Unicorn Clan Letter - #4
Now, more than ever, we have been cut off from the rest of the Empire. Our armies who move inland have told us the other Clans have retreated to their lands and seem to be waiting. None will speak to us. Communication from the Imperial Palace has ceased. The Lady Kachiko, once our most trusted advisor, has disappeared. My friend, we are alone.
But this is nothing new to us. We who have wandered for generations in the vast wasteland to the north and west of Rokugan. We will survive as we have always survived: with our speed and with out wits.
I can tell you nothing of the news of the Empire. I can only tell you rumors. It is said that the Crab Kisada attempted to slay the Emperor and was himself slain in the attempt. We also know the Crane have won a victory against the Shadowlands army led by their traitor Champion. The snake Hoturi has been laid to rest, his body burned and his army destroyed, and we must celebrate with them now that they have seen the error of their ways in following such a man.
Shinjo Yasamura, in the meantime, has left behind Beiden Pass. He has a more pressing dury, a duty that they other clans seem to have forgotten. When we swore our fealty to the Emperor and became his "Samurai", we swore we would be the keepers of justice in Rokugan. Now, with all the samurai of the land engaged in this selfish battle for the throne, injustice runs rampant throughout the Empire. Bandits - peasant and ronin, human and shadowlands - run rampant through the villages, taking what they need and leaving behind only bloodshed and suffering. Others who should be performing this duty continue to be drawn further into this bloody conflict for the throne, leaving the people of Rokugan to die at the hands of criminals and oni.
We have seen this before. We shall see it no more.
Forget this foolish quest for the throne. Forget the fighting between selfish men and return to the duty we swore we would perform. Find those preying upon our green land, seek out the evil men and unholy creatures who would massacre helpless peasants, and destroy them. Teach them that there is still law in Rokugan. Protect those who cannot protect themselves, and assist them in rebuilding what they have lost. It is the people of Rokugan that will keep the soul of this nation alive. If we protect them from the folly of their would-be rulers and end the depredations against their homes and persons, then this nation will survive to see the dawning of a new day. This is our duty. This is our destiny. And we are the only ones who can perform it.
Otaku Kamoko