Sad tidings and brave deeds, my friends.
By now, you have certainly heard the rumours of deaths at Hiruma Castle. It is beseiged by the undead and under constant assualt from Oni. There may be no escape. Mourn the dead.
There are shadows on the wall, and strange figures in the southlands. Know that a Crab has no fear of the demons of that dark realm, but these are something different. Something we have not seen before... Deep in the Twilight Mountains, near the ruins of the Boar Clan Palace, our scouts report strange markings in the trees and unknown tracks. The moon shines brightly over those forsaken lands, and the men whisper superstitous nonsense- of ninja and ghosts. I have removed these men from active duty. Perhaps the strain of constant fighting along the Wall has broken their minds. Yet, I cannot forget the faces of the men who have died under my command these last months, and when I hear their voices calling me from the western mounitains, I can only question my own sanity. It is as if Jigoju itmself has refused their souls, forcing them to walk the empire forever, lost to the fortunes. The dead walk in the Shadowlands, but these spirits are nothing I have ever seen before.
By now, you have certainly heard the rumours of deaths at Hiruma Castle. It is beseiged by the undead and under constant assualt from Oni. There may be no escape. Mourn the dead.
There are shadows on the wall, and strange figures in the southlands. Know that a Crab has no fear of the demons of that dark realm, but these are something different. Something we have not seen before... Deep in the Twilight Mountains, near the ruins of the Boar Clan Palace, our scouts report strange markings in the trees and unknown tracks. The moon shines brightly over those forsaken lands, and the men whisper superstitous nonsense- of ninja and ghosts. I have removed these men from active duty. Perhaps the strain of constant fighting along the Wall has broken their minds. Yet, I cannot forget the faces of the men who have died under my command these last months, and when I hear their voices calling me from the western mounitains, I can only question my own sanity. It is as if Jigoju itmself has refused their souls, forcing them to walk the empire forever, lost to the fortunes. The dead walk in the Shadowlands, but these spirits are nothing I have ever seen before.
Hiruma Yoshi
Children of the Crane!
Hear me now, as I write my last letter to you.
Our Champion has commanded me to hold my ground at Bayushi Palace, but I will not. I have marched the army of Daidoji through Beiden Pass, toward Shiro no Yojin and victory. Kuwanan-sama chases the Mantis. Though some say they only try to fulfill their charter of peace and marshal the unaligned lands, we of the Crane know that Yoritomo-sama seeks a greater prize - not gold, or silver, or gems, but Jade. And Kuwanan-sama will give his life to see that the Throne is safe from a petty upstart. And he is right to do so. But I cannot. I have spoken with the Mantis champion, and I know his ways better than any man. He seeks power, yes, but only as much as he can protect - and the Jade Throne is a prize too many men covet. It would be his, and gone again, before the sun set.
There is another enemy which must be stormed. The Matsu, confident in our weakness, have left their lands lightly protected, sending the mass armies to assault the Crab. Again, they attack helpless peasants and defenseless lands, as they did when they seiged lost Doji palace. This cannot be allowed. We must strike now, before they raise an army of black fiends and Oni, before the sorcerer they serve raises the head of his beast and sends it toward our children. My honor demands that we slay Okura, retake Shiro no Yojin, and return it to the hands of its rightful owners.
My ancestor, Daidoji Yurei-sama, swore to defend that palace, and my honor demands I fulfill his oath. Further, it is the duty of every Daidoji to protect Crane lands against the black grip of the Lion. Their Jade Champion, Kitsu Okura, is a blasphemy to his rank, and to the Empire. They are a soil upon the brow of the sacred land, one which I cannot allow to live a day longer. They must be destroyed, as they once tried to destroy us. If my life is forfeit, then I will gladly sacrifice it so that the Crane may rise. Once I have taken the palace and destroyed this maho-tsukai, I will send my head to Niwa Shita no Kage Toshi in recompense for my treason.
Hear me now, as I write my last letter to you.
Our Champion has commanded me to hold my ground at Bayushi Palace, but I will not. I have marched the army of Daidoji through Beiden Pass, toward Shiro no Yojin and victory. Kuwanan-sama chases the Mantis. Though some say they only try to fulfill their charter of peace and marshal the unaligned lands, we of the Crane know that Yoritomo-sama seeks a greater prize - not gold, or silver, or gems, but Jade. And Kuwanan-sama will give his life to see that the Throne is safe from a petty upstart. And he is right to do so. But I cannot. I have spoken with the Mantis champion, and I know his ways better than any man. He seeks power, yes, but only as much as he can protect - and the Jade Throne is a prize too many men covet. It would be his, and gone again, before the sun set.
There is another enemy which must be stormed. The Matsu, confident in our weakness, have left their lands lightly protected, sending the mass armies to assault the Crab. Again, they attack helpless peasants and defenseless lands, as they did when they seiged lost Doji palace. This cannot be allowed. We must strike now, before they raise an army of black fiends and Oni, before the sorcerer they serve raises the head of his beast and sends it toward our children. My honor demands that we slay Okura, retake Shiro no Yojin, and return it to the hands of its rightful owners.
My ancestor, Daidoji Yurei-sama, swore to defend that palace, and my honor demands I fulfill his oath. Further, it is the duty of every Daidoji to protect Crane lands against the black grip of the Lion. Their Jade Champion, Kitsu Okura, is a blasphemy to his rank, and to the Empire. They are a soil upon the brow of the sacred land, one which I cannot allow to live a day longer. They must be destroyed, as they once tried to destroy us. If my life is forfeit, then I will gladly sacrifice it so that the Crane may rise. Once I have taken the palace and destroyed this maho-tsukai, I will send my head to Niwa Shita no Kage Toshi in recompense for my treason.
Daidoji Uji
We are the New Way.
Hitomi-sama calls us to her side, at last, to defend the Dragon Clan from her enemies. We must not fail. Although the Naga are strong, they are misguided. The monks, and our betraying brethren who stand with them, choose not to understand, not to open their minds to the path of our Lady's wisdom. We do not wish to kill them. They have brought the war to us. We are the light of truth. When her eyes shine like a thousand stars, we can see her Thunder's souls. We who have served through dishonor, scorn and condemnations, will reap the benefits of our loyalty, And when the Empire looks into the sky and sees the eyes of our Lady, they will know we spoke the truth. We hold in trust the child of the Ki-Rin, for its soul is entwined with her own. Hitomi-sama's visions told her where to find it, and how to tame it for her own. When she rises in glory, all Rokugan will know the wisdom of her heart. Lest those of you who struggle for purity know this: our Lady is not Tainted, not corrupted, not evil. Her heart is true, and her new beginning will be the rise of an eternal heaven to mirror the land of the Dragons, here in the empire. We are the vision of the future. The ise-zumi do not wish to fight their brothers. It was never our goal to begin this war, but we must end it. In the chambers below the palace, a captured shadow struggles to be free of her strength, but she will not release it until she has learned the secrets it keeps. But there is one battle still to fight, a war in which our Lady cannot aid us. Her path calls her to the ancient heart of the mountains, and only a few of her most trusted can go with her. Until she returns, we must keep the palace from falling to the hands of our enemies. We will know she is returning when the moon falls from the sky.
Hitomi-sama calls us to her side, at last, to defend the Dragon Clan from her enemies. We must not fail. Although the Naga are strong, they are misguided. The monks, and our betraying brethren who stand with them, choose not to understand, not to open their minds to the path of our Lady's wisdom. We do not wish to kill them. They have brought the war to us. We are the light of truth. When her eyes shine like a thousand stars, we can see her Thunder's souls. We who have served through dishonor, scorn and condemnations, will reap the benefits of our loyalty, And when the Empire looks into the sky and sees the eyes of our Lady, they will know we spoke the truth. We hold in trust the child of the Ki-Rin, for its soul is entwined with her own. Hitomi-sama's visions told her where to find it, and how to tame it for her own. When she rises in glory, all Rokugan will know the wisdom of her heart. Lest those of you who struggle for purity know this: our Lady is not Tainted, not corrupted, not evil. Her heart is true, and her new beginning will be the rise of an eternal heaven to mirror the land of the Dragons, here in the empire. We are the vision of the future. The ise-zumi do not wish to fight their brothers. It was never our goal to begin this war, but we must end it. In the chambers below the palace, a captured shadow struggles to be free of her strength, but she will not release it until she has learned the secrets it keeps. But there is one battle still to fight, a war in which our Lady cannot aid us. Her path calls her to the ancient heart of the mountains, and only a few of her most trusted can go with her. Until she returns, we must keep the palace from falling to the hands of our enemies. We will know she is returning when the moon falls from the sky.
Hitomi Dajan
Mock me if you will. Call me Traitor. But realize: were it not for my sacrifice, our lands would have been destroyed.
The beast which lives within the castle's walls knows its master, as sure as the sun chases her moon across the sky each tedious day. We still reign Shiro Matsu only because of my sorcery, and although I feel myself fading with each passing day, I will not rest until our lands are safe from the Unicorn.
You rise beside the Crab - the armies of the Lion marching to their doom at the hands of the Shadowlands, valiant and ever-eager to defend their 'brothers.' Oh, yes, I know Tsanuri's secret plans. The Beast tells me everything; all I wished to know, and more. Such knowledge as you can never imagine fills me thoughts, and no spellcraft can escape me. The Lion will be safe, without their armies, without their Champion. If the Matsu and the Ikoma will not stand for them, then the Kitsu will.
I will defend them, but not with my life. With my soul.
The beast which lives within the castle's walls knows its master, as sure as the sun chases her moon across the sky each tedious day. We still reign Shiro Matsu only because of my sorcery, and although I feel myself fading with each passing day, I will not rest until our lands are safe from the Unicorn.
You rise beside the Crab - the armies of the Lion marching to their doom at the hands of the Shadowlands, valiant and ever-eager to defend their 'brothers.' Oh, yes, I know Tsanuri's secret plans. The Beast tells me everything; all I wished to know, and more. Such knowledge as you can never imagine fills me thoughts, and no spellcraft can escape me. The Lion will be safe, without their armies, without their Champion. If the Matsu and the Ikoma will not stand for them, then the Kitsu will.
I will defend them, but not with my life. With my soul.
Kitsu Okura, Jade Champion
At last, the war is nearly finished.
The Dragon armies have routed, and flee to their final castle, deep in the mountains of the Hitomi. Although the mewling humans at our side speak of treaties and peace, we know our path. The Akasha has led us here, to the heart of the Empire, for a purpose. And it is a vision we cannot fail.
The monk known as Maseru returned from a 'peace mission' to the Dragon castle, bearing strange and disturbing news: beneath the lowest wall, the Lady sits on an ivory throne, contemplating a mirror made of blood. Her black hand has spread its taint through her body, changing her from what she once was to something which is not of this world - something dark and ambitious. Worst of all, he spoke of a room which rides beneath the roots fo the mountain: a room made of crystal, a bone-white chamber with no door. And through the sheer white walls, he could see two things within its depths: one, a box of scrolls whose pages turned themselves. Its blackened cover was charred and stained, and the wood of the box had peeled from overuse, but the scrolls within were crisp and covered with calligraphy. But strangest of all, trapped and hiding in the corner of the chamber, something moved. A shadow with no light, a man with no form...
No face.
When we find it, and destroy it, then we will have obeyed the commands of the Akasha, and removed the stain from the pale Eye of the Moon. Only then can we cease this war. If Hitomi will not give it to us, then we will crush her.
The Dragon armies have routed, and flee to their final castle, deep in the mountains of the Hitomi. Although the mewling humans at our side speak of treaties and peace, we know our path. The Akasha has led us here, to the heart of the Empire, for a purpose. And it is a vision we cannot fail.
The monk known as Maseru returned from a 'peace mission' to the Dragon castle, bearing strange and disturbing news: beneath the lowest wall, the Lady sits on an ivory throne, contemplating a mirror made of blood. Her black hand has spread its taint through her body, changing her from what she once was to something which is not of this world - something dark and ambitious. Worst of all, he spoke of a room which rides beneath the roots fo the mountain: a room made of crystal, a bone-white chamber with no door. And through the sheer white walls, he could see two things within its depths: one, a box of scrolls whose pages turned themselves. Its blackened cover was charred and stained, and the wood of the box had peeled from overuse, but the scrolls within were crisp and covered with calligraphy. But strangest of all, trapped and hiding in the corner of the chamber, something moved. A shadow with no light, a man with no form...
No face.
When we find it, and destroy it, then we will have obeyed the commands of the Akasha, and removed the stain from the pale Eye of the Moon. Only then can we cease this war. If Hitomi will not give it to us, then we will crush her.
Eshru
Cousins,
There is little time to waste and much to say, The Mantis armies move up our coast like a swarm of beetles, eager for fresh forest to feed their bitter hearts. Tetsu brings with him the few remains of our once-great army, hoping to snare Yoritomo's men before they can reach Gisei Toshi, but I fear it will be too late - our once -secret city may soon fall prey to the ravages of a madman. Yoritomo's goal is not our land, but our power. If he can bring the Phoenix under his banner, he will have the support he needs to claim Toturi's throne. Even now, Hogosha, his councilor, speaks into the ear of the traitorous Imperial Advisor, and the Crane listens to his word. We have never fought against our brothers, The Crane. We have never had need. Until now.
But with the news of their alliance comes even more hidden lore: the palace of the Dragon shake eith forbidden magic, and Hitomi stands on her mountain without care for the Empire's future. Her advisors fear her madness, and the Agasha whisper that she no longer speaks with Togashi's voice. The Agasha have made their own bargains, and we shall see the fruit of their loyalty to the Empire within days of this missive.
Until then, I stand at the feet of the Elements, ready to take up the burden for which my cousin, Tadaka, sacrificed his life. Kuro-sensei has given me the mantle of Master of Earth, and until, I can be joined by my brothers and sisters of the council. When that day comes, and the Phoenix rise whole and bright, I will stand before you all and swear, with our Champion, that these dark times will never plague our clan again.
There is little time to waste and much to say, The Mantis armies move up our coast like a swarm of beetles, eager for fresh forest to feed their bitter hearts. Tetsu brings with him the few remains of our once-great army, hoping to snare Yoritomo's men before they can reach Gisei Toshi, but I fear it will be too late - our once -secret city may soon fall prey to the ravages of a madman. Yoritomo's goal is not our land, but our power. If he can bring the Phoenix under his banner, he will have the support he needs to claim Toturi's throne. Even now, Hogosha, his councilor, speaks into the ear of the traitorous Imperial Advisor, and the Crane listens to his word. We have never fought against our brothers, The Crane. We have never had need. Until now.
But with the news of their alliance comes even more hidden lore: the palace of the Dragon shake eith forbidden magic, and Hitomi stands on her mountain without care for the Empire's future. Her advisors fear her madness, and the Agasha whisper that she no longer speaks with Togashi's voice. The Agasha have made their own bargains, and we shall see the fruit of their loyalty to the Empire within days of this missive.
Until then, I stand at the feet of the Elements, ready to take up the burden for which my cousin, Tadaka, sacrificed his life. Kuro-sensei has given me the mantle of Master of Earth, and until, I can be joined by my brothers and sisters of the council. When that day comes, and the Phoenix rise whole and bright, I will stand before you all and swear, with our Champion, that these dark times will never plague our clan again.
Isawa Taeruko, Master of Earth
Dark times call for darker deeds...
Our strike against the Unicorn was successful, and now they scurry like children, trying to keep a broken peace. Without their vaunted steeds, they are as vulnerable as the rest of the Great Clans, and all they hold dear will be torn from them. Our scouts to the north have returned, with ill-fated news. A great battle has been fought on the edge of a mighty desert, and our Lady's troops have been discovered. They were slaughtered. We found only one slim thread of hope in the blood of that battle: No sign of Kachiko-sama or her personal guard could be found.
The son of Aramoro-san hides his face within the Mantis clan, keeping his distance as our Lady bade. For once, perhaps our deals have gone against us, for the boy shows no sign of returning, nor of passing on the valuable information which he must have discovered in that dread place.
In the Empire's heart, Nishiko-san returns with ill news: Of the seventeen men who were to join the hidden Shosuro Shinobi school, only ten have survived. The rest faded into nothing, as once did the family of Goju. The shadows grow greedy with their bargains, and soon we will be forced to break our ancient pact.
Go forth and tame the darkness, before it believes it can rule us. The shadow must learn who is Master, and who is prey.
Our strike against the Unicorn was successful, and now they scurry like children, trying to keep a broken peace. Without their vaunted steeds, they are as vulnerable as the rest of the Great Clans, and all they hold dear will be torn from them. Our scouts to the north have returned, with ill-fated news. A great battle has been fought on the edge of a mighty desert, and our Lady's troops have been discovered. They were slaughtered. We found only one slim thread of hope in the blood of that battle: No sign of Kachiko-sama or her personal guard could be found.
The son of Aramoro-san hides his face within the Mantis clan, keeping his distance as our Lady bade. For once, perhaps our deals have gone against us, for the boy shows no sign of returning, nor of passing on the valuable information which he must have discovered in that dread place.
In the Empire's heart, Nishiko-san returns with ill news: Of the seventeen men who were to join the hidden Shosuro Shinobi school, only ten have survived. The rest faded into nothing, as once did the family of Goju. The shadows grow greedy with their bargains, and soon we will be forced to break our ancient pact.
Go forth and tame the darkness, before it believes it can rule us. The shadow must learn who is Master, and who is prey.
Bayushi Yokuan
My people -
Time is short, and I must hurry. Even now, the dew falls upon the ground, and the trail grows cold. I must not let him elude me.
Three years ago, I met Matsu Agetoki on the field of battle, and he told me of my mother's death. He knew. He knew who killed her. And he escaped. Once the wars for the Emerald Throne were over, I swore to find him again, and make him tell me the name of her murderer. I went to the Matsu, but they turned me away, and would not listen to my claims. When he rode out against the Crab, I followed. As he returned, wounded, I nearly caught him. Now, without his clan, he flees like a rabbit across the empty fields of the Scorpion, desperately hoping that I will fall behind.
How can I not hunt him, as the grief of my mother's death has haunted me, each day of my life? I was born to avenge her, and nothing will stop me. Not mercy, not reason. Not even honor. This is why I had to leave you. Can you not see that this quest is for me, alone? My Otaku sisters, my Shinjo brothers, I alone can put my mother's soul at peace. Only I, and this Lion that I hunt. When my quest is done, only then can I return to you.
May Shinsei guide him into my hands.
Time is short, and I must hurry. Even now, the dew falls upon the ground, and the trail grows cold. I must not let him elude me.
Three years ago, I met Matsu Agetoki on the field of battle, and he told me of my mother's death. He knew. He knew who killed her. And he escaped. Once the wars for the Emerald Throne were over, I swore to find him again, and make him tell me the name of her murderer. I went to the Matsu, but they turned me away, and would not listen to my claims. When he rode out against the Crab, I followed. As he returned, wounded, I nearly caught him. Now, without his clan, he flees like a rabbit across the empty fields of the Scorpion, desperately hoping that I will fall behind.
How can I not hunt him, as the grief of my mother's death has haunted me, each day of my life? I was born to avenge her, and nothing will stop me. Not mercy, not reason. Not even honor. This is why I had to leave you. Can you not see that this quest is for me, alone? My Otaku sisters, my Shinjo brothers, I alone can put my mother's soul at peace. Only I, and this Lion that I hunt. When my quest is done, only then can I return to you.
May Shinsei guide him into my hands.
Otaku Kamoko
Faithful Samurai of the Emperor,
Whispers of Toturi-sama trickle in from the farthest shores of the Empire, and our soldiers test the limits of their strength to find Toturi-sama. I know that you are weary, and I know that your hope is fading, but hear this: If we do not find him, the Empire is doomed to die.
Madmen conspire to steal the throne, and the Shadowlands grows strong again. The Crane bicker among themselves, and the Lion threaten to destroy the last remnants of the Crab. Even the once-peaceful Unicorn charge screaming across the Empire, declaring their word as law. Toturi is out there, held by dark powers and the Empire is threatened by death. We are its last hope - the others have turned again to their fighting, and will be of no use in our quest.
I have heard of Ginawa, our once faithful retainer, gone these many days. A shadow whispers of his search through the Dragon highlands, but I fear only for his life. The mountains of the Empire grow dark and foreboding, and the moon itself seems to fear to rise over Kyuden Hitomi.
Once, long ago, I asked Toturi-sama what I could do to repay his faith in me, he had this to say: "See without looking, hear without listening, breathe without asking."
Keep hope in your hearts, and the Emperor will be found. I swear it.
Whispers of Toturi-sama trickle in from the farthest shores of the Empire, and our soldiers test the limits of their strength to find Toturi-sama. I know that you are weary, and I know that your hope is fading, but hear this: If we do not find him, the Empire is doomed to die.
Madmen conspire to steal the throne, and the Shadowlands grows strong again. The Crane bicker among themselves, and the Lion threaten to destroy the last remnants of the Crab. Even the once-peaceful Unicorn charge screaming across the Empire, declaring their word as law. Toturi is out there, held by dark powers and the Empire is threatened by death. We are its last hope - the others have turned again to their fighting, and will be of no use in our quest.
I have heard of Ginawa, our once faithful retainer, gone these many days. A shadow whispers of his search through the Dragon highlands, but I fear only for his life. The mountains of the Empire grow dark and foreboding, and the moon itself seems to fear to rise over Kyuden Hitomi.
Once, long ago, I asked Toturi-sama what I could do to repay his faith in me, he had this to say: "See without looking, hear without listening, breathe without asking."
Keep hope in your hearts, and the Emperor will be found. I swear it.
Chancellor Takuan
Friends of the Tao,
For months, we have researched, studied, and labored with the words of the Tao, but to no avail. Even the ardent assistance of its scribe, Isawa Osugi, has failed to help us understand the paths set forth by Shinsei's successor.
Without the secrets contained in its deepest pages, we are surely lost. What few items we have found, my friends, are disheartening. They speak of wars, slavery, and the death of the Empire. Each phrase speaks of danger, and each riddle only leads to more confusion. The prophet, Itako, has served to aid us only in part. If we can solve the mystery, perhaps we can save the future.
In the mountains and hills of the Dragon, our envoys bear bitter news. Many of our order have been silenced by the wide valley of death. Their bodies lie on far-distant funeral pyres, and their voices will never ring again in the halls of our homes. I beg of you, leave this war. Tell Hoshi-san that you will not support his mad rages and his vanity.
We spoke to the Naga of peace, told them our ways of seeking satisfaction through honorable victory and conquest, and they burned Kyuden Kitsuki.
We begged them to stop, and helped them heal their injured. With open hands, we spoke to them the words of the Tao, teaching them chants to calm the mind, and meditations to soothe the spirit. And then, they razed Agasha castle to the ground.
Now they approach the last stronghold, Kyuden Hitomi, the bastion of our brother Dragons. You cannot stop them, you cannot speak peace to them. We can only watch as they tear the Emperor's land apart.
The rest of the Empire crumbles, and I fear that even the return of the Emperor, at this late time, may not save us. The Crane war among themselves, and the Lion provoke the Unicorn into battle. We can help to stop these wars, bring the wisdom of the New Tao to the land, and enlighten the lost souls of the nation.
Come home, my friends, and join us in our quest. Come home.
For months, we have researched, studied, and labored with the words of the Tao, but to no avail. Even the ardent assistance of its scribe, Isawa Osugi, has failed to help us understand the paths set forth by Shinsei's successor.
Without the secrets contained in its deepest pages, we are surely lost. What few items we have found, my friends, are disheartening. They speak of wars, slavery, and the death of the Empire. Each phrase speaks of danger, and each riddle only leads to more confusion. The prophet, Itako, has served to aid us only in part. If we can solve the mystery, perhaps we can save the future.
In the mountains and hills of the Dragon, our envoys bear bitter news. Many of our order have been silenced by the wide valley of death. Their bodies lie on far-distant funeral pyres, and their voices will never ring again in the halls of our homes. I beg of you, leave this war. Tell Hoshi-san that you will not support his mad rages and his vanity.
We spoke to the Naga of peace, told them our ways of seeking satisfaction through honorable victory and conquest, and they burned Kyuden Kitsuki.
We begged them to stop, and helped them heal their injured. With open hands, we spoke to them the words of the Tao, teaching them chants to calm the mind, and meditations to soothe the spirit. And then, they razed Agasha castle to the ground.
Now they approach the last stronghold, Kyuden Hitomi, the bastion of our brother Dragons. You cannot stop them, you cannot speak peace to them. We can only watch as they tear the Emperor's land apart.
The rest of the Empire crumbles, and I fear that even the return of the Emperor, at this late time, may not save us. The Crane war among themselves, and the Lion provoke the Unicorn into battle. We can help to stop these wars, bring the wisdom of the New Tao to the land, and enlighten the lost souls of the nation.
Come home, my friends, and join us in our quest. Come home.
Ikudaiu
Call to arms!
Our Lord summons us to the northlands, and we must go. In the lands of the Phoenix, a fading pit of sorcery has been found. There stands a castle with no name, and a city which seems to have sprung from the bowels of Fu Lengs pit.
No word from our Scorpion allies, although the young "hostage" they have delivered into our care seems confident that they will arrive when we at last reach the phoenix palace, opening the gates for us to complete a relatively bloodless conquest. If the Phoenix cannot maintain their lands, then we shall do it for them.
And cause to celebrate. With the wedding of Lord Yoritomo-sama, the Centipede Clan has joined our house. The Wasp and the Centipede, united beneath the Mantis banner. Now, our strength cannot be denied, and is ensured for our children, and the descendants of our families for a thousand years to come.
But there is much still to do. The Phoenix resist us, the Crane betray and attack us, and the Unicorn proclaim their law on our lands. An Emperor must ascend to the throne of Rokugan... and that Emperor must be strong enough to marshal the land under one banner. Only one man in our history has been strong enough to unite the fragmented families of Rokugan, and when he chooses to rest upon a Jade Throne, we must stand with him.
Be ready, our time is now.
Our Lord summons us to the northlands, and we must go. In the lands of the Phoenix, a fading pit of sorcery has been found. There stands a castle with no name, and a city which seems to have sprung from the bowels of Fu Lengs pit.
No word from our Scorpion allies, although the young "hostage" they have delivered into our care seems confident that they will arrive when we at last reach the phoenix palace, opening the gates for us to complete a relatively bloodless conquest. If the Phoenix cannot maintain their lands, then we shall do it for them.
And cause to celebrate. With the wedding of Lord Yoritomo-sama, the Centipede Clan has joined our house. The Wasp and the Centipede, united beneath the Mantis banner. Now, our strength cannot be denied, and is ensured for our children, and the descendants of our families for a thousand years to come.
But there is much still to do. The Phoenix resist us, the Crane betray and attack us, and the Unicorn proclaim their law on our lands. An Emperor must ascend to the throne of Rokugan... and that Emperor must be strong enough to marshal the land under one banner. Only one man in our history has been strong enough to unite the fragmented families of Rokugan, and when he chooses to rest upon a Jade Throne, we must stand with him.
Be ready, our time is now.
Yoritomo Masasue
We have his flesh. Soon, we shall have his soul.
Yakamo... once you accepted the Master's dark gift, and it made you the strongest man in the Empire. Now, you have forsaken us, and you will be taught that you are a fool. He wandered alone in the Darklands, seeking aid for his trapped samurai, the light from his Jade Hand searing our flesh. Fool that he was, he thought we could not defeat him... but we know how to destroy a Thunder. We did so a thousand years ago, and we do not forget.
The war between us must cease, and we must find a way to unify our strength. To the Oni, bring forth all your callous viciousness and place them at the head of our troops - let the undead support your vast power, and let the sorcerers show you the way. As it has been in the past, and shall be once more: we will destroy them, and we will control the Empire.
The Burning Words still plague the Master's mind, ruthlessly assaulting all those who would come near. It is a living thing, wild and maddened - Yori calls it 'a destiny whithout a soul'. Now we have a soul to give it.
Yakamo... once you accepted the Master's dark gift, and it made you the strongest man in the Empire. Now, you have forsaken us, and you will be taught that you are a fool. He wandered alone in the Darklands, seeking aid for his trapped samurai, the light from his Jade Hand searing our flesh. Fool that he was, he thought we could not defeat him... but we know how to destroy a Thunder. We did so a thousand years ago, and we do not forget.
The war between us must cease, and we must find a way to unify our strength. To the Oni, bring forth all your callous viciousness and place them at the head of our troops - let the undead support your vast power, and let the sorcerers show you the way. As it has been in the past, and shall be once more: we will destroy them, and we will control the Empire.
The Burning Words still plague the Master's mind, ruthlessly assaulting all those who would come near. It is a living thing, wild and maddened - Yori calls it 'a destiny whithout a soul'. Now we have a soul to give it.
Tsume
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