Kakita Ryoku (TCG)

Kakita Ryoku was the writer of the Crane Clan, author of the brilliant novel Winter. Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, p. 20
== Station ==
Kakita Ryoku was an honorable and elegant courtier, among the most distinguished—and dangerous—individuals of Kyūden Doji. She strived for perfect politeness and protocol in everything. Her novel, Winter, had instructed entire generations of courtiers, and was rumored to be a record of her romantic relationships. Courts of Stone, p. 50 Ryoku began as a storyteller in the Kakita Artisan Academy and eventually moved to Otosan Uchi, where she became the lover of the Emperor Hantei the Thirty-Seventh. Winter's Embrace, p. 25
=== Imperial Advisor ===
Ryoku served Hantei the Thirty-Eighth as his Imperial Advisor, befriended Otomo Sorai, and became the lover of the Otomo Daimyō. She was later replaced as Imperial Advisor by Bayushi Kachiko. Winter's Embrace, pp. 17, 20
== Aged Courtier ==
Lady Ryoku was a complicated woman whose age had only made her more elegant and dignified. She strived for perfect politeness and protocol in everything, and she was of such high status and glory that she could essentially say whatever she pleased, and no one could gainsay her without looking a fool. Her speech was laced with euphemisms; she knew just the words to say to avoid offense, but she also dipped into a contemptuous tone when she felt it was truly warranted. Avoiding any hint of condescension, she preferred to "kill with kindness". After all her years
deeply enmeshed in the intrigues of court, Kakita Ryoku sought a partner with whom she could exchange new stories for what remained of their lives. 
=== Winter Court - 1122 ===
Ryoku returned to Kyūden Doji where she continued to weave her careful webs of intrigue, gossip, and influence. She had resided here for years, and very little that occurred in the palace happened without her knowing and accounting for it. Lady Ryoku's age had only made her more elegant and dignified. Courts of Stone, pp. 50-51 Ryoku was tasked by the Imperial Chancellor Kaita Yoshi to help ensure the Crown Prince Hantei Sotorii was betrothed to Doji Chiyoe. In 1122 Ryoku sent a group of samurai to investigate why and how the Mantis were invited to the Imperial Winter Court at Kyūden Doji. In a bold move that could further their ambition to become a great clan, the Mantis put forth their own candidate for the future bride of the crown prince: Yoritomo's niece, the Lady Magami. Winter's Embrace, p. 2, 25
=== Emperor's Death ===
In 1123 Ryoku organized a poetry reading during the Harvest Moon festival. Unbeknownst by the attendants, the Emperor Hantei the Thirty-Eighth had passed away shortly before the event. Falling Stars, by Mari Murdock Her Lady Doji Hotaru sent Ryoku to Shizuka Toshi, where she shielded students and refugees after the fall of Kyūden Kakita, seized by the Lion. Caged Birds, by Katrina Ostrander
== See also ==
* Kakita Ryoku/Meta
== External Links ==
* Kakita Ryoku (Warriors of the Wind)
Category:Crane Clan Members (TCG)