Mori Isawa
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
The Isawa Woodlands are the reason for the Phoenix Clan choosing to settle in this part of Rokugan. The forest has the distinction of being one of the largest in Rokugan, second to Shinomen Mori. Although far less hazardous than Shinomen Mori, The Phoenix woodlands is a place of mystery and arcana. Most of its areas are unexplored and some locations are haunted by malevolent spirits as well as beneficial creatures. The wood from this forest produces powerful scrolls and the shrines built using the lumber from the forest almost always attract the Fortune's favor.
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[edit] Roads and pathways
There are many passages through the Mori Isawa, but most are hidden by the kami of the forest. Most passages are smaller paths, but two large roads run through the forest, from Kyuden Isawa to Kyuden Asako and to Aojiroi Oku Shiro. Like most of the paths, these roads are hidden to anyone who is not of the Phoenix Clan. This is one method of protection and defense that the Isawa have developed over time.[1]
[edit] Lumber
The kami within the forest are very potent. Because of this, lumber from the forest is highly prized for use in creating scroll-paper. The woodcutters are very careful in this extremely magical environment to offer prayers for every tree that is cut. Not doing so may well incur a curse upon the person who harmed the tree.[1]
[edit] Inhabitants
[edit] Shugenja
The Isawa family requires a great deal of solitude to conduct their spell research, and as a result, they have declared the forest largely off-limits to those outside the Clan. Though not strictly inhabitants of the forest, shugenja regularly meditate in the natural clearings of the forest. Isawa reaching their gempukku are required to spend at least one night alone, meditating in the woods. To some shugenja, whom the kami will choose, the spirits will appear directly to them and reveal some secret of the universe.[1]
[edit] Kenku
Within the Mori Isawa dwells a large population of kenku, possibly the largest remaining within Rokugan. The kenku are curious and inquisitive, but remain on good terms with the local humans. In return, the Isawa respect the autonomy of their population, and they are left in peace.[1]
[edit] Heimin population
In addition to the heimin woodcutters, there are also hunters living within the forest. These hunters earn a good living on the bounty of the forest. Both groups are well respected and well treated by the Isawa family and by the kenku of the forest. As a result, the heimin of the Mori Isawa are some of the best-treated peasants in the whole of Rokugan.[1]
[edit] Areas within the forest
[edit] The Heart of Nature
The scholars of the Asako family theorize that somewhere in this forest lies a passage to the Spirit Realms which they call the Heart of Nature. This passage touches on many different realms including Chikushudo, Sakkaku, and even Yume-do. The portal does not have a specific loactions, but instead moves throughout the forest. One cannot predict to which realm the passage will open. Even those beings of the Spirit Realms who wander through the passage have no way to know how to return to their home realm unless they are being aided by other magics. The passage is guarded by the elemental spirits called Yuki no Onna.[citation needed]
[edit] Mori Kuroi
Mori Kuroi, also known as the Black Forest, is the innermost portion of the Phoenix woodlands. While the Heart of Nature holds the passages to Yume-do, Sakkaku, and Chikushudo, Mori Kuroi holds a gateway to the realm of Toshigoku. It has been rumored that an Agasha family shugenja left a terrifying curse to this portion of the woodlands to avenge her daughter's dishonor. The Lying Darkness witnessed the casting of this spell and intensified it to the point that the place is considered an extension of Toshigoku.[citation needed]
