Shinjo Yul untitled 2
8 October 2005
by Dan Allen

Entering the city was almost disheartening to me. The stories I had heard as a child of this once beatiful city, blessed by the gods, now lying in ruin. How tragic it is that history has dealt thus with Rokugan. One comfort was to know that there are still those willing to protect their former glorious home.

Once blessed city
Now home to decay and waste
As well as the noble?

Travelling to the shrine, I entered into what used to have been a beautiful garden. Now, however, the weeds have choked its beauty and caused only the unpleasant to take root. Soon we cut through to the saught for shrine. It is strange to me that around the shrine there is still some semblance of care and order. Yet, not far away, goblins were waiting to rest at the hands of our company.

Oni bones and weeds
Give way to perfect beauty
Chaos soon ensued

Weak, lowly goblins
Laying their traps for locals
Eat my gaijin steel!

Thanks to the help of a local guide, we soon found our way to our destination. In the ensuing travels underground I was shown over and over again why it sucks to be the descendant of an inept person.

Not too far to jump
Yet despite best intentions
Gravity takes hold