Kisada

Please note: This article is about the Crab Clan Champion and Fortune of Persistance. For other uses of the term, please see Hida Kisada (disambiguation).
Kisada was the Fortune of Persistence, as named by Emperor Toturi I. In life he was Crab Clan Champion Hida Kisada. Kisada married Hida Tsuriko. The couple had two sons, Hida Yakamo and Hida Sukune, and one daughter Hida O-Ushi. In addition, his younger brother was Hida Tsuru and Hida Amoro was his nephew. Kisada was known as the "Great Bear", and he was one of the strongest, and certainly the largest samurai in Rokugan.
== Family ==
Kisada was son of Hida Atsumichi and Hida Narumi, Persistence, by Rich Wulf and brother to Hida Tsuru and a sister who would be Hida Amoro's mother. Way of the Crab, p. 67 Hida Shiroi was a distant nephew. Twilight Honor, p. 13
== Life ==
=== Youth ===
At the age of five, Kisada traveled with his father to the Imperial City, and they stopped at a inn in Lion lands on the way. While Atsumichi arranged for the rooms, Kisada wandered into the village, taking in the new world. He was startled from his stroll by the sound of children, and he turned the corner to see a group of three Lion boys tormenting the son of a peasant. The peasant stood by helplessly while the three boys shoved his son into the mud repeatedly.
Kisada watched in silence, and then asked the peasant why he did not intervene. The peasant replied that he was forbidden to intervene, as the three Lion were sons of a local magistrate and therefore nobility. The next day it rained, and Kisada's father was forced to remain in the inn, so Kisada again went into the village. Again he came upon the three bullies attacking another child even more savagely this time. Kisada stepped forward and asked the three what they were doing, and the lead boy told him to mind his own business. The boy struck Kisada, who fell to the ground. The three Lions quickly tired of the beating of the peasant and went their own way, but Kisada was seething with fury at this point.
The next morning the weather had cleared and Kisada's father was making ready to continue his journey when he found Kisada all covered in mud. Kisada asked his father if the trip could be delayed for an hour, and Atsumichi agreed. Kisada then went to seek out the three boys, who he found lounging outside the village tea house amusing themselves with tales of their accomplishments the previous days.
Kisada positioned himself twenty feet away and cursed at the boys with the foulest language he could muster. Kisada turned on his heels and ran, the three boys in hot pursuit. They were so taken up with chasing him that they missed the trap Kisada had laid out for them. All three tumbled into the hole Kisada had dug that night, breaking bones. Kisada left them there and went to his father.
Three weeks later, on their way home from the Imperial City, they stopped in the village again, and Kisada went to the pit to see what had happened to the three Lions. He found their rotting bodies, and all he said was, "This is what it means to challenge a Crab." Way of the Crab, pp. 60-61
=== Gempukku ===
Shortly after his gempukku, during a patrol into the Shadowlands, his small band was
attacked by a huge oni, killing first a close friend of the young Kisada. The sixteen-year-old youth leapt upon the oni's back, bore it to the ground, and crushed its neck. The one's head was born home and resided on a spike at Kyuden Hida. Clan War: Crab Army Expansion, p. 30
== Crab Champion ==
=== Personality ===
Kisada was a quiet man, who spoke with the power of a gathering storm, wearing the Ancestral Armor of the Crab Clan, Ketsuen, at all times. On the rare occasion he would take it off his personal armorer, Kaiu Bugati, would keep it for him. It was widely rumored that no man had ever wounded Kisada and lived. Kisada in his fifties was a huge man, with a deep grey beard, iron grey eyes and many battle scars, dressed in the dark colors of his clan. Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, p. 174
=== Great Bear ===
Since the incident with the three Lions he consistently demonstrated a tactical genius and lust for battle, and none could compare to the sheer combat prowess of Kisada. He disdained combat with other clans, seeing Fu Leng as the only enemy worth his efforts. He would be dismissive and condescending to all non-Crabs. He rarely left Crab lands and his contempt for Hantei XXXVIII was no secret. He was easily the tallest man in Rokugan, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, and would use his size to overpower enemies in combat, relishing close quarter combat with Shadowlands creatures. Kisada was huge, a giant by Rokugani standards. He deserved the nickname of Great Bear, although it was his temperament and not his size which won him the name. 
He was happy with the progress of his children Yakamo and O-Ushi, but less so with Sukune. Even though Sukune displayed a knack for strategy his physical ailment was a source for great concern. Kisada would constantly wonder if Sukune could be trusted to defend the Empire. Way of the Crab, p. 62
=== Death of Kisada's Wife ===
Kisada's wife, Hida Tsuriko, mother of Hida Yakamo, and Hida O-Ushi, became ill after prematurely giving birth to the infant that would become Hida Sukune. Tsuriko died five years later from a protracted illness. Way of the Crab, p. 65 Kisada never remarried, and as far as the Empire knew, had no more children. Kisada's Gift: The Great Bear, Part I (Tourney Storyline)
== Reign of Hantei XXXVIII ==
Kisada believed Rokugan needed strong leadership, and he could think of no one better suited to lead than the Crab Clan. It was time for the Empire to unite and destroy the Shadowlands once and for all. Kisada called Hantei XXXVIII the "Old Man on the Throne", and he had not the will to do the task. 
=== Confronting Tsume ===
In 1115 Imperial Histories, p. 127 Kisada gathered an army when he heard rumors of a Shadowlands army that had been assembled. A group of Crab and Ronin scouts were sent to harass the enemy force, and they were decimated by the enemy force led by Moto Tsume. Only one ronin survived, her hair became white from the experience. City of Lies: GM's Guide, p. 46
=== Siege of Shiro Kuni ===
In 1118 Imperial Histories, p. 128 the arrival of Kisada to Shiro Kuni thwarted the assault of the Shadowlands during the Battle of Twilight's Honor. His entrusted castle's Daimyo, Hiruma Makasu, had been maddened during his station there, misleading the Crab forces, Twilight Honor, p. 6 which were nearly obliterated. Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun, p. 82
== Scorpion Coup ==
Kisada led the Crab Clan army to the capital Otosan Uchi in 1123 after the Scorpion Clan Champion Bayushi Shoju assassinated the Emperor. Shoju had hoped that Kisada would side with him, providing the strength to hold the throne. Flyer (Scorpion Clan Coup, Scroll 3) Kisada decided to join the united clans against Shoju, and Shoju's fate was sealed. The Gaijin's Guide to Rokugan, Part III: The Fall of the Scorpion Kisada revealed to his daughter Hida O-Ushi in a letter that it was Shoju's act of asking for aid that led him to side against the Scorpion. Clan Letter to the Crab Clan #8 (Imperial Herald v.2 #4)
=== Yakamo's Hand Severed ===
In the 18th day of the Month of the Rooster his son Hida Yakamo was challenged by Mirumoto Hitomi in the Imperial City, during the assault of the combined forces against the Scorpion. Disobeying orders Hitomi challenged Yakamo, and during the duel Kisada's son lost his hand. Hitomi had to be dragged away by fellow Dragon to prevent her from bringing shame upon her clan. Kisada was furious and demanded her life but the Mirumoto refused. Otosan Uchi: The Scorpion's Sting, p. 65
== Reign of Hantei XXXIX ==
Kisada saw the new Emperor Hantei XXXIX as a naive boy who had married Bayushi Kachiko and left alive his other great enemy, Akodo Toturi. Kisada began preparations almost as soon as the new Hantei took the throne. Winter Court: Kyuden Kakita, p. 76 In the chaos of the new Emperor's reign, Kisada saw his chance to take the Throne, but he could not do it while guarding the Kaiu Wall. The Kuni Daimyo, Kuni Yori, suggested to ally with the Shadowlands, march over Otosan Uchi, and once Kisada was Emperor, turn on their tainted allies. Kisada rejected the idea. Player's Guide: 2nd Ed, pp. 52-53
=== Alliance with the Shadowlands ===
In 1124 Kisada ordered Yori to broker the proposed an alliance of convenience with the Shadowlands, the way for the Crab to wage war and seize the throne. Imperial Histories, p. 153 In 1125 Yakamo began slowly withdrawing troops from the Kaiu wall no longer fearing the creatures on the other side. Kisada formed a formal alliance with the Shadowlands A Stout Heart (Honor Bound Foil Chase Cards flavor) in 1126, and the combined forces began to march on Beiden Pass. The Battle of Beiden Pass: Letter to the Generals
== Kisada's Ambition ==
=== Kisada manipulated by Kachiko ===
Kisada came to the Imperial Court and had to talk with Kachiko, due to the Emperor's illness. Kachiko mentioned to him how disappointed she was that the Crab had neglected his duty to guard the wall, because Kakita lands were vulnerable to shadowlands invasion. She pointed out that if an army held Beiden Pass the southern and northern Clans would be isolated from each other. Kisada attempted to use this to his advantage, as Kachiko intended. Clan Letter to the Scorpion #1 (Imperial Herald v1 #1)
=== News about the death of Kisada's wife ===
Hida Tsuriko, Kisada's lovely wife, who had died many years ago, was found to have died as the victim of a ninja's poison. Clan Letter to the Scorpion #2 (Imperial Herald v1 #2)
=== Alliance with the Shadowlands ===
In 1124 Hida Kisada, believing Hantei XXXIX was not strong enough to rule the Empire, ordered the Kuni Daimyo Kuni Yori to find a way for the Crab to wage war and seize the throne. Yori proposed an alliance of convenience with the Shadowlands. Imperial Histories, p. 153 Yori manipulated Hida Kisada into allowing a large claw to replace Yakamo's lost hand. The Cold Dark Dawn In 1125 Yakamo began slowly withdrawing troops from the Kaiu wall no longer fearing the creatures on the other side. Winter Court: Kyuden Kakita, p. 76 Kisada formed a formal alliance with the Shadowlands, A Stout Heart (Honor Bound Foil Chase Cards flavor) and the combined forces began to march on Beiden Pass. The Battle of Beiden Pass: Letter to the Generals
=== First Battle of Beiden Pass ===
In Autumn of 1126 the army led by Hida Sukune reached the Beiden Pass, where they were defeated by a ronin army with a token Dragon support led by the cunning Toturi. The Crab army was forced to pull back. Imperial Histories, p. 154 With winter coming on, the Crab armies were overextended and running short of food. Kisada ordered Hida Yakamo to raid the southern lands, looting them for food and other supplies with an army composed mainly of Shadowlands forces. Game Master's Guide: 2nd Ed, pp. 115-116
=== Beiden Pass Again ===
In 1126 Kisada's army made again it's way north, being their main target Beiden Pass, the "crossroads of the empire". Time of the Void, pp. 8-9 Hida Sukune commanded the Crab army that sacked Kakita Castle The Gaijin's Guide to Rokugan - Part IV: Distant Thunder in the first month of 1127 against the cunning Daidoji Uji. The advance in the Crane lands was stopped when the surviving Crane were bolstered by Toturi's Army led by Toturi the Black. The next month saw Crab forces seizing and pillaging Ryoko Owari Toshi after defeating two of the Imperial Legions guarding the city. Time of the Void, pp. 10-11
==== Assassination Attempt ====
Kisada was the target of a Kolat assassination plot, but the Goblin Kappuksu saved his life. In return, Kisada made him a samurai on the spot. Kappuksu's Story, by Ree Soesbee
=== Sukune sacrificed to Fu Leng ===
Sukune had been defeated by Toturi, and his army would be lost to any army that could prey on them. Kisada requested Yori bring reinforcements from the Shadowlands at any price. Time of the Void, p. 32 As a last chance to turn the tide, Kisada unwittingly allowed Kuni Yori to sacrifice his son, Sukune, to Fu Leng. After a dark ritual Sukune was nailed to the war banner known as the Terrible Standard of Fu Leng. Kotei 2003: Hida Kisada, The Great Bear Yakamo gave his name to the Yakamo no Oni who had gifted his son a new hand. A ghostly fleet replenished the losses the Crab had suffered. Time of the Void, p. 33
=== Invading Otosan Uchi from sea ===
Kisada sent many members of the Kaiu family to the southern islands of the Mantis Clan. Clan Letter to the Lion #3 (Imperial Herald v1 #3) Kaiu Suman was in charge of the building a Crab fleet there, Clan Letter to the Crab #3 (Imperial Herald v1 #3) to be used for Crab sea deployment in the shores of Otosan Uchi. Kisada loaded his army onto the war barges and proceeded to sail along the coast to the Imperial Palace. The Story So Far: Forbidden Knowledge (Imperial Herald v1 #4) Hiruma Scouts were sent near the shores of the coastline between the Crab lands and Otosan Uchi. They set fires during night, allowing the koutetsukan to determine the position of the coast, sailing safe until they reached Golden Sun Bay, Along the Coast at Midnight in the Month of the Ox. Time of the Void, p. 54
=== Kisada's Blockade ===
When the Crab army arrived, they found a Lion army waiting for them. Matsu Tsuko had moved her armies out of Crane territory to the north where she could protect the capitol. The information was provided by Bayushi Kachiko herself, who had learned of the plan through the Great Bear and had passed the information on to her ally in the Lion Clan Akodo Kage. Kachiko saw an opportunity to crush the Lion Champion's heart and destroy the Lion armies once and for all. And so, just before the armies met, Tsuko received a message bearing the Imperial Seal. The message ordered her to stand aside and let her army fight by itself. Tsuko had no choice but to follow the Emperor's order. She rode her steed to a nearby ridge and watched as the Great Bear smashed her army. The undefended shores of the bay were seized and the invading army disembarked without fight. The Crab navy blockaded the bay, their Koutetsukan forming an impassable barrier against anyone attempting to enter or leave by sea. 
== Possessed Emperor ==
In the Month of the Hare of 1128, Time of the Void, p. 55 believing the Emperor was dying, the Crab stormed Otosan Uchi to place Kisada on the throne. Instead, they found Fu Leng had possessed Hantei XXXIX, As the Shadow Falls (Anvil of Despair flavor) (The Doom of Hantei, Part II) who had killed his own guards, including the Hidden Guard. Kisada who wore Ketsuen and wielded Chikara could do nothing to stop the Uncanny Speed of the Dark Kami, Time of the Void, pp. 71-72 who mortally wounded Kisada, lodging Akkuai-uo, the Ancestral Sword of the Hantei in his gut. The Story So Far: Anvil of Despair (Imperial Herald v1 #4) The Crab army was forced to retreat from the capital as Yakamo pulled his father from the palace through the tunnels below the Imperial Palace guided by a servant of Kachiko. Tunnel System (Crimson and Jade flavor) The Shadowlands Horde turned on its Crab allies, who fled by earth and sea. The mad shugenja Yogo Junzo was allowed by the Emperor to enter the Forbidden Palace. 
=== Demolished ===
Kisada became despondent, and intended to commit seppuku to cleanse the Crab of the shame from allying with the Shadowlands. Yakamo convinced Kisada to help plan the attack on Otosan Uchi instead, giving the dying Crab Champion one last purpose. Firelight, by Rob Vaux
=== Giving shelter to the Imperial Court ===
In fall of 1128 Bayushi Goshiu freed the prisoners from Otosan Uchi's dungeons and led them outside the city, where they met up with Crab forces. Yakamo's scouts escorted them to the Crab camps near Kyuden Doji. The Crab gave sanctuary to the courtiers, and the wounded Kisada listened to Goshiu's analysis of Yogo Junzo's defenses with keen interest. Time of the Void, p. 100
=== Joining Toturi ===
In winter this year the possesed Emperor announced the cancellation of the Winter Court. Kisada's brother, Hida Tsuru, sent invitations to hold a mock Winter Court outside the ruins of Kyuden Doji, which was soon attended by the leaders of the clans and their military advisors. Now united, the clans began uniting their forces against the Shadowlands. Hida Sukune's spirit in form of a Shadow Samurai surprisingly visited the Great Bear and Yakamo. Sukune forgave their past sins, which appeased the aged Crab Champion. Time of the Void, pp. 100-101 Kisada offered Toturi the Black a truce in exchange for Crab's assistance in the incoming battle against the shadowlands Dark Lord's forces. He had studied Otosan Uchi to plan his invasion, with Kisada's guidance, the army of the Seven Thunders defeated Fu Leng's hordes. The Legions of the dead: The Great Bear
=== Retirement ===
Kisada's wounds took their toll upon him, refusing to heal, even when he was treated by the best physicians in the Crab Clan. Realizing he could not lead his clan from a deathbed, Kisada invested his authority in his son and heir. Though constantly under a physician’s care, Kisada was a storehouse of military knowledge who was a great help to Yakamo. Clan War: Thunder's Challenge, p. 32
== Death ==
The wound finally caused his death in 1130, nearly two and a half years later, but his aid had been instrumental in the success on the Second Day of Thunder. The Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 20  He died shortly after hearing the news that Hiruma Castle had returned to Crab hands. Hidden Emperor, p. 9
== Fortune of Persistence ==
Although many saw him as a traitor to the Empire for attacking Otosan Uchi, others, including Toturi, understood his actions and gave him the funeral pyre of an honorable samurai. To honor the Great Bear, Emperor Toturi I named him the Fortune of Persistence at his funeral, a tribute to Kisada's unwillingness to die, even after being mortally wounded by Fu Leng himself. Others saw it as a clever move by the Splendid Emperor to win the Crab Clan's support early in his reign. Blackened Claws, by Shawn Carman and Rich Wulf A temple, Kisada's Shrine was made in his honor. Kisada's Shrine (Broken Blades flavor) What happened to the previous Fortune of Persistence, Kaiu Sudaro, was unknown. Way of the Naga, pp. 115-116
=== A Hero's Tale ===
The tale of the rise, fall, redemption, and death of Hida Kisada was recorded in the book Persistence. Opening Move, by Shawn Carman and Rich Wulf
== Legion of the Dead ==
In 1166 Kisada joined the Legion of the Dead. He had stepped forward to answer Matsu Goemon's call, to fight the Legion of Blood. As the two forces initially battled for control over the newly forming realm in 1166, Isawa Tsuke released a massive explosion intending to stop the First Oni, but it also disrupted the realm and knocked everyone in it into private memories of critical choices in their lives. The Realm of Thwarted Destiny was testing each of them, to see if they would embrace their destines or reject them. The realm could become a place where those who failed their destinies could repeat their failures for eternity or a place where those who failed could embrace their fates and find redemption. Legions, Part III, by Shawn Carman and Rich Wulf
=== Selected to be Returned ===
Naka Kuro guessed the new Realm had a connection with the Mortal Realm through the Oblivion's Gate. The Legion of heroes were afraid that crossing to pass the Gate could destroy whoever not enough strong who tried it. Kisada was selected as the most viable option. Legions, Part X Kuro had talked with Toku, to know where the Monkey kept the Hidden Heart of Iuchiban, who would be necessary to defeat Iuchiban. Legions, Part IV, by Shawn Carman and Rich Wulf
== Return ==
In 1166 Kisada returned through Oblivion's Gate by Rezan, The Resurrection as he was the only person in Rokugan who knew how to find the location of Iuchiban's heart. Legions, Part XI: The Resurrection, by Rich Wulf 
=== Two Lords ===
Kisada returned to Kyuden Hida, and his Clan offered him a great reception. His grandson Hida Kuon even offered the position of champion to him. Kisada declined, but the presence of two such strong leaders created a rift within the Crab. Hiruma Todori later sent word to Kisada that disturbed him. There were many among the Crab that wished to follow the Great Bear rather than Kuon. Kisada met his grand-grandson, Ichiro, and knew the future of his clan was in good hands. Koman the horse which Kisada rode after his return had been a present of Hida Reiha, wife of his grandson. Enemy of my Enemy, Part Three, by Rich Wulf
=== Seeking the Hidden Heart ===
Kisada had to began his quest to recover the Hidden Heart of Iuchiban and requested Hiruma Rikiya, Hida Benjiro, and those who found him at Oblivion's Gate as his side. Their first movement was to march to Lion lands. Matsu Aoiko was unaware that Kisada had returned to life and blocked the pass of Kisada's army into Lion lands, requesting him to turn back. Kisada struck Aoiko across the face, confirming who was he. The Lion joined Kisada's quest. Rulebook Story (Enemy of my Enemy), by Rich Wulf In the Hall of Ancestors Kisada retrieved a piece of the Hidden Heart of Iuchiban, which would be key to locating and killing the Bloodspeaker. Enemy of my Enemy, Part Two, by Rich Wulf
=== Attacking the Bloodspeakers ===
Kisada and Aoiko led the united armies of the Lion and Crab Clans against the Bloodspeaker, who was waiting in his Iron Citadel at Otosan Uchi. Isawa Sezaru joined them and told that in every city his hidden cultists have struck out in a wave of murder, betrayal, and destruction. Daigotsu, who had recovered his full power came by sea to the city to fight the Heartless. Enemy of my Enemy, Part Three, by Rich Wulf
=== Death of Iuchiban ===
Kisada stood locked in hand-to-hand combat with Iuchiban himself, distracting the Bloodspeaker from the presence of Isawa Sezaru. The armor he wore gave him partial magical protection. The Wolf took the heart and Iuchiban fled the battlefield, to reach Sezaru. When the two powerful shugenja fought the immortal Iuchiban died. Kisada had survived the battle, but he did not know what to do with his life. Enemy of my Enemy, Part Four, by Rich Wulf
=== Retired ===
His presence at Kyuden Hida overshadowed Hida Kuon, and so Kisada retired to Koten Vacant Throne, p. 124 with his great grandson, Ichiro, and trained him. Aoiko was a frequent visitor. News of Rokugan, Circa Lotus Edition (Imperial Herald v2#17), by Rich Wulf
== Time of Demons ==
=== Daigotsu's Bargain ===
In 1167 near the Kaiu Wall Daigotsu Soetsu, a Lost, entered Crab territory and surrender himself without fight to Hiruma Tokimune and Hida Kosedo. He was kept prisoner until Kisada met him. The Great Bear when Fortune had seen how Soetsu, a former Hiruma, prayed to him. Soetsu told the Shadowlands were in a civil war, Lost followers of Bushido against demons. He requested Kisada military aid, the Damned, and in return Daigotsu would show Kisada a way to restore his grandson, Hida Kuroda, from the abomination Kyofu he currently was. The Lost made repeated trips to Koten, to meet Kisada. Dawn of Lotus, The Nezumi, by Shawn Carman Tchik (Rise of the Shogun flavor) but Kisada only was learning on his enemy, and he would strike when the time comes. Assembly Grounds (Rise of the Shogun flavor)
=== Demon Uprising ===
At Koten Hiruma Hiroji told to Kisada that the northernmost regions of the Shadowlands were in upheaval. The beasts that dwelled there had been driven into a maddened rampage by forces unknown. They destroyed everything in their path save on another, and were marching south to the City of the Lost. The armies of demons faced the hopelessly outnumbered Lost in battle in its journey. It was the Time of Demons. Dawn of Lotus, The Crab Clan, by Shawn Carman The report confirmed Kisada whether Daigotsu Soetsu was sincere in his offer of peace and his request of support. Blackened Claws, by Shawn Carman and Rich Wulf
=== The Damned ===
Kisada began to prepare to fight the Shadowlands. Armed and Ready (Imperial Herald v2#21), by Rusty Priske and Fred Wan working with the Damned Knowledge First (Imperial Herald v2#21), by Rusty Priske alongside with Kyofu. Souls of Steel, Part Two, by Brian Yoon
== Animosity with the Scorpion ==
Following Kisada's return to Ningen-do, there was open hostility between the Scorpion and Crab Clans, partly due to Kisada's actions when Bayushi Shoju tried to overthrow the Hantei dynasty in Kisada's original life. Scorpion Clan Champion Bayushi Paneki decided that in the wake of the War of Spirits, it would be best if Kisada was returned to the spirit realms rather than meddle in the affairs of mortals. Age of the Lotus (Lotus Rulebook Story), by Rich Wulf
=== Kisada sends a message to Paneki ===
This attitude spilled over into many assassination attempts on Kisada's life ordered by Paneki, which accomplished little more than taking the lives of some of those who served Kisada. A package was sent to Kyuden Bayushi addressed to Paneki. Inside was a bloodied mask of one of the Scorpion assassins and a note. The Test of Enlightenment, Part 1 (GenCon SoCal 2005), by Shawn Carman
=== The Lost ===
Kisada brought the Lost emissary Daigotsu Soetsu before Emperor Toturi III in the Imperial Court at Toshi Ranbo. As a result, the Emperor banished Kisada from Toshi Ranbo and declared that the Great Bear could not return on pain of death unless he was summoned by the Emperor. The Test of Enlightenment, Part 2 (GenCon SoCal 2005), by Shawn Carman Kisada's goal was to demonstrate to the Scorpion he was a ruthless and determiend opponent. Vacant Throne, p. 17
=== Crab-Scorpion War ===
Kisada had survived the attempts on his life made by Scorpion ninja, but he was outraged. In 1168 Kisada sent a unit led by Hida Sozen into Scorpion territory. They attacked and burned to the ground villages and farmlands that had no strategic importance, giving the Scorpion the opportunity to take their deserved punishment and felt no need to retaliate. It would made the peasants feel unprotected hurting its production. It marked the beginning of the open hostilities at the Crab-Scorpion War. A Path of Violence (Imperial Herald v2#20), by Shawn Carman and Rusty Priske
=== The Unknown Son ===
After his death in 1130, Kisada learned that he had unknowingly had another son with a woman named Kita. The mother, an honorable samurai, never told Kisada, nor anyone else. She found the Great Bear's actions during the early days of the Clan War so shameful that she felt it better that her child live not knowing his father was a villain. After his return through Oblivion's Gate he vowed to track down his son, if still alive, and get to know him. After completing his duty to bring down Iuchiban, Kisada tried to find his son. Learning that he had been taken in by the Kitsuki family he discovered that his son, Kitsuki Yasuo, had become a magistrate but had been killed by bandits. Righting a Wrong, by Rusty Priske
==== Granddaughter ====
Kisada alone unleashed his anger upon the bandits while in Dragon lands, searching for his granddaughter. With the aid of the zokujin Kjgkt, Kisada was shown to where his grandaughter Kitsuki Yoritoko could be found, in the Last Step Castle. Kisada and Yoritoko spoke, and Kisada gifted her his famous helm. A pained expression was on Kisada's face when he knew Yoritoko was betrothed with a Doji. 
=== Kisada attacks the Scorpion ===
In 1169 several gunso at Kisada's command were killed by Scorpion assassins, in retaliation for the attacks. A Scorpion's Strength, by Brian Yoon Kisada personally took command of Tsuru's Legion, Oaths, by Shawn Carman and Rusty Priske and joined the brutal series of retaliatory raids on the Scorpion villages. To end the attacks on their villages, Paneki and Shosuro Higatsuku devised a plan to sate the Great Bear's thirst for revenge. Higatsuku was sent to intercept Kisada, and explained that it was he who had ordered the attempts on Kisada's life, not Paneki. Kisada killed Higatsuku and led his troops back to the lands of the Crab Clan. Peace at the Point of a Sword, by Rusty Priske and Shawn Carman
== Yasuki heritage exposed ==
Feeling a distraction was needed in order to prevent Kisada from suspecting duplicity, Higatsuku also had given him a scroll with information on the Yasuki family's line of succession. This led to the Third Yasuki War.
== Race for the Throne ==
With the Imperial Throne empty, many Crab believed Kisada would be the best option as new Emperor, and Sozen was the champion of this cause. Since the Great Bear seemed uninterested in the notion of the Race for the Throne there were those who were beginning to believe Sozen might be a suitable man to take it. Harbinger, by Shawn Carman
=== Winter Court - 1169 ===
During winter court at Kyuden Hida, Kuon appointed Sozen as the Crab candidate for Emperor. His connections with the Dragon Clan could bring support from other quarters and there were many that claimed he had gained enlightenment. Kisada disagreed that Sozen was the best option, but Kuon kept his decision unchanged, despite he maintained support for Kisada's option to the Throne. To Defend the Empire (The Race for the Throne Book), by Rusty Priske
== Second Death ==
Kisada was murdered at Koten in 1170, but the Crab did not know who was responsible. Scenes From the Empire VI, by Brian Yoon
Kisada had been attacked by ninja during the night, and managed to kill two dozen of them with his bare hands before a blow to the back of the head rendered him unconscious. He was then executed by Yogo Kazunori. Death at Koten, p. 8-13 While Kazunori was not acting on orders from the Scorpion Clan, Kisada's death benefited them by exacerbating the Third Yasuki War (as the Crab blamed the Crane for his murder). Death at Koten, pp. 16-17
Upon his death, Kisada returned to his position as Fortune of Persistence. Death at Koten, p. 68
== Dead for a greater good ==
Kazunori was a mastermind who sought to lure the Emerald Magistrate Seppun Tashime to investigate on Kyoso no Oni. Kazunori knew a great threat, Kali-Ma, could destroy the Empire through her link with Kyoso, and manipulated many events to avoid it. Kisada was a pawn who died for a greater good. His death was the first of many events prepared by the Scorpion priest which would save Rokugan. Vacant Throne, pp. 122-126 The Order of Kisada was created to honor him. North American Championships Top of Clan: “The Counsel of the Brotherhood”
== See Also ==
* Hida Kisada/Meta
* Hida Kisada/CW Meta
* Hida Kisada/Diskwars
== External Links ==
* Hida Kisada Inexp (Scorpion Clan Coup, Scroll 3)
* Hida Kisada (Imperial)
* Hida Kisada Exp (Enemy of My Enemy)
* Shiryo no Kisada (Hidden Emperor 3)
* Kisada Sensei (Honor Bound)
Hida Kisada
Category:Fortunes
Category:Returned Spirits