From Otosan Uchi
8 October 2005
by Everett Johnson

Great fallen city
Grandeur, majesty — ruin
Shadow of our past

My heart nearly broke at my first sight of the old Imperial capitol since its fall. I had heard of the ruin and destruction, but didn't fully believe it until I saw the walls. I only visited the city twice while it was still the heart of the Empire, and we will forever miss its glory. Toshi Ranbo, while great itself, can never compare.

I have found in the ruins something I would never have expected to see. My first thought when Yotsu Seiko called for us to halt at the ruined gates of the city was outrage. How dared a ronin accost a group of honorable samurai! I was too shocked to speak, and was then glad when Seppun Nikana chose to answer him. As the conversation continued, my outrage faded, and was slowly replaced by respect. This samurai, though without a master, is filling a duty set on his family by the Emperor himself. He was respectful, and I now consider him worthy of respect in return.

I had never seen a ronin with such a sense of honor and duty. All others I had encountered were deserving of their status as masterless men, as they weren't worthy of such an exchange of loyalty. Were I a lord, I might find it worthwhile to attempt to bring this family under my banner. I expect, however, that they would possibly refuse such an arrangement, and rather would continue to act outside the constraints of the Great Clans to protect fallen Otosan Uchi.

Ronin with honor
Protectors of the City
Guardians of our past

The Yotsu family shows much courage in their duty. I had, until I arrived in Otosan Uchi, only seen a goblin once before, and never another creature of the Shadowlands. In only one day within the walls of the city, I have now fought several goblins, and have encountered and helped to defeat an oni. If I have seen this after only one day within the city, what must the Yotsu family have faced having been within the city for years? I know many samurai would have either fallen, or a few even possibly have fled by this point, yet the Yotsu stand firm in their duty to watch over this decaying city. I hope I will always show such courage and dedication in the completion of my duties.

We have completed our task, and will now return to Mura Howaido Yuukaku to inform Doji Shiju-sama that we have done as he required of us, and find out if he has further duties for us, or if we will be returning to service with our own lords. I hope I may see you sometime soon. Until then, peace be with you.