Instruct the Heathen (D7, LM, Taira's Yurt)

[Seppun Hitako]

Hitako nods her head, then takes a seat, and prepares herself mentally. "What is the first place to start, if I may ask?"

[Soshi Taira]

Taira tried to sort that out.

"I'm most of the way through the basics. I suppose the real question is if there are any particular topics you are curious about, or if I should begin from the top?"

[Seppun Hitako]

"I don't know you need to start there, unless it is more than the common Rokugani knows."

[Soshi Taira]

"Ah, of course."

With a soft chuckle, he inquired. "Anything you'd like me to cover in particular?"

[Seppun Hitako]

She gives this careful consideration. "Signs to watch for. Things a Guard should know to keep an eye out for, to protect a charge. Particularly a guard with the ability to speak to the kami."

[Soshi Taira]

"Ah."

Taira considered that.

"Cuts, scrapes, or other wounds which only draw blood, without any sort of reasonable explanation, especially in places which can be covered up by normal garb. That should serve as a point of concern, and should mark an individual for observation. Obviously, there are many ways to be injured, so it is not more than just a possible hint... not a proof."

Sitting, he added, "Other signs include persistent and substantial changes in mood, nightmares, or a steadily increasing paranoia and secretive behaviors can all be signs of a slowly growing darkness."

Tapping his chin, he added, "As for more seriously infected individuals... while some corruption can be hidden, discolored, blackish blood is a sure indicator of corruption. Anyone working magic with blood is likewise consorting with spirits that cannot be pure. Anyone demonstrating an inhuman strength, or durability, or a sudden change in physical characteristics, like eye color, skin tone, musculature, etc... corruption always manifests some sort of change. Sometimes it is fast, sometimes slow, but the more sudden or substantial the change, the more likely it is to have a foul source."

[Seppun Hitako]

Several of those - they can fit normal things, though. A clumsy person, who is continually falling or getting hurt would be hard to tell from someone that gives that excuse. Nightmares are not uncommon among those that have fought in many battles, such as most Crab, or those that faced the Naga War. Mothers have been known to show amazing strength to save their children. That makes it more difficult to find those following the Foul, not less!"