Burden of the Emerald Empire (A Legend of the Five Rings Tale)

Crane Clan- Founded by the Kami Doji, the Crane are often called the Emperor's Left Hand, this was in part due to Doji being Hantei favorite sibling, and the other part is that Doji established much of the culture and traditions, including the caste system, Imperial Court, dueling and art, of Rokugan. In doing so the Crane became masters of the court and most Emperors had a Crane for the wife until the Toturi dynasty. Known for the best Courtiers the Crane prefer to fight with words, though they have their own martial tradition. However because of their activity in the courts the Crane often have many favors they can call in if needed, including with the Emperor and Imperial families. Their dominance in the courts has been challenged in more recent times by the Scorpion, who would be the other Clan you think of when it comes to Courtiers, though the Scorpion tend to be more underhanded in the courts. Also famed for their Artisans who work on priceless treasure, the Crane are some of the best dressed Samurai in Rokugan and have large collections of statues, paintings and other such artwork which they will use as gifts. They tend to be flowery in speech, well dressed with long hair which is tied back in battle and tend to a more slender, athletic build. They are composed of four families, the Doji, Asahina, Daidoji and Kakita with the Doji being the Family of the Champion. In addition they have a small segment of the Yasuki that have more allegiance to them than the Crab.

Doji Family- Descended from Doji and Kakita, this family is composed of those who chose their mother's name. To be a Doji is to pursue excellence, a tradition started by their founder Doji, and her son Doji Nio. Some of the best Artisians are from this Clan with breathtaking works of art produced. It is the Doji who uphold the traditions of Rokugan set down by their founder and it shows as many of their bushi are also skilled in the arts of the Court in addition to their Courtiers. They also have extensive ties to the Imperial Families as during the Hantei dynasty the Doji would raise the children of the Emperor, and provide a bride to the Emperor from the Clan. Even with the Toturi they still maintain connections to the Imperial Families and hosted the Otomo Family after the loss of Otosan Uchi. Beautiful and graceful, the Doji dress as if they will be in an Imperial Court, and bleach their hair white in honor of Daidoji Hayuku who retrieved the Ancestral Sword of the Crane from the Shadowlands.

Asahina Family- Founded during the 4th Century their Founder, Isawa Asahina, Master of Air was involved in the war between Lion and Phoenix. During the war the Crane attempted to intervene to broker a peace treaty. In response Asahina attacked the Crane and burned village after village until Doji Kiriko, daughter of the Crane Champion stood to oppose him. Asahina flung his magic at her burning her repeatedly but Kiriko stood steadfast until Asahina rage vanished and was left only with regret. Asahina then chose the path of the ronin and stayed to heal Kiriko, later he married her and swore allegiance to the Crane having forsaken the use of Fire. From that time forward he embraced the path of pacifism a trait passed down through the Asahina Family, the Shugenja family of the Crane. Often they refuse to use violence even against those who threaten them with death, however they make one exception to this and that is to any of the Shadowlands, the corruption being in direct opposition to the path of peace that they preach. The Asahina produce both Shugenja and Artisians in great numbers and their specialty is the crafting of nemuranani (magic items). The most quite of the Crane they often bleach their hair white and wear more reserved and simpler fashions than other Crane.

Daidoji Family- Founded by one of Doji's son, Hayaku in the years after the Day of Thunder the Daidoji are the warriors of the Crane. Doji Hayaku ventured into the Shadowlands to search out the truth of visions of his Sister, Doji Konishiko, the Crane Thunder, that haunted his mother, Lady Doji. For three years he searched, with no news reaching his parents until he returned. Where once he had black hair it was now turned white, and his face was creased with lines as if he had aged 20 years. He also had a scar across his throat, forever robbing him of his voice, a result of a battle with an Oni. But he had come back with the Sword of his Sister. In honor of this he was granted the title Dai, or Defender with his new name Daidoji meaning Defender of the Doji. Since that time when you think of Crane bushi you think of the Daidoji, in addition they provide the yojimbo to protect their less war-like cousins, the Doji, and newcomers in the Asahina. One honor bestowed on them is that they contribute guards for Toshi Ranbo, the Imperial City and work alongside the Seppun Guardsmen. Daidoji bleach their hair white in honor of their founder and are often skilled with the Yari (spear), their founder's favored weapon. More often found in armor then finery they maintain a more severe look, and tend to be bigger than the average Crane as they use heavy armor. They are also some of the best to send to speak with the Crab, being more alike in temperament than the normal Crane.

Kakita Family- Founder by Kakita, the finest duelist and first Emerald Champion, these are the children of Doji and Kakita who took their fathers name. The Kakita are the other bushi Family of the Crane and home to the Kakita Academy which passes down the techniques of Kakita, one of the most renowned and powerful of the Iajitsu schools. As such many of the finest duelists in the Empire come from the Kakita, though they are challenged in this by the Mirumoto of the Dragon. Many artisans also come from the Kakita family as Kakita considered his sword skills as a form of Art. They also have a long standing rivalry with the Matsu of the Lion from when Kakita won the first Emerald Champion tournament and refused to acknowledge Matsu in defeat due to the way she had treated previous opponents. The Kakita unlike the other Crane do not bleach their hair, but do place emphasis on their appearance though not to the same extent as the Doji.

Dragon Clan- Founded by the Kami Togashi, the Dragon are the most mysterious of the Clans, much like their founder. When the Kami first dueled to determine who would lead Togashi alone refused to participate as he had already determined the outcome. Afterwards Togashi retreated to the Northen Mountains were he was joined by Mirumoto and Agasha, and later additional followers came to join them. Unique amongst the Great Clans is that many of the Clan are the three orders of Tattooed Monks. The Dragon are reclusive, and only act when they judge the time is right. The gift of foresight is strong amongst the Dragon, a legacy of Togashi. Amongst the dragon they have three families and three monastic orders which function as families, the Togashi or Ise Zumi, Kistsuki, Mirumoto, Tamori, Hitmoi or Kikage Zumi, and the Hoshi or Tsurai Zumi. Togashi himself was still alive until the Second Day of Thunder in 1128 when he sacrificed his life to aid in the sealing of Fu Leng. The current champion of the clan is Togashi Satsu, grandson of Togashi

Togashi Family- Founded by the Kami Togashi, this family is unique amongst the families of the Kami as they are not family by blood, instead they are the monks known as the Ise Zumi one of the orders of Tattooed Monks. They came seeking the wisdom of Togashi and now his descendent Satsu. Upon becoming a Togashi a Samurai abandons the name of his birth family and has tattoos from the blood of the Togashi daimyo. These tattoos both connect them to Togashi by blood. In addition the tattoos grant different abilities, often allowing a monk to move far faster and strike with more power than a normal human amongst other effects. The family itself focuses on enlightenment and have a kind regard for all regardless of status. They are well liked amongst the peasents who they treat well, even if they seem odd. Togashi will wander and at times seem to act randomly, but do so based on their own understanding and enlightenment. Of the three tattooed orders they are the most active in the Empire. As a monastic order there is seldom common appearance beyond athletic as they accept Samurai from all families, though they tend not to be as large as the more physical Hitomi.

Hitomi Family- Founded in 1128 by Togashi Hitomi, the Dragon Thunder. Hitomi took control of the Dragon Clan and after being infected by the Lying Darkness started a purge forcing all Togashi to change their name to Hitomi or be killed. As part of this purge the Agasha family left the Dragon and became part of the Phoenix. In the end she was defeated and freed from the Lying Darkness. In the aftermath she stepped down as Clan Champion and worked towards the defeat of the Lying Darkness, killing Lord Moon who had allied with the Lying Darkness, taking his place as Lady Moon. Followers of the now Lady Moon, they bear tattoos granted by Hitomi with her own Obsidian blood, and not that of the Togashi. The Hitomi are amongst the most fanatical of Dragon Monks and seek enlightenment through hardship. Fierce in battle, the Hitomi tend to be as large as the Crab.

Hoshi Family- Founded in 1131 by Togashi Hoshi, only son of Togashi. Hoshi and his followers chose to seek refuge amongst the Shinsei Monks from the purge conducted by Hitomi. In the end he lead to her defeat and freeing her from the Lying Darkness. Many of the Shinsei Monks chose allegiance to Hoshi and were tattooed by him. In 1159 he ascended to the Heavens, becoming the Celestial Wanderer. The members of the Hoshi seek enlightenment through balance and moderation. Their tattoos are from Hoshi and connect them to him. Less active they do not place the same emphasis on Martil prowess as the Togashi and Hitomi and as such tend to be of more slender build.

Kitsuki Family- Founded in 822 by Agasha Kitsuki, an yoriki, or assistant magistrate, who saved the life of the Mirumoto Daimyo. Nephew of the Agasha Daimyo, Kitsuki was a clever boy well versed in solving puzzles and riddles and as such expected to do well as a Shugenja. He did not as his mind was occupied by natural studies and not the supernatural. In doing so he was able to discern much about people, however with his poor studies into the supernatural he was threatened with expulsion. It never happened as the one doing so was killed by Kitsuki wakizashi. Begging for 24 hours to prove his innocence, he was able to do so using investigative techniques to gather both physical evidence along with testimony and in 24 hours returned with proof of his innocence along with the actual murderer. This appointed him to the role of yoriki. It is from this tradition that the Kitsuki family arises and they are the premier magistrates of the Dragon. In contrast to other magistrates they place an emphasis on gathering physical evidence in addition to the testimony relied upon by traditional magistrates. Few criminals will remain in an area where a Kitsuki is investigating as they are skilled in finding them and once they start an investigation they will pursue it until completion or death. In addition to magistrates they also provide many of the Courtiers of the Dragon. They have fewer bushi than other families, though a small number of magistrates also practice dueling to use against those they chase.

Mirumoto Family- Founded by Mirumoto the finest swordsmen of the Empire and companion to Togashi he was a rival of Kakita, a rivalry that has continued to this day. The bushi family of the Dragon, they practice the Niten, or two sword style, and have a constant rivalry with the Kakita on which style is superior. The answer is still unresolved as the first such duel between Kakita and Mirumoto Hojatsu, son of Mirumoto, resulted in the death of both duelists on each others blades. The most traditional of the Dragon, they serve and obey the Togashi, a trait passed down from Mirumoto who served as the guard to Togashi and would ascertain the worth of those seeking him. In times when the Dragon intervene in war it is the armies of the Mirumoto who march. The Mirumoto also provide most of the Duelists from the dragon, and along with the Kakita are the most renowned of the duelists.

Tamori Family- Founded Agasha Tamori in 1150, they are those of the Agasha who remained behind when the majority of the family defected to the Phoenix. As such they form the Shugenja family amongst the Dragon. Few Agasha remained and as part of the pact to end the Spirit War, the Shugenja of the Wolf Legion, followers of Toturi joined the Tamori family. Tamori himself fought on the side of the spirts and later disappeared and became the Dark Oracle of Fire is considered a traitor. The Family was named Tamori as part of the pact that ended the Spirit War, the Hantei enjoying that a family would bear a tratior's name. The Tamori, including the current Daimyo Shaitung, his daughter, despise Agasha Tamori, Shaitung was able to defeat her father despite him being a Dark Oracle. Like the Agasha before them the practice the arts of Alchemy in addition to the studies of the kami.

You breathe and slowly relax, standing up, letting your sword hang down to the floor in a non threatening manner. Whatever you uncle wants, attacking him won't do you any good. So instead you decide to follow courtesy.

"Greeting's Uncle" You say giving a bow of politeness. "Have you had your rice today?"

He bows back.
"Well you have manners at least, and yes I have."

You put your katana away, even if you could cut him, which you weren't sure, you didn't think that your blade could do much to him. "Sake then? Maybe some tea?" You say dryly.

"Yes, sake and no it is necessary."

"As you say Uncle." You turn away from him and walk over to pick up a bottle of sake and pour yourself and him a glass.

There's a quiet moment as you both toast the sake and drink it.
"Ah been too long since I had good Rokugani sake." Sezaru says.

"Indeed Uncle? I suppose finding it in the Northern Wall would be a challenge."

"Look at you, being just like your father. Polite and yet somehow disapproving at the same time" he says sipping his drink.

"...Uncle?" You prod.

He looks at you, not really looking at you you feel.
"I'm not on fire by choice. There are...things happening, things no one else knows, but I do."

"What are they? Why come here?" You ask.

Sezaru twitches as if listening to someone else entirely.
"No, he's too young, he doesn't need that burden on him, not yet."

"Uncle?" You press again.

"He is the Emperor, but he is not ready" he continues as if you didn't just speak.

Sezaru continues to mutter to himself in this vein or several minutes before you let your patience go.

"My name is Toturi IV, ready or not, it is my burden to bear the Emerald Empire and the Steel Throne, so you will tell me what you are hear for or you will get out of my tent and let me sleep." You say in a tone so low that it doesn't sound like you for a moment.

The mad Wolf looks at you with something like clarity for the first time.

"Alright Naseru, I'll tell you. After I...after I killed Shiba Mirabu, I ran, I went North, seeking Sekawa, I found him...he's fine, I guess...not willing to return. Found something else too. The Yobanjin are gathering"

"They've gathered before, the Dragon and Phoenix have seen them off each time." You say.

Naseru? How mad was your Uncle? Still if pretending to be your father allowed him to focus...you could do that.

"Not like this they haven't...one of the killed the Dark Oracle of Fire, and took his power as his own. He's....he's changing them, turning them from a few tribes, into an army, an army bound by fire, they burn, and all around them turns to ash...but that's not...the problem"

"What's the problem?" You ask, wondering what could be worse than barbarians on fire.

Sezaru throws down his cup wandering around and ranting, It is coming, the Shadow Dragon, it left Rokugan...it consumes the city of Medinat al Salaam even now, army of glass rises out of sand...can't...can't save you from both brother. Don't know what to do."

The slow dawning realization reaches you.
"...You want me to choose which one the Empire can fight...how long do we have?"

Sezaru blinks.
"3-4 years tops before one acts."

You take a deep breath, you had promised peace, you wanted peace, but your land was doomed to war it seemed, if Sezaru could be trusted, if he hadn't just seen the entire thing from another time, another place. Could you take the risk he wasn't?
Did you really want someone this mad and this powerful in Rokugan anyways? Even if it was nothing sending him North or West would solve your problems for now.

The Burning Sands or the Frozen North, the Unicorn were on the whole better at fighting, but even they and the Lion combined might have a problem with an army of glass golems. Glass does not cut and bleed like the mortal foes that the Unicorn and Lion trained against. On the other hand the Phoenix and Dragon had both been...greatly tested by this century, to ask them again to bear the brunt of an army, one that burned their precious crop lands to dust, that too was something to worry about.
There was risk in either measure, and even if you faced this external threat, the internal shadow enemy that Akane believed exists, was still working to undermine you. There was no doubt that the hidden enemy would take advantage of you.

You close your eyes thinking of all the variables in the end you decide that Sezaru should....

[] "Go, Wolf of the Toturi, go and teach the Yobanjin the true might of the Emerald Empire. If they would burn it all to ash, leave not even ash behind"

[] "Go, Wolf of the Toturi, go and remind the Shadow Dragon that we defeated it's predecessor, if it would march an army of glass on us? Turn it into so much sand."

[] Write in something else for Sezaru to do. (Will require an Air role at 4k3 as you can't ask Akane for help)