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The Legions: Bios
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Crab
Crane
Daidoji Uji
Asahina Dorai
Doji Kuwanan
Doji Satsume
Yosai
Dragon
Lion
Mantis
Nezumi
Phoenix
Scorpion
Unicorn
Shadowlands
Other
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Daidoji Uji: The Iron Crane
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Daidoji Uji first appeared in Imperial Edition. An only child, he was born the heir to the Daidoji family. Grim and solitary, the thankless duties of his family became his entire life. Uji embodied the Daidoji ideal, resourceful, ruthless, talented, and unswervingly loyal to his lord, Doji Hoturi. Even in times of peace, he kept a keen eye upon all threats to his clan. He struck up a close friendship with the Crab Clan, particularly the daughter of the Great Bear, Hida O-Ushi. To call their relationship love might be an exaggeration. Both were too dedicated to their clan to dabble in romance for their own sake, but Uji is known to have spent a great deal of time by her side in Crab lands. After O-Ushi's marriage was arranged with a Unicorn, Uji himself never married.
During the Clan War, Uji gained near legendary status as a great hero of the Crane. It was he who stood beside Doji Kuwanan's side against the False Hoturi's armies and insured the Crane survived their initial retreat. It was his unflinching loyalty that helped the true Hoturi to regain command of his clan when he returned despite the suspicion of his kinsmen. It was Uji's resourcefulness that led the Crane to use their remaining wealth to hire Mantis mercenaries to help purge the Shadowlands scourge from their lands. Many would say that, were it not for him, the Crane Clan would be no more.
After Hoturi's death he continued to serve Doji Kuwanan. During the War Against the Darkness, shadowspawn mimicked both Uji and Kuwanan, turning the two noble heroes against one another and creating a great rift in the Crane. In time, Uji could not stand aside while the minions of evil destroyed the Empire. He committed his forces to fight the corrupted Jade Champion, and then reported to Kuwanan to offer his head for his treason. Meeting in person, Kuwanan and Uji both realized how they had been duped and the Crane were unified again.
As for Uji's end, little has been told. It is known that he was particularly fond of his student, Daidoji Rekai, and upon his death in the War of Spirits he passed the mantle of leadership on to her. As for the rest, none could truly say how this great hero died... but soon all will be revealed.
Once he defended the Crane, now he defends all the Spirit Realms. Daidoji Uji has answered the Fortune of Heroes' call, and has stepped forth to offer his sword, his spear, and his guile to the Legion of the Dead.
***
A full moon hung in the sky, casting the abandoned corpse of Kyuden Bayushi in a strange, otherworldly light. It was at times exactly like this one that men could look upon the eerie, forsaken palace and know, without question, that there were forces in the world beyond what could be seen, things that man did not know or understand. When dawn came such fears would be dispelled and forgotten, but for now they were all too real.
Daidoji Uji was aware of the disquiet among his men, but paid it little attention. They would fulfill their duty, as they always had. It was the duty of a Daidoji to obey. To sacrifice. To succeed. There was no other choice.
Or was there?
Uji stared intently at the scrolls upon his desk. On one side, a stack of reports from his scouts of oni marching among the Lion armies. The madman Okura, it seemed, had finally succumbed to his darkest impulses. On the other side, a single scroll bearing the chop of Doji Kuwanan, the Crane Clan Champion. It commanded Uji to hold Kyuden Bayushi until Kuwanan returned from his engagement with the Mantis armies. Despite the evidence suggesting Shiro no Yojin, the castle his ancestors had sworn to reclaim, lay all but undefended by the Matsu, Uji had no choice but to obey his lord's command.
Or did he?
Uji felt a stirring in his soul, the voice of his ancestors demanding that he fulfill their ancient vow. He felt a lifetime of preparation and experience come to the fore, demanding action as surely as he felt the blood coursing through his veins. He clenched his fists, furrowing his brow in anger. Must he choose between duty to his ancestors and duty to his Champion? There was no true victory in such a choice. There was no honor.
There was a shimmering to his left, just outside his vision. In an instant, his blade was drawn and he had assumed a defensive posture, but his sword arm fell heavily to his side when he saw the visage of a ghostly samurai before him. "Yurei-sama?" he whispered, recognizing the image from the paintings and tapestries that adorned the walls of Shiro Daidoji.
"You have called me, Uji," the ghost whispered. "I have sensed the disquiet of he who is most loyal to the Daidoji line, and I have come to offer you guidance if you would accept it."
"Of course, Yurei-sama," the Daidoji daimyo said in a reverent tone. "But how is this possible?"
The specter faded in and out like a fever dream. "There are certain events taking place deep within the Shadowlands that make it easier for those who have passed on to reach their descendants," he answered, "but time is short."
"What should I do? What course is the true one?" Uji asked. "Both paths are betrayal." He lowered his head in shame. "How can I choose who to fail?"
"If you choose to retake Shiro no Yojin, the Lion may yet reclaim it, and you will have betrayed your Champion," Yurei answered. "If you obey Kuwanan's order, the day may come when Shiro no Yojin is yours for the taking. On that day, you will have your Champion's support. The choice is difficult, I must agree, but do not damn yourself to fulfill a vow I made centuries ago. Let Shiro Yojin go. The Unicorn have already been commanded to punish the Lion for their crimes; the Crane can win this battle another day."
Uji closed his eyes and nodded.
No.
"Who are you?" he demanded, looking up at the ghost.
The ghost looked slightly surprised. "Do you not believe I am who I claim to be?" it said in a surprised voice.
"I cannot believe that Daidoji Yurei would encourage me to make a choice simply because it was the easier path," Uji said.
"Please, Uji," Yurei said in a sad, distant voice. "You must acknowledge my counsel. Do not allow your suspicions to overwhelm you."
Uji chuckled. "You damn your cause further, false one," he said. "I cannot believe that Yurei would beg for my ear so pathetically. A true lord of the Daidoji would force me to listen through action, logic, and example. If you are truly Yurei, then I pity you for what you have become since your death. Perhaps when I take Shiro Yojin you will look down upon my example and learn what it truly means to be Daidoji."
With that, the surrounding chamber faded away. Daidoji Uji found himself fully armored once more, standing on the plains of Thwarted Destiny. Yurei, however, remained.
Yurei shook his head slowly, a smirk spreading across his features. "You are an incredible individual, Daidoji Uji. That is twice now, once in life and once in death, that you have seen through the power of Nothing where others did not. I commend you. You are wiser than the others realize."
"And you are a fool," Uji said darkly. "You masquerade as one of my most honored ancestors… yet you do not run from me."
Uji drew his sword.
Yurei looked at Uji intently. "Do you believe you can kill me, samurai?"
"I will find a way," Uji replied, advancing.
The image of Yurei vanished, replaced for a single moment by the sinuous shape of the Shadow Dragon. Uji ceased his advance, staring up at the massive creature with an unflinching gaze. He showed no fear or concern.
"What will happen to a dead man's soul if it is slain again in this place, Uji?" the dragon asked, looming over Uji, baring its teeth in a crooked smile. "Even I do not know…"
Uji smiled behind his mask and began to back away from the dragon. "There are many ways to win a battle, dragon," he said. "Every moment you chase me is a moment you waste not fulfilling your plans. But if you fail to catch me, I swear I will find a way to destroy you for insulting my ancestor."
The Shadow Dragon sneered. "Do you think that either your escape or my destruction are within your power?" it asked.
"It will not be the first time you have underestimated me," Uji answered.
And Uji ran.
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Asahina Dorai: The Tiger's Apprentice
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Asahina Dorai first appeared in Dark Journey Home. Dorai was a rather unremarkable student of the Asahina family. Few took note of him, and few today even remember him. Yet in certain circles, he is hailed as a hero.
Among the Kolat.
Dorai's keen mind, subtlety, and willingness to question the nature of the universe was noticed early on by Akodo Kage, then senior Master of the Kolat. He began to train Dorai to be his replacement, to succeed where Matsu Hiroru had once failed. Though Dorai was a willing pupil, he was not as talented as Hiroru, and sometimes asked uncomfortable questions about the Kolat's true philosophies. Even so, Kage found Dorai's magical talents were too useful to ignore with the ongoing War Against the Darkness, and continued to train the young Crane. When he felt Dorai was prepared to be accepted into the inner circles of the Kolat, he helped the boy to fake his own death.
At the height of the War Against the Darkness, Akodo Kage disappeared and young Dorai was left the de facto leader of the Kolat.
Uncertain how to progress, Dorai turned the Kolat's resources towards helping the Empire fight the Lying Darkness. Though many agents were surprised to find themselves aiding the samurai they had covertly undermined for their entire lives, none could argue that the Darkness was the greater threat.
Yet Dorai's reign over the Kolat was extremely brief. He died near the end of the war. As the spawns of the Lying Darkness sought to steal the Kolat Master's soul and identity he enacted a final spell, destroying himself and all the spawn around him even as Daidoji Rekai galloped away with the remaining half of the true Tao. To his great surprise, Dorai found that his soul arrived in Yomi, for though he had dedicated his life to an organization that sought to dismantle the Celestial Order, all of his greatest deeds were ultimately heroic.
In the decades since, Dorai has continued to ponder his philosophies. Though he has not abandoned the beliefs of the Kolat, he no longer follows them as blindly as Kage once instructed him. When he heard the call for heroes, he stepped forward, wondering if perhaps by watching true heroes in action he might learn some small measure of the truth.
***
The libraries were dark and empty tonight. Only a single lantern burned in a forgotten corner of the cavernous chambers. A shugenja of perhaps fifteen years hunched over a low table covered with dusty scrolls, poring over the mysteries locked within. His brow furrowed as he studied the ancient writings of his Asahina ancestors.
"What are you reading, Dorai?" asked a deep voice from the shadows.
He looked up, surprised to be disturbed in his studies. A small, old man in a pale brown kimono stood at the edge of the lantern's light, long white hair hanging loose about his shoulders. He smiled faintly at Dorai, though his eyes remained cold and distant.
"I am reading an obscure recounting of Isawa Asahina's life," Dorai said.
"Oh?" the old man replied. "Perhaps you could tell me his tale."
"Of course," Dorai answered, "Asahina was a warrior-shugenja of the Phoenix Clan. He fought the Lion, but when the Crane forged a treaty between the Lion and Phoenix, he was furious. He went on a rampage through the peasant villages of Crane territory, until a Crane samurai-ko rode out to face him. She lifted no weapon against him and made no move to fight him as he tore her apart with his magic. At the brink of death, he was so touched by her refusal to fight, so filled with shame at how he would have destroyed this honorable, innocent woman, that he stayed his hand. He forswore violence and abandoned his clan, joining the Crane and founding the Asahina family. The samurai-ko became his wife."
"What a curious story," the old man said.
"Too curious," Dorai said with a frown. "If this man hated the Lion so, why did he attack the Crane? Why not ignore their treaty if he despised it so and continue his crusade? If he truly destroyed so many Crane villages why did the sacrifice of one Crane samurai stay his hand? Surely he must have murdered many innocents before with no shred of remorse. Further, why abandon the Phoenix? Even in those times they embraced the way of peace more than any other clan. Surely he could have found many monasteries in their lands that would have accepted him. And finally, why would the Crane have taken him in, much less granted him a family name, after murdering so many of them in such a dishonorable fashion?"
"History moves in strange ways," the old man said. "I would be surprised if the tale was untrue, though I would wager there is more to the story."
"That is not good enough," Dorai said. "I come here seeking every version of the story I can, seeking the truth... as you said, there must be more... The others, they are content to believe that which they are told."
"And you are not," the old man answered with a chuckle. "You question that which is unquestionable. That makes you wiser than the rest."
"Wiser?" Dorai asked. "I am wise because I question? I would think a wise man would know the answers already."
"You would be wrong," the old man said, "but perhaps I could help you find some of the answers you seek."
Dorai looked up at the old man in sudden interest.
"Do you know who I am, Dorai?" the man asked.
Dorai knew that the old man was a guest in the temple. He was a visitor from Lion lands - Akodo Kage, the revered sensei. But even as Dorai opened his mouth to answer, he paused. No. That was not the truth.
"You are no one," Dorai said, and a shudder seemed to pass through the very fiber of the world.
The old man scowled. "Show some respect, boy," he said. "I am Akodo Kage."
"No," Dorai said. "Kage is dead. This happened long ago. You are not my Master." The young shugenja stood, looking at the library around him with wide eyes. The scroll fell from his hand, evaporating into dust before it struck the floor. Suddenly the many shelves of thick scrolls seemed somehow transparent, less real, with each moment.
"This is not what was intended, Dorai," Kage said, voice shrill and angry. "You were to choose. Choose your destiny, or choose the path you denied in life. There is no other way."
"I do not know what you are, ghost, but you are not Akodo Kage," Dorai said in a low voice. "Haunt me no more. Cobble your reality from the destinies and memories of the others if you will, but a Kolat will not be your pawn, for good or ill."
"You have made a grave mistake, Crane," the vision that was Kage replied as he faded away.
As Asahina Dorai found himself alone on the Plains of Thwarted Destiny, he wondered if the vision had spoken the truth.
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Doji Kuwanan: Brother of Thunder
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Doji Kuwanan first appeared in Forbidden Knowledge. Unlike his elder brother Hoturi, Kuwanan did his best to emulate the example of his father, Satsume. With the hopes of the clan placed so firmly on Hoturi's shoulders, Kuwanan found it his duty to establish important connections with other Great Clans. This had the unexpected benefit of granting Kuwanan a chance to train among some of the finest bushi dojo in the Empire. He combined the strategic prowess of a Lion and the indomitable defense of a Crab with the stolid, unrelenting techniques of a Daidoji. He excelled in every school he attended and few could argue that Kuwanan's mix of techniques made him one of the most formidable samurai in all of Rokugan.
When the Clan Wars came, Kuwanan was one of the few Crane to survive the False Hoturi's attack on Kyuden Doji. Kuwanan was outraged, believing his brother had betrayed him, and swore vengeance upon Hoturi.
When he learned the truth he was mortified, begging his brother's forgiveness and swearing eternal loyalty to him. When Hoturi died on the Day of Thunder, Kuwanan took up his brother's legacy as the Crane Champion.
He shaved his head as a symbol of his grief, forever dedicating himself to Bishamon, Fortune of Strength, so that his vision would not be clouded again.
During the War Against the Darkness, the Lying Darkness did its best to destroy the Crane Clan from within. Agents of Shadow used their shapeshifting powers to appear as both Kuwanan and his most loyal servant, Uji, fomenting a civil war within the Crane. Eventually Uji turned his back upon his lord's commands (which were in truth never his lord's commands at all) and turned his armies against the Darkness and its allies. When all was said and done he reported to Kuwanan to offer his head for his disobedience.
Kuwanan forgave Uji. His experiences with the False Hoturi had led Kuwanan to be alert for such deceptions, and he had long suspected Uji was not quite so disloyal as he appeared. Instead he commended his servant for remaining true to the clan's purpose and staying vigilant against their enemies.
The Crane Clan mourned Kuwanan's death in the War of Spirits.
His only true regret was that he did not live to see his son, Kurohito, become a samurai much less lord of the Crane. He now stands beside his father in the Legion of the Dead, once more ready to stand against the enemy.
***
A clear, triumphant note rang through the halls of the Asahina Temple.
Between the halves of a second, Doji Kuwanan brought his sword to a halt. His brother Hoturi stood unmoving, not flinching from the blow that would have taken his head. Kuwanan held Shukujo, the Ancestral Sword of the Crane, across Hoturi's throat. A single drop of blood trickled down the side of the older brother's neck, staining his white kimono.
And between the halves of a second, Kuwanan made a choice.
For the last several months, the Crane Clan had been hunted nearly to their destruction. The Crab had razed Kyuden Kakita, and just when it seemed that Crane lands were safe once for a time, a second army attacked with even greater ferocity. This army was led by the man that stood before Kuwanan now. His brother, Hoturi, the Champion of the Crane Clan. had led an army of Shadowlands madmen into the heart of Crane lands, leaving a trail of murder and destruction.
Kuwanan would not have believed it had he not faced Hoturi personally, and he might have died during their confrontation at Kyuden Doji if not for Uji. He had looked into his enemy's eyes and seen the soul of his brother reflected there. Injured after his escape from Kyuden Doji, Kuwanan had been brought to the Asahina Temples - the final stronghold of the once proud Crane.
And here, his brother had dared show his face again, weaving a wild tale of Scorpion machinations and a magical duplicate that shared his memories. Kuwanan had not doubted that this was some twisted attempt to torment him further before burning the Asahina Temples to the ground… and then the sword had sung.
Shukujo was among the finest blades that had ever existed, and during its possession by countless Crane champions the spirit within the blade had developed a number of wondrous abilities. Among those, it recognized its true owner. When wielded by the true lord of the Crane it would release a joyful, harmonious note.
It had not sung for Kuwanan. Upon striking Hoturi's flesh, it sang once more.
"The blade knows its true owner," Daidoji Uji said from the doorway. None had seen him enter.
Yet Kuwanan was not so sure. So many of his friends and family had perished at this madman's hands. He was a warrior, a man who trusted in what he could see and feel. Could he spare this killer's life because a magical sword had conveniently told him to do so? Ridiculous. Blood demanded blood in turn. Perhaps Hoturi's armies truly held the Asahina Temple and his clan would die today regardless, but Hoturi would not live to see his victory.
Kuwanan tightened his grip on his sword. He saw a look of sadness cross Hoturi's features. A second drop of blood spilled as the razor sharp sword moved slightly on the Crane Champion's neck.
No.
There was no magic at work here.
Shukujo had not told Kuwanan anything he had not already known. He had simply refused to recognize the truth within himself. Kuwanan had lived his life in fear that he, like Hoturi, would fail to meet their father's impossible standards. He had been consumed with desire, a desire to be more like his successful and well-liked brother. Since their mother's death he had been overcome with regret that he had not been there to try to save her - as Hoturi had been. Fear. Desire. Regret. The three greatest sins a samurai could face, all of these had taken root in Kuwanan's soul, and Hoturi played a part in each. Kuwanan saw only what he hated in himself, his failure to protect Kyuden Doji from the False Hoturi.
This was no monster - this was his brother.
And he would have killed him.
Kuwanan drew the sword away, and was surprised to find himself standing on the plains of Thwarted Destiny. He realized what he had seen had been his destiny, and he had chosen as he had in life - to believe his brother and spare his life.
He was, however, somehow not surprised when Daidoji Uji emerged from the darkness as he always did. The grizzled warrior's armor was strangely blackened in places. Blood seeped from a bandage on his thigh. Relief shone in Uji's eyes as he staggered forward. Kuwanan quickly seized Uji's arm, helping his old friend to remain upright.
"Uji," Kuwanan said tersely, scanning the mist for any sign of an enemy. If there was one, Uji had long since escaped it.
"It is good to see you, Kuwanan-sama," Uji said in a dry, tired voice.
"What has happened? Has the battle begun again?"
"A different battle altogether, my lord," Uji replied. "We have much to do."
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Doji Satsume: The Grinning Crane
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Doji Satsume first appeared in the Scorpion Clan Coup (Scroll 2). The son of the Crane Champion, Doji Satsume was born into greatness. Even so, he did not allow this to dull the edge of his fighting spirit or dampen his quest for glory. He was a grim and determined boy, always focused upon the path ahead. From an early age, Satsume set out to make his mark upon history. At the age of sixteen he slew the lord of the Ikoma house in personal combat. At the age of twenty-one he defeated his own father at the Test of the Emerald Champion, becoming the youngest Emerald Champion in history.
Early in his career, an assassination attempt upon the Emperor left Satsume with a deep scar across his face, twisting his mouth into a permanent half grin. The Scorpion Clan came to call him "The Grinning Crane," an ironic reminder of the Emerald Champions cold and humorless demeanor. Satsume despised the nickname, though he did little to prevent its use besides a few harsh words. Privately, he was proud of the scar, a constant reminder of his dedication to the Emperor.
Sadly though Satsume's dedication to his duties was unquestionable, they left little time for his family. His single-mindedness drove his wife to her death, and planted a deep wedge between Satsume and his eldest son, Hoturi. Satsume regretted his son's hatred, though his pride prevented him from any sort of apology. Instead, he focused his energies upon his younger son, Kuwanan, who in many ways shared his father's zeal for combat and justice.
During the Scorpion Clan Coup, Satsume met his greatest failure. He never suspected that Bayushi Shoju, the Emperor's closest friend, might murder the Emperor. In attempting to avenge his failure against the Scorpion, he was badly wounded. His wounds were grievous, but even as he began to recover he was assassinated in his sleep as part of Bayushi Kachiko's vengeful plan to sow chaos throughout the Empire.
Even though he died in failure, Satsume is remembered for his many great accomplishments. As the call to heroes echoes across the Spirit Realms, this mighty champion has once more taken up his sword to defend the Empire he loves.
***
The commanding voice of Matsu Goemon resounded across the misty plains, rallying the Legion of the Dead. The familiar buzz of soldiers readying themselves for battle was all around, underscored by the chant of shugenja as they searched for souls still lost to the Spirit Realm's visions.
One soul in particular did not join in the preparations. Though he heard Goemon's words, he did not truly pay attention to them. He sat alone at the edge of the camp, pale blue eyes staring vacantly into the darkness.
"Satsume-sama?" said a quiet voice.
The old samurai turned, and for a moment his surly expression was replaced by a look of wonder. A young woman stood before him, long dark hair spilling over one shoulder. Her face was familiar to him. "Teinko?" he whispered.
The girl looked back at him, puzzled. Satsume recognized who she truly was. No, this was not Teinko though the resemblance was there.
"I… am sorry," Satsume said. "For a moment, I thought you were my wife."
"The others are worried for you, Satsume-sama," the girl said. "They sent me to see if you are all right."
"Fine," he said gruffly. After a long moment, he added, "No… That is not entirely true. I am not well at all."
The girl sat beside him, looking up patiently.
"Each of us has faced a vision of his life, a turning point where we could have made some great difference," Satsume said. "One might think perhaps that mine might have been the day I became Emerald Champion, the day I assumed leadership of my clan, or even the Scorpion Clan Coup, when I failed to protect my Emperor… it was none of these things."
"What was it?" she asked.
"The day my wife died," Satsume said. "I could have stopped her… I could have saved her… I saw all the signs, but my duty was too important. If she intended to be so weak, why should I save her?" Satsume buried his face in her hands. "I drove Teinko to her death, because I could not be pulled from my duty even for a moment but what purpose does duty serve when all that we love dies?"
"We are all dead now, Satsume," the girl said. "Surely you have seen your wife since that day?"
Satsume's scarred face twisted in a bitter smirk. "Teinko was a dishonorable suicide," he said, "Though I did what I could to conceal the truth from my clan, the Celestial Order is not so easy to fool. Her soul is lost in the bleak fields of Meido… I can sense her there even now… I could find her, If I wished…"
"The Realm of Waiting," the girl said. "She must be in the court of Emma-O, or the Lords of the Dead, awaiting reincarnation after her punishment."
"Punishment?" Satsume replied. "I am the one who deserves punishment!"
"Then perhaps we can yet make amends," the girl said. "The Legion's shugenja have found great difficulty in leaving this Spirit Realm, but my family knows more about the Spirit Realms than most. Your connection to your wife is still very strong. Perhaps, with my magic, I could help you find her."
Satsume looked at the girl for a long time. His face was etched with the distrust that had ruled him throughout his life, but after a few moments that was washed away by regret.
"I appreciate any help you can offer, Lady Ryosei," Satsume said.
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Doji Yosai: Crane Clan Liaison
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Doji Yosai first appeared in Imperial Edition. Upon his gempukku, Doji Yosai was the very embodiment of what it meant to be a Crane samurai. With a quick wit and a strong sword arm, he was at home in the court or in the dojo. Though Yosai was not a violent man, he saw no harm in learning the art of the sword. He did not feel he would be forced to fight, after all, for Yosai believed that he had been born into a time of peace. As a representative of his clan, he forged a strong alliance with the Phoenix, hoping that the union of the Empire's greatest scholars and the Emperor's finest artisans might bring a new golden age of culture. Though Yosai's actions did indeed benefit his clan, they were not in the way that he would have hoped.
When the Clan War erupted, the Crane were beset by enemies. The Lion, the Crab, and even the False Hoturi surrounded them on all sides. Many Crane castles burned, including Kyuden Kakita and the ancestral home of the Doji. In this time of crisis, Yosai was forced to call upon his allies in the Phoenix, banding together to fight off threats to both clans.
Yosai put his sword to use on behalf of his clan, proving every bit as brilliant a warrior as he was a statesman.
During the Crab invasion of Otosan Uchi, Yosai was one of many who stood to defend the Imperial City. Outnumbered by Kisada's soldiers, he lost a leg in the battle and was left for dead. Yet Yosai survived, and struggled on. Though he could fight no longer, he continued to serve as a diplomat.
Yet as the Clan War drew on, Yosai began to realize something was horribly wrong within the capital. The Emperor not only seemed to be a part of the corruption that was tearing Rokugan apart, but was also the source of it. Returning to Crane lands, he became one of the most vocal opponents of the Hantei, using his skills at oratory and politics to fight the possessed Emperor.
On the Day of Thunder, Yosai saw how the armies of the clans were outnumbered and refused to let his injury prevent him from defending his clan and the Empire. Strapping himself into his warhorse's saddle, he charged into battle beside Doji Hoturi against Fu Leng's armies. Yosai died that day, along with many other heroes.
Yosai never considered himself a hero, he only did what he saw must be done. The same rule guides him even after death, and he has stepped forward to answer Matsu Goemon's call.
***
Yosai felt a dull itch in his left knee as Bakin helped him onto his horse. He absently reached down to scratch it but his hand touched only the lacquered wood of the saddle. It had been almost a year since he had lost his leg, but he still had not adjusted to its absence. Memories of the Crab invasion of the city flooded through him. It was a day much like today. He had awakened to the smell of smoke and the shouts of dying samurai.
"Yosai-sama?" his servant asked in a worried voice. "You must hurry!"
"Why?" Yosai replied in a distant voice.
"The Emperor's servants ravage the city," his servant replied. "You must flee, before they find you!"
"That is not what I mean, Bakin," Yosai answered. He covered his mouth as a wet cough made his shoulders heave. Ever since the day he had lost his leg, his health had slowly worsened. "When the Crab soldiers took my leg, they left me alive. What Fortune drove them to spare me, and why?"
"Worry about that later, my lord," the frantic servant replied.
Yosai looked toward the western wall of the city. Over the rolling hills he could see the army of the Seven Thunders marching on the Imperial City.
"I fought for this city once," Yosai said. He looked down at the stump of his left leg. "The Fortunes punished me for my ignorance. It was not long after that I realized how wicked the Emperor was… though until today I did not realize the entire truth."
"And that is why you must flee, my lord!" Bakin said, glancing around desperately. "The Hantei will remember how you spoke against him in the court. His servants will come for you! If you hurry, the east wall is only lightly guarded. You can still escape."
Yosai scowled, tightening the reins in his hand. "You are right," he said bitterly. "I am no longer a warrior. I cannot fight. I am just a shadow."
Bakin looked up at him with a pained expression. "No, my lord," he replied. "You are a samurai, but this battle is too much for you."
"Because I am a cripple," Yosai replied, "a crippled samurai from a dead clan." Yosai continued to stare blankly into the distance even as Bakin secured the straps holding him to the saddle.
"You do not know that, my lord," Bakin said. "Shinden Asahina still stands."
"But the other houses lie in ashes," Yosai answered. "What is left of the Crane? After all that we have lost, how can we fight?"
As the sun rose above the castle walls he saw a golden light pass over the approaching armies. He could see the banner of his lord, Doji Hoturi, flapping proudly above a legion of Crane samurai.
A smile spread across Doji Yosai's scarred face. His servant looked up with concern, unused to seeing such an expression on the Crane's face.
"Now I know," Yosai said. "Know I know why the Fortunes spared me."
"My lord?" Bakin said.
"Bakin, can you escape the city safely?" he asked.
"I believe so, my lord," he answered. "The Emperor's soldiers will not care about a simple servant."
"Then do me one last service before I go," Yosai whispered.
"Anything, my lord."
Yosai's katana sang as he drew it from its saya. He wheeled his horse about, turning toward the west wall. "If the Empire survives this day, tell your grandchildren how the sons of Doji die."
"I will, my lord," Bakin said.
Yosai kicked his horse into a gallop, charging toward the battle rather than the safe escape his servant had offered. Even as he charged, the scene shifted around him. He found himself galloping among the Legion of the Dead. Ahead, swarming across the plains of Thwarted Destiny, marched the lost souls of the Legion of Blood. His lost leg and health had been restored to him once more.
With a fierce cry, Doji Yosai held his sword high and galloped onward.
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