In your travels to better yourselves, you learn of what time has done to the land since you traveled to Dragon lands. Too much has changed to quickly.
In the year 1123, Bayushi Shoju and his Scorpion Clan led the great Coup against Hantei Jodan the 38th. Fueled by prophecy of the dark god Fu Leng’s return, Shoju succeeded and took the palace for nearly one month while attempting to gain support from the other clans.
All except the Unicorn Clan took arms against Bayushi Shoju disbelieving the prophecies. Even the Unicorns became divided as Otaku Kamoko turned on her Daimyo and joined the war. Led by General Akodo Toturi of the Lion Clan, the attack was successful, but at a great price.
The Emerald Champion was killed, the symbol of the Emperor’s strength. For revenge for his father’s death, Doji Hotori of the Crane killed Bayushi Shoju’s son. A terrible battle was said to take place in the Emerald Throne room. General Akodo Toturi and Shoju fought to the death. Noone witnessed the battle but the Emerald Throne was cleaved down the center as testament to the fury. Only Toturi survived.
It was decided that Akodo Toturi was to take the throne as new Emperor. With the large Lion army present, few argued. A new family became the Imperial line. The treacherous Scorpion Clan became hunted although no formal edict was given to do so. Toturi’s reign did not last two weeks.
The young Prince had returned despite Bayushu Shoju’s attempt to kill him as well. Smuggled from the palace during the coup by Mistress of the Void, Isawa Kaeda, Hantei Sotorii the 39th returns to take the throne from Toturi.
As first duty, Hantei the 39th denies Toturi the right to commit seppuku for failing to defend his lord during the coup. Furthermore, the entire Akodo name is forever destroyed. The Akodo family falls in shame many committing seppuku, others joining the Matsu family, and still others become ronin. Toturi disappears as a mad wanderer.
As second decree, the Scorpion Clan is disbanded entirely. The entire clan is sentenced to death. Many go into hiding. Kachiko, mother of the Scorpion, is caught and paraded as prisoner before the Hantei. After losing her clan, her husband, and son…she appears defeated and submits to the Emperor’s whims. Surprising all, Hantei the 39th feels empowered and makes Kachiko his bride.
It was at this time the first scroll of Fu Leng was opened by Yogo Junzo, powerful shugenga of the former Scorpion Clan. Junzo desired to power to avenge his formar master Shoju and in doing so, gave his soul to the dark lord Fu Leng. Junzo was last seen walking towards the Shadowlands. A great plague now spreads across the land of Rokugan.