The Great Clans have forgotten their role in the Empire. They are capable of decades, even centuries, of obedience, but when the wars come as they always do, the other clans cast aside their burdens in the name of war and blood. They are so eager to hurl themselves to their deaths. They are fools, as they have always been. And when they fail, it will fall to us to do what must be done. It seems that the Mantis alone are capable of such a feat. Perhaps divine blood makes one mad, and we are the only clan immune to such madness.

The seas are our home, and ever have been. But now, we must take to the land. We have heard of the peasant revolutions plaguing the mainland, and yet the clans seem more interested in their wars than in combating the poison in their midst. If the people are suffering, and the clans do not care, then the Mantis shall offer them protection. The clans care nothing for the people. They believe that they are beneath them, as they once believed we were beneath them. They were wrong then, and we shall prove them wrong again.

In the end, perhaps the people shall demand that a Mantis sit upon the throne and rule with a firm and just fist. Should that be the mandate of Rokugan, then we will gladly accept that burden as well.

Yoritomo Naizen
Mantis Clan Champion