First Enemy Blood is a faction within Rokugan, represented by Bayushi Monban, a Scorpion Emerald Magistrate. This faction's influence manifests in court proceedings and negotiations, particularly regarding the contentious ownership of the diamond mines linked to the Battle of the Snow Plain. They operate under a banner of loyalty to the Scorpion Clan, advocating for their interests and navigating the intricate alliances and rivalries of the Emerald Magistrates.
At the Castle of the Swift Sword, Bayushi Monban defended his clan's honor, objecting to implications of wrongdoing related to missing records and accusations of forgery. He sought to maintain plausible deniability while arguing for Scorpion entitlement to the contested resources. Monban delivered letters to manipulate the court's perceptions and decisions regarding the Scorpion's role in the historical events around the Battle of the Snow Plain.
Monban's arguments faced resistance from other Emerald Magistrates, including Doji Setsuna and Kakita Kazumi, who cited legal precedents against the Scorpion's claims. The faction's standing was further complicated by the revelation of a letter condemning the "least of the Bayushi," which Monban found compromising. His exit from the court underscored the tensions within the faction and its fragile position amid scrutiny from rival clans. The faction's objectives focus on preserving Scorpion interests while managing fallout from historical disputes, all within the context of clan honor and political maneuvering.