Path of the Twin Kami

After the Day of Thunder, Bayushi was deeply grieved not only by the loss of Shosuro, but also by the loss of his twin brother, Shiba. Shiba's sacrifice in the Shadowlands saving Shosuro only made the First Scorpion more aware of the failure that his pride had laid upon him.

In honor of his brother, Bayushi offered to send teachers from his followers to instruct the Phoenix in the arts of subtlety. The Phoenix were wary of Bayushi's offer, but accepted in good faith. Over the years, they have come to see the aid that this school gives their clan, and have become very appreciative. Still, most Shiba feel that in time, there may be a cost for the Bayushi's help of which they are not yet aware. But in the centuries that have passed, this training seems to be the one thaing that Bayushi truly did merely out of kindness.

Students of this school are few in number. There are not many Phoenix that trust the Scorpion enough to open themselves up to the opportunity to owe them favors. Additionally, the Phoenix leadership have seen that the training offered by the bayushi sensei is much more suited for assignments in courts, rather than on battlefields. Transferring into a courtier school afterwards is one more thing that keeps many Shiba away from this school.

Path of Entry: Shiba Bushi 1
Path of Egress: Asako Courtier 1 or Bayushi Courtier 1

Technique: The student of the Twin Kami learn to use both the knowedge of Shiba and the cleverness of Bayushi. The character may choose up to one target per day. If the character spends a number of hours equal to twice the target's Insight Rank in a reasonably sized library, the character will recieve a bonus on any skill roll made against the target equal to his rank in the Research skill, minus the number of days since the study. While this bonus is greater than zero, the character also recieves a free raise to any skill roll made against this character. The character may not have more than one active target at a time.

Special: Since the founding of the Asako Courtier school, the training of those who have followed this path is generally left to the Asako, but a select few are allowed to continue their studies with their Bayushi sensei in the Bayushi Courtier school. Those who do are chosen specially by their sensei, and receive a 2-point Sensei Advantage free as a result. However, the Scorpion never help out of the kindness of their hearts. There will eventually be a cost to pay for the tutelage of the Bayushi, so these characters also receive a 2-point Obligation for no extra points. Exceptionally masochistic players may opt to take a 4-point Sensei and a 4-point Obligation, with their GM's permission.