Hida Ryokai

Hida Ryokai was the Karada district's governor of Otosan Uchi.

Family
Ryokai married to an Unicorn samurai-ko who died while leading her clan forces against a resurgence of the Shadowlands. Their infant son, Hida Reitaan was raised by Ryokai alone.

Karada Governor
Ryokai moved to the Imperial City when he was appointed as the Karada governor tasked to clean up the corruption in the Ekohikei. Father and son used to play go for hours, and Reitaan gifted his father an exquisite board and pieces set. since that day Ryokai became an angry man all the time, obsessed with go, having violent outburst when he was defeated. The Sentaku Tribunal recommended his removal from office, as Ryokai fell in public disgrace. He was forced to train his substitute, the governor-to-be Otomo Ujihiro, and hatred grew for one another.

Death
In the Iris Festival the annual go tournament was run, and Ryokai confronted Ujihiro in the final. Ujihiro defeated Ryokai, blaming him for all his faults. In a shocking display the Otomo committed seppuku on the spot, his blood spilling upon the board Reitaan had given his father. Ryokai was granted seppuku, buried with his go board. His final request was accepted and Ryokai became the new governor, so that his own blood might make right his mistakes.

Haunting his son
In 1120 a tree sprouted from the site of Ryokai's grave, growing at an abnormal rate. The tree's bark had grown old and brittle, cracking into the shape of a go board. It was rumored Reitaan was haunted by his father's spirit, and the cause the governor had changed his demeanor, suffering from severe depression and an inability to face hard decisions.