Do you think his rewards will be as sweet? Think well on what I have said. There are many who believe a woman has no right to be at the head of our Clan. They would rather allow a walking dead mockery dictate our destiny. Soon, you will have to make a choice. Yes, ours is a more difficult path, but when we reach the end of it, we will not be the same as those gibbering idiots that the Shadowlands has enslaved to its dark will.
Think well, my best beloved one. It was I who caused the downfall of Doji Hoturi. It was I who arranged the trap that awaits the fallen Lion. His greatest student - the raven-haired Tsamuri - shall be his downfall. It was I who will allow Hida Kisada to sail his barges into the royal harbor, and I will stand behind him as he sits on the Throne, my tender lips whispering into his old and vulnerable brain. The Great Bear has only one son left, and young Hitomi is ready to deal with him. I have prepared her - and equipped her - for the task. The Great Bear will be without an heir when this war is over, and where do you think his next heir will come from? Our revenge is nearly complete, my best beloved one. Do not be swayed by promises of power now. Be patient, as patient as only a Scorpion can be. It is only a matter of time now. When this war is finished, the Clans will be crushed, the Throne will be under our control, and revenge shall finally be ours.
It is all I can do to keep the tears from falling as I write this to you. Despite the defeat of the Crane at Doji Castle, despite the trap that we have prepared for Toturi in the Lion territories, and despite the fact that we are only weeks from complete victory, I have found that many of my kinfolk have turned away from me and dedicated themselves to a mistress with a much deadlier appetite.
I speak, of course, of the Shadowlands.
I know, do not be deceived, I know the siren song that sings out from that dark land. I hear it as well as you do. Perhaps I even hear it clearer. Perhaps that is why I can keep myself focused on what must be done. Our revenge against the Clans is nearly complete, and yet, many of you are giving yourself over to the corruption that hopes to claim the Throne for itself. Look at the example it made out of Yogo Junzo. Do you think Junzo will be as giving as I if he claims the Throne? Do you think his rewards will be as sweet? Think well on what I have said. There are many who believe a woman has no right to be at the head of our Clan. They would rather allow a walking dead mockery dictate our destiny. Soon, you will have to make a choice. Yes, ours is a more difficult path, but when we reach the end of it, we will not be the same as those gibbering idiots that the Shadowlands has enslaved to its dark will.
Think well, my best beloved one. It was I who caused the downfall of Doji Hoturi. It was I who arranged the trap that awaits the fallen Lion. His greatest student - the raven-haired Tsamuri - shall be his downfall. It was I who will allow Hida Kisada to sail his barges into the royal harbor, and I will stand behind him as he sits on the Throne, my tender lips whispering into his old and vulnerable brain. The Great Bear has only one son left, and young Hitomi is ready to deal with him. I have prepared her - and equipped her - for the task. The Great Bear will be without an heir when this war is over, and where do you think his next heir will come from? Our revenge is nearly complete, my best beloved one. Do not be swayed by promises of power now. Be patient, as patient as only a Scorpion can be. It is only a matter of time now. When this war is finished, the Clans will be crushed, the Throne will be under our control, and revenge shall finally be ours.
Bayushi Kachiko
May the Winds Bring Good Fortune to You,
Events are proceeding rapidly and we must be prepared to take advantage of any further changes that fortune seems fit to make. Shinjo Yasamura has turned Toturi away from Beiden Pass and into the Lion lands. There, he faces the animosity of his former clansmen and the added threat of another army - the exact nature of which we cannot ascertain. But Lady Kachiko assures us that this enigmatic force serves the Emperor, and that the two armies will crush the ronin and his rag-tag band beneath them. We have done well to leave Toturi to his fate, for no honor could be gained in sharing such an ignominious defeat.
Further south, a perplexing and uneasy situation has developed in the campaign against the Crane. Doji castle has finally fallen to the Shadowlands army led by their former Champion. The corrupt Lord Doji now marches towards the temples of the Asahina family, where the remnants of the Crane have gathered with the Phoenix Shiba Tsukune to make a final stand. Despite Matsu Tsuko's claim that the Crane will be treated mercifully, it now seems clear she has nothing less than their utter destruction as her goal. More disturbing is the fact that she and her army stood by and watched while the Shadowlands army crushed the last defenses of Doji castle. Have the Lion become so obsessed with vengeance that they have forgotten their vow to defend the Empire? Would they step aside and permit the destruction of Rokugan lands - lands promised to us by treaty - merely to end some petty feud? And why in the name of the Seven Thunders have they done nothing to stop the unholy monstrosities that now stalk the shattered remnants of Doji Castle? Lady Matsu is no longer trustworthy, and I fear that her treachery may have dire implications for our clan.
But we are not without resources. We did not join the Lion to inherit a scorched Crane wasteland, nor do we intend to be thrown to the wolves as Toturi was. Lord Doji has quite clearly made a pact with the forces of darkness, and once the Asahina temples fall, our lands will be next. Otaku Kamoko has led our finest horsemen to our southern borders, in preparation for an inevitable attack. The weak and corrupted Crane have fallen like wheat before the Shadowlands army. But we are not the Crane, and our enemies seem to have forgotten that.
We are alone now, my friend, without a friend or ally in all of Rokugan. But we have swiftness in our blades and purity in our hearts, and we are ready to face the dark days that are approaching. Keep your wits about you and remember that you are Unicorn. We will speak again soon.
Events are proceeding rapidly and we must be prepared to take advantage of any further changes that fortune seems fit to make. Shinjo Yasamura has turned Toturi away from Beiden Pass and into the Lion lands. There, he faces the animosity of his former clansmen and the added threat of another army - the exact nature of which we cannot ascertain. But Lady Kachiko assures us that this enigmatic force serves the Emperor, and that the two armies will crush the ronin and his rag-tag band beneath them. We have done well to leave Toturi to his fate, for no honor could be gained in sharing such an ignominious defeat.
Further south, a perplexing and uneasy situation has developed in the campaign against the Crane. Doji castle has finally fallen to the Shadowlands army led by their former Champion. The corrupt Lord Doji now marches towards the temples of the Asahina family, where the remnants of the Crane have gathered with the Phoenix Shiba Tsukune to make a final stand. Despite Matsu Tsuko's claim that the Crane will be treated mercifully, it now seems clear she has nothing less than their utter destruction as her goal. More disturbing is the fact that she and her army stood by and watched while the Shadowlands army crushed the last defenses of Doji castle. Have the Lion become so obsessed with vengeance that they have forgotten their vow to defend the Empire? Would they step aside and permit the destruction of Rokugan lands - lands promised to us by treaty - merely to end some petty feud? And why in the name of the Seven Thunders have they done nothing to stop the unholy monstrosities that now stalk the shattered remnants of Doji Castle? Lady Matsu is no longer trustworthy, and I fear that her treachery may have dire implications for our clan.
But we are not without resources. We did not join the Lion to inherit a scorched Crane wasteland, nor do we intend to be thrown to the wolves as Toturi was. Lord Doji has quite clearly made a pact with the forces of darkness, and once the Asahina temples fall, our lands will be next. Otaku Kamoko has led our finest horsemen to our southern borders, in preparation for an inevitable attack. The weak and corrupted Crane have fallen like wheat before the Shadowlands army. But we are not the Crane, and our enemies seem to have forgotten that.
We are alone now, my friend, without a friend or ally in all of Rokugan. But we have swiftness in our blades and purity in our hearts, and we are ready to face the dark days that are approaching. Keep your wits about you and remember that you are Unicorn. We will speak again soon.
Ide Tadaji
My distant ally,
Now is the time for unity. Now is the time for strength and courage. We must unite, all of us. The Clans bicker while the Shadowlands and its allies gain strength. Soon each of the Clans will encounter their doom, and only those who have remained faithful to the Emperor will have the strength to defeat it. If we wait - if we hesitate now - all will be lost.
Although I appreciate your letters of warning, I must assure you that I am very aware of the trap that has been prepared for me in my homeland. How could I not be? After Lord Yasamura would not allow me through Beiden Pass, I knew there was treachery afoot. I have spoken with my sensei, Akodo Kage, and he has assured me that my army will be provided safe haven in my old homeland. I have instructed him to speak to my student Tsanuri. Hopefully, she will see the logic of the situation and come to our aid. There are very few I can trust now, my friend. I only pray a Scorpion's tongue has not swayed you as it did Hitomi and Tsuko. Lady Kachiko knows how to play with desire. It is as if she can smell it on your breath. Trust me, I know.
As for our allies in the east, I have sent an army of Naga to assist Lord Doji. Even now they are attempting to cross the river into the Crane lands. When I asked their Warlord (who stands three feet taller than I) if he could cross the great river, he only smiled. Unlike a Scorpion, I have learned I to trust a snake when it smiles. Daini goes with them to show them the way. I only pray they can reach the beleagued Crane armies in time. They have retreated with the remainder of the Phoenix army to the temples of the Asahina shugenja, not a place known for its fortifications. And our allies in the north, the Phoenix, have also sent word. They tell me that almost all of the Black Scrolls have been accounted for.
Unfortunately, nearly all of them have been opened. There are only two that remain a mystery. I have seen Morito Tokei cringe with unbearable pain at times. When I ask him what the matter was, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and told me "Another scroll has been opened." If it is true that these scrolls are draining our shugenja of their strength, then we must destroy them. I cannot convince my Phoenix allies of this, but if I cannot, then you must. The Empire depends on us being at our full strength and capacity when the darkest time arises. Just before his disappearance, Togashi Yokuni came to me and told me that time is close. I do not know why, but I have always trusted the Dragon Champion. There is something ... something ancient in his eyes. I cannot explain more.
Have trust and faith, my friend. The dark time is nearly upon us, but if we have strength and faith, we shall preserve the Empire and our beloved Emperor. May the Seven Thunders keep you and walk beside you until your final day.
Now is the time for unity. Now is the time for strength and courage. We must unite, all of us. The Clans bicker while the Shadowlands and its allies gain strength. Soon each of the Clans will encounter their doom, and only those who have remained faithful to the Emperor will have the strength to defeat it. If we wait - if we hesitate now - all will be lost.
Although I appreciate your letters of warning, I must assure you that I am very aware of the trap that has been prepared for me in my homeland. How could I not be? After Lord Yasamura would not allow me through Beiden Pass, I knew there was treachery afoot. I have spoken with my sensei, Akodo Kage, and he has assured me that my army will be provided safe haven in my old homeland. I have instructed him to speak to my student Tsanuri. Hopefully, she will see the logic of the situation and come to our aid. There are very few I can trust now, my friend. I only pray a Scorpion's tongue has not swayed you as it did Hitomi and Tsuko. Lady Kachiko knows how to play with desire. It is as if she can smell it on your breath. Trust me, I know.
As for our allies in the east, I have sent an army of Naga to assist Lord Doji. Even now they are attempting to cross the river into the Crane lands. When I asked their Warlord (who stands three feet taller than I) if he could cross the great river, he only smiled. Unlike a Scorpion, I have learned I to trust a snake when it smiles. Daini goes with them to show them the way. I only pray they can reach the beleagued Crane armies in time. They have retreated with the remainder of the Phoenix army to the temples of the Asahina shugenja, not a place known for its fortifications. And our allies in the north, the Phoenix, have also sent word. They tell me that almost all of the Black Scrolls have been accounted for.
Unfortunately, nearly all of them have been opened. There are only two that remain a mystery. I have seen Morito Tokei cringe with unbearable pain at times. When I ask him what the matter was, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and told me "Another scroll has been opened." If it is true that these scrolls are draining our shugenja of their strength, then we must destroy them. I cannot convince my Phoenix allies of this, but if I cannot, then you must. The Empire depends on us being at our full strength and capacity when the darkest time arises. Just before his disappearance, Togashi Yokuni came to me and told me that time is close. I do not know why, but I have always trusted the Dragon Champion. There is something ... something ancient in his eyes. I cannot explain more.
Have trust and faith, my friend. The dark time is nearly upon us, but if we have strength and faith, we shall preserve the Empire and our beloved Emperor. May the Seven Thunders keep you and walk beside you until your final day.
Toturi
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