Hida Husaki - Clan Champion

Husaki is in many ways the traditional Crab champion. He is huge, for one. His mind is focused in a single goal: defending the Empire from the Shadowlands threat. However, he also possess one of the keenest tactical minds in the Empire. The Crab, whose usual battlefield tactics revolve around the application of overwhelming force combined with a pragmatic tricky, have recently won some spectacular battles against the Dark Moto who lead the Shadowlands forces. Husaki does remain terse and occasionally dour, and has not yet appear at any major court function.

Kaiu Konsimu

A young, hot-headed warrior who excelled naturally on the front lines. Outfitted in a set of coveted armor won in a Hida province tournament, and armed with his dead father's katana, his handsome and subtly agressive figure draws attention both on the field and in a Court. His skill with a blade is renowned in the lower crab lands, where his reputation for starting and winning duels has prompted a number of communities to dub him "The Kaiu Crane".

Akodo Toyo

Akodo Toyo, promising student of the respected Lion training schools, never rose above the rank of enlisted Samurai due to poor family connections and a brash attitude. He fought with the Lion during the war with the Northern Alliance, and was the only samurai in his unit to survive due to what he considers a dishonorable surprise assault by Phoenix shugenja. He managed retreat with the rest of the Lion forces to the fortress in Ikoma. There he discovered the tactical proceedings were being directed by Hida Husaki, well disguised as a Lion bushi. During a challenge to determine who was best suited to lead the forces, both Husaki and Toyo were surprised at each other's abilities. As a result of the challenge, Husaki revealed his identity, and Toyo brashly swore service to the large Crab.

As plans for the region's defense proceeded, Husaki came to realize Toyo's hatred of the Phoenix seriously clouded his judgment on any tactical decision that concerned them. He tried to convince the young samurai to temper his hatred, but was unsuccessful. Instead, Husaki sent Toyo to join with Crab forces in the south, where his tactical abilities would be most effective.

Hida Tesomi

Daughter of the former Lion Champion, Matsu Genai. A strong and fiery woman. She was removed from the Dragon Bushi school years ago for mysterious reasons, and has harbored a hatred of that clan ever since. During the Lion/Phoenix war, she led the attack that took the Phoenix heartland and gave the Lion a bargaining position to end hostilities. During the riots surrounding the Emperor’s initial collapse to the Collar, she met and fell in love with Hida Husaki. Genai, just before dying in the duel with Isawa Murasame, gave his blessing to the marriage. Tesomi and Husaki were quietly married at the beginning of the year, and she works beside him to battle the dark powers that seek to overrun the South.