Arc 6, Session 29, L5R
Official Records, Crystal Magistrate’s Office
October 23rd, 1119
The Crystal Office debriefing this morning was worrying. Ikoma
Takeshi relayed details of his conversation with the Wasp last night, & it
is worse than we feared.
From what Tsuruchi Shiko told him, she & all the samurai
in her cohort are dead. A bloodspeaker is controlling their bodies using
porcelain masks. She was able to speak in vague terms as her body followed its
orders, suggesting that near her entire clan had “fallen”. Stranger still, her
orders appear to involve putting an end to the growing yokai threat we find
ourselves standing against.
Following this, there was an extended discussion of our
inability to answer Tsuruchi’s call for aid last Spring. Tensions ran high. Is
it simply part of samurai life to engage in personal drama whenever trying to
work with members of various Clans? Regardless, at least one thing of note was
laid upon the table.
Full reports of what occurred within Shinomen Mori have yet to
be written. It seems that it was discovered therein that one of our number,
Shosuro Kiyuki, had smuggled bloodspeakers’ inkstone into Rokugan from beyond
the Wall. She did not deny this, but claimed she was acting on orders to bring
it in for study.
Our newfound Hare ally, Usagi Taiko, lent some amount of
credence to this- though she had not been aware that the Scorpion had given
pieces of said inkstone to any clan outside her own. Kakita Maru suggested ending
the Scorpion’s cohort alone as a scouting force, the greatest position of
danger. This idea was decided against.
The truth of this matter needs be plumbed, but the emergency
stalking us takes precedence. It is Daidoji Hansha who reminds us of this. He
is brusque & awkward in speech, but correct. Our journey North-East begins.
November 9th, 1119
After marching as quickly as our forces were able, we have
reached Fire Tooth Castle in Dragon Lands. When asked, the Dragon samurai
declined to comment on the subject of any encounters with yokai. Given their
reputation, this is unsurprising. Tonight, we rest from our trek.
November 10th, 1119
As expected, the Agasha are reluctant to allow an outsider access
to their Sacred Library. The Otomo seal at least convinces them to let us begin
the petitioning process. Command of the army is given to Kasuga Hayata,
following his performance at Rengai Mura. Otomo Kuni will remain at Shiro
Agasha to lead the research inquiries. All following entries are compiled from
reports delivered back to the castle from Commander Hayata’s runners.
The forces spread out to investigate Dragon lands for traces
of yokai passage. They encountered small groups of the beasts, each led by a
particularly large Inugumo. All of these enemies were found lurking on the
fringes of the region.
November 11th, 1119
Various yokai groups were found hiding in unoccupied terrain.
For whatever reason, they were taking care to avoid any settlements. The enemy
has revealed the ability to leave some areas trapped against us. Clearly a
result of the higher mind controlling them.
November 12th, 1119
Now the foe has begun targeting settlements to the West of
Dragon Lands.
November 13th, 1119
Finding yokai around settlements in the South begins to
reveal a pattern. They appear to be searching for something. This bodes well
for our chances at thwarting them. Whatever their goal, they have begun to send
out groups led by monstrous spiders, larger than a caravan wagon. These Tsuchigumo
were significantly more deadly than their smaller cousins.
November 14th, 1119
New yokai search parties are discovered in the Northern
quadrant of Dragon Lands. More of the Tsuchigumo are being found. Otomo Kuni
has gathered several leads in her search. Alongside information relayed back
from the army, this has allowed the Crystal Magistrate to rule out some
potential targets the yokai may be seeking something in.
These settlements appear safe- as much as they can be in
these circumstances:
Shiro Mirumoto
Shiro Zurui
Lost Samurai Village
Nanashi Mura
Shiro Kitsuke
Serpent’s Tail Mine
Tall Pine Village
November 15th, 1119
(There are repeated, shaky pen marks at the beginning of
this entry. Almost as if the author had attempted to start it several times
before finding the wherewithal to finally do so.)
The Crystal Office was correct that the rising of this
Jorogumo stands as a threat to the Empire. Today a horror breached the walls of
nightmare to enter Ningen-do. To say it is large would be an understatement bordering
on lie. The bloated mass of its body blocked out the Sun above Fire Tooth
Castle this morning, while its bristling legs reached near full across the
province.
We are unable to harm it. Will it be the end of us?
Our army lacks means potent enough to harm the creature,
hereby dubbed Sekaigumo. However, concentrated attacks have proven to at least
be able to goad the spider away from populated areas.
While this doom hung over us, enemy forces were,
predictably, found searching the East. What they could be searching for yet
remains a mystery, but the thought they are not yet at full strength is
We will continue. We will persevere. The Crystal Office will find a way to return this darkness back to the annals of history.
We will.
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