Toturi's Army Letter - #1
There is a need for samurai in our land. The unspeakable nightmares of the Shadowlands have begun to creep across the ancient walls that once separated their land from ours; the shadows move with the silhouettes of ninja; and there are even whispers that the Scorpion Clan - whom we thought were destroyed by the Emperor - have returned for revenge. Even the mysterious Naga have awakened, all but silent to their motives in this conflict. As you know, my family has always been associated with keeping peace in the Empire, but not even my family will protect you in this time of conflict. It is time for you to make a decision: to stand alone as a ronin, or to join a Clan.
If you take an oath of fealty, you will be able to influence Clan decisions, have information regarding the activities of your Clan, and gain battle information gathered from across the Empire to let you know if your Clan is gaining or losing ground in the war. But chose wisely! Already there are rumors running about the Empire that one of the Champions is an imposter... And as you ponder whether you should remain neutral in this conflict (as a "ronin."), or if join one of the Clans, let me pass on some recent accounts of the battle. One should always make educated decisions, after all...
In the first great battle of the war, it was the Crab Clan who positioned themselves outside of the Crane Clan lands. They moved swiftly, capturing one of the Kakita family castles, but the army (commanded by Hida Sukune) spread themselves too thin: they did not have enough samurai to cover the ground they had captured. The Crane Clan immediately sought assistance from the other Clans. The Phoenix are always reluctant to join in battles, and the rivalry between the Crane and the Lion is legendary. However, the Unicorn Clan swiftly came to the Crane's assistance as did another army, and it was a very strange army indeed. Apparently, the Dragon Clan has gained the assistance of Akodo Toturi, once the proud Champion of the Lion Clan. Immediately, the Lion Clan responded by coming to the assistance of Hida Sukune. It must have been a strange sight indeed to see Lion and Crab armies standing side by side.
The armies engaged - Crab and Lion on one side and Crane, Dragon and Unicorn on the other. Suddenly, the sound of thunder was heard over the hills, signaling the arrival of the Phoenix Clan. As the army approached - led by the young samurai-maiden Shiba Tsukune - none were certain as to which side she had been commanded to join. The Lion Clan would not wait to find out. A Lion shugenja leading a small army was sent to meet the Phoenix samurai-maiden. I cannot speak of facts, but apparently words were exchanged between the two and before any other words could be spoken, the Lion shugenja's blood was in the sand and his head was carried back as a trophy to the houses of the Phoenix as Lady Shiba joined her army on the side of the Crane.
Now the Crab army looked at facing the armies of five Clans. The Crab army retreated from the lands of the Kakita family, but the damage has already been done. As Sukune retreated, his brother Yakamo advanced. Together, they cut off the roads that lead to the northern parts of the Empire. Now the southern Clans - Lion and Crane - have been cut off from the Northern Clans - Dragon Unicorn and Phoenix. Apparently, their strategy had been to measure the strength of the opposing armies and position their own to cut off communication between the Clans. This strategy is brilliant; and although Hida Kisada is a masterful tactician, I fear there may be a voice in his ear, a voice that is sweet as honey and as venomous as poison. We must be wary, you and I. I will prepare my family for the inevitable. You must make your decision: to join a Clan or to stand alone. The choice is yours. If you decide to join with one of the Clans, contact me here at the Imperial court, and I will arrange for you to swear fealty to that clan's ambassadors.
May the gods of fortune be with you.
Miya Yoto