Crane Clan Letter - #19
My brothers and sisters
I was not born a Crane. As most of you know, I was not even born in this century. I was the daughter of the first shugenja to call himself Isawa, cast back into the living world by a twist of fate and left stranded here by the destruction of Oblivion's Gate. I was fortunate enough to find a place at the side of Lord Doji Kurohito, the most passionate and honorable samurai I have ever known. In my short time with your clan I have come to appreciate your sense of honor and dedication to the code of bushido. I may have been born a Phoenix, but I am a Crane, now and forevermore.
In my day the clans were young, and not so strictly divided as they are today. In my time the samurai that would one day be the Crane were merely the followers of Lady Doji. Most were poets, musicians, and creators of art. They were unified by their passion, their urge to create and inspire. They were beloved for their imagination and appreciated for the wonders they wrought.
Now I look at what the Empire Rokugan has become and wonder what has happened to the Crane. We are surrounded by enemies, hated by the Lion, Scorpion, and Crab. Have the Crane changed so much? When I look in the faces of the descendants of Lady Doji, I say the answer is no. I still see the same passion, the same fire, the same urge to create and inspire. I do not think that the Crane changed, but that the Empire no longer appreciates the good that we have done. The clan's wealth and political power has diminished in recent years. Those who envy the Crane's wealth and power seize now upon the opportunity to make themselves appear worthy by vilifying us.
Among these, none are more heinous than the man who calls himself Akodo Kaneka. He used the popular negative opinion of the Crane to paint himself the hero. He attacked Crane troops who do not seek battle. He humiliated our Emerald Champion to make himself appear strong. He used us to gain the approval of our enemies. With every defeat, it becomes harder for our clan to gain allies. The Bastard would build his Empire on the grave of the Crane.
He will fail.
I am the daughter of the Isawa, and the Phoenix will still come to my aid if I ask.
If the Bastard would challenge Crane steel, then let that steel be sheathed in the flames of Phoenix magic.
Doji Akiko