Post by Kitsu Natsuki on Nov 17, 2011 9:28:47 GMT -5
The timeline is based on the actions appearing in the FB game, although there may be a few things from RP here and there.
Comments and suggestions are very welcome!
• Hantei Naseru takes the throne as Hantei XL. His brothers, Sezaru and Kaneka become Voice of the Emperor and Shogun respectively.
• An incident at Three Sides River between Crane and Lion patrols heightens tensions between the two clans. However, both sides are loath to go to war again, after their rapprochement at Toshi Ranbo and begin putting out peace feelers.
• The Yobanjin clans launch the largest incursion into Rokugan in living memory, even larger than the one they launched in the reign of Toturi I. The Unicorn castle at Mountain Watch Keep is attacked and besieged by the savages.
• After heavy lobbying by the Crane, the Imperial Winter court of 1163 is held at Kyuden Doji.
• News of the Yobanjin assault spreads, and Hantei XL withdraws into seclusion. With no official word, the clans each carry out what mobilization and preparations they see fit to do.
• Oshogatsu, festival of the New Year is held at Winter Court. The year is now 1164 of the Isawa Calendar.
• Winter Court closes with successful peace talks between the Lion and the Crane. The Scorpion also gain support for their duty of safeguarding the Black Scrolls, after some calls for the Phoenix to be their new stewards. A proposed trade route with the gaijin of the Burning Sands is proposed by the Mantis as well, but is controversial and a broad consensus is not achieved. Finally, the Dragon successfully lobby for resources to be sent to the Tonbo to aid them in rebuilding.
• The Topaz Championship is held at its traditional location, Tsuma. The Clans send their best and brightest to participate in it.
• The Shogun calls for a massive army to be raised and gather at Toshi Ranbo. He intends to lead them against the Yobanjin threat, even as the Emperor remains silent.
• The Iris Festival is celebrated in Benten Seido, as the Empire looks to the future and wishes for a brighter one.
• Treaty negotiations between Lion and Crane begin at Toshi Ranbo, to settle the issue of Three Sides River.
• The Shogun begins the march to Mountain Watch Keep, as its defenders go to great risks to hold off the Yobanjin.
• The Mirumoto daimyo, a prominent opponent of the gaijin trade route, calls for an iaijutsu tournament, known as the Challenge of the Mirumoto to be held in Dark Edge Village to settle the debate.
• The Imperial court gossips about the Shogun’s actions, even as Mountain Watch Keep is besieged and the Emperor remains silent.
• A very public falling out between the Kakita Daimyo and the Shogun becomes the talk of the Imperial Court. Meanwhile, rumours swirl that the Champion of the Ox has been replaced by a ninja shapeshifter.
• The Emperor publically proclaims his support for the Shogun’s actions, and praises him for his swift and decisive action, even as the massive army finally arrives at Unicorn lands.
• The Kakita daimyo defeats the Mirumoto daimyo in the Challenge of the Mirumoto at Dark Edge Village. He lends his support to the trade route, and the last obstacles to implementing it are removed.
• Kyuden Tonbo is fully rebuilt, and the Dragonfly host a festival of thanksgiving.
• The Mantis begin debating the Burning Sands trade route in Kyuden Gotei. The different clans send representatives to lobby for it to pass through their lands.
• The Emperor orders Yasuki Hachi, the Emerald Champion to raise another army to protect the Empire’s borders. Resentment against the Shogun grows at what is seen as his high-handed behaviour, but his supporters are equally passionate.
• The Three Sides River is awarded to the Crane. They waste no time in taking possession of it and beginning patrols.
• The Phoenix hold a celebration at Kyuden Isawa as their new Champion is selected by the Soul of Shiba. Isawa Sezaru is in attendance there as well, and remains after the celebration ends.
• The Shogun’s army finally reaches the beleaguered castle and attacks the massive Yobanjin army. Fighting is fierce, as the Yobanjin had been on the verge of breaking into the walls.
• Dragon magistrates launch an all out investigation into strange rumours of tainted mines and corruption in the courts. The Kitsuki daimyo takes a personal interest in their ongoing efforts.
• The Mantis announce that the gaijin trade route will pass through Scorpion and Crab lands.
• As fighting rages, assassination attempts are made on both Kaneka and Sezaru. The perpetrators are not uncovered, but rumours fly thick and wild. The Imperial court begins to become even more divided on the issue of the Shogun.
• A mysterious plague begins to spread in Crab lands, starting from Shiro Kuni. As it spreads, the Suzume institute a quarantine in their provinces.
• The Mantis organize a summit in their islands to attempt to bring together the clans, as tensions begin to boil.
• The Yobanjin army is broken and defeated, with the survivors routing. The Shogun declares victory, before beginning to confer with his advisors on how to respond to the news from the Imperial Court and the assassination attempts.
• A dark tower of iron is sighted by Crab scouts, deep in the Shadowlands. The Kuni and many other scholars frantically step up research into a cure for the plague, even as it continues to spread. Rumours of zombies in the Twilight Mountains begin circulating.
• The Shogun proclaims himself Toturi the Third, rightful successor to Toturi the Second and Emperor of all Rokugan. In Toshi Ranbo, Hantei XL calls for samurai to reswear their oaths of fealty to him in response to this outrage. The Khan of the Unicorn declares for Toturi III in gratitude for his assistance against the Yobanjin.
• The remaining Great Clans debate on who to support, even as the mysterious ronin group calling itself the Spider send emissaries to both brothers asking for official recognition as a clan.
• The Crane, Dragon and Phoenix declare for Naseru, while the Crab, Lion and Mantis support Kaneka. The Scorpion remain inscrutable, while the Minor Clans simply pray to survive. Civil war looms on the horizon, on a scale not seen since the Clan Wars.
• The Mirumoto daimyo steps down and goes on musha shugyo in response to his clan’s declaration of support for Naseru. Rumours of Kaneka’s dispatch of emissaries to the just defeated Yobanjin begin to circulate.
• The Phoenix announce the holding of the Tournament of the White Orchid at the Shrine of the Ki-Rin, even as tensions rise among supporters of the rival Emperors. Some report sighting the legendary Ki-Rin at the shrine as well, with sages divided on the meaning of the omen.
• As the two sides debate on their next moves, an Imperial Ambassador from the Phoenix is dispatched to attempt to sway the still neutral Scorpion to Hantei XL’s side. Toturi III does the same with an ambassador from the Unicorn, even as the Scorpion begin planning and making contingencies for both scenarios.
• Both Emperors order the execution of the emissaries of the so-called Spider Clan for their audacity in claiming the mantle of a clan.
• Toturi III’s war council continues, even as the Tamori daimyo assumes control of the Dragon clan’s war effort and begins planning their next move.
• The Lion launch the first moves in the war, as they dispatch an army to assault Toshi Ranbo. Their eternal rivals, the Crane, move up to reinforce the loyal Imperial Legions defending the city. Meanwhile, the Emerald Champion’s army moves into the northern provinces of the Lion, as the Crab are reported to be on the march in the south.
• A large Mantis fleet begins to gather at sea, even as the Phoenix note disturbing omens in the form of a strange meteor shower.
• The Crab cross into Crane lands and begin to lay siege to Lonely Shore City, while fighting begins to intensify at Toshi Ranbo and Permission City.
• An murder attempt by a mysterious assassin on the Hantei’s ambassador in Kyuden Bayushi is made. She survives, due to a brave Scorpion yojimbo, but is shaken and withdraws from court. An investigation is launched to determine the perpetrators, as Hantei XL summons the Scorpion to Toshi Ranbo angrily to answer for the assault on his representative.
• Toturi III’s armies begin to move towards the capital as fierce fighting rages there. A Dragon army begins to descend the Long Climb towards the lowlands.
• The Emerald Champion leads the assault on Permission City personally, breaching its walls. Meanwhile, the Shadowlands launches the heaviest assault Shiro Hiruma has endured since its recapture by the Crab. The Wall also comes under attack.
• The Scorpion reconcile with the Hantei after committing a supreme gesture of sincerity, as numerous Scorpion commit seppukku as a gesture of atonement for failing in their duty. Stories of Scorpion screaming their defiance at the 'false emperor' and being cut down forthwith are hushed up, as the Scorpion Champion himself proves his loyalty to the Hantei beyond all doubt. The Phoenix begin to march south, and Mantis sails are seen off Seawatch Castle, even as the Lion begin gaining the upper hand in Toshi Ranbo.
• The Scorpion clan declare publicly for the Hantei and begin planning their next move. Meanwhile, the Monkey Clan begins preparing for war, as their champion feels he cannot sit idly by while the land dissolves into chaos, even as Lonely Shore City struggles to hold off the Crab.
• The Dragon army crosses Drowned Merchant River, threatening Lion lands. The Badger also begin gathering troops.
• The Ox clan begins patrolling Dragon Heart Plain heavily, as rumours swirl of numerous Bloodspeaker cells being uncovered all over Rokugan.
• Toshi Ranbo falls to the Lion, but the defenders hold the armies of Toturi off long enough for the Hantei and his court to be successfully evacuated from the city. Meanwhile, the Emerald Champion carries the day at Permission City.
• The Dragon army begins scouting the approaches to the Castle of the Swift Sword, even as Toturi III marches east to claim his throne.
• Lonely Shore City finally capitulates, and the Crab take control of it. The Dragon army receives word of the approach of Toturi’s Army, and is undecided on their next course of action.
• The Sparrow Champion calls for all Sparrow to return to Kyuden Suzume, tired of the mindless bloodshed tearing the Empire apart. Strange storms lash the Phoenix coast, especially at Kyuden Agasha.
• The Hantei and his court has withdrawn to Kyuden Otomo, and are hurriedly raising fresh troops. The Imperial court begins to bicker about who was responsible for Toshi Ranbo’s fall, but calls for unity carry the day. The Phoenix army arrives in Permission City, but is loath to turn over command to Yasuki Hachi, even as the Lion pacify Toshi Ranbo and begin planning their next moves.
• Bandit activity begins to increase throughout the Empire, especially along the Crab-Scorpion border, as the current state of unrest continues.
• Bon, the Paper Lantern Festival is celebrated, honouring the dead (of which there have been much lately). In most of the Empire, celebrations are muted but the village of Tokigogachu puts up its usual splendid festivities.
• The Scorpion send an army marching south, ostensibly to bring the lawlessness in Pleasure City and the River of Gold under control. Rumour has it that the true target of the Scorpion is actually the Crab lands. More audacious gossips theorize that they march to engage the Shadowlands, but this is quickly laughed off. In addition, ronin in Pleasure City flock to offer their allegiances to the highest bidder and the Monkey become the first Minor Clan to openly declare for either side, proclaiming their allegiance to Toturi III.
• Shiro Hiruma, heavily assaulted by the Shadowlands, still holds, even as the blasphemous legions of Fu Leng throw hordes of goblins, undead and foul maho at it. The defenders are still in good spirits, but their jade is slowly running out. The Great Carpenter Wall is also under heavy assault, preventing the relief of Shiro Hiruma.
• The Dragon assault Shiro Sano Ken Hayai, hoping to take it before Toturi’s Army can arrive and trap them between the hammer and the anvil. The results of the Scorpion investigation blame the mysterious so-called ‘Spider Clan’ for the assassination attempt on the Hantei’s ambassador, suggesting it was revenge for their earlier rebuff. The Scorpion swear to avenge the slight on their honour.
• The Mantis begin assaulting the walls of Seawatch Castle, having successfully established their initial landings. Faced with foes from all sides, the Lion and the Crane meet in Kyuden Seppun to discuss the possibility of a temporary truce while other threats are dealt with.
• The Brotherhood of Shinsei begins constructing a monastery in the Great Wall of the North Mountains, lamenting the fighting that mars the Empire at the moment.
• The Phoenix finally agree to relinquish overall command of their forces to Yasuki Hachi. Leaving behind a garrison in Permission City, the combined Phoenix-Imperial army proceeds to launch a massive assault on Crossroads Castle. Elsewhere, even as Lion-Crane truce talks continue, the Lion begin launching scouting missions towards Kyuden Otomo, aiming to be prepared for any eventuality.
• The Crane repel the Mantis assault on Seawatch Castle, driving them back to their ships. Elsewhere, the Scorpion army marching south reaches Kudo, and the increased demand for lumber due to the war results in loggers entering both the Mori Isawa and the Kitsune Mori, two forests held to be haunted by strange spirits.
• Seppun miharu appear at Kyuden Isawa, demanding to have Isawa Sezaru released into their protective custody. They claim the duty of protecting the imperial heir presumptive, but the Phoenix insist that the Shiba yojimbo are perfectly capable of looking after a member of the Isawa. Meanwhile, rumours of the Scorpion conscripting villagers from Kudo as ashigaru are heard.
• The massive assault by the forces of the Shadowlands on Shiro Hiruma and the Kaiu Kabe is defeated, and the Crab gain a temporary reprieve in their eternal war. With the siege lifted, reinforcements and engineers hurry to repair and strengthen the walls of Daylight Castle once more. However, some still worry that this was only the initial moves of a twisted plot and that a greater evil is stirring, deep in the blighted lands ruled by Fu Leng.
• The Imperial Winter Court of 1164 opens in Kyuden Otomo, where Hantei Naseru holds court. Everyone who attends quietly pretends that the location was selected for its benefits, and certainly not out of sheer necessity as Rokugan continues to be riven by civil war. The word is put out that the Hantei seeks to find a suitable candidate to be his bride as well.
• Toturi’s army finally arrives at the Castle of the Swift Sword to the cheers of the besieged garrison and the consternation of the Dragon, who must now face battle on two fronts, as winter’s grasp begins to descend on Rokugan. Winter warfare of this scale is unprecedented, and the battle could still go either way at this point.
• The new year of 1165 dawns with Rokugan still bitterly divided in the war some have taken to calling the War of the Brothers.
• Current gossip at the Imperial Winter Court makes the Doji princess the favourite to be betrothed to Hantei Naseru, but the Kitsuki heir and the Akodo candidate also appear to be popular candidates for the Hantei’s bride. Inspired by the Hantei, Imperial matchmakers are also scouting for talented and eligible samurai to strengthen and to build marriage alliances. Lion and Crane diplomats are being sighted in public together more often, and it is increasingly likely that the truce between Lion and Crane will go through.
• The Scorpion army, bolstered by their hired ronin and conscripted ashigaru, arrives at the gates of Kyuden Kitsune, demanding their surrender. Within Kyuden Kitsune, opinion is divided on how to deal with the situation, with some urging defiance, while others favour negotiation, citing their lack of troops and the absence of any real Scorpion enmity towards the Kitsune. The strange rumours filtering out from Crab lands of guards being found dead in Clear Water Village do not prove to be any more reassuring.
• The truce between Crane and Lion is announced publically, as both clans finally conclude the negotiations to their mutual satisfaction. Left politely unstated is the fact that both clans still remain loyal to rival emperors. Among the terms of the treaty is that the Lion and Crane will not face each other in direct combat. Pursuant to that agreement, Lion troops withdraw from the outskirts of Kyuden Otomo, causing the assembled court to breathe a quiet sigh of relief. Whatever Crane forces were fighting at the Castle of the Swift Sword and Crossroads Castle also retreat back to Crane lands. However, while tensions between Lion and Crane appear to have cooled, they are rapidly coming to a boil in Kyuden Kitsune, as the Scorpion hack down trees from the Kitsune Mori to build siege equipment. The despoilment of the forest incenses the Kitsune, and conflict appears likely.
• Isawa Sezaru, the heir presumptive to both warring Emperors is evacuated to Kyuden Seppun and placed under the Seppun’s watchful eye, as the protests of the Shiba are ignored. The siege at Kyuden Kitsune continues, but some sharp-eyed scouts have realised that the ‘Scorpions’ remaining there are mostly ronin and ashigaru, with only just enough Scorpion to keep the illusion up. The bulk of the Scorpion army has taken to the river, and has assaulted Clear Water Village under cover of darkness. Surprise is on their side, and things do not look good for the Crab there.
• The East Wind otokodate begins accepting worthy recruits into its newly-founded dojo in the East Hub Village, even as war swells the numbers of the wave men of Rokugan.
• At the close of the Winter Court, Emperor Hantei the 40th announces that he will be marrying the daughter of the Crane champion, prompting much talk in courtly circles, as does the unity displayed by the clans loyal to the Hantei in spite of their setbacks. The Iris festival comes round once again, and the betrothed of the Emperor takes this opportunity to travel to Benten Seido to meditate and purify herself in preparation for the wedding, accompanied by an honour guard. Elsewhere, the daimyo of the Tamori is proclaimed champion of the Tournament of the White Orchid, bringing great honour to the Dragon.
• As the battle of Shiro Sano Ken Hayai rages on, both the Dragon and Lion Clans rush reinforcements to the area. The Ikoma army, freed from having to guard against a Crane incursion rapidly moves towards the area, while reports of the tattooed monks of the Dragon taking the field are surfacing. Elsewhere, Crossroads Castle finally capitulates to the combined forces of the Emerald Champion and the Phoenix after a long and drawn out fight.
• The Crab carefully consider their next move, as the Crane raise a new army to retake Lonely Shore City and reports reach them of the attack on Clearwater Village. Meanwhile, the Mantis resort to their old ways of hiring themselves out as mercenaries to anyone with the coin while their fleets rebuild at Iron Turtle City. This does not endear them to those loyal to Toturi Kaneka.
• A treacherous assassination attempt is made on the Imperial bride-to be at Benten Seido, but is thankfully foiled by the vigilance of a Kitsuki magistrate. Investigations immediately began, even as accusations as to who is to blame start flying. The turmoil on the land is reflected on the waves, as more and more turn to the life of a pirate to happily plunder and raid the coasts. Efforts are made to increase patrols, but to little avail so far.
• The surprise assault of the Scorpion on Clear Water Village allows them to overwhelm the Crab defenders quickly, and they waste no time in suppressing any possible dissent as ruthlessly as possible. Surprisingly, they also begin confiscating jade supplies from the area.
• The Dragon unleash a grand alchemical and magical ritual against the Castle of the Swift Sword, in an attempt to finally end the battle once and for all. It succeeds beyond their wildest dreams, as the might of the flames reduces the once proud fortress to so much burnt rubble and consumes the defenders in a massive conflagration. Kaneka’s army, battered but unbowed, retreats to the Drowned Merchant River as Kaneka himself takes counsel with his closest advisors as to his next move.
• As the Dragon army picks over the ruins of Shiro Sano Ken Hayai, the Utaku Battle Maidens assist greatly in rallying and reforming Toturi’s disheartened army, even as survivors of the battle straggle in.
• The Crab move out from Lonely Shore City, dividing their forces. One army marches to Seawatch Castle to engage the Crane, while another heads back to Crab provinces via the Tidal Landbridge. Whether they march to retake Clear Water Village from the Scorpion, or reinforce the Wall in response to news of the Shadowlands stirring, none can tell yet.
• The Imperial Court in Kyuden Otomo is practically humming with excitement, as news of the Dragon victory at Shiro Sano Ken Hayai reaches it. A poetry contest to commemorate the victory is announced by the Imperial Herald. Also, the results of the investigation into the assassination attempt on the Imperial Bride-to-be point fingers at traitors within the Scorpion. They vow to hunt down the perpetrators themselves, but this is met with much doubt.
• The Scorpion army arrives at Kyuden Hida, claiming they are here to assist in the fight against the Shadowlands and requesting the Crab open the gates to them. Most think the Scorpion are lying as usual, but some argue that such an audacious request might just be true. Yasuki Hachi begins marching towards the Dragon, planning to link up with them even as the Lion withdraw and regroup.
• An earthquake hits the Crab lands, centred at Earthquake Fish bay. The enormous tsunami which results slams hard into Clear Water Village and Yasuki Yashiki, washing away peasant and samurai alike in the rising waters. Brave souls attempt to save what they can, but it is a difficult task. The Crab army crossing the Tidal Landbridge is momentarily caught in indecision, not knowing whether to flee or press on before they are engulfed. Even Kyuden Hida receives some aftershocks, and the Fortress of the Forgotten suffers major damage to its walls, something the Shadowlands are not slow to note, with an invasion of goblins and minor oni. In Toturi’s camp, the Lion and Unicorn almost come to blows over who was responsible for the defeat at the Swift Sword.
• As the Emerald Champion’s march reaches Kyuden Ikoma, Toturi’s army prepares for war. The earthquake is interpreted as a favourable omen for the Toturi Dynasty, a dynasty which appears will live on...
• Throwing caution to the waves, almost literally in this case, the Crab army manages to make it across the Tidal Landbridge safely. Once at Clear Water Village, they quickly reoccupy the holding, which appears to have been abandoned by the Scorpion. However, the situation is not as hopeful at the Fortress of the Forgotten, as the Damned valiantly hold off the forces of Jigoku, sacrificing their own purity to protect the Empire. Nonetheless, they appear to be doomed, as innumerable undead legions and maho-tsukai reinforce the initial assault. Whispers that Akuma no Oni itself has been sighted leading the assault have been heard, and certainly do not help the morale of whatever forces still hold out there.
• The Crab army arrives at Kyuden Hida, with the Scorpion army between the fortress and the reinforcements. The Crab Champion and the Scorpion Champion, who appear to be old friends, meet for parlay, each attempting to persuade the other that their position is impossible. In the north, the Emerald Champion’s army reaches the ruin that was once Shiro Sano Ken Hayai. He orders it rebuilt, even as he links up with the Dragon and prepares to launch his final assault on the forces of Toturi Kaneka.
• Runners from the Crab Champion arrive at Shiro Kuni, ordering all forces present there to reinforce Kyuden Hida. The Kuni Daimyo refuses the orders, stating that the defence of the Wall is a higher priority than whoever the Emperor is. He commits kanshi in protest, even as his son, the new daimyo, marches to the aid of the Fortress of the Forgotten, where the Kuni throw themselves into the fighting.
• With the news of the Shadowlands assault growing, the Crab and Scorpion champions agree to settle things with an iaijutsu duel. The winner will turn command of their armies over to the loser, and swear fealty to the Emperor of the victor. Meanwhile, the armies loyal to Hantei Naseru reach the Drowned Merchant River, where Toturi’s Army prepares for battle.
• The final battle of the War of the Brothers begins, as the Phoenix and Dragon shugenja unleash the wrath of the elements on their opponents, burning their very essence to do so. The heavy cavalry of the Unicorn and the Deathseekers of the Lion throw back the armies of the Hantei for a while, though, and the outcome hangs in the balance. As the shifting battle lines move, Yasuki Hachi and Toturi Kaneka catch sight of each other, and all around fall silent as they move into position for a rematch of their famous iaijutsu duel.
• The Scorpion’s duelist handily defeats the Crab’s, and as promised, the Crab army at Kyuden Hida yields to that of the Scorpion. The combined army is immediately turned towards the Fortress of the Forgotten, marching with all haste even as maho-tsukai there prepare to unleash a blasphemous ritual with long forgotten lore. In Seawatch Castle, the heartened Crane force back the Crab probes, and prepare to retake Lonely Shore City. Meanwhile, a mysterious ronin prowls the ruins of Otosan Uchi, looking for something he alone recognises...
• The Scorpion and Crab reinforcements reach the Fortress of the Forgotten, and hurl themselves into the fighting. A small band of heroes, gathered from all corners of the Empire by the mysterious ronin, prepare to launch a desperate effort to disrupt the maho ritual and slay Akuma no Oni.
• Akuma no Oni scatters all before him, even as the fighting rages on. The aura of fear he radiates is almost palpable, and only the most courageous samurai can stand before him without quailing. Nevertheless, the forces of the Empire fight on. The alternative is too terrible to imagine.
• Finally, the Shadowlands is driven back from the Empire at great cost. The dread Oni Lord is slain by the efforts of a small band of heroes already being proclaimed “The New Thunders” by poets. Up north, Yasuki Hachi has achieved vengeance for his previous defeat, and Toturi, Third of that name, slumps to the ground with his life slipping away. His army breaks and scatters, and it appears that the forces of Hantei Naseru have achieved victory in the War of the Brothers. For the first time in nearly a year, Rokugan is at peace.
Comments and suggestions are very welcome!
• Hantei Naseru takes the throne as Hantei XL. His brothers, Sezaru and Kaneka become Voice of the Emperor and Shogun respectively.
• An incident at Three Sides River between Crane and Lion patrols heightens tensions between the two clans. However, both sides are loath to go to war again, after their rapprochement at Toshi Ranbo and begin putting out peace feelers.
• The Yobanjin clans launch the largest incursion into Rokugan in living memory, even larger than the one they launched in the reign of Toturi I. The Unicorn castle at Mountain Watch Keep is attacked and besieged by the savages.
• After heavy lobbying by the Crane, the Imperial Winter court of 1163 is held at Kyuden Doji.
• News of the Yobanjin assault spreads, and Hantei XL withdraws into seclusion. With no official word, the clans each carry out what mobilization and preparations they see fit to do.
• Oshogatsu, festival of the New Year is held at Winter Court. The year is now 1164 of the Isawa Calendar.
• Winter Court closes with successful peace talks between the Lion and the Crane. The Scorpion also gain support for their duty of safeguarding the Black Scrolls, after some calls for the Phoenix to be their new stewards. A proposed trade route with the gaijin of the Burning Sands is proposed by the Mantis as well, but is controversial and a broad consensus is not achieved. Finally, the Dragon successfully lobby for resources to be sent to the Tonbo to aid them in rebuilding.
• The Topaz Championship is held at its traditional location, Tsuma. The Clans send their best and brightest to participate in it.
• The Shogun calls for a massive army to be raised and gather at Toshi Ranbo. He intends to lead them against the Yobanjin threat, even as the Emperor remains silent.
• The Iris Festival is celebrated in Benten Seido, as the Empire looks to the future and wishes for a brighter one.
• Treaty negotiations between Lion and Crane begin at Toshi Ranbo, to settle the issue of Three Sides River.
• The Shogun begins the march to Mountain Watch Keep, as its defenders go to great risks to hold off the Yobanjin.
• The Mirumoto daimyo, a prominent opponent of the gaijin trade route, calls for an iaijutsu tournament, known as the Challenge of the Mirumoto to be held in Dark Edge Village to settle the debate.
• The Imperial court gossips about the Shogun’s actions, even as Mountain Watch Keep is besieged and the Emperor remains silent.
• A very public falling out between the Kakita Daimyo and the Shogun becomes the talk of the Imperial Court. Meanwhile, rumours swirl that the Champion of the Ox has been replaced by a ninja shapeshifter.
• The Emperor publically proclaims his support for the Shogun’s actions, and praises him for his swift and decisive action, even as the massive army finally arrives at Unicorn lands.
• The Kakita daimyo defeats the Mirumoto daimyo in the Challenge of the Mirumoto at Dark Edge Village. He lends his support to the trade route, and the last obstacles to implementing it are removed.
• Kyuden Tonbo is fully rebuilt, and the Dragonfly host a festival of thanksgiving.
• The Mantis begin debating the Burning Sands trade route in Kyuden Gotei. The different clans send representatives to lobby for it to pass through their lands.
• The Emperor orders Yasuki Hachi, the Emerald Champion to raise another army to protect the Empire’s borders. Resentment against the Shogun grows at what is seen as his high-handed behaviour, but his supporters are equally passionate.
• The Three Sides River is awarded to the Crane. They waste no time in taking possession of it and beginning patrols.
• The Phoenix hold a celebration at Kyuden Isawa as their new Champion is selected by the Soul of Shiba. Isawa Sezaru is in attendance there as well, and remains after the celebration ends.
• The Shogun’s army finally reaches the beleaguered castle and attacks the massive Yobanjin army. Fighting is fierce, as the Yobanjin had been on the verge of breaking into the walls.
• Dragon magistrates launch an all out investigation into strange rumours of tainted mines and corruption in the courts. The Kitsuki daimyo takes a personal interest in their ongoing efforts.
• The Mantis announce that the gaijin trade route will pass through Scorpion and Crab lands.
• As fighting rages, assassination attempts are made on both Kaneka and Sezaru. The perpetrators are not uncovered, but rumours fly thick and wild. The Imperial court begins to become even more divided on the issue of the Shogun.
• A mysterious plague begins to spread in Crab lands, starting from Shiro Kuni. As it spreads, the Suzume institute a quarantine in their provinces.
• The Mantis organize a summit in their islands to attempt to bring together the clans, as tensions begin to boil.
• The Yobanjin army is broken and defeated, with the survivors routing. The Shogun declares victory, before beginning to confer with his advisors on how to respond to the news from the Imperial Court and the assassination attempts.
• A dark tower of iron is sighted by Crab scouts, deep in the Shadowlands. The Kuni and many other scholars frantically step up research into a cure for the plague, even as it continues to spread. Rumours of zombies in the Twilight Mountains begin circulating.
• The Shogun proclaims himself Toturi the Third, rightful successor to Toturi the Second and Emperor of all Rokugan. In Toshi Ranbo, Hantei XL calls for samurai to reswear their oaths of fealty to him in response to this outrage. The Khan of the Unicorn declares for Toturi III in gratitude for his assistance against the Yobanjin.
• The remaining Great Clans debate on who to support, even as the mysterious ronin group calling itself the Spider send emissaries to both brothers asking for official recognition as a clan.
• The Crane, Dragon and Phoenix declare for Naseru, while the Crab, Lion and Mantis support Kaneka. The Scorpion remain inscrutable, while the Minor Clans simply pray to survive. Civil war looms on the horizon, on a scale not seen since the Clan Wars.
• The Mirumoto daimyo steps down and goes on musha shugyo in response to his clan’s declaration of support for Naseru. Rumours of Kaneka’s dispatch of emissaries to the just defeated Yobanjin begin to circulate.
• The Phoenix announce the holding of the Tournament of the White Orchid at the Shrine of the Ki-Rin, even as tensions rise among supporters of the rival Emperors. Some report sighting the legendary Ki-Rin at the shrine as well, with sages divided on the meaning of the omen.
• As the two sides debate on their next moves, an Imperial Ambassador from the Phoenix is dispatched to attempt to sway the still neutral Scorpion to Hantei XL’s side. Toturi III does the same with an ambassador from the Unicorn, even as the Scorpion begin planning and making contingencies for both scenarios.
• Both Emperors order the execution of the emissaries of the so-called Spider Clan for their audacity in claiming the mantle of a clan.
• Toturi III’s war council continues, even as the Tamori daimyo assumes control of the Dragon clan’s war effort and begins planning their next move.
• The Lion launch the first moves in the war, as they dispatch an army to assault Toshi Ranbo. Their eternal rivals, the Crane, move up to reinforce the loyal Imperial Legions defending the city. Meanwhile, the Emerald Champion’s army moves into the northern provinces of the Lion, as the Crab are reported to be on the march in the south.
• A large Mantis fleet begins to gather at sea, even as the Phoenix note disturbing omens in the form of a strange meteor shower.
• The Crab cross into Crane lands and begin to lay siege to Lonely Shore City, while fighting begins to intensify at Toshi Ranbo and Permission City.
• An murder attempt by a mysterious assassin on the Hantei’s ambassador in Kyuden Bayushi is made. She survives, due to a brave Scorpion yojimbo, but is shaken and withdraws from court. An investigation is launched to determine the perpetrators, as Hantei XL summons the Scorpion to Toshi Ranbo angrily to answer for the assault on his representative.
• Toturi III’s armies begin to move towards the capital as fierce fighting rages there. A Dragon army begins to descend the Long Climb towards the lowlands.
• The Emerald Champion leads the assault on Permission City personally, breaching its walls. Meanwhile, the Shadowlands launches the heaviest assault Shiro Hiruma has endured since its recapture by the Crab. The Wall also comes under attack.
• The Scorpion reconcile with the Hantei after committing a supreme gesture of sincerity, as numerous Scorpion commit seppukku as a gesture of atonement for failing in their duty. Stories of Scorpion screaming their defiance at the 'false emperor' and being cut down forthwith are hushed up, as the Scorpion Champion himself proves his loyalty to the Hantei beyond all doubt. The Phoenix begin to march south, and Mantis sails are seen off Seawatch Castle, even as the Lion begin gaining the upper hand in Toshi Ranbo.
• The Scorpion clan declare publicly for the Hantei and begin planning their next move. Meanwhile, the Monkey Clan begins preparing for war, as their champion feels he cannot sit idly by while the land dissolves into chaos, even as Lonely Shore City struggles to hold off the Crab.
• The Dragon army crosses Drowned Merchant River, threatening Lion lands. The Badger also begin gathering troops.
• The Ox clan begins patrolling Dragon Heart Plain heavily, as rumours swirl of numerous Bloodspeaker cells being uncovered all over Rokugan.
• Toshi Ranbo falls to the Lion, but the defenders hold the armies of Toturi off long enough for the Hantei and his court to be successfully evacuated from the city. Meanwhile, the Emerald Champion carries the day at Permission City.
• The Dragon army begins scouting the approaches to the Castle of the Swift Sword, even as Toturi III marches east to claim his throne.
• Lonely Shore City finally capitulates, and the Crab take control of it. The Dragon army receives word of the approach of Toturi’s Army, and is undecided on their next course of action.
• The Sparrow Champion calls for all Sparrow to return to Kyuden Suzume, tired of the mindless bloodshed tearing the Empire apart. Strange storms lash the Phoenix coast, especially at Kyuden Agasha.
• The Hantei and his court has withdrawn to Kyuden Otomo, and are hurriedly raising fresh troops. The Imperial court begins to bicker about who was responsible for Toshi Ranbo’s fall, but calls for unity carry the day. The Phoenix army arrives in Permission City, but is loath to turn over command to Yasuki Hachi, even as the Lion pacify Toshi Ranbo and begin planning their next moves.
• Bandit activity begins to increase throughout the Empire, especially along the Crab-Scorpion border, as the current state of unrest continues.
• Bon, the Paper Lantern Festival is celebrated, honouring the dead (of which there have been much lately). In most of the Empire, celebrations are muted but the village of Tokigogachu puts up its usual splendid festivities.
• The Scorpion send an army marching south, ostensibly to bring the lawlessness in Pleasure City and the River of Gold under control. Rumour has it that the true target of the Scorpion is actually the Crab lands. More audacious gossips theorize that they march to engage the Shadowlands, but this is quickly laughed off. In addition, ronin in Pleasure City flock to offer their allegiances to the highest bidder and the Monkey become the first Minor Clan to openly declare for either side, proclaiming their allegiance to Toturi III.
• Shiro Hiruma, heavily assaulted by the Shadowlands, still holds, even as the blasphemous legions of Fu Leng throw hordes of goblins, undead and foul maho at it. The defenders are still in good spirits, but their jade is slowly running out. The Great Carpenter Wall is also under heavy assault, preventing the relief of Shiro Hiruma.
• The Dragon assault Shiro Sano Ken Hayai, hoping to take it before Toturi’s Army can arrive and trap them between the hammer and the anvil. The results of the Scorpion investigation blame the mysterious so-called ‘Spider Clan’ for the assassination attempt on the Hantei’s ambassador, suggesting it was revenge for their earlier rebuff. The Scorpion swear to avenge the slight on their honour.
• The Mantis begin assaulting the walls of Seawatch Castle, having successfully established their initial landings. Faced with foes from all sides, the Lion and the Crane meet in Kyuden Seppun to discuss the possibility of a temporary truce while other threats are dealt with.
• The Brotherhood of Shinsei begins constructing a monastery in the Great Wall of the North Mountains, lamenting the fighting that mars the Empire at the moment.
• The Phoenix finally agree to relinquish overall command of their forces to Yasuki Hachi. Leaving behind a garrison in Permission City, the combined Phoenix-Imperial army proceeds to launch a massive assault on Crossroads Castle. Elsewhere, even as Lion-Crane truce talks continue, the Lion begin launching scouting missions towards Kyuden Otomo, aiming to be prepared for any eventuality.
• The Crane repel the Mantis assault on Seawatch Castle, driving them back to their ships. Elsewhere, the Scorpion army marching south reaches Kudo, and the increased demand for lumber due to the war results in loggers entering both the Mori Isawa and the Kitsune Mori, two forests held to be haunted by strange spirits.
• Seppun miharu appear at Kyuden Isawa, demanding to have Isawa Sezaru released into their protective custody. They claim the duty of protecting the imperial heir presumptive, but the Phoenix insist that the Shiba yojimbo are perfectly capable of looking after a member of the Isawa. Meanwhile, rumours of the Scorpion conscripting villagers from Kudo as ashigaru are heard.
• The massive assault by the forces of the Shadowlands on Shiro Hiruma and the Kaiu Kabe is defeated, and the Crab gain a temporary reprieve in their eternal war. With the siege lifted, reinforcements and engineers hurry to repair and strengthen the walls of Daylight Castle once more. However, some still worry that this was only the initial moves of a twisted plot and that a greater evil is stirring, deep in the blighted lands ruled by Fu Leng.
• The Imperial Winter Court of 1164 opens in Kyuden Otomo, where Hantei Naseru holds court. Everyone who attends quietly pretends that the location was selected for its benefits, and certainly not out of sheer necessity as Rokugan continues to be riven by civil war. The word is put out that the Hantei seeks to find a suitable candidate to be his bride as well.
• Toturi’s army finally arrives at the Castle of the Swift Sword to the cheers of the besieged garrison and the consternation of the Dragon, who must now face battle on two fronts, as winter’s grasp begins to descend on Rokugan. Winter warfare of this scale is unprecedented, and the battle could still go either way at this point.
• The new year of 1165 dawns with Rokugan still bitterly divided in the war some have taken to calling the War of the Brothers.
• Current gossip at the Imperial Winter Court makes the Doji princess the favourite to be betrothed to Hantei Naseru, but the Kitsuki heir and the Akodo candidate also appear to be popular candidates for the Hantei’s bride. Inspired by the Hantei, Imperial matchmakers are also scouting for talented and eligible samurai to strengthen and to build marriage alliances. Lion and Crane diplomats are being sighted in public together more often, and it is increasingly likely that the truce between Lion and Crane will go through.
• The Scorpion army, bolstered by their hired ronin and conscripted ashigaru, arrives at the gates of Kyuden Kitsune, demanding their surrender. Within Kyuden Kitsune, opinion is divided on how to deal with the situation, with some urging defiance, while others favour negotiation, citing their lack of troops and the absence of any real Scorpion enmity towards the Kitsune. The strange rumours filtering out from Crab lands of guards being found dead in Clear Water Village do not prove to be any more reassuring.
• The truce between Crane and Lion is announced publically, as both clans finally conclude the negotiations to their mutual satisfaction. Left politely unstated is the fact that both clans still remain loyal to rival emperors. Among the terms of the treaty is that the Lion and Crane will not face each other in direct combat. Pursuant to that agreement, Lion troops withdraw from the outskirts of Kyuden Otomo, causing the assembled court to breathe a quiet sigh of relief. Whatever Crane forces were fighting at the Castle of the Swift Sword and Crossroads Castle also retreat back to Crane lands. However, while tensions between Lion and Crane appear to have cooled, they are rapidly coming to a boil in Kyuden Kitsune, as the Scorpion hack down trees from the Kitsune Mori to build siege equipment. The despoilment of the forest incenses the Kitsune, and conflict appears likely.
• Isawa Sezaru, the heir presumptive to both warring Emperors is evacuated to Kyuden Seppun and placed under the Seppun’s watchful eye, as the protests of the Shiba are ignored. The siege at Kyuden Kitsune continues, but some sharp-eyed scouts have realised that the ‘Scorpions’ remaining there are mostly ronin and ashigaru, with only just enough Scorpion to keep the illusion up. The bulk of the Scorpion army has taken to the river, and has assaulted Clear Water Village under cover of darkness. Surprise is on their side, and things do not look good for the Crab there.
• The East Wind otokodate begins accepting worthy recruits into its newly-founded dojo in the East Hub Village, even as war swells the numbers of the wave men of Rokugan.
• At the close of the Winter Court, Emperor Hantei the 40th announces that he will be marrying the daughter of the Crane champion, prompting much talk in courtly circles, as does the unity displayed by the clans loyal to the Hantei in spite of their setbacks. The Iris festival comes round once again, and the betrothed of the Emperor takes this opportunity to travel to Benten Seido to meditate and purify herself in preparation for the wedding, accompanied by an honour guard. Elsewhere, the daimyo of the Tamori is proclaimed champion of the Tournament of the White Orchid, bringing great honour to the Dragon.
• As the battle of Shiro Sano Ken Hayai rages on, both the Dragon and Lion Clans rush reinforcements to the area. The Ikoma army, freed from having to guard against a Crane incursion rapidly moves towards the area, while reports of the tattooed monks of the Dragon taking the field are surfacing. Elsewhere, Crossroads Castle finally capitulates to the combined forces of the Emerald Champion and the Phoenix after a long and drawn out fight.
• The Crab carefully consider their next move, as the Crane raise a new army to retake Lonely Shore City and reports reach them of the attack on Clearwater Village. Meanwhile, the Mantis resort to their old ways of hiring themselves out as mercenaries to anyone with the coin while their fleets rebuild at Iron Turtle City. This does not endear them to those loyal to Toturi Kaneka.
• A treacherous assassination attempt is made on the Imperial bride-to be at Benten Seido, but is thankfully foiled by the vigilance of a Kitsuki magistrate. Investigations immediately began, even as accusations as to who is to blame start flying. The turmoil on the land is reflected on the waves, as more and more turn to the life of a pirate to happily plunder and raid the coasts. Efforts are made to increase patrols, but to little avail so far.
• The surprise assault of the Scorpion on Clear Water Village allows them to overwhelm the Crab defenders quickly, and they waste no time in suppressing any possible dissent as ruthlessly as possible. Surprisingly, they also begin confiscating jade supplies from the area.
• The Dragon unleash a grand alchemical and magical ritual against the Castle of the Swift Sword, in an attempt to finally end the battle once and for all. It succeeds beyond their wildest dreams, as the might of the flames reduces the once proud fortress to so much burnt rubble and consumes the defenders in a massive conflagration. Kaneka’s army, battered but unbowed, retreats to the Drowned Merchant River as Kaneka himself takes counsel with his closest advisors as to his next move.
• As the Dragon army picks over the ruins of Shiro Sano Ken Hayai, the Utaku Battle Maidens assist greatly in rallying and reforming Toturi’s disheartened army, even as survivors of the battle straggle in.
• The Crab move out from Lonely Shore City, dividing their forces. One army marches to Seawatch Castle to engage the Crane, while another heads back to Crab provinces via the Tidal Landbridge. Whether they march to retake Clear Water Village from the Scorpion, or reinforce the Wall in response to news of the Shadowlands stirring, none can tell yet.
• The Imperial Court in Kyuden Otomo is practically humming with excitement, as news of the Dragon victory at Shiro Sano Ken Hayai reaches it. A poetry contest to commemorate the victory is announced by the Imperial Herald. Also, the results of the investigation into the assassination attempt on the Imperial Bride-to-be point fingers at traitors within the Scorpion. They vow to hunt down the perpetrators themselves, but this is met with much doubt.
• The Scorpion army arrives at Kyuden Hida, claiming they are here to assist in the fight against the Shadowlands and requesting the Crab open the gates to them. Most think the Scorpion are lying as usual, but some argue that such an audacious request might just be true. Yasuki Hachi begins marching towards the Dragon, planning to link up with them even as the Lion withdraw and regroup.
• An earthquake hits the Crab lands, centred at Earthquake Fish bay. The enormous tsunami which results slams hard into Clear Water Village and Yasuki Yashiki, washing away peasant and samurai alike in the rising waters. Brave souls attempt to save what they can, but it is a difficult task. The Crab army crossing the Tidal Landbridge is momentarily caught in indecision, not knowing whether to flee or press on before they are engulfed. Even Kyuden Hida receives some aftershocks, and the Fortress of the Forgotten suffers major damage to its walls, something the Shadowlands are not slow to note, with an invasion of goblins and minor oni. In Toturi’s camp, the Lion and Unicorn almost come to blows over who was responsible for the defeat at the Swift Sword.
• As the Emerald Champion’s march reaches Kyuden Ikoma, Toturi’s army prepares for war. The earthquake is interpreted as a favourable omen for the Toturi Dynasty, a dynasty which appears will live on...
• Throwing caution to the waves, almost literally in this case, the Crab army manages to make it across the Tidal Landbridge safely. Once at Clear Water Village, they quickly reoccupy the holding, which appears to have been abandoned by the Scorpion. However, the situation is not as hopeful at the Fortress of the Forgotten, as the Damned valiantly hold off the forces of Jigoku, sacrificing their own purity to protect the Empire. Nonetheless, they appear to be doomed, as innumerable undead legions and maho-tsukai reinforce the initial assault. Whispers that Akuma no Oni itself has been sighted leading the assault have been heard, and certainly do not help the morale of whatever forces still hold out there.
• The Crab army arrives at Kyuden Hida, with the Scorpion army between the fortress and the reinforcements. The Crab Champion and the Scorpion Champion, who appear to be old friends, meet for parlay, each attempting to persuade the other that their position is impossible. In the north, the Emerald Champion’s army reaches the ruin that was once Shiro Sano Ken Hayai. He orders it rebuilt, even as he links up with the Dragon and prepares to launch his final assault on the forces of Toturi Kaneka.
• Runners from the Crab Champion arrive at Shiro Kuni, ordering all forces present there to reinforce Kyuden Hida. The Kuni Daimyo refuses the orders, stating that the defence of the Wall is a higher priority than whoever the Emperor is. He commits kanshi in protest, even as his son, the new daimyo, marches to the aid of the Fortress of the Forgotten, where the Kuni throw themselves into the fighting.
• With the news of the Shadowlands assault growing, the Crab and Scorpion champions agree to settle things with an iaijutsu duel. The winner will turn command of their armies over to the loser, and swear fealty to the Emperor of the victor. Meanwhile, the armies loyal to Hantei Naseru reach the Drowned Merchant River, where Toturi’s Army prepares for battle.
• The final battle of the War of the Brothers begins, as the Phoenix and Dragon shugenja unleash the wrath of the elements on their opponents, burning their very essence to do so. The heavy cavalry of the Unicorn and the Deathseekers of the Lion throw back the armies of the Hantei for a while, though, and the outcome hangs in the balance. As the shifting battle lines move, Yasuki Hachi and Toturi Kaneka catch sight of each other, and all around fall silent as they move into position for a rematch of their famous iaijutsu duel.
• The Scorpion’s duelist handily defeats the Crab’s, and as promised, the Crab army at Kyuden Hida yields to that of the Scorpion. The combined army is immediately turned towards the Fortress of the Forgotten, marching with all haste even as maho-tsukai there prepare to unleash a blasphemous ritual with long forgotten lore. In Seawatch Castle, the heartened Crane force back the Crab probes, and prepare to retake Lonely Shore City. Meanwhile, a mysterious ronin prowls the ruins of Otosan Uchi, looking for something he alone recognises...
• The Scorpion and Crab reinforcements reach the Fortress of the Forgotten, and hurl themselves into the fighting. A small band of heroes, gathered from all corners of the Empire by the mysterious ronin, prepare to launch a desperate effort to disrupt the maho ritual and slay Akuma no Oni.
• Akuma no Oni scatters all before him, even as the fighting rages on. The aura of fear he radiates is almost palpable, and only the most courageous samurai can stand before him without quailing. Nevertheless, the forces of the Empire fight on. The alternative is too terrible to imagine.
• Finally, the Shadowlands is driven back from the Empire at great cost. The dread Oni Lord is slain by the efforts of a small band of heroes already being proclaimed “The New Thunders” by poets. Up north, Yasuki Hachi has achieved vengeance for his previous defeat, and Toturi, Third of that name, slumps to the ground with his life slipping away. His army breaks and scatters, and it appears that the forces of Hantei Naseru have achieved victory in the War of the Brothers. For the first time in nearly a year, Rokugan is at peace.