Bayushi Monban, a towering figure standing at 6'6", is a dedicated yojimbo of the Scorpion Clan and an esteemed Emerald Magistrate, known for his elaborate appearance that includes a black Tortoise headdress and a full-face mask adorned with a chained hundun. His imposing presence is further accentuated by a red scarf that obscures the lower part of his face, a traditional emblem of his clan, and a mask painted with the visages of Kuni Warden Hunters, depicting Onahime on one side and the Lady of Decay on the other. Monban, often referred to as the "lowest of the Scorpion Clan," navigates the intricate dynamics of court life with a self-possession that belies his humble standing within the clan hierarchy. Currently, he accompanies Doji Setsuna on a mission to mediate a dispute between the Scorpion Clan and the Unicorn Clan. His retinue includes a diverse assembly: Ishika, a lady's maid; Otoya, a Crane Clan scribe; Jiro, a horse attendant; Kogarashi, his poised white horse with a silver mane and tail; Aika, a former geisha; and two attendants, Ryu and So, along with an unnamed hinin. As they journey towards Loyalty Castle, troubling news arrives regarding his betrothed, Hida Chizuzu, a Crab samurai, who is overdue from a mission and may have been captured. Monban expresses his concerns to Doji Setsuna, suspecting possible mahō forgery due to his previous encounters with blood sorcery, yet he emphasizes the importance of completing their assignment at the Castle of the Swift Sword before pursuing Hida Chizuzu. Upon reaching Loyalty Castle, Monban takes proactive measures to ensure that Setsuna’s attendants are better equipped for their roles, focusing on improving their literacy and duties to support her magistrate responsibilities. However, during breakfast, he faces an unexpected insult when served a bowl of soup containing testicles. In a moment of defiance, he stands and roars a challenge to the Lion Clan warriors present, leading to a series of bouts that are ultimately deferred as he continues to navigate the escalating tensions surrounding the Lion Clan-Unicorn Clan conflict while remaining steadfast in his protective nature towards his companions. Monban's reputation is complex; he has served to protect Emperor Hantei Hantei and Empress and has attained kugi status. He has spent significant time with the Hida Family, and in certain circles, he is described as "rabid." Recently, he endured physical punishment from Lion Clan bushi for insulting their lord's cuisine, resulting in multiple light injuries, including a black eye, a chipped tooth, and a broken nose. Despite these setbacks, he carries a cherry blossom scent, which he attributes to a "day scent," showcasing his knowledge of the social intricacies of the court. In addition to his duties, Monban has received love letters from an admirer named Yushi Sama, expressing affection and anticipation for a meeting beneath a cherry tree. He was present at Loyalty Castle during a significant event, witnessing the duel between Kakita Kazumi and Matsu Family Koda, with his earlier beating adding to the courtly tensions surrounding the duel. His situation escalated when he received a plate of food featuring a phallic cut of meat and a note containing a love poem from Yushi Sama. Recognizing the implications of the note and its connection to his earlier misunderstandings, he decided to confront the situation directly. That night, Monban approached the cherry tree for the rendezvous, intending to address Yushi Sama's advances. However, he was met by a catamite who mistook him for his brother. The catamite fled upon discovering Monban's true identity, leaving him to reflect on the confusion and potential consequences of his prior insult to the Lion Clan, all while maintaining a focus on resolving misunderstandings regarding his betrothal. In a moment of introspection, Monban participates in a ritual at a shrine to commune with the spirits. He reveals his neck scar to the ancestor Matsu Family Tomoe, who recognizes the taint of Jigoku upon him and orders him to be cleansed. This interaction underscores his complex lineage and the expectations placed upon him. Monban's vow to protect Doji Setsuna during the ritual demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his companions, as he concludes the ceremony by instructing the shrine's monk to keep the events secret, preserving the sanctity of their encounter with the ancestor. As a member of the Scorpion Clan, Monban possesses kiho techniques that he employs during encounters and is responsible for protecting and escorting Asako Taishi, a Phoenix Clan scholar, demonstrating a keen awareness of spiritual matters. During their journey toward the Castle of the Swift Sword, Monban agrees with Doji Setsuna to escort Asako Taishi, who is concerned about dangerous knowledge. He expresses vigilance regarding Taishi's safety, stating they will not let him out of sight. When the group is ambushed, Monban commands his allies to fall back and activates Ride the Clouds, ascending into the tree canopy for tactical advantage. He reveals his mask and threatens the attackers from above, asserting his authority as an Emerald Magistrate. Despite sustaining bruising fatigue from the attackers' arrows, he remains focused on protecting his companions. As the situation escalates, Monban descends to Doji Setsuna's position and reiterates their authority, commanding the attackers to cease hostilities and echoing her call to stop the madness. He takes a defensive posture, prepared for further engagement in the confrontation, demonstrating his commitment to protect Asako Taishi and his companions amidst the chaos. Bayushi Monban is marked by significant injuries, including fractured ribs that hamper his movement. He bears discreet tattoos and is dedicated to protecting Doji Setsuna, reflecting a strong sense of duty and honor as a bodyguard. Monban confirms the presence of four attackers during an ambush investigation, noting that a henchman and a leader lie dead while the attackers fled. He recalls being warned by minions to stay out of their affairs, indicating the attackers were not associated with the Scorpion Clan. Upon arriving at the Castle of the Swift Sword, Monban insists on seeing Doji Setsuna immediately but is informed that propriety prevents disturbing her rest. He later receives medical attention from a Lion Clan healer, who takes care to respect his request for discretion regarding his tattoos. His interactions highlight his role as a protector, maintaining a watchful presence and discussing the safety of the party. Monban seeks private meetings for Scorpion Clan business and often remains silent in conversations, allowing his companions to lead while he recovers. He exemplifies commitment to his duties, navigating the challenges of his injuries alongside the expectations of honor and etiquette in his dealings with others. In the court, Monban is known for his outspoken nature, exhibiting an assertive demeanor that is affected by scrutiny directed at his clan. He is involved in a contentious legal case concerning diamond mine ownership and a disputed treaty related to the Battle of the Snow Plain. He possesses documents he claims are pertinent to the case but faces allegations of presenting forgeries. During court proceedings, Monban objected to implications against the Scorpion Clan, asserting bias and prejudice against his Family. He expressed frustration regarding the treatment of his documents and the questioning of his clan's honor. He demanded the return of a letter addressed to him, which presiding magistrate Kitsuki Kaage treated as a historical artifact. Monban claimed credit for protecting the divine couple and, confronted with evidence undermining his position, exited the court in shock, stating he was the only one present who had done So. His actions included heated debates with other magistrates and a defense of his clan’s essential contributions to the stability of the realm. Recently, Monban sought to send a childhood friend to the Castle of the Centipede for a chance at peace, with the alternative being deployment to The Wall to combat threats from the Shadowlands. He expressed concern about a letter from the Hida brothers, suggesting that the message regarding his betrothed might be a forgery. In discussions about rising tensions, Monban shared intelligence concerning the stolen Sword of Hiruma, reflecting his concern for the implications for his clan's honor and security. Monban has also been engaging in discussions about the political landscape of the City Of The Rich Frog, particularly the influence of various clans, including the Lion, Dragon, and Unicorn. He participated in conversations at a teahouse with multiple investigative pairs and is noted to have a status similar to Doji Setsuna and Shiba Midori, marking him as a respected figure among peers. He expressed interest in the black market for Unicorn charms and talismans, inquiring with Iuchi Minoru about them. After a tea ceremony, Monban participated in formal bows and thanks exchanged with the Tea Mistress and the Unicorn pair. He is involved in planning an operation at The Docks after dark, where Kakita Kazumi proposed using himself as bait to assist local authorities in capturing criminals, a plan that Monban and the group agreed upon before formally presenting themselves to Miya Tetsuya the following morning. During a visit to the City Of The Rich Frog, Monban attended a gathering with fellow samurai, including Doji Setsuna, Shiba Midori, and Kakita Kazumi. He engaged in a verbal exchange with Daidoji Shin, who acknowledged Monban's legendary status. During a tense moment, Monban positioned himself protectively in front of Doji Setsuna. He later confronted a ronin officer tailing their group, displaying his badge and asserting his authority, which prompted the officer to withdraw discreetly. Throughout the visit, Monban remained vigilant, ensuring the safety of his companions amidst the city's political tensions. Monban is known for his preference for concealed armor over conspicuous lacquered armor, indicating a preference for stealth and subtlety. He is involved in a mission with Setsuna, Shiba Midori, and Kakita Kazumi to investigate smuggled artifacts in the City Of The Rich Frog, particularly in The Docks. During a meal at an eatery, Monban discusses the smuggling operation and potential dangers with the group. As they approach The Docks, he maintains a low profile while ensuring the safety of Setsuna and Midori. When confronted by a scruffy ronin offering to escort the women away from The Docks, Monban asserts that they will go where they wish, showcasing his protective nature. He demonstrates quick reflexes by halting the ronin's attempt to sound a gong by interposing his sheathed blade against the ronin's throat and warning him to remain silent. Later, Monban and Setsuna agree to accompany the ronin to meet his leader for more information on the smuggling operation. He formally apologizes to Kaeru Haya, the ronin watch leader, for his earlier actions that disrupted her operation. Throughout the encounter, Monban exhibits a blend of authority and diplomacy, aiming to establish a working relationship with the ronin while navigating the complexities of their investigation into the smuggling ring. Recently, Monban has demonstrated his distinctive abilities as an Emerald Magistrate, particularly when invoking his powers that tint his hair emerald and allow him to use Ride the Clouds, enabling him to ascend to great heights in a flurry of emerald snowflakes. During a recent investigation at The Docks, he took to the skies to survey the harbor, spotting a piece of navy blue cloth with an emerald green border, indicative of Shiba Midori's robe, suggesting her presence nearby. Upon hearing her voice from the waterline, Monban quickly rescued her from an incapacitated state aboard a skiff and then pursued a large ship departing The Docks. Confronting Captain Kubota, he demanded the vessel anchor immediately, escalating the situation by slashing the ship's sail when his authority was challenged. The exchange ended with mutual threats as Monban departed by cloud, leaving the ship to continue its course downriver. Monban is characterized by his distinctive face paint revealed when he removes his mask, and he possesses the magical ability to walk on clouds. He actively supports his allies, including Shiba Midori and Doji Setsuna, and carries Shiba Midori’s daisho, which he retrieved from a Fisherman’s boat, ready to assist her without immediately rearming her due to her condition. He arrives at The Docks after a night of events, walking on clouds while others search the area. Observing group dynamics, he engages in discussions about local issues such as smuggling and the safety of spirit speakers. During a Cleansing Spirit ritual intended to bolster the group, he notices no visible effect. Monban sleeps outside the chambers of Doji Setsuna and Shiba Midori, indicating his protective role. He seeks the guidance of an elderly tattooed monk to critique his Kiho forms, showing a commitment to improving his techniques. The monk advises him on the importance of balance and the Tao, prompting Monban to express a desire to learn more about these practices. He also engages with the local Dragonfly Clan, meeting Tonbo Kuma and discussing shared interests and connections to a notable novelist. Bayushi Monban is a Kuni warden marked by the touch of the Lady of Decay, which causes his tattoos to animate and half of his hair to turn emerald. His eyes blacken with emerald snowflakes when he invokes the Lady of Decay. He wields a blood-bound blade known as Family and is recognized for his ability to perform spiritual rituals, earning him the reputation of the legendary Bayushi Monban. During a crisis involving a possessed woman, he marks and prepares a Threshold Barrier around a pond area, completing it despite pain from a demon wound. He attempts to pull the woman through the barrier to separate her from the spirit, but she resists and escapes. He later uses Riding the Clouds to swiftly reach Shiba Midori, delivering a containment vessel and instructions. Monban coordinates a Cleansing Rite with Shiba Midori to expel the spirit from the woman, hurling Midori toward her to perform the rite. When a towering Ifrit manifests, Bayushi Monban engages it, using Riding the Clouds to navigate the dangerous terrain and strike at the spirit. After the Ifrit is contained, he performs a Theology Earth cleansing to heal Kakita Kazumi's bleeding condition. Following the ordeal, he covers the freed host, Tonbo Higuchi, and escorts her to dress appropriately. He publicly rebukes Doji Setsuna for risking herself, asserting that her life is his responsibility, and his shadowy form, Onohime, recedes as he regains his composure. Recently, Monban has faced new challenges, including a confrontation with an Efreet. During this encounter, he was left partially undressed due to the chaos of battle. After the fight, he expressed concern for Setsuna's safety, berating her for risking herself and asserting his duty to protect her. In the aftermath, he successfully revived Kakita Kazumi, who had been engulfed in flames, and insisted on an urgent audience with Setsuna, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation regarding the Efreet's containment. Despite objections from his allies, Monban remained resolute in his decision to release the Efreet, believing it would secure its goodwill, demonstrating both his determination and the complexities of his role as protector amidst the chaos of their adventures. Recently, Monban was last seen in a Geisha House, where he awoke disheveled, surrounded by empty sake bottles and three women. He appeared badly hungover and half-dressed, attempting a cleansing prayer to alleviate his intoxication but remaining dazed and disoriented. After leaving the Geisha House, Monban learned from a serving girl that a young lord he had spoken with had left in haste. He declined more sake and proceeded to Miya Tetsuya's mansion. During this time, he faced suspicion regarding a missing box, leading to a search of his quarters. Monban negotiated with a Scorpion cousin for assistance in poisoning a female target and secured a servant for the task. He also requested introductions at Miya Tetsuya's mansion and a distraction to facilitate his plans. Monban's morning was characterized by confusion and a lack of clarity regarding the previous night. He was later escorted back to Miya Tetsuya's mansion by Ryu, who invoked Monban's status as an Emerald Magistrate to arrange transport. Upon his return, he attempted another cleansing prayer but failed to recover from his intoxication. In the latest session, Monban has also been involved in the investigation of a nocturnal attack that occurred in the guest quarters of the City Of The Rich Frog. He examined the targeted room, noting its internal structure and the lack of windows. Discovering evidence of roof access, including scratches consistent with climbing tools and a displaced attic panel, he identified a second area with carefully replaced tiles, indicating a stealthy entry point for the assailants. Monban informed the Kaeru Ronin about the disturbed tiles on the west side but withheld details about his findings on the east side. Later, he conferred with Kakita Kazumi on the roof, discussing the replaced tiles and the possibility of someone having observed the guest quarters. He activated the Riding the Clouds technique to scout the Western Wall and the route to the shore while Kazumi remained on foot. Together, they searched the shorelines for signs of infiltration, where Monban found Bamboo Breathing Tubes buried among reeds, indicating a waterborne approach. He assisted Kazumi in applying a Numbing Poison inside the recovered tubes before they moved toward the Crane Guest Wing for further inquiry.