On Saturday, September 29th, the following individuals distinguished themselves in battle as the greatest backer of one heir to the Empire. These four generals now hold the honor of their preferred Wind until another proves himself worthier of the task.
The Keeper of Akodo Keneka's Honor is still James Crawford. Although James is no longer Champion, he is still a force to be reconed with. The might of his Scorpion will serve him well in the role of Sword Bearer.
The Keeper of Toturi Tsudao's Honor continues to be Walter Duncan. This great Crane Clan general has attained the great honor of Tournament Champion for himself and his Clan. Toturi Tsudao is, most certainly, honored by his skills at dueling and manipulating each situation to be of her benefit.
The Keeper of Hantai Nesaru's Honor is no longer Carsten Slosberg. The Hantai's banner was dropped when Carsten's Unicorn failed to reach the field of honor. Fortunately, another brave general was there to lead the Unicorn to this title. Homage should be paid to Jason Weeks and the mighty warriors who are honored to serve the Hantai in Jason's name. May the thunderous roar of his Unicorn Clan's Cavalry deafen all who
oppose them.
The Keeper of Toturi Sezaru's Honor is no longer Chris Hand. Ken Duncan of the Dragon Clan has wrestled this title from all who opposed him. Ken's Dragon utilized cavalry to overwhelm their opponents until a band of Crane Duelists put an end to their plans. In the end, Dragon Clan has much to be proud of, as there are none among Phoenix or Lion who seem able to stand against him. | |
Season of the Unicorn - September 2001
Our tournament had a total of 16 seats. A representative of the filthy Shadowlands filled one seat, honorable Samurai filled another fourteen, and the sixteenth seat was left empty in memory of Toturi the First.
Stephen Chapman represented the Shadowlands. During the day's battles, Stephen showed that he was not honorless enough to represent the Shadowlands, as he was defeated at nearly every turn. Hantai Nesaru was not unhappy that the Shadowlands were not successful in holding his banner high. As the Eta were clearing bodies from the field of honor, Stephen was proclaimed cleansed of the Shadowlands Taint, and has been accepted into the Crab Clan.
Sonny McNeal charged onto the field of honor with his Unicorn. While the Battle Maidens were unable to hold Toturi Tsudao's banner as they charged into a glorious death, they did succeed in trampling the Crane.
Nick Horner guarded a section of the Great Wall, while his Crab Bushi tended their gardens, and acted as if they were Crane. Many suspect it was all a ruse to bring shame onto Hantai Nesaru. If so, then maybe the Scorpion were somehow involved.
Bobby Turman attempted to carry Hantai Nesaru's banner into glory, but he was unable to draw the needed honor while his loyal Scorpion worked from the shadows. We may see a more blatant attempt in the future.
Eddie Burns brought forth a horde of Ratlings with some small backing of the mighty Crab. Although Akodo Keneka has earned the respect of the untaintable Ratlings, it proved not to be enough to carry his banner to victory when he fought true representatives of the Crab's great wall.
Jim Depper's Crane were assailed by Unicorn Cavalry before they managed to reach court. Toturi Sezaru was unable to help the honorable Crane avoid their untimely demise.
Chris Hand came to defend his position of Champion. He failed. He came to defend Sezaru's Honor. He failed. He came to prove himself an honorable warrior. He succeeded. Before the first round, Chris challenged all Crab. He managed to finish 2 for 3 against the Crab with only the Kaiu Wall's lack of personalities keeping him from amassing the needed honor for victory. Chris proved himself a worthy adversary until he found himself facing his own Clan. Loyalty to the Crane outweighed desire for victory; and, in that, he proved himself to possess true honor.
Kyle Carroll's Crab stared down unworthy pretenders to the Crab name. After arranging flowers, and attending Kabuki Theater his Crab proved too soft to properly carry Toturi Tsudao's banner into battle. It was thus that he met defeat at the hands of the Unicorn. It was a strange battle. The Unicorn named an alliance with Crab. Kyle's Crab were then treated to a chance to gaze upon the historical Unicorn. In the end, Kyle agreed to bow out and let the Unicorn continue on their quest for victory.
Jeremiah Sager was the Sole representative of the Phoenix. He marched forth to defend his lands from the Dragon – carrying Toturi Tsudao's banner high. This was not to be Phoenix's day however. After stepping forward to meet Dragon's challenge, Jeremiah's Shugenja found the Winds of Fate were blowing in the wrong direction.
Brian Todd led his Battle Maidens under Hantai Nesaru's banner. As they rode onto the field of honor, members of the Dragon Clan, having fled their mountain home, attacked them. While they put forth a valiant effort, they were turned back into Unicorn lands and left to fend for themselves.
Paul Johnson's Dragon warriors fell short in their goals early in the day. Many felt he had shamed Toturi Sezaru's name when he failed to hold the banner high; but he proved them wrong. After a bitter defeat early on, Paul brought his Dragon back and scaled the great wall to proclaim himself greatest among those who failed to achieve victory.
Ken Duncan issued a challenge to the sole Phoenix general, and managed to barely win the day. While Dragon is now only fourth in the Empire's eyes, Ken is optimistic that he will improve his position again when Black Crane Castle is besieged. He later carried Toturi Sezaru's banner all the way to glory. The Dragon clan now glows with newfound pride.
Jason Weeks felt it was Unicorn's time. He knew their season had truly begin when he lifted Hantai Nesaru's banner and charged to glory. The tricky Scorpion outmaneuvered Jason in court, and forced him to falter. While not quite so sweet as victory over the Scorpion, he did manage to defeat the Dragon and elevate his clan to third overall.
James Crawford returned to defend the honor of Akodo Keneka. His loyal Scorpion began the day by defeating the Shadowlands' denizens. To prove his worth, he allowed them to attack again. After nearly losing the day, he destroyed more of the vile creatures, and proved his greatness. As many may remember, when the seeds of war were first sown, James led his Scorpion to hard-fought victory over Chris Hand's Crane. As the Season of the Unicorn was nearing time for the harvest, Walter defeated Chris so he could carry Crane's banner high. This proved pivotal as Walter managed to avenge Crane's earlier loss. When the fog of war was lifted this day, James was still carrying the banner of Akodo Keneka; but only as Walter Duncan's Sword Bearer. A title Chris Hand's Crane once held.
Walter Duncan proved the superiority of the Crane at every turn. He amassed honor quickly and defended his right to claim it. Walter felt that Crane had been shamed by Chris Hand's inability to grasp total victory as War's seeds were sown. It was for that reason alone that he defamed Chris in court, and maneuvered his way to victory. He nearly lost sight of his goal when he proved unwilling to allow Chris chance to regain his honor in battle, but against Dragon Walter proved his mettle. When the smoke of battle cleared, it was Walter who held the banner of Toturi Tsudao high, and proclaimed himself Champion! | |
