L5R players,
Here are the first 3 locations to be defended during the 2011 Kotei season. Will you let them fall? Who will heroically stand his ground against the Destroyer’s forces? The choice is yours.
Chicago – Shutai (SC14) – A village filled with bandits, villains, and rogues of all stripes, many wonder why the Scorpion did not burn it to the ground long ago. It is assumed that they have their reasons, and that they are nefarious in nature. The village is found on the floodplain of a very large river.
Atlanta - Kudo (MC1) – Technically owned by the Hare Clan, Kudo is of vital importance to the entire Minor Clan Alliance, as the plains near it produce enough food for the Alliance to train and house troops nearby.
Barcelona – Western Works Village (CN2) – A particularly productive artisan’s community, this small village is the reason for the belief among the Crane that hardship fosters creativity. What is more difficult than living near the Scorpion when you’re Crane, after all?
Find out the Introduction story to the Kotei season after the jump! UTZ!!!
Utaku Yu-Pan stood in the center of the Imperial army camp and watched quietly as the long icicles dangling from the edge of the different canopies slowly dripped and disappeared, their life’s blood mingling with the diminishing snow on the ground. As a child she had never cared for winter, had always looked forward to spring and riding through the green, blossoming meadows. Now, ironically, she looked to the impending thaw with trepidation.
“Winter’s end comes soon,” a deep, familiar voice said.
“Hai,” Yu-Pan said flatly.
Akodo Shigetoshi sat down on the rough wooden bench beside her. “There are increased reports of activity south of the front line,” he added. “The Destroyers are preparing to renew their assault.
“We knew that they would,” Yu-Pan said.
“I never doubted that they would,” Shigetoshi confirmed. “I look forward to the opportunity for renewed victory.” He frowned. “But I would be dishonest if I did not confess that I fear the effect any losses will have upon the morale of our forces. They have suffered greatly thus far, and the winter has been a beneficial opportunity to restore their spirits.” He stared into the distance. “My Lion will fight with ever breath of life within them, and they will never accept defeat. As an Akodo, I celebrate their devotion and share their certainty. As a tactician, I have no choice but to consider the potential alternatives.” His face was grim. “They are bleak indeed.”
“Realism is an appropriate trait in a leader of men,” Yu-Pan replied. “Some find it questionable in a samurai, of course, but then those are men and women who have never stood on the field of battle and stared inevitability in the face.”
Shigetoshi chuckled slightly. “You have a gift for phrasing. Perhaps you missed your calling as a poet or storyteller.”
“That is the province of your Ikoma cousins, I think,” Yu-Pan said. “I fear there will be few stories worth telling of this war when all is said and done.”
The Lion Champion looked genuinely surprised. “Oh, no, my friend,” he said warmly, “in that you are most mistaken. Look around us.” He gestured to encompass the camp. “There are men and women among us who would have killed one another with almost no provocation not so long ago. Have you seen the Crab and the Scorpion working together, united in suffering over the plight of their homes? Or the Mantis and my own clan, standing shoulder to shoulder to put an end to our enemies?” He shook his head. “No, Yu-Pan-san, there will be many, many stories to tell of this war regardless of its outcome. Stories of valiant men and women of honor who stood beside one another and refused to retreat in the face of certain death. The generations that will follow us will have no end of examples for their children when instruction as to the code of bushido is called for, I think.”
Yu-Pan smiled. “I only hope that there are generations remaining to be so instructed.”
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