Recently History

It has been over 100 years since the clans have come to know one another again, and culture clashes spark hot debate both in the courts and in the field. 

By the Emperor’s decree, chosen of the clans must come together to form the Lower Court. Theirs is a role to show unity for the first time between clans, but with such culture differences it proves to be a steady and slow road. This is the Emperor giving those chosen a chance to prove themselves in the eyes of the Empire.

The Lower Court informs the Upper Court, long established and powerful people who report directly to the Emperor. What the Lower Court learns directs the Upper Court, however the Upper Court watches these acts closely, measuring each decision and view with great scrutiny. It is not just the Emperor that they must impress.

The Creation of Tokoro

In the beginning, before time, light, and space; there was only darkness and the potential of what might be. This potential existed as a swirling vortex where all possible futures flowed and spanned. From the vortex arose a spark; a fulcrum around which all that was light began to rise, and all that was heavy began to sink. That which was light formed air and fire; the vastness of the open sky, and the first possibility of breath. That which was heavy formed earth and water; an endless ocean strewn with islands, and strange creatures which wandered upon and within; some with scales and some with fur.

From within the vastness of the ocean a shoot began to grow; taller and higher until it towered over all the newly formed world, nestling in the clouds between the elements. Two buds formed and flowered: one gold and one silver, and in the centre of each rested a God. Within the golden flower slept the newly born sun, Lady Sun. Within the silver flower slept the newly born moon, Lord Moon. Lady Sun and Lord Moon wandered creation hand in hand, and from their union came forth nine children, who then stepped forward to make their own way in the world. Shibo, the eldest child, was the most responsible. It understood that the secret of the world was that all things begin, and all things end. Thus, it created a realm below the world, so that all those who passed through it might find a final resting place.

Clever Tsuru became an advisor, and formed a clan of its descendants who settled on the eastern coast where they could learn the ways of diplomacy and tradition.

Enigmatic Ryu became a mystic, and formed a clan of its descendants who settled in the northern mountains where they could watch the world and learn through stillness.

Wise Hinotori became the first magician, and formed a clan of its descendants who settled in the northeast where they could learn to bind the elements to their will.

Curious Ikkajuku became an explorer, and formed a clan of its descendants who set off to explore the great desert which lay beyond the northern mountains.

Steadfast Kani became a protector, and formed a clan of its descendants who settled to the south where they learned to endure hardships that would destroy others.

Shrewd Sasori became a pragmatist, and formed a clan of its descendants who settled in the centre of the other lands where they could better see all of the other clans.

Aggressive Shishi became a warrior, and formed a clan of its descendants who settled the open lands to the northwest where they could learn the art of war.

In’ei, who was the youngest, did not know what to become, and was bitterly jealous of its siblings’ surety. This jealousy turned to spite and anger, and In’ei cast a bitter shadow wherever it went, creating and drawing in beings that were fuelled by malevolence and self-interest. In’ei led these creatures to the far south, overwhelming the natural order of the land and creating the Penumbra, a vast area tainted with despair that in turn tainted anything touched by its influence.

Whilst Lord Moon remained aloof and serene in the heavens, Lady Sun, guided by love of all things, walked among the people of the world, to experience all that was and could be. In time, it bore a golden child who was raised up to become a supreme ruler, set above all others in divine grace on a glorious Jade Throne, so that its descendants might rule over Tokoro as the Agent of Heaven for all time.