Announcement of the Imperial College

25 years after the War of Blood and Thunder, the Empire is rebuilding, trying to heal the wounds of that terrible conflict.

Otomo Hakuseki addressed the Imperial Court "Samurai of the Empire, it is the sincere desire of her Imperial Majesty Iweko I that we usher in a new era of peace. The Empire has rebuilt stronger and better than before and the colonies across the seas are returning great wealth and resources to our shores."

His voice was rich and warm and all present hung on his words "The Spider Clan Champion confirmed in his last dispatch that the last blood hungry ghosts have been rooted out and destroyed."

"In the spirit of inter-clan cooperation, a new academy shall be formed to educate the best and brightest from all Clans. Your children shall benefit from the best senseis in the land. It is the wish of the Empress that this fosters peace among the Clans."

With practiced ease he bowed just low enough to remain honourable and turned to leave.

In his youth, Hakuseki had been a member of the Crane Clan and a marriage arranger of considerable skill. His marriage of convenience and politics into the Otomo Clan had blossomed into a dazzling career that culminated in him holding the position of Imperial Chancellor.

He smiled to himself "That should keep them talking until at least Winter Court"...