The Riddle

Toturi Sezaru scours the Empire in search of the Oracles of Light. When he finds them all, he will discover the reason his mother abandoned the throne. Unfortunately, Sezaru's plan hits an obstacle. The Oracle of Fire, would not answer Sezaru's questions directly. Instead, he presented the Wolf with a strange gift - a puzzle box of the sort often created by Dragon shugenja.

If the box can be opened, Sezaru will gain a clue to the location of the elusive Oracle of Water. If it cannot be opened, Sezaru's quest ends here. The Oracle of Fire claims that only one who is truly enlightened, who truly understands the balance of the elements, can unlock the mystery of the puzzle box. Unable to master the box's mysteries, Sezaru has invited samurai of every clan to the Izaku Library to attempt to open it.

Desperate to learn the secrets of the puzzle box, Sezaru promised that the one who finds the answer will gain a great favor in return. The honor of such a gift is great - a favor from the Son of Toturi himself.

A member of the faction that wins this tournament will be the first to solve the puzzle box, and will join Sezaru in his quest.

From the Crab, the master engineer Kaiu Ryojiro holds the most promise. His mastery of all things mechanical would allow him to swiftly perceive the quickest way to undo the complex puzzle. He plans to ask the Wolf to use his magic to fortify the Kaiu Wall.

From the Crane, the duelist Daidoji Megumi has chosen to step forward. Blind from birth, she need not fear that her eyesight will mislead her. She plans to ask the Wolf to enchant her grandfather's blade with the power of Void, increasing her skill in dueling even further.

From the Dragon Clan, Togashi Matsuo stepped forward. The young tattooed man is eager for adventure in all forms, and promised that a simple box will not defeat him. If he succeeds, he shall ask Sezaru if he can accompany him in his travels.

From the Lion Clan, the poet Matsu Hyun accepts the challenge. She is eager to write an epic tale of the Wolf, and sees this as her best chance to gain permission to do so.

From the Mantis, Tsuruchi Nobumoto will attempt to solve the puzzle. Traveling past the library by chance, he takes the challenge simply to amuse himself. He is uncertain how he will ask the Wolf to repay him; perhaps he will let the whim of fate decide.

From the Clan of the Phoenix, the Master of the Void himself steps forward to study the puzzle. Shiba Ningen knows much of the Void, but is eager to share knowledge with Toturi Sezaru.

From the Scorpion, Sezaru's own aide Soshi Angai will attempt to solve the puzzle. If she succeeds, she will ask for no favor, for she knows that such a gesture provide an even greater gift - the true friendship of the Wolf.

From the Unicorn, Ide Sadanobu is intrigued by the Wolf's challenge. In his travels, he has seen many strange puzzles like Sezaru's trinket. If he solves the puzzle, Sadanobu plans to pass on his favor to the Khan. What Chagatai asks is the Khan's secret alone.

From the tribes of the Nezumi, Zin'tch, leader of the Council of the Eye, believes that he might know how to solve the puzzle. With his sharp and inquisitive mind, perhaps he can truly do so. If he succeeds, Zin'tch plans to simply ask if he can keep the shiny-shiny box.

And in the shadows, Sezaru's traitorous servant Miya Gensaiken makes his own plans. Gensaiken encouraged a young shugenja, secretly a Bloodspeaker, to attempt to solve the puzzle. If the Shadowlands wins, this young tsukai will become Sezaru's apprentice.

Who will succeed? You decide.

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