Battle at Gisei Toshi - Hidden City Booster Story
Isawa Nakamuro stood upon the walls of Gisei Toshi, looking out into the mountains with a patient frown. There was no fear in the Master of Air's eyes. There was no anger. There was no regret. There was only the sad certainty that he would not live to see another day. The Council had made their decision, and he had been outvoted. Better that Gisei Toshi be forgotten forever than the truth of its existence be revealed to the Empire. He looked down at the men and women who lived here, who had lived their entire lives here, never once glimpsing the Empire without so that the city would remain safe. The City of Sacrifice was an appropriate name for this place. The citizens here had given up everything for the Phoenix Clan… and would soon give up much more.
The Council had decided, and the decision had not been easy. One Master would stand upon the walls and hold the city against Iuchiban. One Master would do what must be done should the city fall. Nakamuro had volunteered. If the city's defenders where not strong enough, it would fall to Nakamuro to give his life to keep Gisei Toshi hidden.
Nakamuro closed his eyes and extended his senses outward, drawing upon his magic. His soul flew free, soaring on the mountain winds. He looked up at the stone walls surrounding the valley where Gisei Toshi was nested. One well placed spell would bring centuries of snow and ice tumbling down upon the City of Sacrifice. Perhaps even Iuchiban could not survive such a catastrophe. He only hoped it would not come to that.
He extended his senses further outward, until he could see the line of black dots that trudged their way through the mountains toward the Hidden City. An army of twisted undead, maniacal lost samurai, and ravening Bloodspeaker tsukai. An army of death. They outnumbered the defenders of Gisei Toshi six to one. They would show no mercy. Nakamuro's sadness deepened.
Then, his senses still spread across the mountains, the Master of Air noticed something else – a second army, marching just two days behind the first. Could it be? They rode forward with as great speed as they could muster. Even from here he could sense the honor and courage in their hearts. An army of heroes, riding forth to save Gisei Toshi. Phoenix and Dragon, riding side by side for the first time in generations. Imperial Legionnaires, bearing the proud standard of Toturi III. Eager Witch Hunters, their jade medallions shining in the sun. His concentration broken by the image, Nakamuro returned to his body with a start.
But how? How did they learn of the city? The Council did not tell them, of that he was certain. The others were to proud to surrender their secrets, even at such great cots.
The how was not important. These men and women had offered the City of Sacrifice a thread of hope. Nakamuro grasped it. Whispering words of magic he summoned a single white dove, sending it forth with a message for the army of heroes.
He only prayed that it would be enough.
The City of Sacrifice has fallen under siege by the Bloodspeaker Legions. The Phoenix muster their defenses, but the battle will be difficult. Against Iuchiban himself, even the great heroes may fall.
In the shadowed halls of Gisei Toshi, many magical artifacts lay hidden. Though Yajinden and Iuchiban intend to loot as many as they can, some may yet be denied them. A samurai from the faction that wins this tournament shall aid the Phoenix in defending many of the most heavily guarded vaults of the Gisei Toshi. As thanks, the Phoenix will grant the artifacts within that vault to that clan for safe keeping until Gisei Toshi can be restored – a task that may take years.
If the Shadowlands win this tournament, they shall be given a choice whether to give their victory to Iuchiban or Daigotsu. Should Daigotsu triumph, a number of his spies will infiltrate the Hidden City while Iuchiban an the Phoenix fight, stealing several powerful artifacts to fuel the Dark Lord's quest for revenge.
Should Iuchiban triumph, the Bloodspeakers will level a curse upon Gisei Toshi, forcing the Phoenix Clan to fall and war among themselves over its remaining secrets.
* One clan will become guardians of Gisei Toshi's treasures, OR
* The Shadowlands army shall triumph and steal powerful artifacts for the Dark Lord.