A chinese farmer
Who works all day in the rice
Outstanding in field

This is the history of the Samurai known to all as Daidoji Cage:

His name Cage, translated is shadow. His parents thought it fitting of a name for one who's profession would be just that, someone's shadow. As the first born in his family of six he began learning the technical aspects of the bodyguard. He had much practice, watching over his younger siblings. His father Daidoji Cagumi was a bodyguard before him, and his father as well. Cage learned quickly to treat the less fortunate with respect, and honor their wishes. His immediate family was not of the belief to look down upon the servant or peasant workers. Their belief was that they must earn a living too. Cage's father hired his services out to many from the peasant caravans that brought trade goods from the dangers close by the shadow lands to the Emperors nephew who needed safe guarding while attending special engagements. Cage's father was well respected and honored in the Crane society. Until the day came for him to leave his honorable occupation and begin teaching the families secrets onto the next to follow in his footsteps. Cage being the first born naturally fit this description.

His training begin at the age of 5 and he quickly learned the arts of the bodyguard, as well as the samurai. Cage's past haunted him though and he was given a task to complete by his father.

Cage's grandfather, Daidoji Doka, sired four sons, Satobura, the eldest, Uji, Ujiru and Cagumi, the youngest. After Doka's death Satobura brought dishonor to the family name. It was over fifty years ago when the Lion Clan attacked and seized Shiro no Yogin, and it was there when their line was darkened with shame. Satobura was the personal bodyguard to the Kakita hatamoto that commanded the boarder castle. During the surprise attack and the subsequent siege, the Crane castle fell. This could not have been helped, as the Crane's troops were severely outnumbered, but that was not the means of the dishonor brought to Cage's family. As the defenses were breached, Satobura was challenged by the Lion commander, Matsu Keiru. Without a word, he ran from the castle, before the eyes of attacker and defender as well. His Lord was slain and the castle was taken by the Lion. Several years after the battle, Satobura was found and brought before his family and their Daimyo. Giving no explanation nor defense for his actions, Satobura committed dishonorable seppuku. His brother Uji took his brother's Kakita blade and vowed to avenge their dishonor and recapture the castle.

Some thirty years ago, Daidoji Uji prepared to take back the castle. Eliciting all the promises his family had left amongst the clan of the Crane, he began scouring many towns and villages seeking the help of soldiers and samurai. As it was he did not find too many to aid him in his great task. He managed to scavenge up almost 100 men capable of the fight. Still heavily outnumbered but willing none the less, as they held the name of Daidoji true to their hearts.

Encamped just over the boarder in a small village, Uji enlisted the help of his younger brother Ujiru. Leaving him behind to organize their troops, Uji left in search of a shugenja to aid them in the coming battle. After several weeks, he came across an old family friend, Asahina Shuro. The shugenja agreed to assist Uji under the condition that he act as his bodyguard. Uji agreed. As they made their way back to the village, Lion forces attacked. Fueled with information from hidden spies, the Lions found out about the small army. When Uji saw what was happening, he raced to assist his brother. Unfortunately a column of Lion bushi intercepted him. Seeing the shugenja, the Lion decided to kill him before he could bring his powers to bear against him. A true bodyguard, Uji stepped forward and convinced the venerable Lion commander to duel with him instead. He accepted and Uji was killed by a superior foe. This was looked upon with great honor among the Daidoji, and the Asahina family remembers his deed to this day. His brother and his forces were destroyed.

Cagumi retrieved the sword, and at Cage's gempukku gave it to him. Cage swore to return the castle to the Crane and erase the stain of dishonor forever. Cage is bound to his word. His goal in this life is to bring back honor to his family's name. While doing so serve to the best of his ability the Emperor, and the Clan. When faced with danger he never shows fear, and while protecting the lives of others, he would rather die honorably then to live with the pain of losing someone under his protection. He was gifted with a Kakita blade that he sleeps close to every night. Some have said they have heard him speak to it on occasion. His belief is that the sword should be closer than any living being, and frowns upon its use when there is no need. Cage is allowed to take his sword outside the Crane territory, because it is known that he does not go where his sword is not.

During his encounter with the terrible oni ravaging the Crane lands, Cage vowed to kill the beast with Akodo Shiro's Katana - Lightbringer.


Daidoji Kage writes:
  • Isawa Ahiro , Phoenix. As far as I know the shugenja has honor. And values life, his as well as others. By his knowledge of "the arts" has kept some of the other magistrates alive. A worthy man to hold the magistrates mon.
  • Hida Tagasuru, Crab. Hmmm. How should I say this politely. His empathy for our land is disgusting. He holds no value to the very lands he protects, BUT a very worthy adversary and honorable man. His light shines for reasons, which are vague to me. He has done one thing to dishonor himself but made up for it ten fold. While he is in our lands I will watch him. He seems disgusted with the beauty, which our lands hold. Curious indeed!
  • Akodo Kasumi, Lion. Ah yes the Lion, with a mane as long as her ego. She seems to rush into battle without regret or remorse. But usually is headstrong for a good reason. Honorable yes, and worthy of the magistrates mon.
  • Moto Buta, Unicorn I fear for this man. I fear because I believe he has a weight on his shoulders so great that it may crush him in time. Though is does the right thing to try a learn more about is great imposition I fear his learning curve of the sword will be outmatched by the swords learning curve of him. Someone probably should watch him close. Just in case.
  • Youma, Wasp. A mysterious man indeed. I believe he is honorable, but shows almost no regard for his own honor. He has done honorable things but does not let them known for some reason. He is of some clan that I’m not very familiar with and probably for good reason. Though a mans actions usually show the true colors of the man himself, Yuoma's are somewhat by my understanding for his own reasons and sometimes disregards the honor shown by them.
  • Kozo, The Unicorn The Unicorn has shown some very strange signs lately, I’m not familiar with the Shadowlands at all but, you may want to have some of the honorable shugenja of our clan to look at him. His deeds have shown him to be a very honorable man, and willing to give his life to save others in an honorable way (of course). I believe him to be second to myself in his ways of honor. It would be unfortunate to lose such a magistrate as Kozo.

    Those are my visions and thoughts on the Magistrates that you have working for you. As for myself I will continue to show them respect and honor for their actions unless otherwise ordered by my superiors (you). I have taken it upon myself as a very capable bodyguard to watch over the Moto, with the power he possesses I don't believe anyone else really understands his situation. I will continue to show my honor to The Emperor and you first.
    Thank you,
    Cage