The Test of the Emerald Champion...

[Gareth Hanrahan]

> The Crane have tradition on their side.  Contestants of Kakita lineage
> have won the last three tournaments.  Their style is well suited to the
> Test, and few have the capability to beat them in their own game...
> However, Mirumoto Uso proved the Niten technique superior to Kakita's
> one-sword style, and this puts doubts in my mind as to whether the Crane
> will be victorious or not.

Murai-san: while Uso-sama's victory brings glory to the dojos where he was
trained, it is hardly conclusive. We are the victors for this generation,
but both schools will continue to strive for excellence....and while the
Tournament of the Emerald Champion is decided by the greatest duellist, we
both know that duelling skill is not the only skill required by the
Emperor's chief magistrate.

> I would hate to see the mewling
> courtiers of Otosan-Uchi make life uncomfortable for a samurai of such
> great skill.  The Dragon are known for their wisdom and ability, but are
> less noted for their ability at detecting and avoiding the intrigue of
> the courts.

Hai. However, there are certain Dragon samurai who are equally at home in
the courts or on the battlefield.
My own daimyo, the most honourable Kitsuki Yasu, is known for both his
political acumen and his duelling ability.

> The last Clan that I consider a major contender for this Championship is
> my own.  Lord Aramoro's victory at the Gift of the Emperor tournament,
> which we won due to your support, fills us with great pride.

Hai. In that tournament you won back your ancestral lands. Thank the
fortunes that enough Scorpion survived your exile to the barbarian lands to
reclaim and resettle those lands. If the original judgement of the courts
had been enforced, surely your clan would have been executed, not exiled. It
is certainly fortunate that a wise lord was able to present certain evidence
and testify on behalf of the Scorpion. Let us not forget him....

> I am torn between my choices.  I feel that we owe the Dragon for their
> support in the Gift of the Emperor tournament, and that as allies we
> should support you.  However, as an aging poet, I would like to see a
> small measure of glory restored to my Clan, and I believe a Scorpion
> Emerald Champion would be most adept at navigating the trials of the
> Four Winds.  I ask one more time for the wisdom of the Dragon.  Help me
> through this dilemma.

My family has suffered much during these last few years - the Naga invasion,
and now the loss of what remained of our lands to the Dragon of Fire. The
Kitsuki have need of influence and allies during this time, just as the
Scorpion did at the time of your exile.

At the end, it is your own conscience that must guide you - but we hope you
will remember those who spoke for you when no-one else would.

> Murai
> Scorpion Clan Retired Poet
Kitsuki Hamesu