Naka Tokei Letter - #1

Greetings, samurai.

I have been called a man of wisdom; whether that is true or not, I hardly need great insight to know that these are uncertain times. It seems that the Empire changes by the moment, and even that which we thought reliable shifts and breaks apart like smoke upon a random breeze. Look to the Kaiu Wall. The greatest creation of the Crab once stood as a barrier to defend us from the Shadowlands. Now the Horde has taken half the wall, using it as a defense to prevent our own scouts from surveying the Tainted lands. Look to the Phoenix. Once the most peaceful clan in the Empire, they stand triumphant against the Dragon and Lion, their power unquestioned. Look to the Unicorn and Mantis. Once these were clans content to linger in the background of the Empire's affairs; now they have formed an alliance with Akodo Kaneka that dominates the lifeblood of Rokugan.

Though many fear for the future, I do not believe this is the end. I have seen far worse, and I have prevailed. However, from experience I know that as the Empire changes we must change with it or be destroyed. Like a man on a sinking ship one must seek out a means of survival, joining with unlikely allies for the sake of the whole.

This is a time for allies. As i watch the Empire turn, I foresee new alliances forming. I see enemy fighting beside enemy - but not in the manner of old, where all Great Clans banded together. No, this is merely a shift, a realignment of the Empire. In the end, what will arise? Not even I can foresee that.

I see change, and we must change also or be destroyed.

Now I am only left to wonder which is the more terrible of those two fates.

Naka Tokei
Grand Master of the Elements

BACK