S2E36: Many Faces

Podcast of the Five Rings

Tomo, Buro, Kenshi, and Akari decided they needed to warn the great clans of what was coming.

Kenshi traveled to the Lion Embassy, and using his new powers as a Kitsune shapeshifter, transformed into a bird and flew to Akodo Toturi’s private chamber. Appearing in the windowsill, he came to him. At first, Toturi was shocked and afraid of Kenshi’s transformative powers, but once Kenshi explained the reason for his visit and the grave warning which came with it, Toturi understood. Kenshi explained that Shoju’s army was on the move, and that the Scorpion champion is likely equipped with one of the legendary Bloodswords. Despite the horror of this realization, both Kenshi and Toturi understood something deeper. This was the impetus Toturi needed to finally end the war. With this knowledge, the Lion and Crane could end their fighting and focus on a common enemy. Toturi made arrangements immediately to speak with the Emperor and the Crane champion, Doji Hoturi.

While Kenshi played music to soothe the nerves of the young champion, someone heard Kenshi’s familiar voice and came investigating. It was Matsu Tsuko. Toturi explained to her what was happening. She protested, explaining that this was clearly some ruse to move the Lion forces into a disadvantageous position, away from a defensible position. She believed it was a trap to weaken their position on the frontline against the Crane. Toturi, wanting to prove himself as a leader, silenced Tsuko. She then turned to Kenshi. Tsuko was sick of seeing this imposter masquerade as a Lion. He murdered one of their own, he spied on them, he sympathizes with the Fox, and now he poisons the mind of her lord with lies. “Publicly renounce your loyalty to the Lion and reveal your ties with the Fox, or face me in a duel.” Kenshi accepted those terms and agreed to make a public statement in the morning. Toturi said nothing. Though he was grateful for Kenshi’s warning, he knew this needed to happen in order to have peace within his clan.

Meanwhile, Buro followed up on his invitation to meet Doji Shizue. Upon arriving at the Crane embassy, a servant told him that she was away on private business. As the servant bowed and turned to leave, a small scroll fell from his robes. It was an invitation to The House of Many Faces, an arts venue for Otosan Uchi’s lower classes. Taking the hint, Buro traveled to the Ekohikei and watched a show at The House of Many Faces. The performer, Kimiko, took the stage and told the story of a ronin who disobeys his family’s wishes in order to follow his heart. Afterward, Buro was invited to meet Kimiko in her private quarters behind the stage.

After a couple of coy introductions, Kimiko revealed herself to be Doji Shizue in disguise. She had taken up an alter ego to perform at The House of Many Faces, enjoying the freedom to tell stories which would be frowned upon in Otosan Uchi’s high places.

She explained to Buro that Rokugan was a stage, and every person had been given a role. For most, these roles are determined by the necessities of family and clan, but some are lucky enough to choose their own role. She asked Buro what role he wanted to play. Buro told Shizue that he wanted to redeem the Yogo, Soshi, and Shosuro for being wrapped up in the machinations of the Bayushi, and that he wanted to undo the damage which his former clan had done. As Buro spoke, Shizue seemed to have an intimate knowledge of the machinations and damage which he spoke of-- a deeper knowledge than even Buro had.

“What about revenge?” Shizue asked Buro. She revealed to Buro that, if he should choose it, she could help him get revenge on the Bayushi family. The Crane said that she had information which would crippled the Bayushi name for generations. Intrigued, Buro spoke carefully, choosing not to accept anything, but also not to deny anything either. Shizue explained that a ronin would never be allowed inside of the Forbidden Palace, but if Buro appeared at Kachiko’s trial tomorrow evening, she would make sure he would have a seat inside, and that his voice would be heard. This promise also came with a grave warning, however: Shizue made it clear to Buro that this would be suicide.

Shizue departed, leaving Buro with much to think about. Soon, the ronin noticed something: a small bag was left behind right where Shizue was seated. Inside the bag were numerous origami cranes. Confused, Buro investigated. He found that, when exposed to heat, the cranes revealed secret messages written in transluscent ink between a “Hota” and a “Lady K”. They appeared to be love letters.

It suddenly became apparent to Buro what he had in his possession. He was holding dozens of love letters between Bayushi Kachiko, wife of Scorpion Champion Bayushi Shoju, and Doji Hoturi, Champion of the Crane clan. Buro knew immediately that he had seen something he was never meant to see. He hurried back to Hollow Hill where he showed the letters to Ryosei, Yugoki, and Tsuruchi. Looking through the letters, they made another startling discovery. Kachiko was pregnant-- and the child belonged to Hoturi. They were speechless.

Slowly, the four of them began to pick apart the implications of what they had. They had proof of Kachiko’s infidelity to Shoju, and they now knew the heir to the Scorpion clan was actually a Doji. It was obvious how this would hurt the Scorpion clan immensely, but this could also do a lot of damage to the Crane’s reputation at court. They were left with a puzzle: why would Shizue show this to Buro? Why would she expose her own brother like this?

Elsewhere, Tomo and Akari went to speak with the Crab leadership at court. Outside of the Crab embassy, Tomo noticed a commotion brewing outside of an inn. It appeared that a group of Mantis samurai were entangled with some Lion. One Mantis by the name of Iashi was accusing the Lion of launching a sneak attack on a convoy of Mantis ships. Iashi claimed to have investigated the attack and found a paper trail of commands between Lion captains ordering the attack. The Mantis wanted revenge. Weapons were drawn by both sides, which is when Tomo and Akari decided to leave the scene.

The two samurai brought news of what the Scorpion were planning to Hiruma Kage, Hida Riko, and Kuni Fujiko. A quiet fury rose in the audience chamber at the great treachery which was unfolding around them. The Crab then discussed their next move. Tomo suggested reaching out to other clans, especially the Three-Headed Alliance, in order to find common allies to stand against the Scorpion. Fujiko seconded this idea, explaining that there may never be another opportunity like this for quite a long time. Riko did not approve of this plan. She explained that the Crab simply did not have the resources to send forces to the capital. Their primary concern will always be to defend the wall, and they cannot afford spreading themselves too thin. Kage agreed, adding that Hida Kisada, Crab champion, had plans to retake Shiro Hiruma while the Shadowlands hordes were weakened. Sending forces to Otosan Uchi might make the Hiruma family miss their one opportunity to retake their ancestral homeland. Tomo made a final appeal for unity with the other clans, but it fell on deaf ears as the Crab decided their best strategy would be to leave the city at once and regroup from a fortified position.

Discouraged, Tomo and Akari went to conftont the Merchant King, Yasuki Taka. They told him about their hunch that he somehow sold out the Hare clan to profit off their land, and that if he had any honor, he would be standing to defend the emperor against the Scorpion. Insulted, Taka reminded Tomo that he’s done more for their clan than Tomo ever will, and that he didn’t get to where he was by making bad investments.

At the end of the night, the four samurai reconvened at Hollow Hill to share what they’ve learned. As the samurai discussed strategy, an urgent message came to them: the Mantis had declared war on the Lion.

Credits

Art by Dylon Munoz

Music

Rokugan Theme by Brandon Spain

Fall of the Hare by Podcast of the Five Rings

Tomo's Dilemma by Podcast of the Five Rings

Fight Dojo 1 by Brandon Spain

Coal Stone by Podcast of the Five Rings

Treehouse by Podcast of the Five Rings

The Royal Baths by Podcast of the Five Rings

The Return by Podcast of the Five Rings

Artwork by Dylon Munoz

Music by Brandon Spain & Podcast of the Five Rings