Phoenix in 1178

[Dapper Dog]

The Phoenix

The Phoenix survived the Clan War which was an accomplishment and even aided the others in destroying the corruption of Fu Leng and one of their own was the Emperor consort in Isawa Kae, they spent the time rebuilding only to have the clan thrown into chaos during the War of the Last Hantei, the council was nearly eradicated and the heir to the Phoenix champion was captured by the Last Hantei forcing the clan to fight on the side of the Last Hantei.

The Phoenix were in dire straits as their forces were utilized to secure the North allowing the Lion to push further South and clash with the Crab and bolster the Crane. The heir of the Phoenix was kept under house arrest at Shiro Matsu, still a child in 1154, young Shiba Kyoko spent time training alongside young Matsu warriors and built friendships that allowed her to learn the layout of the castle and eventually escape.

She returned to her people and without the leverage of the captured child, the Phoenix united behind Shiba Mirabu who had been appointed by the council before they were destroyed by the Last Hantei and his forces. They started a pivotal rebellion that allowed the forces of the South to push back the Lion and Crab, this would lead to victory over the Last Hantei and end the war.

The Phoenix started rebuilding the council when disaster struck, a harsh winter really cut into their planting season bringing a late Spring a dry summer and a short autumn across the North bringing famine and strained resources. The Lion struck out at their neighbors for food and if not for the intervention of the Unicorn the Phoenix may have starved and lost a generation.

This would come to a head in 1166 when the Lion and Phoenix forces squared off at the Battle of Toshi no Omoidoso where Shiba Mirabu gave his life to hold the line but routed the Lion who gave up the campaign and the following Winter was sealed with an agreement of peace. Shiba Mirabu’s brother Shiba Naoya came into power, and took a Lion bride but his reign was short.

Shiba Kyoko, now Shiba Tsukimi, discovered the Soul of Shiba within the ancestral weapon and was proven to be the true heir to the Phoenix. Naoya did not believe her and they dueled and the truth was laid bare for all, she was the true Champion of the Phoenix and took the mantle officially in 1168. She was drawn into internecine conflicts with the Mantis who were raiding their shores conflicts which continue into the current day. The Phoenix do not claim to be at war with the Mantis only hoping to curtail their alleged piracy along their provinces. Still the two clans are at odds in a state of cold war, which some whisper was sparked by the Crane to weaken the Mantis.