Ronin Letter - #2
The the ronin, assembled masses of the Empire...
To all those who stand without a clan, the time has come to make a choice. A great war is coming, and war presents opportunity for masterless warriors such as ourselves. In more peaceful times, we might be shunned as bandits or dangerous predators. With the Empire in chaos and the need for skilled warriors increasing, a clever ronin can find a place in nearly any clan. The choices are not easy, but then nothing is easy for a wave-man.
The Crab seem the most likely prospect. The Crab lost nearly a generation of warriors during Volturnum and the Spirit Wars. Their numbers are still low, and war with the Crane has spread their forces thin. Hida O-Ushi has proclaimed a Twenty Goblin Winter. Any ronin who ventures beyond the Kaiu Wall and returns with the head of twenty bakemono gains an oath of fealty with the Crab Clan, no questions asked. Journeying into the Shadowlands in the dead of winter is a daunting task, but those who succeed may rely upon the Crab to keep their word. Of course, you'll most likely die, but there's always a catch, heh?
If the duty of a Crab intimidates you, perhaps the wealth of a Crane is more tempting. The Crane have need or warriors as well, and rumor has it they have need of ronin saboteurs to harry the advance of the Crab lines while their courtiers make arrangements to end the conflict. The Crane promise no fealty, or even respect, but the pay is good. At any rate Cranes are prettier to look at than Crabs.
The Scorpion claim to have no need or ronin, but do not let this dissuade you. A clever man with no connections to family or clan can always find a use in the clan of lies. If you have no stomach of dishonor, however, I encourage you to find other employment.
The mountain passes of the Dragon remain open despite the flames that consume them. If you have a taste for Dragon philosophy, begin the path and see where it leads. Perhaps you will find yourself at the top of the mountain with a shaven head, painted skin, the fires of Togashi burning in your chest, and the riddles of eternity bussing in your head. If you ask me, I think the ones who get lost on their way up the path are the lucky ones.
Rumor has it that the Unicorn are not actively recruiting, but have turned none away who seek employment. The Khan of the Unicorn, Moto Chagatai, has amassed a large army in the northern Shinomen. The Ide say Chagatai wishes to protect the sleeping Naga from the terrors that slew Toturi, but it seems a large force to protect the Naga cities. Perhaps Chagatai has other plans? A bold ronin who changes into the fray beside such a bold daimyo may find great glory. On the other hand, you may find an early grave.
If you hope to find a place among the Phoenix, I encourage you to seek elsewhere. Of late the Phoenix have become even more elitist and reclusive than ever. Only their allies in the Lion are welcome in their lands. There is no place for a ronin among the so-called masters of the elements.
Of course if non of these please you, there is a way a ronin seeking acceptance can always find it. Simply cross over the Kaiu Wall and continue west. In time, so it is said, a busin in black armor will approach and offer you an obsidian blade. Should you accept it, you will earn a great power and a place in the army of darkness. AS far as I'm concerned, only a fool would believe such a thing. The only think one is likely to find in the deep Shadowlands is a swift death, but the frequency with which I encounter the tale makes me wonder if it is true...
However, if the path of a masterless man is your destiny, then I wish you well on your dangerous but unfettered journey.
Use your judgment. May the Fortunes walk beside you.
Satoshi