City of Night

The City of Night is a pre-human city found under the Seikitsu Pass by the Unicorn Clan in 1158 or 1159. The city was constructed by the five ancient civilizations: Kenku, Kitsu, Ningyo, Troll and Zokujin.

In 1159 Hantei Naseru was compelled to visit the city by strange dreams. Naseru was accompianied by Bayushi Sunetra, Seppun Isei and Shinjo Shono. Yotsu Irie also secretly followed Naseru. During their journey the group was attacked by Tsuno.

Upon reaching the city Naseru met Moto Vordu, a shugenja who guarded the city at the behest of Moto Chagatai. Vordu had been driven insane by his discoveries and had a sinister purpose for Naseru. The city housed a powerful nemuranai: a sphere made of crystal.

The sphere was constructed by Soli Izumo, an ancient Kitsu. Only those of Izumo's line were able to open the sphere. Because Naseru was half-[Lion Clan|Lion]] Vordu believed that Naseru would be able to open the sphere. Vordu was right, and Naseru was forced to open the sphere by a Tsuno named Kishenku, who was an ally of Vordu's.

Naseru's will was strong enough to realize that he could destroy the world with the sphere and decided to destroy it, although he first used it to kill all Tsuno in the city. Irie, who had followed Naseru to kill him, was impressed by Naseru's will and became his yojimbo after Isei perished. (4W p.52)