The mad ravings of Chuda Oronkohiro

[Shoju]

In my previous life, I strove to learn every secret in the Empire. It was my duty in service to the emperor to know them, and to ensure that there was no threat to the Empire. That is, every secret except those found within the Scrolls. Yes. Those Scrolls. Those secrets, We were charged with protecting, but not knowing.

I wrestled with the decision every day I had that scroll. How could I merely guard the scroll? How could I not know what was in the scroll? What if it fortold of the doom of the empire? Isn't that a secret worth knowing? Isn't that the very secrets that I, a Bayushi swore to find, and eradicate?

It was then that I decided I must know the secret of my Scroll, and the Secrets of the 11 other scrolls. I set out on a journey across Rokugan learning all I could from anyone who could teach me about the ways of the Shugenja. I studied everything I could.

Finally, I knew it was time. I knew that my Champion would never agree to me opening the scroll, and my moment of opportunity presented itself. The Yobanjin attacks in Unicorn lands had drawn the attention of all. After my duty was complete there. I opened the scroll.

I have learned the most terrible truth.

Fu Leng is stronger and more powerful than any other Kami, and they knew it. It took 12 scrolls to bind his power, but even then, it couldn't hold him. They were right to fear him. They were right to try and hold him at bay.

I tried Seppukku to erase the stain of my dishonor, but he wouldn't allow it. After performing the three cuts, I awoke. But not in the spirit world. I awoke in the very shrine where I had attempted to erase the stain of my Dishonor. When I woke, There were 3 men standing guard, and a sinister woman tending to me. She explained that My new life had just begun.

I am not undead, though I can't say for sure that I am truly alive. I have realized in my time since that I have fullfilled the Yogo Curse that was my birthright on my mother's side. I am now free to move about the empire with no duty. No honor. No Master... Well, at least no mortal master anyway.

I embrace my new life, and my new calling. I will assemble the scrolls, and I will work to bring a new vision to the Empire. His vision.

I am sure there are those that will seek to destroy me. Let them come. By the time we meet, I will be prepared, and their sacrifice will be in his honor. Only when the the Empire faces its greatest secret will it truly be safe. Unfortunately, that secret will ultimately be its doom. You can only lock away and hide your secrets for so long.

[Shoju]

Turns out, I am dead. Last week I tried to steal away to see my beloved Shosuro Anweka. Soon, I found myself turning my course back towards the City of the Lost. I couldn't fight it. Upon return, The sinister woman was waiting for me.

She was holding a heart. She claimed it was mine. I didn't believe her at first. I figured it to be some item of nefarious power. But, as Katsu arrived. He explained that I had become a Khadi. The Sinister Woman was a powerful master from the Burning Sands. Now, whoever held my heart was my master.

I am immortal. I fear nothing. But, I feel nothing as well. My new life was full of promise. Full of the promise of truly being the master of secrets. Now, I will need to find a way to gain ownership of my own heart again.

[Shoju]

The Crab. Content to armor itself and stand as a stoic defender of the Empire. But what will happen to you when your soft underbelly inside the shell is poisoned? What happens when your corruption is from the inside out Crab-san? What then? We shall find out soon enough.

[Shoju]

The Crane. So beautiful. So Majestic. You are content with your vanity. What will you do when your mirror shows something ugly? What will you do with your vanity when your corruption boils to the surface?

[Shoju]

The Dragon Clan. Coiled upon your mountain you watch. But your Mountain is your prison. And when the corruption consumes all, you will have no where else to go, and your mountain will be your prison. Corrupting the dragon is a pointless exercise. They have doomed themselves.

[Shoju]

The Lion Clan. Pride. More Pride than knowledge. Pride to do defend the Empire. Tell me Lion. When you are the threat to your empire, will you have the courage to destroy yourself?