Unexpected Allies 2

Written by: Daniel Briscoe and Steven Martino Design Team: Robert Hobart
Edited by: Shawn Carman and Robert Hobart Head Playtester: Brian Bates
RPG Design: Robert Hobart Playtesters: Team 1 (Dave Smith, Patrick Chen,
Cover Design: Robert Denton Aien Elmi, Jason Kang, Ki Chang Kim, Roger Liang,
Arthur Nguyen); Team 4 (Becca Hobart, Kevin Blake,
Cover Art: Andy Hepworth Todd Stites, Daniel Briscoe); Team 6 (Timar Long, Erykah
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Unexpected Allies 2

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Jason Engle, Carl Frank, Richard Garcia, Gong Studios, Lee Vollum, Richard Hewitt, Bill Hrenchuck); Team 19
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(Prof.) Herbert, David Horne, Wen Juinn, Michael Komarck, Sweeden, Justin Cross, Fox Whitworth); Team 20 (Matt
Amandine LaBarre, April Lee, Alayna Lemmer, Monika Tyler, Timothy Hill, Stephen Mumford, Matthew Linkswiler,
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Scott Neil, William OConnor, Glen Osterberger, Immar Harris, Sarah Koz, David Wright, James Mosingo); Team
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Production Manager: David Lepore Lombardi-Friedman); Team 24 (Tony Love, Kassandra

Senior Brand Manager: Todd Rowland Mullin, Brian Tieken, Kimberly Wajer-Scott, Phillip
Scott, Nicholas Love, Jerry Fleenor, Patrick Williams) Jim
Chief Executive Friedman, Izzy Friedman, Jay Becknell, Mandy Spice
Officer: John Zinser
Head Playtester: Brian Bates

LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS

and all related marks are and Alderac Entertainment Group
Inc. All rights reserved. www.l5r.com
 Table The Lion Clan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
of Contents Akodo Rokuro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Akodo Yobu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Ikoma Asa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Kitsu Hisashi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Matsu Agoro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 The Spider Clan. . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Matsu Mieko. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Daigotsu Akihime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
The World of NPCs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Matsu Mikura. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Daigotsu Chaozhu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Heroes and Villains Described. . . . . . . . 7
Kokujin Buncho. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Mrika . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Villains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Ninube Onchi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Neutral NPCs and Motives. . . . . . . . 8
Omigawa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Creating and Using NPCs. . . . . . . . . 9
Udo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Templates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Mantis Clan. . . . . . . . . . . 40
Optional Rules: Allies and Enemies. . 11
Kitsune Iwarou. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Moshi Amika. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Moshi Kiyomori. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Tsuruchi Etsui. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Tsuruchi Shisuken. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Ronin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Yoritomo Emoto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Hidekazu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
The Crab Clan. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Yoritomo Yoyonagi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Kincho the Sixth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Hida Ikarukani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Seppun Tashime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Hida Kuroda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Hida Sozen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Unexpected Allies 2
Hida Togeriso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Hida Yagimaki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Phoenix Clan. . . . . . . . . . 47
Kaiu Iemasa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Yasuki Namika . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Agasha Miyoshi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Non-Humans . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Asako Kinuye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Makirtch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Isawa Mizuhiko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Matcheck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Isawa Takashi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Peptrchek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Isawa Yoriko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Zintch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Shiba Takeshi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Chutoburo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
The Crane Clan. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Shiba Rae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Hitaka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Asahina Yasutora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Pokku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Daidoji Akeha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Daidoji Sabaru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Doji Kusari. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Kakita Kae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Kakita Matabei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Scorpion Clan. . . . . . . . . . 54
Kakita Yariga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Bayushi Arashii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Bayushi Azumamoru. . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Bayushi Irezu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Bayushi Kahoku. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Shosuro Atesharu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
The Dragon Clan. . . . . . . . . . . 26 Soshi Tishi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Yogo Fujitani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Hitomi Suguhara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Kitsuki Daisuke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Kitsuki Kouri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Mirumoto Katsutoshi. . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Mirumoto Saori. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Tamori Emina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The Unicorn Clan . . . . . . . . . . 61
Togashi Genshuo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Horiuchi Nobane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Ide Kin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Iuchi Tsung. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Moto Jin-Sahn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Moto Ogaru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Shinjo Dun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Utaku Mu-Dan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
 The smoky tavern was just on the edge of the seediest part
At this, Utagawas smirk faded, and her shoulders slumped
of the city, and in Ryoko Owari, that was quite a statement.
ever so slightly. I travel so much, and my officers and
As the ronin Horobei stepped inside, an attendant offered a
attendants often have duties that occupy their own time. I
greeting and showed him where he could store his weapons.
would not mind having someone who I did not have to send
Horobei hesitated momentarily, looking around at the
away so often, someone with whom I could talk and who
shadows, but he could not turn back. He placed his weapons
would be there in quiet times to be a friend. It has not been
in the cabinet and walked to the back of the room, searching
the same sinceoh, something I should not say. In my youth
for his contact.
I met a man named Reikado. He taught me how to live as a
He saw her in a small booth along the wall. Although she wave man. I never understood why he took an interest in me,
was concealed by a thin piece of cloth that hung across the but I do now.
front of the booth, he could see the tessen placed perpendicular
Unexpected Allies

I have a daughter, but Tamahime forges her own path. She

to the edge of the table, the sign he was told to find. Turning
already knows all my old stories anyway. It would be nice to
to make sure no one was taking too much interest in him,
travel with someone with whom I can share what Ive seen in
Horobei approached the booth and slid into the seat.
my years. Does this interest you?
He was surprised to come face to face with an elderly
Horobei considered for a moment. He was unsure about
woman. She did not seem infirm, though, and held herself as
4 having duties as a yojimbo for someone who did not think
though she were accustomed to deference. She retrieved the
they needed one, but Utagawa was a legend, and he could not
tessen from the tabletop and leaned forward.
deny his curiosity at the stories she could tell. It was not an
INTRODUCTION

You must be Horobei, she said. The man who performed offer he could refuse.
so admirably against Mirumoto Tsuda at the Emerald
I will accept your offer, Utagawa-sama, he addressed her
Championship. Of course, had you performed any more
formally. I will warn you, though, that even if you do not
admirably, you might be serving the Empress today, and not
want a yojimbo, you will have one. I will protect you even
me. She smirked, and Horobei was unsure how to reply.
if you try to dissuade me. I suspect you will prove difficult,
It is an honor to be offered a commission in the Legion of given your history, but I would be honored to serve you. I
Two Thousand, he began carefully, but your man Masaya suppose I only have one question. Where do we go first?
would not tell me exactly to whom I would be assigned. It
I am meeting with a member of my staff tomorrow, she
has been several years since I worked as a yojimbo, so I was
said, a wicked smile showing through the smoke, and then
surprised to be approached about doing so again.
we will travel to Kyuden Bayushi to accept a contract to
The woman leaned back and spoke more casually. My relieve one of the Scorpion Clans units at the Second Pit.
officers insist I employ a yojimbo. I do not need one, but their I hope your sword is eager, for I expect we will have use of
concern is touching. I hate to worry them. it soon.
Horobeis eyes widened as he realized who she was. You are Kyuden Bayushi? Horobei failed to contain his shock. Is
General Utagawa? I must say, I never expected to be working it safe there? I have heard interesting things about Bayushi
with someone with such an illustrious history. Though if you Nitoshi. I would prefer not to learn if they are true.
insist you have no need of a yojimbo, what would you have
Not to worry, Horobei-san, she said confidently. I knew
me do?
his mother well, and he has always been cordial to me.
Nitoshi is a perfect Scorpion, but he knows well enough that
we go where we are paid to go.
When you have been around as long as I have, she
continued, you can go many places and speak to many
people. I traveled so much in my youth that I would wager
I met as many important people as any three samurai. We
have some time this evening before we must retire. Let us
order sake and I will tell you a few stories of the people I
have met
 Unexpected Allies
5

INTRODUCTION
Welcome, samurai, bandits, magistrates, courtiers, ninjas, was published. Weve attempted to keep the format for this
and shugenja of Rokugan to Unexpected Allies II! The book similar to the original. There are two major sections
original Unexpected Allies book was an iconic installment in for Unexpected Allies II, this introductory and explanatory
the Legend of the Five Rings role-playing game, 1st Edition, section which will provide more information what Heroes
and has been a book that is still sought today for the rich and Villains are, explain motivations, and provide a quick-
information and insights into building NPCs to use in the and-dirty way to generate enemy encounters on the fly. The
Emerald Empire. Four editions later, the material from the second section is the real meat of the book, and contains
original book is still something players and GMs go back over 50 different NPCs from all across the Legend of the Five
to over and over again. Its been a long time coming, but Rings storyline, most of whom have never received storytime
weve finally gone and updated the original to include a in the weekly fictions published by Alderac Entertainment
wider variety of characters for you to use in your campaign, Group. We hope to honor the original, iconic book while
with updated information on heroes and villains in Rokugan, also updating it and creating a worthy successor for the 4th
rules for creating your own NPCs and easy-to-use templates Edition of the RPG.
to quickly make henchmen and magistrates. Were also
providing optional rules for GMs to maximize and get the
most of the Allies and Enemies that their players have and
The Characters
make throughout a campaign, which will also give the Unlike many books similar to this one in other systems,
players a much better grasp on just how much an Ally can we encourage players and GMs alike to explore the content
do for them, and to what extent a Sworn Enemy will go to within these pages to find characters that leap out at them
make their lives wretched and miserable. as interesting for their campaign. We have gone out of our
way to make these characters as balanced as possible, and
Welcome, to Unexpected Allies II!
most of them are relatively low-ranking. The reason for this
is with the exception of all but a few high level campaigns,
The New vs. the Old most players are not going to be meeting with the Emerald
Unexpected Allies Champion or a Clan Champion on a regular basis and
receiving orders from them.
The original Unexpected Allies was an important book, and
we want to not only pay homage to it, but update and expand
upon the initial concepts and goals the book had when it
 Its a dual-edged blade - on the one hand, everyone wants The World of NPCs
to see the stats for their Clan Champion or one of the iconic
super villains of L5Rs history such as the Dark Lord Daigotsu. From a lowly servant working the fields of his lord to a
The other side of the blade is that its very difficult to work provincial or family daimyo, the range of people who
these characters into a setting or campaign without a lot of populate Rokugan cannot be more diverse. Court scribes,
work on the GM, and even then, these Clan Champions or priests of the Kami, military commanders - they are all part
other high ranking characters are incredibly powerful, with of Rokugan, and thus, part of the world you and your players
years or even decades of training, and many have access create and play in. The GM should populate the world of his
to items such as Ancestral Swords and Armor that make players with all these different kinds of characters around
them leagues above many characters in the world. We dont them, give them potential people to meet and interact with
want that for Unexpected Allies II. Those characters are cool while they are performing their duties to their lord. A simple
and awesome and capable of epic feats, but we wanted to shrine monk can prove a valuable asset to players, and
design this book with low level characters in mind. We want likewise in a major city the guards or innkeepers can prove
these NPCs to be people that your Rank 1 or Rank 2 bushi just valuable an asset to PCs as can the lord of a castle or
or magistrates or even bandits can run across in a normal Darling of the Court.
campaign, who have their own goals and desires that they
wish to achieve. This will give them something to seek from
players, and also give the players a variety of excellent, Balance
flavorful, diverse characters to work with in achieving their We have aimed to make the NPCs contained in this
own goals. There are a few exceptions that are higher rank book mostly lower Ranking characters that have minor to
than many others, and this is intentional. Theyre designed moderate positions within their clans and the Empire. While
to be important people within their clan and the Empire, and some games do see the PCs attain high stations such as
meeting or even working with them is a great honor that will Emerald Champion, Sensei of a Dojo, or even Voice of the
carry the potential for status and glory for player characters, Empress, the majority of games people run do not start and
Unexpected Allies

but bringing about their scorn or wrath will make for many end at these high levels. And for the games that do, many
long nights and very little sleep. major NPCs - the Clan Champions, Family Daimyo, Jade
One more thing to note about these NPCs - they come from Champions, and other major positions are outlined in other
across a wide range of time in L5Rs history. Depending on books in the Legend of the Five Rings line. There are not a
the time you are setting your game, there may not be many lot of lower Rank characters though, even though many of
6
characters who would fit the traditional cannon for your th Empires greatest heroes and threats have not always been
home campaign. Along with the NPC creation rules, you can the Dark Lord Daigotsu or Doji Kurohito. With that in mind,
we have aimed to present many options for NPCs in the Rank
INTRODUCTION

easily substitute new names for many of these characters. If

youre looking for an almost supernatural Crab bushi who 1 - 3 range for the GM to work with and for players to build
never dies despite constant punishment he suffers, but your relationships with. Keep in mind however, that even if your
campaign is set far before the birth and glorious time of PCs are Rank 1, a Rank 3 ally can be incredibly powerful, or
Hida Sozen, you can easily change the name and parts of likewise deadly. We again want to encourage GMs to modify
his background to suite your campaign, and you still have a the characters present in this book as needed to suite the
fully fleshed out character to use. The same goes for nearly NPCs role in the story and to put them on an appropriate
every NPC in this book, so feel free to change things around level for his players.
if one doesnt quite fit exactly what you need. This book
is 100% designed to be used by players and GMs to bring Format
more interesting, flavorful, and unique characters to their
campaign world, and that means you should feel free to Similar to the original Unexpected Allies, the majority of this
adjust things slightly if you find an awesome NPC you want book will be NPCs from all walks of life in Rokugan. You can
to use, but for instance the time period they are from is before find these characters in Section 2, starting on Page 12. Second
or after your campaign. 1 contains this introductory section, followed by a look at
Heroes and Villains as they are within Rokugan, followed by
a section on neutral NPCs and a Motives and Quirks table
that weve updated and revised from the original. Finally,
we will provide new templates and quick generation rules
for NPCs that GMs can use on the fly for creating a tough
single enemy as well as mobs of small henchmen. Along with
that, the last part of Section 1 will detail new optional rules
for Allies and Enemies that should help give players a better
understanding of what these advantages and disadvantages
do, and give the GMs some more flexibility in what they can
do for and against their players.
Heroes and
Villains Described The Unexpected Allies II
Open Call
Most often, in fictional or fantasy settings, evil can easily
When this project was first conceptualized at AEG,
be seen as monsters that ravage the countryside, or sinister
there was a contest open to fans of Legend of the Five
sorcerers of incredible power who seek to destroy and remake
Rings to create a backstory and to stat characters from
the world in their own image. Legend of the Five Rings has
the collectable card game that had never been featured
these as well - the Oni of the Shadowlands and the blood
in the weekly fictions that are written by the L5R Story
sorcerer Iuchiban are two excellent examples. But most often, Team. Many submissions were sent, and many of the
the concept of good and evil in Rokugan is not so black and NPCs you will read about in this book will be the result
white as the monsters of the Shadowlands and the Crab who of fans sending in characters that were a part of the card
valiantly defend the Wall. The intricacies of status and power game but were not in many or even any fictions for the
in Rokugan are where true danger lies for most samurai. Emerald Empire. We want to take a moment to thank
One wrong word in court could have you challenged by a again everyone who sent in their submissions and thank
duelist more lethal than youve ever met, or a simple blunder you for your collaboration on this effort!
when visiting another Great Clan could result in shame on
your entire family for generations - assuming youre not
immediately ordered to commit seppuku to cleanse the
dishonor you brought on your house, your Clan, and the Clan
youve slighted. World domination and complete destruction,
likewise, are goals most samurai do not have. The society An example of the first kind of hero was Emperor Toturi II,
that is Rokugan is a complex one, and any individual may the former Toturi Tsudao. She was one of the Four Winds,
wish to simply have a glorious name, or become the daimyo vying for the throne after the death of her father, Toturi I.

Unexpected Allies
of his family, or become the Emerald Champion. Likewise, Tsudaos honor was above reproach, and she would never
a bitter samurai may wish to dishonor an entire family, or have sullied her reputation with lies and schemes. She was
position himself such that he can exact revenge on a samurai honest and direct with everyone she met, and risked her life
who wronged his family years ago. Whatever the motivation, on many occasions to protect the people of Rokugan. She
Heroes and Villains are rarely straightforward. They are sacrificed herself in combat against Daigotsu in the Temple
much, much more. of the Ninth Kami, allowing her brothers to defeat the Dark 7
Lord.
Heroes

INTRODUCTION
An example of the second kind of hero was Tsudaos
brother Toturi III, Toturi Naseru. Naseru was taught as a child
What makes a great hero? Ask yourself that question.
by the power-hungry former emperor, Hantei XVI. Under
Its a question that has nearly infinite answers, and one
his tutelage, Naseru learned many underhanded tricks for
that everyone will have a different answer for. Saving the
manipulating or coercing others. During his time competing
world, defeating someone evil, breaking an ancient curse,
with his siblings for the throne, Naseru used these lessons to
or sacrificing himself so others can live - those are all easy
great effect to set up a would-be puppet as Emerald Champion,
examples of what would make someone a hero. In Rokugan,
disrupt his half-brother Kanekas supply lines, and generally
the definition of hero is a very subtle one, and can take
discredit the others in court. Naseru firmly believed that only
on many different meanings. Exemplars of the tenets of
someone who mastered these skills could protect the Empire.
Bushido, for instance, may be considered heroes. A samurai
As Emperor, Naserus willingness to defy his own place in the
who takes the fall for a slight committed by his lord, heaping
Celestial Order was instrumental in his discovery of the Tomb
the blame upon himself so as to spare his lord shame, is an
of the Seven Thunders and the treasures within that would
honor soul and would be considered a hero by his lord and
be vital to Rokugan.
those around him.
A hero is defined not only by his actions, but by his
motives. A samurai who restored order during a peasant Villains
revolt is a hero, for he is protecting the Empire and guarding If a hero can be complex, a villain is far more so. Great
the Celestial Order. His family and lord will celebrate his villains are defined by a number of characteristics. A villain
accomplishments and declare him a hero. Another samurai must have an ambition that is at odds with the players, or
who helped a village of peasants driven to starvation by the even the entire Empire, the capability of achieving that
brutal taxation of their lords by marching to the lords castle ambition, enough success toward that goal to create dramatic
and demanding he treat the peasants with compassion is also tension, and the villain must engage personally with the
a hero. The peasants will thank the Fortunes that the Celestial players. Finally, a villain must act in a manner that will
Order provided a samurai to protect them in their time of inspire the players to act.
need. Upon closer consideration, those two samurai may
And important distinction among villains is that they need
be heroes, but only to the people they helped. The peasants
not be evil. A villain must only be opposed to some principle
would not celebrate the man who punished them for trying
or institution the players support. Many of the best villains
to force their lord to help them, and the lord will not celebrate
have complications desires, or even believe themselves to be
the man who forced him to lessen the taxes on his vassals.
 heroes. In a setting where the dynamic of good and evil is survive even when his body died, and to possess anothers
separate from the dynamic of honorable and dishonorable, body later. He rose twice more, and was only defeated when
there are more ways to position an antagonist as a certain the Fortune of Persistence, Hida Kisada, returned to Ningen-
kind of villain. Do with the knowledge of the khadi magic that allowed
Isawa Sezaru to finally destroy Iuchiban.
An example of a villain who thought he was a hero is
Bayushi Shoju, the Scorpion Clan Champion who planned Both villains have a place in a campaign. A villain who
and executed the Scorpion Clan Coup. Shoju knew that occupies a moral gray area provides a GM with ample
the Prophecies of Uikku warned that the last Hantei would opportunity to test the players understanding of the setting
bring about the return of the Dark God Fu Leng. Shoju knew and to allow the players to define their characters along the
that he must act in order to save the Empire, by killing the good and evil dynamic in a way that is not addressed at
Emperor Hantei XXXVIII and his heir, Hantei Sotorii. Shoju character creation. A purely evil villain is useful to provide
planned and executed the coup, killing the Emperor himself. an obvious foil for the characters and to give the players an
Although he believed that he was doing what was right, indication of where the campaign plot is heading so that the
Shoju realized the enormity of his actions when the Lion players have an easier time finding their way without the GM
Clan Champion Akodo Toturi confronted him in the throne having to lead them there.
room in Otosan Uchi. He had fallen victim to the siren call
of the Bloodsword, Ambition, and his quest to save Rokugan
had turned into a bloody and futile campaign to seize the
Neutral NPCs and Motives
throne for himself. Although Shoju was clearly the superior Although campaigns often focus on major heroes and
swordsman, he purposely drove Ambition into the throne villains, the majority of characters you will meet in Rokugan
and shattered the blade, allowing Toturi to kill him. Shoju are neither. They are soldiers and sailors, merchants and
would be remembered as one of the Empires greatest villains magistrates, farmers and tradesmen. The Empire is full
even though he was doing what was right. of interesting people your players can meet and who will
Unexpected Allies

provide an outlet to direct and shape your campaign.

An example of a purely evil villain is the Bloodspeaker,
Although these characters do not drive the narrative, their
Iuchiban. He was Otomo Jama, second son of the Emperor
personal interests can provide you with an opportunity to
Hantei X, destined to be ignored in favor of his elder brother,
anchor your campaign into the setting and engage your
the heir to the throne. Jama desired power and to usurp his
characters with the world on a more personal basis.
brothers place as heir. He studied forbidden magic in the
8 Imperial Library, learning of maho. Unwilling to risk his Most people in Rokugan are just trying to get by from day
soul to Jigoku, he traveled beyond Rokugan in search of to day, to serve their lord, earn enough koku to feed their
a way to use his dark powers while keeping his soul free. families or any of a number of mundane purposes that were
INTRODUCTION

There he discovered the ways of the khadi, the Heartless, and important before the players arrived and will continue to be
became Iuchiban. He founded the Cult of Bloodspeakers and important after the players have moved on. Neutral NPCs can
plotted to conquer the Empire. Although the forces of the play an important role in your campaign, though, because
clans defeated Iuchiban, his gaijin magic allowed his soul to they can offer things to a group of traveling samurai. A
merchant can provide supplies, while an
innkeeper provides a place to rest and a hot
meal. What both provide that is far more
important, though, is a connection to the
local region.
Peasant characters in particular are useful
for a GM whose players are not yet savvy
in the delicate social protocols in Rokugan.
A new player can very easily do or say
something that would be acceptable in
a Western setting, but which will result
in the characters death in Rokugan.
A samurai interacting with a peasant,
though, is much safer. The samurai
can say almost anything to the peasant
without fear of retribution. This does
not mean that samurai can simply force
the peasantry to do whatever they wish,
though. A samurai must still respect
that the peasant serves a samurai lord,
and so peasants are a safe balance for
newer players.
 For more experienced players, the wily merchant and the Then there are the bystanders. These are NPCs who may have
haughty magistrate are excellent archetypes. Samurai caste useful informations, but are not involved in the plot and so
merchants often have access to valued items, useful infor- have no reason to talk about what they know to the players
mation, and powerful allies. Players have much to gain by until engaged.
befriending a merchant, but that friendship will surely come
with a price. Merchants will insist the players reciprocate 2. Where will the
with something the merchants wants. This is an opportunity
players encounter this NPC?
for small side adventures, or to introduce a new plot into the
story with a tale the merchant relays to the players. The physical location where the NPC first appears is
important. Some characters are more or less likely to be
A clan magistrate or Emerald Magistrate brings a different found in a given setting. A small village, for example, is
set of opportunities. Magistrates are especially useful for unlikely to have a Great Clan samurai living there. A ronin is
introducing conflict or funneling players in a particular possible, but the most common residents will be peasants. If
direction. Not only can a magistrate frequently exercise the players are in a large city like Ryoko Owari, though, a far
greater status over players, forcing them to assist in an broader range of character types is available. The relationship
investigation, but a magistrate is also more likely to be between the place where the NPC appears and what thay
straightforward with information. When players seem lost or NPC would otherwise be doing there can be useful. Players
intent on leaving the intended plot, a magistrate can get the are prone to reading into everything in their situation, even
campaign back on schedule without much difficulty. things the GM may not have considered. If the players
encounter a Scorpion Clan samurai in a remote village in
Creating and Using NPCs Phoenix lands, they will assume that the Scorpion is there for
a reason that is relevant to their own interests. If the players
Creating NPCs can be one of the most enjoyable parts of encounter a peasant instead, they will think nothing of it.
planning a campaign for a GM. While the visual descriptions
A clever GM uses these cues to create a desired question

Unexpected Allies
of the setting and scene play an important role in showing
your players where they are and what is going on around the players want to ask, or to prevent the players from
them, the most important parts of the narrative will be ac- running off in the wrong direction. If the Scorpion are up to
complished through the other characters in the world. Those something in this Phoenix village (and when are they not?)
characters should be detailed enough that the players are able then the Scorpion samurai is a good choice for a NPC. If the
to recognize what role they might play in the story, but flex- GM merely wants to give the players access to information
ible enough that the GM can adapt to any unexpected ques- about the village without distracting them from what they 9
tions or actions the players may take in response to the NPC. already know, a peasant is more appropriate.

INTRODUCTION
The simplest way to create a NPC is to follow the character
generation rules in the Core Book, and then add experience 3. How important is the NPC?
to bring the NPC up to the desired level. This is restrictive, Status is incredibly important in Rokugan. It delineates the
though, and may not be the best way to create all NPCs. A feudal system in a way that creates rigid boundaries between
good GM will introduce NPCs to the players to further the vassals and lords. It also dictates the opportunity for one
narrative, but also to give the players a connection to the character to address another, and the manner in which their
GM. If players have access to a knowledgeable NPC, the can interactions will happen. For a GM, this is a tool to make NPCs
address questions to that NPC that they might otherwise try who are more or less willing to be helpful to the players. A
to ask the GM directly. The NPC keeps the players focused on group of players with Status 1, for example, can easily force
the story and provides an opportunity to advance the plot a peasant to answer a question or even accompany them
while staying in character. somewhere. The same group of PCs must be deferential to an
Emerald Magistrate with Status 4.
A GM should ask a series of questions to define a new
NPC, much like the players answered twenty questions The question of how important the NPC must also be
when making their characters. These are the most important considered in light of where the NPC is found. A high
questions, but obviously there can be many more. status NPC in a remote village would raise questions with
the players, as would the presence of a peasant at a closed
session of court in a Daimyos castle.
1. What do I need this
NPC to convey in the narrative?
4. What does the NPC want?
The basic role of any NPC is to anchor the narrative. There
are several common archetypes that prove useful to any GM. Everyone wants something. A samurai may desire glory, or
A NPC can begin a plot by introducing an event or directive simply to be able to fulfill his duty, a merchant may want to
to the players. These are commonly the players own lords or earn a koku, and a peasant may want help feeding his family,
magistrates, but can also include any character the players or simply to be left alone. These are the handles by which a
meet who is in need of help, such as a peasant. Another player can influence or coerce an otherwise uncooperative
NPC can serve to stymie the players efforts. These are often NPC or engender a friendship or alliance with a NPC who
corrupt local officials, samurai who are trying to save face for has shared goals. The desires of a NPC can be obvious to the
themselves or an ally, or members of rival clans who merely player from the first conversation, or they can be hidden deep
wish to prevent a players clan from accomplishing a goal. and require an investment of time and energy to discover.
 It is important to distinguish between a desire and a motive. Templates
A motive is the reason for a characters current actions, while
I desire is a reason for a potential action. The latent nature of For a new GM, or a GM in a hurry, we present the following
a desire gives the GM flexibility in deciding how the players templates for quick and easy NPC stats. The GM will still
can learn of an possibly fulfill the desire. Desires are also need to fill in the characterization, but the numbers are all
useful because they do not have to tied into the overall plot here. The templates are based on the Insight Rank calculations
and can be introduced only as a factor in interacting with found in the Core Rules. If your campaign uses modified
the NPC. rules, you will want to modify the templates accordingly.
Simple desires are often the best, because they can be A typical Rank 1 character will have 120 points of Rings
introduced quickly and used to maneuver the players in and 10 points of Skills.
a direction without complicating the plot. A samurai may
desire betrothal to someone in particular, or to be assigned to Sample Rank 1 Bushi
a specific duty or location. A merchant may desire to obtain a
rare item. A peasant may desire for his taxes to be lowered or Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 2
for someone to protect a farm or village from bandits. These Reflexes: 3 Strength: 3
desires both curry favor with the NPC and provide the players
Skills: Athletics 2, Defense 1, Heavy Weapons 2,
with some interesting places to go and things to do.
Intimidation 2, Kenjutsu 3

5. How would the NPC A typical Rank 2 character will have 150 points of Rings
and 15 points of Skills.
interact with the players?
The way the GM wants the NPC to interact with the players Sample Rank 2 Courtier
dictates the role that the NPC should have. These can vary
by location and status like several other aspects of the NPC, Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
Unexpected Allies

but the role should also be attuned to the Advantages and Awareness: 4 Intelligence: 4
Disadvantages of the players. A Greedy player may be
susceptible to a merchant, while a Lecherous player would Skills: Courtier (Manipulation) 3, Etiquette 3, Lore: Heraldry
be susceptible to a geisha. If a player has a Brash Lion Clan 2, Meditation 1, Sincerity 4, Tea Ceremony 2
samurai, a Unicorn magistrate would evoke a different A typical Rank 3 character will have 170 points of Rings
10 reaction than a Crane magistrate. and 20 points of Skills.
Within each social strata, there are varying roles that can
Sample Rank 3 Shugenja
INTRODUCTION

influence the disposition of your players to the character. In

a small village, a village headman will be more comfortable
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 4
speaking to samurai than a farmer, while an innkeeper would
be somewhere between. Thus your low-status peasant NPC Reflexes: 4 Intelligence: 5 Perception: 4
can fill a different role in your narrative depending on his Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher) 3, Etiquette 2, Lore: Theology 4,
position within the village. Meditation 4, Spellcraft 5, Tea Ceremony 2
A typical Rank 4 character will have 190 points of Rings
6. How powerful is the NPC? and 20 points of Skills.
This can be the simplest, yet most time-consuming part of
creating NPCs. The power level of a NPC is based primarily Sample Rank 4 Ninja
on the current power level of the party, and adjusted for the
relative threat the NPC or players should pose to one another. Air: 4 Earth: 4 Fire: 5 Water: 3 Void: 3
A major hero or villain should be powerful enough that the Reflexes: 5 Perception: 4
PCs cannot harm them unless the GM plans it into the plot.
Skills: Defense 3, Investigation 3, Kenjutsu 3, Ninjutsu 4,
An adversary, though, should be sufficiently powerful to hurt
Sincerity (Lying) 3, Stealth (Ambush, Sneaking) 4
and be hurt by players, but also be able to escape to fight
another day should the campaign call for it. And a peasant A typical Rank 5 character will have 210 points of Rings
should be scared of everything (notwithstanding the lethal and 25 points of Skills.
potential of a peasant with a stick!).
Sample Rank 5 Duelist
As a general rule, a major character should be at least an
Insight Rank above the highest Insight Rank among the Air: 5 Earth: 4 Fire: 4 Water: 4 Void: 4
players. Because the L5R character advancement system
Reflexes: 6 Willpower: 5 Perception: 5
uses diminishing returns on trait and skill advancement,
it is preferable to assign those stats without concern for Skills: Athletics 3, Etiquette 3, Iaijutsu (Assessment, Focus)
experience point costs, and simply to calculate them directly 6, Kenjutsu 5, Lore: Bushido 3, Meditation 5
based on desired Insight Rank.
Optional Rules: This advantage may be purchased after character creation.

Allies and Enemies It is recommended that the GM restrict it after character

creation to NPCs the player has met in the campaign.

Legends of the Five Rings RPG supplements, especially this

one, contain writeups for some of the most interesting char- Sworn Enemy [Social]
acters from the history of the Empire. These are most often (Variable Cost)
the characters that players enjoy seeing in official materials,
The player may choose any NPC, with GM approval, who
and so it is natural for those players to want to interact with
is the players Sworn Enemy. At some point in the past,
their favorite characters in your campaign. The Core Book
the player has done something to upset the NPC, who has
does include an advantage and disadvantage for both Allies
sworn revenge on the player. The cost for each rank of
and Sworn Enemies, respectively, that allow players to con-
this advantage is equal to the Status of the chosen Sworn
nect with NPCs at character creation. Those rules, however,
Enemy. Whenever the player travels to a new location in the
may not be explicit enough for all players and GMs because
campaign, that player will roll 1d10 for each rank of Sworn
they leave their impact and usage intentionally vague in or-
Enemy, for each Sworn Enemy. On a 9, an agent of the
der to give everyone leeway to define their Ally or Sworn En-
Sworn Enemy will be in the new location who is determined
emy as they see fit. For a GM who wants NPCs, particularly
to stymie the player in whatever capacity possible. On a 10,
major NPCs, to play a more direct role in the campaign, the
the Sworn Enemy will be in the new location in person and
following optional versions of those rules may be desirable.
will attempt to hinder or harm the player. If the player is in
the location for a week, the player will re-roll Sworn Enemy.
Allies [Social] (Variable Cost) If a Sworn Enemy or agent was in the area previously, and
the player does not roll the corresponding number for that
The player may choose any NPC, with GM approval, who
Sworn Enemy, the Sworn Enemy or agent leaves the area on
is the players Ally. The player and the Ally have a special
other business.

Unexpected Allies
history or connection that the Ally values, and will go out
of the way to help the player. The cost for each rank of this
advantage is equal to the Status of the chosen Ally. Whenever
the player travels to a new location in the campaign, that
player will roll 1d10 for each rank of Allies, for each Ally.
On a 9, an agent of the Ally will be in the new location who 11
is willing to assist the player in whatever capacity possible.
On a 10, the Ally will be in the new location in person and

INTRODUCTION
is willing to assist the player. If the player is in the location
for a week, the player will re-roll Allies. If an Ally or agent
was in the area previously, and the player does not roll
the corresponding number for that Ally, the Ally or
agent leaves the area on other business.
 T he Cra b Cl a n
Hida Ikarukani bears his nickname with pride and is even known to mock
himself when he is enjoying sake with friends. Ikarukani
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration especially enjoys feigning anger when someone jokes with
The man known as the Angry Crab is a living legend him, laughing uproariously as the blood drains from a
among berserkers. Hida Ikarukani was a member of the friends face when he or she thinks the massive berserker is
elite unit known as Amoros Legion when the Destroyers about to fall into a rage.
descended upon Rokugan. Although his forebears had If there is one thing that does put an end to Ikarukanis
fought the Shadowlands for centuries, the forces of Kali- good mood, it is the Shadowlands. Ikarukani refuses to
ma inflicted unprecedented destruction on the Empire. As accept any toleration of the forces of Jigoku, and only
the war progressed, Ikarukani constantly sought the most begrudgingly accepts that many of his former colleagues
important battles, the most dangerous enemies. He could now fight among the Damned. Although he will
often be seen hurling himself at a seemingly implacable foe acknowledge the skill and ferocity of those who are tainted
with reckless abandon. but not yet Lost, he refuses to accept that the use of such a
unit is a sensible decision for the Crab.
THE CRAB CLAN

Ikarukanis brutal nature on the battlefield was only

matched by his pleasant demeanor in times of peace. Unlike During the Destroyer War, Ikarukani traveled extensively
many of his brethren who spent time apart from their throughout the area under siege. He was most often found
fellows, Ikarukani embraced the other soldiers in his unit near a battlefield, or where the Crab were preparing
and in others. He has a surprisingly disarming manner for a defenses for an impending battle. After the war, Ikarukani
man who would be drenched in the blood of his foes when retired to become a sensei at the Sunda Mizu Dojo, teaching
12
next the call came to march to war. Men who would be the next generation his technique as well as his philosophy.
terrified to see him on the battlefield, knowing that anything Although in his later years Ikarukanis body shows the
Chapter One

in his vicinity could soon be in danger, sought him out after signs of his complete disregard for his own safety during
he had calmed, knowing that wherever Ikarukani traveled, his youth, his mind is still sharp, his sense of humor is
there would be camaraderie. strong, and he still enjoys a warm cup of sake with friends.
Ikarukani is frequently noted for his unusual sense
Hida Ikarukani
of humor. While most samurai tread lightly around the
berserkers, unsure what could make a man fly into such Air: 2 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
their infamous rages, Ikarukani appreciates that his fighting
Reflexes: 3 Strength: 4
style is a curiosity among more traditional warriors. He
Honor: 5.3 Status: 2.6 Glory: 7.7
School/Rank: Hida Bushi 3 (Hida Berserker)
Skills: Athletics 2, Battle (Mass Battle) 3, Defense 1,
Heavy Weapons (Tetsubo, Ono) 4, Hunting 2, Intim-
idation 3, Investigation (Notice) 3, Kenjutu 2, Lore:
Destroyers 2, Lore: Shadowlands 3, Meditation 3
Advantages: Daredevil, Fame (Recklessness in battle),
Large, Quick Healer, Virtuous, Wary
Disadvantages: Brash, Driven (Destroy the
Shadowlands), Idealistic, Overconfident
Hida Kuroda
Four Winds
Few figures are as tragic as that of Hida Kuroda.
Born shortly before the War of Spirits to Hida O-Ushi
and Hida Yasamura, Kuroda and his twin brother Kuon
were the bright and promising future of the Crab Clan.
Kuroda was a brilliant student who studied the tactics
of the greatest generals in Rokugans history. When
O-Ushi named him her successor, even Kuon deferred
to Kurodas superior preparation for those duties.
Kuroda ascended to the Championship when O-Ushi
fell in battle against Doji Kurohito, the Crane Clan
Champion. He was suddenly faced with a growing
war with the Crane in the North and the defense of
the wall in the South. Kuon had become consumed
by rage upon their mothers death, and so Kuroda
sent him to fight the Crane, hoping to keep him out
of immediate danger. To Kuroda, then, fell the fight against Hida Kuroda
the Shadowlands.
Shortly after he took charge of the Crab armies in the Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
South, Kuroda was faced with the greatest threat the Crab Reflexes: 4 Willpower: 4
had known in centuries. The Dark Lord of the Shadowlands,
Daigotsu, led a coordinated attack on the Kaiu Wall, Honor: 7.8 Status: 8.0 Glory: 6.1

Chapter One
capturing six of its twelve towers. In the battle for the final School/Rank: Hida Bushi 2/Shinjo Bushi 1
tower, Kuroda faced Daigotsu himself. Although Kuroda Skills: Athletics 3, Battle 3, Defense, Heavy Weapons
bought time for his warriors to escape, he was slain by the (Tetsubo) 4, Horsemanship 4, Intimidation 2, Kenjutsu 3,
Dark Lords servant Kyofu, the Onisu of Fear. Kyujutsu 3, Lore: Lion Clan 3, Lore: Shadowlands 1, Lore:
Prior to his ascension to the Championship, Kuroda Theology (Shintao) 5, Lore: Unicorn 3 13
traveled the Empire extensively. In the course of his studies Advantages: Allies (many), Leadership, Multiple Schools

THE CRAB CLAN

he studied with both the Shinjo and the Akodo, even so far (Shinjo Bushi), Social Position (Crab Clan Champion),
as to honor his father by attending the Shinjo school for Seven Fortunes Blessing (Ebisu), Tactician, Virtuous
a time. Kuroda was a skilled horseman and personally led
the Crab cavalry that his father and great-uncle Tsuru led Disadvantages: Dark Fate (Become the Onisu Kyofu),
before him. Driven (Protect the Crab Clan)

Kuroda was a very pious man, studying the Tao and

devoting himself to the Fortunes with more dedication than
many ever knew. Although most Crab favor Bishamon,
Kuroda prayed most often to Ebisu, the Fortune of Honest
Work. As a Lord of his people, Kuroda was in a position
to understand the depth to which the Crab owed their
very lives to the peasants who tended the farms and fed
the armies. Kuroda also saw the truth of the Crabs duty to
protect the Empire. Although many would say that fighting
the monsters of the Shadowlands is a great task worthy
of much glory, Kuroda did not see it as such for himself.
Kuroda felt a personal responsibility for every man,
woman, and child in his lands, and so when he served on
the Wall, he saw it as his time to do honest work protecting
his people.
Because Kuroda traveled far and wide in his
studies, he was well-known throughout the
Empire. During the last years of the reign
of Toturi I, a traveler on the road would
not have been surprised to step into a
roadside shrine or inn and see Kuroda
there, engaged with those around him
whether they be samurai or peasant.
 What is possibly the greatest irony of Sozens life is
that, in joining the Crab and exerting his will and force
over the world, crushing his enemies before him, he
found enlightenment on the battlefield. Realizing the
natural order of the world was to die and be reborn again,
Sozens purpose became clear to him - that his part in the
great Celestial Wheel was to be the force by which his
enemies entered that same wheel, that those who opposed
him directly had met their end in this life and would be sent
on to the next.
Sozen is calm for a Crab, maintaining a quiet and
relatively polite manner in company and in public. He
understands that respect for other samurai is not something
to be ignored as many Crab are often accused of doing. He
is also fiercely loyal to the Crab Clan Champion, accepting
that he is now and will forever be a Crab, even if he was
born a Dragon. He also holds a high respect for Togashi
Satsu, the man who sent him to the Crab, and while he
does not hate or feel betrayed by the Dragon Clan, if they
Hida Sozen ever become the enemies of the Crab Clan, Sozen will not
hesitate to carry out the orders of his lord to the fullest.
Rain of Blood, In many ways, he leads a very simple life, and is not only
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne content with that, but happy. He does not have to deal
with the dangerous and flowery ways of court, and is left
THE CRAB CLAN

If you met Hida Sozen on the road, you may not even
guess that he was born to the Dragon Clan. You would alone most of his time at the Kaiu Wall, a duty he views as
be further surprised to learn that he once bore the name sacred and only on orders from the Champion would he
Mirumoto Sozen, before being sent to the Crab Clan as a abandoned it. The one thing that would drive Sozen away
hostage and swearing fealty to the Hida name. from defending Rokugan against the Shadowlands would
be answering for the death of his lord, a situation which
Despite his upbringing and birth, Sozen is the embodiment
14 arose when the Scorpion attempt to take the life of the
of all that the Crab Clan stand for in body and in soul. He is
returned Hida Kisada in 1168, triggering a counter-attack
fearless, loyal and dedicated to his lords, and to his enemies,
Chapter One

by Sozen and the Crab that led to the start of the Crab-
incapable of being slain in battle. Arrows would rain, oni
Scorpion War.
claws would rend flesh, katana would cut deep - and yet
Sozen would still stand, his indomitable will palpable across Hida Sozen
the battlefield. He was large even by Crab standards, and
took his duty to be a hostage to the Crab Clan willingly Air: 2 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
and with a raised head. The mystical ways of the Dragon
Reflexes: 3 Agility: 4 Strength: 5
Clan were foreign to him, and he himself found the idea of
seeking Enlightenment to be a waste of time. He did embrace Honor: 3.9 Status: 2.0 Glory: 3.6
the Niten fighting style though, which made him unique
School/Rank: Hida Bushi 2/Mirumoto Bushi 1
among Crab warriors and gave him advantages in battle
that many of them did not posses. Learning the tactics and Skills: Athletics 3, Battle 4, Defense 3, Iaijutsu 1, Heavy
styles of the Hida further broadened Sozens understanding Weapons (Tetsubo) 4, Hunting 2, Intimidation 3, Jiujutsu
of battle, making him an incredibly dangerous enemy. 2, Kenjutsu (Katana) 4, Lore: Shadowlands 4, Lore:
Shugenja 1, Meditation 1, Theology 2
Advantages: Great Destiny, Hands of Stone, Large,
Multiple Schools (Hida Bushi), Paragon (Duty), Strength
of the Earth
Disadvantages: Brash, Doubt (Meditation), Hostage,
Insensitive
Hida Togeriso Hida Togeriso
Four Winds, Rain of Blood, Time of Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 2 Void: 2
Enlightenment, Race for the Throne Awareness: 4 Intelligence: 5 Perception: 4
Submitted by Michael Hale Honor: 3.0 Status: 3.0 Glory: 3.4
Born to the Hida family in 1110, the cunning Togeriso School/Rank: Hida Bushi 1/Asako Loremaster 3
passed his gempukku in 1124 after having studied with the
Phoenix and was immediately noticed by the enigmatic Skills: Athletics 3, Courtier 2, Defense 4, Etiquette
Kuni Yori for his memorization capacity. Under the (Courtesty) 2, Heavy Weapons (Tetsubo) 3, Intimidation
tutelage of Yori, Togeriso began learning how to serve as 1, Kenjutsu 2, Lore: History 5, Lore: Maho 5, Lore:
the shugenjas personal lorekeeper, a position he was told Shadowlands 5, Lore: Theology (Fortunes) 3, Meditation
would directly serve his Champion, Hida Kisada. 2, Sincerity 1, War Fan 1

The work recorded by Togeriso on Yoris behalf shook Advantages: Clear Thinker, Forbidden Knowledge
him to his foundations. Whatever Yori was doing, Togeriso (Maho), Precise Memory
believed, it was for the good of the Clan and with Kisadas Disadvantages: Gullible, Lame, Weakness (Strength)
blessing. Within a few months Togeriso was secretly
contacted by a member of the Kuni family named Kuni
Ozen who believed that Kisada was not only wrong in
allowing Yori to perform his dark arts, but that the Empire
needed to know. Togeriso stood by his Champion and
the Kuni Daimyo, but listened to reason he set about
secretly copying Yoris dark knowledge where he could and
sequestering it away for use against the Kuni daimyo if the
time ever came.

Chapter One
Only a few months later Kisada marched with the
Crab armies on the Empire. While serving alongside Yori,
Togeriso was present when their party was slaughtered by
Tsukuro. Mistaken for one of the dead, Togeriso managed to
escape the bloodbath and made it back to his only partner, 15
Ozen. Togeriso and Ozen dug up the hidden knowledge

THE CRAB CLAN

that had been collected, but where Togeriso wished that the
knowledge would be used to stop Yori, Ozen saw other uses.
It became evident then to Togeriso that Ozen only desired
to use the knowledge for the same reasons Yori did, power.
He killed Ozen in a violent duel that left Togeriso crippled.
Togeriso would spend months meeting with the Phoenix
and assisting in their struggles against Yori, primarily by
helping them recreate what scrolls he had read when he
was younger in order to help them rebuild their libraries.
Togeriso served as a chronicler of the re-capture of Shiro
Hiruma and also recorded the death of Hida Kisada.
In 1142, Togeriso assisted in the destruction of the
Blood Temple, a horrible lair of bloodspeakers that served
Iuchiban. It was here that Togeriso believed he had seen
Ozen, alive. Fearful of such a portent, Togeriso alerted his
Champion, O-Ushi. She ordered Togeriso to assist the Kuni
and the Hida in destroying him once and for all.
Through every channel he could muster, Togeriso reached
out to Ozen with word that he wished to meet. Ozen came
to the lorekeepers archives, believing that Togeriso wished
for power to combat old age. Togeriso promised the last of
Yoris research, records that even Ozen had not seen.
Ozen soon came for Togeriso at his library and revealed
how his resurrection had been at the hands of Yori himself
Ozen was, and always had been, one of his disciples. With
Yori gone, Ozen offered Togeriso the same power Tsukuro
had offered his old master. Togeriso revealed that he had
power, but not the kind Ozen thought. Togeriso fought
Ozen, but not before Ozen could set the library ablaze.
 Hida Yagimaki
THE CRAB CLAN

for days. Even as other duties took him away from the daily
activities at Kyuden Hida, Yagimaki always held one great
Hidden Emperor, War Against The celebration in his home, in the spring when the weather was
Shadows, War of Spirits, Four Winds, pleasant. His friends from other clans would travel from
Rain of Blood, Time of Enlightenment every corner of Rokugan for these events, marking the date
well in advance to ensure they could arrange for some duty
16 Hida Yagimaki was a famed bushi of the Crab Clan, but
in the area.
his notoriety comes not from his prowess in battle, though
his skill is considerable. Yagimaki was one of the clans Though Yagimaki only rarely engaged in combat, he
Chapter One

most notorious men because of his unwavering sense of never allowed himself to lose his edge. When the Destroyers
honor and his love of good company and good sake. He attacked Kyuden Hida in 1173, Yagimaki refused to
lived through the leadership of five champions, and by the evacuate when only active duty soldiers were to remain. He
end of his life had earned such respect from the ruling Hida remained and helped fight the rearguard action to protect
bloodline that Hida Kuon considered him among the finest the evacuation. When the Destroyers laid siege to the
men to ever live. fortress, Yagimaki was a source of calm and comfort to the
younger generation of Crab warriors who had never seen
Yagimaki first rose to fame shortly after the Second
horrors such as were outside the gates.
Day of Thunder. At the wedding of Hida O-Ushi and Shinjo
Yasamura, the Crab hosted a traditional sake drinking Yagimaki died in the final push by the Destroyers, as the
contest, which Yagimaki won in impressive fashion. His outer walls crumbled and monsters flooded into the castle.
love of sake and his easygoing manner drew the attention Falling under a wave of enemies, Yagimaki ascended to
of the sake masters Friendly Traveler Village. They arranged Yomi, welcomed to one final celebration.
for Yagimaki to be assigned to a unit stationed there, that he
Hida Yagimaki
could learn their techniques. He had a natural aptitude, and
soon began brewing a number of fine sakes himself. Air: 3 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
Yagimaki served with honor during the War Against Reflexes: 4 Agility: 4 Strength: 5
the Darkess and, after that conflict and the ensuing War
Against the Spirits, settled at Kyuden Hida. While Yagimaki Honor: 7.2 Status: 4.4 Glory: 6.7
was officially a watch commander, and served dutifully on School/Rank: Hida Bushi 3 (Defender of the Wall)
the Kaiu Wall, he was treasured by his comrades for his
Skills: Craft: Bewing 1, Athletics 2, Battle 3, Courtier 2,
prowess after the battle. While a Crane may host a quiet po-
Defense 4, Etiquette 2, Heavy Weapons (Ono, Tetsubo) 5,
etry reading, and a Lion a somber memorial for fallen sol-
Hunting 3, Intimidation 2, Kenjutsu 4, Lore: Crab Clan
diers, Yagimaki celebrated the true spirit of the Crab, throw-
3, Lore: History 3, Lore: Shadowlands 5, Lore: Theology
ing raucous parties that celebrated another day of life, the
(Shintao) 3, Medicine 3, Meditation 2, Perform:
greatest prize for those holding back the tide of darkness.
Storytelling 5
Although Yagimaki never had any famous personal
Advantages: Hero of the People, Large, Strength of the
victories atop the wall, his continued survival spoke for his
Earth
talents as a warrior. When Yagimaki finally retired from
active duty, the celebration at Kyuden Hida was said to last Disadvantages: Contrary, Idealistic, Permanent Wound
Kaiu Iemasa
Destroyer War,
Age of Exploration, Race For The Throne
For a Kaiu, life is often marked by long periods without
excitement, punctuated by short periods of intense terror
and stress. For Kaiu Iemasa, his tenure as daimyo of the
Kaiu family seemed like it would be unending terror.
Iemasa was one of the most brilliant Kaiu engineers of
his generation, and came into his own developing new
techniques for fortifying and breaching structures. He used
the lessons learned from Daigotsus attack on the Kaiu Wall
during the time of the Four Winds to pinpoint previously
unknown structural weaknesses in the towers themselves,
weaknesses that Daigotsu exploited by transporting some
of his forces beyond the wall itself with maho.
Iemasa became a sensei at the Kaiu Engineering School
shortly after the death of Toturi III. The Battle at the Tomb
marked the end of the civil war within the Shadowlands,
with the demons having taken control of those lands
from the Lost. The warfare within the Shadowlands was
unprecedented, and so the Crab braced themselves for new
attacks on the Empire that never came. Iemasa was able to
teach his students in relative peace for a time, but peace

Chapter One
never lasts for the Crab.
In 1170, the Daimyo Kaiu Umasu was murdered by what
appeared to be a ronin assassin. He did not have any heirs,
and so the family chose Iemasa to succeed the gruff Umasu.
Iemasa was met with some criticism from those who had 17
preferred another man in Umasus mold, but his quiet
contemplation eventually won over his detractors when

THE CRAB CLAN

they realized that this was one of the smartest men in the
Empire, a man for whom no puzzle could go unsolved. Little
did they suspect that his capabilities would soon be tested
by one of the greatest conflicts in generations.
When the Destroyers attacked the Kaiu Wall, the Crab
quickly came to realize they were fighting a losing battle,
as the unending waves of invaders crashed against the Wall.
Iemasa implemented a plan to retreat from breaches where
the Destroyers would find some of his most insidious traps Kaiu Iemasa
awaiting them. Hundreds of Destroyers died while the Crab
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 2
re-fortified further inside their territory. Unfortunately,
despite Iemasas best efforts to design emergency Intelligence: 4 Perception: 3
fortifications deeper into Crab territory, the entire province Honor: 5.0 Status: 7.2 Glory: 3.3
was overrun.
School/Rank: Kaiu Engineer 2
Iemasa and his command staff withdrew into Scorpion
lands, and from there he directed the use of new, smaller Skills: Battle 3, Craft: Armorsmithing 3, Craft:
siege weapons that were designed to support pitched battles. Weaponsmithing 3, Defense 1, Engineering (Construction,
These weapons, usually variations of catapults or ballistae Siege) 5, Kenjutsu 3, Lore: Architecture 3, War Fans 2
that could be transported quickly, were effective in slowing Advantages: Bland, Gentry (Kaiu Provinces), Great
the Destroyers advance. At the end of the war, Iemasa was Potential (Engineering), Social Position (Kaiu Family
instrumental in working with the Scorpion to design and Daimyo), Servant (Craftsman), Tactician
build the wall around the Second Pit. Disadvantages: Bad Eyesight, Weakness (Reflexes)
Iemasa led his family to prosperity during the years after
the war, helping to rebuild castles throughout the Empire.
He traveled extensively to oversee these projects, and wields
more influence than many of his predecessors because so
many in Rokugan have sought his familys aid.
 it, Namika requested that she be transferred somewhere else
in Crab lands.
When Namika finally received new orders in 1160, it
was to somewhere she did not recognize. Hida Benjiro
sent her with troops loyal to Kaneka to a small village
called Shinseis Last Hope, deep in the Shadowlands.
Namika was fascinated by this hidden bastion, free as it
was from any form of taint. Although she was officially
assigned as a liaison, Namika continued what had been
a very rudimentary course of combat training from her
childhood and often joined the soldiers in the defense of
the village from the occasional attacks of wandering oni
and bakemono.
Shortly after Namikas arrival, Shinseis Last Hope was
set upon by an immense army of Shadowlands beasts.
Unlike the fighting she had seen to that point, this was
Yasuki Namika obviously led and organized. To her surprise, Hida Benjiro
appeared with the unlikeliest of reinforcements, the Emerald
Four Winds, Reign of Blood, Magistrates under Yasuki Hachi. Namika scoffed at Hachi
Time of Enlightenment and his men as being unprepared for the kind of fighting
Yasuki Namika came of age during a very trying time they would soon endure. Hachi proved his mettle, though,
for her family. When Daidoji Hachi was named as the heir and he and his men were instrumental in the defense of the
THE CRAB CLAN

to the family shortly before the death of Toturi I, Namika village. Hachi himself waded into the enemy looking for
was outraged. She was a devoted member of the Crab Clan their general, who he had recognized as his fallen ancestor
and considered her loyalty beyond reproach. Namika was Tsukuro, defeating him with the aid of Benjiro.
atypical among her brethren in that she did not share their When the battle waned and more reinforcements arrived
sense of pragmatism, especially in the face of dishonor. with Hida Kuon, Namika witnessed one of the most unusual
18 As a young woman, she had discovered that her father, a events in her familys already unusual history. Yasuki
respected merchant, was stealing from the coffers of the Hachi, vassal of Crane Clan Champion Doji Kurohito, laid
Crab. She turned him in and watched impassively as her twenty goblin heads at Kuons feet and demanded to swear
Chapter One

mother seconded his seppuku. fealty to the Crab as well. In doing so, Hachi united the
Namikas sense of loyalty often left her at Yasuki and earned Namikas respect.
odds with many of her associates. Because Namika met her end tragically when she stumbled upon
the ascension of Yasuki Hachi had divided and attempted to infiltrate the Second Gozoku Conspiracy.
the family, Namika learned more of the She feigned interest so that conspirator Doji Jurian would
questionable behavior to which the Yasuki recruit her, but her honorable past betrayed her heart and
had become accustomed since they joined the she was murdered by Ide Haichang in Sunda Mizu Mura.
Crab. She witnessed brutal trade practices,
the hiring of dishonorable mercenaries, Yasuki Namika
and even suspected several members
of her family of employing assassins. Air: 3 Earth: 2 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 2
Unable to tolerate such behavior, but Willpower: 3 Perception: 3
without any means by which to stop
Honor: 6.1 Status: 3.0 Glory: 2.3
School/Rank: Yasuki Merchant 2/Kakita Bushi 1
Skills: Commerce (Appraisal) 3, Courtier 2, Defense 2,
Etiquette 2, Iaijutsu (Focus) 1, Intimidation 1, Investi-
gation 3, Kenjutsu 3, Kyujutsu 2, Lore: Bushido 4, Lore:
Crab Clan 2, Lore: Crane Clan 3, Lore: Law 3, Sincerity
(Deceit) 3, Tea Ceremony 2, Animal Handling 2
Advantages: Irreproachable, Paragon (Honor), Wary
Disadvantages: Idealistic, Sworn Enemy (Gozoku
Conspiracy)
T he Cra ne Cl a n
Asahina Yasutora The brash young lord drew his blade, and with a careful
strike cut a superficial incision into Yasutoras lower torso.
By David Phillips
Byuko did not survive the night. Nor did his village
The years did no service to the aspiring shugenja. His
survive the arrival of the Imperial Legion when the news
father, a seasoned shugenja who seen the evils of battle
of his attack on an Asahina met the ears of the commander
far too often, took his son to the cliffs overlooking the
moving the detachment. When the eta came to claim
southern sea, and spoke with him on the trials he would
the bodies, the Imperial commander insisted Byuko take
face.
his place outside of the Celestial Order and to leave no
During his treks through the lower reaches of the trace of his life. Showing mercy, Yasutora convinced the
Empire, Yasutora assisted in the hospitals erected when commander not to punish Byuko so.
the plague began to sweep through the villages along the
Scorpion-Crab border. Living up to the standards ordered Asahina Yasutora
of the priests, Yasutora refused service to no child, but
the pandemic became more severeand the reports of the Air: 4 Earth: 2 Fire: 2 Water: 3 Void: 2
rising dead spread faster than the plague. Intelligence: 3
It was within a small town Yasutora met a young lord
Honor: 6.0 Status: 2.4 Glory: 1.9
who owed allegiance to no one but his people. Fearing
for what could come from the rise of the dead, the young School/Rank: Asahina Shugenja 2
lord insisted the priest only treat adults, for both the

Chapter Two
Skills: Artisan: Ikebana 3, Calligraphy (Cipher) 2,
preservation of an adult, and the denial of a full grown
Courtier 3, Etiquette 3, Lore: Theology 3, Medicine 3,
zombie. Yasutora refused to abandon the children.
Meditation 3, Sincerity 2, Spellcraft 2
Fearing for the worst, and forsaking the celestial order,
Advantages: Friend of the Elements (Air), Hero of the
the young lord ordered the children of the town relocated 19
People, Virtuous
to nearby villages, forcing Yasutora and his priests to
operate in the manner the lord commanded. When the Disadvantages: Bad Fortune, Cant Lie, Small, Soft

THE CRANE CLAN

confrontation came the lord held his resolve. Hearted
In every direction Yasutora could see the skies burned Affinity/Deficiency: Air/Fire
red. The brashness of the action came and Yasutora knew Spells: Sense, Commune, Summon, Blessed Wind, To
his time with this man drew to a close. Seek the Truth, Bentens Touch, Path to Inner Peace,
With the children removed any fear of unnecessary Inaris Blessing, Rejuvenating Vapors, Jurojins Balm
destruction waned from the minds of the
forces dispatched to remove the young lord.
Yasutora went to speak with the young
man, to offer him one final reprieve. I do
not want to remember you as a martyr
for a lost reason, Byuko-san. I want to
be rid of the memories I will have of the
plague over this land, the memory of sick
children and dying mothers, of doomed
spearmen led by brash lords.
This is why we exist. Why the Kami
allow us to suffer. Dont you see in all
of your wisdom why we are made to
act in this manner? Become these things
we despise? If we do not remember the
dying mothers, the doomed legion, and if
we forget the faces of the plagued children
we lose ourselves. I may die a martyr, but
you will carry with you my mark.
 she ordered them to disband and cease the dishonorable
tactics that they had carried out for so long.
There was internal conflict amongst the Harriers
regarding their disbanding, but Kikaze was loyal to his
Champion and followed Domotais order, ending the
Daidoji Akeha internal conflict within the Harriers and Domotai and
ending a dishonorable and particularly shameful part of
Age of Exploration the Cranes secret history.
Daidoji Akeha is the daughter of former Daidoji family Daidoji Akeha has no knowledge that the Harriers ever
daimyo Daidoji Kikaze. Akeha is seen by many as a strong, existed at all, the small amount of information known
honorable leader for her clan despite her youth. Kikaze about them wiped away and never spoken of. Were a
raised his daughter to view the Daidoji as defenders of particularly foolish samurai to ever come across this
the Doji family and of the Crane Clan, and that there are information and tell Akeha, her immediate reaction would
no shortcuts to this duty. Even if a less honorable path be that of any noble samurai upon hearing of shameful
presents itself, Kikaze always made sure to instill within actions within their ancestry - to pull their katana and
Akeha the principles that the honor of the Daidoji is a challenge the offending party to a duel for saying vicious
direct reflection of the Crane and of the Doji, and if Akeha slander and lies. Though she is not nearly as skilled a
ever sought victory at the cost of honor, it would be empty duelist as many of the Kakita, she has practiced the art
and hollow, for the honor of the Daidoji and the Doji because there may ever come a time when she must stand
would be compromised. as the champion for a member of the Doji or even her
The reason that Kikaze trained and raised his daughter own family, and Akeha is more than happy to bear the
THE CRANE CLAN

with these principles was so that she would never make burden that her family line has carried since the Dawn of
the mistake that he did many, many years before her birth. the Empire.
Kikaze was the leader of the Daidoji during a very dark Akehas military prowess and tactical skills had not been
time for the Crane Clan, when it was revealed that he was tested before the Age of Exploration, being too young to
the leader of the Daidoji Harriers. The Harriers were an participate in The Destroyer War. Despite this, the Daidoji
elite group within the Daidoji that sought victory at all family follow her without question, the blood in her veins
20 costs, and in extreme cases, even resorted to assassinations a clear indication that she is destined to be a strong and
or arranging for particularly unfavorable information to honorable leader within the Crane Clan for years to come.
come to light about the enemies of the Crane. The Harriers
Chapter Two

had existed for many, many years as a quiet part of the Daidoji Akeha
Daidoji family, and many of the former champions of
the Crane Clan had been aware of their existence. Doji Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
Domotais father, Doji Kurohito, had not informed her Reflexes: 4 Stamina: 4 Agility: 5
of the Harriers existence, and when she learned of it,
Honor: 7.2 Status: 7.0 Glory: 5.6

School/Rank: Daidoji Iron Warrior 3

Skills: Athletics 2, Battle 3, Defense 5, Etiquette
3, Hunting 3, Iaijutsu (Focus) 4, Investigation
2, Kenjutsu (Katana) 3, Kyujutsu 3, Polearms
3, Spears (Yari) 5
Advantages: Balance, Inheritance (The Daidoji
Yari), Irreproachable, Leadership, Social
Position (Family Daimyo), Strength of the
Earth, Tactician
Disadvantages: Idealistic, Obligation (Crane
Clan Champion)
Daidoji Sabaru
Rain of Blood,
Four Winds Era
By Matthew Tyler
Daidoji Sabaru was born into
a moderately wealthy family,
and with his training and
connections could have been
a first rate chui, taisa, or even
shireikan. Instead he focused
his energy on becoming one
of the Crane Clans foremost
yojimbo of his time.
For Sabaru it was not about
fame or glory. He wanted his
life to mean something to him
personally. The Crane army had
many soldiers already, but one
thing the Crane needed were
yojimbo who could protect the
clans most precious resource:
its courtiers. Castles meant
nothing to his family and clan

Chapter Two
if there were no voices in court
to keep them safe with Imperial support. After his failure at the Emerald Championship, Noritoshi
His training among the Daidoji gave him skills that he revealed to Sabaru everything that Shosuro Jimen had said,
spent a lifetime perfecting, and his family gave him the and fearing for the life of his daughter and son, Noritoshi
resources not only to aid himself in the courts he attended, had to hide them. During a party, they would depart the 21
but to lend to his charges. It was fulfilling for him to use estate along with several other women and children so the

THE CRANE CLAN

his skills, talents, and resources to benefit the Cranes Scorpion would not know which family was the right one.
courtiers, and the reward when he escorted a charge for the Sabaru pleaded to be allowed to remain by Mais side, but
last time after a successful mission was worth any missed for the ruse to work, Noritoshi refused the request.
opportunities anyone might say he missed. Sabaru was unable to be close to either Noritoshi or Mai
If Sabaru had one major fault, it was his unwillingness during Noritoshis mission against Jimen, and though he
to lie. This normally was not an issue for an honorable felt great sorrow at having failed to be there to protect Mai
yojimbo, but in the courts of the Empire, telling the when she died, he swore to protect their son. Sabaru retired
truth caused trouble for many samurai. Although Sabaru upon the gempukku of his lord, the Daimyo who would be
experienced some difficulties with others at court, the known as Kakita Ikaru.
courtiers he protected showed him how to mask his truth
with misdirection and omissions. This tasted sour to him,
Daidoji Sabaru
so he cultivated a gruff exterior so that no one would want Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 4
to speak with him.
Reflexes: 6 Perception: 4 Agility: 4 Perception: 4
After defeating many challengers and foiling several
ambushes against his charges, Sabaru was given the post of Honor: 6.5 Status: 2.2 Glory: 4.4
yojimbo to Kakita Mai by Doji Tanitsu. Such a promotion School/Rank: Daidoji Iron Warrior 4
did not go unnoticed by his family, or those he had
protected in the past. At first Mai was unsure of her new Skills: Battle 2, Defense 6, Etiquette 3, Horsemanship
companion, but after reassurances by Tanitsu, she grew 2, Iaijutsu (Assessment, Focus) 7, Intimidation 3,
more at ease with him. Investigation (Notice) 4, Kenjutsu (Katana) 3, Kyujutsu 2,
Meditation 3, Sincerity 3, Spears 4
He served her well, staying at her side through any
trouble, always wary of danger and ready to defend her life Advantages: Clear Thinker, Higher Purpose (Clan
and honor with his very own. Sabaru never abandoned her, Yojimbo), War, Wealthy (Rank One)
and was even present when Mais and Noritoshis son was Disadvantages: Cant Lie
born, ready to protect them from the False Hoturi should he
have made it inside the castle.
 sent to Kitsu Taeruko to assist Akodo Tekkan in locating
Juniko, who had traveled to the region to investigate a
report of bloodspeaker activity. When Kusari arrived it was
already too late. The bloodspeakers had murdered Juniko.
Kusari was devastated, but did not have an opportunity
to withdraw from public life since his father was now
daimyo. Akodo Setai seized upon the need of the Lion
to solidify the good relations with the Crane, and he felt
that Kusari needed a change of scenery. Setai arranged for
Kusari to be betrothed to Doji Domotai, daughter of Crane
Champion Doji Kurohito. The young samurai were married
the next year and, although they did not love one another,
they soon respected one another.
Kusari spent the following years as a key figure in the
alliance between the Lion and Crane, serving as a Crane
commander in cities where tension with the Lion was
likely. During these years of relative peace, Kusari and
Domotai grew to love one another, and welcomed the birth
Doji Kusari of their son just after the ascension of Empress Iweko I in
1170. This second period of calm ended shortly thereafter
Destroyer War when the Destroyers invaded Rokugan.
Doji Kusari was a man whose life changed because of Kusari served with distinction as an army commander
the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts in the history of with the Crane forces sent south to reinforce the Crab and
THE CRANE CLAN

Rokugan. Born Ikoma Kusari, he was the youngest son Scorpion. Although the Daidoji family directed the whole
of Ikoma Korin, a veteran soldier. As a young boy Kusari of the Crane military, Kusaris Akodo training made him
was in perpetual good spirits, even for an Ikoma. Some one of the finest commanders among their forces, and his
among his friends and fellow students thought he was a record during the war reflected his skill and knowledge.
strange child, but his pleasant, quiet demeanor hid a keen Kusari also performed special missions on Domotais
mind. As he grew older, Kusari took an interest in Go and behalf, though any who angered Domotai enough for her
22
became known for his skill at such a young age. Sensing to send Kusari away from the battlefield soon learned to
a strong potential as a commander, the Akodo family regret their behavior.
Chapter Two

invited Kusari to attend the Akodo War College, to train

After the Destroyer War, Kusari was instrumental in
with the finest Lion tacticians.
rebuilding the Crane armies during the time of peace
Kusari studied under the general Akodo Bakin at Shiro that followed. He was especially valuable in assisting the
sano Ken Hayai. While training, Kusari befriended many Daidoji family in reorganizing their forces into regular
of the young Kitsu shugenja who lived in the fortress, armies, as he was one of the few who knew of their
the ancestral home of their family. During this time he previously irregular troop assignments. Kusari retired with
was fortunate to meet and fall in love with Kitsu Juniko, Domotai when she stepped down in favor of their son Doji
daughter of Kitsu Juri, the Daimyo. Juri knew of Korin Makoto many years later.
and approved of Kusaris introspective manner, a rarity
within the ranks of the bushi families of the Lion. Kusari Doji Kusari
and Juniko were betrothed shortly after Kusari completed
his training and passed his gempukku. They were both Air: 3 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 5 Void: 4
overjoyed when he was posted to the Lion garrison at the Reflexes: 4 Stamina: 5 Agility: 4
Imperial capital of Toshi Ranbo.
Honor: 7.4 Status: 6.8 Glory: 4.7
Kusari lived in relative peace for a short time, able to
see Juniko frequently, and her father often had business School/Rank: Akodo Bushi 4
in the capital. Kusaris life would be shattered, however,
Skills: Battle (Mass Combat) 3, Courtier 4, Defense 3,
shortly after his fathers ascension as the Ikoma Daimyo.
Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Kyujutsu 2, Iaijutsu 2, Lore: Bushido
While serving Akodo Ieshige in Toshi Ranbo, Kusari was
2, Lore: History 2, Sincerity 3
Advantages: Inner Gift (Foresight), Leadership, Paragon
(Honor), Tactician
Disadvantages: Driven (Revenge Against Bloodspeakers),
Idealistic, Lost Love
Kakita Kae styles of the Rokugani courts with new fabrics and cuts.
Now she sets the newest trends in the Ivory Court, and
Age of Exploration even impresses the Scorpion with her fanciful costumes
Kakita Kae is one of the most well-known courtiers to and masks. Her rivals in the court are not pleased to see
have relocated to the Second City. Born to a well-regarded her adapt so quickly.
branch of the Kakita, she made a name for herself as a Today Kae is easily met at the Crane Embassy in the
gifted pupil of the famed Artisan Academy. Though she Second City. Her thirst for new stories to tell remains
enjoys many forms of art, she excelled in her studies of strong, and she often seeks out adventurous samurai
oratory, and pursued the path of a storyteller to great to help her chase rumors throughout the Colonies. As a
success. During her days as a student, she was known to courtier of importance, she has also begun to arrange
be quite mischievous. Her love of rumor and gossip was special events and performances in the Colonies. Now
unending, and she frequently earned a stern conversation that she has made friendships and alliances with members
with an instructor as a result of her honeyed words. of the other delegations, she has started matchmaking as
Before her posting in the Second City, Kae lived in well. Although Kae holds no formal title to the political or
Shizuka Toshi. She often attended social events in that military leadership of the Crane Clan in the Colonies, she
city, especially plays. Although her formal training was is an impressive figure and is seen as both a facilitator and
strictly in the field of oratory, Kae was always fascinated defender of Crane interests in those foreign lands.
by the acting and the costumes that accompanied the
Kakita Kae
stories in theater. Kaes favorite plays were invariably
those that told a story of true love, as she is a hopeless Air: 3 Earth: 2 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 3
romantic herself.
Awareness: 4
Among the first Crane courtiers willing to leave
the comfort and safety of the Empire and travel to the Honor: 5.7 Status: 2.4 Glory: 3.0
Colonies, Kae has made a name as one of the central figures
School/Rank: Kakita Artisan 2

Chapter Two
in society there. She now shares tales from Rokugan to
a generation that has grown up knowing of the Empire Skills: Acting 3, Artisan: Poetry 3, Courtier 4, Craft:
only as a foreign land. With her easy manner and zest for Tailoring 3, Games: Letters 3, Games: Sadane 2, Etiquette
new friends, she attracts an impressive crowd anytime she 3, Lore: Ivory Kingdoms 3, Perform: Storytelling 4,
hosts a party or debuts a new story. Sincerity (Honesty) 4 23
Kae has adapted to her new surroundings in other ways Advantages: Darling of the Court (Second City Court),
Sensation, Seven Fortunes Blessing (Benten), Soul of

THE CRANE CLAN

no one expected. She was already adept at integrating into
unusual social situations, but she took to the new climate Artistry, Voice
as well. As her own wardrobe was unsuited to the heat, she Disadvantages: Fascination (New Clothing Styles),
learned how to make new items, blending the traditional Rumormonger, Small
 Kakita Matabei Matabei, unlike many of his peers, did not make his
mark on the Empire until later in life, after he became a
Rain of Blood, Time of Enlightenment, Kenshinzen. He drew the attention of the Jade Champion,
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War Asahina Sekawa, who bestowed upon him Tomodachi, the
Lotus Blade of the Crane, and shortly thereafter he was
The sensei of the Kakita Dueling Academy teach that
named Commander of the Empress Guard. In spite of the
focus and introspection is the Way of the Crane, but
hatred his forbears held for the Lion Clan, Matabei took
not all students adhere perfectly to their standards; few
to the Empress Toturi Kurako and protected her with the
among them graduate from the school. Only one in recent
highest devotion.
memory proved everyone wrong and achieved the title
of Kenshinzen, a master duelist of the Crane. That man Matabeis loyalty and skill were both tested when the
is Kakita Matabei. Matabeis aggressive style was not Unicorn Khan, Moto Chagatai, marched to Toshi Ranbo and
unexpected, however, and none dared suggest it made him attempted to seize the throne. The Empress Guard sealed
a lesser student. Matabeis father was the legendary Kakita the doors to the throne room and stood guard outside
Rensei, the returned spirit who had, in his first life, defied against any who dare harm her. When Bayushi Norachai
the Kakita technique yet became a deadly duelist in his arrived, Matabei stood alone. He was surrounded by death
own right. Matabei was never a patient student, but his and so covered in blood that he was unrecognizable. It
skill surpassed all but his rival, Kakita Korihime. Through was obvious that he had brutally cut down the White
all of his training, and through his entire life, she was the Guard, the Khans finest soldiers. The sheer carnage,
only one to defeat him. The memory of that loss fueled severed limbs strewn throughout the antechamber, was
him throughout this illustrious service to the Crane. reminiscent of Renseis strength with a blade. Matabei felt
he failed, though, because the Empress had taken her life
rather than risk being captured, which he saw as her belief
that he would fail in his duty. His commission by necessity
THE CRANE CLAN

ended, he retreated from public life for a time.

Matabei regained his confidence and entered the court
again when he gained the favor of the Emerald Champion,
Shosuro Jimen. His peace was short-lived, though, as his
betrothed was murdered by the bloodspeaker Yajinden the
day before they were to be married. Before Matabei could
24
disappear again, he met his Daimyo, Kakita Noritoshi.
Noritoshi told Matabei how Jimen had become Emerald
Chapter Two

Champion through blackmail. Matabei had learned from

his time away, though, that for the family to act together
to oppose Jimen would hurt the Kakita. He chose to stand
aside from Noritoshis vendetta.
Matabeis neutrality was not his own to decide, though.
Jimen, believing Matabei to be a loyal and dangerous ally
of Noritoshi, sent men to arrest him. Matabei refused to
be detained, and so struck down the magistrate Bayushi
Sorii and his companions, becoming an outlaw. He threw
himself into to the fight against the destroyers, hiding
among the Crane armies. He was sighted only once
more, by Kakita Korihime, when he warned her against
the conflict with Jimen. Matabei then disappeared as his
father had centuries before.

Kakita Matabei
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 2 Void: 4
Reflexes: 5 Perception: 3

Honor: 4.2 Status: 6.6 Glory: 3.8

School/Rank:
Kakita Bushi 3 (Empress Guard) / Kenshinzen 1
Skills: Battle 3, Courtier 2, Etiquette 4, Iaijutsu (Assess-
ment, Focus) 5, Investigation 3, Kenjutsu 4, Kyujutsu 1,
Lore: Bushido 4, Lore: Underworld 2, Meditation (Void
Recovery) 5, Sincerity 4, Stealth 3, Tea Ceremony 2
Advantages: Allies (Kakita Noritoshi), Prodigy, Touch of
the Spirit Realms (Yomi)
Disadvantages: Antisocial, Brash, Overconfident, Sworn
Enemy (Kakita Korihime)
 Chapter Two
Kakita Yariga Yariga never found out where they went. Several minutes
later, there was a deep, loud sound from under him and the
Four Winds, Rain of Blood entire dock gave way. The warehouse collapsed and Yariga
Kakita Yariga was one of the last generation of Crane who was caught in the debris. Although he was able to free
grew up knowing only hatred for the Lion Clan. Yarigas himself, a beam had broken his leg. 25
grandfather had been killed in combat at Shiro no Yojin Yariga returned to his command as quickly as he could

THE CRANE CLAN

before Yariga was born, which devastated his mother. Upon with his injury and reported to the commander. The
his gempukku, Yariga traveled to Daidoji lands and trained commander told Yariga to say nothing, and two days
to become a scout. He proved very skilled at reconnaissance later he received new orders to Kyuden Kakita. There he
missions, with an exception sense of his surroundings. He met Kakita Noritoshi, who had only recently become the
also grew fond of using knives in combat, as he was often Daimyo. Noritoshi explained that some secrets must remain
able to close with an enemy so fast that his katana would secret. Noritoshi offered Yariga a place in the Kakita
be unwieldy. Academy, where Yariga discovered a talent for iaijutsu.
Yariga fought in many skirmishes against the Matsu on Although he was not the most skilled swordsman, Yarigas
the borders of their lands, but he did not know war until understanding of the techniques themselves led Noritoshi to
a gunso he had met once, Daidoji Hachi, was proclaimed name him a sensei.
heir to the Yasuki family. When the Crane Champion, Yariga helped teach a generation of Kakita duelists, but
Doji Kurohito, pressed his claim to the Yasuki lands, the he never forgot what he saw. He encountered Ekiken once
Crab stood their ground and insisted that the claim was more, just after Otosan Uchi fell to the Daigotsu. They
illegitimate. Yariga found spying on the Crab to be easier, exchanged pleasantries and knowing glances, but Yariga
but far more dangerous. Crab armies were not subtle, but honored Noritoshis wishes and never spoke of what he saw.
their Hiruma scouts were experts at countering the Daidoji.
Yariga believed that he was part of a just and honorable Kakita Yariga
operation against the Crab until he met a man named Daidoji
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
Ekiken. Ekiken had been cast out of the Doji school and sent
to join the Daidoji armies, but Yariga found Ekiken to be Reflexes: 4
unsettling. When their units were combined after casualties Honor: 4.2 Status: 3.5 Glory: 3.3
began to mount, Yariga discovered why. Ekiken seemed
to be part of some kind of separate group that carried out School/Rank: Daidoji Scout 3
secret missions without even the knowledge of their direct Skills: Athletics 3, Hunting (Traps) 3, Iaijutsu 4,
superiors. Yariga wanted to know what Ekiken was doing. Investigation 3, Kenjutsu 3, Knives 4, Kyujutsu (Yumi) 2,
Yariga followed Ekiken into a small coastal village on Stealth (Sneaking) 2
the edge of Yasuki lands one night and saw him meet with Advantages: Forbidden Knowledge (Harriers), Heart of
several other men, all dressed in drab clothing without any Vengeance (Lion Clan), Social Position (Sensei), Wary
mons. Yariga hid next to a warehouse and watched as the Disadvantages: Lame, Obligation (Kakita Noritoshi),
men climbed underneath the docks with strange bundles. Permanent Wound
T he Dra gon Cl a n
Hitomi Suguhara a teacher ended even as his new path as a commander
began. His ascension marked the first time in history at
Rain of Blood, that point that a Tattooed Man was ever given command
Age of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne of an Imperial Legion, but as the war against Iuchiban
Like most men who climb the mountain and join the continued and through the Age of Enlightenment,
ranks of the Tattooed Orders, very little is known about Suguharas legion was one of the most disciplined and
Suguharas past. It is considered incredibly rude to ask a coordinated groups, and were often called as a support
Tattooed Monk about their past before joining the order, for the First Imperial Legion during Suguharas leadership.
and most shed their previous life when they join. Suguhara Suguhara continued to lead as a commander in the
himself not only shed his former life, his memories are Imperial Legions until the Race for the Throne, when
so clouded after joining the Hitomi that he remembers the imbalance of the Hoshi and Hitomi families, now
virtually nothing about his past and who he was before connected through their tattoos to divine entities, begin to
joining the Dragon. unravel, and Suguhara met a sad and quiet end in a single
Whoever he was before, Suguhara was naturally skilled suicidal attack against the Crane.
in the arts of unarmed combat, and quickly became a Suguhara was a disciplined man with a singular focus
THE DRAGON CLAN

junior sensei of the Hitomi during his younger years with on whatever circumstances fate saw fit to bring him. He
the order. His time as a sensei of the Hitomi was short believed that Hitomi blessed him with her tattoos for a
however, as a visit from Bayushi Paneki changed his path, purpose, and in doing so, he believed that this destiny
and took him to the Imperial Legions, where Paneki asked was to not resist the change in the world or his path in
Suguhara to train the members of the Legion in the arts of life, but to adapt and grow with these changes while still
unarmed combat. Suguhara, ever the embodiment of the maintaining his martial strength and prowess in battle.
26 Hitomi, found the reluctance of the troops to learn and As a leader, he trained his men to be like him - steady,
adapt to his teachings an exciting challenge, and though focused, and disciplined in a world where everything
his progress was slow, Suguhara was always looking
Chapter Three

can change with the flash of steel or a few carefully

forward to the day when he knew theyd break through. spoken words. His men never questioned his leadership
That day never came, unfortunately. During the Rain of or decisions, and followed him into battle as if he was a
Blood, the Legion that Suguhara was stationed with came seasoned Lion tactician.
under attack by Bloodspeakers, and when the commander
was killed, Suguhara assumed leadership. Following the Hitomi Suguhara
attack, Bayushi Paneki recommended that Suguhara take
Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 4
leadership of the Legion permanently, and his path as
Stamina: 6 Agility: 5

Honor: 3.7 Status: 6.0 Glory: 3.8

School/Rank: Hitomi Kikage Zumi 3
(Imperial Legionnaire)
Skills: Artisam: Sculpting 3, Athletics 4, Battle 4,
Defense 5, Investigation 4, Jiujutsu 7, Lore: Celestial
Heavens 3, Lore: Theology (Fortunes, Shintao) 4,
Meditation 3, Staves 3
Advantages: Allies (Bayushi Paneki), Leadership,
Seven Fortunes Blessing (Bishamon), Social
Position (Imperial Legion Commaner)
Disadvantages: Bad Fortune (Forgotten memories),
Overconfident, Obtuse, (Forgotten past)
Tattoos: Bat, Blaze
Kihos: Self no Self, Way of the Willow
Kitsuki Daisuke
Age of Exploration
To any casual observer, Kitsuki Daisuke is a clever,
industrious magistrate of the Dragon Clan who came to
prominence serving in the Colonies. To those who know
him well, he is a man haunted by the death of his uncle
at the hands of an unscrupulous Otomo who abused his
status and connections to goad samurai into duels, in
which he would kill them. Daisuke had been very close
to his uncle after his own fathers death, and so the loss
of yet another parent figure left him bitter and angry.
Daisuke entered into his familys school to train as
an investigator, but he was never quite able to hide his
emotions. He drew the attention on an older magistrate at
Shiro Kitsuki named Kitsuki Teruko. Teruko took Daisuke
under her tutelage and assisted him in controlling his
emotions. Teruko taught Daisuke to see the Otomos abuse
of his status as an affront to the natural order of things,
in much the same way the Kitsuki value physical evidence
over deference to the word of a samurai. Once Teruko had
Daisukes absolute trust, she revealed to him that she was
a member of the Kolat, the secret organization determined
to free man from the oppression of the Celestial Order.

Chapter Three
Although Daisuke was stunned at first, Teruko had
prepared him well. He was soon a dedicated member of
the conspiracy.
Daisuke was posted at Shiro Mirumoto and worked
with other court attendants to negotiate the marriage 27
between Dragon Champion Mirumoto Shikei and Unicorn
Champion Moto Naleesh. The discovery that Naleesh was

PEOPLE OF THE SECOND CITY

the reborn Shinjo sent waves throughout the Empire and
complicated the negotiations, as neither champion would
accept leaving their clan. Daisuke was more than happy
to lobby to the Otomo in favor of Naleesh leaving the
Unicorn. That she had ascended so quickly based on
nothing more than the soul of a Kami was a travesty in
Daisukes mind. His goals never came to fruition, however,
as the betrothal was called off.
After he left Dragon lands, he was assigned to the Sec-
ond City, which gave him the opportunity to seek revenge
for his uncles death. After some searching, he found the Kitsuki Daisuke
Otomos son, who now served the Crane Clan. Daisuke
spent several months scraping together anything that Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 3
would allow him to accuse the man of wrongdoing. When Reflexes: 4 Perception: 4
he finally had enough for the barest of claims, he con-
Honor: 4.2 (6.2) Status: 4.5 Glory: 5.5
fronted the Crane and, when the Crane denied the accusa-
tion, offered to duel him to resolve the matter. The Crane School/Rank: Kitsuki Investigator 2 (Kitsuki Justicar)
accepted and Daisuke struck him down without remorse. Skills: Courtier 3, Etiquette (Courtesy) 3, Hunting
Daisuke now lives in the Second City, unsure of his life 3, Iaijutsu (Assessment, Focus) 4, Investigation
now that he has had his vengeance. He has not spoken to (Interrogation) 5, Kenjutsu 4, Lore: Bushido 2, Lore:
a member of the Kolat in some time, but he is certain that Kolat 2, Lore: Law 4, Meditation 3, Sincerity (Honesty) 3
it is only a matter of time before he is called upon to assist Advantages: Allies (Kitsuki Teruko, The Kolat), Crafty,
in some plot to resist the Celestial heavens. Forbidden Knowledge (Kolat), Perceived Honor (2),
Precise Memory, Social Position (Emerald Magistrate)
Disadvantages: Dark Secret (Kolat), Disbeliever, Insensi-
tive, Small
 other delegates, including his
kinsmen and friend, Kitsuki
Sasuke. With the help of
Tsuruchi Kaya, both Kitsuki
were appointed as yoriki to
Emerald Magistrates present
at the court, with Kouri
serving under Hida Shara.
The months following would
be busy for Kouri. The Dragon
and Crane made peace, while
the Unicorn attacked Toshi
Ranbo. When a new Emer-
ald Champion was named,
previous promises were ful-
filled and Kouri became an
Emerald Magistrate. Unable
to ignore the opportunities he
had been given, Kouri used his
rising influence and called on
the assistance of allies to ensure
that his sisters were cared for in
his absence.
THE DRAGON CLAN

As another winter passed, the

Dragon received a message from
the Caliph of Medinaat al-Salaam,
Kitsuki Kouri requesting an ambassador. With the as-
sistance of the Scorpion, the Dragon leadership compiled
The Destroyer War a list of candidates to serve in the Burning Sands. Learn-
28
Submitted by Jason Shafer ing that his name was on that list, Kouri volunteered.
Kouri was confident that his sisters could care for them-
In many ways, Kitsuki Kouri seemed to be a typical
Chapter Three

selves without him, as they were now older. His youngest

representative of his family. Possessed of a sharp eye
sister did not want to burden the others, though, and so
and a keen mind, he exemplified the traits for which the
convinced Kouri that she should go with him.
Kitsuki have always been known. He was a leading student
at the Open Eye Dojo, training in two Kitsuki traditions. With a small retinue of aides and servants, Kitsuki Kouri
Kouri had studied to be a magistrate like his father, who and his sister left the Empire. As he performed his new
died defending others during the Rain of Blood. He had duties within the Caliphs court, Kouri waited anxiously
also learned the ways of an apothecary, as his mother was for news, regarding the Empires struggles against the
in Keen Eyes Strike Village. Ultimately, however, Kouri Dark Oracle of Fire and Kali-ma. Kouri did not hear news
would follow his own path. from Rokugan for many years. In that time, he made
connections and allies throughout the court and the city,
Kouris mother suffered a fatal accident just prior
just as he had at Kyuden Otomo. Kouri was certain that
to his gempukku. With his parents gone, he assumed
his clan and his Empress would one day call on him.
responsibility for the family household and for the
welfare of his three younger sisters. His concern for Kitsuki Kouri
them tempered any ambition he had and Kouri contented
himself with any service to the Dragon that would allow Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
him to stay close to his siblings. The War of Silk and Steel Intelligence: 4 Perception: 4
altered his priorities, however, as the push of the Crane
and Lion into Dragon lands forced his family to take Honor: 6.1 Status: 5.0 Glory: 4.2
refuge in Shiro Kitsuki. With his sisters safely within the
castle walls, Kouri accepted a new assignment to Kyuden School/Rank: Kitsuki Investigator 4
Otomo, assisting the Dragon delegation at the Imperial Skills: Courtier (Rhetoric) 3, Defense 3, Etiquette
Winter Court of 1168. (Courtesy, Bureaucracy) 5, Games: Shogi 3,
Kouri had never journeyed beyond Dragon lands and Horsemanship 2, Hunting (Tracking) 3, Investigation
had very little experience with samurai of other clans. He (Interrogation, Notice) 5, Kenjutsu 3, Knives 3, Medicine
continued to learn quickly, however, and his curiosity about (Herbalism, Antidotes) 5, Meditation 3, Lore: Burning
the rest of the Empire led him to meet and befriend many Sands 2, Lore: Law 2, Lore: Anatomy 3, Lore: Heraldry
2, Lore: Theology 2, Polearms (Nagimaki) 2, Sincerity 3
Advantages: Social Position (Emerald Magistrate,
Ambassador to Medinaat al-Salaam)
Mirumoto Katsutoshi intentions, he brought the Ancestral Sword of the Hantei
and presented it as a gift to the Empress. Although the
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne, gift was incomparably impressive, events did not go as
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration Katsutoshi hoped. Although the Empress rewarded him, the
The Dragon are known for having any number of blade was tainted, and Katsutoshi was scorned rather than
personality quirks, as their worldly spiritualism leads them celebrated. He left Winter Court shrouded in infamy.
down many paths. Mirumoto Katsutoshi, though, is an Saori was an unexpected source of reassurance, though.
enigma even among his kinsmen. Born to a low-ranking Even when the Mirumoto decided that her time as a hostage
branch of the Mirumoto family, Katsutoshi always resented was at an end, Saori stayed. Katsutoshi and Saori knew they
his station in life. He was an ambitious young man who would wed, but prolonged their betrothal for many years
did not appreciate the simple pleasures that so many of his while they traveled the Empire together. When they finally
colleagues enjoyed. Katsutoshi wanted power and respect. settled in the estates granted to him by the Empress, they
Katsutoshi trained hard, and though his skill with a blade focused instead on giving their son the opportunities to rise
was not exceptional, he learned to take advantage of the above those who would falsely claim to be his betters, even
weaknesses of other samurai to further his own ends. if those opportunities had to be obtained in blood.
Fortune smiled upon him, or so he would believe, when
the Dragon Ambassador to the Lost, Mirumoto Taishuu, Mirumoto Katsutoshi
reported that Daigotsu had abandoned the City of the Lost,
Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 3
and that the Ancestral Sword of the Hantei remained in
the city. Reflexes: 3 Strength: 3

Katsutoshi and three other Dragon samurai traveled into Honor: 1.5 Status: 2.6 Glory: 2.7 Infamy: 4.7
the Shadowlands, hoping to reclaim the lost heirloom.
Katsutoshi and Mirumoto Hirohisa survived to find the School/Rank: Mirumoto Bushi 2
blade, but Katsutoshi had no intention of sharing in the Skills: Courtier 2, Defense 2, Etiquette 3, Iaijutsu 3, In-

Chapter Three
glory, and murdered Hirohisa in the Shadowlands. When vestigation 3, Kenjutsu (Katana) 4, Lore: History 3, Lore:
he returned to the Empire, he kept it until he could use it Shourido 3, Lore: Shugenja 2, Meditation 3, Theology 2
to his benefit. Advantages: Blissful Betrothal (Doji Saori), Dark Paragon
Katsutoshis life changed forever at the Festival of the (Determination), Forbidden Knowledge (Shourido)
Sea Dragon in 1170. He came into conflict with a beautiful 29
Disadvantages: Black Sheep, Consumed (Strength), Dark
Crane duelist, Doji Saori. Saori accused Katsutoshi of Secret (Murdered Mirumoto Hirohisa), Driven (Prove

PEOPLE OF THE SECOND CITY

stealing a handkerchief that had once belonged to Lady himself), Failure of Bushido (Honor), Infamous, True Love
Doji, which he had offered to Ikoma Asa as a gift to her (Doji Saori)
betrothed. Katsutoshi took this as a challenge to the clan
and forced Saori to duel
Miruomoto Ichizo, a gift
student of the Dragon.
Ichizo defeated Saori, and to
assuage her shame the Crane
allowed the Dragon to take
her as a hostage.
In Saori, Katsutoshi dis-
covered a kindred spirit. They
both desired personal gain and
power in ways upon which
other samurai would frown.
Saori shared with Katsutoshi
the words of the gaijin pirate,
Garen, on the tenets of Shou-
rido. Katsutoshi was thrilled.
Here he finally found a philos-
ophy that appealed to him. He
devoted himself to the study of
Shourido, and though he knew
others would not approve, he
did not care.
Katsutoshi found a chance
to attain the glory he sought
the next year, at Winter
Court. Without revealing his
 the virtues in Bushido existed, but were accompanied by
other virtues as well: knowledge, insight, strength, perfec-
tion, control, will, and determination. These were the vir-
tues that came to be known as Shourido. Garen convinced
Saori of the value of these, and Saori embraced them.
Saori then adopted Choshis method and used her
courtly skills to goad many samurai into lethal duels they
could not survive. She killed innumerable adversaries in
Mirumoto Saori the name of the Crane Clan. It was not until the Festival of
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne, the Sea Dragon in 1170 that she met her match. When she
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration attempted to discredit a Lion named Ikoma Asa, saying she
stole a handkerchief said to have belonged to Lady Doji.
Doji Saori was a duelist and courtier of the Crane Clan.
Her word was disputed by a Dragon, Mirumoto Katsutoshi,
As a child, she showed promise in many areas, and so
who named Saori a liar. She challenged Katsutoshi, but
her parents arranged for her to attend the prestigious
he arranged for her to duel the prodigy Mirumoto Ichizo
Kakita Dueling Academy. She studied hard and graduated
instead. Stunned at having been outmaneuvered, Saori
with distinction, though she wanted more. Saori knew
lost the duel. Choshi arranged for Saori to be taken
her talents and believed she deserved a more prominent
hostage by the Dragon to resolve the matter. Saori was not
posting than she received at Kyuden Doji. A year after
disappointed by this, for she was intrigued by Katsutoshi.
her gempukku, Saori was seriously injured in an iaijutsu
duel. During her recovery, she studied at the Doji Courtier In Katsutoshi, Saori found a kindred spirit. He was as
School, and mastered their techniques as well. hungry for power and glory as her, and so she taught him
the precepts of Shourido, a path he had already followed,
After her recovery, Saori was assigned to work with
THE DRAGON CLAN

albeit without knowledge of it as a greater philosophy.

Doji Choshi in the village of Nikesake. While there, Saori
Many years later Saori and Katsutoshi married, and she
participated in trade negotiations with a Scorpion named
joined the Dragon as Mirumoto Saori. She now lives in
Bayushi Kaneo. During the negotiations, Choshi forced
their estates in Toshi Ranbo, where they raise their son
Saori to issue a challenge to Kaneo over his assertion
and ensure that any threats to his rise to power are dealt
that the Crane offer was unfair. Insisting the duel to be
with quickly and ruthlessly.
to the death, Saori cut Kaneo down. Afterward, Saori was
30 troubled that the duel was disproportionate to the insult. Mirumoto Saori
While pondering her role, Saori was approached by the
Chapter Three

gaijin captain, Garen Hawthorne. He sensed that she was Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 5
ill at ease, and pointed out that she would not be so un- Perception: 3
certain were it not for the flaws in the Code of Bushido.
Saori refused to accept that Bushido could be flawed, but Honor: 2.1 Status: 2.1 Glory: 3.4 Infamy: 3.4
Garen persisted. He explained that among his own people, School/Rank: Kakita Bushi 2 / Doji Courtier 2
Skills: Artisan: Ikebana 3, Artisan: Poetry
3, Meditation 3, Courtier 3, Etiquette 5,
Horsemanship 2, Iaijutsu (Focus) 5,
Kenjutsu 3, Kyujutsu 1, Lore: Iaijutsu
3, Lore: Shourido 4, Sincerity 2, Tea
Ceremony 3
Advantages: Multiple Schools, Blissful
Betrothal (Mirumoto Katsutoshi),
Forbidden Knowledge (Shourido),
Dark Paragon (Perfection),
Disadvantages: Hostage, Infamous
Tamori Emina Clan. Eminas skill eventually rivaled that even of the
tensai of the Isawa family.
Race for the Throne Eminas world shattered one night when an explosion
In the aftermath of the War Against the Spirits, years rocked Shiro Tamori. Rushing from her rooms, she
of near-constant warfare left many children in Rokugan discovered that the entire wing that housed Shaitungs
orphaned. The daimyo of the newly-named Tamori Family, rooms was gone. Unbeknownst to Emina, Shaitung and
Shaitung, found and took in one such child. The little girl, Nakamuro had been beset by assassins. Unwilling to let
Emina, was traumatized from the war, but eventually either die alone, Shaitung and Nakamuro had chosen to
opened up. Emina was very grateful that Shaitung rescued sacrifice themselves to eliminate their enemies. Emina
her and tried to serve her in any way should could, even never recovered from this loss, and in spite of her gifts
though Shaitung told her that performing menial chores from Benten, never recovered her cheerful demeanor.
was beneath the station of a samurai. Shaitung eventually
realized that she had the talent to speak to the kami, and Tamori Emina
so the Tamori family adopted her and taught her the ways
Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 2 Water: 2 Void: 3
of the shugenja.
Intelligence: 3 Perception: 3
Emina knew she led a blessed life because Shaitung had
found her, and so tried to spread joy to everyone she met. Honor: 6.5 Status: 1.6 Glory: 1.4
Unlike many in her adopted family, Emina was most at
School/Rank: Tamori Shugenja 2
home speaking to the air kami, as they were the ones who
were most carefree. They in turn also spoke with her quite Skills: Athletics 2, Calligraph (Cipher) 3, Courtier 3,
readily. Emina enjoyed the minor court functions that Defense 1, Divination 2, Etiquette 3, Lore: Theology 3,
she could attend at Shiro Tamori, where she could mingle Medicine 2, Meditation 3, Spellcraft 3
and meet new people without the tense politicking that Advantages: Ally (Tamori Shaitung), Clear Thinker,
happened at other castles. Friendly Kami (Air), Friend of the Elements (Air), Seven

Chapter Three
Emina always hoped that Shaitung would find happiness, Fortunes Blessing (Benten)
but never expected it to happen because Shaitung held Disadvantages: Driven (Help Shaitung find happiness),
such hatred and guilt in her heart over the fate of her Gullible, Small, Soft-Hearted
father. Emina found reason for optimism, though, when Affinity/Deficiency: Air/Earth
Shaitung met and fought beside Isawa Nakamuro, the 31
Phoenix Clans Master of Air. Emina could tell that the Spells: Legacy of Kaze-no-Kami, Natures Touch, Bentens
two leaders of their clans felt a kinship they would not Touch, The Kamis Whispers, Striking the Storm, Jurojins

PEOPLE OF THE SECOND CITY

find anywhere else, and so she carefully engaged Shaitung Balm, Extinguish, The Raging Forge, The Ties that Bind,
about her feelings for Nakamuro. Although Emina could Wisdom & Clarity
tell that Shaitung wanted to be with Nakamuro, Shaitung Note: Even though Emina is a Tamori Shugenja, because
refused to admit it because she could never compromise of her natural affinity for air spirits, her Affinity and
her duty to her family and clan. Deficiencies are reversed.
Emina was distressed that her lady could not be happy.
She began to pray to Benten that Shaitung
would find a way to be with Nakamuro. To
her surprise, Benten responded and granted
her his blessing. The strength of the blessing
gave Emina the wisdom to convince
Shaitung to give herself a chance for love.
Shaitung relented, and eventually married
Nakamuro.
Emina was very pleased that Shaitung
had found love, and often greeted
Nakamuro when he returned from
meetings with the Elemental Council.
Nakamuro came to love Emina as
Shaitung did, and even gave her private
lessons in speaking to the air kami, a
privilege unknown outside the Phoenix
 signaling the beginning of war with the Phoenix Clan.
Genshuo was outraged that the Phoenix would attack
the Dragon refugees who merely wanted to escape the
volcano, and so he rushed to their aid.
Genshuo fought in several battles during the war,
including the Battle of Ki-Rins Shrine, where he met the
General Mirumoto Junnosuke. Genshuo was distraught
that samurai were killing one another when the
volcano was still active and the clans should have been
working together toward a peaceful resolution and to
help the refugees. Before the end of the war, Genshuo
disappeared.
Genshuo spent several years as a wanderer, visiting
small villages and shrines. He preferred to take part in the
trials of daily life wherever he went, working on farms
and drinking in taverns. He was always interested in the
local people, whether they be samurai with important
duties or peasants who lived quiet lives. Genshuo was
always ready to trade a story with anyone he met.

Togashi Genshuo Genshuos travels took a dark turn with the rise of
Iuchiban. Where Genshuo had always met happy, warm
Four Winds, Rain of Blood people on his travels, now everyone was quiet and
THE DRAGON CLAN

Togashi Genshuo was an interesting man, one of the suspicious. So many small outbreaks of bloodspeaker
rare individuals to join a Great Clan in spite of a humble cultists had cowed the people of Rokugan. Genshuo was
upbringing. Genshuos parents were poor ronin who outraged at the fear that the bloodspeakers had projected
lived in Lost Samurai Village. Genshuo was a young man upon the land, and so he sought out Jade Magistrates
when the Dragon Champion, Togashi Hoshi, visited the whenever he could and asked to help investigate and
village on a tour of Kousou Province. While Genshuo was combat the scourge of the bloodspeaker cult.
32 attending his parents and the handful of other samurai in Although Genshuos heart was pure, his life ended in
the village, Hoshi noticed him and asked to speak with tragedy. While assisting a Unicorn named Iuchi Ryoi in
Kaeru Toshi, Genshuo unwittingly discovered a cult cell
Chapter Three

him. Hoshi took Genshuo aside and merely looked into his
eyes. Hoshi then offered to take Genshuo back to Kyuden led by a local magistrate. Genshuo did not realize, though,
Togashi and teach him. Genshuo was surprised by that Ryoi was secretly a part of the cell himself, and when
this, but his parents encouraged him to go. Genshuo told Ryoi, the Unicorn called on the kansen and
At Kyuden Togashi, Genshuo received a mystical murdered Genshuo, silencing the tattooed man forever.
tattoo from his lord, and was adopted into the
Togashi Genshuo
Togashi order. Genshuo did not choose to study
the Tao, though. Hoshi insisted that Genshuo Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
follow his own path, and so Togashi Genshuo
Agility: 4
set off into the world to explore its wonders.
It turned out to be his good fortune to Honor: 7.6 Status: 2.0 Glory: 6.8
have left Lost Samurai Village, for several
months later the volcano, Wrath of the School/Rank: Hoshi Tsurui Zumi 2
Kami, erupted, destroying the village, Skills: Athletics 4, Courtier 3, Defense 3, Etiquette 3,
killing Genshuos parents, and Jiujutsu 5, Lore: History 3, Meditation (Void Recovery) 3,
Perform: Storytelling 4
Advantages: Heart of Vengeance (Bloodspeakers), Hero of
the People, Paragon (Compassion), Virtuous
Disadvantages: Ascetic, Driven (Purge
Bloodspeaker cult)
Tattoos: Ki-Rin
Kiho: Breaking Blow, Banish All Shadows, Cleansing
Spirit, Ride the Water Dragon
 T he L ion Cl a n
Akodo Rokuro
Rain of Blood,
castle grounds. Rokuro was stunned to see such a massive
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne troop movement in the winter, and had underestimated
All Akodo Rokuro ever wanted was a lord to serve and the strength of his enemies. At last he rode out to the
a blade to carry in his name. His skill with the blade and front lines himself, wishing that he had ordered a full
his keen mind led to so much more. As a graduate of the evacuation instead of throwing his mens lives away
Akodo Tactical School, Rokuro was always very perceptive without even slowing down the Khan.
of his surroundings. Unlike many of his fellow soldiers, Rokuro fought valiantly for hours, but in the end he
however, Rokuro was as adept at seeing the way of people was just one man. As he circled a heavy cavalryman he
as he was of combat or terrain. His skill at negotiating had unhorsed with a careful strike, Rokuro felt the sharp
and his willingness to engage with courtiers impressed the punch of several arrows piercing his back. He fell to his
Lion Champion, Matsu Nimuro. knees, and just before the light slipped away he found
Nimuro appointed Rokuro as the governor of Toshi hope, knowing that behind him thousands of Lion samurai
Ranbo, and he was the last governor of that city before would take up their blades to serve their lord in the war
it was transformed into the new capital after the fall that had just begun.
of Otosan Uchi. Rokuro was instrumental in planning
many of the structural improvements that would allow Akodo Rokuro

Chapter Four
the Emperor to live there, and personally oversaw the
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
construction of the new Imperial Palace alongside the
Miya and the Kaiu. When the final preparations were Awareness: 4 Agility: 5 Perception: 5
complete, Nimuro recalled Rokuro to Shiro Matsu to serve
Honor: 7.7 Status: 5.2 Glory: 4.9
on his command staff. 33
Rokuro continued on Nimuros command staff until School/Rank: Akodo Bushi 4 (Akodo Siege Strategist)
Nimuros death fighting against the Unicorn. Rokuro was

THE LION CLAN

Skills: Battle (Mass Combat) 6, Courtier 4, Defense 3,
shaken by the loss of his champion, but had been prepared Engineering (Siege) 6, Etiquette 4, Horsemanship 4,
for such an eventuality for months. Nimuro had seemed Kenjutsu (Katana) 6, Kyujutsu 4, Lore: Bushido 5, Lore:
agitated to Rokuro, not exactly himself, and so Rokuro History 4, Sincerity (Honesty) 4
feared that the change in behavior would lead to Nimuros
Advantages: Allies (Matsu Nimuro, Ikoma Otemi), Lead-
downfall on the battlefield. Though he had these concerns,
ership, Paragon (Honor), Sage, Social Position (Governor
Rokuro would never dishonor his Champion to suggest
of Toshi Ranbo, Lion Champion Command Staff)
such a thing aloud.
Disadvantages: Cant Lie, Obligation (Lion Clan
When Ikoma Otemi ascended to the championship until
Champion)
Nimuros son came of age, Otemi asked Rokuro to stay
on the command staff to provide continuity, given how
unsure many Lion were of Otemi at the time. Rokuro
was honored to assist Otemi, and they worked
together planning battle strategies for the Lion into
the battles against Moto Chagatai when the Khan
sought to take the throne for himself, even after
Otemi had abdicated the championship to Matsu
Yoshino.
Rokuro was stationed at Shiranai Toshi when the
Unicorn attacked in force. He deftly arrayed the
defenders against the massive cavalry force and sent
word to Kyuden Ikoma of the attack, but it would
not be enough. The Unicorn broke his lines and
slaughtered every soldier they could find on the
 and swear vengeance upon
Yobi) and after the Battle of
Oblivions Gate, was given the
honor of joining the Lion Clan
once again and taking the
name Akodo.
After rejoining the Lion Clan,
Yobi would come to serve
as an advisor to the young
Akodo Kaneka during the
era of the Four Winds, and
eventually senior advisor to
the Lion Clan for both Ikoma
Ijiasu and Matsu Aoiko during
the turbulent times with the
Unicorn in the Rain of Blood.
He had served Toturis line well
and honorably, and once there
was no longer someone of the
Toturi line to serve directly, he
turned his full efforts to bringing
honor and his wisdom to the Clan
that Toturi had so faithfully served
years ago, serving under Akodo
THE LION CLAN

Shigitoshi and working closely with

Ikoma Ijiasu and Matus Aoiko.
Akodo Yobi Yobi did not want anything in life other than to fulfill
The Clan War, The War Against the his duty to those he served and served with. Glory on the
Darkness, The Four Winds, Rain of Blood battlefield, political status, money these things were all
34
meaningless before service to daimyo and Clan to Yobi.
Dedication to ones lord is something every samurai
He declined offers to become a sensei as well or even
strives to achieve. They should put personal ambition and
Chapter Four

retire, feeling that when his duty was done was the day he
status second to the needs of their daimyo, but there often
last drew breath.
arise situations where difficult choices must be made.
When a samurai is shamed, he is often allowed to commit The closest Yobi ever comes to personal indulgence is his
sepukku - the honorable way to atone for their shame. joy of reading history. Yobi found a certain balance and
A truly cruel punishment is to be cast out from the Clan calm in looking to the history of Rokugan and the Lion
and made ronin. Often, those who serve this dishonored Clan, and though it was a simple peace for Yobi, that is all
lord swear fealty to a new one, or commit sepukku he needed. Yobi eventually met his end much like he lived
as well. A few dedicated samurai will follow their lord his life, serving at the side of Matsu Aoiko and defending
into banishment, and Akodo Yobi is one such dedicated, her from his nemesis Voitagi.
honorable man.
Akodo Yobi
Yobi was a tactician and commander for the Lion, but
became a Wave Man when Toturi was cast out and became Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 4 Void: 3
Toturi the Black. For Yobi, there was no question about
Reflexes: 3 Willpower: 4
service - if your daimyo is going to jump into the mouth
of Jigoku itself, you ask for the honor of jumping in beside Honor: 6.0 Status: 5.0 Glory: 3.5
him.
Yobis dedication to Toturi went beyond honor or duty School/Rank: Akodo Bushi 2 (Insight Rank 3)
though. Yobi believed in Toturi, in the Toturi line, and in Skills: Athletics 3, Battle (Mass Combat) 4, Defense 2,
the hope that they represented to Rokugan. He followed Horsemanship 3, Iaijutsu 3, Kenjutsu 4, Kyujutsu 2,
Toturi through his trials as Toturi the Black, saving him Lore: History 6, Lore: Shadowlands 3, Sincerity 2
from assassination at the hands of the ronin Voitagi (who Advantages: Clear Thinker, Heart of Vengeance (Shad-
would rise from the dead through the power of Jigoku owlands), Tactician, Virtuous, Social Position: Hatamoto
Disadvantages: Dark Fate (Murdered by Voitagi), Sworn
Enemy (Voitagi)
Ikoma Asa Saori a liar and forcing a duel that Saori would lose,
ensuring that Asa and Nobuhide could marry.
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War The gift of the handkerchief proved more powerful than
While the Lion Clan may value its martial strength even Asa imagined. The Crane permitted Nobuhide to
over anything else, that strength exists because of the join the Lion and take the Ikoma name. Asa was able to
contribution of generations of honored ancestors. The continue her family line and honor her ancestors and her
Lion are dedicated to remembering their ancestors and brothers. In later years, she often visited Katsutoshi and
paying their respects through story and song. For this Saori, who had married to her surprise, in Toshi Ranbo.
reason, the Ikoma storytellers are revered even though Nobuhide warned her against spending much time in the
they do not fight alongside their brothers and sisters on capital, though, as he did not trust Katsutoshi or Saori.
the field of battle. Asa and Nobuhide retired together during the peace after
When Ikoma Asas two older brothers died in skirmishes the Destroyer War, dedicating themselves to a temple to
with the Phoenix and Scorpion during her childhood, she Benten in Crane lands.
knew she would rather tell of their deeds than follow in
their footsteps. Blessed with a pure voice and a talent for Ikoma Asa
song, Asa was admitted to the Ikoma Bard School. She
Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 2 Water: 2 Void: 3
enjoyed the intricacies of the storytelling techniques of the
Ikoma, and discovered a talent for other courtly pursuits. Awareness: 5 Intelligence: 4 Perception: 3
Upon her gempukku she traveled to Toshi Ranbo, where
Honor: 5.2 Status: 1.9 Glory: 2.1
she was a darling of the court. She learned to make friends
outside her own clan as well, including an intelligent and School/Rank: Ikoma Bard 3
inquisitive Crab named Kaiu Genji who was known for Skills: Artisan: Poetry 4, Courtier 3, Etiquette 4, Lore:
traveling across the Empire regularly. History (Lion Clan) 5, Lore: Law 3, Meditation 3, Perform:
Asa hid sadness, though. She knew that with her brothers Storytelling 6, Sincerity (Honesty) 4, Tea Ceremony 2,

Chapter Four
deaths, her line would end. Knowing that she would be Horsemanship 1
unlikely to attain a station that would allow her to find a Advantages: Allies (Mirumoto Katsutoshi, Mirumoto
husband who would take her name, she resigned herself Saori), Darling of the Court (Toshi Ranbo), Sage, Voice
to the possibility that she would marry for the Lion, an Disadvantages: Driven (Continue her line), Lost Love (Her
honorable choice, but not one she believed would bring brothers), True Love (Doji Nobuhide) 35
her happiness.

THE LION CLAN

This changed when she attended the
Festival of the Sea Dragon. She met
a Crane, Doji Nobuhide, with whom
she felt more alive than she could
remember. He was an honorable
man, and respected the path she
had chosen in life. Although
Asa and Nobuhide wanted to
marry, their lords would have no
reason to allow it without some
incentive. Asa promised that
she would gift the Crane with
something wondrous if they
were to allow the marriage,
but she had nothing to give.
She was found an unlikely
source of aid, a Dragon
named Mirumoto Katsutoshi.
Katsutoshi provided her
with a handkerchief, said to
have belonged to Lady Doji
herself. Asa was overjoyed,
and presented the gift to
the Crane. To her shock,
though, a member of the
Crane delegation, Doji Saori,
accused Asa of stealing the
handkerchief. Katsutoshi
came to her aid again, calling
 Kitsu Hisashi single last one of them. Hisashi would eventually discover
the true nature of the Tsuno: they were once pure Kitsu
The Four Winds creatures, and this information proved instrumental for
Kitsu Hisashi was a young shugenja with golden eyes that the Lion in combating the Tsuno.
indicated his full-blood Kitsu ancestry during the time of Hisashis research in his pursuit of destroying the Tsuno
the Four Winds. He was a calm, stoic individual who seem led him to a greater understanding of the Spirit Realms,
to enjoy some of the more repetitive and mundane work and he was instrumental in negotiating an ultimate peace
of the Kitsu family, and after his gempukku was sent to between Emma-O, the Fortune of Death, and the Shi-Tien
the Kitsu Tombs where he diligently and happily worked Yen-Wang, the gaijin Lords of Death that were worshiped
on maintaining the records of the library. His approach by the Moto family. This feat is somewhat understated
to this task was such that many believed Hisashi to be in the history of Rokugan, unknown to most even in the
without emotion at all, reacting in the same collected, Unicorn Clan, but it fundamentally altered the way the
stoic manner to all form of news and interaction with the dead were judged and sentenced within the Celestial Order
other samurai who visited the Tombs. For Hisashi, there and its impact cannot be overstated.
was a peace in being free of emotion and the concerns Before and after the attack of the Tsuno, Hisashi lived
that they could bring, and while no one else would have for the focus of his duty. Research and upkeep of the Kitsu
guessed it, Hisashi was a happy and content man. Tombs, understanding and slaying the Tsuno - whatever
All of this changed when the Tsuno attacked the Lion Hisashi set out to do, he did not rest until his duty was
Clan. Led by the Onisu Nikushimi, the Tsuno attacked the complete. This dedication was nothing short of obsessive
Lion provinces with brutal efficiency, using their ability to and if put in a position where Hisashi had to choose
walk between the Spirits Realms to appear where the Lion between the focus of his obsession or the orders of the
were weakest, and then disappearing before they could Lion Clan, Hisashi would have had to make a difficult
mount any kind of defense. When the Tsuno attacked the choice. Thankfully, for most of his life Hisashis obsessions
THE LION CLAN

Kitsu Tombs, Hisashi singlehandedly defended the Tombs were in line with the needs and goals of the Lion.
from a pair of Soultwisters, a feat that surprised everyone
present. Because of his quiet and reserved nature, many Kitsu Hisashi
did not have a clear understanding of Hisashis magical
Air: 3 Earth: 4 Fire: 2 Water: 3 Void: 3
talents, and he would go on to further prove the latent
power that coursed through his veins. Intelligence: 3
36
The attack on the Kitsu Tombs by the Tsuno changed Honor: 5.5 Status: 1.5 Glory: 1.4
Hisashi forever. Where once there was a quiet, reserved
Chapter Four

man there was now a controlled, nearly endless fury and School/Rank: Kitsu Shugenja 3
hatred. Hisashi no longer sought contentment in the scrolls Skills: Anatomy (Tsuno) 3, Battle 2, Calligraphy (Cipher)
and history of the Kitsu family, instead working diligently 3, Etiquette 3, Lore: History (Kitsu) 4, Lore: Spirit Realms
to understand the Tsuno and ultimately eradicate every 3, Lore: Theology 3, Spellcraft 3, Staves 5
Advantages: Heart of Vengeance (Tsuno),
Magic Resistance (Soultwister Magic -
Rank Three), Touch of the Spirit Realms
(Meido)
Disadvantages: Consumed (Knowledge),
Insensitive
Affinity/Deficiency: Water/Fire
Spells: Clarity of Purpose, Reflections of
Pan Ku, Rejuvenating Vapors, Regrow
the Wound, Strike of the Tsunami,
To Seek the Truth, Mists of Illusion,
Courage of the Seven Thunders, Minor
Binding
 Chapter Four
Matsu Agoro Born at night, Matsu Agoro was touched by Onnotangu,
and as such, half of his life is in Lord Moons control.
Time of Enlightenment The sleepwalking at night as a child was merely the first
instance of Lord Moon exerting control. When it stopped,
Submitted by Matthew Tyler 37
it was in fact Onnotangu taking full control and being able
Sometimes ones fate is outside of their hands. Matsu to sneak out without notice. Under his own will, Matsu

THE LION CLAN

Agoro was one such person, a tragic figure among Agoro was an honorable man, a picture of what it meant
the ranks of the Lion Clan. As a young child, Matsu to be a Lion bushi. Under the will of Onnotangu though,
Agoro was prone to sleepwalking. It did not happen Matsu Agoro was the exact opposite, a dishonorable and
often, but occasionally enough that the family servants disreputable man who values personal pleasure through
became accustomed to it. Sleepwalking is not a truly vice and sin.
rare occurrence, and his parents felt his would outgrow
This revelation, something no one could cure, meant that
it with age. This was indeed the case, and by the time
Agoro could never hold a position of any honor within
Agoro was ready to join the Matsu dojo, no one had seen
the Lion Clan, and his actions, though out of his control,
him sleepwalk for years. It wasnt until later in his initial
were disgraceful. There was but one option, the life of a
training that the truth became known.
Deathseeker.
One night, Agoro was seen leaving the dojo by a fellow
student, who reported the departure to their sensei. The Matsu Agoro
next day, Agoro was among the other students, as awake
as any of them. When confronted about the incident he Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 2 Water: 3 Void: 3
calmly replied he had never left the dojo. The sensei let Reflexes: 3 Agility: 3
the occurrence pass but kept watch over the barracks that
night. As the late hour approached and the moon rose Honor: 4.5 Status: 1.0 Glory: 1.0
high, Agoro was spied sneaking out of the dojo with a
School/Rank: Matsu Berserker 2 (Deathseeker) (Death-
deftness and skill that showed one adept at such skills. It
seeker is Agoros Rank 1 Technique)
took all of her training to follow, but Agoros sensei was
able to follow him at a discreet distance. All night long he Skills: Athletics 2, Battle 1, Defense 3, Jiujutsu 2,
went from geisha house to gambling den, taking part in Kenjutsu (Katana) 4, Kyujutsu 1, Lore: History 3, Lore:
almost any form of vice the city had to offer. Spirit Realms 2, Sincerity (Honesty) 3
The next day Agoro was among the students just as if he Advantages: Strength of the Earth
had slept soundly all night long. His sensei confronted him Disadvantages: Black Sheep, Dishonored, Lord Moons
about what she saw, and he flatly denied having ever gone Curse
out at night. As far as he knew, he had gone to sleep and Note: When Agoro is under the effects of Lord Moons
woken up in his own bed. So sincere were his words, that Curse, he also has the following disadvantages - Brash,
his sensei called a shugenja. Compulsion (Drinking), Lechery (Rank One), Greedy
 It was during the coronation of Hantei
Naseru as Toturi III that Mieko betrayed
a small amount of sadness, and that
falter quietly attracted the attention of
Doji Kaneshiro, a Crane courtier and a
recruiter for the newly reborn Gozoku.
He engaged her in discussion, appeal-
ing to her idealistic views and devo-
tion to the tenets of bushido, while
subtly pointing out and emphasizing
how, in the past, the Emperor had used
such views to gain political advantage,
twisting the code of bushido to get the
upper hand in a political game. Mieko
agreed, seemingly finding in the Doji
a kindred spirit, someone who un-
derstood how the celestial order was
being damaged. Kaneshiro used this
newly forged friendship to gain mi-
nor advantages for the Gozoku, ask-
ing Mieko only for minor favors; in-
formation on seemingly unimportant
troop movements, delays for certain
caravans and the like: small things
THE LION CLAN

that would neither compromise her

honor, nor her direct orders from her
Matsu Mieko superiors.

Four Winds, Rain of Blood, After some time and more discussion with Kaneshiro,
Mieko began to believe in the ideals of the Gozoku
38
Time of Enlightenment
movement. The Emperor was corrupt. The true paragon of
Submitted by Elizabeth Hellmer bushido was dead. At this point, the necessary course of
Chapter Four

Born in 1143 as the only daughter of a Matsu mother action was to guide the system from within - to change
and an Akodo father, Mieko was raised like most Matsu things so that only those who properly understood and
children: she was ready and eager to become a weapon in were devoted to bushido could control the Empire. Upon
service to both the clan and the Empire. Losing both of her her initiation to the Gozoku conspiracy, Mieko swore
parents to the War of Spirits, she took solace in Bushido at an oath to commit seppuku upon the success of the
a young age, so she came to believe that only the code and Gozoku, thus reconciling the fulfillment of Bushido and
complete devotion to its rigid strictures were vital. Mieko her betrayal of her oaths to the Empire. Then her service
came of age and performed her gempukku ceremony in would be complete.
the year 1158, only weeks before the death of Toturi I.
She joined the Matsu armies and excelled, achieving
Matsu Mieko
rapid promotion to Gunso after exemplary actions during Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 2
skirmishes with the Unicorn.
Reflexes: 4 Perception: 4
The death of the Emperor caused chaos all throughout the
empire. To Mieko, it seemed that the Empire to which she Honor: 4.0 Status: 2.5 Glory: 4.0
had dedicated herself was corrupt, poisoning itself from
within. Toturi Tsudao, the firstborn of the emperor and School/Rank: Matsu Berserker 2 (Agent of the Second
someone whom Mieko admired as the living embodiment Gozoku)
of Bushido, seemed to cut through the chaos and bring Skills: Athletics 3, Battle 2, Courtier 2, Jiujutsu 1,
order back to the empire. It was through her honorable Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Kyujutsu 4, Lore: Bushido 7, Lore:
actions that Mieko became convinced that Tsudao was the History 4, Lore: Gozoku 1, War Fans 3
only heir with a right to the throne. None of the other Advantages: Allies (Doji Kaneshiro, The Gozoku),
Winds showed a glimmer of (let alone exemplified) true Forbidden Knowledge (Gozoku), Paragon (Honor)
bushido in Miekos eyes. Mieko dedicated her life to
Disadvantages: Dark Secret (Member of the The Gozoku),
following Tsudao. When Tsudao declared herself Empress
Idealistic, Obligation (The Gozoku - commit sepukku
in 1159, Miekos heart swelled with hope, knowing that
upon victory), Sworn Enemy (Toturi III/Toturi Naseru)
the Empire would be led down the true path. The Empress
death soon after shattered the foundations of Miekos
world.
Matsu Mikura Upon the completing her year of training with the
Mantis, Mikura served the Lion on the The Deathless,
The Destroyer War, Age of Exploration the legendary kobune discovered by Ikoma Otemi, and
In her youth, Matsu Mikura was in many ways the eventually was stationed in Toshi Ranbo. She was one
antithesis of a traditional Matsu. She was carefree, of the Lions best strategists and warriors during the
often taken to walking through gardens or nearby fields Destroyer War and would live to continue to serve them
of flowers, and showed little deference towards other into the Age of Exploration.
members of her family or samurai of other clans. She was Mikuras training with the Mantis instilled in her the rev-
a happy girl with incredible beauty, and often found the erence that her family sought for so long to do themselves,
attention of others amusing, but thought little of it beyond and her incredibly beauty continued to attract much at-
that. While her behavior was not dishonorable, it was tention, most of which Mikura took with a smile and a
something that came as a surprise to her family, and try nod. When performing her duties Mikura is a picture per-
as they might they were unable to change Mikuras happy, fect Lion bushi, but in her free time, she prefers the simple,
whimsical outlook on life. Her aunt, the legendary Matsu beautiful things in life, leaving her armor to be donned
Kenji, admired Mikuras outlook on life but understood again when the Lion, and the Empire, have need of her.
that someday she would have to face the reality of being a
Matsu and a samurai. But for Mikura, death and blood and Matsu Mikura
steel were simply less interesting than the beauty of life
Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 2
and nature and finding happiness in these things.
Reflexes: 3
Despite her desire for the simpler things in life,
Mikura was a prodigy in her time. She was the top of Honor: 5.7 Status: 2.9 Glory: 4.7
her class when she graduated the Matsu Bushi school,
demonstrating superior technique and understanding of School/Rank: Matsu Berserker 2
the principles and teachings of the school. The only red Skills: Athletics 2, Battle 1, Craft: Sailing 3, Etiquette 2,

Chapter Four
marks on Mikuras education were the irreverence she Horsemanship 1, Jiujutsu 2, Kenjutsu (Katana) 2, Kyu-
continued to demonstrate, despite constant scolding from jutsu 4, Lore:History 3, Lore: Mantis 2, Lore: Nature 3
her teachers.
Advantages: Dangerous Beauty, Great Potential
Upon graduation, Matsu Kenji sent Mikura to train with (Kyujutsu), Social Postion (Matsu Kenjis niece), Way of
the Mantis for one year, seeking to improve the relation- the Land (Matsu provinces, Isles of Silk and Spice) 39
ship between the two clans. The teachers of the Lion tried
Disadvantages: Contrary, Small
to curb Mikuras nature, and were strict, but within rea-

THE LION CLAN

son. Upon starting her training with
the Mantis, the sensei of the Yori-
tomo had no such reservations
about punishing Mikuras be-
havior despite her being their
guest. Mikura viewed the
harsh training by the Yoritomo
initially with some revulsion,
but over the course of her
training with them and serv-
ing on a Mantis kobune, she
finally came to understand
the delicate balance she must
maintain between honor and
duty and respect for her posi-
tion as a samurai and to oth-
ers, and the free spirit that still
burned within her. Though she
did not study the use of kama
extensively, her natural talents
came to light when she ex-
celled in the use of the bow, and
became noteworthy among the
Mantis during her stay because
of this.
T he Ma ntis Cl a n Kitsune Iwarou
Age of Exploration
the defunct group. In an Empire in which heresy started to
Submitted by Brebouillet Mathieu brew and traditions were forgotten in the Colonies, they
Kitsune Iwarou is in many aspects the traditional Kitsune. would be an arm to enforce the Empress divine vision
He is more at home in the wilderness than in the courts; without requiring the help of the Spider. He decided to
he has spent most of his life scouting the Kitsune forest wear white at all times until the group was officially used
and living with the animals spirits. But his story is far again, since it was never officially disbanded. The return
different. Kitsune Iwarou is a bushi. He has been trained in of the Uruwashii convinced Iwarou he was doing the right
the Seppun Guardsmen thanks to a legacy few Fox clan, thing. The fact that he received the protection bestowed
or even samurai at large, remember. normally on the members of the Mondai Ketsu made him
Iwarou is the great-grandson of Kitsune Taro, the last believe the Empress would be amenable to his demands, if
commander of the Mondai Ketsu. The Mondai Ketsu, the he could contact her.
fury of Hantei as they were called, was a small unit of Iwarou lives in Toshi Ranbo, in estates owned by the
special magistrates that answered only to the Emperor it- Kitsune family prior to its absorption into the Mantis
self, created to act as a special police that would not be Clan. Although Iwarou is loyal to the Yoritomo family,
bound by social limitations. They quickly earned a repu- he romanticizes the days when the Fox Clan lived in
tation for brutality and were hated by the pacifist Phoenix peace in the forests of their home, unburdened by the
THE MANTIS CLAN

Clan. With the death of the Emperor who created them, machinations of the Mantis. Anyone who meets Iwarou
the Mondai Ketsu were used less and less, and were com- finds him to be a pleasant, if introspective man. He
pletely inactive by the reign of Toturi. It created tensions often engages other young bushi in journeys with him
among the members, for their position was hereditary, but to uncover more information about the Mondai Ketsu, or
before anything could happen, Daigotsu attacked Otosan even to accompany him on missions he feels he is bound
Uchi and the Mondai Ketsu were all killed to a man. to undertake as part of the ancient oaths of his family.
40 Taros grandmother and great-uncle were children at
this time and werent in the Fox Clan embassy when the
Kitsune Iwarou
Chapter Five

Mondai Ketsu were massacred. They inherited positions Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 2
in the Mondai Ketsus when they reached adulthood, as
did Taros father when he come of age. When Iwarou Honor: 5.5 Status: 1.0 Glory: 3.0
came of age, he decided that it was time to resurrect
School/Rank: Seppun Guardsman
2/Kitsune Ranger 1
Skills: Athletics 1, Battle 1,
Courtier 1, Defense 3, Etiquette
3, Hunting 3, Iaijutsu 2,
Investigation 3, Kenjutsu
(Katana) 2, Kyujutsu 2, Lore:
Law 4, Stealth 3
Advantages: Ally (Mondai
Ketsu), High Purpose (Return
the Mondai Ketsu to glory),
Sacrosanct
Disadvantages: Idealistic,
Kalanis Landing Stigma
(Treat this as the same as
Zakyo Toshi Stigma from
Strongholds of the Empire)
Kata: Striking as Air,
Striking as Earth, Striking
as Fire
Moshi Amika
Rain of Blood,
Time of Enlightenment,
Race for the Throne
Moshi Amika came of age during a
time of strife for the normally peace-
ful Moshi family. For centuries as the
Centipede Clan, the family had wor-
shipped the Lady Sun, Amaterasu,
and lived in harmony in their se-
cluded valley. Amaterasu had no en-
emies among the clans, and so the
Moshi were free to continue about
their lives generally free from the tri-
als that other clans caused and faced.
Shortly before Amika was born,
Amaterasu committed jigai. Lady Sun
was distraught that Hitomi had killed
Onnotangu, and so the heavens were
without a sun and a moon. Although
Hida Yakamo ascended to become the new
sun, the Moshi family was changed forever.
The Daimyo at the time, Amikas great-aunt Moshi strength, though, and did not abandon her faith like Jukio

Chapter Five
Jukio, abandoned her faith and was cursed to live until had so many years before. She was strong for her family,
she learned forgiveness. Jukio did not learn that lesson and saw them through another time of uncertainty.
until shortly after Amikas gempukku. When Amika went Though Amika was still young, her light was extinguished
to visit her Jukio, she found that the old woman had during the Night of the Spider. Daigotsu Harushi, acting
followed Lady Sun. Amika, at a very young age, took the under orders from the Dark Lord Daigotsu, came upon 41
mantle of a family without an identity. Amika in the night and murdered her. Although Amikas
Amika reenergized the Moshis faith in the sun, even if bodyguards were able to injure Harushi, her killer was

THE MANTIS CLAN

the sun was now a Crab lord. The sun was life, and the sun never brought to justice.
was their history. Under Amika, the Moshi asserted their
importance within the Mantis Clan, and even challenged Moshi Amika
the Yoritomo for mastery of their own areas of expertise.
Air: 4 Earth: 2 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
While the Moshi revere the sun, Amika introduced the
Yoritomo thunder magic into the school. Now, Moshi Honor: 7.9 Status: 7.0 Glory: 6.3
shugenja worship both the Sun and the Thunder Dragon,
and wield fire and lightning together to defend their clan. School/Rank: Moshi Shugenja 4
The heavens smiled upon Amika, and brought her an Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher) 4, Courtier 5, Divination 5,
opportunity to bring a new level of legitimacy to her clan. Etiquette 4, Investigation 4, Lore: Celestial Heavens 3,
When Horiuchi Rikako came to Amika with the Heavenly Lore: Spirit Realms 3, Lore: Theology 4, Meditation 4,
Kobune of Suitengu, Amika was intrigued to travel to the Spellcraft 5
Celestial Heavens, and accompanied Rikako in looking Advantages: Allies (many), Elemental Blessing (Air,
for Yoritomo and then Otaku Kamoko. The Unicorn and Fire), Friend of the Elements (Air), Great Destiny (Deliver
Mantis feared losing their places among the Great Clans, Kamoko and Yoritomo to Tengoku, tell the Empire of
yet Amika and Rikako would not see it so without trying Yakamos warning), Touch of the Spirit Realms (Tengoku)
to ensure their clans voice in Tengoku. Traveling through
Disadvantages: Small, Soft-Hearted
the heavens, they found the two legendary mortals and
escorted them to the gates of Tengoku, where Kamoko and Affinity/Deficiency: Air / Earth
Yoritomo took their places among the gods and ensure Spells: Amikas studies the kami extensively throughout
that their clans would keep their place in the world. her lifetime, and is considered to have most Air and Fire
Amikas first brush with the heavens would not be her spells that are not used for deception or the harming of
last. The next year, Amika witnessed the fall of Hida others, as well as many healing Water spells. She does
Yakamo from the skies, and heard his final words warning have a small repertoire of spells to defend herself in
of the impending Destroyer War. This was very disturbing combat, but most of these are defensive and not offensive
for Amika as a priestess of the Sun, and she was distraught in nature.
until the Jade Sun made itself known. Amika showed her
 The Mantis Champion Yoritomo
Naizen insisted that Kiyomori ac-
company Moshi Amika and Moshi
Sayoko, as they were the three most
talented shugenja in the clan. Al-
though Kiyomori performed admira-
bly, he did not win the post. Naizen
rewarded his efforts with a posting
as shireikan of the Third Storm fleet.
His duties often kept him off the
northern coast of Rokugan, in the
area where he had fought the Phoe-
nix just a few years before. Naizen
insisted Kiyomori be in command
of that fleet because he knew the
horrors of that war and would be
unlikely to be drawn into another
conflict with the Phoenix.
Kiyomori did not see any fighting
during the Destroyer War, as his
fleet was assigned outside of the
combat area, but many of his men
were rotated in and out of line units.
THE MANTIS CLAN

He lost a number of friends in the

Moshi Tsuruchi family during the final siege
Kiyomori at Kyuden Ashinagabachi. After the war, Kiyomori asked
for and was granted a transfer to the forces who colonized
Rain of Blood, Time of Enlightenment, the former Ivory Kingdoms. He was among the first to
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War study the strange breed of orochi that lived in the coastal
42 waters and in some parts of the deep jungle rivers. Kiyo-
Moshi Kiyomori felt from a very young age that he had
to work twice as hard to prove himself. Fortunately, he mori returned to prominence when he participated in the
Chapter Five

enjoyed everything about being a shugenja, one of the next Test of the Jade Champion.
few men in his family with the gift. Kiyomori was very
friendly and enjoyed the company of others, especially
Moshi Kiyomori
other shugenja. He was so charming that others could not Air: 3 Earth: 2 Fire: 3 Water: 4 Void: 3
help but feel compelled to help him with his craft, and he
learned many personal tricks for convincing to kami to Stamina: 3 Perception: 5
work his magic. Honor: 4.4 Status: 2.3 Glory: 3.7
When Kiyomori was ready to finish his schooling, he
was selected to attend the prestigious Topaz Champion- School/Rank: Yoritomo Shugenja 3 (Topaz Champion)
ship, which to his own surprise he won. Kiyomori was Skills: Athletics 2, Calligraphy 3, Knives 3, Lore: Orochi
crestfallen, though, to discover that a member of his del- 3, Lore: Theology 4, Meditation 3, Sailing (Navigation) 4,
egation, Yoritomo Satako, had been working behind the Sincerity 3, Iaijutsu 1, Kenjutsu 2, Spellcraft 4
scenes to defeat those contestants she felt could threaten Advantages: Way of the Land (Rokugani Coast)
him winning. Kiyomori accepted the mantle, and a posi-
Disadvantages: Small, Brash, Overconfident
tion with the Storm Riders, but his enthusiasm had been
tempered with the knowledge that life was not always Affinity/Deficiency: Water/Earth
what it seemed. Spells: Ebbing Strength, Path to Inner Peace, Stand
Kiyomori performed admirably with the Storm Riders Against the Waves, Regrow the Wound, Strike of the
during the internal conflict with the Dark Wave during Tsunami, Walking Upon the Waves, Tempest of Air, Call
the War of Fire and Thunder. Upon the Wind, Extinguish, Mental Quickness
Tsuruchi Etsui After fighting in the Destroyer War, Etsui traveled with is
kin to the Colonies where, many years later, he died while
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne, exploring a deep pool. When the ground gave way, he fell
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration to the edge of the pool and awakened a young orochi.
Remembering when his own people had fought alongside
No one would ever expect the day when a pirate would
the orochi of the Empire, Etsui calmly accepted his fate as
control the fate of a Dynasty, but Tsuruchi Etsui was never
he stared into the eyes of a hungry predator.
interested in expectations. His career began inauspiciously
with duties aboard a Mantis kobune operating near the Etsui was always a boisterous man, given to excessive
Rokugani coast. His rise to greatness did not start on the drink. Though he could often be found passed out in
sea, though, but when he was assigned to the personal the middle of the afternoon, he never failed to be at his
guard of Yoritomo Katoa, the Mantis representative to the duty stations or to perform to the best of his abilities. For
court of Toturi III. nearly his entire life, tavern owners sought his patronage
because it was said that wherever Etsui traveled, revelry
Etsui happened to be present at Katoas estate when word
was not far behind.
reached the court that the Emperor had entered the Shad-
owlands alone. Katoa asked Etsui to make arrangements Tsuruchi Etsui
for a unit of troops to travel with him to meet Yasuki
Hachi in Crab lands and go after the Emperor. Etsui was Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
able to make the arrangements easily through an acquain-
Reflexes: 4 Stamina: 4
tance, Yasuki Jinn-Kuen, because, as no one would have
suspected, Etsui was a member of the Kolat. Honor: 3.2 Status: 1.9 Glory: 7.7
Etsui accompanied Katoa and Hachi to the Tomb of the
School/Rank: Tsuruchi Archer 3
Seven Thunders, where they fought beside the Emperor.
Before the Emperor sent them away, he spoke to Etsui and Skills: Athletics 3, Commerce 3, Courtier 2, Craft: Sailing
gave him the secret to finding his will, which named his 3, Defense 2, Etiquette 3, Hunting 4, Investigation 4,

Chapter Five
heir. Etsui escaped the Shadowlands and went in search of Lore: Sake Houses 3, Lore: Kolat 1, Knives 3, Kyujutsu
the will, which was hidden at Tokus Shrine in the Temple (Yumi) 5, Sincerity 2
of Daikoku in Ryoko Owari. Etsui found it with the help of Advantages: Absolute Direction, Daredevil, Fame
Kakita Kyruko, who was Master Silk. Kyruko force Etsui (Various), Forbidden Knowledge (Kolat), Great Destiny,
to join the Silk Sect and spy on his former allies in the Hero of the People, Luck (Rank Two), Sensation, Wealthy 43
Coin Sect. (Rank 5)

THE MANTIS CLAN

Kyruko wanted to take advantage of the Mantis Clan sup- Disadvantages: Compulsion (Sake), Dark Secret (Kolat,
porting Etsui for the throne to further the Kolats goals. He Pirate), Disbeliever
eventually realized that Kyruko represented a part of the
Kolat that had lost its way and
sought only power, rather than
the free will of man. Etsui
eventually freed himself of
her influence by knifing
her in the back when
they were traveling to
the Hidden Temple.
Etsuis habit of being
in the right place at the
right time to hear great
secrets continued when
he came upon the fallen
Hitomi, dying on the
Dragon Heart Plain. She
made him take warning to
the Dragon that they soon
would be attacked from the
north in what would be-
come the War of Dark Fire.
 Tsuruchi Shisuken Whether or not Shisuken ever found and killed Harushi
is one of the many mysteries of Rokugans history. Fol-
Race for the Throne, lowing the Destroyer War, Shisuken was part of the Man-
the Destroyer War, Age of Exploration tis expedition to the Colonies, and he served Moshi Kalani
The struggle to walk the line between personal vendettas and Tsuruchi Gidayu well into the Age of Exploration. He
and duty to your clan is one most samurai have great eventually died of old age before the culmination of Pan
difficulty with, usually choosing to abandon one or the Kus madness across the Colonies, where he served an ad-
other. Tsuruchi Shisuken is a rare example of a man who did visory role to the Mantis Clan and assisted with high level
both throughout his lifetime. On the infamous Night of business for the Tsuruchi in and around Kalanis Landing.
the Spider, an evening during the Race for the Throne Shisuken was a man who remembered everything he
when Daigotsu targeted and eliminated many important read, every face he saw, and every word he heard. As a
and influential samurai in Rokugan, Moshi Amika was one Tsuruchi Bounty Hunter, he was required to keep track
of the victims, murdered by Daigotsu Harushi. Shisuken, of a lot of information, and often that information was
then a seasoned bounty hunter, discovered the murder incomplete or only hearsay. Shisuken spent much of his
just as it was completed, and put three arrows into the younger life traveling the Empire in pursuit of criminals,
fleeing Harushi. Through the power of the Taint Harushi and always returned to collect on his targets. He often
survived, and both samurai swore vengeance against the assisted the Emerald Magistrates in their investigations
other. The drive to find and kill Amikas killer would push as well, and Shisuken was known and remembered as
Shisuken every day for the rest of his life, and consumed one of the finest of his school during his time. He made
him completely when he was not performing his duties to friends easily but rarely let his guard down, maintaining
the Mantis Clan. the outward appearance of a simple man who aspired to
The balance between duty and vengeance was tested nothing more than serving the Empire. This made Shisuken
on the day that Rokugan battled against the God-Beast, easy to get along with, and a man many remembered after
THE MANTIS CLAN

a terrible creature corrupt and twisted by the leader of working with him. Following his promotion and the death
the Destroyers Kali-Ma. All of Rokugan rallied to stop the of Amika, Shisuken set his sights on one final target -
beast from reaching Toshi Ranbo, and during the battle but whether or not he passed away into the histories of
Shisuken spotted Harushi amongst the army of the Spider the Mantis and the Tsuruchi with a perfect record, or if
that had arrived to support the fight. Just as Shisuken had Harushi managed to escape Shisukens justice, is up to
Harushi in his sights, the order for supporting fire came you...
44
in from the commander of Shisukens unit. Cursing his
Tsuruchi Shisuken
misfortune, Shisuken added his arrows to the others being
Chapter Five

rained upon the Destroyers, but he would never forget Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 4 Void: 2
Harushis face, or the burning in his very soul to end
Reflexes: 5 Perception: 5
Harushis treacherous life.
Honor: 6.7 Status: 3.1 Glory: 5.1

School/Rank: Tsuruchi Bounty Hunter 3

Skills: Athletics 4, Hunting (Tracking)
4, Intimidation 2, Investigation (Notice)
4, Kenjutsu 1, Kyujutsu 5, Lore:
Underworld 3, Sincerity 3
Advantages: Absolute Direction, Clear
Thinker, Hero of the People, Precise
Memory, Social Position (Clan
Magistrate)
Disadvantages: Brash, Driven (Find
Daigotsu Harushi)
Yoritomo Emoto arrow struck these explosives, both fleets were nearly de-
stroyed and hundreds of samurai died.
Age of Exploration Emotos fate after the battle is something of a mystery

Chapter Five
Although the Mantis are no strangers to foreign lands, to Rokugan, with many conflicting reports. Some say he
especially the Ivory Kingdoms, the initial colonization of truly died, and that a Togashi monk found his body and
that abandoned region took a toll on even the hardiest of recorded his death. Others say he was rescued by a Crab
samurai. Harsh weather, fantastic beasts, and dangerous and nursed to health. Yet others believe he was taken cap-
topography took the lives of many explorers, but one cap- tive by the Kolat, but no one really believes that. The only 45
tain found them to be as much his home and the Empire thing that anyone can agree on is that Yoritomo Emotos

THE MANTIS CLAN

during his travels there. body was never found.
Yoritomo Emoto was a ship captain and friend of Mantis The truth is stranger than anyone could guess. Emoto
Champion Yoritomo Naizen, who served as a mentor for survived, only to recover and eventually find himself in a
his son Yoritomo Hiromi. Upon Hiromis ascension to the duel with a Crab, Yasuki Makoto. He was still weak from
championship, Emoto became one of his closest advisors. his injuries, with his head and torso covered in bandages,
He made many voyages to and from the Colonies, serving and lost the duel, nearly dying once again. He came to
as a source of much-needed information about the events in the company of Seppun Jiramu and Kitsuki Yoyugi,
in that area. He was particularly adept at facing down magistrates who were investigating Makoto because they
bandits and mysterious gaijin vessels on the high seas. believed her to be a member of the Kolat. With their help,
Emoto was, like most Mantis sailors, uninterested in Emoto allowed the Empire to believe he had died, shaved
friendship with most samurai of the other clans, who he his head, and joined the Brotherhood of Shinsei. Rather
found sensitive and boring. It was while trading with the than retiring from the world, he met with the Imperial
Crane, though, that he met Doji Rengetsu, an attach with Advisor, Moru, and arranged to aid Morus replacement,
the Daidoji Trading Council. They became very close, and none other than Yasuki Makoto.
spent time together whenever they could arrange to be in
Yoritomo Emoto
the same port. Several years after they met, though, Emoto
was assigned permanently to Kalanis Landing. Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 4 Void: 3
Although Emoto and Rengetsu stayed in contact, the on- Awareness: 4 Willpower: 4
set of conflict with the Crane put distance between them.
Emoto took charge of the Mantis forces in the Colonies Honor: 2.5 Status: 3.5 Glory: 5.2
and began to put pressure on the Crane with his massive
fleet and the flagship Aramasus Legacy. With the sanction School/Rank: Yoritomo Bushi 2 (Kobune Captain)
of the Emerald Champion, small skirmishes flared into all- Skills: Commerce 4, Defense 2, Games: Letters 4, Jiujutsu
out warfare. (Improvised Weapons) 5, Kenjutsu 4, Knives (Kama) 6,
Emoto helped plan and execute the siege and invasion Sailing 6
of Twin Forks City, culminating in the Battle of Ten Thou- Advantages: Great Destiny (Unknown), Leadership, Luck
sand Martyrs. Although Emoto believed the Mantis would (Rank Three), Quick Healer
outmaneuver the Crane and take the city, the Crane had Disadvantages: Dark Secret (Not Dead), Forced Retirement,
secretly planted explosives on his ship. When a Mantis Lost Love (Doji Rengetsu)
 Yoritomo Yoyonagi As other courtiers came and went from the Imperial
Court, Yoyonagi found that her words held more weight.
Rain of Blood, Time of Enlightenment, Her long tenure afforded her a level of deference that no
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War Mantis had ever had before. Yoyonagis power peaked
The ability to speak to the kami is revered among all when she secured the position of Amethyst Champion.
the clans, for it is a rare gift, but even some among those With the destruction of the Crown of the Amethyst
Champion under her predecessor, Yoyonagi had to, in
THE MANTIS CLAN

blessed individuals find that their calling lies elsewhere.

Such is the story of Yoritomo Yoyonagi, the greatest many ways, redefine the position. She forged a new role
courtier the Mantis Clan had seen since its elevation to a as the foremost representative of the throne in distant or
Great Clan. Yoyonagi was born as the heir to the Hogosha lesser courts, where an independent-minded lord may feel
vassal family and was expected to rule the family; however, that the lack of Imperial presence was opportunity for
the emergence of her abilities as a shugenja resulted in her improper opportunism.
46 stepping down as heir in favor of her younger brother. Although the Amethyst Champion had few resources,
Though she found the path of the spirits to be acceptable, the correspondingly sparse responsibilities gave Yoyonagi
her political ambition and honeyed words were the true the opportunity to create resources of her own. She made
Chapter Five

cause of her later success and opportunities. When she allies in previously untapped areas and built an impressive
decided she favored negotiation over prayer, she arranged network of contacts and favors. Yoyonagis crowning
to be transferred from the shugenja school on Tempest achievement as Amethyst Champion occurred during the
Island to the Yoritomo Courtier School. Destroyer War, when she was able to call in those favors
Yoyonagi rose through the ranks of the Mantis courtiers and devote resources to assist Jade Champion Kuni Daigo
quickly. For a clan that had never made much use of the on the front, while the Emerald Champion Shosuro Jimen
courts, she was a prodigy, showing promise beyond any and the Ruby Champion Yasuki Miliko were unable to
expectation. She was soon assigned to the Imperial Courts, provide that assistance due to their own obligations
where she was so successful that the Otomo considered
her a candidate for the position of Imperial Chancellor.
Yoritomo Yoyonagi
Though the title eventually went to Bayushi Kaukatsu, Air: 5 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 4
that she was even in contention portended an illustrious
Willpower: 5 Intelligence: 4 Perception: 5
career.
During Yoyonagis early years in the Imperial Court, her Honor: 6.7 Status: 6.0 Glory: 6.9
duties were generally mundane. It was during this time School/Rank: Yoritomo Shugenja 2/Yoritomo Courtier 2
that her love life became the source of drama in her life.
She had a romantic affair with the returned poet, Rezan. Skills: Artisan: Poetry 3, Athletics 2, Calligraphy 3,
Though neither was interested in marriage, Rezan cared a Commerce (Appraisal) 5, Courtier (Rhetoric) 6, Defense
great deal for Yoyonagi, even going so far as to save her 4, Etiquette (Bureaucracy, Conversation) 6, Intimidation
life from the Onisu Settozai during the Battle of Otosan (Control) 3, Lore: Law 4, Lore: Theology 2, Meditation 2,
Uchi. This would have been quite enough for Yoyonagi Sailing (Navigation) 2, Sincerity (Honesty) 5, Knives 1
except that another Mantis courtier, Moshi Mogai, vied Advantages: Allies (Many), Social Position (Amethyst
for her attention. Mogai was persistent, but Yoyonagi Champion), Dangerous Beauty, Multiple Schools, Wealthy
was uninterested as she considered him to be somewhat (Rank Five)
shabby. To her horror, Mogai was one of those corrupted Disadvantages: Cruel, Greedy
by the Rain of Blood, and thereafter Yoyonagi traveled
Spells: Path to Inner Peace, Wisdom and Clarity,
with an armed retinue out of fear for her life.
Reflective Pool, Extinguish, Never Alone, Garbled Tongue,
Quiescence of Air, Wisdom of the Kami, Whispering Wind
T he Phoe ni x Cl a n
Agasha Miyoshi Three of the L5R 4th Edition supplement The Book of the
Void for information on the new magical tradition which
Rain of Blood, arose from Miyoshis experience.
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne
Agasha Miyoshi
Every shugenja hopes to touch the heavens, but one
acolyte of the Phoenix learned that it may not always be a Air: 2 Earth: 4 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
pleasant experience. Agasha Miyoshi led an unexciting life,
serving in the Temple of the Seven Dragons. The heavens Honor: 7.5 Status: 2.0 Glory: 4.5
never changed, and so Miyoshis life never changed. She School/Rank: Isawa Shugenja 3 (Isawa Temple Guardian)
expected to live out her days happily maintaining the
Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher) 3, Craft: Sculpture 2, Defense
temple and meeting guests who traveled to worship the
3, Etiquette 3, Lore: Spirit Realms 4, Lore: Theology 4,
dragons, living embodiment of the elements.
Spellcraft 4, Staves 4
Miyoshi was terrified one day when she looked up at the
Advantages: Chosen by the Oracles (Fire), Enlightened,
great mural of the dragons along the wall in the central
Touch of the Spirit Realms (Tengoku)
hall to see that it had changed. There was now an eighth
dragon, a creature of darkness, across from where the Jade Disadvantages: Fascination (Elemental Dragons), Small
Dragon appeared on the other end of the mural. Miyoshi Affinity/Deficiency: Fire/Water
immediately fled and told the Elemental Masters what had Spells: Envious Flames, Extinguish, Fury of Osano-Wo,
happened. The council sent Miyoshi back to the temple Tail of the Fire Dragon, Breath of the Fire Dragon, Shining
with Isawa Angai, wife of Sezaru, to examine the mural Light, Earth Becomes Sky, Grasp of Earth, Essence of Air,
further. There they met Mirumoto Ryosaki, who insisted on To Seek the Truth

Chapter Six
accompanying them as they investigated the new dragon.
Note: These stats represent Miyoshi before she became
The three tracked clues about this new dragon for many the first Dragon Channeler.
months, and were even attacked by agents of the Ninube
in West Hub Village. Miyoshi was attuned to the dragons,
an effect of having prayed to them so often for so long, 47
and so was able to tell when the influence of this new

THE PHOENIX CLAN

dragon was near. While searching the ruins of Otosan
Uchi, she sensed this ominous presence. Angai was then
able to determine that the figure was in fact an Obsidian
Dragon, created by the Celestial Order to balance the
increasing power of the Jade Dragon. This revelation had
a profound impact on Miyoshi, who had devoted her life
to the dragons.
Miyoshi left the company and went out to explore the
empire. Her brush with the truth of balance in the Celestial
Order had shown her that balance is the natural way of
things, leading to her enlightenment. Her travels even
brought her face to face with the disguised Emperor Toturi
III as he searched for enlightenment himself. Though she
had grown accustomed to another period of peace in her
life, this would not be.
Miyoshis world changed when she lost her connection to
the dragons. She was able to learn that this was because
the Jade and Obsidian dragons, acting on the Celestial
Heavens continued disdain for mortals were moving to
cast down Hida Yakamo and Hitomi and take their places
as the Sun and Moon. This knowledge took a terrible toll
on her, and though she went to Toshi Ranbo to warn the
clans, her warning was for naught. The Sun and Moon
fell and were replaced. Arriving on her heels in the capital
were Omen and Shosuro Maru, who cast aside their mortal
identities and declared that man would no longer take such
a free hand in the universe. After their announcement of
the Celestial Tournament, Miyoshi disappeared from Toshi
Ranbo, shaken by what she had seen. Miyoshi returned
with a newfound connection to the Elemental Dragons.
See the discussion of the Dragon Channelers in Chapter
 Asako Kinuye eventually cut a deal with Iuchibans rebellious lieutenant,
Yajinden, to be free from Iuchibans compulsion.
Rain of Blood, Time of Enlightenment, Freed from Iuchiban, and following his downfall, Kinuye
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War, operated her cell independently, more to secretly help the
Age of Exploration Phoenix than any force of darkness. Her activities could
Though the seven virtues of Bushido are intended to rule not remain secret forever, though. The Master of Water
every aspect of the life of a samurai, those ideals con- Asako Bairei became suspicious of her and her people,
spicuously omit something: a preference for good or evil. and confronted her. Kinuye poisoned Bairei and escaped.
While many may assume that following Bushido includes Bairei survived, though, and so Kinuye was forced to leave
something of good behavior, this is not a universal be- Phoenix lands and seek refuge elsewhere.
lieve. Even the most ardent Scorpion loyalist, devoted to Kinuye traveled the empire in secret, as she had in her
that clans role as the Underhand, would pale at the in- youth. She met many others who used forbidden dark arts,
terpretation by the Phoenix bloodspeaker, Asako Kinuye. including the tattooed madman Kokujin. Though she did
Kinuye was a henshin who traveled from a young age not seek to form a new bloodspeaker cell for many years,
in her quest along the Path of Man. During her journeys, she honed her talents at maho and often used it to protect
she met Isawa Kakusu, a high ranking member of the the empire, even fighting the Destroyers.
Bloodspeaker Cult. Fascinated by the ways of maho and After the Destroyer War, Kinuye left for the colonies,
yearning for immortality, Kinuye learned everything she knowing that many things could remain hidden in those
could from Kakusu. She used maho constantly, more than wild lands. There she established a cell once again, and
even Kakusu believed was healthy. Kinuye eventually planted a new garden full of horrors. She often associated
lost her mind to the haze of blood and started having with Daigotsu Kanpeki, Champion of the Spider Clan, who
unearthly visions of a world where Fu Leng had defeated knew of her deeds and accepted them for what they were.
THE PHOENIX CLAN

the Seven Thunders and plunged Rokugan into darkness. Though she often provided her services to the Spider, she
After she witnessed a reflection of herself murdered by remained ever willing to give her life, her soul, for the
that realitys Elemental Council of maho-tsukai, Kinuye Phoenix.
began to have difficulty differentiating between realities.
Asako Kinuye
Kinuyes madness had an unusual effect. Unlike many
maho-tsukai, who eventually cease to identify themselves Air: 4 Earth: 4 Fire: 5 Water: 3 Void: 4
48 by the clan of their birth, Kinuye only became more loyal
Reflexes: 6 Perception: 5
to the Phoenix. She hid in plain sight, tending a garden
of beautiful flowers grown on human blood. Though she
Chapter Six

Honor: 0.0 Status: -3.5 Glory: 0.0 Infamy: 6.0

committed terrible acts, her deeds served to protect and
further the goals of her clan. This caused her no end of Shadowlands Taint: 5
frustration when Iuchiban escaped his tomb and declared School/Rank: Asako Hensin 4 (Bloodspeaker Technique)
war on Rokugan. Kinuye was bound to serve him, through
Skills: Artisan: Gardening 5, Athletics 4, Calligraphy
deals made with her own blood. Though she performed
5, Courtier 4, Defense 5, Etiquette 4, Jiujutsu 3, Lore:
the tasks he ordered, she chafed under his control. She
Maho 7, Lore: Shadowlands 6, Lore: Theology 4,
Medicine 3, Meditation 5, Sincerity (Deceit) 6,
Temptation 5
Advantages: Allies (many), Forbidden Knowledge
(Maho)
Disadvantages: Dangerous Beauty, Cast Out
(Phoenix Clan), Consumed (Knowledge), Dark
Fate (Unknown), Dishonored, Infamous, Sworn
Enemy (many)
Spells: Kinuye knows all Maho spells in the
L5R 4th Edition Core Rulebook, and at the
GMs option may also know some or all
of the Maho spells in the L5R 4th Edition
supplement Enemies of the Empire.
Kiho: Death Touch
Shadowlands Powers: Blackened Claws,
Master of Blood, Uncanny Speed, Blood
Domination, Unholy Beauty
Isawa Mizuhiko
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration
Power corrupts in every setting, but in
Rokugan, that saying has even more sinister
meaning. Isawa Mizuhiko was a proficient
shugenja studying the path of Water under
Elemental Master Asako Bairei, but unlike most
of his fellow students, his soul was unquiet.
Bairei used to joke that where most water tensai
were as calm as a forest pool, Mizuhiko was as
manic as the crashing waves.
After Mizuhikos gempukku, he set out looking
for adventure. Many who met him found him
to be very strange, as he had a habit of staying
awake for days on end, drinking sake like a
bushi, and traveling across the Empire in the dead of
night. Whenever Bairei received word of Mizuhikos
travels, he became increasingly worried that the
young man was in need of something to focus him.
Following the duel, Mizuhiko and his yojimbo, Shiba
To Baireis dismay, it turned out that what Mizuhiko
Morihiko, traveled north to destroy Judgment outside the
needed was war. When the War of Fire and Thunder broke
Empire. They were accompanied by a Lion magistrate,
out, Mizuhiko returned to Phoenix lands and took up the
Matsu Sasake. Sasake was a lie, however, and one day he
fight against the Mantis. He became the crashing wave
attacked the two Phoenix and revealed himself to be Matsu
that stalled a number of their most brutal attacks on the

Chapter Six
Turi, the Dark Oracle of Water. Just when he thought he
Phoenix shoreline, and gained much notoriety. He also
had struck down Mizuhiko, the shugenja rose again, as
met an air tensai named Isawa Oharu, with whom he fell
an inhuman monster controlled by the Bloodsword, and
in love. Though her husband fell in battle, Oharu would
called himself Handan. Handan struck down the Oracle
not marry Mizuhiko. 49
and disappeared.
The distance between Mizuhiko and Oharu only increased
Though rumor has yet to reach Rokugan, Handan now

THE PHOENIX CLAN

his disquiet. Mizuhiko joined a group of inquisitors in
stalks the lands beyond the Empire, judging all who are
a hunt to find and destroy the Dark Oracles, and was
unworthy.
appointed Jade Magistrate in his new role. They received
word that Yasuki Nokatsu, the Dark Oracle of Earth, was Isawa Mizuhiko
near the border to their lands, and so traveled to face him.
Though many of their company died, Mizuhiko was able Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 4 Void: 4
to slay Nokatsu in a way he never would have expected: Agility: 5
with the Bloodsword Judgment, which Nokatsu had been
keeping in his possession. Honor: 5.5 Status: 4.6 Glory: 4.2
Now burdened with Judgment, Mizuhikos quest became
School/Rank: Isawa Shugenja 3/
more desperate. He fought two more Dark Oracles, those
Asako Inquisitor (Insight Rank 4)
of Air and Fire, and though he killed Soshi Jomyako, he
was only able to injure Tamori Chosai. As the blade tasted Skills: Athletics 3, Calligraphy (Cipher) 3, Defense 4,
more powerful blood, it began to whisper in Mizuhikos Investigation (Notice) 5, Kenjutsu (Katana) 6, Lore: Law
mind more and more. Mizuhiko fought the Destroyer 4, Lore: Shugenja 4, Lore: Theology (Dark Oracles) 3,
War in a haze, moving from battle to battle, sometimes Medicine 3, Meditation 4, Spellcraft 3
fighting with valor, and sometimes abandoning those he Advantages: Elemental Blessing (Water), Heart of Ven-
met because Judgment decided they were unworthy. geance (Dark Oracles), Higher Purpose (Kill the Dark Or-
Mizuhiko never knew peace. Even after the Destroyer acles), Inheritance: Bloodsword Judgment, Social Posi-
War, he hunted the Dark Oracles. Little did he know that tion (Jade Magistrate)
when he received a mysterious summons to Lion lands, it Disadvantages: Dark Fate (Become Handan), Driven (Kill
was because the monk Heigai, once the legendary ronin the Dark Oracles), Sworn Enemy (Dark Oracles)
Ginawa, intended to convince him to set aside Judgment. Affinity/Deficiency: Water/None
Heigai challenged Mizuhiko to a duel, but in his old age
Spells: Mizuhiko knows all Water spells that he is able to
he stumbled and was killed.
cast, as well as many other offensive spells used to combat
the Shadowlands and other enemies to the Phoenix and
Rokugan.
 Takashis valor was noticed and he was appointed to
the group known as the Sanctified Ones, an elite unit of
shugenja responsible for protecting the Empress. Takashi
Isawa Takashi acquitted himself well and earned the trust of the Emerald
Destroyer War Champion, who assigned Takashi to several special duties
travelling with the Empress herself.
Isawa Takashi is an enigma among his fellow ishiken, not
because of the typical distant behavior displayed by many Takashi was called back from the front lines when the
who study the void, but by his interest in the affairs of the God-Beast entered Scorpion lands. Isawa Kimi led an
mundane world around him. Takashi grew up in Northern organized ritual intended to defeat the monster, and so
Phoenix lands until his talents manifested, at which time Takashi returned to fill his duty as an acolyte. The ritual
he traveled to Kyuden Isawa to study under the Master of was successful and the God-Beast defeated. Takashi lived
Void, Isawa Kimi. Takashi showed promise in his studies, out the rest of the war on the front lines, even witness-
but was never interested in pursuing a path that would ing the final battle between Fu Leng and Kali-ma, before
lead to him succeeding Kimi on the Elemental Council. retiring to an estate near Shiro Shiba to spend his days
honoring those who fell in the war.
Instead, Takashi spent much of his time training with
the Shiba, working hard to honor the relationship between Isawa Takashi
Isawa and Shiba that defines the Phoenix Clan. Takashi
was a proficient warrior and was unafraid to risk his life to Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 4
help others. This tendency made his Shiba allies nervous Reflexes: 4 Agility: 4
at times, as they would be shamed for an acolyte so close
to a member of the Council to come to harm while serving Honor: 6.2 Status: 4.5 Glory: 6.9
with the Shiba.
School/Rank: Isawa Shugenja 3 (Void)
When the Destroyers first attacked the Kaiu Kabe, Takashi
THE PHOENIX CLAN

was among the first to volunteer to travel South to aid the Skills: Athletics 4, Battle 3, Calligraphy (Cipher) 3,
Crab in their defenses. Isawa Kimi permitted his request, Investigation 3, Kenjutsu 4, Kyujutsu 4, Lore: Theology
but the Shiba were alarmed that he would be fighting such 3, Lore: Heraldry 3, Medicine (Wound Treatment) 3,
dangerous enemies. Shiba Rae, the Chui of the detachment Meditation 4, Spellcraft 3
to which Takashi was assigned, ordered that two skilled Advantages: Allies (Isawa Kimi), Ishiken-do, Leadership,
yojimbo were to attend Taskashi at all times. Paragon (Courage), Social Position
50 Takashi found that the men who worked with him were Disadvantages: Driven (Serve and Protect the Phoenix),
always of the highest caliber, and several gave their lives Fascination (Bushi Fighting Styles)
Chapter Six

when Destroyer forces may otherwise have killed Takashi. Affinity/Deficiency: Void/None
Takashi was deeply saddened each time he lost a comrade
in arms, but he did not retreat into the solace of the void. Spells: Boundless Sight, Flow Through the Void, Sense
Instead, he would simply pray for the dead and then throw Void, Drink of Your Essence, The Empty Voice, Moment
himself back into the fighting. The loss of a single member of Clarity, Void Strike, Jade Strike, Armor of the Earth,
of his clan angered Takashi, and he became a fearsome Regrow the Wound, Strength of the Tsunami, The Fires
warrior over the course of the war. From Within, Tail of the Fire Dragon, Tempest of Air,
Summoning the Gale
Isawa Yoriko
Rain of Blood,
Time of Enlightenment,
Race for the Throne
The days of the Clan War
saw chaos reign and many
terrible things come to light.
In some cases, though, small
acts saved lives. For one
young child, the compassion
of the Phoenix saved not only
her life, but her very soul. Isawa
Yoriko was a water tensai of
the Phoenix Clan, and for all
she knew, she was an ordinary
shugenja of no great skill or
importance. Only the Elemental
Council knew who she really
was, and they watched
her with great interest and
apprehension.
Yoriko was born in the year
1125 to Kuni Yori, shortly before
his final descent into corruption
The Council never found Yoriko. The
and madness. Yori had lost his first child,

Chapter Six
closest they ever got was one rumor, during the
Kuni Fujiko, during the Scorpion Coup. Though he was
War of Fire and Thunder, of a shugenja in the tattered
an ambitious man, he had not yet abandoned worldly
robes of a Phoenix, face painted white in the style of a
pleasures, and so his second daughter was born. Yoriko
Kuni witch hunter, standing on the coast in complete
was not legitimate, though, and so the Kuni fostered her to 51
silence while a battle raged all around. The secret of Isawa
the Isawa, merely wishing to avoid any dynastic conflicts
Yoriko is one of the Phoenixs great mysteries, and within
should Yori have had legitimate children again. When the

THE PHOENIX CLAN

the chambers of the Elemental Council, her name is still
Crab allied with the Shadowlands and attacked Otosan
spoken only in a whisper
Uchi, the child was altogether forgotten.
The Isawa were happy to let the secret of her birth die to Isawa Yoriko
the Crab. They protected the child and never told her of
her parentage, only that she was an orphan adopted into Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 2 Water: 4 Void: 3
the clan. The Elemental Council knew of her, but they were Intelligence: 4
only mildly concerned until the day of her gempukku, the
day this somewhat strange child chose her name, Yoriko. Honor: 3.5 Status: 1.0 Glory: 2.6
Yoriko had no idea that her father was Kuni Yori, and School/Rank: Isawa Shugenja 2 (Isawa Tensai)
yet chose the diminutive of his name. The Phoenix do
Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher) 3, Lore: Elements 3, Lore:
not believe in coincidence, and so the Elemental Council
Shadowlands 2, Lore: Theology 3, Medicine 2, Meditation
took a great interest in the girl. For many years she served
4, Spellcraft 4
in an unimportant role as a temple attendant in Kyuden
Isawa, away from any sensitive duties but close under the Advantages: Elemental Blessing (Water), Higher Purpose
Masters eyes. Though she gave no great cause for alarm, (unknown)
the Council was nonetheless worried about her. Yoriko Disadvantages: Bad Fortune (Kuni Yoris Daughter),
used to say that the kami spoke to her when no one else Driven (unknown), Haunted (Kuni Yori), Touch of the
could hear. This was not good news to the Council, as they Void
monitored the situation. Affinity/Deficiency: Water/None
Yoriko disappeared from Phoenix lands the day Iuchiban Spells: Clarity of Purpose, Reflections of Pan Ku,
was defeated in Otosan Uchi. The Council enacted a secret Reflective Pool, Reversal of Fortunes, Wave-Borne Speed,
plan to find and capture the rogue shugenja, fearing that Visions of the Future, Water Kamis Blessings, Way of
something in her blood may have caused her to become a Deception, Call Upon the Wind, Earths Stagnation, Jade
threat to the empire even without any outside influences. Strike, Never Alone, Ward of Purity
Not only did they fear what she could do if she had indeed
engaged in some kind of dark art, but the possibility of
a purely hereditary form of corruption must be studied.
 Takeishi had been struck by the
Dragon catapult, Tamoris Flame,
and only been saved because
Shiba Aikune had visited the
battlefield after the hostilities had
ended and found Takeishi still
alive. Takeishi was disillusioned
with the supposedly wise orders
of the Council, and chose to
follow Aikune in his defiance of
the Council. Takeishi had seen
Aikunes compassion for himself
and he felt that the young son of
the former champion possessed
the heart of a leader.
Takeishi remained in Aikunes
personal guard for the rest of the
war, until he was transferred back
to Shiro Shiba to take a position as
an instructor at the yojimbo school.
As one of the few survivors of the
brutal Battle of Ki-Rins Shrine, the
THE PHOENIX CLAN

new Phoenix Champion Shiba Mirabu

valued that Takeishi understood
the dangers of large scale battles to
Shiba Takeishi shugenja and that both a shugenja and his yojimbo must
Four Winds, Rain of Blood be aware of those dangers for either to survive long.
Though Takeishis role at the school was minor, he felt it
A Shiba yojimbo is trained full in the knowledge that was important because of the horrors he had seen.
52 the day may come where it may be necessary to sacrifice
his life to save is charge. The Shiba hold this sacrifice When Iuchiban rose to threaten the empire again,
in the highest esteem as the way they honor the pledge Takeishi took his leave of the school, having taught
Chapter Six

of service Shiba gave to Isawa. What the school cannot enough of his experiences that others could take on that
teach, and for which no yojimbo can prepare, is the loss task. Takeishis unit was one of the few that were outside
of a charge. Though many would consider Shiba Takeishi of the protection of Phoenix lands when the Rain of Blood
a typical yojimbo, those who knew him spoke of a tale of fell from the sky. Though his companions were honorable
sadness and anger. men, not all were tempered by experience as Takeishi. Two
of the other Shiba succumbed to the madness and tried
Takeishi passed his gempukku and entered service at a to slaughter their companions, but Takeishi was prepared.
small outpost on the border with the Dragon. This proved Though it pained him, he cut down his corrupted kisnmen.
fateful, however, as the Wrath of the Kami erupted only Killing his fellow Shiba took a toll on Takeishi, though,
weeks later. As the Dragon refugees spilled onto Dragon and he asked that he not serve on the front lines again.
Heart Plain, word came from the Elemental Council Given his exemplary service, his request was granted and
to drive the Dragon away, lest they should claim that Takeishi lived out his days at Kyuden Isawa, part of the
territory permanently. Though Takeishi wondered at an personal guard of the Elemental Council.
order to fight refugees, he trusted the Council.
Takeishis first action was in the Battle of Ki-Rins Shrine. Shiba Takeishi
The Dragon, well-versed in the use of shugenja on the
battlefield, were adept at separating vulnerable Phoenix Air: 3 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 4
shugenja from their bodyguards. Takeishi watched as Reflexes: 4 Perception: 3
dozens of Isawa, untrained in warfare, compromised their
position on the field and were cut down. The Dragon had Honor: 6.3 Status: 1.2 Glory: 2.1
also unleashed a devastating weapon, a magical catapult School/Rank: Shiba Bushi 3 (Shiba Yojimbo)
that shot flames across the battlefield. With every death
Takeishi became more enraged until he rushed the lines, Skills: Defense 4, Kenjutsu 3, Kyujutsu 2, Lore: Shugenja
killing every Dragon he came across with impunity. The 2, Meditation (Void Recovery) 3, Spears 4, Lore: Theology
next thing he knew, he awoke at Shiro Shiba covered in 2
bandages. Advantages: Quick Healer, Strength of the Earth, Way of
the Land (Dragon Heart Plain)
Disadvantages: Idealistic, Obligation (Shiba Aikune, One
Rank)
Shiba Rae
Race of the Throne,
Destroyer War, Age of Conquest
Shiba Rae was in many ways a traditional Shiba bushi.
Rae was raised to believe that the Shiba are the defenders
of the Isawa and that his life was dedicated to protect the
Isawa and the Phoenix. Rae believed that this dedication
and bond between the Shiba and the Isawa was deeper
than simply defending and guarding the Isawa family. To
Rae, the Isawa were the accumulated knowledge of the
Phoenix, and in many ways of the Empire. Defending the
Isawa wasnt just about defending members of the Phoenix,
it was about protecting and defending the knowledge that
the Phoenix had learned.
Rae spent almost as much time reading and studying
the history of his clan and the Empire as he did on his
swordsmanship skills. Even with so much dedication to
knowledge and understand what had come before in
the world, Rae had a natural affinity for working with
shugenja, and always seemed capable of defending his
charge no matter how many foes sought to harm them.
From his studies he also had a better understanding of the
kami and how the Isawa communed with the, even for a
Shiba. Raes belief that the Isawa represented knowledge

Chapter Six
was so sincere and something he believed so deeply that
it almost seem to manifest itself in Rae himself. When
a member of the Isawa sought to bolster Rae with the
strength of the kami they found the spirits easier to speak
53
to and more willing to bestow their blessings on the Shiba.
Likewise, those who sought to use the kami to hinder or

THE PHOENIX CLAN

harm Rae often found the spirits resistant to helping them.
Shiba Rae holds knowledge, and those who carry
Rae served the Phoenix well in a number of positions, knowledge with them, very dear and sacred. Though he
from being a commander in the Phoenix armies to the is willing to defend his charge from any and all threats,
bodyguard of prominent members of the Phoenix in the and has killed more than a few men and monsters in his
Imperial City. But his most important mark on history is life, he views every soul in the Empire as in their own
actually something the Crab are thankful for more than way carrying forward the knowledge and experience of
anyone else. the past, and therefore often seeks alternative means to
During the Destroyer War, Shiro Kuni came under siege ending conflict rather than using his sword.
from the legions and monstrosities of Kali-Mas forces.
Even with the arrival of reinforcements, it was clear to all Shiba Rae
present that the castle would fall. Rae had never seen the
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
libraries of the Kuni family, but much like he understood
what the Isawa were to the Phoenix, he knew what the Awareness: 4 Intelligence: 4
Kuni were to the Crab. He was able to convince one of the Honor: 6.9 Status: 5.5 Glory: 3.2
senior Crab officers present, Hida Otoya, that saving the
accumulated knowledge of the Kuni was paramount to the School/Rank: Shiba Bushi 3 (Shiba Yojimbo)
future of the Crab. Even though the libraries contained
Skills: Athletics 2, Defense 4, Kenjutsu 3, Kyujutsu 1,
family and clan secrets, Rae was able to convince Otoya
Lore: Shugenja 3, Meditation (Void Recovery) 4, Sincerity
of the honesty and honor of the Phoenix to not take that
(Honesty) 3, Spears 4, Spellcraft 3, Lore: Theology 4
knowledge for themselves, and the Phoenix were able to
rescue and secure the libraries of Shiro Kuni before the Advantages: Clear Thinker, Friend of the Elements (Fire),
castle fell. Many years after the war against Kali-Ma Higher Purpose (Preserve Knowledge), Magic Resistance
ended, the Crab still remember Shiba Rae and his efforts, (Rank Two), Paragon: Honesty, Precise Memory, Sage,
sincerity, and honor in rescuing the knowledge of the Kuni Social Position (Taisa)
family from destruction. Disadvantages: Ascetic, Consumed (Knowledge),
Idealistic, Soft-Hearted
T he Scorpion Cl a n
Bayushi Arashii Bayushi bushi and never drawing attention to his true
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War nature as a ruthless killer. In fact, he even won a few
duels and had the honor of participating as a minor
Submitted by Matthew Tyler competitor in the Emerald Championship of 1169. His
Bayushi Arashii is outwardly a rather unassuming name was recorded there, but he knew such a prominent
individual. In fact, unless he is wearing his rather unique life was not for him, since he as ultimately an instrument
suit of armor, it is doubtful one would remember him from of destruction. In fact, he lost many of his competitions
one day to the next unless one sees him fight and notes intentionally, putting up a good enough show to not
his unusual choice of fighting style. There is no glory shame his family or his clan.
waiting for him in his future, there are no plays or songs Arashiis one distinguishing feature was his mask.
written about his exploits. For the most part, others find A mask is something that every Scorpion chooses per-
Arashii no different from hundreds of other Scorpion. This sonally, and while most create their own unique design,
is exactly how he prefers it. Arashii used the mask and armor of his grandfather. It was
Bayushi Arashii was born into a poor vassal family of the made from many pieces of sculpted copper and bronze,
Bayushi, and his only notable feature was a remarkable fashioned in a style that made it almost alien to the eyes
skill with the blade wielding it in either hand and of those who saw it. In truth, it was originally crafted as
a notable cruelty toward fallen opponents. In 1165, his a memorial. Arashiis grandfather was one of those unfor-
sensei arranged for him to be enrolled in the Niten style of tunate Scorpion who were exiled to the Burning Sands,
THE SCORPION CLAN

the Dragon to make optimal use of his talents. Although there to be subjugated and forced into slavery. Many
the loose alliance between the two clans in that era Scorpion died during that time, out on the sands or in the
made the exchange possible, Arashiis sensei at the Iron copper mines of the Senpet. Arashiis grandfather listened
Mountain Dojo disliked his young charge and mistreated and picked up the language of their Senpet masters, and
the Scorpion. When Iuchiban unleashed the Rain of Blood such information was key in the Scorpion uprising that
on the Empire, the Tainted rain drove the sensei mad, and lead to their freedom. When they left, they looted many
Arashii took the opportunity to kill him. bits of armor, trinkets, and weapons from the Senpet and
54
Although Arashi eventually mastered the Niten two- it was from those relics that the armor was fashioned. The
sword style and learned all its techniques, his favored tool language of the Senpet and the knowledge of that land
Chapter Seven

of destruction has always been his bow, since it is far was handed down to Arashii along with the armor.
easier to use poison with such a weapon (blades can be
inspected after a fight for poisons, but arrows are harder to Bayushi Arashii
recover). However, he always made a point of maintaining
Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 5 Water: 3 Void: 4
an anonymous nature in public, behaving like an ordinary
Reflexes: 5 Willpower: 4 Perception: 4

Honor: 2.5 Status: 1.0 Glory: 2.0

School/Rank: Mirumoto Bushi 5

Skills: Athletics 3, Calligraphy 3, Courtier (Manip-
ulation) 4, Craft: Poison (Night Milk) 3, Defense
5, Etiquette 2, Hunting 2, Iaijutsu 5, Investiga-
tion 3, Kenjutsu 5, Kyujutsu 4, Lore: Burning
Sands 2, Medicine 2, Meditation 4, Sincerity 3,
Stealth (Sneaking) 4, Lore: Theology 3
Advantages: Ambidextrous, Bland, Different
School, Inheritance (Family Armor), Languages
(Senpet)
Disadvantages: Cruel
Bayushi Azumamoru
Race for the Throne, the
Destroyer War
Submitted by Stuart Boshier
Rumors said that Bayushi
Azumamoru was the abandoned third
son of a noble family, or that he was
the illegitimate child of a Crane maiden
fathered by a Scorpion entertainer. Some
said that he was the reincarnated spirit
of a Scorpion betrayer whose soul has
escaped from Traitors Grove, others
that he was the last born of triplets
abandoned to prevent bad fortune.
Whatever the truth, Azumamoru has
no recollection of a family and his past
is a mystery he is desperate to unravel.
He was found as a baby on the steps of
Shimomura Dojo wrapped in white silk with
As luck would have it Azumamoru had
only a wakazashi to declare his samurai status. His
begun to learn about his past; an elderly servant recalled
shocking appearance caused many villagers to shun this
a baby taken from a palanquin and left on the dojo steps,
strange child but by a stroke of luck the sensei of the dojo
an old guard recalled the palanquins travel papers had
took pity on him and brought him into the household. The

Chapter Seven
bought them to Shimomura from the monastery of Dangai.
sensei was old and near retirement, both of his natural
Azumamoru requested to undertake a musha shugyo, he
sons had been lost in battle many years earlier, and so
told his lord he wished to further train in the warrior arts.
he raised Azumamoru within his dojo teaching him the
In truth he wondered if the monastery had records of an
warriors way.
unusual child being born there 20 years ago.
Azumamoru was a good student and excelled in the 55
martial skills of the bushi. By concentrating on his Bayushi Azumamoru

THE SCORPION CLAN

physical prowess he was able to block out the strange
looks other students would give him when they felt he Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3
was not looking. After passing his gempukku Azumamoru Reflexes: 4 Stamina: 4 Agility: 4 Strength: 4
could have chosen a mask that hid his true face, but
instead chose to wear a mask that drew attention to his Honor: 1.5 Status: 3.0 Glory: 4.0
appearance.
School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 2/Bitter Lies Swordsman
Outside of court Azumamoru sought to increase his skills
with weaponry at every given opportunity. He regularly Skills: Athletics 3, Chain Weapons (Kusarigama) 6,
fought illegally against anyone unfortunate enough to get Courtier (Manipulation) 2, Craft: Poison 3, Defense 5,
in his way. His style led his fellow clan members to grant Etiquette 2, Games: Fortunes and Winds 2, Iaijutsu 5,
him the title Poison Blade. Intimidation 3, Jiujutsu 3, Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Medicine
(Antidotes) 3, Polearms 3, Sincerity 2, Stealth 3
When fighting, Azumamoru always tried to keep his
foes guessing using a variety of weapons, however he Advantages: Kharmic Tie (Unknown), Luck (Rank Two),
has begun to favour the Kusarigama for its versatility in Social Position
combat. Early in the fight he would seek to grapple an Disadvantages: Disturbing Countenance (Albino), Driven
opponent with his Kusarigama, when they were wrapped (Discover True Heritage), Overconfident
in the chains Azumamoru would scratch them once with Kata: Strength of the Scorpion
his poison blade introducing slow but debilitating venom
into their blood stream. Once the poison took effect,
Azumamoru would switch to a defensive style of fighting
while he watched his opponent slowly die. Azumamoru
claimed that he did not care what people thought of his
features, but in reality he enjoyed that he could use them
to shock those who would seek to intimidate him.
THE SCORPION CLAN

Bayushi Irezu When Irezu does decide to dive in, theres no one more
dangerous. This is not because of any particular skill he
Age of Exploration hasthough after as much combat as hes seen, it would
be unwise to take him lightlybut because of his sheer
Submitted by Herbert Tucker Cobey
unpredictability as an opponent. Stories abound of how
In many ways, Bayushi Irezu is everything a Scorpion he once killed a man by stabbing him in the hand with
samurai could ever hope to be. He is loyal to the core, one of his personal chopsticks during a bar brawl. It later
56 never hesitating to leap into a battle to support one of his became known that he had poisoned his chopsticks and
kinsmen; he has also never refused to stand in place of instigated the brawl with this in mind after having been
Chapter Seven

one in a duel, no matter how fearsome the opponent. He ordered to find a way to kill the man. When he reported
was at the Scorpion Wall when it was breached; he was this to his superior, the flabbergasted samurai asked Irezu
enthusiastically present for the entire War of the Twins; in if he ate with those chopsticks. Irezu, talking as one would
fact, Irezu was present at almost every battle the Scorpion to a small child, said of course he didnthed killed a man
fought since his gempukku. Not only did he survive, but with them, and that would pollute all of his food.
his actions saved the lives of several of his clanmates as
Irezu is on the small and skinny side, but makes up for it
well.
with a quick and wiry build. His hair is short and slightly
All of this is tempered by the fact that Irezu is completely, messy, as he often does not bother to take very good care
obviously, and dangerously insane. of it. Like all Scorpion, he is continually masked; his is a
Irezu is a student of the Bitter Lies technique, as this was red half-mask covering the left side of his face. Beneath it,
the only school willing to accept someone with the kind he wears the happiest smile that some samurai could see
of suicidal passion for danger that Irezu embodies. He has before they die.
never yet shied away from a fightand while hes saved
the lives of dozens of his fellow Scorpion, there have been Bayushi Irezu
many times where he has done so in ways that could
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 4
not possibly be condoned by any rational person. Many
question how Irezu is still alive; none have a better answer Reflexes: 4 Willpower: 4
than a shrug and a reference to the luck of a madman.
Honor: 2.5 Status: 1.0 Glory: 3.6 Infamy: 2.0
Most peopleeven his adoptive father, the Scorpion vassal
Kentsu Tsuyoshiregard him in the same way they would School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 4 (Bitter Lies Swordsman)
a barrel of gaijin pepper: useful, but continually dangerous
Skills: Athletics 3, Courtier (Manipulation) 3, Craft:
to everyone surrounding him.
Poison 3, Defense 3, Etiquette 3, Iaijutsu 3, Investigation
The one thing everyone tends to remember about Irezu is 2, Jiujutsu (Improvised Weapons) 3, Kenjutsu 3, Kyujutsu
his happy-go-lucky demeanor. In many ways, Irezu is like 2, Lore: Heraldry 2, Lore: History 1, Ninjutsu 1, Sincerity
a childbut where a child would perhaps be excited by a (Deceit) 3, Stealth 3
favorite toy or a beautiful stone, Irezu is excited by the
Advantages: Crafty, Daredevil, Fame, Inner Gift (Danger
prospect of impending violence. Nothing makes him laugh
Sense), Luck (Rank Three), Prodigy, Quick
more than watching a battle in progress... except, perhaps,
diving into it head-first. Disadvantages: Infamous, Lord Moons Curse (Rank
Three), Overconfident, Small.
Bayushi Kahoku
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration
Submitted by Matthew Tyler
It is often said that one can judge a mans life by the
friends he makes. While this could be true of Bayushi tion as chief Scorpion Clan Magistrate, and was granted
Kahoku, it would be more accurate to look at the list of the authority to judge cases as he wandered the provinces
enemies he has made. Such is the life of a Scorpion, or of his home.
even for a magistrate. Being both, Kahoku has quite the He has refused the position of Emerald Magistrate twice,
long list of enemies that would cause him harm (or death) and has recently been assigned by his clan to the Colonies,
if the opportunity presented itself. where his investigative acumen and his skill with the
In his youth, Bayushi Kahoku showed an aptitude for Final Lessen have facilitated him hunting down an elusive
two subjects, archery and law. A student of the Bayushi cult while making several key discoveries of which the
method of combat, his sensei allowed him to be trained Scorpion have been able to make use.
in yarijutsu while feeding him the knowledge of the
Bayushi Kahoku
Rokugani legal system. He was soon appointed as a yoriki
to a clan magistrate, where he served with distinction, his Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 4
list of enemies beginning to grow as he helped his assigned
Reflexes: 5 Agility: 4 Perception: 4
magistrate solve case after case. A few cases were given
to him to handle on his own, one almost claiming his life Honor: 3.4 Status: 4.0 Glory: 5.0
from a bandit ambush, but he returned successful from
each and was appointed to the position of clan magistrate. School/Rank: Bayushi Bushi 5
It was this turn in his life where he was approached Skills: Battle 3, Calligraphy (High Rokugani, Clan Ci-

Chapter Seven
by an aged Scorpion by the name of Bayushi Akihiro. pher) 3, Courtier (Manipulation) 4, Defense 4, Etiquette
This strange man came to Kahoku with a story and a (Bureaucracy) 5, Horsemanship 3, Iaijutsu 4, Investiga-
proposition. The story was of how a particular lesson had tion (Interrogation, Search) 5, Jiujutsu 2, Kenjutsu 3,
been handed down from master to student through the Kyujutsu (Yumi) 5, Lore: Law 5, Sincerity 4, Stealth 3
ages, crossing clans and centuries. Only one man and Advantages: Allies (Many), Great Destiny, Social Position
one student shall there ever be. The previous master had 57
(Head Clan Magistrate/Saibankan)
recently died at a monastery in Dragon lands, so it was
Disadvantages: Driven (Seek Justice and Enforce the

THE SCORPION CLAN

time to seek out a new student. The proposition was that
Law), Sworn Enemy (Many)
Akihiro would train Kahoku in this lesson, if he wished.
Putting his skills to work, Kahoku investigated the mans
claim, and found that he had led
an unremarkable life, hidden in
obscurity, but noted to have a
unique form of fighting. To
the best of anyones knowl-
edge Akihiro had never
been defeated in combat.
Such a lesson could be
useful in the application of
law in the Scorpion lands,
which were prone to chaos
recently. Kahoku accepted
Akihiros offer and their
training began.
When plague hit the Scor-
pion lands, followed by war,
Kahoku was assigned a small
unit of troops to protect certain
key villages and to maintain
what law he could. Those vil-
lages were fairly untouched
by any corruption or discon-
tent during those troubling
times, and Kahoku, through
use of the Final Lesson,
earned a rather lofty promo-
 Shosuro Atesharu Shameswords forged by the mad tattooed man Kokujin -
the Blade of Guile.
Age of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne, The blade seemed to increase his skills, but it also
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration inflicted strange feverish dreams for it was the Blade of
Scorpion by their very nature are enigmatic samurai Guile, merging with his own desire to rise in power and
wrapped and shrouded by mystery. That is the lot in life see the natural order shaken up.
that their Kami Bayushi chose for them at the Dawn of When Bayushi Paneki launched the assault on the Kolats
the Empire. Shosuro Atesharu has taken to heart the idea hidden stronghold, he chose Atesharu to command the
of the Scorpion Clan are the villains of the Empire, and attack, not realizing the shugenja was himself a Kolat.
he himself is the villain of many stories not involving the However, Atesharu agreed to lead the attack, seeing it as
Scorpion Clan at all. a chance to reorganize the conspiracy to his own ends.
Born to gaijin parents who joined the Scorpion Clan None of the surviving members of the Kolat ever knew
following their exile to the Burning Sands, Atesharu that Atesharu was part of the attack.
did not get to have much of a childhood. His father had Shortly after the attack on the Hidden Temple though,
been part of the Qolat, the foreign branch of the Kolat Atesharu disappears for many years. Unlike many of
conspiracy, and inducted Atesharu into the conspiracy at a the other Shameswords, the Blade of Guile remained by
young age. Gifted with talent for Air magic, Atesharu also Atesharus side. Not even the Scorpion are sure or what
proved to be artistically talented, learning Kabuki acting happens to Atesharu when he disappears, but he is gone
and eventually writing plays as well. He competed in the for the entire duration of the Destroyer War, and the first
Jade Championship, acquitting himself well although not time he is sighted is during the Age of Exploration, where
winning, and was named governor of the Painted City for he discovers a font of continuously running lantern oil at
one year. the Lost City of Laramun.
THE SCORPION CLAN

Atesharu grew to become a relatively well known Atesharu is practical, pragmatic, and loyal to the
playwright, actor, and when he wasnt doing those two Scorpion. He has no problems telling someone if he
things, assassin and tool of the Scorpion Clan and Kolat. believes they are endangering the Scorpion or bringing
He was asked directly by several prominant Scorpions do too much attention to them, but this kind of blunt honesty
carry out their wishes at various points in like, such as is only reserved for Scorpion samurai. Outward, to the rest
Shosuro Toson, Bayushi Jimen, and Bayushi Paneki. of the world, Atesharu is a quiet, skilled playwrite and
58 There are two things that occur in Atesharus life that actor who disappears from one place to appear in another,
left him more mysterious than other Scorpions though. always seemingly on the move.
Chapter Seven

One is that after a long evening, Atesharu returned to his

room to find that an exquisite blade had been left for Shosuro Atesharu
him, but none of his magical wards of spells has been
Air: 5 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
breached. Atesharu would carry the blade with him for the
rest of his life, completely unaware that it was one of the Perception: 6

Honor: 0.7 (3.7) Status: 1.2 Glory: 2.2

School/Rank: Soshi Shugenja 5

Skills: Acting 7, Calligraphy (Cipher) 5,
Etiquette 5, Investigation 6, Knives 7,
Lore: Ivory Kingdoms 4, Lore: Theology
5, Lore: Kolat 3, Lore: Underworld
2, Meditation 5, Sincerity (Deceit) 7,
Spellcraft 3, Stealth 7
Advantages: Blackmail (Various), For-
bidden Knowledge (Kolat), Great Po-
tential (Acting), Inheritance (Blade of
Guile), Perceived Honor (Rank Three)
Disadvantages: Dark Secret (Kolat),
Overconfident, Sworn Enemy (various)
Soshi Tishi
Four Winds, Rain of Blood,
Time of Enlightenment,
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War
Soshi Tishi was a man who never should have
held the positions he did, and yet did so admira-
bly. Growing up without an ounce of humility,
he frequently challenged more prestigious sa-
murai when they tested skills, particularly his
own teachers. When the aging sensei Bayushi
Hisa lay dying, he shocked his peers by naming
Tishi to the post of sensei of the Honors Lesson
Dojo. Tishi was just as surprised as everyone
else, but he honored Hisa by taking his role se-
riously and setting aside his arrogance.
Tishis tempered manner would prove crucial
to the life of another Scorpion. Bayushi
Kwanchai, nephew of the Imperial Chancellor
Bayushi Kaukatsu, started his training at Honors
Lesson Dojo. He was an adequate student, but showed
On one visit,
no more promise than to be a soldier. One day Kwanchai
though, she warned Tishi that the dojo
disappeared and was not seen again for three years. When
was about to be attacked by Destroyers. Without any
he did return to Scorpion lands, he had adopted a new

Chapter Seven
reports of this, he scoffed at her. Yasuyo explained her
style, that of the Dark Sword of Bitter Lies, the reckless
training with the kenku Kozue and that she was privy
style of Bayushi Tangen. Kwanchai was, by all accounts,
to knowledge beyond the mortal realm. Believing her to
crazy, and Tishi was one of the few Scorpion to whom
be truthful, Tishi evacuated the facility and the valuable
Kwanchai would listen.
scrolls. The facility was attacked as Yasuyo warned only
At the wedding of Ikoma Otemi and Shosuro Yasuko, a short time later. 59
Kwanchais madness forced Tishi to intervene. Kwanchai
Though in his youth Tishi expected to die in glorious
attempted to challenge the Emerald Champion Yasuki

THE SCORPION CLAN

battle, he retired to a monastery in Scorpion lands
Hachi to an iaijutsu duel, a contest he would certainly
when the war ended. He does not hide who he was, and
lose. Tishi knew that Kwanchai was valuable to the clan,
insists that the telling of the old stories is essential to the
though, and somehow managed to talk Kwanchai down.
Celestial Order. Those who visit him, however, find him
For this, Tishi was favored by Kaukatsu, and was able to
to be in suspiciously good physical shape, as if he had no
call on the Chancellor for advice.
abandoned all of his worldly pursuits.
Kaukatsu was so appreciative of Tishi that, years later, he
arranged for Tishi to be named to the position of Imperial Soshi Tishi
Historian. Though Tishi considered himself a warrior first,
he was fascinated by the wealth of information at his Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 4 Void: 3
disposal. He formed an unlikely friendship with Ikoma Willpower: 5 Intelligence: 4
Otemi, as he worked with the Ikoma family to ensure
that records kept were accurate, though Tishi has been Honor: 1.3 Status: 4.4 Glory: 6.7
very successful to ensure that the histories do not reflect
School/Rank: Soshi Magistrate 3
badly on the Empire, especially at the cost of something
as ephemeral as the truth. Skills: Athletics 4, Defense 4, Intimidation (Control) 2,
Jiujutsu 3, Kenjutsu 3, Lore: History 5, Lore: Underworld
Although Tishi was privy to fantastic tales as he combed
3, Lore: Lying Darkness 3, Horsemanship 2
through the historical records, none matched his own
encounter with Doji Yasuyo during the Destroyer War. As Advantages: Allies (Bayushi Kaukatsu), Crafty, Forbidden
a corollary to Tishis duties within the clan, he was in Knowledge (Lying Darkness), Large, Precise Memory
charge of the security of certain scrolls kept at Hidden Disadvantages: Consumed (Control), Insensitive,
Moon Dojo, a secret shinobi training facility. None outside Overconfident
the clan even knew of its existence, and so he was not
prepared to one day meet Yasuyo there, who had shown
up unexpectedly and been captured. The Scorpion would
not let her leave, though she seemed to be in no hurry to
do so.
 Fujitani lived peacefully with Kazuki
for many years. She explored the
empire when he was called away on
duty, and she learned of the nuances
of Bushido that the Scorpion believed
justified their acts. Although Fujitani
was saddened that Bushido did not
favor good or evil, she was reassured
that many samurai did care about
what they did in the world. She
finally understood why Snowflake
had never returned, and grew to
truly love her husband.
Unfortunately, he grew to love
her as well. In their later years she
revealed to him to secret of her past,
and he foolishly told his superior in
the clan. The Scorpion, jealous for
the secrets of Chikushudo, lured her
to a warehouse where a shugenja cast
a spell on her to keep her still so they
could interrogate her about her origins.
THE SCORPION CLAN

Having been betrayed, and violating her

Yogo Fujitani taboo, Fujitanis human form dissipated and she was once
again a spirit.
Destroyer War To her surprise, she did not reappear in Chikushudo,
Kitsune spirits are curious beings, and have been known however. Instead, she was forced to wander Rokugan as
to travel Rokugan in the guise of humans. These spirits a spirit, trapped outside any world where she could be
want to experience life as a samurai, and sometimes happy. She searched for months for any solace, until she
60
become so engrossed that they never return to the forests. came upon a Crane samurai defending a village beset by
For one, though, her own curiosity was now what drew Destroyers. She immediately knew, this was a truly good
Chapter Seven

her into the world of men. Yogo Fujitani was a foxwife man, and yearned for his attention. She approached him
whose sister had joined the Scorpion many years before. and, when he told her to flee, she used what power she
She had seen her sister, Snowflake, take on the name Soshi had to unleash a wave of ice, freezing the Destroyers in
Kiyo and become a loyal and dedicated member of the place. Having finally found her beloved, they embraced,
clan, immersing herself in the human world. surrounded by the stillness of winter.
When Fujitani first took human form, she took on the
Yogo Fujitani
three taboos that had bound her sister. She could never
be touched by the magic of a shugenja, she must always Air: 3 Earth: 2 Fire: 2 Water: 2 Void: 2
answer a question with a question, and she must marry
Intelligence: 4 Perception: 3
a good man within a year. For the first year among the
Scorpion, Fujitani despaired. She could find no one she Honor: 6.5 Status: 1.5 Glory: 1.0
considered good, for they all were willing to perform or
condone evil acts. School/Rank: Bayushi Courtier 2
Fujitani remembered how Snowflake had redeemed her Skills: Calligraphy 3, Courtier (Gossip) 4, Etiquette 4,
husband from his evil ways, and so Fujitani accepted a Investigation 3, Lore: Bushido 4, Lore: Scorpion 3, Lore:
marriage proposal from Yogo Kazuki, from a minor branch Spirit Realms (Chikushudo) 4, Sincerity (Deceit, Honesty)
of the family. He had very little status within the Scorpion 4, Temptation 1
because he was not a shugenja, and was not trusted with Advantages: Dangerous Beauty, Inner Gift (Empathy),
any important responsibilities because of the Yogo curse. Karmic Tie: Soshi Kiyo (Rank Three), Touch of the Spirit
Fujitani was undeterred, though. They were married and Realms (Chikushudo), Voice
she settled as his wife in Ryoko Owari, where he served as
Disadvantages: Blackmailed (True form revealed to the
a minor functionary.
Scorpion), Cant Lie, Idealistic, Lost Love (Yogo Kazuki),
True Love (Crane bushi, unknown)
Shapeshifter Abilities: Humanity, Strength of Jade
Shapeshifter Penalties: Must answer a question with a
question, May never be the target of an elemental spell,
must marry a good man within a year.
T he U nicorn Cl a n
Horiuchi Nobane Owari, he was so badly injured and fatigued that Utaku
Rain of Blood, Time of Enlightenment, Yu-Pan forced him to rest, under guard, while he recov-
ered. Nobane recovered and fought in the rest of the war.
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War
Nobane was haunted when he heard of the death of his
Though the lost Horiuchi family was known for its
family. With the slaughter of the Horiuchi at the Empress
charity and compassion, it surprisingly produced one
command, he was one of only a handful of his kin left
of the greatest Unicorn warriors of a generation. From
alive, saved by his service away from home. Shortly after
humble beginnings, Horiuchi Nobane defended Rokugan
the war, Nobane received a strange visitor. Matsu Benika,
his whole life and though he survived many wars, at the
wielder of the Jade Hand, brought him a sealed package.
end he became the end of a noble line. Nobane was adopted
They had met before several times, but not since she had
into the Horiuchi family, like so many others. He never
received the Jade Hand. She asked him to protect the
knew his parents, but was told that they were vassals of
package, and she swore to do so. He kept it safe, in the
the Akodo family. Hoping to honor their memory, Nobane
empty lands of the Horiuchi, for many years, until Benika
dedicated himself to learning the tactics in Leadership,
retrieved the item and Nobane fulfilled his final duty on
and his instructors found him to be a natural tactician.
the day of his death.
Near the end of the struggle against Iuchiban, Emperor
Toturi III reorganized the Imperial Legions and allowed Horiuchi Nobane
the clans to each nominate a commander from their ranks
to lead one legion. Unicorn Khan Moto Chagatai chose Air: 5 Earth: 4 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
Nobane for the honor, both because Nobane was a capable Stamina: 5 Perception: 4
leader and because his study of the Lion style of warfare
would prevent any Imperial Legionnaires from learning Honor: 8.8 Status: 5.5 Glory: 8.1

Chapter Eight
the proprietary cavalry strategies of the Unicorn. Though
School/Rank: Shinjo Bushi 3 (Shinjo Scout)
Nobane suspected this played a role in his nomination, he
accepted the position with honor. Skills: Athletics 3, Battle (Skirmish) 3, Defense 2,
Horsemanship 5, Kenjutsu (Katana) 4, Kyujutsu 4,
Nobanes dedication to his place in the world brought
Stealth (Ambush) 3 61
the attention of the Celestial Heavens. During his time as
commander of the Eighth Legion, Nobane discovered a Advantages: Allies (Matsu Benika), Leadership, Seven

THE UNICORN CLAN

daisho that bore no family markings, but was of the finest Fortunes Blessing (Ebisus Blessing), Social Position
craftsmanship. He carried the blades, not suspecting for a (Imperial Legion Commander)
long time that he held the Daisho of Water. When Nobane Disadvantages: Bad Fortune (The Last Horiuchi), Cursed
had sufficiently proven his worth, the blades awakened by the Realm (Maigo no Musha), Haunted
and revealed their true nature. Nobane tried
to turn the daisho over to the Unicorn
leadership, but Chagatai insisted
Nobane carry the blades, as they
had found him.
Nobane did not participate in
the Khans Defiance, as he was
still attached to the Imperial
Legions and was assigned else-
where at the time, but after the
Unicorn Clan was defeated at
Toshi Ranbo, Chagatai recalled
Nobane, asking that he leave the
Imperial Legions and take com-
mand of the Baraunghar Army
following the death of Iuchi Lixue.
Nobane commanded the Baraung-
har into and through the Destroyer
War, distinguishing himself as
one of the Empires most daring
commanders. He led the defense
of Shiro Kuni, though it eventu-
ally fell, and fought a rearguard
action as the entirety of the Crab
provinces were overrun. Though he
eventually made his way to Ryoko
 Over the next several weeks, Kin would write many let-
ters to his sister, describing the awe-inspiring feats of the
tattooed men, and how he watched a Kitsuki magistrate
use the Kitsuki Method to determine a lie, and arrest a
criminal - something that Kin was mesmerized by, and
sought to learn more about. He spent most of his younger
years in Shiro Kitsuki, his fascination with the Dragon
bringing him a great sense of joy and wonderment. The
Dragon in turn enjoyed Kins presence, as the always knew
what they were getting with the young Ide when he spoke.
When Kin was older, he was pulled from Shiro Kitsuki
and sent to the court of The Second City. His relationship
with the Dragon proved to be valuable, and the bits and
pieces of the Kitsuki Method he had picked up on allowed
him to present evidence against the Lion that they had
attacked the Unicorn without provocation, which was
backed up by Kitsuki Fujimura, a magistrate within the
Second City. This allowed the Unicorn to retaliate, legally,
Ide Kin and gave Kin a reputation in the young court for being
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration both honest and fair in his assessment of things - just as
the Kitsuki are.
Ide Kin is a small, wiry man who initially aspired to
nothing more than taking a post in some moderately Kins time in the Second City sees him very busy handling
THE UNICORN CLAN

sized court on behalf of the Unicorn Clan, and live out the business of the Unicorn at court and also assisting
his days working in their best interests. Ide Kin ended up the Clan with the disbursement and movement of their
becoming one of the strongest ties to the Dragon Clan the troops around the fledgling Colonies. He can always be
Unicorn would have through the Destroyer War and Age seen with a warm smile and taste for good conversation,
of Exploration, and his contributions to the battlefront are and is always willing to talk at length about his time with
remarkable for a courtier as young as Kin. the Dragon. Though he rarely sees her anymore, Kin still
keeps up letters sent to his sister Ashi, exchanging stories
62 Ide Kin was born to good parents who had a sizable
of the wonderful things hes seen while continuing to try
estate in Ide lands and had an older sister. Ide Ashi was
and live up to the example she set for him.
Chapter Eight

everything Ide Kin aspired to be - she was smart, she was

cunning, she could maneuver a room full of people as Ide Kin
easily as a Shinjo herded horses. She was the Darling of
the Court in Ide lands, and Kin wanted nothing more than Air: 3 Earth: 2 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 3
to serve the Ide and be as sensational and excellent as Awareness: 5 Willpower: 3 Intelligence: 4 Perception: 3
Ashi was.
Though it did not initially appear that way, Ide Kin would Honor: 6.8 Status: 2.4 Glory: 5.1
become more important to the Unicorn than most of their
School/Rank: Ide Emissary 2
courtiers. When word came that they needed a diplomat
to attend court at Shiro Kitsuki, Kin was honored and a Skills: Calligraphy 3, Commerce 4, Courtier 3, Etiquette
bit shocked that he had been selected. Being young and (Conversation) 4, Horsemanship 2, Lore: Heraldry 4,
not having much experience in the ways of court, Kin was Perform: Oratory 2, Sincerity (Honesty) 3
suitable for the quiet and contemplative nature of Dragon. Advantages: Darling of the Court (Shiro Kitsuki), Inner
Gift (Empathy), Kharmic Tie (Ide Ashi, 3 Ranks), Social
Position (Ambassador)
Disadvantages: Low Pain Threshold
Iuchi Tsung Tsung was instrumental in the Khans march to Toshi
Ranbo. He not only assisted with the rituals that would
Though the Unicorn are the Children of the Wind,
allow the Khol to travel across Lion lands in the deep of
one family reveres the water kami more. Iuchi Tsung
winter, but he also took part in the sacking of Shiranai
was a model student at the Iuchi Shugenja School. He
Toshi. Tsung also fought in the final battle at Toshi Ranbo,
studied hard and was able to commune with the kami
falling to a detachment of Crane bushi defending the
as proficiently as could be expected. He did not create
Imperial Palace. Though Tsung died in service to his clan,
any expectations of widespread fame, but he was a good
it it unlikely that the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang felt merciful to
man who was loyal to his clan and firmly believed in the
his soul upon his judgment in the heavens.
Celestial Order. If Tsung excelled anywhere, it was in his
understanding of the creation and usage of the nemuranai Iuchi Tsung
unique to his family, the meishodo. Tsung could tie spells
to innocuous objects with great skill, allowing him to Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 5 Void: 3
carry a broad array of spellcasting power with him at any
Agility: 4
time.
Sometime after his gempukku, though, Tsung fell out of Honor: 5.6 Status: 3.2 Glory: 5.7
favor with his family. When the Unicorn resumed worship
of the Lords of Death, Tsung was horrified. He found School/Rank: Horiuchi Shugenja 4 (Iuchi Travelers)
the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang to be quite unsettling, and out Skills: Battle 4, Calligraphy (Cipher) 3, Defense 3,
of touch with the peaceful order of the Rokugani gods. Horsemanship 5, Lore: Theology 4, Meditation 3,
Though Tsung tried to avoid anything discovering his Spellcraft 3, Staves 6, Craft: Meishodo 4
discomfort, his fellow priests could sense something amiss Advantages: Friend of the Elements (Water), Seven
with the young man. The Iuchi shunned him, believing Fortunes Blessing (Bishamon)
that he could displease the Lords of Death and bring a Disadvantages: Cast Out (Shi-Tien Yen-Wang), Disbeliever
return of their disfavor. (Shi-Tien Yen-Wang), Fascination (Battle)

Chapter Eight
Tsungs only path was to join one of the Unicorn armies, Affinity/Deficiency: Water/Fire
as he was unwelcome in the temples. He found a measure
of satisfaction in the Baraunghar, able to travel across Spells: Bo of Water, Ebbing Strength, Reversal of
Unicorn lands and perform his magic among those who Fortunes, Rejuvenating Vapors, Stand Against the Waves,
did not know well of his lack of faith. It was not until Wave-Borne Speed, Strike of the Tsunami, Walking Upon
63
the Unicorn battles against the Lion at Kaeru Toshi that the Waves, Ebb & Flow of Battle, Tempest of Air, Natures
Tsung found his true purpose, though. Tsung was shocked Touch, Call Upon the Wind, Armor of Earth, Earths

THE UNICORN CLAN

to discover that he enjoyed combat. He had always been Stagnation
a strong young man, even among his family, but he had
never realized how strong until he tested his Bo of Water
against the bushi of the Lion Clan.
Tsung found success, and even a
measure of glory.
Tsungs accomplishments, how-
ever, did not endear him to his
family. Many of his peers were
healers among the army, so
they frowned on enjoyment of
violence. Tsung bonded with
the other soldiers and became
more martial. He took up a
katana and even learned Iai-
jutsu from a Shinjo yojimbo
he met. The other soldiers
were his family in a way that
Tsung had never known in
Iuchi lands. Though he was
given the opportunity to
leave active duty after the
fighting at the City of the
Rich Frong, Tsung remained
with his unit.
 Moto Jin-sahn Jin-Sahn had respected ever since the days when Moto
Chagatai had pledged himself to Kanekas cause.
Four Winds, Rain of Blood, Time of Enlight-
enment, Race for the Throne, Destroyer War Jin-Sahn executed his duties as Shogun with ruthless
efficiency. Although his mission to cleanse the so-called
Moto Jin-Sahn represented the best of the first generation Spider Clan from the Shinomen Forest brought him into
of his family born after its redemption by Otaku Kamoko conflict with his own clan, Jin-Sahns loyalty to the orders
when she defeated the fallen daimyo Moto Tsume. Jin- of the Empress superseded any doubt he would have over-
Sahn was raised without the shame his family had known riding the authority of his Clan. Jin-Sahn held his position
for generations, at a time when the Moto were ascendant. through the Destroyer War and after, leading his men to
Jin-Sahn joined the Khol Army shortly before the death of rare victories and surviving to see Kali-ma defeated.
the Emperor Toturi.
As a young man, Jin-Sahn was a dour man who took his
When Moto Chagatai and Moto Chen traveled to the oaths to the Lords of Death very seriously. He rarely joked
spirit realms and restored the worship of the Shi-Tien and was quick to anger, especially if someone mentioned
Yen-Wang, Moto Jon-Sahn was among the first to devote any past failures of his family. By the time of the De-
himself to the ancestral gods of his people. He and his stroyer War, though, Jin-Sahn had grown more comfort-
friend, the priest Moto Akikazu, were fervent in their belief able around others and engaged strangers respectfully as a
that the Lords of Death would bless them and help them to member of the Empress Chosen. Jin-Sahn rarely ventured
bring death to their enemies. Jin-Sahns piety was lauded from his military posts, unless it was to visit his home in
by the elders of his family, and he was rewarded with Shiro Moto or to attend the Empress in Toshi Ranbo.
many opportunities.
Jin-Sahn found the opportunity he wanted shortly after Moto Jin-Sahn
the coronation of Toturi III. He was appointed to the rank
of Chui within the Khol Army and joined the prestigious Air: 3 Earth: 5 Fire: 3 Water: 4 Void: 3
THE UNICORN CLAN

White Guard, the finest military unit to which a Moto Agility: 5

could aspire. Jin-Sahn served in the White Guard many
Honor: 4.7 Status: 7.0 Glory: 9.1
years, eventually rising to the rank of Shireikan, and
serving as a confidant of the Khan Moto Chagatai and his School/Rank: Moto Bushi 3/The White Guard 2
successor, Moto Chen. Skills: Athletics 4, Battle (Mass Combat) 5, Defense 5,
When the Jade Sun and Obsidian Moon held the Celestial Horsemanship 7, Hunting 5, Kenjutsu (Scimitar) 7, Kyu-
64 Tournament, Moto Chen nominated Jin-Sahn to compete jutsu 3, Lore: Burning Sands (Lords of Death) 5, Lore:
for the favor of the heavens. Although Jin-Sahn did not Theology 5
win the tournament, he did defeat both the Matsu Daimyo Advantages: Allies (Many Related to Being the Shogun),
Chapter Eight

and his own Champion, earning the post of Shogun. Jin- Large, Leadership, Social Position (Shogun), Strength of
Sahn was honored to serve as the second Shogun, fol- the Earth, Touch of the Spirit Realms (Meido), Wary
lowing in the footsteps of the great warrior Kaneka, who
Disadvantages: Brash, Gaijin Name, Obtuse
Moto Ogaru
Age of Exploration
The Unicorn are famous in Rokugan for their affinity for
animals and the skill at which they handle and care for
those animals. This applies most specifically to horses, but
many other animals such as falcons and dogs have had
many famous Unicorn trainers.
Moto Ogaru, however, is particularly well skilled at
the handling of pandas. Pandas in Rokugan are rarely
ever in captivity, and left to roam the wild freely. When
Moto Ogaru was young, a wild tiger attacked him in the
wilderness, and it was a panda bear that came to his
rescue, scaring the tiger away. Since that day, Moto Ogaru
has had a deep love for the creatures, and often spends
his time in the wild around them. He rarely ever has to
travel far though. When Ogaru is on patrol or traveling, it
is rare to go a day without seeing a panda nearby, or even
following Ogaru and whomever he is traveling with. Moto Ogaru
Ogaru himself is massive even by Crab standards, Air: 2 Earth: 2 Fire: 2 Water: 3 Void: 2
dwarfing many other samurai, and often appears brutish
Awareness: 3 Stamina: 3 Agility: 3
and stern. He is a commander within the Unicorn armies
and his skills on the battle are noteworthy, often using Honor: 4.6 Status: 3.2 Glory: 3.0
his overwhelming size to his advantage where many
would find it a hinderance. However, anyone who spends School/Rank: Moto Bushi 1

Chapter Eight
more than a minute with Ogaru will find him smiling and Skills: Animal Handling (Pandas) 3, Athletics 3, Battle
laughing constantly, making jokes at his own expense 2, Defense 2, Horsemanship 4, Hunting 3, Kenjutsu
to make other smile and bring them that same joy and (Scimitar) 4, Lore: History 3, Polearms 2
laughter. Ogaru leads a small but well coordinated group Advantages: Inner Gift (Animal Ken), Touch of the Spirits
who also share their commanders joy for life and ability to Realms (Chikushudo), Social Position 65
always make each other smile.
Disadvantages: Disturbing Countenance, Fascination

THE UNICORN CLAN

Samurai who find themselves in Ogarus presence will (Pandas), Gaijin Name, Soft-Hearted
also find him spending his free time with the pandas that
seem to follow and show up wherever he is. The creatures
are gentle to most who approach them with ease, but they
treat Ogaru as if he was one of their own. They never
seem to try and interrupt Ogaru when hes on duty or
performing tasks for the daimyo of the Unicorn, displaying
almost a supernatural understanding that Ogarus duties
are important to him, and that they should allow him to
perform those duties in peace.
More than one Iuchi has speculated that Ogarus
relationship with pandas, and the way that they react to
him indicates that his soul is incredibly pure or possibly
the reincarnation of a particular noble and heroic ancestor.
There are many samurai in Rokugan who are skilled with
animals, but it is difficult to think of any samurai who
has ever had such an affinity for pandas specifically as
Ogaru does. When he is not spending his time with pandas
or on patrol, he can be found researching and studying
the history and tactics of the Unicorn and the other great
clans, learning and hoping to inspire himself to develop
new tactics and strategies that the Unicorn can bring to
bear upon their enemies.
 It was at Shiro Iuchi that Dun first heard the stories of
the Ancestral Sword of the Ki-Rin, lost for decades. He
became obsessed with rumors of the mystical blade, and
due to his dedication to studying it and its origins gained
permission to seek it personally. Traveling west, toward
the Burning Sands, Dun encountered a former member of
the Dark Moto, cast out by Fu Leng for his failures. He
had stayed alive using a trinket containing a djinn, so that
he could bear the Ancestral Sword of the Ki-Rin back to
Rokugan. Dun accepted the blade from the man, and then
struck him down for his crimes against the empire.
Upon his return, Dun was lauded for bringing the
heirloom back to the Unicorn. He was permitted to wield
the blade to honor his journey. Shono assigned Dun to
the palace guard at Shiro Shinjo for a time, though after
a time Dun gained a prestigious invitation to train at the
Akodo War College. After completing a course of study,
Dun was given a command just before the start of the War
of Dark Fire.

Shinjo Dun Dun commanded his troops through both that war and
the ensuing Destroyer War, rising to the rank of shireikan
Time of Enlightenment, under Utaku Yu-Pan. He fought in the rearguard action
THE UNICORN CLAN

Race for the Throne, Destroyer War at the Kaiu Wall before it fell, and later fought at Ryoko
Owari when the God Beast attacked that city. He was
For many years following the return of the Kami Shinjo,
forced to take command of the Unicorn forces when Yu-
the Shinjo family lived with the shame of having been
Pan was gravely injured, and he rallied the troops for the
infiltrated and led by the Kolat. This made most Shinjo,
final attack on the hideous monster.
from the lowest guardsman to the Daimyo Shinjo Shono
very wary of asserting themselves for fear that the shame Dun was one of the first Unicorn to volunteer to travel
66 would be used as a weapon against them. As the next outside the borders of the empire in search of unknown
generation came of age, though, the younger Shinjo who threats after the Destroyers were defeated. Though many
knew only honor restored the familys bluster as well. Few of his clan helped explore the land route to the Colonies,
Chapter Eight

were more confident in the glory of their heritage than Dun and a handful of men secretly traveled west, in search
Shinjo Dun. of clues about the mysterious Yodotai that had contacted
the Unicorn several years before. Though it is known that
Dun was an excellent rider and capable warrior whose
Dun returned safely, his report remains a secret known
performance in his early years of training convinced
only to the Unicorn Champion and the Khan.
him that a life of adventure laid ahead. Duns skill even
earned him an invitation to the Topaz Championship for Shinjo Dun
hi gempukku. There he lost closely to one of his own
clan, a slight shugenja named Horiuchi Wakiza. Stunned Air: 3 Earth: 4 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
at his loss, Dun was assigned to a small detachment of
Reflexes: 4 Perception: 4
guardsmen serving at Shiro Iuchi.
Honor: 6.7 Status: 6.0 Glory: 6.4

School/Rank: Shinjo Bushi 3

Skills: Athletics 4, Defense 2, Horsemanship 5, Hunting
(Tracking) 3, Kenjutsu 4, Kyujutsu 2
Advantages: Absolute Direction, Leadership, Tactician,
Social Position (Shireikan)
Disadvantages: Driven (Gain Glory), Gaijin Name
Utaku Mu-Dan
Four Winds
Utaku Mu-Dan was a Battle Maiden of the Unicorn Clan
who served under daimyo Utaku Xieng Chi. She was a
personal student of the daimyo as well, learning many Her training in Unicorn lands had taught her much about
of Xieng Chis personal tactics. Mu-Dan grew up in the the role of mobility on the battlefield, but until she fought
first generation to bear the Utaku name, and was fervent on and around the wall, she had never understood the
to honor the late Thunder Otaku Kamoko. Mu-Dans wholly different complexities of defensive mobility. The
enthusiasm waned, however, when she first tasted war. Kaiu, with their carefully designed structures that allowed
She traveled to Crab lands at the onset of the Second for easy movement of troops and supplies along the entire
Yasuki War to honor the friendship between their clans, length of the wall, fascinated her.
since Hida O-Ushis late husband was Shinjo Yasamura, Mu-Dan, like many of her sisters, lived and died in a
younger brother of Shinjo Daimyo Shinjo Shono. The blaze of glory. She was one of the volunteers who fought
Shinjo family, still depleted from the culling at the hands on the other side of the wall to clear the way for the Four
of Lady Shinjo a generation earlier, could not send many Winds to enter the Shadowlands and march to the City
troops, and so the Utaku Battle Maidens went south. of the Lost. Mu-Dan died under a flocked of winged oni,
In fighting the Crane, Mu-Dan learned that war was drawing the attention of many of their kind away from
both noble and terrible. As she rode down many a Crane the scions of Toturi long enough to ensure their journey
warrior, she could see the conviction in their eyes, the could begin.
same conviction that she knew she herself bore. Though
she believed the Crane warred on the Crab unjustly, she Utaku Mu-Dan
could not help but feel distress over the loss of life. After
Mu-Dans detachment returned to Unicorn lands, she Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 2 Water: 2 Void: 3

Chapter Eight
spoke to Xieng Chi about her duty and her unease fighting Reflexes: 4 Agility: 3 Strength: 3
other samurai. Xieng Chi tried to explain to her that life
Honor: 7.2 Status: 1.3 Glory: 3.2
and death are a part of the kharmic wheel, but knew that
Mu-Dan was simply too young to truly feel the weight of School/Rank: Utaku Battle Maiden 2
life and death as an older woman would. 67
Skills: Battle 2, Defense 3, Etiquette 2, Horsemanship 4,
Mu-Dans hesitation, fortunately, did not affect her Kenjutsu 3, Meditation 3, Polearms 2, Sincerity 2
ability to engage in the next major engagement. When

THE UNICORN CLAN

Daigotsu attacked Otosan Uchi, she threw herself into Advantages: Heart of Vengeance (Shadowlands), Paragon
battle with the monsters of the Shadowlands with (Compassion), Virtuous
vigor. She relished the opportunity to fight against an Disadvantages: Brash
undeniable threat to the empire, and her valor
earned her a promotion to taisa within
the Baraunghar Army.
Knowing of Mu-Dans conflicts,
Xieng Chi ensured that Mu-Dans
unit would be one of those sent to
aid the Crab along the Kaiu Wall.
Mu-Dan was free from her moral
dilemmas while fighting the oni
and goblins that assaulted the
Crab, and was able to devote her
entire being to that endeavor.
Mu-Dan was a frequent visitor
to the Crab castles, especially
Kaiu Shiro. Though her first love
was riding through the vast
farmlands the Crab tended, her
experience in combat made
her curious about the siege
equipment that the Crab used.
T he S pider Cl a n Daigotsu Akihime
Much later, she met Daigotsu Hotako who visited her
Destroyer War village claiming that Fu Leng had shown her a vision,
Submitted by Michael Hale a vision of Akihime bathed in blood and at the feet of
Before she joined the Spider, Akihime was a geisha Daigotsu. She extended the offer for Akihime to join the
serving the Bayushi family in their spy networks. Having Spider Clan so that she could honor a true deity, Fu Leng,
been born to a family of lower-class eta in 1150, her the god who would keep her beautiful forever. Akihime
position as a geisha who could serve the Bayushi was soon accepted the Taint. Akihime dedicated herself to Fu
considered a blessing. Leng by sacrificing the troublesome Kitsuki investigator,
but only after she lured him into her confidence, charmed
Akihime, while a geisha, was useful and through her him with her tragic history, and then allowed him to
usefulness Akihime believed she had purpose. She believe she loved him. Tatsuyas son and daughter, Daigo
devoted her prayers to the Fortune of Love, Benten, to and Yuki, would take up the case to find their fathers
whom she believed she owed her beauty. killer, but their quest remained unsolved for months
In 1169 the Scorpion geisha network she served was following Tatsuyas murder.
implicated in a plot to assassinate a Crane lord, of which With her place in the Spider secured in blood, Daigotsu
Akihime knew nothing. The Bayushi framed a geisha with Akihime set about recruiting geisha for her lord to build a
whom Akihime had worked for the murder. The Crane spy network that would serve the Spider. She soon faced
lord decided to have the geisha house burnt to the ground Kitsuki Daigo who had tracked her down and deduced
and the geisha there were seized secretly. Akihime never
THE SPIDER CLAN

she had killed his father. When Daigo had an opportunity

cursed the Fortunes, but rather thanked them. Benten, she for vengeance, a moment of pity allowed her to kill him.
believed, had given her the means of her escape. With Kitsuki Yuki alone remained to seek her revenge. The two
charm and cunning, she feigned love for her new lord who dueled in the fiery ruin of Akihimes geisha house which
was taken in by her beauty. Yuki had set ablaze. While Akihime managed to escape
She then murdered him with his own katana. the battle with her life and looks intact, Yuki survived
68 While some might have bemoaned their fate, Akihime also.
relished it. She set to work becoming a geisha house
Daigotsu Akihime
Chapter Nine

owner in a small village, killing clients who proved to

have more amorous interest in her than she liked or who
Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Void: 2
could not help her gain power. Her blood lust grew over
time, but she always thanked the Fortunes for her life and Awareness: 5 Strength: 3
her looks. It is unknown how many mens lives she ended, Honor: 1.2 Status: 1.0 Glory: 1.2 Infamy: 3.2
but a Kitsuki Investigator named Tatsuya who had taken
up the case of the murders believed it could be dozens. Shadowlands Taint: 3.0
School/Rank: Daigotsu Bushi 2 (Insight Rank 3)
Skills: Artisan (Poetry) 4, Calligraphy 2, Courtier
5, Etiquette 4, Games: Letters 4, Hunting 1,
Intimidation 5, Investigation 1, Jiujutsu 1,
Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Kyujutsu 1, Lore:
Shadowlands 1, Sincerity 4, Spellcraft 1,
Temptation (Seduction) 5,
Advantages: Dark Paragon (Control), Dangerous
Beauty, Great Potential (Courtier),
Disadvantages: Driven (Dominate All Those
Who do Not Serve her or her lord),
Shadowlands Powers: Mind of Darkness,
Father of Lies, Unholy Beauty
Mutations: Demonic Eyes
Daigotsu Chaozhu
The Four Winds, Rain of Blood,
Age of Enlightenment, Race for the
Throne, Destroyer War
Moto Chaozhu is an example of what the price
of ambition is, and to what lengths a man bent
on achieving his ambition will go to. Brother to
Moto Chen and cousin to Moto Chagatai, Chaozhu
wanted nothing more than to rise to the position
as a commander of the Junghar Army, one of the
three divisions of the Unicorns military forces.
Chaozhu worked hard in his early life to display
his ability to lead and command troops, but when
it came time for a new appointment to be made,
his brother was appointed to the position, leaving
Chaozhu with jealousy and a hatred for his brother
that would burn within him for the rest of his life.
Chaozhu would not let Chen take away the one
thing he wanted in life, and eventually came under
the influence of the Kolat, promising to dishonor and
shame Chen in exchange for Chaozhus services. Chaozhu to remove those obstacles. Once Chaozhu gets what he
gladly accept the offer, and took glee in his brother public wants, he will hold onto that with the same ferocity he
shaming - but still did not get what he wanted. Shinjo displays when opposing someone trying to stop him. He
dishonored his brother, he worked for the Kolat, and he

Chapter Nine
Shono was appointed as commander in Chens place, and
Chaozhu was again left empty handed. He continued to accept the Taint - Chaozhus ambition knows little limit,
work with the Kolat and was further fueled by hatred of which makes him dangerous in many ways for friend and
his brother until eventually he became reckless, and the foe alike.
Kolat sought to eliminate both of the brothers before they
Moto Chaozhu 69
could be a threat - Chen for getting too close to their
operations, and Chaozhu for being foolish enough to get Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 5 Void: 3

THE SPIDER CLAN

caught. Reflexes: 4 Agility: 6
Before the assassins of the Kolat could carry out Chaozhus
execution, the Rain of Blood occurred. Chaozhu used this Honor: 0.0 Status: -3.0 Glory: 0.2 Infamy: 4.9
opportunity to escape the city, and in the days following
Shadowlands Taint: 2.0
the rain realized that he had become tainted, the power of
Jigoku flowing through his veins. The blessings of Jigoku School/Rank: Moto Bushi 2/Dark Moto 2
showed Chaozhu that there were better, more powerful Skills: Athletics 4, Defense 5, Forgery 2, Horsemanship 7,
positions of status and command out there, and he set out Hunting 5, Intimidation 4, Jiujutsu 1, Kenjutsu (Katana,
to the Shadowlands where he eventually came into the Scimitar) 6, Kyujutsu 3, Lore: Kolat 2, Lore: Shadowlands
service of Daigotsu. Chaozhu used his expertise in cavalry 4, Lore: Unicorn Clan 3, Sincerity (Deceit) 4
tactics to train the Lost, and his loyalty and service to Advantages: Dark Paragon (Will), Gaijin Gear (Various),
Daigotsu finally earned Chaozhu what he had sought all Heart of Vengeance (Unicorn Clan, The Kolat), Large,
his life, when he was appointed as a commander for a Leadership, Multiple Schools (Dark Moto)
legion of the Lost.
Disadvantages: Blackmail (Moto Chen), Brash, Consumed
Chaozhu wants nothing more than to rise to the position (Control), Dishonored, Sworn Enemy (Moto Chen, Kolat)
of military commander, and the means of how he gets
there mean very little to him. Forgery, murder, lies -
whatever the price, Chaozhu is willing to pay it. Chaozhus
ambition is so great, however, that it often leads him to
reckless actions, acting before thinking, which gets him
into trouble on all sides more than once. If he believes
that someone can help him attain the status and position
he seeks, he is willing to do almost anything for them.
And though his hatred of Chen is fierce and burns forever,
anyone who opposes or stands in Chaozhus way will find
themselves in the sights of a man who will stop at nothing
 Buncho enjoyed his tasks,
especially those that caused
mayhem and death. He could
subtly undermine the will
of a town magistrate or
local lord, convincing their
peasant vassals that a new
life could be found no further
than the end of a simple spear.
Towns burned in his wake,
and none ever were the wiser.
Buncho travelled the
empire in service to Kokujin,
pretending to be an average
monk. He would feign
friendliness and compassion,
but often killed solitary
travellers her met on the road.
He was an excellent infiltrator,
spending time in castles and
monasteries without his hosts
guessing his true allegiance.
Despite his humble origins,
THE SPIDER CLAN

Buncho was a muscular man in

his late twenties, bald with a short
Kokujin Buncho goatee. He usually wore simple sohei
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne garb, his magical and corrupted tattoos hidden among
the giant lotus flower tattoo on his back. Even though
Submitted by Brebouillet Mathieu who were unfortunate enough to see the tattoo rarely
70
Buncho, if that is his real name, was born a poor eta boy understood the danger until it was too late.
in the northern Crane lands. His family job was to deal Buncho followed Kokujin faithfully until the madmans
Chapter Nine

with the animal carcasses the butcher left after cutting death at the hands of the Scorpion. Distraught, Buncho
the meat. This life never pleased the unstable boy, who disappeared into the Empire once more, though to seek
was prone to fits of anger. One day, a passing samurai redemption or revenge no one could say.
got angry at Bunchos parents for not moving their cart
quickly enough out of his way. The samurai killed them Kokujin Buncho
both without a thought.
Air: 4 Earth: 3 Fire: 2 Water: 3 Void: 3
Buncho was nearly an adult, but his mind shattered. He
attacked the passing noble and his guards, and in a rage, Agility: 4
he killed them all bare-handed. He fled into the wilderness.
Honor: 1.5 Status: -8.0 Glory: 1.2 Infamy: 2.2
He was consumed by his anger and his thirst for killing,
until his fateful meeting with the Dark Prophet, Kokujin. Shadowlands Taint: 0.6
Kokujin, the tattooed madman, was at this time creating School/Rank: Hitomi Kikage Zumi 3
a peasant revolt in the Scorpion lands. He heard of a
Skills: Acting (Monk) 4, Athletics 3, Craft: Tattooing
dangerous man killing people randomly in Crane lands
1, Defense 2, Etiquette 1, Intimidation 4, Investigation
and investigated, knowing that he would find a useful
(Interrogation) 2, Jiujutsu (Doku-do) 4, Lore: Anatomy
disciple. And so he did. He hunted Buncho through the
2, Lore: Omens 2, Lore: Theology 3, Meditation 1, Staves
wilderness, defeated him in single combat and beat him
(Nunchaku) 5, Stealth 3
to a pulp until he listened. Thus the former Dragon taught
him his philosophy of the Dark Lotus. Advantages: Hands of Stone, Higher Purpose (Bring
about the Dark Lotus era)
Fully trained, Buncho was a fanatical serial killer. He
believed that everyone has a dharma and kharma debt to Disadvantages: Antisocial (rank 2), Ascetic, Consumed
pay and that his mission was to makes them pay in the (Insight - Meditation), Compulsion (Major - Murder),
name of the Lotus prophet. Buncho worked tirelessly to Enlightened Madness (Balance Tattoo)
help his new master usher in a new era to Rokugan, one Tattoos: Balance, Blaze
where strength would prevail and the false social order of Kiho: Stain Upon the Soul, Riding the Clouds, Soul of the
the samurai would be cast down. Four Winds
Mrika And for Otomo Mrika, thats largely true. She is serving
the needs of the Otomo, and gets to live in a world that her
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration
kind never do. She is bowed to, treated with respect, and
The nature of bog hags is a strange one amongst left to her own devices. All it takes is a few dead bodies
creatures of the Shadowlands. They are by most accounts every now and again.
(for those who meet one and live, anyway) evil creatures But for Mrika the bog hag the Governess is the ultimate
who seek nothing more than to torture, and eventually kill canvas to express her art to the world. And in the end -
victims so that they can wear their flesh as their own. The who could want anything more than that?.
most notable among the Kuni scholars believe that this
embodies a bog hags intense hatred of beauty and life, a Mrika
beauty and life that they cannot ever have so they take it
from others. Air: 4 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 3
For a bog hag like Mrika though, it represents something Awareness: 5 Intelligence: 5 Strength: 4
very different - a desire not to take and punish the beauty
Honor: 0.0 (4.0) Status: 5.7 Glory: 2.3
and life she sees in the world, but rather to be herself an
expression of art and life. Shadowlands Taint: 5.2
The origins of Mrika the bog hag are completely un- School/Rank: Self Taught Shugenja/Otomo Courtier 3
known, and there very well may not be a single living soul Skills: Acting (Otomo Family) 6, Artisan: Painting
around anymore to remember them. Otomo Mrika, be- 7, Artisan: Sewing (Human Flesh) 6, Calligraphy 3,
loved artisan of the Otomo Family and teacher to Otomo Courtier (Manipulation) 6, Etiquette (Bureaucracy,
Suikihime, the Governess of the Imperial Colonies, how- Conversation) 4, Forgery 3, Investigation 4, Athletics 3,
ever, is well known. Mrika was a ronin who displayed an Hunting 4, Meditation 2, Defense 2, Jiujutsu 5, Knives 4,
incredible artistic talent at a young age, focusing mostly Sincerity (Honesty, Deceit) 6, Sleight of Hand 4, Stealth
on painting. She served in the specialized unit know as 4, Spellcraft 3, Temptation (Seduction) 5
the Sanctified Ones during the Destroyer War, having in-

Chapter Nine
Advantages: Allies (Otomo Suikihime), Crafty, Dangerous
filtrated that unit. To the surprise of her colleagues, who
Beauty, Great Potential (Painting), Imperial Spouse,
were suspicious of her, she proved her loyalty to the Em-
Perceived Honor (Rank Four), Social Position (Suikihimes
press. After the war, she traveled to the Colonies and mar-
Teacher), Soul of Artistry (Artisan Skills)
ried a prominent member of the Otomo family, and began
to create some of her finest work. It should not be con- Disadvantages: Consumed (Perfection), Dark Secret (Bog 71

sidered an oddity that her artwork is not widely displayed Hag), Phobia (Jade), Shadowlands Taint, Small

THE SPIDER CLAN

in the halls of Kyuden Otomo, for while she is incredibly Affinity/Deficiency: Air/Earth and Fire
skilled, her true nature as a bog hag and fascination with Spells: Cloak of Night, Way of Deception, Bentens Touch,
the art of flesh and blood and the human body leads her to Hidden Visage, Secrets on the Wind, The Eyes Shall Not
create works of art that, while beautiful, are not necessar- See, Your Hearts Enemy, Know the Mind, Slayers Knives
ily acceptable to display in public. Her parents, so the sto-
Shadowlands Powers: Blackened Claws, Blessing of the
ries say, were able to eventually curve that artistic talent
Dark One, Child of Darkness, Mind of Darkness
to more appropriate works, and trained her as a courtier to
carry out the families sacred duties to the Emperor. Note: Mrika has all the Special Abilities of a Bog Hag
listed in the Legend of the Five Rings 4th Edition Core
Mrika was a very subtle, but ruthless courtier, and when
Rulebook
it came time to appoint a teacher for the young
Suikihime, many seemed confused by the
choice to send Mrika to the Colonies. Some
viewed it as an exile, while others saw it as
simply a way to get Mrika far away from
the capitol. What it really was, though,
was all Mrikas plan. Mrikas joy of
painting was well known (though her hob-
bies of sculpting flesh for her disguise or
the painting of the skulls of her victims
is somewhat less known), Mrika viewed
Suikihime as the ultimate expression of
her artistic calling. She had sculpted bone,
sewn flesh as easily as cloth, and could
paint blood as well as ink, but a person - to
mold and sculpt and shape a person - that
was something Mrika very much wanted.
To the Empire, and Suikihime herself -
Otomo Mrika is simply a seasoned court-
ier, offering a careful hand and guidance
to a member of her family.
 Ninube Onchi One of the last members of her family, her final friend
came to visit her, and revealed her true identity as a
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration member of the Ninube. The Spider had been tasked with
Ninube Onchi once lived her life in the Unicorn lands as the destruction of the Horiuchi, and being a member of
Horiuchi Onchi. the Spider, Onchis friend was aware of the order and
came with an offer.
It was a pleasant time for a young girl, those warm
summer evenings riding across the plains of the Horiuchi If Onchi would pledge herself to the Ninube, her friend
lands. There was very little to care about in those days. would show her the way of shadow and take her away
She had many friends she would go out with and play from the path of death before her. One moment of
games, fish, and do all of the things children do in their weakness later, and Ninube Onchi rode out of the Horiuchi
innocent days, when the responsibilities of adult life have lands with her childhood friend.
not been imposed upon them. Onchi now travels the Colonies, searching for hidden
When her ability to speak with the kami was realized, dangers as a member of the Imperial Explorers. Her
she was sent to learn with the Iuchi shugenja at her colleagues are frequently suspicious of her because of
grandmothers request. She kept in touch with many of her allegiance to the Spider Clan, but they do not suspect
her friends, and held onto her free spirit that translated that she has supernatural gifts beyond even those of the
well with her relationship with the water kami. A bright taint. Onchi intends to keep it that way, for she is always
future was ahead of her, but sadly, a bright future was not looking for threats to her lord, whether they be from the
fated for her. wild lands or from the other clans.
After finishing her first year Onchi took leave to visit Ninube Onchi
her family in Horiuchi lands. At the same time, the plague
broke out in the lands of the Horiuchi. It was an unholy Air: 3 Earth: 4 Fire: 2 Water: 3 Void: 3
THE SPIDER CLAN

plague that warped the flesh. Onchi took care of her Intelligence: 3
family as long as she could, but one by one they died to its
corrupting touch, and then rose from death to walk again. Honor: 0.0 Status: 3.5 Glory: 4.5
Onchi, and the Horiuchi, did what they could, but there
was no stopping the spread of the plague. Empress Iweko, School/Rank: Ninube Shugenja 3
in a bid to control the spread of this unnatural disease, Skills: Calligraphy 3, Craft: Meishodo 2, Defense 4,
72 and at the behest of her advisors, sanctioned the torching Forgery 5, Knives 5, Lore: Cartography 4, Lore: Theology
of all Horiuchi lands, including the death of those still in 3, Meditation 4, Sincerity (Deceit) 5, Spellcraft (Spell
that territory. This included Onchi. Research) 4, Stealth 6, Lore: Lying Darkness 5
Chapter Nine

Advantages: Bland, Forbidden Knowledge (Lying

Darkness), Quick, Social
Position (Imperial Explorers),
Silent
Disadvantages: Black
Sheep (Horiuchi Family),
Dark Secret (Member of
the Ninube),
Affinity/Deficiency: Air
and Earth
Spells: By the Light of
Lord Moon, Cloak of
Night, Hidden Visage,
Secrets on the Wind,
Tempest of Air, The
Eyes Shall Not See,
Earths Stagnation,
Soul of Stone, Earth
Becomes Sky, Force
of Will, Hands of Clay
Omigawa Omigawa was last
seen in Yoritomo Saigos
Destroyer War, Age of Exploration company shortly before Pan
Little is known of the past of the sohei known as Kus defeat. Rumor says that
Omigawa. His name first surfaced during the throes of they were both killed in small
the Destroyer war, one of a number of mysterious monks skirmishes, though many doubt
who often appeared alongside samurai, fought ferociously this would be possible for a
against the minions of Kali-ma, and then vanished before warrior of Omigawas skill.
their true nature could be revealed. Even among these Other rumors speak of the two
elusive sohei, Omigawas name and face became infamous. men traveling the wilderness
He would frequently taunt his would-be allies even while still, though the stories that
defending them from unspeakable monstrosities. follow those rumors speak of two
men whose wild behavior even stretches
When the war ended, Omigawa was struck by uncertainty.
the belief of those who know them.
He had expected that the Spider Clan under his lord
Daigotsu would sweep into a weakened Rokugan and Omigawa
conquer the lands of the other clans at last. Instead, Fu
Leng was dead, Daigotsu had ascended to Jigoku, and the Air: 2 Earth: 4 Fire: 4 Water: 2 Void: 3
Spider were a Great Clan, at peace with their neighbors. Reflexes: 4 Strength: 4
Because Omigawa was untainted, choosing to worship
the Ninth Kami of his own free will, he was permitted Honor: 1.9 Status: 0.5 Glory: 3.2 Infamy: 5.2
to remain in the empire. He stayed for a time, traveling
to monasteries in search of new purpose, demonstrating School/Rank: Order of the Spider Monks 3
the superiority of his martial technique, and secretly Skills: Athletics 5, Defense 3, Iaijutsu 2, Intimidation 3,
despairing that the world had changed and left him Jiujutsu 4, Lore: History 3, Lore: Theology 3, Meditation

Chapter Nine
behind. 2, Polearms (Bisento) 5
Omigawa eventually chose to travel to the Colonies. The Advantages: Allies (Yoritomo Saigo), Dark Paragon
tales of danger and adventure appealed to him, and he (Strength), Hands of Stone, Kharmic Tie - Yoritomo Saigo
hoped that the untamed lands would satisfy his thirst for (Rank 2), Large
blood. He found as much as he hoped, and more. Omigawa Disadvantages: Ascetic, Brash, Failure of Bushido 73
fought cultists and monsters, pushing aside his quest for (Compassion), Infamous
higher purpose for as long as he could. In the end, he

THE SPIDER CLAN

Kiho: Breaking Blow, Unbalance the Mind
tired of constant fighting before he found purpose in it.
Omigawa traveled to the Second City, intending
to drown himself in sake.
In a decidedly questionable tavern, he
met a man who enjoyed everything
Omigawa wanted, and did not lack
for purpose. A Mantis courtier
named Yoritomo Saigo was a regular
patron in the tavern, and reveled in
drinking to excess. By day, however,
Saigos endeavors on behalf of his
clan seemed to energize the man.
Omigawa hesitantly befriended
Saigo, and requested that he be
assigned to the guard detail for the
Spider Clan embassy in the city, so
that he would have more opportunities
to engage with Saigo during the day.
Omigawa was impressed that Saigo,
though possessed of the bearing of a
noble man, did not hesitate to further
his clans goals by any means necessary.
These goals frequently aligned with the
goals of the Spider, and so Omigawas
superiors encouraged the friendship.
On travels outside the city, Omigawa
often accompanied Saigo as a confidant
and yojimbo. None dared threaten the
Mantis while Omigawa stood nearby.
 It shouldnt be difficult to imagine, then, that a man with
excellent culinary skill, and a fascination for using that skill
to raise the dead, would be a bit unstable. Udo would often
Udo pass for a ronin within the Empire, but his fascination at
Destroyer War experimenting with his magical process of raising the dead
in his signature cauldron always drew too much attention
The Lost, in many ways, are a dark reflection of Rokugan
to himself and he was forced to move on quickly and
and the honorable samurai who reside within the Empire.
quietly. This eventually got the best of him when, during
They are not mindless, have their own code to follow that
the War of Dark Fire, he attempted to take Hida Kaoru
mirrors Bushido, and are at their core still mortal men
hostage, and use her in his cooking experiments. She was
and women, though theyve been touched by the Taint of
able to flee and not become a hungry samurais next meal,
Jigoku. They want to eat, sleep, drink, and live just as they
and shortly thereafter Udo disappeared, and wasnt seen
did before they were touched by the Shadowlands. And
or heard from during The Destroyer War again. However,
just like in Rokugan, there are samurai born who have
weary samurai should always be cautions when they find
natural talents at things other than communing with the
themselves at a small roadside inn, especially if the stew
spirits of the world or wielding a blade.
is purported to be amazing, as there is a chance that Udo
The man known simply as Udo was born as a shugenja, is still somewhere out there, making stew for eating... and
and though he was quite skilled at communing with the stew that eats people.
kansen of the Shadowlands, his true passion, and skill,
lie in the art of cooking. As one might imagine, excellent Udo
quality rice, fish, and water are non-existent in the
Shadowlands, and the Lost are forced to make due with Air: 2 Earth: 3 Fire: 2 Water: 3 Void: 2
lesser resources, some of which are probably best left to Intelligence: 3
the imagination instead rather than described in detail.
Udo was able to take the most fouled, decayed or rancid Honor: 0.0 Status: -7.5 Glory: 1.0 Infamy: 5.0
things in the Shadowlands, and put them together into a Shadowlands Taint: 4.0
THE SPIDER CLAN

pot that didnt just taste tolerable, but good even. Most of School/Rank: Chuda Shugenja 2
the Lost learned quickly not to let their curiosity get the Skills: Artisan: Cooking 7, Calligraphy (Cipher) 3,
best of them and ask Udo what he had made his famous Hunting 2, Knives 4, Lore: Food 6, Lore: Maho 5, Lore:
stew out of that day, instead enjoying the taste that earned Shadowlands 4, Spellcraft 4, Stealth 3
him the title of Master Chef.
Advantages: Forbidden Knowledge (Maho), Great Potential
Udo didnt just use his pots to create stew for eating, (Artisan: Cooking), Inheritance (Cooking Pot)
74 however. Blending his talents for taking bare resources
and scraps of flesh from the Shadowlands and making it Disadvantages: Compulsion (Experiment with cooking),
Disturbing Countenance, Enlightened Madness (Artisan:
Chapter Nine

into food, so too could he take the bodies of the dead, and
using a massive caldron that he enchanted over the years Cooking)
with maho and tainted magic, could literally cook the de- Affinity/Deficiency: Maho/Air
ceased into life again as undead under his willing control. Spells: Udo knows most maho spells but when he can
Because the dead are in no short supply in the Shadow- he likes to experiment with them in relation to food and
lands or on the field of battle, Udos unique skills allowed using his massive cooking pot to create different forms of
him to often amass a horde of zombies capable of taking undead, mixing other kinds of magic to create new and
down battle-worn patrols of bushi within the Empire. interesting results.
Hidekazu
Roni n
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War Hidekazu traveled with the caravan until it finally
The Mad Dragon, Pan Ku, manipulated events in reached Toshi Ranbo. He had made sure to leave a number
Rokugan for time immemorial prior to his defeat in of particularly messy clues for Hotei to follow, ensuring
the Second City, but rarely was he venerated. The most that the games he would play in the Imperial City would
notable exception was a young man who thought of be all that much more exciting. Once he arrived, he
himself as Hidekazu, who came out of the wilderness went to work. By choosing his victims at random, as his
and wreaked havoc everywhere he traveled. No one lord would do, Hidekazu knew he was infuriating the
knows where Hidekazu was born. Those who know of his magistrate. Who would ever commit such terrible acts on
existence do not even know that name. Some say he is a whim, after all?
the son of a bandit who slew his father and all his men in The two murders that drew Hotei to Toshi Ranbo were
a fit of confusion. Others say he is the abandoned child far from the last. Though the trail went cold, corpses
of a highborn family daimyo, cast aside when his mental continued to appear throughout the empire for many
illness first manifested. The only thing that can be agreed years, without any clues or explanations.
is that Hidekazu acts without forethought or concern.
Hidekazu first appeared in the Spine of the World Hidekazu
Mountains. When a Unicorn patrol traveled too near
Air: 3 Earth: 2 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 2
when he had been hiding for all those years, she silently
followed them. When they stopped to investigate a cabin Awareness: 5 Stamina: 4 Agility: 5 Perception: 4
in the middle of nowhere, Hidekazu struck. He brutally Honor: 0.0 Status: 0.0 Glory: 0.0 Infamy: 2.3
murdered one of the Unicorn bushi, stripped him of his

Chapter Ten
clothing, and took his place, all during the confusion of School/Rank: Insight Rank 2
a fight with some bandits. Pan Kus blessings allowed
Skills: Acting 10, Athletics (Running) 3, Forgery 4,
Hidekazu to perfectly mimic the man, Moto Chiang, even
Horsemanship 3, Intimidation (Torture) 4, Jiujutsu 6,
fooling Chiangs old friend Moto Jin-sahn.
Knives 3, Sincerity (Deceit) 10, Sleight of Hand (Conceal, 75
Hidekazu lived as Chiang for a time, secretly leaving a Escape) 4, Stealth (Sneaking) 5
trail of murders in his wake. He would often wake in a

RONIN
Advantages: Hands of Stone, Luck (Three Ranks)
cold sweat, or drenched in blood, and know that he had
spent the dark hours as the instrument of Pan Kus will. Disadvantages: Ascetic, Compulsion (Murder), Dark
Hidekaze relished the thought that he was helping to spread Secret (Disciple of Pan Ku), Driven (Sow Chaos)
madness and chaos through the empire. Even with Pan
Kus blessings, though, Hidekazu could
not continue in a single guise forever. At
a temple of Natsu-Togumara, Pan Ku
warned Hidekazue in a vision that he
was being pursued. Hidekazu knew
he would have to conceal himself
once again, and so slaughtered
and replaced a man traveling with
a caravan named Toru.
Hidekazu became Toru just in
time, as the magistrate Moto
Hotei was on his trail. He knew
of Hotei, and that the man was
a famed investigator who had
solved a murder in the capital
that prevented much bloodshed.
Though Hidekazu had no fear
of matching wits with the
magistrate, he knew that Pan
Kus will was paramount, and he
must sow as much chaos as he
could.
 is traditionally associated with tanuki
spirits. Kincho enjoys food and drink
to the point of obsession, play evil
tricks on people who cross or offend
him, and also make special efforts to
help or reward individuals who are
kind or assist him.
People who come to the House of the
Blue Tanuki are treated very much the
same way - if a patron causes problems
for Kincho or the House, they may find
their saddle breaks when attempting
to mount or their rations continually
go bad for months on end, Kinchos
way of reminding that foolish mortal
that respect is an important virtue
to learn. For those who are polite or
particularly kind to the inn and to
Kincho or his guests, they usually find
that their fortunes improve in some
way, from a bit of useful information
Kincho comes across to suddenly
coming into great wealth, seemingly
Kincho the Sixth out of nowhere.
However, for the few select visitors that are particularly
Race for the Throne, Destroyer War offensive or cause harm to the other guests, Kincho does
RONIN

For as long as any samurai can remember, there are tales not cause them misfortune in the form of pranks or tricks.
of the House of the Blue Tanuki, a famous sake house They are usually kicked out from the inn and sent on their
and inn that is nestled into a small corner of Kyuden way, but most are never heard from again...
76
Gotei. Every samurai seems to have a story that somehow
involves the inn, for a particularly pleasant nights rest to a Kincho the Sixth
Chapter Ten

rousing party the likes of which theyve never seen before,

Air: 5 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2
the House of the Blue Tanuki is legendary. The inn has
been owned by the same peasant family for generations, Intelligence: 4 Perception: 5
and they traditionally take the name of Kincho. Currently
Honor: 2.5 Status: 0.5 Glory: 7.9
the inn is managed and run by the sixth such individual
in the family to take the name Kincho, and when the School/Rank: Kincho the Sixth is considered Rank 4 for
first Kincho opened the inn, Mantis sailors would cry out the purposes of any spells or abilities that check Insight
All hail Kincho the First! Emperor of Drunks! - and the Rank, but does not possess any ranks in any known
naming convention has stuck around since then. school.
Kincho the Sixth is an older man who understands very Skills: Acting (Human) 6, Animal Handling 3,
well the balance that samurai seek between a quiet place Artisan (Gardening, Poetry) 4, Calligraphy 4, Courtier
to contemplate their thoughts and the need to unwind (Manipulation, Gossip) 5, Defense 3, Etiquette
from their duties to their lords. Kincho the Sixth seeks to (Conversation, Courtesy) 6, Games: Fortunes & Winds
tend to all the needs of any guests who arrive, whatever 5, Games: Go 4, Investigation 5, Jiujutsu 2, Lore: Sake
their origin or background. He is also particular well 5, Lore: Samurai 4, Lore: Spirit Realms 5, Medicine 3,
known for his temper when people cause problems for the Perform: Storytelling 5, Sincerity (Honesty, Deceit) 4,
inn, and it is only talked about in hushed whispers what Sleight of Hand 4, Stealth 3
happens when he finds out that the shipments of sake are
Advantages: Fame, Magic Resistance (Rank Three),
delayed, as the experiences are usually very unpleasant
Sage, Servant (Various), Touch of the Spirit Realms
for all involved. But for the most part, Kincho is usually
(Chikushudo), Wealthy (Rank Seven)
smiling, seen speaking with his customers, and maintains
a well run and very clean establishment. Disadvantages: Compulsion (Drinking), Compulsion
(Eating), Contrary, Dark Secret (Tanuki spirit)
The truth of the matter is that Kincho the Sixth is not a
man at all, nor has there ever been a mortal man by the Shapeshifter Abilities: Humanity, Mimic, Speaker of the
name of Kincho related to the House of the Blue Tanuki. Dead, Protection of Tengoku
Kincho the Sixth is in fact a tanuki, a badger spirit native Shapeshifter Penalties: Cannot cross running water,
to Chikushudo. The spirit that assumes the form of the Cannot bathe, Cannot enter a shrine or temple, Cannot
men who have borne the name Kincho is everything that tell anyone your true nature or true name
Seppun Tashime His persistence was fortunate, for while he was searching
he learned that Jigoku had a new champion, a gaijin god
Destroyer War known as Kali-Ma.
The Emerald Magistrates are the most visible extension Tashime did eventually catch up to Shaiko. Tashimes
of Imperial power in Rokugan, and though many samurai second, Kuni Iyedo, impersonated Tashime to draw out
serve in their prestigious ranks, few have done so with Shaiko. Though she wounded Iyedo, Tashime was able
so much distinction as Seppun Tashime. Trained as a to trap and kill her once and for all. After cleansing his
magistrate in the Seppun tradition, Tashime showed one shame, he retired from active duty and returned to Kyuden
of the keenest minds for investigation they had ever seen. Seppun, where he lived out his days warning younger
He was also unwavering in his dedication to Imperial law, generations of the price of blindly following duty without
and often had to be warned that duty must be tempered concern for the rest of the world.
by compassion.
Seppun Tashime
This was a lesson Tashime would not learn for many
years. When he fathered a child just after his gempukku, Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Void: 3
he refused to even acknowledge the child. He would allow
Awareness: 4 Willpower: 4 Perception: 5
nothing to interfere with his duties. When he was assigned
to court in Yasuki lands, he did not allow feelings to Honor: 8.8 Status: 5.2 Glory: 8.3
interfere with his work, adjudicating a lethal duel between
a Crab and Crane without remorse. School/Rank: Seppun Guardsmen 3
The curious events that followed that duel turned out Skills: Battle 2, Defense 3, Etiquette 4, Horsemanship 3,
to be his lifes great work. When the Crabs brother, who Iaijutsu 3, Investigation 5, Kenjutsu (Katana) 3, Kyujutsu
was a Dragon, committed seppuku as a result of the duel, 2, Lore: Bushido 3, Lore: Law 4, Sincerity 4
Tashime looked into their ancestry. What he found alarmed Advantages: Clear Thinker, Irreproachable, Paragon
him greatly, for he suspected that they were descended (Duty), Sacrosanct, Social Position (Emerald

Chapter Ten
from Agasha Kyoso, and that events may have transpired Magistrate), Wary
as a result of her machinations.
Disadvantages: Lost Love (Ta-
Tashime traveled the empire to gather more information. mori Shaiko), Sworn Enemy
He consulted with the Master of Water Asako Bairei and, (Daigotsu Shaiko)
at Baireis suggestion, a Sodan-Senzo. During this time, 77
Tashime met Tamori Shaiko, a young Dragon shugenja

RONIN
who took an immediate interest in him. During the course
of their travels, the two fell in love. Their love was not to
last, however, as they found the information they sought
and ventured into the Shadowlands to face Kyoso no Oni.
Fighting an Oni Lord is dangerous work for even the
most hardened Crab veterans, and Tashimes group had
none of the intense training that would be required to
perform flawlessly. Though Kyoso no Oni was defeated,
Shaiko and several of their other companions died.
Tashime was crushed, and returned to the empire an even
more hardened man than he was before.
During an investigation into the mysterious
order of sohei that had recently appeared in
the empire, the Order of Venom, Tashimes
horrors came to life as he discovered
that Shaiko had risen as an undead
maho-tsukai. Tashime threw himself
into the pursuit because he knew he
must destroy Shaiko, as it was his
failure to dispose of her corpse
that allowed her to be raised.
 Non-H uma ns
Makirtch The equivalent to ancestors for samurai is the
Transcendents for the Nezumi, powerful shamans who
Rain of Blood, Age of Enlightenment shed their mortal form to become spirits of pure Name
Makirtch was a shaman of the Nezumi race, what the magic that resided in the Realm of Dreams, Yume-do.
equivalent of a shugenja would be in Rokugani society. She They were the guardians of the Ratling race and stood
was a member of the Stained Paw tribe and their strongest as a shield against the impending doom that Tomorrow
and oldest shaman. Makirtch excelled specifically at would bring. Makirtch learned that Tomorrow had come
magic involving and understanding dreams, and despite for the Nezumi already, and was slowly destroying and
the fact that the Stained Paw lived for a long time without eating away at the Transcendents. If Tomorrow succeeded
their memories, Makirtch was able to look into the dreams in killing all of them, the Nezumi would be powerless to
of Nezumi and mortal alike and gleen much about the stop Tomorrow from erasing them from existence.
world and Ningen-do. She was a fierce protector of her Makirtch used a strange hourglass artifact, called by
tribe and was always cautious when dealing with others the Ratlings Tomorrows Hourglass, to transport nearly
outside of the Stained Paw, the loss of their memories the entire race to Yume-do all at once, where they
always leaving Makirtch weary about who might be or would take the fight to their ancient foe and eventually
had been enemies of her tribe. succeed in saving the Transcendents and the Nezumi from
When the Staind Paw regain their Name, and their destruction.
memories, Makirtch joins the leader of the One Trbie Makirtch never fully trusts anyone, Ratling or mortal
Kanokticheck as an elder advisor to the newly unified alike, until after the Staind Paw are saved and become
Ratling tribes. Makirtch would also prove vital in part of the One Tribe. The risk to her tribe and those who
NON-HUMANS

eventually saving the Nezumi race from extinction at the look to her for guidance is too great, and only those
hands of Tomorrow, a formless, malign entity that since within the Stained Paw are trusted completely. The few
the dawn of time the creatures have feared. times Makirtch is forced to fight against foes of her tribe,
Due to her powerful magic and ability to see the dreams her potential to wield the Name magic of the Nezumi is
of others, Makirtch was able to look into the restless devastating to her foes and she is able to even disrupt and
78
dreams of Kanokticheck, who would wake and remember change the very nature of a creature native to Ningen-do
nothing, and see the horrible future that lie ahead of the through this magic. Once Makirtch joins the One Tribe
Chapter Eleven

Nezumi. It was often thought that Tomorrow would attack trust still comes very slowly to her, but she trusts the
one day, coming for the Nezumi, and that the One Tribe judgement and leadership of Kanokticheck and follows
would have to stand united to even have a chance of sav- him without question.
ing itself. But the legend was only partially true - Tomor-
row would come for the Nezumi, but it would not attack Makirtch
their bodies or their warrens, it would attack their dreams.
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 3 Name: 4

Niche: 4.0 Status: 0.0 Glory: 2.5

School/Rank: Nezumi Shaman 3

Skills: Athletics 3, Defense 4, Lore: Shadowlands
3, Lore: Spirit Realms (Yume-do) 5, Meditation
4, Perform: Nezumi Dance 3, Stealth 3
Advantages: Fearless, Namebond (Conjure
Dream), Sage
Disadvantages: Bad Eyesight, Low Pain
Threshold
Name Spells: Bend Name, Bless Name, Conjure
Dream, Dream Walk, Importune Transcendent,
Mend Name, Conjure Named Weapon, Share
Name, Find Name, Shield Name
Note: Makirtch is considered to have all of the
Nezumi Physical Abilities listed in Enemies of
the Empire.
Matchek
Four Winds, Rain of Blood
The tale of samurai is one of honor and duty,
but not all the inhabitants of Ningen-do are
samurai, and not all care for honor or duty. For
some, safety and survival are all they can seek.
Deep in the Shadowlands, near the desolate region
where a proud empire of their own once stood, a
tribe of Nezumi lived in the darkness. A terrible
plague struck this tribe and every one of their
Rememberers died. Faced with the loss of their
Names, the tribe looked to anyone for help, and
found an unlikely ally, the Dark Lord Daigotsu.
Calling themselves the Stained Paw Tribe, they
worked with Daigotsu and his Lost in exchange for
food and safety.
With no Rememeberers, the tribe was led only by
its warriors, and one of the first such leaders was
Matchek. He was a massive Nezumi scout whose
forays throughout the Shadowlands had honed his ally all Nezumi
skills. He could fight with almost anything as a weapon, with Daigotsu. As
and was particularly talented at depriving an enemy of time went on, however, Matchek began to mistrust the
their own weapon. He was fanatically loyal to Daigotsu, Tomorrow Chieftain. Though Matchek trusted Daigotsu,

Chapter Eleven
for he knew that without the Dark Lord his tribe would something about Ikmatch-tek did not smell right.
starve and die.
Ikmatch-tek sensed that Matchek could see through
Matchek was the first member of the Stained Paw Tribe the illusion of his being, and so he sent Matchek on
to encounter another Nezumi after the tribe had allied many dangerous raids. In spite of the danger, Matchek
with Daigotsu. He met Chintch of the Crippled Bone Tribe, survived. When at last Ikmatch-tek felt he had to act, he 79
nearly killing him before accepting that the other Nezumi caught Matchek alone and cast a terrible spell upon him,
was not a threat. Matchek and Chintch talked about their unraveling his being with a word. It is unknown what

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tribes, and Chintch was alarmed that a tribe of Nezumi happened to Matchek, however. Because Ikmatch-tek
had allied with the darkness. He wanted to convince the was not a true Ratling, he could not destroy Matcheks
Stained Paw to abandon their ways and leave the depths name. Whether Matchek fought beside the Transcendents
of the Shadowlands to be closer to the other tribes. against Tomorrow, or was trapped in some other realm has
Chintch brough Nirumtuk, of the Crooked Tail Tribe, to never been discovered.
meet with Matchek, for Nirumtuk knew the story of how
the tribes had fought together against the Lying Darkness. Matcheck
Chintch hoped the story would convince Matchek to go
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 4 Water: 2 Name: 3
back to the Stained Paw and lead them away from the
Dark Lord. Chintch was hopeful that the Stained Paw Strength: 3
could be redeemed, but his hope was misplaced. Matchek
Niche: 6.0 Status: 0.0 Glory: 1.5
gave them a false assurance and then disappeared into
the night. School/Rank: Nezumi Scrounger 3
Matchek knew that the other tribes were reviled Skills: Athletics 4, Battle 3, Defense 3, Hunting (Survival)
by the clans, and would not allow his people to be an 4, Jiujutsu 4, Kyujutsu 5, Lore: Shadowlands 4, Stealth
afterthought to the humans. He led many raids against the (Sneaking) 5, Sleight of Hand 3
Crab and Scorpion clans, stealing food and killing many
Advantages: Large, Teeth of Stone
samurai who were foolish enough to underestimate his
tribe. Daigotsu was pleased, and the tribe prospered. Disadvantages: Kwathch, Nameless, Sworn Enemy
(Ikmatch-tek)
One day, Daigotsu brought to Matchek a Nezumi he
had never met before. His name was Ikmatch-tek, and Note: Matchek is considered to have all of the Nezumi
he claimed to be a shaman of the fabled One Tribe, from Physical Abilities listed in Enemies of the Empire.
before Fu Leng fell from the heavens. Matchek and the
rest of the tribe were overjoyed, for Ikmatch-tek promised
to bring the other tribes to heel under his leadership and to
 Peptrchek hated Manobu more than anyone or anything
else in the world, offering riches of food, furs, and shiny
treasures to any Nezumi that could bring Peptrchek
Manobus head. As a leader, Peptrchek is able to protect
much of the Crippled Bone tribe from the hunts of the
Lost, and comes to the aid of the Crab Clan on more
than one occasion. Peptrcheks ferocity on the battlefield
against the Lost leaves even some Crab in awe of the
creature, a perfect balance of size, speed, and brutal
efficiency. Peptrchek is fearless and will never leave an
injured member of his tribe behind, cursing the name
of those who spill Ratling blood and seeking to avenge
any of his fallen tribe or those he considers allies such
as the Crab.
While some Ratlings spend time in Rokugan, Peptrchek
and the Crippled Bone are isolated from much of the
society of the Empire, and therefore interact almost
exclusively with the Crab Clan, serving as guides and
scouts or even an early warning against encroachment
from Shadowlands forces. Peptrchek respects the strength
Peptrchek and duty of the Crab, and in turn they respect his skill on
the battlefield and the Crippled Bones mutual hatred of
Rain of Blood, Age of Enlightenment the Lost. Peptrchek does not have the luxery of seraching
Peptrchek was a bushi of the Crippled Bone tribe and a for the shiniest objects in the world or creating a great
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fierce opponent of the Shadowlands. He eventually takes warren for himself and his tribe, survival and the fight
over the leadership of the Crippled Bone after the previous against the Shadowlands being his singular focus.
chieftain Tetikkir dies, and is able to lead his tribe The only time the Crippled Bone or Peptrchek leave the
through some very dark and trouble times for the Nezumi. Shadowlands and venture further into Rokugan is to meet
As natural opponents of the Shadowlands, the Ratlings with or help support Kanokticheck and the rest of the
80
have always been hated and hunted by creatures native Ratling tribes under his leadership. While Kanokticheck
to Jigoku and the Lost - Daigotsu Manobu in particular is himself a seasoned warrior and excellent leader,
Chapter Eleven

hated Ratlings significantly more than others, and took Peptrchek may be seen as the Ratlings greatest fighter
a sick joy in hunting, torturing, and murdering those on the battlefield during his time, and is in the frontlines
that were unfortunate enough to be capture by him. He of the armies of the One Tribe when they venture into
was infamous enough to be referred to by the Nezumi Yume-do in the Race against Tomorrow, an event that
as Tomorrows bushi - a name that means very little to saw much of the Ratling race leave Ningen-do to confront
most samurai, but for the Ratlings, Tomorrow represents their mythic foe and never return.
death, the future, or the concept of a being that will
bring about destruction. Tomorrow was inevitable
Peptrchek
for all Nezumi, a foe no single Ratling could defeat Air: 3 Earth: 5 Fire: 4 Water: 4 Name: 3
our outrun. It therefore speaks to the degree that
Reflexes: 5 Strength: 5
the creatures hated and feared Manobu that they
gave him a name synonymous with what they Niche: 6.5 Status: 0.5 Glory: 4.0
viewed as their eventual Doomsday.
School/Rank: Nezumi Warriors 3/Nezumi Berserkers 2
Skills: Athletics (Climbing, Running) 5, Battle 4, Defense
5, Heavy Weapons (Ono) 8, Hunting (Survival) 6, Jiujutsu
3, Lore: History (Rokugan, Nezumi) 5, Lore: Shadowlands
3, Stealth 4
Advantages: Crab Hands, Fearless, Human Allies (Crab
Clan), Language (Rokugani), Large, Leadership, Strength
of the Earth
Disadvantages: Brash, Driven (Kill Daigotsu Manobu),
Sworn Enemy (Daigotsu Manobu)
Note: Peptrchek is considered to have all of the Nezumi
Physical Abilities listed in Enemies of the Empire.
Zintch
Four Winds, Rain of Blood,
Age of Enlightenment
Ratlings are considered by most Rokugani
to be benevolent and good creatures in
the Empire. Though they are mischievous,
they have come to the aid of the Empire, and
specifically to the aid of the Crab Clan on a
number of occasions in the Empires history,
and their natural immunity to the Taint makes
them impressive allies in the battle against
the minions of Jigoku. Even so, Ratlings
are rarely seen within populated areas of
the Empire, and often make their warrens
in remote wilderness areas or in places
that samurai cannot inhabit due to dangers
of other creatures or the Taint. So, seeing on
in the Empire can often be a rare sight for a
samurai, especially in populated or dense urban areas. honor for him to be allowed to speak with
The day that the Ratling Zintch appeared in the Imperial the other assembled representatives of Rokugan, and he
Court was indeed a special occasion for all present from studies intently the finer points of etiquette in society so
that day onward. The Tattered Ear tribe of the Nezumi had as to never offend or bring shame to himself or another. A
come to the aid of the Crab and to honor them, they were bit of his Nezumi accent comes through sometimes when

Chapter Eleven
given the honor of having a voice within the court, and hes speaking, but for the most part, if you couldnt see
the tribe elected Zintch, their chieftain, to be their repre- him many would simply assume Zintch to be another
sentative. For several of the courtiers present when Zintch samurai speaking to his equals.
arrived it was one of the strangest things they had ever
been a part of, for rare as it is to see a Nezumi in a city, Zintch
81
it was unheard of to ever have one in Court, and almost
Air: 3 Earth: 3 Fire: 3 Water: 2 Name: 2
laughably unrealistic for one to be present as a represen-

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tative and speak on behalf of other Nezumi. Zintch had a Awareness: 4 Perception: 3
commanding presence within the court, his cloak infused
Niche: 4.5 Status: 0.5 Glory: 6.2
with the powerful Name magic of the Nezumi, and was
articulate, subtle, and respectful to all those in attendance. School/Rank: Nezumi Rememberer 2
Zintch was one of the smartest Ratlings in Rokugan Skills: Courtier 4, Etiquette (Rokugani Etiquette) 5,
during his time, and through his efforts he was able to Lore: Nezumi History 4, Lore: Nezumi Culture 4, Lore:
help unite all of the Ratlings under a single banner of Shadowlands 3, Perform: Storytelling 4, Stealth 2
leadership and command. This was an important moment
Advantages: Clever Tail, Forever Memory, Human Allies,
in history because it was the first time since before the
Language (Rokugani), Precise Memory, Social Position
Dawn of the Empire that the Ratlings had been unified
(Nezumi representative in Rokugan)
and acted as a singular entity, and it would not only serve
the Ratling tribes well, but prove to be a valuable asset to Disadvantages: Cant Lie, Fascination (Rokugani Culture)
Rokugan in the coming years. Zintch was also the one Memory Sticks: Fathers Stick, Happy Stick, Mothers
who informs the Imperial Court of Toturi Naserus journey Stick, Wanderers Stick, Friend Stick, Lovers Stick,
towards the Shadowlands while seeking enlightenment, Wisdom Stick, Life Stick
information which spurs Yasuki Hachi and the forces of Note: Zintch is considered to have all of the Nezumi
Rokugan to assemble and support Naseru at the Battle of Physical Abilities listed in Enemies of the Empire.
Shinseis Tomb.
Zintch is the voice of the Ratlings for the samurai of
Rokugan, and the tribes leader Kanokticheck considers
Zintch one of his closest and trusted advisors. If Zintchs
mere presence already did not command respect and
attention, the force of his Name draws many to listen who
might otherwise blow the Ratlings words off. But Zintch
does not abuse or treat the respect of the samurai like
another treasured object - he realizes that it is a great
 Chutoburo Wave after wave of tainted monstrosity was tossed at
him, and their corpses piled up around him. With a swing
Time of Enlightenment, Race for the Throne of his sword entire throngs of goblins would be hacked
into pieces, and oni spawn bloodied the ground at his feet
Submitted by Matthew Tyler
when they met the might of his blows. It was his unit on
Chutoburo had been spending his life as a mindless ogre the wall that first saw the army of the Damned as they
in the Shadowlands. His cave was abysmal but habitable, approached.
with stacks of skulls from the goblins, humans, and beasts
Much has happened since that day, and as Kayomasa
he had destroyed. It wasnt until another ogre by the
left to protect Daigotsus child, Chutoburo chose to stay in
name of Kayomasa came along that things changed for
the Shadowlands. It has been believed he was controlled
the mindless brute.
by the Destroyer Kali-Ma and died in the great war she
Kayomasa was a free ogre who had regained some of enacted upon the Empire. However Chutoburo left when
his soul and memory back from the clutches of the taint, he saw her strange influence begin to exert itself on the
thanks to his time spent with Daigotsu, and his own will. Shadowlands. He took to a life of wandering, staying
During the time of Demons, ogres began to flock to various as close as he dared to the Spider and Kayomasa in the
banners, many turning to Daigotsu by way of other free colonies without revealing himself.
ogres such as Kayomasa. At first, when Kayomasa came
He has a debt to pay, and as his memories continue to
across Chutoburo, the mindless ogre attacked, hoping to
return, he knows that the time will one day come when he
add Kayomasas skull to the mound before his cave. His
will be able to repay that debt.
thuggish fighting style lacked form and discipline and
Kayomasa was able to defeat him, and in restraints, bring Chutoburo
him before Daigotsu.
After the Dark Lord relinquished the control that Jigoku Air: 2 Earth: 5 Fire: 3 Water: 4
had on the ogres mind, over time his memory started to Reflexes: 4 Willpower: 6 Agility: 4 Strength: 6
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return. While Daigotsu had performed the act, Chutoburo

knew that he had Kayomasa to thank for his freedom, and Honor: N/A Status: 0.0 Glory: 0.0
joined the free ogres band.
Shadowlands Taint: 5.0
During the Battle at the Wall of Bones, Kayomasa
School/Rank: Ogre Bushi 3
was defending the main complex and each of his ogres
82 Skills: Athletics: 5, Battle 4, Defense 5, Jiujutsu 5, Heavy
was assigned a particular section of the wall to defend.
Chutoburo was assigned the section they believed would Weapons 7, Hunting 5, Intimidation (Bullying) 4, Lore:
Chapter Eleven

be hit hardest. He didnt see any fault with this, since Shadowlands 5, Stealth 4
he was stronger than the other ogres, besides Kayomasa Advantages: Allies (Kiyomasa), Crab Hands, Language
himself, and had a thirst to destroy anything his old (Rokugani)
master could throw at him. Disadvantages: Driven (Repay debt), Frail Mind,
Obligation (Kiyomasa)
Hitaka
Four Winds, Rain of Blood,
Time of Enlightenment, Race for
the Throne, Destroyer War

Agasha Hitaka was an honorable man who

would have been happy to spend his days
speaking to the earth kami and serving his lord,
Agasha Tamori. The days after the Second Day
of Thunder destroyed those dreams for him.
When Agasha Gennai betrayed Tamori and led
most of Hitakas family to the Phoenix, Hitaka
stayed. He resented Gennai for destroying the
family, even if Hitomi had caused so much
strife. Hitaka was a loyal Dragon, and did not
understand how they could just abandon their
oaths to their lords.
After the War Against the Spirits, Hitaka
was among the first to swear fealty to Tamoris
daughter, Tamori Shaitung, the Daimyo of the new
family. His loyalty was a farce, though. Hitaka had been
performed terrible acts for Mishime and reveled in the
present when Tamori had fallen and become the Dark
misery he caused. Daigotsu, though, did not reward their
Oracle of Fire. Hitaka believed that it was his destiny to
loyalty. When he made his deal with the Empress Iweko,
follow his lord to the end of days, and assisted the Dark

Chapter Eleven
the brutal and bloodthirsty Chuda felt betrayed. Hitaka
Oracle in many of his plots.
knew what it was like to have a lord abandon his people,
Hitaka was secretly an instigator in the war between the and he would have none of it. He followed Mishime deep
Dragon and Phoenix when Tamori caused the volcano into the Shadowlands to continue their twisted rituals.
Wrath of the Kami to erupt in Dragon lands. Tamori
Chosai had gone to Isawa Hochiu and convinced the Hitaka 83
Master of Fire to unleash the Dark Oracle of Fire on the
Dragon Clan, allowing Tamori the power to unleash the Air: 4 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 3 Void: 3

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volcano. Hochiu was prepared to fight the Dragon refugees
Honor: 0.0 Status: -7.5 Glory: 0.0 Infamy: 6.0
fleeing onto the Dragon Heart Plain. Hitaka then goaded
Mirumoto Junnosuke to fight back against the Phoenix, Shadowlands Taint: 5.0
causing the Battle of Ki-Rins Shrine, among the bloodiest
School/Rank: Agasha Shugenja 1/Chuda Shugenja 3
engagements of the war.
(Chuda Necromancer)
Hitaka was exposed when Tamori instructed Hitaka to
Skills: Calligraphy (Cipher) 2, Craft: Fleshscuplting 5,
bring Tsuge to his lair, where the Dark Oracle forced Tsuge
Defense 1, Etiquette 3, Hunting 5, Knives 7, Lore: Maho
to reciprocate the permission Hochiu had given, allowing
6, Lore: Shadowlands 5, Lore: Theology 3, Spellcraft
Tamori to rain destruction on both clans. Hitaka remained
(Spell Reserach) 6, Stealth 4
with Tamori until the end of the war, when Shaitung,
Tsuge, and Hochiu worked together to defeat the Dark Advantages: Allies (Dark Oracle of Fire, Chuda Mishime),
Oracle. Upon the ascension of Chosai as the new Dark Forbidden Knowledge (Maho), Touch of the Spirit Realms
Oracle of Fire, Hitaka fled south into the Shadowlands. (Jigoku)
Hitaka was not seen again for many years, though rumor Disadvantages: Consumed (Knowledge), Disturbing
told of a maho-tsukai whose mere presence would corrupt Countenance, Wrath of the Kami (Earth)
even the finest jade. Hitaka was hiding among the Lost, Affinity/Deficiency: Maho/Water
following whoever controlled the Shadowlands, and Spells: Chuda Hitaka knows a variety of Maho spells,
avoiding notice, since he had failed one of Jogokus most including Summon Undead Champion, and a smaller
powerful servants. It was not until Daigotsu elevated a assortment of offensive elemental spells use to either harm
man who called himself Chuda Mishime that Hitaka took his opponents or to conceal his nature as a necromancer
notice of the actions of those in power.
Hitaka knew of Mishime by reputation. He admired
the power Mishime wielded, and believed he could find
a place in the reborn Chuda family. Hitaka approached
Mishime, revealed his past, and swore fealty. Hitaka
 Pokku
surrounding the artifact and its origins fascinated all of
Destroyer War knew of it. Pokku considers the Stone to be his tribes
Goblins are very, very stupid creatures. They pose little most precious and glorious treasure, and guard it fiercely
threat to the samurai of the Empire because they are for quite some time.
generally disorganized, fight amongst themselves, and Pokku is not only smart and crafty, but also displays
very rarely fight with anything resembling tactics. Pokku, leadership abilities that reflect the ability to learn and
then, represents something that most samurai of the Crab adapt, a trait goblins do not usually possess. He is able to
Clan would fear - a smart goblin. Pokku was strong, tough, craft armor out of pieces of stolen samurai equipment and
resourceful, sneaky, and above all, intelligent. For many household items for his tribe, and arm them and organize
years Pokku lead a small but growing band of goblins them far better than any other tribe in Rokugans history.
who looked up to him, admiring his strength and cunning. Pokku doesnt seek the destruction of all things, or even
They were able to kill more than a few samurai, and from the samurai of the Empire all the time - he likes the things
their defeated foes Pokku pieced together a set of armor he is able to find, and he wants above all to prove to
that at first glance looks like it may have actually been the world that the mighty Pokku and his followers are
made for him. fearful and should be respected. Though it is unlikely any
Pokku realized that for his band of goblins to be strong, ordinary samurai would even think to say anything to
they would have to be allies of the Lost. He worked with Pokku before attacking him or his tribe, Pokku is capable
Chuda Hiroe closely, realizing that having someone who of intelligent speech, and has the ability to learn. His
was popular with Daigotsu ment that Pokku and his resourcefulness makes him a very useful ally, and the
goblins would be noticed by the Dark Lord, and rewarded simple nature of goblins and their desires makes them
for their service. But Pokkus attempts to improve and lead easy to appease. Just dont make this mistake of taking
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his band of goblins is threatened by the flesh sculptor Pokku or his band for ordinary goblins, as more than one
Omoni, who created his own goblins that were larger and foolish samurai has done.
stronger than Pokku and his tribe. But they werent smart.
Not smart like Pokku. Pokku
Aside from the things that he acquired for Chuda Hiroe Air: 2 Earth: 4 Fire: 3 Water: 3
84 directly, Pokku was very fond of seeking out and taking
Reflexes: 4 Agility: 4 Strength: 5
interesting things for his tribe to call their own. Pokku
Chapter Eleven

collects all manner of things, from mundane household Honor: N/A Status: N/A Glory: 0.0 Infamy: 5.0
items to weapons and even occasionally pieces of art. The
most fascinating thing that Pokku ever stole though was an Shadowlands Taint: 4.0
artifact known simply as the Blood-White Stone. Though Skills: Athletics 4, Battle 3, Defense 2, Engineering
Pokku and his tribe eventually lose the stone, the mystery (Makeshift Armor) 4, Hunting (Traps) 4, Intimidation 3,
Lore: Shadowlands 5, Kenjutsu (Broken Katana)
5, Sleight of Hand 5, Stealth 4
Note: Though Pokku has no technical school
ranks, he has the Mob Leader ability that
Goblin Warmongers possess, and can make
Simple Attacks with his broken katana.
The GM should feel free to give him some
other qualities that goblins or other native
Shadowlands creatures possess as well such
as Swift, Reduction, and one or two minor
Shadowlands powers.
Advantages: Absolute Direction (includes
within and outside the Shadowlands),
Allies (Daigotsu Hiroe, Pokkus Goblin
Tribe), Crafty, Heart of Vengeance (Omonis
Goblins), Leadership, Silent, Way of the
Land (City of the Lost)
Disadvantages: Compulsion (Steal
things), Dependant (Pokkus Goblin
Tribe), Driven (Prove his tribe is the
strongest), Fascination (Shiny objects),
Greedy, Infamous, Small