Resplendent Crane Mandarin of the Emerald Ministry

The Emerald Ministry wu Mandarin has long been a rising star of the Blood Court and the Quincunx. He’s ambitious but young for his position, having taken the Second Breath less than a century ago. If he had chosen his political leanings differently, he would almost certainly be one of San Francisco’s Cloud Mandarins. As it stands now, however, there’s little chance Maximum Sun will hold power in the city, although perhaps not so small a chance as some believe. The highly conservative Sun quickly sided with the Foreigner-Vanquishing Crusaders in the Blood Court, calling for action to stem the tide of corruption propelling the world ever faster toward the Sixth Age. The Emerald Ministry wu was already well known for its martial outlook and abilities as it guided several client wu, instructing them in the arts of war. The Quincunx chose the Ministry to spearhead the Los Angeles invasion, which it did, scoring impressive victories against the Kin-jin. They also suffered heavy losses both when the anarch resistance struck back hard and in the storm paralyzing the Yin world. Currently, the Emerald Ministry controls only two other wu, formed from the remains of its clients. Maximum Sun looks to recruit new jina and disciples to the cause. The Emerald Ministry’s valiant action in battle allowed them to remain in North America after Mandarin Hao faced the Eye of Heaven and the Fence Menders assumed operations of the Glorious Ocean-Crossing Warriors. Jiejie Li could not reassign Maximum Sun so easily, and he didn’ t intend to allow the Fence Menders to run the show unchallenged. Instead, the Mandarin and his Emerald Ministry have become the unofficial eyes and ears of SAN FRANCISCO BY NIGHT 86 conservatives within the August Courts. This suits the Honored Ancestors, who know Maximum Sun would gladly contribute to Jiejie Li’ s fall, if given the opportunity. If the New Promise Mandarinate fails, then the Emerald Ministry will gladly put it out of its misery. Such a service to the Quincunx might earn Maximum Sun a promotion, perhaps even to ancestor. He therefore watches for the loose thread that will unravel the Fence Menders’ plans and leave them vulnerable. Under normal conditions, the Mandarin of the Emerald Ministry would be content to wait and pick his opportunities. Recent events, however, have made that more difficult. During the Los Angeles conflict, Maximum Sun fell victim to a Kin-jin curse that rots his body from the inside out, filling his guts and skull with maggots that squirm unceasingly. Sun has had no success in seeking a cure for his condition, partially because there are few Kuei-jin sorcerers in North America he trusts. His balance toward Yin hindered the growth of the vermin, but not the rotting of his innards. Sun slows that process down by indulging in human flesh to replenish himself. If the truth of his condition and method of treatment were to surface, the Emerald Mandarin would not survive the night. In light of this, he carefully isolates himself and sees only his most trusted underlings. The Tremere who cast the curse met his Final Death more than a year ago, but others (notably Luna Demain, p. 110) can undo the spell. Maximum Sun knows the price will be high, and is unwilling to even consider dealing with the barbaric Kin-jin at the moment. He’s aware of Wan Zhu (p. 88) and wants to ascertain her loyalties before approaching her about his problem. Although she is a degenerate Kin-jin, she is at least Chinese with little love for the Westerners. Maximum Sun’s condition forces him — normally a creature of action — to accomplish his goals through underlings, blinds and Scarlet Screens. He has agents trying to learn more about the Kin-jin’ s occult secrets (supposedly to overcome threats like the wards placed around San Francisco). He also has followers watching for any sign of weakness on the New Promise Mandarinate’s part, something the Crusaders can turn to their advantage and use to expose the Mandarinate as a hollow sham.

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