by Quintus Marcius
Foreword
It should be noted that treatises of this nature have been written before by far greater minds. Corvus of Hoartooth and the elven mage Arendar have both produced entire series on the subject of the Shadeclaws, and it is unlikely that this humble work can hope to compete.
Be that as it may, with the third decade of our budding Fourth Era fading into the past, turmoil and unrest once again threaten our Empire. Valenwood has been united with – some would say seized by – the Summerset Isle, now named Alinor by the New Aldmeri Dominion. Cyrodiil’s ties with surrounding provinces grow frayed. Some still doubt the legitimacy of the Mede Dynasty. With such troubles on the brew, and the loyalties of the Shadeclaws recently reaffirmed, there is no better time to bring our knowledge of one of the Empire’s staunchest of allies (and once deadliest of foes) up to date. All cooperation is founded on mutual trust, and the Shadeclaws, for all their secrecy, recognise that trust comes from understanding and communication.
This treatise could not have been completed without the assistance of my fellows at the Imperial University. Even in such an esteemed establishment, only a select few know of the existence of Tsukikage, and fewer still have chosen to study the village and its inhabitants. These few include Master Fayden of the Council of Healers, Professor Pouillon of the Council of History, and Master Erwan of the Grand Council of Magic. General Publius of the Third Legion also deserves special thanks for arranging my trip to Tsukikage. And of course, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to Grandmaster Raikko for allowing me such deep insight into his people.
History of shinobi in Tamriel
It is still hotly debated when exactly the Akaviri Invasion truly began. Most scholars settle on the year 1E 2703 as to when the war began and ended, though framing the Invasion within one small year does the scale of the conflict a great disservice. Archaeological evidence would indicate that Akaviri and Tamrielic forces had been clashing for a period of over ten years by the time the Battle of the Pale Pass was fought.
It is believed that the first of the shinobi to arrive in Tamriel did so alongside the main forces of the Akavir. Their ranks consisted solely of Po’ Tun, a race of feline beastfolk much like the Khajiit. ‘Shinobi’ has no direct Tamrielic translation, but it denotes an agent trained as a scout, spy, saboteur and occasional assassin.
The term ‘Shadeclaw’ is one that originated during the Invasion. The Po’ Tun attached to the Akaviri armada found that they were at a disadvantage in watery environments. By chance, contingents of shinobi assigned to the swamps of Black Marsh found support in Argonian sympathisers. As time passed, those Argonians became integrated into the Akaviri forces as shinobi themselves. To separate the Po’ Tun and Argonians for easier delegation of missions, the Po’ Tun assassination specialists became Shadeclaws, and the Argonians became Shadowscales – in modern times, a notorious band of killers operating out of Black Marsh once more.
The shinobi – Shadeclaw and Shadowscale alike – were crucial in helping the Akaviri seize control of territory in Tamriel, but that soon ended when Reman Cyrodiil rallied his own armies. Shinobi were not front-line fighters despite their prowess, and they were forced to retreat as Reman demolished the main Akaviri forces. After the Battle of the Pale Pass, the shinobi were left leaderless as the generals in command of them surrendered. The Shadeclaw and Shadowscale factions were also separated – by the time of the Battle, Akaviri land forces had consolidated all their might into the centre of the northern lands, bringing the Shadeclaws with them, while naval warfare continued to rage in the Sea of Ghosts, where the Shadowscales were stationed.
Two different leaders took charge of the divided shinobi – a female Po’ Tun by the name of Furiya had the Shadeclaws hide in the Jerall Mountains, and the Argonian Tusok Shrouded-In-Rain led his Shadowscales (numbering only a scant hundred by the end of the war) all around the continent back to Black Marsh. Shamed by their defeat, Tusok committed a form of ritual suicide known as seppuku, usually practiced by Akaviri samurai.
After well over a year of hiding, Furiya reached out to Reman and the Shadeclaws made peace with the Empire, as had their Akaviri generals before them. The shinobi were strong-willed, however, and refused to join with Cyrodiil entirely. With his newly formed Empire still unstable, Reman had no time for hot debates and negotiation (some say that this was exactly why Furiya chose this moment to reveal the Shadeclaws’ presence), so he was forced to concede. Five whole leagues of the Jerall Mountains were given to the Shadeclaws as a result, and a small fort was established in the centre of that territory. The flat-topped mountain that Furiya built this stronghold on was named after her by later generations of shinobi, and the fort itself slowly grew over the years, becoming the village of Tsukikage we know today.
Mount Furiya and the Jeralls
Wind and snow by the Dunmer painter Brevsi Girvayn, depicting the northern reaches of Jerall mountain ranges, close to where Mount Furiya is located. Oil and dry brush on hempen canvas.
The Jerall Mountains begin from the Colovian Highlands bordering Hammerfell and Cyrodiil and lead into the Valus Mountains separating Cyrodiil with Morrowind. They encompass an area of twenty thousand square miles, and within them are some of the highest mountains in Tamriel. The Throat of the World, for one. Mount Furiya, of course, for another.
On such high altitudes, the seasons mean little. The peak of Mount Furiya is a frozen stretch of flatlands. It is bitter cold every month of the year (I would have lost a couple of fingers and an ear to frostbite were it not for the Shadeclaw healers) and the snow is always at least ankle-high. The air is thin, and breathing is a constant challenge of inhaling enough to subsist but not too much in the case that one’s lungs freeze solid.
Despite these harsh conditions, the Jeralls are populated by more than the Shadeclaws. Clans of barbarians and thugs have settled in various high mountains. These men are of a cruel sort, comprising exiled criminals, deserters, and bandits moving up from Hammerfell or Skyrim. Their marauding way of life is passed down to their offspring, who continue conquering and pillaging the land around them. Oftentimes the Shadeclaws cull their numbers when they become too powerful. The presence of the shinobi has not gone entirely unnoticed by these warlords, who avoid the five leagues of land around Mount Furiya with almost religious fervour.
The Village of Tsukikage
Titled 月影の里 (I sincerely hope the Shadeclaws will forgive my poor Akaviri penmanship) or Tsukikage no Sato, this painting by Master Kariko dates back to the Second Era. The village has not changed much since then. Composite ink on linen canvas.
A literal translation of ‘Tsukikage no Sato’ would be ‘Village of Moon-shadow’, but most go by the more romantic name of ‘The Village under the Shadow of the Moons’. The village’s namesake is quite obvious. Even on the cloudiest of nights and during the heaviest of blizzards, Masser and Secunda still shine bright above Tsukikage, giving the village an eerie silver glow. It is easy to see why the warlords believe the mountain to be haunted.
Tsukikage itself covers the entire peak of Mount Furiya. The village is surrounded by a two-hundred-foot high enchanted wall that repels intruders, magic and even siege weaponry alike, and the only way in is through a pair of moonstone gates – also enchanted – built into the western wall. The Shadeclaws have not seen fit to share the full extent of their enchantments, but it is known that they are alerted instantly if living flesh touches the wall or the gates, and that even a giant’s mace couldn’t dent the stones. Even without magic, the village would be nigh impossible for the smallest mouse to steal into. Sentinels guard the wall on all sides, and scouts make regular patrols around the mountain.
The architecture of the village is like no other. Buildings are constructed of bamboo along with wood, and some are built elevated from the ground with rods and poles in case of heavy snow. Curved grooves run along the surface to catch melted snow and ice. The size of the buildings ranges from tall, temple-like structures to small huts. Decorations are bare and paint is not used at all. The Shadeclaws do hang lanterns from their homes and from posts, but usually the sun and moons are more than enough light for the Po’ Tun, who see in the dark as well as or perhaps even better than the Khajiit.
It was interesting to see how Akaviri architecture has evolved over the years. Cloud Ruler Temple, home to the Emperor’s Blades, stands proud and majestic, looming over visitors as a solid declaration of our Empire’s might, while Tsukikage’s quaint cobbles and soft bamboo fade into the backdrop of the mountain. Yet if one looks closely enough, at the curled arches of the rooftops and the sharp tips flaring up from the sides, the subtle hints of a shared ancestor become clear.
The village can be divided into five main sections. To the south is the various training facilities and lecture halls where Shadeclaws of both young and old hone their skills. To the east is the library, home to lorekeepers, scholars, artists, and works from every province in Tamriel across the ages. To the north lies the armoury, foundry, various workshops and (though I was not allowed inside) large enchanting chambers for working magic. A large market in the west offers goods of every kind. Several restaurants and eateries are run next to it, with an active bank completing this small economy. Living quarters, the hospice, the nursery, the Council Chambers and the Grandmaster’s office all sit in the centre of the village.
The Po’ Tun
As of the moment I put quill to parchment, there are one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four Po’ Tun living in Tsukikage. Excluding children under eleven years of age, all are active shinobi. The population of the village is kept carefully monitored. The Grandmaster and the Council look at the projected growth or decay of the populace and assign a specific amount of permitted pregnancies at the start of every year (usually ten to twenty), ensuring that their numbers stay below two thousand. This is done to limit overconsumption of resources, which would inevitably lead to expansion and conflict with surrounding regions.
The Po’ Tun are not peace-loving by nature, but they do not believe in the constant conquering of territory either. For the most part, they are a quiet folk, courteous to a fault and regarding highly the values of wit and cunning. In this regard they are much like the High Elves of the Summerset Isle, only even more withdrawn and lacking in their fierce pride. There are unverified claims of the Po’ Tun back on the continent of Akavir forming a great empire and renaming themselves the Ka Po’ Tun, and that their leader, Tosh Raka, has somehow transformed himself or herself into a dragon. These Ka Po’ Tun, if they exist, would likely not share much in common with the Po’ Tun of Tsukikage.
In appearance, the Po’ Tun are very similar to the Khajiit. Once their fur was only shades of white, grey and black, but this is no longer so with the mingling of Khajiit blood into their stock. There are still slight differences, however. A Po’ Tun is shorter of snout, longer of ear, lighter of stature and smoother of pelt, and their eyes are round as opposed to the almonds or ovals of a Khajiit. They also have a much smaller mane.
Also unlike the Khajiit, the phase of the moons at the time of their birth does not dictate a Po’ Tun’s size and appearance. They mate, give birth and grow much like the races of Men and Mer – a pregnancy of eight to ten months, followed by the stages of infancy and childhood. As with most of the sentient races, Po’ Tun enter puberty at the age of ten to eleven, reaching full adulthood by nineteen. They live on an average of one hundred and fifty to two hundred years. Sixth Grandmaster Ranyun was the longest-lived Po’ Tun ever recorded, passing away at the age of two hundred and ninety-one, having held the title of Grandmaster for almost two centuries.
The Way of the Shinobi
Nindo by Eighteenth Grandmaster Urakko. The flowing scarf is likely an exaggeration for dramatic effect, as it would increase a shinobi's chances of being spotted. Wet brush on linen canvas.
A Po’ Tun’s training begins from the moment he learns to walk. Children (referred to as ‘kits’) as young as one or two are put through lessons where they learn how to keep their balance on any surface, scale small walls, move across increasingly large gaps, conceal themselves from view and control their breathing. These simple exercises form the basis of a shinobi’s prowess in acrobatics and stealth.
Combat training begins at the tender age of three. Under the watchful eye of a shinobi master, the children begin to learn basic hand-to-hand manoeuvres, performing strikes with the claws, palms, fists, and heels of the hands and feet first on practice dummies, and then on each other. By the time the children reach their sixth birthday, they will have already become adepts in the martial arts.
Training in weapons and magic begins then. The children are taught to handle various blades for close quarters fighting and for throwing, learning how and where to attack a target to inflict maximum damage. At the same time, they are instructed in the use of spells, becoming increasingly familiar with the magical elements of fire, ice and lightning. Their training is not limited to combat, however. The children also receive instruction in hunting, navigation, arithmetic, history, military tactics, anatomy, chemistry, and even cooking. These lessons are all designed to mould a Po’ Tun into a self-sufficient, independent agent capable of operating anywhere and at any time. In order to hone their other senses, the children are even blinded by a special potion for upwards of two years.
A Po’ Tun begins undertaking missions at mere eleven years of age. These young shinobi may be less skilled, but they are often just as deadly as their seniors, with their additional advantage of being less suspicious. For two years they receive assignments of increasing difficulty – usually assassination or espionage – to accumulate experience, and then upon reaching thirteen they begin to receive advanced training.
Rare martial arts styles and forms are taught to a shinobi in this stage, though most only elect to master one or two. Training in magic also intensifies, with the shinobi learning what we in the Empire would call Expert and Master level spells. It is also during this time that the Akaviri alchemical art of Rendanshu is applied to the Po’ Tun’s bodies, causing a series of transformations and mutations that push them beyond the natural limits of their physiology.
Training of the shinobi never fully ceases, but application of Rendanshu ends when they reach nineteen years of age. This is when a Po’ Tun is declared a Shadeclaw and sent out of the village in a traditional rite of passage. The shinobi will spend three years away from Tsukikage to survive and blend into the local populace on their own in a specific region of Tamriel. During this time, the Shadeclaw is known as an urotsuki-nin, or ‘wandering shinobi’. Upon their return, the shinobi is recognised by all in the village as a full member of their order, capable of handling all manner of missions, eliminating the toughest of targets and infiltrating even the most inaccessible of fortresses.
Shadeclaws operate both alone and in small teams (usually three, no more than five). On the occasions that they do form teams, a captain is assigned for the duration of the mission. Given the small size of their units, no other rank of distinction among their forces is required in the field.
The Shadeclaws in command of the sentinels, the healers, the instructors and the coordinators for field operations form the Council. Along with the Grandmaster, the Council oversees and governs Tsukikage.
The Grandmaster
‘Grandmaster’ is the most esteemed title of the Shadeclaws, denoting a shinobi of peerless sagacity and experience. The Grandmaster is the leader of the Po’ Tun, and his will shapes the direction that Tsukikage and the shinobi take. Unlike a king or chieftain, however, his actions can be disputed and the Council has some small power over his decisions.
The Grandmaster is almost always nominated by the previous Grandmaster and appointed by the Council, with the backing of the Shadeclaws of the village. There have been occasions of Po’ Tun voting for their next Grandmaster, but more often than not they will be satisfied with the nominee. The position of Grandmaster is usually held for life.
The current head of Tsukikage is Thirty-Second Grandmaster Raikko, who rose to power after Thirty-First Grandmaster Yagurra sacrificed herself to save Tsukikage from the Daedric hordes in the Oblivion Crisis.
Shadeclaw Gear and Weaponry
The Shadeclaws employ a myriad of tools and weapons in their various operations. Some are more exotic than others, most are descended or haven’t even changed from their predecessors in Akavir, and all serve to give the shinobi as much of an edge in their assignments as possible.
Garb
Shadeclaws do not put stock in conventional armour, as heavy plate or interlocking joints would be too loud, too restrictive, and too obvious. A shinobi’s first priority is always to stay out of sight. In the rare occasions that they are forced into a fight, Shadeclaws focus on evading attacks rather than stopping them. They are usually clad in hooded cowls and tunics of grey or black to help them blend into the shadows. These tunics offer little to no protection from physical attacks, but enchantments woven into the thread-work of the cloth do give it some degree of magic resistance.
Claws
A Po’ Tun’s first and last weapon is his claws, which can flick out of his fingertips in the blink of an eye. Usually relied on when cornered and no other weapons are available, these appendages are still extremely potent in open combat. Growing up to an inch long, they can kill easily if applied to the right points of the body.
Shadeclaws are taught Goutfang from an early age – what most recognise as a staple of Khajiiti martial arts is actually a fighting system passed on to them by the Po’ Tun. It emphasises the use of pain as a distraction, with special focus devoted to attacks on the eyes, ears, nose, groin, and other soft tissue. In older, more desperate times, shinobi were known to coat their claws with filth if no poison was available. Surviving targets would suffer slow, lingering deaths with tetanus or gangrene, giving Goutfang its name.
Kunai
These daggers are the most widely used weapon for shinobi, and it is plain to see why. It is small and short, barely half a foot long, and is thus easily concealable. A ring at the end of the handle allows it to be strung anywhere on the body. The thick, diamond-shaped blade is sharp but sturdy, designed for repeated thrusts through even the toughest of bone. Anyone unfortunate enough to be targeted by the Shadeclaws is more than likely to wake up to a kunai lodged in their throat.
I was fortunate (or perhaps unfortunate) enough to witness a practice session with these daggers on the second week of my visit. The sight of children no more than eight years old sinking their blades coldly and methodically into the heads, chests and backs of life-sized dummies was chilling, to say the least. Seemingly oblivious to my discomfort, their instructor explained – with some pride – that they were learning to ‘target major blood vessels such as the jugular vein and carotid artery, weak points in the skeleton such as the base of the skull and the opening of the collarbone, and vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys’.
Swords
Akaviri swordsmanship is the stuff of legends, rivalling even the Redguard sword-singers. Tales of lone samurai cutting through entire armies and parting them like thin silk ring across the ages, and even now, with so many of their secrets fading into the past, the Blades remain some of the most fearsome warriors of Tamriel.
Shadeclaws make use of a variety of Akaviri swords, but the most used ones are generally katana – what normally comes to mind when one mentions an Akaviri sword. A curved blade, usually three feet long, kept sheathed between the waist.
Shadeclaws practice an Akaviri technique known as the iai. Also known as the draw-cut, it involves drawing, slashing, and sheathing the sword in a single, rapid motion. A master could do this with such speed that the katana would often appear to have not left the scabbard at all.
Although more uncommon, shinobi also make use of shorter swords such as the wakizashi (two feet long) and the tanto (one foot long). Both are similar in appearance to the katana. Longer and heavier blades, such as the dai-katana (the Shadeclaws seem insistent on calling them 'nodachi') and other two-handed swords, are almost never used.
Bo
The Akaviri version of a quarterstaff, a bo can be either four feet long (a yonshakubo) or six feet long (a rokushakubo). It is usually one to two inches thick, and can be disguised as a walking stick or an old man’s staff.
The bo is one of the few weapons in the Shadeclaw arsenal tailored specifically for open combat. While possible to utilise it from stealth, the staff’s length makes it ideal for engaging multiple opponents from various angles at once.
As with most of their other weapons, Shadeclaws employ magic when crafting bo, but do not often put enchantments on the resulting product. The wooden staff is flexible and rivals even ebony in its durability, but it usually has no other special property beyond this.
Kama
Kama are shaped much like straight scythes or sickles, but are much smaller and can be held in one hand. These picks are often used in pairs, in a manner similar to war-axes and hatchets. Both the point and edge of the blade can be used in combat, with the former being able to punch through most forms of plate armour quite easily. Shinobi often attach chains to connect the handle of the kama to a second, smaller handle, allowing them to attack from greater distances.
Kyoketsu shoge
A weapon consisting of a rope attached to a dagger and a large ring. The dagger could be thrown at a target and then pulled back, or utilised in close combat. Skilled shinobi could also use the rope to ensnare or trip targets, sometimes even disarm them.
Shuriken
A weapon unique to the shinobi, much like the kunai. Shuriken are small, flat metal darts, with three or more sharp, symmetrical points forming the shape of a star. When thrown, they spin through the air and leave deep cuts over a target’s body. These darts are used mainly for distractions, but shinobi have been known to kill with them by targeting vulnerabilities such as the throat or temple.
The word ‘shuriken’ means ‘a sword concealed in the palm’, and is a nod to how they glance past enemies and leave cuts like an invisible sword.
Senbon
Another projectile weapon, senbon are long, slender needles. The throwing technique is slightly different from that of shuriken, but the principle is the same. Only the most keen-eyed of shinobi attempt to kill with senbon, as the extremely thin needles fail to produce anything but a painful sting if they hit even a half-inch away from a vital. The lack of penetrating power also makes them practically useless beyond ranges of twenty feet.
Shinobi often use senbon to deliver poisons, and the same goes true for shuriken.
Makibishi
Akaviri version of caltrops that look almost identical to their Tamrielic counterparts. Used in the same fashion as well. Shinobi often use these to cover their escape if spotted, laying the spiked tripods behind them to cause pursuers to stumble. They can also be thrown like shuriken in a pinch. Makibishi are sometimes used to set up ambushes, with shinobi planting these devices in the path of horse-drawn chariots and waiting for the unfortunate animals to tread on them.
Smoke pellets
The purpose of these round capsules can be easily deduced from their name. When ruptured – either by a claw or a throw with some force – they release a large volume of magically compressed smoke. Even in open areas with wind, the smoke can linger for more than a minute, offering ample concealment and distraction. Some pellets have been modified to release toxic gases, though they are not deployed regularly for fear of collateral damage.
Most of the equipment in a Shadeclaw’s arsenal has been covered at this point. Shinobi do keep an assortment of other tools and weapons, but they are rare and not often used.
Magic
Any who aspire to study the art of magic in Tamriel are familiar with the schools of magic: Destruction, Alteration, Illusion, Conjuration, Restoration, Enchanting, Mysticism and Thaumaturgy. It came as no small surprise to me when I learned that the Shadeclaws do not even label their spells into the schools at all.
In the words of magic instructor Roneka, ‘The Tamrielic Schools of Magic are well and good if you intend to study philosophy alongside it. Assigning different ways to mould our world into the shape that pleases us under different titles and trying to separate those titles from each other is doubtlessly a stimulating intellectual exercise. It would be impractical for shinobi to do the same, however. A shinobi has to be able to change and adapt his magic on the fly, implementing elements from one of your “schools” into another. I can produce flames that latch onto a target and burn while he feels nothing; would that spell be classified as Illusion or Destruction? I can pull out a creature’s soul and use it to bolster my flagging strength, is that Conjuration, Mysticism or Restoration? A shinobi cannot stop to consider such – relatively – trivial matters.’
Instead of schools, the Shadeclaws sort their magic into three groups – offensive, defensive and utility. Offensive magic is any magic that is used to attack, distract or disorient enemies. Fire, lightning, ice and other elemental spells, as well as illusions, summons and damaging enchantments fall under this category. Defensive magic is magic used to deflect oncoming attacks or recover from injuries. Wards and healing magic fall under this category. Shadeclaws practice a converse of Restoration known as Regeneration, which focuses solely on mending the body. Utility magic is any form of magic useful in the field that does not fall into the first two categories. Spells of detection, concealment, silence and speed, for example, fall under this category.
Even magic training is different for the Po’ Tun. The use of spell tomes is discouraged, as it forces students into the habit of using a fixed variation of spells. Instead, masters instruct kits in the basic principles of magic, and then have them manipulate Magicka directly. This teaches the shinobi-in-training to tailor their magic to the situation, instead of racking their brains for a spell that fits the moment.
That is not to say that the Shadeclaws have drawn no inspiration from Tamrielic magic, however. The precise, scientific methods of the Dwemer in particular appeal to the shinobi, and they have developed numerous advanced techniques by studying Ayleid magic.
Rendanshu
This manuscript is one of several texts that the Po' Tun brought with them from Akavir. It likely precedes even the Alessian Empire, and could be Merethic in origin. The Shadeclaws have gifted me a copy, but not before blacking out all of the written information. Ground graphite ink on vellum.
An offshoot of ancient Akaviri alchemy, the principles of Rendanshu remains one of the most closely guarded secrets of the Shadeclaws. It is applied to a kit throughout the course of his or her teenage years, bringing about physiological changes both subtle and radical. Rendanshu potions are given to the young shinobi in the form of flasks, coming one after another in ascending order of potency. The average Po’ Tun can expect to drink of at least five of the nine flasks, though it is not unusual for one to take up to seven. The last two flasks are drunk only by a kit with near perfect compatibility to Rendanshu, and even then the risk is great.
The Shadeclaws have so far refused to share the process of brewing and refining Rendanshu potions. I was able, however, to coax from their healers the different flasks and some of their effects on a kit’s body. Starting from the first one consumed, the Nine Flasks of Rendanshu are:
The Clear Flask
The first and most important of the Rendanshu Flasks, the Clear Flask contains a colourless liquid designed to make a Po’ Tun’s body more pliable, laying the groundwork for all of the kits’ future mutations. Impurities and accumulated waste are ejected, metabolism is boosted, the workings of the various organs and the circulatory system are made more efficient overall, and the kits gain a slight increase to their vitality and energy.
The White Flask of Bone
A thick, milky substance, the potion contained in the White Flask induces changes to a Po’ Tun’s skeleton. Their bones are strengthened and then hollowed out into a comb-like structure similar to the bones of a bird, allowing a Po’ Tun to perform feats of astonishing speed and agility, while at the same time rendering their bones almost impossible to break. Even their joints are modified – the ligaments connecting them are made thicker and more elastic, greatly enhancing their cushioning effect. Because of this, it is almost unheard of for a Shadeclaw to suffer any damage at all even in falls from incredible heights.
The Pale Flask of Flesh
This flask holds a potion that is pinkish in colour. It is administered as the effects of the White Flask enter the final stages and the kits’ joints are strengthened. Without the muscle-strengthening effect brought about by the Pale Flask, they would find it near impossible to move. The potion does not make muscles thicker – it makes them denser, compacting the individual muscle fibres to make them almost five times more powerful than normal. Most Shadeclaws have a slim appearance – no bulging biceps and pectorals or the like – but even the scrawniest shinobi is about as strong as a well-fed Orc. The potion accelerates a Po’ Tun’s natural healing process as well, allowing wounds that would take weeks or months to heal to do so within days. This also staves off the effect of aging on the muscles and organs. I have personally seen wizened Shadeclaws over the age of two hundred enter combat as fit and limber as if they were twenty. It is unfortunate that the Pale Flask cannot do the same for the nerves and the mind, or else the Po’ Tun would be effectively immortal.
The Yellow Flask of Thought
As the name implies, the potion in this flask resembles a light yellow cream. Consuming it gives a Po’ Tun exceptional clarity, composure and calm even in the most trying of circumstances. The potion also speeds up their reflexes and reaction time.
The Green Flask of Breath
The potion in the Green Flask has a deep emerald hue. It increases lung capacity and reduces the amount of air the Po’ Tun’s bodies burn through, allowing the already well-trained shinobi to exert themselves for far longer.
I should count myself lucky that the Shadeclaws even permitted me to study so deeply into Rendanshu. As it stands, I was only able to glean the names of the final flasks. They are as follows:
The Blue Flask of Magic
The Golden Flask of Spirit
The Red Flask of Blood
The Black Flask
Only a handful of shinobi in each generation ever drink of the Red Flask, and fewer still of the Black Flask. Those who do so risk dying in the process, which is why the Black Flask is also known as the Flask of Death.
Art and Culture
Shinobi, one of the first Akaviri characters taught to a Po' Tun. Eastern Akaviri calligraphy is still practiced by many Shadeclaws. One of these glyphs was written by Furiya herself, and has hung from the Grandmaster's office ever since Tsukikage was established. This particular piece was submitted for my inspection by one Master Takarro. Cuttlefish ink on parchment.
The shinobi of Tsukikage are descended from the Po’ Tun of Akavir, and it still reflects strongly in their culture. It is thanks to them that we know the Akaviri language is divided into at least two dialects – Western, used by the Tsaesci, and Eastern, written and once spoken by the Po’ Tun. Sadly, Tamrielic has become the standard language of the Shadeclaws, and they no longer speak Eastern Akaviri as fluently. They still write in Akaviri glyphs and characters as a form of art, but the language itself is no longer used for day-to-day communication.
The Shadeclaws may be killers and spies, but they are also great writers and artists, the discipline ingrained into their minds from the moment they are born making for some truly stunning work. A quarter of the literature stored in the Tsukikage library was produced by the Shadeclaws themselves, with pieces ranging from near flawless studies on magical phenomena to stories that would make the most hardened Legionnaire weep openly. The steady hands and balance of the Po’ Tun also make them natural painters. More than a couple of portraits and landscapes have found themselves on auction in the Imperial City.
Tsukikage does not have large livestock such as cows or pigs. The Po’ Tun make meals of fish and fowl most of the time. Salmon, shrimp and eel are kept in pools, and the village also has a small henhouse. Pork and beef have to be bought from other parts of Tamriel, and are considered delicacies. Rice, soy and mushrooms are grown in warm, enchanted gardens, with some other herbs grown sparingly.
Po’ Tun cuisine may be light, but it is not dull by any means. The salmon can be cut into boneless slices and eaten raw, or breaded and fried in sesame oil. Eel meat tastes heavier than salmon, and is most often grilled over a charcoal fire and served with a dark gravy. The rice can be prepared by both boiling and frying, and accompanies most meals along with eggs. The beans of the soy are used in a variety of ways - they can be fermented into a black, savoury sauce, or dried and ground with water to produce a milky drink. The Po’ Tun eat with strange implements called chopsticks, consisting of two small sticks grasped with the thumb and index finger, manipulated with the middle finger in a pincer-like motion.
Shadeclaws do not have many festivals, but at the end of every year a week-long celebration is held. During this time, extra lanterns in the shade of red are strung across the rooftops. The Po’ Tun discard their standard tunics and dress in robes called kimono, and the normally quiet Tsukikage erupts into merriment. There is poetry and song, sometimes even plays, and a feast every evening where thin sliced beef, pork, lamb, mushrooms and assorted vegetables are thrown into an enormous pot of broth for everyone to enjoy.
Shadeclaw involvement in Tamriel
As the reader can imagine, the shinobi of Tsukikage have maintained an unseen – but not unfelt – presence on the land of Tamriel ever since their arrival. Listed below are the most prominent examples of the influence they have exerted for over three Eras of history.
The Siege of Sky Haven Temple, 1E 2805-2806
When their fellow Akaviri of the Dragonguard were alienated from Emperor Kastav’s brutal regime for refusing to suppress the Winterhold Rebellion, Second Grandmaster Puriyo risked having the Shadeclaws share the same fate by ordering food and medicine smuggled to Sky Haven Temple. Kalien, the failed Dragonguard recruit who led the siege against Sky Haven Temple, was assassinated by an unknown assailant in 1E 2806. The Shadeclaws neither confirm nor deny their hand behind his death.
Annexation of Argonia, 1E 2811-2837
Out of a sense of loyalty to their old Shadowscale comrades, the Shadeclaws did not take part in the campaign to conquer Argonia. On the other hand, their friendship with the Empire also meant that they did not move against it, either.
Fall of the Cyrodiil line and rise of the Second Era, 1E 2920-2E 324
By the time Emperor Reman Cyrodiil the Third met his end at the hands of the Morag Tong, the Shadeclaws had become weary of the constant expansion of the Empire. Be that as it may, they remained loyal to Reman I’s descendants even after the bloodline was severed. They broke from Potentate Versidue-Shaie’s rule and took swift revenge on the Morag Tong, infiltrating their island sanctuary of Vounoura and executing every single assassin sent there, including the Redguard Corda, who struck down the Emperor. They also made several unsuccessful attempts on the Potentate’s life. Three centuries later, the Shadeclaws eliminated both of their enemies in one fell stroke, assassinating Versidue-Shaie and framing the Tong for the murder by painting the words ‘MORAG TONG’ next to the corpse in his own blood. The Morag Tong was subsequently outlawed throughout Tamriel, their presence all but eradicated.
Birth of Elsweyr, 2E 309
It is believed that the Shadeclaws had a large role in the formation of Elsweyr. Urotsuki-nin on their three-year journey from Tsukikage noted the violent feud between the two kingdoms of Anequina and Pellitine. Deciding to stay, they managed to convince Keirgo and Eshita, the leaders of the two sides, to combine their forces and resist Versidue-Shaie’s forces. For a time, Tsukikage and Elsweyr were in direct contact, with the Shadeclaws passing some elements of their culture to the Khajiit. The use of Eastern Akaviri honorifics such as ‘-ra’, ‘-do’, ‘-ko’, ‘-dar’, ‘-daro’, ‘-jo’ and ‘-ri’ were implemented into the Khajiit’s own language, and the shinobi also taught them the claw-based martial arts of Goutfang, Roritsu-ryu Tsumekata (later renamed Rawlith Khaj by the Khajiit) and Whispering Fang. Khajiit were permitted to freely visit Tsukikage, and some of their young were even selected to become shinobi themselves. This arrangement ended after forty years, after a heated disagreement with the Mane. Tsukikage returned to being a village composed solely of Po’ Tun, though to this day Khajiit blood shows in many of the village’s inhabitants.
Complete dissolution of the Reman Empire, circa 2E 430
With the numerous civil wars and rebellions, the Empire built by Reman Cyrodiil had been reduced to a collection of crumbling kingdoms and fiefdoms. The Shadeclaws withdrew from worldly affairs, keeping to Mount Furiya for the most part and occasionally dealing with the Jerall warlords whenever they grew too ambitious.
Planemeld, 2E 578-582
Electing to ignore the Three Banners War entirely, Shadeclaw operatives remerged in Tamriel to combat Molag Bal’s conquest of Nirn, employing multiple strategies to dislodge or destroy the Daedric Prince’s Dark Anchors. They were mostly unsuccessful, though Tsukikage itself remained largely unscathed due to the powerful enchantments woven into the village. After the Vestige repelled the invasion, the Shadeclaws retreated once more into seclusion.
Uniting Tamriel and rise of the Third Era, 2E 855-3E 0
In the beginning of Tiber Septim’s unification of Tamriel, the Shadeclaws were neutral. After experiencing so much strife, the shinobi were rightfully sceptical of his claim to the throne. It was Twenty-Second Grandmaster Guren who decided that they needed to ensure Reman’s legacy didn’t end in the bloody Interregnum. The Shadeclaws joined Talos in 2E 868, adding the shinobi to his already considerable forces. The pact between the Empire and Tsukikage was renewed in 3E 0, when the lengthy fighting was over and Tiber Septim was crowned Emperor.
The War of the Red Diamond, 3E 121-137
When Uriel Septim the Third and his mother Potema Septim (known to many as the Wolf Queen of Solitude) chose to engage in open rebellion, the Shadeclaws once again came to the Empire’s aid. While Cyrodiil itself was too well defended – officers among Uriel and Potema’s men knew of the Shadeclaws and took appropriate steps to defend themselves – their allies were not. The shinobi struck at the traitors in High Rock, Morrowind and Skyrim, eroding their support bit by bit until Cephorus Septim regained control over the Imperial City.
Invasion of Akavir, circa 3E 270-290
Some tension was put on the relationship between Tsukikage and the Empire when Uriel Septim the Fifth declared his intentions to invade Akavir. The Shadeclaws refused to send any shinobi to his aid in what they deemed a ‘senseless waste of life’. Uriel threatened to exile the Po’ Tun from Tamriel entirely. Before he could make good on his threat, however, the Emperor was killed in the Battle of Ionith.
Oblivion Crisis, 3E 433
No less than thirteen Oblivion Gates sprung up on Mount Furiya during the Crisis, and the shinobi became too embroiled in their own troubles to even think of assisting the Empire. Tens of thousands of Daedra poured from the portals and assaulted Tsukikage, marking the first instance that the village ever came close being overwhelmed. Thirty-First Grandmaster Yagurra closed all of the Gates in two days. Sadly, she died while closing the last one.
Beginning of the Mede Dynasty, 4E 17
For a third time, the Shadeclaws reaffirmed their pact with the Empire, now ruled by His Majesty Titus Mede the First. May our alliance last another thousand years.
White-Gold Tower
Imperial City, Cyrodiil
24th of Second Seed, 4E 174
The smell of burning wood and parchment stung at his nostrils and raced down to tickle his lungs. He coughed and snapped the thin book shut, squinting at the date. Year 31 of the Fourth Era. The captain bit back a curse and shouted for his lieutenant.
‘Vingerion! Get over here!’
Lifting his head, the lieutenant plodded towards him. The gash on his forehead, courtesy of the remaining dissidents in the Imperial City, hadn’t fully healed yet. His helmet was missing and the Thalmor standard on his shield was chipped off in several places. ‘Yes, sir?’
‘Haven’t you found anything more on these assassins yet? We need every bit of information to flush them from their mountain, and even this “most recent work” is more than a hundred years old.’
‘None, sir. I’m afraid that some of the mer may have been too… enthusiastic. Half the books in the Tower were reduced to ashes.’
The older elf scowled and scratched at the sharp tips of his ears, a nervous tic. ‘Fetch me the librarian again.’
‘The… ah,’ the lieutenant cleared his throat. ‘The lads gave him quite a beating, sir. He died in his sleep a while back.’
‘Mephala’s tits,’ the captain swore. ‘Are there any prisoners left that know the place?’
‘The janitor, sir. They’re keeping him in the storeroom with the rats,’ Vingerion sneered. ‘Imperial scum.’
‘Bring him here.’
The janitor did not struggle. He hung limply from the footmer’s rough hands as they dragged him over to the captain, who crouched down to stare at him.
‘Speak, mongrel. Where can I find more books like this?’
The lowly servant dared lock eyes with him. Snarling, the captain slapped him, knocking out a couple of molars.
‘Where?’
The janitor did not answer. A high, mocking giggle spilled from his bloodied lips. His face white with rage, the captain drew his glass longsword and shoved the tip under his chin, drawing blood. Still the Imperial laughed, the laughter of one who had nothing to lose and only defiance left at his disposal.
‘One more-’
The janitor drew in a gurgling breath and spat a gob of red phlegm into the captain’s eyes. The tall Altmer recoiled and swung his blade with all his might. The longsword caught in the middle of the man’s head, turning his face into a mangled pulp. After a few moments of straining, he managed to extricate the weapon. The captain began to regret acting so hastily when his breathing returned to normal. He could have tortured the man for a few hours, at least. I gave the filth a quick death.
One of the mer handed him a handkerchief. Grimacing, he wiped the mess off his brow and cheeks.
‘I suppose Herself will have to make do with this,’ he growled, handing Quintus’ book over to Vingerion. ‘Get on the fastest horse you can find; I need you to take it to Alinor as quickly as you can.’
The lieutenant saluted and took the book. Then a sudden gust of cool wind swooped in. All the torches went out, leaving the fallen city outside as their only source of light. The captain frowned.
All the windows are closed. Where did the wind come from?
Then a few shadows in the darkest corners of the Tower seemed to flicker, ever so slightly. It could have just been the flames, but his soldier’s instinct told him otherwise, and cold fear stabbed at his spine.
It’s them. ‘MAGELIGHT!’ He howled shrilly.
Two orbs of bright magic shimmered into existence. The two footmer blinked at the sudden light they conjured themselves, and the captain wanted to scream. Don’t close your eyes for even a second, you fools! Vingerion lay in front of him, staring lifelessly upwards, a star-shaped dart buried in the side of his head. The captain looked around wildly. Every crevice in the room was illuminated, every wall awash with light, so why was it that nobody else was in sight? Perhaps the shinobi were already gone, their mission accomplished.
The captain strode over to his lieutenant’s corpse, teeth clenched in anger. I will personally march on this… ‘Tsukikage’ and burn down their rotten collection of huts and hovels. The murderers who did this will beg for death when I’m done… It was then that he noticed two things. First, the book by Quintus Marcius was still clutched in Vingerion’s fingers. Second, there was a shadow looming over him.
Above us…! Then a sharp pain drove up his feet and he tripped, gasping. Some kind of spikes had punched clean through his leather boots, driven by the weight of his own steps. He twisted upwards as he fell, and his heart almost jumped out of his mouth.
A figure clad in a grey tunic was scuttling across the ceiling like a spider, a diamond-shaped dagger clutched between his teeth. The captain shouted a warning as he struggled to stand, but it was far too late. A second silhouette swept across one of the soldiers from the back as the first fell on his partner from above. Both of the mer were dead even before they could cry out, their lifeblood gushing out from their opened throats.
‘COWARDS!’ He roared as he forced himself to his feet, ignoring the throbbing of his wounds. He raised his longsword and unslung the shield from his back, guarding his torso. ‘Face me in open battle if you dare!’
The captain thought that he heard a chuckle. One of the shadows threw something small and round to the ground. There was a loud pop, and white fumes filled the room. Narrowing his eyes, the captain waited. Sure enough, a figure leapt at him from the smoke, a dagger in his outstretched hand. Grinning, he sidestepped and slashed it across the back. All too obvious.
The clink of armour rang out as the body tumbled to the ground. His smile faded. They don’t wear armour.
As the smoke cleared, the captain cast his own Magelight and inspected the corpse. It was one of his own mer, killed mere seconds earlier, a dagger bound to his right hand by a string.
The captain tried to turn, to whirl towards the sudden presence at his back, but his soles burned as he put pressure on them and he stumbled. Then a hand clapped over his mouth, pulling his head backwards, and he felt a dull cold at the base of his skull, right in the gap between his helmet and his armour. There was a deep slick, the sound of a key slipping into a snug lock. The last thing he felt was the echo resonating throughout his cranium.
This entry is part of Roaring Thunder, Hissing Lightning - Assorted Lore.
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