Rise of
the Tortoise
GenCon 2004
Challenge Booth Results
by Rich Wulf
The
city of Otosan Uchi was a shadow now, a pale ruin that only hinted at its
former grandeur. Kitsuki Mizuochi was clearly uncomfortable as he gazed out
from the heights of Sunset Tower, arms folded in his billowing sleeves against
the chill ocean breeze. Though most of the horizon was clear, a blot of
churning grey clouds hovered in the sky above the dead Imperial City.
“You do
not like this place,” said a voice from behind him.
Mizuochi
turned, peering over one shoulder. A
thin, dark-skinned man in plain brown clothing
had ascended the steps behind Mizuochi.
He had the rough look of
a peasant, but wore the two
swords of a samurai at his hip.
The symbol of a smiling tortoise
was sewed upon his left
sleeve.
“This is
a disturbing place,” Mizuochi said, “a memory better left forgotten.”
Taigen
stood beside the Dragon, staring out at the ruins with a lopsided smile. “I disagree,” Taigen said. “To
ignore defeat is to invite its return.
The Tortoise Clan has learned much from
the lesson of Otosan Uchi.”
“Then we
are fortunate that some good came of that tragedy,” Mizuochi said. “I was told that you
wished to discuss something with a representative of the Imperial Court?”
“Yes,”
Taigen nodded. “Though I am disappointed Toritaka Tatsune did not appear
personally, no offense intended, Kitsuki-san.”
Mizuochi
shrugged. “The
Crab have little taste for
politics,” Mizuochi replied. “Tatsune would prefer to
be in the dojo or on the
wall, not in the court. He asked
that I deal with this matter
on his behalf.”
Taigen
nodded slowly in understanding. “I
confess I am somewhat disappointed,” he said. “In the five
years since the city’s corruption,
my followers have faced many
strange things in the dead city’s
shadows. I had hoped the Crab
might sympathize.”
“The
Dragon have battled their share of shadows, Taigen-san,” Mizuochi said. “Perhaps I would understand?”
Taigen
folded his arms across his thin chest, studying the fallen city as he
considered what he would say. “I
do not think you need to
be reminded that these are dark times, Mizuochi,” the Tortoise said. “The Empire faces
danger both from within and
without, both natural and supernatural. It is the Imperial Court’s role to determine how to deal with
such dangers, but while the
Minor Clans share this danger
we do not share the responsibility
of rule. We have no voice
in the Imperial Court.”
“I assume
you have already proposed this to the other Minor Clans?” Mizuochi asked. “I also assume from
the dust on the cuffs
of your hakama
that you have been traveling
a great deal. Have you asked
your fellow daimyo how they feel?”
Taigen chuckled. “Always the Kitsuki,”
he said. “I have spoken to the
lords of the Sparrow, Dragonfly,
Hare, Monkey, Fox, Sparrow, and
Ox. I have even spoken to
the new lord of the Bat
and the wandering
survivors of the Badger. We
are all united in our need for
a voice among the courts. Once, the Tortoise protected
the interests of the Emperor
in this city, but this city
is a ghost now.” Taigen was
silent for a long moment. “The Tortoise
need a new purpose, and the
Minor Clans need a voice in the court. The
solution seems natural… but I cannot accomplish
this alone. Only one who
already has influence among the courts
could aid me in such a task.”
“Your
goals seem noble enough,” Mizuochi said.
“But
there is always a price,” Taigen answered.
“Price?” Mizuochi asked with a slightly surprised look. “The Dragon would
not demand a payment for something
that would so obviously help the Empire… but
we have already
been charged with the Emperor
with rooting out the hidden dangers
that stalk our Empire. Administrating
the activities of our agents
consumes a great deal of my time. Surely
all your years in this haunted
city have taught your samurai something that might aid me in this task.”
A slow
smile dawned across Taigen’s face. “So
you would offer me a voice in the Imperial Court, and in return for
this favor you would share this
glorious quest the Emperor has given your clan?”
“Favor? No,” Mizuochi replied seriously. “I have agreed to help
you access the web of
shameless politics, suspicion, and betrayal that is
the Imperial Court. In return I offer nothing but a chance aid us in a hopeless
crusade to hunt the hidden
enemies of the Empire, enemies
that would not hesitate to
wipe out your clan and all who
bear the Kasuga name. You
ask me for a terrible burden and I offer
to reward you with two.”
“For the
good of the Empire,” Taigen added.
Mizuochi nodded silently.
Taigen grinned. “You have a deal,
Kitsuki-san,” he said.