The Poppy Invitational

Last seen carefully watching Bayushi Kachiko's arrival at the Grand Wharf.

The black arrows used and symbol found on them match the rumors of her.

The young Lion has recently been attracting notice for her poetry ever since being discovered by Jewel. Her work has been strongly traditional, both in form and themes.

A local poet with a following sufficient to have published a few volumes of her work. Her poetry tends to be highly observational and personal in nature, focusing on mundane, everyday topics.

Local favorite and an expected strong competitor. Recent work by him has been melancholic, with a haunting beauty.

At the opening reception he was nearly poisoned in an attempt that, while non-fatal, would have incapacitated him for the next several days.

A relatively well-known poet, but with less of a following in Ryoko Owari than in the capital. There's nonetheless strong buzz that he plans to debut a significant new work at the festival.

He visited the Magistrate Residence the day before the festival asking the magistrates for official protection, citing the well-known dangers of the city. Particularly to a delicate, refined aesthete such as himself.

Requests the opportunity to challenge Yogoso, claiming his poem, "Fruit of the Spurned Love Tree", is an insult to Shonagon.

He had arranged for a lavish welcome with drummers, a shower of flower petals, and even fireworks.

After Ichiro Bando's mutually beneficial win during the Rumble in Ryoko, he and his fellow poetry enthusiasts were hoping that he might have some influence with Akodo Ume. The outcome of the competition apparently being a matter of some considerable speculation within the city.

Approached Kasuga Osamu looking to purchase poison the day before the competition began.

“The venomous councilors who pour their poison in the nation’s ear shall reap the consequences. Tenchu (heaven's punishment) awaits.”

Was seen meeting with a suspicious-looking man in an alleyway by the docks on the evening before the competition. They argued before she handed him a small, wrapped package.