Shiba Midori, a distinguished shugenja of the Lion Clan, is recognized for her victory in the Topaz Championship shugenja competition, where she was noted as the most skilled young shugenja of the year. Raised in the Kaito Family, she approaches the spiritual needs of the kami with a pragmatic mindset, advocating for a military-style urgency in shrine tending. For Midori, honoring the kami transcends mere duty; it is a celebration of the stories of victorious ancestors. Her commitment to fostering connections within the realm is evident in her active promotion of cultural exchanges. Throughout her travels, Midori has encountered various spirits, favoring elemental spirits over ancestor spirits due to the complexities of human desires. Her childhood was marked by a significant communion with a wind spirit, and she later confronted a ghost at Float Island Harbor. During a journey with companions Bayushi Monban, Doji Setsuna, Kakita Kazumi, and Asako Taishi, she examined Taishi's travel documents and suggested the Castle of the Swift Sword as a suitable location for authenticating his potentially dangerous discovery due to its arcane knowledge. Midori's interactions are characterized by her ceremonial attire, befitting her status at the daimyo's table, and her polite demeanor. While at Loyalty Castle, she evaluated two Kitsu Family junior shrine maidens, describing them as spiritually clean but unproductive, and engaged them in conversation about her origins from Senpuku Saito in the northern Phoenix Clan lands. She offered to assist Monban with his injuries after a notable confrontation, where she intervened alongside A Monk invoking the Dragon Clan's teaching of “Neither shall I.” Her willingness to stand up for others in the face of aggression left a Lion Clan samurai confused by her actions. In combat, Midori rides a small pony, appropriately sized for her, and is equipped with a katana and a jitte. During a chaotic melee, she faced assailants dressed in dark blue clothing and half-helmets, lacking visible clan crests. Focused on navigating the battlefield with a protective stance, she aimed to defend Asako Taishi. Amidst a smoke-filled skirmish, she initially withdrew to guard herself, expressing doubt about the attackers’ intentions. When the situation escalated, she attempted to disarm an opponent but failed due to the smoke. Observing her allies, she charged at a visible assailant but missed her strike. Ultimately, she confronted the leader of the attackers, delivering several successful strikes that damaged his armor and inflicted wounds. Throughout their duel, she effectively countered his attacks and ultimately delivered a decisive finishing blow, killing the Black-Armored Leader. Recognized for her connection to the spiritual realm and her role as a medium, Midori engages in rituals and spiritual communications, particularly regarding ancestors and their messages. At the Ancestral Shrine, she perceived an angry ancestor's presence and interpreted a spectral figure in heavy armor as a spirit trying to convey an important message. She proposed that the group attempt to speak with this spirit later, showcasing her willingness to facilitate communication with the ancestral realm. Throughout these events, she received attentive care from Lion Clan attendants, which lessened her fatigue, and participated in making offerings at the shrine, demonstrating her commitment to honoring the ancestors and fulfilling her role as a shugenja. In her late teens and just shy of her genpuku, Midori's youthful demeanor belies her extensive knowledge of the spiritual realm. At an Ancestral Shrine gathering, she assessed Kitsuko Ayoko's potential awakening as a shugenja, suggesting Ayoko might be manifesting her abilities for the first time. She advised Ayoko to undergo formal testing at local temples and encouraged her to keep a dream journal to track her experiences. Midori engaged with Kitsu Taigen, celebrating his daughter's emerging talents and urging him to facilitate her connection with the kami. Throughout these interactions, she displayed a keen awareness of the spiritual dynamics at play, particularly when she sensed animated fire spirits around Lady Kitsu Takeko, the daimyo of the Kitsu Family. As the group explored Kitsu Keep, Midori observed phenomena related to Ayoko, such as papers rustling and scrolls moving as if influenced by an ancestral spirit attempting to communicate. She inferred that the spirit was guiding them toward specific texts and calmed Ayoko, teaching her to distinguish between ancestral manifestations and elemental kami. Midori also recognized a probable familial link between Ayoko and Kitsu Yui, connecting their lines through shared ancestry. Her actions throughout reflect her role as a mentor and facilitator of spiritual understanding within the context of Kitsuko Ayoko's journey, all while navigating the intricate dynamics of court life and the spiritual complexities that define her existence. In addition to her spiritual pursuits, Midori engages in scholarly activities at the Kitsu Archives, seeking historical records. She maintains her composure through thoughtful breathing techniques and demonstrates her awareness of social dynamics by smearing ink on her face to suggest she has fallen asleep while reading. Midori actively participates in discussions about the Battle of the Snow Plain and its historical implications, particularly concerning the legitimacy of the Scorpion Clan's claims to the Diamond Mines. Her insights on etiquette and the potential for deceit regarding the treaty highlight her analytical nature. She retrieves scrolls from a previous ambush, keeping their contents hidden from her companions, which reflects her strategic approach to information management. Her emphasis on the importance of quartermaster records and her critique of the Scorpion Clan's historical omissions underscore her commitment to uncovering the truth behind the events surrounding the battle. Currently, Shiba Midori serves as the yojimbo to the Emerald Magistrates, investigating the disappearance of Lion Clan medic Akodo Kayamayako, suspected of being a Scorpion Clan infiltrator linked to an assassination attempt on her ancestor. Methodical in her approach, she seeks information through genealogical records and military archives to understand Kamiyoko's history. In her pursuit of justice, she visits the Ikoma House of Scribes and meets Ikoma Ichigo, who assists her in searching for Kamiyoko. Their investigation reveals Kamiyoko's absence from genealogical records, prompting further searches that trace the lineage of the current Lion Clan leadership and find connections among various clans. Some records commend Kamiyoko's medical efforts, yet samurai accounts omit her, while common soldiers acknowledge her contributions, indicating a systemic anomaly. Midori later attends a military library at the Akodo War College with Ichigo, reviewing quartermaster records that document significant losses and illness during the Battle of Snow Plain, as well as potential contamination. She deduces that three Scorpion Clan spies, including Kamiyoko, may have been involved in events leading to the Lion Clan's defeat. During a tea ceremony hosted by Midori for Doji Setsuna and Shosuro Imako, she maintains a composed demeanor and facilitates courteous discussions addressing critical political matters. With a commitment to uncovering the truth, she intends to consult a Kitsu shugenja to summon her ancestor's spirit for insights into Kamiyoko's identity and the assassination attempt, demonstrating her dedication to her role and the complexities of her responsibilities. In her recent court proceedings, Midori has been involved in discussions regarding the authenticity of documents and testimonies related to the Battle of Snow Plain. She provided commentary on these documents, including a paraphrase of confessions made by Ikoma Akuyaku, which outlined criminal acts against the Empire. During the court sessions, she deferred making a statement due to the late hour, indicating her intention to address the court in the morning. Her commentary highlighted inconsistencies among the various versions of these documents, aligning with a version detailing serious admissions of guilt, including collusion with an assassin and actions detrimental to the Lion Clan. Recently, Midori has been involved in legal proceedings at the Castle of the Swift Sword, where she possesses a long box delivered to her for private examination. Standing at approximately five feet, she is characterized by her youth, being only a few years past her genpuku. Often seen carrying documents relevant to her role within the court, she sought permission to present evidence delivered to her by Akodo Akihito, asserting its relevance to the case regarding the Battle of the Snow Plain. When the contents of Akihito’s letter were read, it described a vivid dream that led him to discover a sealed jar containing historical documents related to the battle, including a draft of a secret agreement and a sealed letter addressed to “the least of the Bayushi.” Midori presented this sealed letter in court, asserting its importance, which elicited a strong reaction from Bayushi Monban, who claimed it was addressed to him. Demonstrating her commitment to the investigation, Midori reviewed the Snow Plain cache documents she had entered into evidence and planned to consult Ikoma Ichigo for authentication of the documents. Additionally, she noted the significance of a skeleton mentioned in Akihito's report, anticipating future spirit rites to set the soul to rest. Throughout the proceedings, she remained focused on the legal matters at hand, actively engaging in discussions surrounding the case. In the latest session, Midori approached Ikoma Ichigo in the Ikoma Hall of Scribes during a court recess to request his expertise in authenticating documents related to the Snow Plain dispute. She emphasized the importance of Ichigo's verification for determining the future of the Emerald Magistrate case. After securing Ichigo's assistance, she led him back to the court chambers where the documents were laid out for review. Midori leveraged Ichigo's authentication to argue for the credibility of an unsigned draft from her cache, suggesting it warranted an Imperial holding outcome over the Scorpion's claims. She also produced four large lion-headed scrolls from the same cache, identified by Ichigo as Ikoma Hideri’s record of the Battle of the Snow Plain, lost for 300 years. Throughout the proceedings, Midori focused on the legitimacy of the claims presented, contributing to the arguments surrounding the authenticity of the documents and their implications for the ongoing legal conflict. In her testimony, Midori recounts battlefield experiences from her ancestor’s perspective, including an encounter with a shugenja general and an infiltrator from the Lion clan who attempted to kill her. She suggests that this sabotage could imply Scorpion assistance to the Unicorn clan and argues that the infiltrator's actions negatively impacted the Lion's chances of victory, necessitating compensation in the form of the Diamond Mines as outlined in treaties. Midori counters claims from opposing advocates, asserting that her ancestor’s integrity should not be overshadowed by the dishonorable tactics of others. She appeals to the court's sense of honor, emphasizing the responsibilities of ancestors and the need to uphold Bushido. Throughout the court session, she maintains composure, demonstrating her dedication to the principles she represents. Recently, Midori has been appointed to mentor Kitsuko Ayoko, a young Kitsu shugenja recruit, as her yoriki. She possesses a soft voice, which may make it challenging for her to be heard in court. In her role, Midori actively engages in discussions about local matters and maintains some confidentiality with Ayoko. She addressed security concerns when an intruder was found in her belongings, an incident that Kitsuko Ayoko successfully handled. On their journey, Midori advised Ayako on the importance of behavior and reputation, expressing a willingness to guide her in the ways of being a samurai. Additionally, she conveyed the historical and spiritual significance of the Sword of Hiruma to Ayako, highlighting her dedication to her responsibilities as an Emerald Magistrate and her efforts to navigate court and clan politics while nurturing her assistant's development. Midori is also noted for her thoughtful engagement in conversations about spirits and their significance. She attracts attention, particularly from Daidoji Shin, who flirts with her and references her connection to the elemental lords. She possesses a depth of knowledge connected to the mystical aspects of her culture and carries an antique tea set that appears centuries old, reflecting her appreciation for history and the powerful spirits associated with such objects. During a gathering at a teahouse in the City Of The Rich Frog, she discussed the treatment of spirits with Iuchi Minoru, a Unicorn. They shared stories, including Iuchi's account of a spirit arising from a broken teacup, showcasing Midori's familiarity with awakened objects. She recognized Iuchi's practical knowledge of Unicorn talismans and actively participated in discussions regarding an ongoing investigation into illicit spirit magic and the author of a controversial story, demonstrating her role as a key member of her group. During the evening, Midori collaborated with her companions Doji Setsuna, Bayushi Monban, and Kakita Kazumi to visit a Curio Shop and the Tongbo Temple. When approached by Daidoji Shin, she is introduced as a shugenja, leading to a flirtatious exchange. In the Curio Shop, she worked with Setsuna to find items that could alleviate the spiritual burdens of Shinjo Harunobu, demonstrating concern for her husband’s well-being. Midori navigated conversations toward spiritual significance, highlighting her expertise and importance within the group. As The Shopkeeper presented various items, she showed interest in spiritually active objects, leading to a confrontation where she accused The Shopkeeper of arranging for them to be followed. This prompted The Shopkeeper to reveal that the figure outside is a local police officer. Throughout the evening, Midori contrasted coercive binding practices with the cooperative rites of her clan, underscoring her ethical stance on spiritual matters. She decoded instructions related to a talisman, showcasing her knowledge of meishodo mechanics. The group ultimately decided to investigate The Docks, reflecting Midori's commitment to their mission as Emerald Magistrates. Recently, while dining at an eatery near The Docks in the City Of The Rich Frog, Midori discussed smuggling routes and potential artifacts with her companions, proposing a plan to pose as samurai women in search of a memento for Akihito. As they approached The Docks, she adopted a drunken guise with Doji Setsuna to maintain their cover. However, her circumstances changed when she was mugged by a thief who demanded her coin purse and threw her into the river. Despite her heavy robes hindering her mobility, she managed to surface and began swimming toward the shore, preparing for another potential threat as she heard heavy footsteps approaching. Meanwhile, her companions pursued the Fleeing Thief, with Kakita Kazumi successfully capturing him. In a recent confrontation in a dark alley near The Docks, Midori was approached by two men who stated that "the boss" needed her for smuggling. When attacked, she drew her katana and struck at the closest assailant, but her blow was countered as the attackers wielded wooden weapons. She inflicted a heavy blow that damaged one opponent's gear but sustained injuries from their strikes, including a painful hit to her side that tore her robes. As the fight progressed, she became overwhelmed and lost consciousness. Her absence was later noted by her fellow Emerald Magistrates, leading to a search for her. Bayushi Monban, while airborne, spotted a scrap of fabric matching Midori's robe, prompting a thorough search of The Docks. Eventually, she was found curled up in a fishing boat, having been robbed of her daisho, purse, and tanto. Upon regaining consciousness, she stabilized herself despite experiencing pain from a non-bleeding internal injury. Doji Setsuna assessed her condition, confirming the robbery and expressing concern for Kakita Kazumi, who remained missing. Recently, Midori bears a fresh shiner and is currently without her weapons. She possesses magical abilities in water magic, which she utilized to heal a thief who injured his foot while stealing her coin purse. In a confrontation at The Docks, she retrieved her coin purse, which was light by one koku, a loss the thief claimed occurred during his escape. After recovering the purse, she performed a healing spell to stop the thief's bleeding and bandaged his foot. Kaeru Haya of the Kaeru Ronin warned her about the dangers of leaving a spirit speaker alone at night, emphasizing both her value and vulnerability. Midori later communed with fire spirits at the ruins of a burned-down theater, where she learned that a Meishoto-bound spirit had been released, causing the fire and attracting other spirits. This issue was discussed during a meeting with the Emerald Magistrates, including Miya Tetsuya, where she explained the nature of the spirit's release and its associated risks, demonstrating her knowledge and experience with the supernatural. In a critical situation involving a possessed noblewoman, Midori carried the ritual instructions necessary for the group's plan to contain the spirit. She can invoke powerful spells, including the Heart of Amaterasu and Fires of Purity, which provide her protection against fire and imbue her weapons with sacred qualities. Midori participated in discussions regarding the nature of the possessing spirit and the best course of action. She conducted spiritual scrutiny of a foreign pendant linked to the spirit, confirming its alien magic and its previous binding of a powerful spirit. When the group prepared to expel the spirit from the noblewoman, Midori coordinated a Cleansing Rite alongside Bayushi Monban, ultimately seizing the woman’s temples to perform the rite as the Ifrit was forcibly separated from her. Following the spirit's expulsion, she directed the spirit to enter a new vessel presented by Doji Setsuna, ensuring its containment for the safety of Rokugan. After the sealing ritual was completed, Midori sensed immense spiritual power radiating from the sealed box, indicating the successful containment of the Ifrit. Recently, Midori has been involved in the binding of an Efreet, a Ifrit. She participated in maintaining a warding circle that harmed those who crossed it, enduring the effects better than Kakita Kazumi. Midori played a crucial role in persuading the Efreet to surrender and accept containment. She attempted to convince Doji Setsuna to relinquish the Efreet's box due to its dangers, using her rank and calm persuasion. Despite her efforts, Setsuna resisted and withdrew to her quarters with The Box. Midori argued that a shugenja should handle the artifact and proposed to hang it safely in her quarters, emphasizing the risk of theft and the spirit's desire for freedom. She expressed concern about releasing the Efreet without proper precautions and suggested consulting Unicorn shugenja for secure sealing. Midori and Bayushi Monban took an unmanned boat upriver, where she continued to advocate for a careful approach regarding the Efreet's release. Midori is a courtly healer affiliated with the Emerald Magistrate. She hosted a tea ceremony at Miya Tetsuya’s Tea House in the City Of The Rich Frog, where she interacted with notable figures including Kakita Kazumi, Doji Setsuna, and Miya Misato. During this ceremony, she expressed concern for the absence of Bayushi Monban and pledged to accompany Miya Misato on a mission to negotiate peace between the Lion and Unicorn clans. Midori confirmed the location of a sealed spirit-in-a-box in her quarters and considered obtaining guards for security. She sent servants to acquire specific abortifacient ingredients, although they returned with incorrect items. Later, she received a packet of nightshade leaves from Kakita Kazumi, which she handled with care, and prepared a written list for acquiring additional restricted herbs. Midori brewed the first cautious dose of the Terminating Tea for Doji Setsuna, ensuring safety in its preparation. She administered the dose under her care, which resulted in severe adverse effects for Setsuna. As the group prepared for departure, Midori coordinated with her allies to ensure they were ready for their journey the following morning. Recently, Midori attended breakfast in the Daimyo’s Dining Hall, where she is involved in the care of Doji Setsuna, who is experiencing a worsening illness after receiving medicine from her the previous night. Conducting a thorough medical assessment, she determines that fatigue treatment might help. During her examination, she discovers a scrap of dark blue, near-black fabric caught on a rafter nail in Setsuna's room, which is suited to vanish in deep shadow. After hearing a scream from the guest quarters, Midori leaves her breakfast to respond to the disturbance. She is approached by attendants who report Setsuna's condition and express concern about the medicine given. Midori decides to check on Setsuna, who is in a state of distress. She discreetly passes the dark blue fabric scrap to Kakita Kazumi for professional analysis, indicating her involvement in the investigation surrounding the recent disturbances in the mansion. During a breakfast meeting, Midori deflected inquiries about her condition, stating that she had been mistaken for a target by her attackers. She reported that the assailants operated within her guest quarters, tying up others, including Miya Tetsuya, the niece of the Imperial Miya Tetsuya. She mentioned that her quarters had been ransacked and personal effects searched following the attack. Later that day, Midori participated in a tea ceremony, aiming to energize conversation among the guests while serving tea. She discussed Unicorn spiritual beliefs with Ikoma Tadayoshi and facilitated a discreet inquiry into the previous night's events. Throughout the gathering, she maintained a focus on the investigation, guiding the conversation within the bounds of the tea ritual. Recently, Midori's attendant reported regaining consciousness to someone rifling through Midori's bag and checking each item before departing, but was unable to identify the intruder. Midori described the effects she suffered from poison exposure, linked to a mild tincture of Firebiter Poison. The attendant's observations contributed to the investigation surrounding the poisoning incident affecting Midori. Midori is involved in the political and spiritual dynamics of the court. She is noted for her vigilance, though she admits to lacking skill in it. Midori participates in discussions regarding the containment of a spirit possessing Bayushi Monban, indicating her involvement in spiritual matters. She confirms that prior containment methods would no longer work and that new boxes and shugenja assistance would be necessary. Midori observes the interactions and behaviors of others around her, including the governor and various court members. She notes the governor's quick withdrawal after a tea ceremony and the distress exhibited by Bayushi Monban. Midori pledges to take the spirit west to the Burning Sands and free it, demonstrating her commitment to resolving the spirit's predicament. She engages in a debate about the best course of action regarding the spirit, weighing options between entrapment and release. Midori sends a haiku to Doji Setsuna, highlighting discrepancies in appearances and acknowledgment. She checks on Kitsuyoko, who is recovering from an injury, and is involved in planning an escort for Miya Misato, the governor's niece, while being aware of the political implications surrounding her safety and the ongoing conflicts.