Merchant Games Successful

SHOGUNS FOR THE EMPIRE OF THE SEVEN STARS CHOSEN AMID INTRIGUE AND PLOTTING - July 2012

Lord Takai, one of the new shoguns of the Empire of the Seven Stars, with members of his house, House Tiger

In a startling move, members of House Lotus proposed a democratic election of a shogun. After much arguments, a compromise was reached: the Empire would have two shoguns, one chosen by a vote and one through the games. Lord Takai was the shogun chosen by vote.

Two Shoguns Chosen

In a startling turn of events, not one, but two shoguns were chosen as a part of the Imperial Games last week.  Each house sent representatives to compete against one another for points in various challenges.  Examples include Yugi Chef, Ambush Games, breaking into lockboxes, and many more.  The house with the most points was supposed to choose a shogun to rule beside Empress Lin Chu Hao.  But, when time came to tally the points and select a shogun, a member of House Lotus proposed using a democratic election to choose the shogun, similar to the way leaders are chosen in Grand Cattonia.  Because roughly half the assembled houses wanted to use this method, and half preferred to use points, the Empress decreed that there would be two shoguns, one chosen using each method.  Master Kastagire was elected by the assembled houses, but relinquished his claim in favor of Lord Takai, the leader of House Tiger and the runner-up in the election.  House Jade and House Phoenix tied in points, but House Phoenix relinquished their right to choose another shogun, explaining that Lord Takai was already their choice.  House Jade chose Tamiko, a nine-year-old kitsune girl in appearance with the memories of an ancient monk in an amulet around her neck.  A former oni, she is a radical choice for shogun, so it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.  Empress Lin Chu Hao appeared pleased with Lord Takai as shogun, but ambivalent about Tamiko.

   

Tamiko, the former oni and current shogun

Assassination Attempt

Political intrigue was rife during the games to select a shogun for the Empire, but no one expected it to go so far as a plot to assassinate Empress Lin Chu Hao.  She created the games for the express purpose of showing that she is willing to listen to complaints about her rule.  She explained, “I am no tyrant.  I simply want what’s best for the Empire as a whole.  If the Empire would be better served by having a shogun rule beside me, I will allow that to happen.”  Despite this conciliatory gesture, however, hostilities were rampant.  Wu Xing, a Penumbrian house with close ties to the Empire, was participating in the games to strengthen its alliance with the merchant houses.  It became the center of the plots to assassinate or depose Lin Chu Hao.  Houses Phoenix, Tiger, and Lotus each discovered that Wu Xing, along with House Crane, was planning treason, and warned the Empress.  House Tiger even gifted her with thousands of silver and magical items so she could protect herself.  When members of Wu Xing stood up in front of the assembled houses and announced their displeasure with the Empress, intending to ask her to step down, they were greeted with silence and hostility.  Though Empress Lin Chu Hao gave them a chance to recant, they refused to back down.  To protect them, their leader, Takametsu, offered his life for theirs, taking their dishonor upon himself.  He was ritually executed for treason, and they were spared, but Wu Xing is no longer trusted in the Empire.

   

Members of Wu Xing

Unlikely Alliance

Master Kastagire and Empress Lin Chu Hao appear to have come to an agreement of sorts.  Though initially icy, their relationship has thawed into an amicable friendship, with both supporting the other when necessary.  Kastagire even admitted that, although he does not approve of all of the empress’s actions, she has made the Empire more prosperous and successful than he was able to manage.  During the first battle with the Shadow Dragons, he protected her and her group of Meji while they cast the Sanctuary of Light.  When he relinquished the position of shogun, it was yet another sign that he will not challenge the Empress for power.  She, in turn, seems to trust the former emperor to guard her back, despite rumors that House Jade was involved in a plot to depose or assassinate her.  Though the first time they met he surrendered his katanas to her guard, she allowed him to be armed in her presence from then on.  Both have expressed the desire to bury hostilities and work towards the good of the Empire.

   

Master Kastagire and Empress Lin Chu Hao