My pilgrimage to seek enlightenment by visiting the emperors wondrous lands seems to have brought me into some conflict. As I was trying to return Chosuto Jibu to the Phoenix authorities, Akai Taki No Machi was attacked by what looked to me to be some sort of Shadowlands tainted creature. Those of us in the area were asked to do our part in slowing down the beast till the Jade Champion could arrive. Some very interesting “people” offered there assistance. I saw what must have been the bravest Nezumi ever, attack the beast head on. It was strange that he carried a daisho but i didn’t even notice until we thought we were done dealing with the beast. His daisho had Crane markings on it and the way the rat talked about it, it seems as though he got it legitimately. The Crane must be slipping, I will have to make a point to ask Doji about this when i encounter him next.

Along with the Phoenix guards there was also a Mantis that must have been passing by that got caught up in our little diversion. He must be sensitive to the Kami as he seemed to know what was happening before it began once the beast seemed to be defeated.

The beasts blood created some kind of Earthen demon that began rising from beneath the city. Luckily the Jade champion had arrived and with the help of him and his companions we were able to overcome the demon.

Hopefully I will be able to continue my journey, but something gives me the feeling that this was not the end of whatever has intruded into our lands.