Fields of Victory

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201351N
CREDITS
EXPANSION DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT Tim Huckelbery with Max Brooke
WRITING AND ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Robert Denton Ill, Lisa Farrell, Jordan Goldfarb, Dustin Hall, Josiah " Duke" Harrist, and D.G. Laderoute
EDITING Christine Crabb
PROOFREADING Jeremiah J. Shaw and Megyn Johanson
RPG MANAGER Sam Gregor-Stewart
LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS STORY REVIEW Daniel Lovat Clark and Tyler Parrott
CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF STORY AND SETTING Katrina Ostrander
EXPANSION GRAPHIC DESIGN Scott Nicely
GRAPHIC DESIGN COORDINATOR Joseph D. Olson
GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER Christopher Hosch
FRONT AND BACK COVER ART Mauro Dal Bo
INTERIOR ART
Daniel Alekow, Imad Awan, Francesca Baerald, Lukas Banas, Stu Barnes, Sergio Camarena Bernabeu, Cassandre Bolan,
Marius Beta, Matt Bulahao, Joshua Cair6s, Alexander Chelyshev, Calvin Chua, Mauro Dal Bo, Stanislav Dikolenko, Jason Engle,
Shen Fei, Felipe Gaona, Lin Hsiang, Amelie Hutt, MuYoung Kim, Pavel Kolomeyets, Alayna Lemmer, Joyce Maureira,
Jorge Matar, Reiko Murakami, Billy Norrby, Chris Ostrowski, Borja Pindado, Polar Engine, Stormbrush, Nikolay Stoyanov,
Darren Tan, Alberto Tavira, Halil Ural, Nino Vecia, Mario Wibisono, and Robin Wouters
ART DIRECTION Jeff Lee Johnson
MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Tony Bradt
QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR Zach Tewalthomas
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Justin Anger and Jason Glawe
VISUAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brian Schomburg
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER John Franz-Wichlacz
EXECUTIVE GAME DESIGNER Nate French
HEAD OF STUDIO Chris Gerber
PLAYTESTERS
Roger Ashton-Winter, Cady Belicki, Joe Belicki, Howard Brandon, Martin Brimacombe, Ernie Brow, Lucinda Charles,
Stephen Calomino, Lachlan Conley, Nicole Conley, Sam Davies, Zak Estrada, Jon Ferenczy, Jim Friedman, Adam Fry,
James Gibson, Marty Hehman, Matthew Hehman, Stephen Hehman, Laura Heilman, Sean Holland, ian Houlihan, Brian Lewis,
James "Jamie" Lewis, Fraoncois Martinez, Michael Molyneaux, Tom Nys, John Pope, Dan Pritchard, Kyle Pritchard,
David Robotham, Karol Rybaltowski, Tony Somerville, Jon Stachon, Marie Stachon, Erik Strijbos, Joris Van der Verst,
John Vilandre, Kris Van Beurden, and Thomas van den Berg
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 WELCOME TO THE 108 CHAPTER 3:

BATTLEFIELD ACTS OF WAR
CHAPTER 1: 109 Expanded Mass Battle Ru les

6
GLORIOUS HISTORIES 118 Battle Zones
122 New Terrain Types
7 Armies of the Empire 123 Runn ing Military-Themed Campaigns
14 Great Clan Army Styles 127 Outfitting an Army
17 Armies in Action 131 New Titles
19 Bastions of History 138 Spending Opportunity in Times of War
26 The Empire at War 140 Tenets of Bushido: Honor
45 The Lion Clan 142 New Demeanors and NPC Templates
45 Families of the Lion
64 CHAPTER 2:
DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIRE
65 The Badger Clan

72 New Schools
82 New Advantages and Disadvantages
86 New Samurai Heritages
88 Weapons
90 Personal Effects
92 Blessed Treasures
93 Item Patterns
95 New Techniques
14th Day of the Month of Shiba, 1120, on the Plains of Honor
Akodo Saburo could see the battlefield as though he This was what it meant to be a leader, to have the
were standing among his generals, the dry wind of the fates of many in his hands, t o end lives without d raw-
plains ruffling his hair. Across the level ground stood ing a sword. The outcome of this battle, perhaps t he
an army led by his old teacher, Matsu Chihiro, famed safety of the Empire itself, would depend on the deci-
for her wise words, sharp tongue, and relentless drill- sions he made, and a single mistake could lose him his
ing. He did not fight her by choice, but duty and honor strongest fighters, and his own good name. One wrong
demanded they face each other, and only one could move, or a right move made at the wrong time, could
claim victory. put a sudden end to his ambit ion.
He would defeat her today. Lion facing Lion, his war- His teacher's generals b rooded where they were;
riors reflected hers, but though they looked the same, they did not attempt to escape his foot sold iers, and
their maneuvers would be different. Saburo knew how so he set up an attack to cla im his victory, sending his
she thought; her tactics would be tried, tested, and lancers behind enemy lines. Yet when her own lancers
tired, while he had a few tricks and surprises ready for threatened one of his generals in turn, he real ized he
her. Today, he would prove he had studied hard and cou ld not get his units back there in time. He couldn't
learned well-and had become a worthy opponent. just run them through the foot soldiers, who suddenly
All his bushi were ready to fight and d ie, but before seemed more of a hindrance than a help. There was
Saburo could give the order to charge, he must fortify nothing he could do.
his defenses, protect his most precious general, and One of her generals put himself in a vulnerable
position his lancers to make best use of their range and position, but was it some sort of trap? An invitation
speed. Small changes in formation now, whi le there for him to seek vengeance, and make a terrib le mis-
was still time, could make the difference between ulti- take? Saburo tried to remember what she had said of
mate victory and defeat. Across the plain, his teacher's sacrifice in their lessons. Hadn't she always said sacri-
forces shifted as though in response to his. Whatever fice was a lazy path to victory, that a true leader found
she was planning, she did not commit to it yet, only another way? He took a gamble and sent a cadre of
prepared her warriors to withstand his attack when it foot soldiers in to eliminate the weakened general. He
came. He could see no other plan in her movements, was honest with himself; it felt like just retribution for
but that didn't mean there wasn't one. his own loss.
While he was still contemplating her intentions, Her mounted samurai came out of nowhere, and
she sent her mounted samurai to attack his, forcing a he lost another general. How had he missed t hem? He
retreat. Despite the sting of her small victory, the attack should have held back some of those soldiers, but it
was hardly devastating. He had far more foot soldiers, was too late now. His last general put up a courageous
and his plan was to send them forward, to use their fight, but inevitably fell. The battle was lost; t he game
numbers to surround and pin her generals. It would was over.
surprise her, that he let so much ride on his weakest " An entertaining game for me," Chihiro said, " and
force. He had always believed in the strength of the hopefully, an educational one for you, Saburo-kun."
common soldier, their courage and determination He bowed his head.
making up for their weaker armor, their lesser training. " Thank you," he said.
She had warned him before that soldiers are merely " And what have you learned here today? "
their leader's tools, like the duelist's sword or smith's He paused, sure she wou ld tell him the correct
hammer. Their value would come from how he used answer, whatever answer he gave.
them. So he must use them well. "Never to assume I can predict your moves,"
he said .
" Even a Lion might advise one path, yet take
another," she said. "Remember, on the shc5gi board ,
all actions are honorable." They reset their units on the
Plains of Honor for another game.
INTRODUCTION
RUMORS AND
ADVENTURE SEEDS LEGENDS
Since the dawn of the Emerald Empire, conflict has Throughout this book,
Throughout this book, you'll find sidebars like you'll find sidebars
embroiled the realm. Ambitious p rovincial lords ra id this one presenting adventure seeds for GMs. presenting just a few of
rival territory, daimyo struggle for dominance and If you're a player, you might want to avoid the tales in circulation
glory, and enemy invaders have attempted to conquer reading these, as doing so could spoil things about a particular loca-
Rokugan. To defend their borders, t he generals of the tion or group. As a GM,
should your GM adopt the ideas! If you're a
you might use these for
Great Clans marshal their best warriors, and when all GM, you can expand on these seeds to create inspiration when PCs
of Rokugan is threatened, the Emperor marches the fully fledged adventures, take bits and pieces, inquire about any local
I
grand host of t he Imperial Legions to wa r. On the fields or simply use them for inspiration. gossip or anecdotal
of battle, legends are forged and destines are decided. reports. Following up
II!¥1W This hook provides the context on such rumors could
for starting the adventure and introduces even form the basis for
WHAT's IN THIS BOOK? the important NPCs. We also provide a sug- an adventure.
Fields of the Victory is a guide t o Rokugani warfare and gested way to involve the PCs in events,
r
As with all tales, it is
the Lion Clan, whose generals and soldiers are military which you can tailor to fit your campaign. not always clear which
are true and which are
masters. In this book, players can study the pivotal bat-
In the next part of an false. We've left it up to
tles of the Emerald Empire and t rain and equip their you to determine which
adventure seed, we briefly describe the
characters t o rise from the rank of soldier to Shogun . are which. Of course,
most likely way for events to escalate, further
Fields of the Victory is divided into three chapters: even t he most outland-
embroiling the PCs and raising the stakes. ish stories might have a
Finally we offer a likely climax grain of truth.
CHAPTE R 1
for the adventure, whether that is a decisive
Glorious Histories describes the general makeup of encounter with an NPC or a difficult choice
Great Clan armies and recounts the heroic military the PCs must make. By this point, the events
struggles of Rokugan's past and present. This chapter of the adventure are likely to have taken
also features t he greatest collections of knowledge in unexpected turns based on the PCs' actions,
the Empire, from the High Histories of t he lkoma to the and you should feel free to modify the climax
Great Library at Kyuden lsawa. Finally, t his chapter dives or resolve matters in whatever way fits the
deep into the va liant Lion Clan and its military traditions. ongoing adventure.
CHAPTER 2
Defenders of the Empire introduces the hardy Badger,
a Minor Clan appointed as the guardians of Rokugan's
northern border, along with rules for creating characters
from this clan. Th is chapter also offers other new
options, including new schools, coJnb,at-rel<ill:eCI
rnent, advantages and disadvantages,
leading forces into the fray and turning
CHAPTER 3
Acts of War offers game master advice ing
military-themed campaigns and staging grand
battles. It also provides expanded rules
for mass battles, including battle zones
to more closely track the positions of troops
and terrain, as well as rules for how to raise,
equip, and train an army. Finally, new titles,
NPC templates, and a new demeanor
help GMs bring the heroes and support-
ing characters of battle to life.
•
OfiOUS
Histories
The horse grooms were waiting for him as the rider
descended on the Lion Clan way station at a full gallop.
At the last possible moment, Hosokawa TesshU pulled
on the reins to bring his horse to a stop and slid down
the saddle wordlessly. As he turned around, one of the
attendants offered him the water dipper. Tesshu greed-
ily accepted it with a nod of thanks, slurping down the
cool water between heaving breaths. He yanked off a
riding glove and splashed his dust-covered face in a
meager effort to stave off the heat of the early sum-
mer sun. His heavy armor didn't help, but he couldn 't
risk being taken by surprise by a Unicorn Clan scouting
·His family's duty was to record and to ride, and
was what he would do.
"Your horse, my lord," came a voice. The sil-
ver-black steed was fresh from the stable and ready to
take him through the next leg of the journey. Although
he would have to ride all day and all night, by the time
Lady Sun rose the next morning, Lord Matsu
ld know that the war had begun.
/
CHAPTER 1 : GLORIOUS HISTORIES
BASIC UNITS
While the discipline and structure of Rokugan's armies
By nature, battles are chaotic, destructive storms of vary by clan, terrain, and strategy, the lifeblood of each
metal, blood, and smoke. The shape of an army- army is its soldiers, and each soldier must operate as
along with the placement of its units-has an enor- part of a unit. A single insubordinate soldier may cost
mous impact on the likelihood of success in war. Place their army the victory; a unit acting as one may sweep
a cadre of mounted archers in the fray, and they might the battlefield with the force of a typhoon.
snipe the vulnerable from a line of armored ashigaru,
but they may prove a liability otherwise. Allow them to CoNSCRIPTS
move as a free, mobile unit, and they may suddenly
destroy an enemy's tactical advantage with a well- Conscripts are forces that are levied from a lord's lands
placed shot at its commander. The best army does not in times of war or great need. They are plucked from vil-
necessarily contain the brightest or the most fearsome, lages, towns, and cities and thrown onto the front lines
but it does come prepared with a solution for any plan with rninirnal training. They might be provided with
of attack. secondhand or piecemeal ashigaru armor-otherwise,
The most skilled warrior knows to bring the appro- they must scavenge and loot armor from defeated ene-
priate weapon to any fight; the same is true of armies. mies. Conscripts are lucky to receive spears, but more
The heavy-armored, slow-moving Crab Clan warriors often they will use whatever they can bring with them
may create an impenetrable wall from high in their from home, such as farm implements. Due to their min-
stone fortresses, but in soft, muddy marshland or end- imal training and defenses, they suffer the most casual-
less desert, their renowned armor becomes a liability ties in battle. As a result, they are often the first to flee
both in and out of battle. The vast multitude of the when the tide turns against their forces. If a conscript
Lion Clan armies, too, lose their fearsome edge when survives and proves capable in battle, they might try to
forced to trudge, single file, through dense forest or enlist as an ashigaru in future conflicts.
up perilous mountain slopes. When compromised, an
ill-fitted army is at its most vulnerable to attack. ASHIGARU
The Great Clans of Rokugan consider themselves
Ashigaru, or foot soldiers, make up the bulk of most
above the barbarism of early warfare. Today, most
Rokugani armies. Ashigaru are semi-professional sol-
clashes among the clans result in relatively tame skir-
diers from various backgrounds and often have more
mishes instead of protracted wars. Feeding, training,
practical experience on the battlefield than their
and maintaining an army is a challenging affair that
leaders. They might be peasants who spend the time
requires numerous resources from the army's clan; in
between planting and harvest on the battlefield, or
the interest of efficiency, clans rarely let battles play
they might have left their villages behind entirely to
out on the grand scale of legend. Further, just as in
make a career of fighting. They might even be follow-
court, officers ensure each battle follows a rigid set of
ing in their parents' footsteps-some families have a
rules and etiquette; true brutality has no place in clan
hereditary tradition of serving as ashigaru for a spe-
warfare.
cific lord. Over the centuries, some ashigaru have even
"Just as a single brushstroke may finish a painting,
been elevated to the rank of jizamurai in recognition
a single swing of a blade may finish the battle," wrote
of their service, but they often face disdain from more
the eminent tactician Seppun Yoshisato. In Rokugan,
established samurai families.
tactics and decisive action are key to resolving battles
Ashigaru stand at the forefront in most skirmishes
quickly with as little bloodshed as possible. Yet legions
between opposing clans. Ashigaru suffer fewer casu-
of Shadowlands monstrosities wage wars of attrition,
alties than conscripts but more casualties than bushi.
and foreign forces have been recorded using hit-and-
They are lightly armored and most often equipped
run tactics or sabotage to wear down their foes. Clans
with long-shafted spears, naginata, or bows. Not all
like the Unicorn and Crab, which have had to contend
clan ashigaru are equally well trained; Lion Clan ash-
with these unconventional opponents, have adapted
igaru are famously skilled in combat and proficient in
their tactics and style accordingly and, as a result, fight
many weapons, including the sword.
in ways alien to the rest of Rokugan.
CHAPTER 1: GLORIOUS HISTORIES
BusH I MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
Clan samurai bushi are the finest-but usually not the Healers and medics are essential to keeping soldiers
most common-type of solider in an army. Serving as and support personnel moving, fit, and battle ready.
elite forces, they fight for glory in the name of their They are trained in advanced treatments for all manner
family, clan, and daimyo. Their training is dependent of injuries, and are equipped w ith basic tools and med-
on their family and clan, ranging from the heavily icines to heal the soldiers they accompany into battle.
armored spearmen of the Daidoji to the nimble cav- A swift treatment can mean t he difference between
alry of the Shinjo, and the duel-wielding swordsmen of life and death for an injured warrior. It is a violation of
the Mirumoto to the ferocious berserkers of the Matsu. Courtesy and Compassion to attack or injure any sol-
Whether fighting on foot or horseback, even a single dier administering treatment on the field of battle, but
bushi can change the course of a battle though dis- ruth less generals may ignore t hese virtues in the pur-
plays of martial prowess or stubborn resistance. The suit of victory.
placement of each bushi formation in an army can have
a marked impact on the outcome of a battle, although, MESSENGERS
as the makeup of bushi units varies, there is no single
correct arrangement. Armies communicate urgent commands via everything
from flares to signals to coded messages. M ilitary
messengers in their stiff horo, or canopy cloa ks, brave
MERCENARIES
the heat of battle to deliver handwritten notes, coded
Mercenary gaijin, peasants, ron in, and former criminals messages, and desperate, shouted orders. Some mes-
offer their expertise in short- or long-range combat to sengers also send army-wide signals via booming taiko
any army. Unlike the lives of trained clan soldiers, their drums in the heat of battle or blow on conch shells to
lives are considered entirely expendable. It is mer- issue sudden orders from leaders to those w ith in ear-
cenaries' responsibility to take care of their own and shot. Battlefield messengers, called tsukaiban, may be
maintain their own equipment. They are flexible and deployed in service of high-ranking officials, or t hey
may fill any role for which they are qualified. Highly may be placed strategically to form a network through-
specialized mercenaries, such as shin obi or sailors, may out an army.
be deployed as needed to achieve special objectives.
lABORERS AND SERVANTS
SPECIALIZED UNITS Noncombatants usually make up the bulk of an army,
In addition to combatants like bushi and ashigaru, especially when the army must establish itself in a single
armies also require support personnel to p lay specific location for an extended period of time. Servants follow
roles in a general's strategy and allow soldiers to fight their lords into battle to assist t hem in getting dressed
more effectively. and maintaining their quarters. Peasants clean, cook,
and tend and raise animals (and sometimes crops), mak-
ENGINEERS ing traveling armies seem more like mobile cities. Unless
an army is especially desperate, its peasant population
Rokugani military engineers build siege engines and hangs back during the heat of battle and trails behind
field fortifications when an army invests itself for a the sold iers in a long caravan during travel. It is t he
siege of a castle or town's walls. They build scaling lad- height of dishonor to attack an army's noncombatants.
ders and siege towers to allow soldiers to climb walls
without being shot by defenders' arrows, and they con-
SHUGENJA
struct battering rams td knock in gates so that troops
may break in. They direct crews as they dig trenches for Calling the elemental forces against their foes,
cover or excavate tunnels under walls that are stable shugenja are highly volatile additions to any army. O ne
ehough for troops to charge through and surprise the cannot count on the kam i's favor at any given t ime,
enemy within. During an a my's travels, engineers may as their motivations and their feelings about humans
do Clouble duty as cartwriJhts, fixing wheels and wag- are subject to change on a whim. However, a well-
ons, specially if the army doesn't have any dedicated planned elemental strike may shift the terrain t an
carpen\ers of its own. army's advantage or scatter an o erwise impervious
foe. While entreating the spirits, shugenja make easy
targets, and they must be well defended if they are to
province. In this waY,, an army might have several spear

BATTLEFIELD HEALING ashigaru and archer ashigaru units in addition to sev-
eral different samurai units, plus units of conscripts
Medics are dispersed throughout an army when applicable. Maintaining focus on the battlefield
to tend to the wounded of every rank. Any and withstanding the horrors of war requires intense
substantial cadre of soldiers likely has a med- concentration and fortitude, often facilitated by the
ical attendant on hand to dress wounds and Meditation and Martial Arts skills.
address sundry health issues. Other med-
ics may be highly specialized, switch roles UNIT LEADER
according the needs of their leaders, or serve
A unit leader, or kashira, is a member of a unit who com-
as members of a dedicated medical unit.
mands their fellow soldiers in battle. Unit leaders also
In some cases, medics will serve under the
direct their unit's noncombatants, such as medics, taiko
supervision of a shugenja and assist in triag-
drummers, messengers, and banner bearers. They must
ing the injured.
often make use of their skills in Courtesy and Sentiment
to effectively influence their fellow soldiers.
leverage the meteoric currents of the spiritual world.
The best placement of a shugenja on the battlefield is SERGEANT
highly subjective, and they usually must be protected
A sergeant, or gunso, leads a single squad compris-
by yojimbo if they are to succeed in swaying the kami
ing two or more basic or specialized units and directs
during combat.
it in the heat of battle according to the orders of the
Shugenja also serve as healers or spiritual advisors,
chui (see page 10) . While a gunso does not have
which are also vital roles in armies. Water and earth
a comprehensive view of the larger tactical choices at
elementalists can entreat the spirits to hasten the heal-
play, they are keenly aware of their squad's movements
ing process or purge infection. Shugenja can augur the
and successes in battle. Depending on their relation-
coming weather or beseech the ancestors for wisdom.
ship with the squad and the requirements of the battle,
They can also speak to ethics, history, and philosophy,
a gunso fights in the thick of combat, shouts orders
and they serve an important function in maintaining
from the rear, or charges headfirst at the front line. The
morale and counseling soldiers on their own mortality.
gunso may make effective use of the Command skill to
direct troops in real time and must know when to pull
THE HIERARCHY OF ARMIES back if their squad becomes overwhelmed.
In the furor of battle, a basic chain of command is key

to transmitting orders, and troops' ability to receive
and execute those orders is imperative to victory. With-
out guidance, even the most exceptional unit may find
itself isolated and vulnerable.
The feudal mind set extends to armies, which follow
a hierarchical structure that mirrors the Celestial Order
as interpreted by the samurai . A single unit of cav-
alry, scouts, infantry, or shugenja follow a unit leader.
These unit leaders report to their sergeant, while the
sergeant report to a lieutenant, and the lieutenants
report to a captain, with the chain of command culmi-
nating in an army's general. This basic power structure
can be fount;t among most Great Clan armies, although
variation exists across forces.
A single unit of conscripts, ashigaru, bushi, or

ists comprise the simplest building block of -~!Okug;lnl
army. Units might b~ organized into
fifty soldier& based on their primary
liEUTENANT GENERAL
Lieutenants, or chui, command several sergeants and A general, or taish6, is the military head of an army,
have greater impact on immediate and reactionary answerable only to their own daimy6, and usually leads
battle tactics. These leaders must make effective use thousands into combat. Generals sometimes also serve
of the Tactics and Performance skills as they assess as their liege's hatamoto, or direct retainers. They
the shifting tides of battle and communicate orders to establish the larger battle plan-often with a team of
their sergeants. advisors and attendants-and see that it is executed
to the letter. In extremely large battles, multiple gener-
CAPTAIN als serving different lords may need to work together
to coordinate multiple armies. A general often com-
Captains, or taisa, are high in the command structure mands from a fixed location, removed from the fray,
and often gain their rank through fami ly ties. Most though celebrated war heroes such as Akodo lchi have
belong to a provincial daimy6's family, or they might be been known to bring their blades and fighting prowess
an extended relative of a family daimy6. These leaders to the battlefield. Most generals lean heavily on the
each oversee several chui and are thus responsible for Tactics and even Games skills to effectively outplay
hundreds of soldiers. Hardened by numerous battles, their enemy.
taisa draw upon their weight of experience to plan and
execute larger-scale tactics and deployment on the bat-
SHOGUN
tlefield. They take a b ird's-eye view of the ever-chang-
ing tide of battle and report d irectly to their general Should Rokugan ever face an existential crisis requiring
with breaking news. These officers use Government all its armies be united as a single coalition, the Emperor
and Tactics to plan and weigh the risks of specific for- has the prerogative to appoint a Shogun, or military
mations and maneuvers; these skills represent a taisa's commander-in-chief. This theoretical title has never been
tactica l senses on the battlefield. bestowed, so military scholars can only theorize as to how
the position would overlap with the Emerald Champion .
•
10
(
CHAPTER 1: GLORIOUS HISTO RI ES
SAKAE , DE DICATED ASHIGARU AllJLITilS
ASHIGARU VETERAN
ADVERSARY CONFLIG RANK: f.J 3 • 4
As a Support action during a mass battle, Sakae may
The child of a humble farmer, Sakae was conscripted into
make a TN 1 Tactics (Earth) check targeting up to
a Great Clan army at an early age. Despite their inexpe-
two cohorts with the Rank Formation ability. If Sakae
rience, Sakae showed unexpected skill on the battlefield
succeeds, each of those cohorts' leaders adds 1 kept
and lived long enough to develop the courage and clev-
• set to :,;, to the next check they make.
erness associated with samurai. They became part of an
ashigaru force garrisoned along the border between
two clans. After a long period of service as a spear ash-
igaru, they were promoted to kachigashira, or infantry ADVEN T URE SEED:
leader. They have served their clan with distinction ever LOST AND FOUND
since, engaging their opponents with direct, unflinching
violence in several prominent battles.
IIM§W While journeying though a moun-
Earlier in their career, Sakae had accepted their new
tainous region, the PCs come across a mili-
life, but when they learned that their younger brother
tary unit comprising a single samurai bushi
Ryota had been captured in a raid by an opposing clan,
and a dozen ashigaru led by Sakae. The bushi
they were conflicted about whether they should return
is young and new to command, and not yet
to support their aging parents. Sakae finally decided
wise enough to trust the seasoned Sakae for
that fighting for the clan would raise their family's
advice. The bushi's target is a group of peasant
standing more than begging permission to return to
thieves thought to be operating in the area.
their village. Sakae's focus has made them an incredi-
bly capable soldier, well known and highly respected. Sakae's unit-along with
Solidly built thanks to a steady ration of rice, they have the PCs-is ambushed by well-armed peas-
a kind face that immediately hardens into fierce deter- ants who fight more like skilled ronin than
mination as they prepare for battle. farmers. The peasants use the Desperate
Bandit and Experienced Bandit profiles on
pages 315 and 316 of the core rulebook. Sud-
30 HONOR ENDURANCE
8 denly, one of the armed peasants calls out to
Sakae, claiming to be Ryota .
32 GLORY COMPOSURE 12
Ryota begs for forgiveness from
21 STATUS FOCUS
3 Sakae and explains that his band of peasants
is just trying to defend themselves from rov-
~+2, ~-2 VIGILANCE
3 ing bands of samurai. The samurai bushi, how-
DEMEANOR · ASSERTIVE
ever, is firm that the peasants must face justice
ARTISAN I MARTIAL 3 SOCIAL I TRADE I for attacking his clan 's forces and orders his
ashigaru to continue the battle. Sakae cannot
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES disobey their superior, but they clearly want
Indomitable Will: Intolerance: to show mercy to Ryot a and possibly send the
~ Social; Mental, Inter- ~ Social; Interpersonal peasants back to the farming village where
personal they belong. What will the PCs do?
FAVORED WCAJ'ONS
Katana: Range 1, Damage 4, Deadliness 5/ 7,

Ceremonial, Razor-edged
Yari: Range 2, Damage 5, Deadliness 3, Wargear
Yumi: Range 2-5, Damage 5, Deadliness 3
Gear (equipped): Ashigaru armor (Physical 3,

Wargear), traveling rations, tent (medium), a small
doll stuffed with rye in the likeness of Sakae's brother
11
THE EMERALD
LEGIONS
warfare and agriculture. The legions are even tasked
THE IMPERIAL LEGIONS with collecting taxes and tribute when necessary. Only
In 1123, the Emperor's
forces include ten cel- The Imperial Legions are the Emperor's standing army: when all other options have been exhausted do they
ebrated legions called a single, unified military force tasked with patrolling and engage in violence to protect the Emperor's agenda.
the Emerald Legions.
defending Imperial power. Their ranks include the best
Each legion has its
own reputation and soldiers from across the Empire and all the clans, united COMMAND AND lEADERSHIP
specialty: in their dedication. To be welcomed (or even conscripted)
The Emerald Champion is head of the Imperial
into the Imperial Legions is an incredible honor and
The First Legion: Legions, and most consider it a great honor to serve
No specialization, but brings glory to one's family and clan. Moreover, the Impe-
under the Emperor and have a part in directly carrying
the most prestigious rial Legions train and feed their troops exceptionally well.
and celebrated out the Hantei's will. Imperial decree dictates that the
When invited to join the Imperial Legions, a pro-
most adept, well-trained soldiers from each clan serve
The Second Legion: spective soldier receives a message from the office of
in the legions-though this decree is not always fol-
Spearmen and archers the Emerald Champion, delivered by a Miya messen-
lowed perfectly. Due to the prestige associated with
ger, and is given eighteen days to provide a response.
The Third Legion: service in the legions, soldiers from Rokugan's most
Swordsmen and Upon acceptance, an ashigaru is expected to serve six
distinguished families enlist in search of glory. A great
duelists years in the Imperial Legions, though their role may
many soldiers are admitted into the Emerald Legions
shift during those years and they may renew their
The Fourth Legion: based on their families' wealth and connections (and
Berserkers and ron in service at the end of their term. A samurai serves for
sometimes outright bribes). The rest are among the fin-
twelve years, or until they reach the age of retirement.
The Fifth Legion: est warriors in the Empire, more than making up for the
Induction into the service of the Emperor is typically a
Shugenja lack of martial merit among other members.
joyful, celebrated affair for a soldier's family and loved
The Sixth Legion: Members of the Imperial families inevitably rise to
ones. The Imperial Legions' power is secured in part
Scouts and light the top ranks in the Imperial Legions, and the Seppun
because of their exceptional reputation and history of
infantry family in particular has provided a great many generals
bringing great glory to the clans.
The Seventh Legion: and other senior officers. The Akodo and Matsu fam-
At almost every great upset in Rokugan's history,
Superior officers and ilies also have a long tradition of sending their most
an Imperial Legion has appeared to either arbitrate or,
tacticians promising samurai to serve at least one term in the
in the case of disobedience to the Emperor, sway the
The Eighth Legion: legions. Although members of any clan may join the
outcome. In some cases, the very appearance of an
Cavalry and mounted legions or rise within its ranks, a delicate ecosystem
Imperial Legion is enough to avert a bloodbath and
shugenja of political advantage is woven into the legions' lead-
force the opposing armies to renew negotiations.
The Ninth Legion: ership structure. The advancement of a samurai to a
Naval units high-level role is synonymous with gaining the Emper-
ORIGINS
or's favor for their clan. As such, the composition of
The Tenth Legion:
Warrior monks and Emperor Hantei Genji founded the Imperial Legions in the Imperial Legions' leadership is constantly shifting
engineers 156 in the midst of his sweeping reforms of Imperial law as the clans vie for dominance.
throughout the Emerald Empire. While it is said that the
Emperor had hoped to lean exclusively upon the loyal-
ties of the Great Clans, it took the betrayal of General
Matsu Kaguya, who ordered her soldiers to march into
battle expressly against the Emperor's wishes, to tip the
Emperor's resolve. The Emperor began requiring all loyal
families to send soldiers to join the Imperial Legions to
patrol the Empire, assist in carrying out the Emperor's
will, and mediate conflict whenever necessary.
The Imperial Legions' duties have since largely
remained unchanged, though their scope and size have
grown immensely. Because the legions only intervene in
severe, unresolvable conflicts, they typically direct their
energy and skills elsewhere, engaging in
from assisting impoverished peasants in harvest
struction, to mediating minor disputes, to
educating the citizens of the Emerald
12-
CHAPTER 1: GLOR IOUS HISTORIES
SEPPUN GENSHIN, CAPTAIN EMERALD

ADVENTURE SEED: STRONGHOLDS
ADVERSARY CONFLICT RANK: f.J 6 ~6
DECEPTIVE CURRENTS Some of the Emerald
Seppun Genshin has made a name for himself execut-
Legions are based at
ing orders with incredible efficiency. Ra ised at Kyuden
Seppun and recruited into the legions immediately
l:tffl1W While traveling in Crane or Crab
or near Otosan Uchi,
the Imperial Capital;
lands, the PCs witness a Daidoji ship or ca r-
after his gempuku, Genshin found a new home among others are stationed
avan coming under attack. They must decide in areas that demand
his fellow soldiers of the Seventh Legion. His direct,
whether to intervene. The attackers bear constant attention,
no-nonsense demeanor and sincerity have inspired
no crest, and upon closer inspection, they such as the Shinomen
others to trust in his leadership wherever he is posted. Forest; and still others
Genshin's tactical prowess, combined with his school- appear to be commoner bandits or pirates. patrol the Empire's
Behind the scenes, these criminals were set roads and territories.
ing and family ties, has propelled him to the rank of
up, lured into attacking by one of the Seventh Additional strongholds
captain. As a leader within the Seventh Legion, he
Legion's secret shinobi. of the Imperial Legions
directs public works projects and helped spearhead include Lost Traveler
the reconstruction efforts of the Crane coast after the The next time the PCs Castle, Naisho Fon,
tsunami of 1120. While many citizens consider him a arrive in a large trading city, conflict threat- Toshi Ranbo, Shiro
fair mediator, Genshin's ambitions have not been sat is- Yogasha, and Sunrise
ens to break out between the Crane and
Keep.
fied by his current role. He is act ively seeking the next Crab clans. Members of the Daidoji Trading
success that will ensure his ascendancy t o Commander Council blame their rivals, the Yasuki Mer-
of the Seventh Legion, where he would report directly chant Company, for a series of raids against
to the Emerald Champion. their trade caravans and ships, claiming that
55 HONOR
.
ENDURANCE
.14 the Yasuki have been hiring mercenaries to
pillage their shipments. The Yasuki maintain
their innocence. As Daidoji and Yasuki forces
begin amassing outside the city, Captain
61 GLORY COMPOSURE 12 Seppun Genshin and a company from the
51 STATUS FOCUS
5 Seventh Imperial Legion arrive to stave off
bloodshed at the last minute.
~+2,~-2 VIGILANCE
2 Captain Genshin calls a military
DEMEANOR · GRUFF
tribunal to mete out j ustice and calls upon
ARTISAN 0 MARTIAL 5 SCHOLAR 2 SOCIAL3 TRADE 2 the PCs to testify as witnesses, as one of the
raid's survivors spotted the PCs during the
AOVANTAGES OISAOVANTAGES
attacks. Captain Genshin is seeking to pin
Seasoned: Bluntness: blame on either the Daidoji or Yasuki family
~ Social; Menta/, Inter- ~ Social; Interpersonal so that he can be seen to lay down a swift
personal judgment, thereby justifying his involvement
of the Imperial Legions in the dispute and
~ • FAVOR EO WEAPONS
elevating his own reputation. The PCs must
Katana: Range 1, Damage 4, Deadliness 5/7, decide whether to side with the Crane or the
Ceremonial, Razor-edged Crab-thereby winning Genshin's favor-or
whether to make an enemy of Seppun Gen-
Wakizashi: Range 0-1, Damage 3, Dead liness 5/7,
shin by testifying that the bandits were unaf-
Ceremonial, Razor-edged
filiated with either clan.
Gear (equipped): Lacquered armor (Physical 4, Cere-
monial, Cumbersome, Wargea r), smoking pipe
AUTHORITATIVE NEGOTIATION
\Nhen making a Social skill check to pursue Imperial
interests or the Emperor's agenda, Seppun Genshin
may receive up to3 strife in order to reroll that many
• showing blank fesults.
1:3
0 Strengths: Incredible defense, excellent tacti-

cians, highly skilled battlefield support
0 Weaknesses: Slow to muster, more reactive

The Great Clans' approaches to warfare are as diverse than offensive
as their cultures and values. Each clan brings its own
unique approach to Bushid6 to bear on how it prepares e Typical Composition: Spear ashigaru , heavily
for, enters into, and engages in military combat. While armored bushi, and scouts
the Lion rely on their proud might and great numbers 0 Signature Warrior: Hida Defender
to overwhelm their foes, the Dragon-who come from
treacherous terrain and have fewer soldiers-must
focus on creative solutions to outwit and reroute their CRANE
foes, depending on the locale. These practical and phil-
Much as the Crane's reputation in court would suggest,
osophical delineations between the clans are reflected
FROM THE NOTES OF its army excels at subtle artistry. Each of its soldiers is
in other aspects of their militaries as well, ranging from
AKOOO KATSUHIOE, held to exacting standards in swordsmanship, archery,
TACTICIAN-IN- army composition to command structure.
and mounted combat. The Crane's command structure
TRAINING AT THE
is a delicate, ever-shifting landscape of competition
AKOOOWAR
COLLEGE:
CRAB and personal betterment, all geared toward achieving
Stories of the Crab army's defensive capabilities are decisive victory on the battlefield . Many Crane gener-
Siege warfare is taxing als employ specialists and scholars versed in local cul-
legendary throughout Rokugan. Defending the Kaiu
for everyone involved. ture and geography in order to gain an edge in battle.
if a Crab army chooses Wall against innumerable monstrosities has the effect
to stay somewhere, it is of pruning the Crab fighting force down to only the More than any other clan, the Crane rely heavily on the
wise to simply leave them best and hardiest soldiers. As such, this clan's army is deployment of ronin.
alone and march around full of stalwart, unyielding veterans who know equally The Crane Clan's army understands and prizes the
them. Tltey will return to importance of adaptability. As such, there is no " signa-
well how to survive and when to put their lives on the
the Kaiu Wall eventually,
line for the greater good. Crab soldiers are possibly the ture formation" for which it is known: its soldiers shift
and you can return to
capture what they tried most powerful and dedicated in the Emerald Empire. from well-ordered groups to disparate marching lines,
to hold. As a rule, no one Moreover, Crab medics, sharpened from years of ser- then to highly mobile pods around a central unit. The
should bother the Crab in commanders and tacticians often command from the
vice defending the Wall, provide exceptional support.
its shell. rear or from camp during a heavy battle, channe li ng
The Crab army is in a constant state of war as it
defends the Empire against the Shadowlands. This their energy into understanding enemy strategy, hop-
makes the Crab loath to mobilize against other clans. ing to outplay their foes as in a game of Go.
Outside of a stronghold, Crab soldiers' heavy armor The Crane army is highly respected for its emphasis
slows them down, and their highly specialized defen- on swift, lethal close combat. Melee combat with even
sive techniques are easier to counter. This reinforces the lowest ranking Crane duelist is sure to be a tense,
the clan's unwillingness to spend its troops on merely potentially deadly confrontation. In battle, cavalry and
political warfare. The Crab army functions best hun- archers tend to hang back initially to allow the Crane
kered down, stockpiling its defensive materiel, and infantry to thin the ranks of foes, then step in to finish
FROM KATSUH IOE: then striking when the time is right. On the battlefield, them off. The Crane's proficiency close-in often ends a
the Crab are adept at finding the most defensible ter- battle soon after it has begun.
The very appearance of
a Crane army heralds a rain so they can fight from a position of strength.
e Strengths: Highly skil led duelists,
battle; if the Crane's fancy When a Crab army does go on the move, it uses
lackeys in court cannot adaptable units
roads when available and is highly vigilant of its sur-
outmaneuver their foes
roundings. The Crab's logistics load and heavy armor e Weaknesses: Smaller armies, lack of specializa-
in negotiations, the clan
makes commanders hesitant to take soldiers through tion, predictable assets
sends its troops, gleaming
and cold in their perfect marshy or rough terrain unless doing so provides a 0 Typical Composition: Archer ashigaru, highly
garb. I find Crane com- defensive benefit or immediate tactical advantage. skilled bushi and r6nin
manders are often very Troops may move off-road to take advantage of defen-
grumpy when called to 0 Signature Warrior: Daidoji Iron Warrior
sible terrain like mountains and hills, or light woods
war, especially when they
get their own blood on that provide cover.
their kimono. Crab armies are composed primarily of armored
infantry and archers, and their medics are among the
finest in Rokugan.
(
by t roop, an army resembles a honeycomb from above FROM KATSUHIDE:

DRAGON as it sweeps across the widest roads and fields to its
The rugged terra in of the Dragon Clan's territory makes destination. The highest ran king leaders often ride at I feel that if the monks
the front to charge into battle alongside their sold iers, were truly pursuing
gathering and mobilizing an active army quite difficult.
Enlightenment, they
At best, the Dragon boast what might be called the issue orders, and inspire courage.
would not be fighting at
hardiest, most specialized militia in all of Rokugan. The The Lion are legendary for their ferocity in battle. all. Is not lite true path
pursuit of Enlightenment is inextricably woven into the The Deathseekers, a sect of elite and fearless sold iers, one of peace? They are
charge into battle wea ring fearsome masks to terrify easily dispatched witlt
Dragon Clan's philosophies of war, tactics, and military
large volleys of arrows,
engagement, setting its army apart from those of other their foes. Though Lion armies are highly aggressive,
though, as they can only
clans. The exercise of battle is almost meditative in they are not reckless; they are known for meteoric, val- catch so many.
nature for even the lowliest of soldiers, who have been orous gambits that overwhelm opponents with both
trained to pursue their own paths to universal truth. numbers and strength. Because the Lion military is
Likewise, monastic life and structure dictate each unmatched by any other in Rokugan in sheer size and
soldier's role in the military. However, the Dragon ski ll, opponents must often utilize unconventional or
armies are less concerned with rank, honor, or status unorthodox tactics to win in battle.
than with each soldier's role in the greater battle plan. FROM KATSUHIDE:
0 Strengths: Massive size, incredible logistica l
As such, these armies operate as some of the small-
skills Our troops are formi-
est but most flexible military bodies in Rokugan. The dable, truly tlte finest
tattooed ise zumi warrior monks of the Togashi Order 0 Weaknesses: Lack of stealth and subtlety; armies in all the Emerald
epitomize t his ethos, filling almost every role to bring difficulty navigating treacherous terra in due t o Empire. But they eat like
their faith and meditation to bear o n combat. reliance on excellent Lion roads locusts. Our baggage
trains are so long, it is
Reflecting the Dragon's individualist bent, its armies
0 Typical Composition: Sushi with large numbers said, that the last wagon
are separated into neatly organized lineups of troops. never actually leaves until
of sword, spear, and naginata ashigaru
Each one operates independently of the others on after the battle is over.
the battlefield, striking in rhythm like a many-headed 0 Signature Warrior: Matsu Berserker Where our army goes,
starvation often follows.
dragon. Tactics and structure are organized to support
Luckily, Lion ashigaru are
a battle style of constant, coordinated aggression. also good at rebuilding
Taken by surprise, few armies can withstand this man- PHOENIX the villages they pillage
ner of attack. The Phoenix Clan enters each battle with a key under- for food.
stand ing of the region 's terrain and spiritua l climate.
0 Strengths: Independent troops, adaptable
More so than any other military, the Phoenix Clan's
structure, monastic support structure
army taps into the elemental potential of its environ-
0 Weaknesses: Diminutive armies; dependent ment to utilize it against its foes. The dry forest that
on leadership style; weak on large, open bat- provides a backdrop to a fight may suddenly b laze
tlefields with all-consuming fire, devastating a foe's focus and
0 Typical Composition: Small units of warrior provid ing just the right d istraction to aid the Phoenix.
monks and swordsmen
0 Signature Warrior: Togashi lse Zumi
LION
The Lion Clan presents the most breathtaking fight-
ing force in all of Rokugan, but that force is also one
of the most unwieldy to maneuver and transport
due to its size. Many famous writers refer to
a Lion army as a " mobile city" that moves
across the plains. The Lion armies have
overwhelmed others through sheer
numbers and aggression. The wide
roads of the Lion Clan territory are
a testament to the massive size of
its armies. Meticulously organized
FROM KATSUHIDE: Even the lowliest Phoenix foot soldiers are trained The Scorpion army often stations its archers at the
to anticipate and react to the sudden elemental cata- fringe of the battlefield to pick off as many enemy sol-
In battle, the Phoenix are clysms that Phoenix shugenja may incite. Given how diers as possible before the clash of infantry. Scorpion
highly subjective to the crucial a single shugenja's invocation or ritual can be scouts and shugenja act as support to help the army's
whims of the kami they
invoke. Even the weather to Phoenix tactics, ashigaru and bushi must defend meager numbers gain the upper hand in close combat.
can bow to their spirit shugenja rites to the death in the heat of battle. As Communication and careful retreat are key to translat-
allies. I'm told one should such, Phoenix Clan forces often take the shape of a ring ing the Scorpion's highly situational tactical strengths
never engage in a skir- of protection, or they skillfully present a fa<;ade aimed into victory.
mish with Phoenix on a
to misdirect enemy troops who might try to disrupt a
stormy doy, for example.
shugenja's prayers. 0 Strengths: Psychological tactics, stealth, train-
If you must, ensure tl10t
your troops rush and As warfare against the Phoenix has evolved over the ing in night marching
engage a Phoenix enemy years, the placement of Phoenix shugenja has become e Weaknesses: Small army, highly situational
immediately; they will
a sort of shell game. Knowing that opposing armies tactics, mediocre infantry
never col/lightning down
upon their own. seek to disrupt their shugenja's rituals, Phoenix armies
® Typical Composition: Scouts and shinobi as
often place decoy shugenja with yojimbo in places
well as ashigaru and archer bushi
where they distract opponents from other shugenja's
powerful invocations as they perform them in the heat ® Signature Warrior: Shosuro Infiltrator
of battle. Thus, a Phoenix army often resembles a large
circle of troops with different "pockets" of shugenja
and decoy shugenja protected by soldiers. UNICORN
FROM KATSUHIDE:
The Unicorn are masters of horses and swift deploy-
0 Strengths: Powerful shugenja capable of har-
The Unicorn cavalry are ment. As such, a typical Unicorn army comprises two
nessing the elements, adept tacticians
nigh unstoppable unless distinct forces: pods of mounted cavalry with scouts
they are presented with e Weaknesses: Too dependent on shugenja, to cut through the opposition , and hea vily outfitted
an unmoving wall of lackluster cavalry and archers troops of foot soldiers equipped to fight in even the
armored infantry. truly
impassible terrain (which e Typical Composition: Infantry augmented by most extreme conditions. Given the Unicorn 's special
their steeds may still shugenja relationship with their horses, even their foot soldiers
find ways to conquer), or keep and ride horses for transport across the desolate
perhaps some well-placed 0 Signature Warrior: lsawa Elementalist
steppe; as such , the Unicorn army is the most mobile
traps to send their horses
army in Rokugan .
sprawling.
The Unicorn military is nothing without its horses,
SCORPION so its movement and tactics are dictated by proximity
The Scorpion Clan has always favored subtlety and to grazing land and water sources. Once mobilized in
underhanded tactics; it is no surprise, then, that its battle, Unicorn cavalry approach as an engulfing swarm
army operates in similar fashion. The Scorpion army to thin the ranks of slower-moving enemy infantry, pre-
places a strong emphasis on stealth and surveillance; paring the way for the rest of the Unicorn to clean up
'I
FRO M KATSUHIDE: the arrival of its troops is often preceded by a silent afterward . If they are confined to smaller spaces where
invasion of scouts and spies eager for information . The they are less maneuverable, however, Unicorn choke
The Scorpion try, but they Scorpion's skills in subterfuge allow them to imperson- easily. The Unicorn must reconcile their formidable
are simply not cut out for
ate their enemies' messengers, soldiers, and support mounted forces with the demands of the battlefield in
real wars. They do excel
at dishonorable combat, personnel to conduct sabotage from the inside. every engagement.
however. When they are The Scorpion army is also notorious for its pref-
engaged under "fair" erence for traveling under cover of darkness. It only 0 Strengths: Excel in open spaces, massive army,
conditions, any army may deploys its troops when the time is right, when attacks tactics unfamiliar to other clans
easily dispatch them-
can inflict maximum damage upon opponents. Its 0 Weaknesses: Ineffective in tighter terrain , poor
whiclt is why the Scorpion
ensure that the conditions shugenja are well versed in creating illusions to distract communication
are never fair. opponents on the battlefield as well.
0 Typical Composition: Cavalry, both heavy
and light; archers (often also on horseback);
foot soldiers
0 Signature Warrior: Utaku Battle Maiden
16
Many magistrates t ravel lightly and thus rely on

local m ilitaries for martial support against large
enemy forces.
As a culture, Rokugan is steeped in m ilitarism. Every 8 Address Internal Conflict: A clan might
samurai either is a warrior or plays a role that supports expand or reinforce its army to deal w ith an
warriors and enables them to engage in battle. Even internal threat such as a peasant insurrect ion
peasants play a major role in warfa re in the Emerald or even a civil wa r. The clan will try to keep
Empire; heimin may be drafted into peasant levies or news about such conflicts under w raps, as t he
do work that helps keep armies deployed and effective appearance of d isunity or weakness t ends t o
in battle. embolden enemies. The exception t o t his rule
That said, the deployment of an army is a costly is the Lion Clan, which frequently permits lim-
and time-consuming endeavor. Moreover, deployed ited, supervised warfare between lords in order
samurai and commoners are not contributing to the to hone those armies' skills and cu ll t he weak.
Empire's myriad other crucial affairs, such as oversee-
ing the lands, engaging in politics and cultural pursuits,
producing food, building and maintaining roads, and CONFLICTS WITH
so on. The employment and deployment of an army is,
therefore, not to be undertaken lightly. OTHER CLANS
Given the significant expense of fielding a military Because conflicts between clans tend to attract the atten-
force, most provincial daimyo have relatively small gar- tion of the Imperial Court, they deserve closer exam-
risons ready to mobilize in times of peace. Depend- ination. Generally, the exact nature of such a conflict is
ing on the scope of the threat, one or more provincial determined by whether it has received Imperial sanction,
daimyo may be called upon to marshal their forces. as described in Sanctioned Conflicts (see page 18).
Cities maintain their own defensive forces, which In the absence of Imperial sanction, clans usually
are overseen by the city's governor unless a general (although not always) lim it themselves to small-scale
co-opts those forces into an army. Expansion and rein- actions. In peacetime, magistrates and t he sa murai
forcement of a clan's army generally only occurs if it is lords of border settlements maintain a wary eye on
to be employed for a specific purpose, such as one of their neighbors of other clans. When tensions rise,
the following . lords deploy small detachments, often mount ed, to
patro l the border, reporting to static lookout post s.
e Secure a Clan's Lands: A clan might expand
Should a patrol or lookout post detect an incursion
its standing army if it p erceives an imminent
and survive t o relay the news, their lord dispatches t he
threat to its lands. In such a case, t he clan
closest forces capable of meeting the threat.
sends forces to occupy posit ions along the
threatened border or maintains them in more
centra l locations from which they can be
redeployed quickly.
e Fight Another Clan: lnterclan battles are
the most common type of military conflict in
Rokugan , even if they are officially outlawed
without the Emperor's explicit assent. A strong
army lets a clan attack or defend against their
current enemy.
e Defend the Empire: It is rare for Rokugan

to face an Empire-wide threat, but should
it happen, each clan is expected to con-
tribute the largest military force possible to
the Imperial Legions, thereby unit ing disparate
clans' armies under a single banner.
8 Assist the Emerald Magistrates: Address-

ing threats such as banditry and cult activity
sometimes requires more yoriki (deputies) and
doshin (peasant enforcers) than magistrates •
have available, necessitating m ilitary assistance.
The resulting battles tend to be brief, impromptu

IKOMA HIROSHIKA,
clashes between relatively small forces. The attacker
ADVOCATE AT COURT
commonly conducts a raid, a military operation
intended to achieve some particular objective-for ADVERSARY CONFLICT RANK: ,f.l 3 ~ 5
example, burning crops or seizing supplies-followed lkoma Hiroshika is a fam iliar face in the Imperial
by a rapid withdrawal. Clans studiously avoid using Court in Otosan Uchi, appearing frequently before
the term "war" to describe such conflicts, describing t he Throne to argue the finer points of what qua lifies
them as "skirmishes," "disagreements," "difficulties," as wa r within the Emp ire. Few Rokugani know the
or other euphemisms. Since no war is declared, such sprawling body of edicts, pet itions, and precedents on
hostilities have no formal start, and therefore no formal sanctioned interclan war as well as she. Hiroshika's is
end, continuing until one or both sides simply choose a crucial role, especially given her clan's penchant for
or agree to stop. launching itself into military conflict. Whether a d ispute
In the case of a conflict that does receive Imperial centers on land, resources, or a real or perceived injus-
sanction, the aggrieved clan normally issues a formal tice or insult, the Lion Clan is eager to demonstrate it
declaration of war. While the warring clans still conduct is not to be trifled with. When its targets bring their
patrols and raids, they may also mobilize much larger grievances to court, Hiroshika is well prepared to argue
forces, invading enemy lands in order to seize and that what they claim is a war is nothing more t han a
hold territory and resources. Prolonged battles involv- d isagreement, a skirmish, or a " matter of restoring
ing massive numbers of troops may occur, with corre- honor," requiring no Imperial involvement. Ra rely do
spondingly high casualty counts. When setbacks and others find cracks in the armor of this elder courtier's
losses finally force one side to capitu late and accept a reasoned, yet passionate arguments; to date, Hiroshi ka
peace agreement, the war formally ends. has been successful far more often than not.
SANCTIONED CONFLICTS
ENDURANCE 14
The Hantei have recognized that they must walk a
fine line when it comes to conflict between the Great 65 GLORY COMPOSURE 12
Clans. Too much unrestrained warfare is wasteful and
can weaken the Empire. Prohibiting conflict entirely, 39 STATUS FOCUS 7
however, can lengthen periods of inflamed tensions
between clans, and it can also weaken the Empire by ~+2, ~-2 VIGILANCE 3
DEMEANOR· RESERVED
allowing the clans' military prowess to atrophy. Accord-
ingly, at the dawn of the fifth century, fol lowing a bru- ART ISAN I MARTIAl I SCHOlAR 4 SOCIAl] TRADE I
tal clash between the Crane and the Crab, Emperor
Af>VANTAGlS I>ISAOVANTAGES
Hantei Fujiwa issued an edict prohibit ing war between
the clans without the Throne's permission. Since then,
a clan wishing to wage war upon another must petition
the Emperor, laying out the case for its grievance. If the
Legal Expert:
~ Social; Mental I Frailty:
~ Martial; Physical
fAVORED WEAPONS
Emperor approves the petition, the clan issues a formal
declaration of war. Considerable political maneuvering Wakizashi: Range 0-1, Damage 4, Deadliness 5/7,
typically surrounds such petitions, both for and against Ceremonial, Concealable, Razor-edged
their approval.
Gear (equipped}: Courtly finery (Physical 1, Ceremo-
Still, clans sometimes engage in unsanctioned con-
nial}, legal scrolls and texts, Go set
flicts (see page 17). The extent to which they can
get away with mobilizing large forces also depends •\lliliTIES
upon political scheming. It is said that what constitutes
POWERFUL ARGUM ENTS
a "war" within Rokugan is truly defined by whoever is
When making a Courtesy check, if Hiroshika does not
most persuasive in court.
keep any dice with results containing Q symbols, she
It is noteworthy that some daimy6 of the Unicorn
may spend:.:~ in the following manner:
Clan-which was absent from the Empire when Hantei
Fujiwa issued his edict--<:onsider their clan to be offi-
cially exempt from the decree, following it only out of
I :.:~+:The
:.:~spent
target of the check receives strife equal t o
this way.
respect for the Throne.
1&
/
QUOTES FROM
LEADERSHIP AKODO'S LEADERSHIP
The people of Rokugan have an intimate relationship AND CENSORSHIP ':4 samurai must serve
with their history, the teachings of the Kami having and command, but before
leadership has been altered not only with that, a samurai must
allowed them to keep intricate records going back prepare and study."
almost to the dawn of the Empire. Whenever a new additions, but also through omissions. In the
challenge faces samurai, almost assuredly the answer year 445, Hantei Muratsugu removed Akodo's
to the problem lies in the past, in the experiences and observations on the need for deception and
wisdom of their ancestors. cunning in war, which the Emperor believed
were not in line with Bushido. These passages
were censored from public copies of the text,
CHRONICLES OF THE PAST a decision that has greatly influenced the
History and tradition are integral to every part of life in forthright Matsu family. Many Emperors have
Rokugan , from the practices of swordsmanship and war redacted and restored leadership across the
to the elegant and ancient tea ceremony. Information line of succession .
on these traditions and the meanings behind them is
preserved at locations spread throughout the lands of
every clan, places of great significance where history is in battle, how to represent themselves and their lords
infused into the very foundations. in a proper manner, and how to train samurai to the
highest caliber. The measures offer instruction on con-
AKooo's LEADERSHIP quering personal weakness, achieving strategic mas-
tery of one's surroundings, preserving fundamental
There is perhaps no text with a greater influence on military tradition, and innovating with new tactics.
Rokugan than Akodo's leadership. Written after the Though Akodo was wise and had an unrivaled
War against Fu Leng, leadership collects the Kami military aptitude, he was able to recognize that even
Akodo 's thoughts and experience, both tactical and he did not know everything there was to know about
spiritual, into a single volume that has become the war. To that end, Akodo left the end of the treatise
guideline upon which nearly all samurai base their blank so that generals could add more tactics as they
existence. Akodo codified his views on the warrior developed them . Over time, the tome has become a
spirit and presented it as something more than a sim- massive collection of observations and accounts of war
ple code of ethics, but an entire way of life-Bushido, from the finest military minds in Rokugan's storied his-
the way of the warrior. Over time, Bushido, and by tory, with revised editions occasionally circulating into
extension leadership, established how members of the Empire's libraries. The only original, unaltered text
Rokugan's ruling class perceived themselves and the remains in the care of the lkoma.
world around them.
According to the philosophy of Akodo, the nature
of the world is war. Despite Hantei's declaration of the
DAIDOJI LIBRARY
Thousand Years of Peace following the defeat of Fu One of the key lessons of Akodo's leadership is that an
Leng, the Emerald Empire quickly found that tranquil- army should be adaptable and capable of surprising
ity between clans is a fragile , transient thing, and battle its foes . It would be unexpected for the Crane to take
is ever present. Just as Kakita sought the perfect sword these words from Akodo to heart, which is exactly why
stroke, so Akodo sought the perfect, transcendent they did. Ever pragmatic, the Daidoji family have long
form of battle. He introduced the art of war so that collected the tactics of their foes, secreting the infor-
the samurai of Rokugan might also learn to fight in a mation away in their library in Shiro Daidoji that it may
flawless and honorable manner. be studied, adapted, and implemented in shocking
leadership divides military philosophy into five new ways. In recent years, Daidoji Uji has been par-
measures, each representing an element. These mea- ticularly aggressive in changing the attack patterns of
sures form the basis by which a military leader can eval- the Daidoji Iron Warriors, which has enabled the Crane
uate their forces; any measure by which an army fails army to repel repeated assaults from larger forces. Lion
is a flaw that can be exploited and ultimately lead to Clan assault teams have noted the Daidoji's increased
its downfall. Each measure within leadership contains use of deception on the field, as well as an alarming
instruction for generals on how to properly command increase in brutality.
CHAPTER I : GLORIOUS HISTORIES
TOMES OF LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE

Much like Akodo's Leadership, the works listed MIRUMOTO's NITEN
below helped to shape Rokugan's samurai into
what they are today: Niten, which means "Two Swords," is a fighting
form developed by Mirumoto and recorded by
KAKITA'S THE SWORD his adopted son, Hojatsu. The essay Niten pres-
ents five stances developed specifically for two-
Kakita believed that swordsmanship was an art weapon fighting. Developed with the goal of
form, and that it could be honed, as the samu- killing gracefully and efficiently, the niten tech-
rai had done with calligraphy and ikebana, into nique and the essay on it teach not just how to
something beautiful. "One soul, one sword, one move and how to strike, but also how to think.
strike" served as Kakita's mantra as he developed Niten masters act with uncanny perception and
the techniques of iaijutsu, the art of the fast draw. wield their blades with deadly precision. "There is
His forms would become the foundation of fenc- no thought, there is only the will. Will your oppo-
ing in Rokugan. The Sword also outlined the rules, nent to be killed; your mind, body, and blade will
techniques, and necessity of the art of the duel become as one, and make it so."
in Rokugan. A duel is not just a confrontation
of swords, but of souls. When a samurai loses a THE TAO OF SHINSEI
duel, it exposes a flaw not in their technique, but
in themselves. Shinsei developed the Tao in the earliest years
of the Empire, during the War against Fu Leng.
BAYUSHI'S LIES Most Rokugani consider it the definitive treatise
on humanity, spirituality, and the nature of the
"If telling a lie could save the life of the Emperor, world. The original copy of the finished work rests
should it still be considered dishonorable?" Bay- in a place of honor in the libraries of the lsawa,
ushi's Lies is remarkably candid- and horrifyingly and it has been duplicated for study in every major
honest. Bayushi's book exposed a Rokugan that library in Rokugan. To this day, the Tao of Shinsei
was superficially filled with trust, fidelity, and continues to bring hope and compassion to the
honeyed words of honor, but was still driven by lives of all the denizens of the Empire. For the
humanity's lust for power. Despite its duplicitous samurai, monks, and even peasants of Rokugan, it
subject matter, Lies was created with a noble pur- is a way for them to better their lives and the lives
pose in mind. Bayushi feared that an Emperor fed of others. Members of the Kolat, a secret society,
only pleasant truths would be na·ive and vulnera- believe it validates their ruthless quest to topple
ble to betrayal. the Celestial Order.
The Daidoji diverge from the rest of the Crane fam-

QUOTES FROM
ilies in their acceptance of gaijin invention in their tac- THE GREAT LIBRARY
AKODO'S LEADERSHIP
tical library, kept in a secret wing known only to the AT KYUDEN ISAWA
"No enemy was ever Daidoji family daimy6 and their most trusted advisors.
The lsawa family keeps the largest library in Rokugan,
overcome by repeating the With the exception of the Unicorn, all the Great Clans
same strategy. Innovation a massive repository of knowledge on every subject
learned the foundations of their tactics from the teach-
creates victory." imaginable. The library is so enormous that it is broken
ings of Akodo and Sun Tao. The Daidoji have accepted
into three wings, each large enough to equal most other
that to truly innovate, they must be willing to look else-
libraries on its own. The Ethereal Wing contains informa-
where. For most Crane families, this would be a detest-
tion unique to the Phoenix that delves into the realm of
able idea, but the Daidoji have collected scrolls from
the spiritual. It is the most complete known collection of
destroyed gaijin raiding teams and smuggling vessels.
invocations, rituals, and information regarding shugenja
These tactics from the most unthinkable of sources lie
in Rokugan. The Resplendent Wing is dedicated t o
waiting to be unleashed upon an unwitting foe.
great works of art, poems, and epics from across the
Empire. The final section, the Corporeal Wing, houses
hist ories, heraldry, and legal documentation.
2.0
Many of the historic events captured in the docu-

IKOMA NAKIDORI THE OFFICE OF THE
ments of the Great Library are first-person accounts. JADE CHAMPION
Shiba was an avid observer and writer during his time in ADVERSARY CONFLIG RANK: f.l 2 • 1
the Empire, and he valued personal perspective when When the Empire still had
Longing for adventure, lkoma Nakidori considers her-
a jade Champion- the
documenting history. Rather than being simply factual self to be a songbird locked away in the gilded cage leading defender of the
recitations, many of the historic accounts in the Great of the High Histories, also called the lkoma Libraries. realm from heretical
Library are poetic and elicit emotional connection . Having been t rained as a battle crier, Nakidori earned threats-an office and
early commendations on the battlefield and walked quarters were built
for them in the Great
HIGH HISTORIES with pride and glory alongside bushi . She was known
Library. No other library
to be fearless, and her war songs were fuel for the fire could offer the extensive
OF THE IKOMA
raging in the soldiers of her company. One overzeal- records needed to safely
In the late first century during the reign of Hantei Genji, ous charge and a grievous leg injury ended her career research and enforce
the libraries at Kyuden lkoma (Sacred Watch Palace) spiritual justice. Though
afield and forced her instead to an assignment in the
the office is no longer
became the officially recognized repository of the High Histories. There, she is both elated and tor- occupied, the lsawa
recorded history of the Empire. The lkoma historians mented by the sorting, writing, and memorizing of the family sti/1 maintains it
keep meticulous records of every moment of note in tactical history of the Lion, her spirit endlessly charged out of respect for those
Rokugan, from personal duels to major battles, from with stories of glorious warfare, and forever reminded who held the position in
the past and in case it is
Imperial proclamations to the whimsies of court, from of what she will never again be a part of. Ever dutiful,
ever needed in the future.
samurai births to deaths. The records in the High His- Nakidori is glad to help any patron of the libraries with Some Rokugani even whis-
tories-anoth er name for the lkoma Libraries- are their studies of history and tactics, though she yearns per that the position is
preserved by monks dedicated to serving the lkoma for a day she might escape to once again stand beside not actually vacant-that
historians. These monks carefu lly organize the dizzying it was just made more
warriors and light their souls aflame.
secretive to facilitate the
amount of information that the historians record daily,
defense of the Empire
compiling accounts from scouts and in delivered scrolls, from the threat of maho.
from eyes and ears stretching all across the vast reaches SO HONOR ENDURANCE
8
of Rokugan. Th e collection here is constantly reviewed
by historians, diplomats, court attendants, generals,
44 GLORY COMPOSURE
8
and all manner of samurai in need of knowledge .
Storing such a massive amount of information is
35 STATUS FOCUS
5
a colossal task. While documents on historic figures,
~+2. ~-2 VIGilANCE
3
poetry, war, law, heraldry, the kami , and other major DEMEANOR· PASSIONATE
subjects are always readily available, the more esoteric
ARTISAN I MARTIAL 1 SCHOLAR"! SOCIAL2 TRADE' )
minutiae of history are filed away in the space-saving
dzuka, a series of narrow passageways between the ADVANTAGES OISAOVANTI\GES
main floors of the library. Scrolls there are still orga-
nized, but they are tightly packed in efficient racks . Inspiring Presence: Wa r Injury:
It is impossible to walk upright through these areas; ~ Martial; Interpersonal ~ Martial ; Physical
typically, the attendant monks perform the less-than- Historian:
graceful task of hunting down records for samurai. ~ Scholar; Menta/
Though chronicling the complete history of THE HONORED SCRIBE
FAVOI!EO WEI\I'ONS
Rokugan is challenging, it is also an honor, a duty the
The Emperor graced the
lkoma have perform ed with the utmost care and rev- Wa kizashi: Range 0-1, Damage 4, Deadliness 5/ 7, /kama family with the
erence for centuries. The information held in the High Ceremonial, Concealable, Razor-edged task of recording the
Histories, including some of the most ancient texts in Empire's history after
Gear (equip p ed): Scholar's robes (Physical1), sham- /kama Noritobe wrote
the Empire, has been referenced by many Emperors
isen, calligraphy set, scroll satchel Iris epic The Prince of
and used to save countless lives. The centerpiece of
Heaven detailing the life
the High Histories is a set of unaltered copies of Ako- 1\BlliTIES of a young Hantei Genji.
do's Leadership, Mirumoto's Niten, Kakita's The Sword, Noritobe's remains rest
LION EXPERTISE
and Bayushi's Lies, all taken directly from the origina l in a place of honor in the
sources and among the oldest in the Empire. When lkoma Nakidori assists another character mak- library. under a scroll rack
ing a Scholar check involving military or Lion Clan his- featuring information on
the Kami and the dawn of
tory, the character may roll two additional • instead
the Empire.
of just one.
2-1
CH A PTER 1 : GLORIOUS HISTORIES
siege engines, and more. If the Crab were ever able to

turn these weapons of war away from the Shadowlands
ADVENTURE SEED:
and toward the other Great Clans, it is questionable
COUNTERFEIT HISTORY whether anyone would be prepared to stop them.
Though the Kaiu have their eyes on the future,
i:t:f!!W The PCs have been invited t o a their scholars continue to reexamine historic scrolls
gathering at the High Histories of the lkoma to spark their creativity. One collection of documents,
celebrating the anniversary of the Lion's vic- restricted to Kaiu eyes only, are the documents of t he
tory over the Crane at t he Battle of the Broken Blue Dreamers.
Daisho . The PCs are asked to help investigate The Blue Dreamers were a group of Kaiu Engineers
when Phoenix historian lsawa Kabesuru pro- who found that by ingesting the petals of a particu-
d uces shocking scrolls suggesting that the Lion lar blue lotus, they would enter a strange, lucid dream
general Matsu Chusun won the battle dishon- state. In that state, they imagined new inventions fully
orably through deception and assassination, formed and often created detailed diagrams. Curi-
having faked t he surrender of Kakita Gosano. ously, while the technology to realize these dream
inventions did not exist at the time, it is now possible
Chaos consumes the gath-
to complete some of them. The Blue Dreamer K_aiu
ering as documents are found in the libraries
Desura, who died in 445, envisioned numerous inven-
that seem to b e a confession from General
tions with unrivaled destructive capabi lities that have
Chusun. In light of these contrad ictory fi nd-
just become possible to construct.
ings, Kabesuru immediat ely threatens to pet i-
The blue lotus that allowed the Blue Dreamers to
t ion the Emperor to make t he lsawa fam ily,
enter this state is grown in t he northwest corner of Uni-
and not the lkoma, the official historians of
corn lands. However, in recent decades the Unicorn
the Empire. As t he PCs continue to investi-
Clan, for unstated reasons, has refused to part with any
gat e t he va lidity of the documents and the
of its supply.
intentions of the lsawa, they soon find t hem-
selves fighting t o save their honor and t heir
lives: notes are uncovered implicating them SECRET HISTORY
in a plot against the Lion, seemingly written OF THE UNICORN
by their own hands!
The written histories of the Unicorn are unique among
The PCs' attempt s t o red eem those of the Great Clans. Early in the Empire's his-
themselves uncover a plot woven by an tory, the Ki-Rin, who would become the Unicorn Clan,
unparalleled artisa n. Kabesuru has j oined began their mass exodus from Rokugan. Ide himself
forces with Kakit a O ryosu, a skilled ca lligra- began to chronicle their wondrous travels and every-
p her and even better forger, who is more than thing they encountered outside of Rokugan. Ada pting
happy to rest ore the honor of Kakita Gosano the nomadic ways of the Ujik, the Ki-Rin kept their
and d estroy the reputat ion of t he Lion and it s history in the minds of their storytellers. These storytell-
allies. Now that the two have had t heir con- ers, or kuurch, would memorize vast genealogies and
spiracy uncovered, they can't affo rd to let the stretches of history and then share them with people
PCs live to sp oil t heir plan. through stories, music, and art.
The earliest records of the Secret History of the Uni-
corn include not only art and song, but symbols lifted
from nature and animals, concepts that are not easily
KAIU ENGINEERING translated back into Rokugani but are understood by
ACADEMY those raised in the Unicorn's culture. In the yea r 138,
the Ki-Rin learned a form of calligraphy from Shima
Located in Shiro Kaiu (Carpenter Castle), the Kaiu Engi-
Khilan, a captured Caliphate scholar, and soon began
neering Academy is where the greatest inventions of
transcribing their existing histories.
the Empire are created. The only school in the Empire
Since· their return to Rokugan , the Unicorn have
devoted solely to the creation of technologies, the
translated a version of what they refer to as the Go/den
Engineering Academy creates increasingly cunning
History for the rest of the clans to see, highlighting the
and deadly traps, ballistae, alchemical fire launchers,
beauty of the world surrounding the Empire. However,
the shrewd Unicorn have not revealed the full depth In time, the most important function of Castle of
QUOTES FROM
of their accumulated information. Still trapped away in the Swift Sword took shape: it became the home of the
AKODO'S LEADERSHIP
their symbolism, art, and song, and in writings in gaijin Akodo War College. Initially a small, simple dojo ded-
languages, are the most ancient and valuable pieces icated to the teachings of Akodo, it grew into one of "Lady Sun and Lord Moon
of their wisdom. Battlefield tactics, secret travel routes the two most prestigious military schools in Rokugan, made us witl1a left hand
around the edges of the Empire, ancient magics, and along with the Kakita Dueling Academy. Some of the and a right hand. In the
left hand goes the text,
their vital horse-breeding procedures are all hidden greatest tacticians and warriors of the Empire have
and in the right hand
where no other clan can reach them, behind the barri- come from the War College, and it is said that no grad- goes the sword. Remem-
ers of language. uate has ever lost a battle. Even if that is not quite true, ber this."
it is telling that the school's reputation for greatness
AKODO WAR COLLEGE has not wavered throughout centuries of conflict.
In the second century, Lion Clan Champion Akodo

TRAINING GROUNDS
Tokoyama ordered the construction of a new castle,
one symbolic of the Lion Clan's reverence for history As the oldest military academy in Rokugan, the Akodo
and tradition. Hayaken no Shiro, or Castle of the Swift War College has changed little since its inception.
Sword (see page 62), was built to reflect elegance, It continues to teach the same curriculum passed
simplicity, and strength in the manner of Akodo. This down from Akodo to his own followers during the
strategically important location would be the fortress War against Fu Leng. Even small changes to Akodo's
home of the Kitsu family and would house a temple teaching methods are frowned upon by instructors in
and shrines to memorialize the race for whom they the War College; they believe that his words are to be
were named: the lionlike, shapeshifting kitsu. taught unaltered.
Although the teachings of the War College have

remained static over the centuries, the scope of the
ADVENTURE SEED:
school has not. What was once a simple dojo has grown
tremendously, and Castle of the Swift Sword is now one BLIGHTED PROCESSION
of the major military strongholds of the Lion Clan. The
central castle still looks much the same as it did when its ll!ffljW The PCs are among those invited
construction was complete, its traditional design undis- to attend a military procession at the Akodo
turbed by war or changing tastes. However, around the War College. lkoma Ujiaki and commanders
central pagoda, the school has added tra ining grounds of the Imperial Legions will be there recruit-
and barracks for many bushi, as well as storage space ing new graduates as sergeants for their
for provisions for the ever-expanding army. High-rank- armies. The night before the parade, how-
ing samurai from every Lion family vie for space within ever, a mysterious illness strikes many of the
the castle walls. The lkoma maintain a peerless library Lion present, including all of the clan's new
of military history and tactical records in the castle, the War College graduates.
Matsu use it as a way station for troops on the move,
The PCs investigate the
and the Akodo headquarter their war room there. As a
mysterious illness as the Lion Clan prepares
result, students of the War College learn the tactics of
to lose face before the visiting commanders
every branch of the Lion and spar with every conceiv-
of the Imperial Legions. Scholars research the
able type of opponent before their graduation.
affliction medically, and bushi search for foul
play, but shugenja suspect that some foreign
CURRICULUM
magic has brought this upon the graduates-
At the heart of Castle of the Swift Sword is a single gaijin magic in particular. Following the trail
purpose: war. At any given time, thousands of warriors to its source, the PCs discover a hidden camp
are stationed in or around the castle for training. Kiai containing the notorious gaijin bandit Kelsa
shouts and the ringing of steel can be heard throughout Talar and her stealthy warriors. Talar can be
the day, muffled only by the low rumble of hundreds of represented with the Skillful Renin profile
stomping feet as soldiers conduct drilling maneuvers on page 316 of the core rulebook, while her
outside the walls. The War College accepts only bushi warriors can use the Experienced Bandit and
with noble heritage or who have demonstrated excep- Desperate Bandit profiles on pages 315 and
tional performance in the field. Although its student 316 of the core rule book.
population-and therefore, garrison-is smaller than Talar boasts that she plans to
other military academies, its elite warriors would match kill the PCs and then take the weakened cas-
the mettle of any force that might dare to attack. tle, but that strains credulity, even with the ill-
The Akodo War College divides its curriculum into ness sweeping the college grounds. Secretly,
three seasonal courses. Students engage in rigorous she was hired to compromise the Lion before
physical training and weapon mastery through the the arrival of the commanders of the Imperial
summer and fall, followed by winter classes in philos- Legions so as to shame the clan. Her actual plan
ophy, tactics, and Bushido. In the spring, the practical is to leave the area shortly and return to Unicorn
and philosophical are combined in war games. They lands, where she gained her assignment.
are expected to set a sterling example for all samurai
serving alongside them or under their command.
The students at the Castle of the Swift Sword are
MIND AND BODY
among the best-trained and most recognized samu-
rai upon their graduation, but they all still aspire to be Adjoining the War College is the lkoma Hall of Scribes.
selected for the upper echelon of the War College: officer Though smaller than the High Histories-the libraries
training. Officers learn to lead groups of soldiers, to make at Kyuden lkoma-it is still a very large lib rary, full of
tactical assessments, and to organize sieges. Officer vital information for any military scholar. Developed as
candidates must learn from, and pass tests in, five dojo, an aid to the War College, it contains enormous sec-
displaying mastery over the five measures described in tions on all topics that co uld be of aid to future military
Akodo's Leadership. Trained by the most experienced campaigns. Scrolls about architecture provide informa-
and decorated teachers in the Empire, officers from the t ion that can topple defensive installations. Civics les-
War College are virtually guaranteed an honorable com- sons offer insight into control ling a conquered people.
mand and a career serving with distinction. Geographical studies ca n reveal new paths by wh ich
CHAPTER t : GLORIOUS HISTORIES
make him no friends in court or among the more con-

RELICS FROM
servative ranking officers of the Lion Clan. Having the
TENJIN, LESSER BEFORE THE FALL
good sense to stay away from formal affairs, Doju can
FORTUNE OF STORIES usually be found showing off his battle prowess in the Among the rarest and
most unusual items to
AND SECRETS d6j6 or talking up his military victorie? in sake houses.
be found in the High
He adores his mother more than anyone and takes her
Histories are scrolls that
In nearly every great library of Rokugan is a aggressive combat training to heart. However, from predate Doji's invention
shrine to the Fortune Tenjin. The High Histo- his father, Doju has inherited a love of dramatic histo- of the kanji writing
ries incorporate many such shrines through- ries and an unusua lly warm and open manner toward system. Many oft/lese
feature pictographs used
out their immense collection space. A poet his friends.
by tl~e cultures that were
of exceptional skill and minimal tact, Akodo Among th e small contingent of soldiers under his present in the region
Tenjin was executed for offending Hantei command, Doju is known as a demanding but gener- before the Kami fell to
Ill with the bluntness of one of his poems. ous and gregarious leader. To his superior officers, he's the Mortal Realm. Within
When a plague subsequently fell over the known as "that one who keeps making unsupported these images, scholars
have found curious and
Imperial Court, the Hantei sought forgiveness charges into enemy lines, but somehow manages to
recurring drawings
and elevated Tenjin to the status of Fortune. come back alive." Friend and foe al ike know him for his depicting things such
Since that time, writers have come to Tenjin's deafening war cries on the battlefield, instilling hope as people with snakelike
shrines seeking knowledge and guidance, in his allies and terror in the opposition . lkoma Tsanuri lower bodies and human-
sized rodents in coats
leaving secrets as offerings in return . said of him after the last battle for Toshi Ranbo, " There
standing before gleaming
is no Lion who roars louder." towers. While some schol-
ars (and Hiruma Scouts}
to safely march troops or disclose natural barriers that know the identities of
can trap an enemy force. All students of the War Col-
ENDURANCE 14 some of these nonhuman
beings, tlte images'
lege are expected to have a well-rounded education
75 GLORY COMPOSURE 10 meanings and why they
to keep them adaptable and capable in any situation. are so common remain a
45 STATUS FOCUS mystery.
6
PRESENCE OF THE SUPERNATURAL
~+2, f>-2 VIGILANCE
2
The presence of kitsu shrines makes the War College DEMEANOR · AGGRESSIVE
subject to an unusual amount of supernatural activity.
The Temple of Listening Ghosts, resting not far from ARTISAN 0 MARTIAL] SCHOLAR 3 SOCIAL2 TRADE 0
the gates of the War College in a secluded clearing, ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

is a regular destination for those reverent of the past.
Forever tinged with regret, the temple is a monument Inspiring Presence: Flamboyant:
to the nobility of the kitsu people, who are assumed ~ Martial; Interpersonal ~ Social; Interpersonal
extinct, and to the shame still felt for the genocide the Rounded Education:
samurai led against them in ancient times. All members ~ Scholar; Mental
of the Kitsu family travel to th is shrine at least once in
I'AVORF.D WEAI'ONS
their lifetime to remember the tragedy that begat their
family. However, bold students from the War College Graduate's Katana: Range 1, Damage 4, Deadliness
visit there as well , as the spirits of kitsu are rumored 5/ 7, Ceremonial, Durable, Razor-edged
to sometimes emerge and give quests to samurai of
Gear (equipped): Personalized armor (Physica l 3,
particular bloodlines.
Resplendent, Wargear), wakizashi
MATSU DOJU ABILITIES
ADVERSARY CONFLIGRANK: ,tJ 5 ~ 2 ROAR OF THE LION

As a Scheme and Support action during a skirmish,
A graduate of the Akodo War College who combines
Doju may receive up to 3 strife to force the same num-
the fury of his Matsu mother and the braggadocio of his
ber of enemy characters at range 0-3 to make a TN 2
lkoma father, Matsu Doju encompasses all the skill and
Meditation check (Earth 1, Air 3). Each character who
passion of the Lion Clan. Doju's ostentatious nature;
fails suffers the Dazed condition .
his hair, colored radiant gold like a Lion's mane; and
his kimono, adorned with outlandish animal imagery,
2.S
\11e t»\pire at War THE RISE OF THE EMPIRE

What is referred to as the rise of the Empire was not
QUOTES FROM Conflict has troubled the Emerald Empire for most of a specific battle or conflict. Rather, it was the military,
AKOOO'S LEADERSHIP
its eleven centuries. The vast majority of this histori- cultural, and spiritual campaign to found , unify, and
"Nothing is more cal strife has been local in scope: skirmishes and bor- consolidate the nascent Emerald Empire after the fa ll
important than the art of der disputes between the clans, and sometimes even of the Kami from the Celestial Heavens. Rokugan 's cal-
warfare, for it protects all within them, as the ruling samurai have bickered over endar system, the lsawa Calendar, sets as year 1 the
other art." land, resources, and matters of honor. Such conflicts year when a blazing light rent the sky and the Kami
number in the thousands. Nevertheless, relatively few fel l to Ningen-do, the Mortal Realm. For the next
military actions have swept up all of Rokugan, affecting two hundred years, the Kami spread their influence
the entire Empire. Those that have done so have been across Rokugan, building an enduring empire through
pivotal, both in the affairs of government and in the ruthless expansion.
evolution of Rokugani military philosophy and practice. Despite what the official histories may say, Rokugan
The following sections describe the most important was not born the moment t he Kam i landed in t he Mor-
Empire-wide military actions, with particular emphasis tal Realm. Immediately thereafter, each Kami began to
on the ways in wh ich they have shaped the Empire's explore the lands in which they found themselves. In
approach to warfare. those lands, they encountered diverse peoples who
encompassed a wide range of cultures, beliefs, and
systems of governance. Each Kami met people who
would change their perspective and life, and in turn,
each Kami's actions shaped and changed the lives of
THE WAR the people they encountered. Some of the Kami imme-
AGAINST FU LENG diately set about establishing domains of their own,
while others were pushed into positions of leadership
Shortly after they fell from the Heavens, the by their new followers. A lthough each Kami's arrival
eight Kami who had descended into the had a momentous impact, whether for good or for ill,
lands that would become Rokugan held a these divine beings each struggled with the purpose
tournament to select one of their number of their new mortal life. Eventually, due to the Kam i
as Emperor. Upon prevailing, Hantei led Hantei's efforts, the scattered siblings reconvened. This
those Kami as they set about expanding and ultimately led to a tournament, through which Hantei
consolidating their new Empire. Soon after- assumed the title of Emperor, becoming Rokugan's first
ward, however, the siblings' lost brother Fu Imperial leader. The other Kami then traveled out into
Leng, who had fallen apart from them into the world and began to build what would become the
the hellish realm known as Jigoku, arrived Great Clans of the Empire.
and demanded his opportunity to become
Emperor-for they had held the tournament
in his absence, abandoning him to his bitter
A LEGACY OF STRIFE
fate instead of searching for him. When the Two tumultuous centuries passed, during which t he
eight Kami rebuked Fu Leng, he unleashed growing Empire faced almost constant conflict. The
hordes of demons and other monstrosities, War against Fu Leng comprised much of the strife,
sparking a bitter war that would last decades but by no means all of it. The eight Kami had already
and shape Rokugan forever. swayed a number of groups to their cause through
The eight Kami and their followers fought their charisma, cunning, and force of arms. These
many battles against Fu Leng's hordes during groups were coalescing into the beginnings of t he
this time, but despite their best efforts, they Great Clans. Some neighboring kingdoms and clans
stood at the precipice of defeat. Then, in the saw the Kami as threats or as assets they wished to pos-
year 42, a small group of mortal heroes selected sess, and they moved to crush the domains the Kam i
by Shinsei made a final, desperate attack on were building. An era of chaos emerged, as countless
Fu Leng himself. Those heroes, known as the factions struggled for dominance. The wars waged in
Seven Thunders, saved Rokugan and ended this time varied. Sometimes, the nascent Great Clans
the war. This struggle is known to virtually all fought to defend themselves from aggressors. At other
Rokugani, but how much of it is historical fact times, they were themselves t he aggressors, striking to
and how much is heroic myth is no longer clear. seize land or resources held by neighboring groups.
The Emperor's Kami siblings in Rokugan were at the
heart of these endeavors, each pursuing their own
/
goals and attempting to sway the Emperor to their ide- As a result, bitter fig hting often erupted between
IMPERIALISM IN
als. Seemingly invincible in battle against mortal foes, the early clans and those who rejected their way of life. ROKUGAN
unnaturally capable and convincing, these demigods Increasingly, any people who opposed the rule of the
changed the world in many ways- some good, some long-lived Kami or denied t heir divinity faced the Great Rokugan is a fictional
empire, but it does
terrible. For every monster slain or fam ine averted, a Clans' violence and destruction. The· Kami had begun
reflect the history of
vil lage burned or part of a cultural legacy vanished. something greater than themselves, and for all their real-world imperial
And yet, despite the Kami's power, many humans power, it was now beyond them to halt it. Whether powers in some ways,
balked at bending their knee to the strange, semidi- they wanted this legacy or not , t he landslide cou ld no including conquest, t he
vine beings who had literally fallen from the sky. The longer be stopped. erasure of cultures, and
more. The inclusion
societies the Kami were shaping also began to move Conflicts continued to rage both within the clans'
of these events in
in ways the Kami cou ld not have predicted- save per- lands and against outside powers. Ultimately, the Kam i's Rokugan's history
haps inscrutable Togashi. From the start, some people fol lowers achieved victory over t heir opponents, whether is not intended to
sought to use these divine beings for their own ends: driving them from their lands, subjugating them, or cul- rationalize or create
entertainment from
as tools with which to subjugate their neighbors or to tura lly assimilating them. Some groups became inte-
atrocities, but rather
secure their own power within society. Then, as time grated into the Emerald Empire without losing t heir to present a world t hat
passed and the Empire began to crysta llize, Rokugani identities. The lsawa, for instance, still maintain the has problems resonant
humans increasingly identified with the Great Clans the unique cu lture they brought with them from the north with those of our own.
Kami had formed. The Kami had not, for the most part, thousands of years ago, and a number of the diverse Even so, GMs and
players should discuss
tried to push any ideology on humans. However, their set of groups called the Yobanjin accepted a degree of
how comfortable they
connection to Tengoku, the Celestial Heavens, became Imperial rule and doctrine but also maintained their own are exploring these
increasingly important to their ch ildren and grandchil- cultu ral traditions. Other Yobanjin societies left t he lands themes before deciding
dren and those of their earliest followers. These descen- cla imed by the Kami and settled in the Great Wa ll of whether and how to
delve into them.
dants sought power by emphasizing their progenitors' the North mountain range, within Rokugan's ostensible
divinity or closeness to the divine. bounds but beyond reach of the Emperor's power. Still,
the Great Clans destroyed some kingdoms and peo-

ples, or subsumed them so fully into the Empire that THE BATTLE OF
their cultures vanished forever. REGRET'S SHADOW
The growing Great Clans also fought one another
In the early second century, the Lion Clan received a
as they vied for control of land and resources to support
dramatic opportunity to prove its martial supremacy
their growing populations. For the most part, the Kami
over the other clans. This came about when it waged
did seek to use negotiation and compromise whenever
war against the rebellious forces of Doji Takamori,
possible, working to instill concepts of stable gover-
the so-called Bloody Crane, who dared to look at the
nance and diplomacy in their followers. Nevertheless,
Imperial Throne with eyes of avarice.
even the most peaceful among them, such as Doji,
embraced a generally martial philosophy-reflecting
their youthful experiences in Tengoku-and believed To CLAIM A THRONE
it necessary to wield military power against their sib- By the second century, it appeared that the growing
lings' followers from time to time. Some of the more Emerald Empire was in its cultural ascendancy. Those
aggressive and militant, such as Akodo, even saw war who opposed it were scattered, and few major pow-
as desirable, believing it to be a far more orderly and ers still opposed the might of the Hantei lineage.
decisive state for a society than the endless, scheming Appearances can be deceiving, however. Subversive
politics preferred by some of his siblings. elements lurked within the Empire's social structure.
By the time the second century ended, the bor- From among them, a man named Doji Takamori rose
ders of the Empire and between the clans were largely to prominence. Nicknamed "the Bloody Crane" for
established. They have varied somewhat over the ensu- his ruthless approach to conflict, Takamori sought to
ing eight centuries, but there are few instances in which gain and consolidate influence among the Great Clans.
a clan has lost large tracts of territory for more than a Over the course of several years, he assembled a coa-
short period of time. This is not, however, because the lition among the Crane, Phoenix, and Scorpion Clans
Empire has avoided strife. Though it has never reached and even some members of the Imperial families .
the bloodshed of the founding days of the Empire, the
era known as the Thousand Years of Peace has actually
been characterized by near-constant conflict.
lE SSONS OF HISTORY
The fundamental nature of war in the Emerald Empire
derives largely from this early period of its history.
While the Kami-particularly Akodo-introduced their
own martial ideas and philosophies, these mixed with
those of their original followers, giving rise to a hybrid
culture of war that still holds sway today. For instance, TAKAMORI'S
MAIN FORCE
the use of bows was already well established by the
region's inhabitants, but they generally deployed
archers in small, loose formations of skirmishers. The TAKAMORI'S
subsequent employment of bows in massed and dis-
IILOCKING FORCE
1tfl
ciplined units of archers, firing in a coordinated man-
ner, was an innovation that became widespread under
lftlft ff If
TOKOYAMA'S
Akodo. Akodo also revolutionized the use of wartime
spies, often turning agents sent to observe him back II tt MAIN FORCE
on their masters through false information or bribery.

Under the guidance of the Kami, the military forces
of Rokugan and, in fact, much of its social and politi-
cal structure, came to mirror the hierarchy and order of
Tengoku. This model has proven stable, and without it,
it is certainly possible that the Emerald Empire would
not have become such a durable institution .
By the year 120, Takamori's following had grown large shadows and waiting to strike. The Emperor may once
enough to begin worrying the Emperor, Hantei Genji, more find it necessary to call upon the Lion to protect
also known as the Shining Prince. the Throne from such sedition.
To most observers, the support Takamori had
assembled reflected his sheer political acumen. In THE BATTLE OF
reality, however, Takamori was a man of endless ambi-
tion-one who knew that the world had existed before
BROKEN HOOVES
the Kami and planned to be the one to rule the world In the fourth century-and for the first time since the
after they were gone. By 123, the Emperor had begun War against Fu Leng-the Empire was assailed by a
to discern genuine sedition simmering among Takam- serious external threat. This was a group of Ujik horse
ori's coalition. The Shining Prince therefore approached lords, a largely nomadic people who live on the steppes
Lion Clan Champion Akodo Tokoyama and instructed and grasslands to the northwest and west of Rokugan.
him to prepare to stand against Takamori, whom he The term Ujik is somewhat misleading, suggesting a
believed would soon make a move on the Throne. single, coherent group. In fact, the Ujik encompass a
Sure enough, in the spring of 124, Takamori began wide and diverse array of cultures, religious beliefs,
marshaling a force west of the Mountains of Regret, and even ethnicities. The common factor uniting them
a rugged, forbidding range in northeastern Rokugan. is their penchant for living a primarily nomadic lifestyle
Takamori's stated purpose was to march his forces in which horses play a central role.
north and confront the Yobanjin, an independent peo- As a result, the Ujik are superlative riders, using
ple who still had conflicts with the Phoenix and Dragon horses not only for transport, but also in war-to the
Clans in those days. Tokoyama harbored suspicions, extent that the concept of fighting on foot, as infan-
however, and assembled his own army at Loyalty Cas- try, is essentially foreign to them. In the fourth century,
tle, the Lion holding closest to Takamori's forces. Rokugan and the other nations and peoples bordering
In the late summer of 124, Takamori made his the Ujik's traditional lands did not make extensive use
move. He sent a small covering force westward to of cavalry. Consequently, foes on horseback typically
block Tokoyama's army long enough to allow the main
part of his army to march on Otosan Uchi and seize the
Throne. The Lion Clan Champion was ready for th is,
though, having already deployed a small force of his
own to the east of Shiro Akodo. The Bloody Crane's
blocking force was itself blocked, allowing the main
body of Lion troops to intercept Takamori's army near
the southern end of the Mountains of Regret.
The ensuing Battle of Regret's Shadow saw the
Lion repeatedly outmaneuver the Bloody Crane's
forces, blocking their way south and keeping them on
the defensive. Unable to seize the initiative, Takamori
soon found himself hemmed in against the Mountains
of Regret, Lion forces closing in on him like relentless
pincers from the north and south.
tt
..........
EMPLACED W ICKER SHIELDS
Ill! !Ill !HI !Ill Ill! Ill!

With most of his forces scattered and destroyed,
Takamori made a last stand. Witnesses claim he was !Ill .q.4 44 44 .q.4 ll!l
decrying the Emperor and the Kami as tyrants even after
the arrow that would shortly kill him had found its mark. H Ill! 44 .q.4 4_4 .q.4 II! I
tt IHII!III!II 1111 Ill! 1111

LESSONS OF HISTORY
The outcome of the Battle of Regret's Shadow firmly

"" ... "" ... "" ...
established the military prowess of the Lion-even after
the death of the Kami Akodo in the year 99-while also
clearly demonstrating the clan's ongoing dedication to
the Kami and the Celestial Order. Despite the Lion's
success over the Bloody Crane, however, rumors per-
sist that subversive elements who aim to end divine
rule over Rokugan exist to this day, hidden in the
proved overwhelming to the Ujik's opponents. Indeed, Initially, the Ujik encountered little resistance, cross-
the only thing that likely prevented the Ujik from over- ing the Great Wall of t he North mountains and enteri ng
running their neighbors and becoming the preeminent the Empire through the pass now known as the Ki-Rin's
power in the region was their own fractious nature. Path. Crossing the Snow Plain, then passing south of
Organized mainly into family groups, the Ujik have Dragon 's Heart Forest, they finally encountered the
a history of frequent infighting-sometimes for access westernmost outposts of the Empire, an array of small
to favored grasslands and sometimes, it seems, purely strongholds defended by the Lion Clan. The Lion gar-
for the sake of conflict. During recurring events such as risons, horrified by the sudden and wholly unexpected
the changing of seasons and various celestial phenom- appearance of a vast army of mounted gaijin warrio rs,
ena, the Ujik gather into larger assemblies, and these sent urgent warnings eastward before being overrun.
sometimes war with one another. The Rokugani largely The Lion Clan hastily assembled a number of small
remain blissfully unaware of the occasional sweeping armies and flung them into the path of the Ujik, but the
campaigns and huge battles fought almost upon their Ujik destroyed them in a rapid succession of attacks
western doorstep. they ca rried out with ruthless precision. Mounted
archers would gallop into range of the Lion ra nks, loose
fURIOUS INVASION their arrows, and then wheel away again before t he
Lion could engage them. Once the Lion ran ks were suf-
In the year 376, however, this was not the case. A par- ficiently depleted and began to waver, a final, massive
charismatic leader, known only as the Lord of mounted charge would overrun their battered lines,
had risen to prominence among the Ujik. During sweep the survivors from t he field, and decisively finish
height of his influence, a comet-also observed by the battle. Seemingly unstoppable, the Lord of Grass
Rokugani astrologers-appeared in the eastern skies; pressed on, leading his enormous army ever deeper
its tail was said to "wipe away half of the stars in the into the Empire.
sky." Imperial scholars believe that the Lord of Grass It was apparent to the Lion Clan Champion, Akodo
interpreted the comet as a sign from the Lords of Death, Kimiko, that stalwart bravery and skill at arms were not
an enigmatic pantheon worshiped by many of the Ujik, going to be enough to defeat the Ujik. She t herefore
that he should strike east on a campaign of conquest. traded space for time, withdrawing her forces eastward
With a vast number of Ujik behind him, the Lord of ahead of the advancing Ujik and avoiding a decisive
Grass launched an offensive slammed into engagement. Some Lion commanders saw this as
cowardice, but there was purpose to Kimiko's actions.
Having seen the abysmal fa ilure of the Lion's earlier
piecemeal efforts, she concentrated her forces and
bolstered them with hastily formed levies of peasant
troops. At the same time, she studied information pro-
vided by the survivors of the earlier battles in order to
develop ways to counter the Ujik's stunning mob ility.
For almost two weeks, Kimiko maintained a delicate
balance between carefully readying her army t o face
the invaders and keeping her own impatient generals
and commanders at bay. Finally, as the Ujik closed in on
Kyuden lkoma (Sacred Watch Palace), Kimiko arrayed
her army to meet them on the plains north of the pal-
ace. Th is may have seemed an odd choice; the flat,
open terrain appeared to fa vo r the use of cavalry while
providing little advantage for t he defenders. Moreover,
despite having marshaled the largest army she could ,
Kimiko and her forces were still badly outnumbered.
When the Battle of Broken Hooves was joined, how-
ever, Kimiko's tactical cunning soon became apparent.
Sodden rice paddies on her army's right flank stymied
the Ujik, limiting their maneuvers to her front and left.
The Lion also employed portable shields of wicker and
wood, carried and placed by the peasant levies, which

sheltered the ranks of samurai from the worst of their THE WARS
attackers' archery. Finally, most of the Lion warriors AGAINST IUCHIBAN
armed themselves with overlong spears and adopted
In the late fifth century, an evil sorcerer known as
square formations with soldiers facing outward in every
luchiban rose to power wielding potent, dangerous,
direction. Archers, enclosed in the middle, could fire in
and illicit magics in an effort to seize control of the
any direction from a position of relative safety.
Empire. Worst of all, luchiban seemed to have power
The Ujik hurled themselves at the Lion again and
over life and death themselves. Not only did he return
again. Whi le the Lion suffered losses each time, Kim-
several times after appearing to have perished in bat-
ike, who personally led the army, kept her troops
tle or via assassination, but he was able to animate
rallied and their lines solid. Moreover, many of the
corpses to do his bidding and fight on his behalf. He
peasants, who previously had been only shield bearers,
even imbued those foolish and corrupted mortals who
picked up the spears of fallen Lion warriors and took
chose to follow him-the Bloodspeakers-with t he
their places in the line of battle. Now it was the Ujik
power to do likewise.
attackers who suffered the more egregious casualties.
Finally, after a long, b loody day of fighting, the
Lord of Grass pulled the remaining Ujik back out of IMMORTAL VILLAINY
archery range and arrayed them in a single huge for- luchiban's original identity is the subject of debate,
mation. The Lion braced for a massive final charge, at least among those few scholars brave enough
but the mounted invaders only raised a single, echo- to delve into lore perilously close to the forbidden.
ing shout-apparently a salute to their unbroken Lion Some believe that luchiban was a gaijin magician who
opponents-then turned and thundered off westward. arrived in the Empire in secret, slowly gathering a cu l-
Eventually, they passed back through the Ki-Rin's Path tish following about him before launching his terrible
and left the Empire. They have not returned in such campaign of conquest. Others contend that luchiban
great numbers since. was actually a Rokugani-an ambitious samurai lord,
a power-hungry shugenja, or perhaps even a relative
lESSONS OF HISTORY of the Emperor-whose thwarted ambitions led him to
strike sinister bargains with corrupt powers. Still others
The Battle of Broken Hooves marks several important
believe that luchiban was never human at all, but rather
milestones in the evolution of Rokugani military tactics.
an ancient and malevolent being from some bleak and
It was the first major battle to see the employment of
long-forgotten Spirit Realm.
large peasant levies. In previous battles, most peas-
What is known is that in the year 510, the Lion,
ants had been relegated to supporting tasks, such as
Crane, and Crab Clan Champions all perished under
bringing supplies forward and removing casua lties.
mysterious circumstances. W ith such dreadful events
The commoners were otherwise considered unsuit-
unfolding, a Scorpion Clan magistrate, Soshi Takasho,
able for combat. In this battle, despite being deployed
undertook an investigation that eventually led him to
only as shield bearers, the levies acquitted themselves
the Imperial Capital. There, accompanied by Imperial
with great heroism; many died alongside Lion samurai,
Guard Akodo Minobe, he uncovered an insidious p lot:
standing against the Ujik charges.
a cult of Bloodspeakers, led by the elusive luchiban,
Since this battle, ashigaru have become an increas-
was engaged in a foul ritua l to animate the dead who
ingly important, often pivotal, part of Rokugani military
had been laid to rest in the city's tombs and catacombs.
forces. In fact, some commoners are effectively profes-
No sooner had they made this terrifying discovery than
sional soldiers. These serve in standing ashigaru garri-
Takasho and Minobe were themselves discovered by
sons or travel from region to region serving lords who
the Bloodspeakers. While Minobe fought a desperate
employ them for military campaigns. More broadly, the
rearguard action against the undead monstrosities pur-
battle shows the importance of innovations in thinking,
suing them, Takasho was able to raise the alarm.
such as trading space for time, choosing d ecisive times
This was fortunate, because otherwise, the city
and places for battles, and incorporating flexibility in
would have been caught completely unaware and
formations and weaponry. This not only would influ-
overrun by an implacable horde of the undead. Vir-
ence Imperial military philosophy generally, but also
tually the entire population would have been slaugh-
would serve the Lion well when the returning Ki-Rin
tered. Even worse, the Bloodspeakers would have
clan confronted them four centuries later.
animated those casualties, dramatically swelling the
ranks of their ghastly army.
:J1
CHAPTER I: GLORIOUS HISTORIES
last conflict in the brief campa ign, took place near the
THE BATTLE OF present-day vi llage of Shaiga, just northeast of the
GRIM RESOLVE Kitsune Forest.
The Bear Clan forces, hopelessly outmatched,
In the seventh century, the Lion Clan's martial power
nonetheless fought bitterly. The few who survived the
was put to grim purpose, its legions being deployed
Lion onslaught are reported to have fled into the enig-
at the Emperor's order to obliterate the Bear Clan, a
matic g loom of the Kitsune Forest. W hen the battle
Minor Clan that supposedly had fallen into terrible
ended, t he Bear Clan had been obliterated, and with it,
corruption, driven by the blood-tainted sorcery known
the threat of its rampant blood magic ended. The fate
as mahc5. The truth of the matter is more problematic,
of the Bear Clan still stands as a reminder of the Lion's
however, and may not be as unequivocal as the official
readiness to enforce the Emperor's will against any clan
histories record.
that would defy the Celestial Order.
MAHO AND MYSTERY

LESSONS OF HISTORY
Little detail remains available regarding the Bear Clan.
In the years since, quiet discussions among historians
What is known is that this Minor Clan occupied lands
and other scholars have cast some doubt on the affair.
north of the Kitsune Forest, on the southern border of
It seems strange, for example, that such an egregious
the Scorpion Clan. The Bear gained Minor Clan sta-
use of blood magic could have occurred undetected
and for so long, in lands bordered by the Scorpion Cia~
tus from "an Emperor in the fourth century, in recog-
nition of valuable service performed for the Throne by
to the north and the Crab Clan to the south. More-
a samurai of heroic stature." If records exist describ-
over, although mahc5 is a grave offense against Imperial
ing which Emperor authorized the clan's formation
law, not a single charge was ever brought against any
or what "valuable services" were performed by which
member of the Bear Clan. Some scholars instead claim
"samurai of heroic stature," they are lost or carefully
to have found hints that the Bear had actually been
hidden away.
embroiled in a dispute with the Imperial authorities
What Imperial records do chronicle is that in the
over taxes.
early seventh century, "disquieting news" reached
The fact that the Emperor chose the Lion to red ress
Emperor Hantei XVII regarding the Bear Clan. An
the situation, rather than the Imperial Legions, has
unnamed Emerald Magistrate reported t hat, despite a
some scholars further believing that the whole matter
period of favorable weather that made harvests rela-
may have been intended as an object lesson to the
tively bountiful across the Empire, many of the Bear
population about subordination to Imperial authority.
had fallen ill and were starving. The Emperor ordered
These scholars speculate that the Lion had made a
a deeper investigation, whereupon a horrific discovery
secret agreement with the Emperor to destroy the Bear
was made: the Bear Clan Champion was a mahc5-tsukai,
Clan as a way to glorify their own clan and enhance
a practitioner of evil and blasphemous b lood magic.
their reputation for martial ruthlessness.
Worse, many of her followers had also adopted the vile
W hile the official history remains one of rooti ng
practice. Fearing that such foul sorcery not only would
out and destroying corruption, these surreptitious
corrupt the Bear Clan and bring the Ta int to its lands,
questions demonstrate the extent to which milita-
but also would spread, afflicting the lands and peoples
rism is embedded in Imperial politics. It also empha-
around it, the Emperor ordered the Lion Clan to put an
sizes the truism that warfare in Rokugan is, in the end,
end to the threat.
merely an extension of those same politics, serving
Accordingly, the Lion Clan Champion marched
to achieve objectives that cannot be as readily-and
a powerful array of legions south. Upon arriving in Bear
dramatically-accomplished in court.
lands, the Lion army immediately set about destroy-
ing the Minor Clan. The Battle of Grim Resolve, the
In 662, the simmering resentment finally boiled

BATTLES OF THE over. Riots erupted in the City of Lies in Scorpion lands,
GREAT FAMINE the City of Remembrance in Phoenix lands, and even
in the Imperial Capital, Otosan Uchi. The Imperial
In the latter part of the seventh century, Rokugan was
Legions, bolstered by Lion and Crane troops, ruthlessly
afflicted by a tumultuous period known as the Great
crushed the insurrection. The number of commoners
Famine. As crops failed and disease spread, haphaz-
killed in this bloody crackdown is not recorded, but
ard and often tyrannical leadership throughout the
anecdotes from the time suggest a horrific death toll.
Empire exacerbated the population's misery. Although
This ended the immediate threat, but it hardly quelled
the Imperial Histories downplay the era as a "relatively
the unrest-in fact, it threw fuel on the fire, prompting
brief period of strife" that soon led to a "resumption of
riots and sabotage to spill from the cities and into the
a glorious time of prosperous peace," the bitter truth
surrounding countryside. Disaffected commoners, and
was that the Empire was riven by almost five years of
even many samurai disillusioned by the brutally repres-
rampant starvation and disease, riots, insurrection, and
sive response from the Imperial authorities, loosely
open war among the clans.
organized themselves into the People's Legion.
This ad hoc army established itself in the northwest-
DRIVEN BY DESPERATION ern portion of the Empire, in what would later become
From the year 660 to the year 665, Rokugan was sub- Unicorn lands, but they were no match for the Imperial,
jected to a period of relentlessly bad weather: intense Lion, and Crane army dispatched to confront them.
drought broken by bursts oftorrential rain, compounded The long and grinding campaign that followed could
by heavy snowfalls during unusually long and cold win- have only one outcome: the People's Legion eventu-
ters. These climatic extremes ravaged the Empire's ally were obliterated.
crops, resulting in one poor harvest after another. Des- Still, even the Lion and Crane were not
perate appeals to the Fortunes and elemental spirits all immune to the turmoil shaking the Empire.
failed to rectify the implacably worsening situation . In 662, a Lion Clan delegation crossed
By 662, food stocks were badly depleted, and the Drowned Merchant River to confront
famine spread among the clans. Outbreaks of disease the Dragon Clan because it had done
began to compound the already dire situation. Water little to stem the flood of starving ref-
fever, in particular, spread rapidly due to flooding from ugees driven southward into Lion
the sudden, intense rains and high-volume snowmelt, lands. However, the Dragon Clan
which ran off too quickly to alleviate the drought but Champion, who was in meditative
still contaminated water supplies. seclusion, refused to meet with the
Despite this, the Emerald Champion refused to commander of the Lion delega-
lower Imperial taxes on the scant food the struggling tion, General Akodo Masaumi.
farmers did manage to produce. Exacerbating the Enraged, Masaumi marshaled
mounting troubles, Emperor Hantei XX-a ruthless and an army and made to march
devious ruler-bestowed arbitrary and dramatic favor into the Dragon lands.
on the Lion and Crane Clans while expressing little
interest in the others. He ensured that these two clans
received adequate supplies of food by increasing taxes
on the rest of the Empire .
LESSONS O F HISTORY
These battles demonstrate the extent to which social dis-

order can lead to unrest and conflict. While the Battle of
Drowned Merchant River shows that such situations can
be resolved through diplomacy, the Rice War is an object
lesson in the deleterious effects of supply shortages-
especially of food-on military campaigns. The Crab, in
particular, have since remained keenly aware of the need
A Dragon army
to keep their armies well supplied, which is why they find
engaged the Lion soon
the Empire's casual and even contemptuous dismissal of
after they crossed the border.
their supply and materiel needs so infuriating.
The ensuing Battle of Drowned
Merchant River raged on for several
days with neither side gaining the upper THE BATTLES OF
hand. The arrival of a Phoenix Clan force KYUDEN TONBO AND
finally convinced Masaumi to parley with his
THE GREAT CLIMB
opponents. This led to a truce. The Lion agreed
to withdraw and provide some assistance to the In the early eighth century, the Lion general Akodo
famine-ravaged Dragon; the Dragon, in turn, agreed to Yokutsu was betrothed to Phoenix samurai lsawa Moroko
curtail the movement of refugees into Lion lands. as part of a series of negotiated agreements between
A conflict that erupted in the Empire's south was the two clans. Moroko's family held many of the plains
not so easily resolved. When Crab Clan Champion to the north of Toshi Ranbo, east of Dragon lands and
Hida Tsuneko appealed for aid for her clan in the Impe- west of Drowned Merchant River. However, before the
rial Court, she was derisively dismissed, particularly by marriage could take place, Moroko's family broke off the
the Crane. In what became known as the Rice War, the betrothal so that Moroko could be free to marry her true
Crab and Crane Clans engaged in an intense trade dis- love, Mirumoto Ashijin of the Dragon Clan, and allowed
pute over rice other foodstuffs. As the dispute esca- her to retain her inheritance even after she joined the
lated, Tsuneko and the Crab invaded the Crane lands. Dragon. Enraged at the loss of Moroko's lands and what
Initially, and despite being critically short of food, the he perceived as a personal slight, Yokutsu petitioned his
Crab prevailed in battle after battle, driving the belea- champion for leave to marshal an army and attack the
guered Crane forces northward. Only the timely arrival Dragon as revenge for "stealing" the territory he was
of several Imperial Legions stabilized the faltering owed. The Lion Champion agreed but limited the size
Crane, bolstering their defenses against the relentless of Yokutsu's army to avoid any appearance of starting a
Crab advance. war unsanctioned by the Throne.
Finally, just outside of Lonely Shore City, Tsuneko's
offensive ran out of momentum. The Crab, their food LANDS AND LE GACIES
stocks exhausted, were forced to plead for peace. As
In the year 704, Yokutsu led his army across the border
the Crane had the backing of the Imperial Legions
and into the lands of the Dragon. His objective was
and the favor of the Emperor, the Crab had no choice
Kyuden Tonbo, or Dragonfly Palace, Ashijin and Moroko's
but to accept a treaty that included a range of severe
new holding in the southern Dragon lands. Yokutsu's
punitive measures. These included reparations to the
unbridled wrath was not unexpected by the newlywed
Crane to be paid in coin, food shipments, and other
couple, however. Realizing that their new home lacked
resources the Crab simply could not afford. Many Crab
the defensive works to withstand a determined attack,
still bitterly contend that the harm caused by this treaty
they appealed to their respective clans for help. When
contributed significantly to the near-victory of the oni
Yokutsu reached Dragonfly Palace, he found a combined
known as the Maw when it led a massive attack against
Dragon and Phoenix Clan army waiting for him.
the Empire fifty years later.
Undeterred, Yokutsu launched his attack. In the
ensuing Battle of Kyuden Tonbo, he made some ini-
tial headway, but his army's limited size soon meant he
had to commit his small reserve force . Unable to main-
tain the momentum of the attack, Yokutsu's army was
forced on the defensive. Eventually, the Akodo realized
he could not win the day and tried to retreat, but Phoe-
nix shugenja led by Mirumoto Moroko used their ele-
mental power to block the Lion forces' withdrawal.
Yokutsu had no choice but to parley with his victorious
opponents. They required him to swear to the Emperor
that he would never again attack the young couple; KY ODEN TONBO
in recompense, the Dragon offered him a yearly tax
of rice and ore from Ashijin's and Moroko's lands, to
last as long as his and his heirs' lives. Enraged, Yokutsu
111111 11 111111 11
PHOEN IX
INFANTR Y IN FANTRY
refused the offer and withdrew, swearing wildly that he
would still have Moroko's lands for his own. ~
In the aftermath of the battle, the agreement nego-
1111 llll lllf
tiated between the Lion, Dragon, and Phoenix Clans
prompted the Emperor to recognize Moroko, Ashijin, 1111 !HI 1111
YOK UTSU'S
and their followers as members of a new Minor Clan, FORC ES
the Dragonfly. The Hantei granted them the new fam-

ily name Tonbo, further insulating them from potential
political challenges. The Dragon ceded to the newly
minted Dragonfly Clan the lands south and southeast
of the Great Climb (including Moroko's territory), with
the understanding that the new Minor Clan would help
to further both clans' interests. In particular, the Drag -
onfly would act as the Dragon's gatekeepers, receiving
visitors and ensuring that only those with approved or
important business were permitted to journey onward
into the mountains. The Lion Clan Champion consid-
ered the Dragon's and Phoenix's loss of tax revenue
from the region to be an appropriate consequence
for its role in the broken engagement. Yokutsu saw
matters differently.
EXCUSES FOR WAR
For seven years, peace held in the lands of the Drag-

onfly. Akodo Yokutsu had not assuaged his wrath,
however, and he continued to brood over his failed
attack on Kyuden Tonbo. He bided his time, waiting
to quench his thirst for blood; since his oath prevented
him from attacking the Dragonfly, he set his sights on
the Dragon Clan. An opportunity finally presented
itself in 711, when a Dragon ambassador spoke some
rash and poorly chosen words in the court of Shiro
Akodo (Loyalty Castle). This was all the pretext Yokutsu
needed to resume his egregious quest for revenge.
He marshaled another army, carefully marched
around the Dragonfly lands in order to maintain his
vow, then struck north for the lands of the Dragon Clan
beyond. He met the Dragon defenders in the Battle of
the Great Climb. It was a relatively brief conflict; Yokutsu
had obsessively developed specific tactics against the
Dragon, who relied on their mountainous terrain to bol-
ster their defense. Unable to hold against the Lion, the
Dragon forces withdrew into the stronghold of Shiro
Mirumoto (Last Glance Castle).
Yokutsu maneuvered his army to surround the lESSONS OF HISTORY

castle and threatened to besiege it, even though it
meant starving the defenders out. He then offered Whi le these battles offered little in terms of advancing
an alternative: he could instead face Tonbo Ashijin- Imperial military philosophy, they are instructive in other
formerly Mirumoto Ashijin-in a duel. The Dragon Clan ways. In particular, they demonstrate the role of per-
Champion realized that his clan could never be free sonal vendetta in driving violent conflict. Akodo Yokutsu
from Yokutsu's aggression until the matter was finally went down in history as being synonymous with selfish
resolved, as Yokutsu would never relinquish his warped grudges-his unwillingness to relent ended up costing
view that Moroko and her lands were a possession Ash- the Lion Clan lives as well as reputation. The Battle of
ijin had stolen. Ashijin likewise came to understand that the Great Climb also shows that not all wars are won by
Yokutsu would not rest while he remained alive-and, battlefield triumphs; victory can very much come down
worse, that the brash Lion's descendants would proba- to other factors, such as the o utcome of a duel.
bly perpetuate the grudge even if Ashijin were to slay
Yokutsu. According ly, the Dragon agreed for the duel
to take place, and Ashijin allowed the vengeful Akodo
to slay him. Yokutsu, finally satisfied that his "honor" BREAKING
had been cleansed, brazenly declared himself the new BETROTHALS
Champion of the Dragonfly Clan.
Yokutsu's tyranny was short-lived, however. Ashijin The match between Akodo Yokutsu and lsawa
and Moroko had adopted a young samurai, Tonbo Moroko certainly wasn't the first betrothal to
Kuyujin, as their son and heir. Kuyujin, trained in the be broken in the Empire's history, nor was it
art of dueling by the Shiba family of the Phoenix Clan, the last. The dissolution of a betrothal isn't
challenged Yokutsu to a duel to avenge his father undertaken lightly, and usually matchmak-
and protect his pacifistic mother. Kuyujin won, killing ers and clan negotiators will attempt to find
Yokutsu, and was recognized by the Emperor as the alternative means of securing alliances or
new Champion of the Dragonfly Clan. transferring lands to compensate. The indi-
viduals involved are expected to accept the
outcome, even if it means enduring what
might seem to be a personal insult.
In 1123, once again the Lion found
themselves on the receiving end of a bro-
ken betrothal-this time for a match struck
between the lkoma daimy6 and the Unicorn
Clan Champion. Hostilit ies between Lion and
Unicorn had been growing since before the
match was made, however, and the match
itself was designed to prevent further con-
flicts. Some believe the lkoma created a
match that the Unicorn should have never
accepted in the first place, fully expecting the
Unicorn to reject or break the betrothal and
thus giving the Lion the pretense of having
first tried to secure a diplomatic solution.
THE BATTLE OF THE
HOUR OF THE WOLF
The Battle of the Hour of the Wolf is one
of most infamous battles ever fought
in Rokugan. It is also one of the most
poorly understood. Even the histori-
ans of the Lion Clan's lkoma fam ily,
renowned for their minute atten-
tion to detail when chronicling the
Empire's military history, have little
to say about this particular battle. This
may be because it is remembered as
a terrible tragedy for the Lion. In any
case, the Battle of the Hour of the
Wolf has obtained an almost mythic
status, which is only reinforced by
the eerie legends that have grown in
its aftermath.
W ith the coming of morning , the few, battered

AN AccuRsED HouR
remnants of both armies withdrew, leaving their dead
According to extant accounts, sometime between strewn across the field . So much blood had been
the seventh and ninth centuries, a combined force of spilled that the Lake of Shining Glass had turned crim-
Scorpion and Crane legions sought to push northward, son; it was later renamed Red Lake.
through Seiden Pass, and into the lands of the Lion To this day, on the anniversary of t he Battle of the
Clan beyond. For reasons unknown, once through the Hour of the Dog (which they renamed Hour of the Wolf
pass, this army turned east, fol lowing the south shore after the horror of the battle). it is said that the lake once
of the Lake of Sorrows and marching back toward more turns red, and blood washes up on its shores. The
Crane territory on the northern side of the Spine of the lake is also said to be haunted. The Lion further con-
World Mounta ins. The army then turned south, finally sider it sacred, a rest ing place for their ancestors who
clashing with a Lion army consisting almost entirely fell in the battle and were lost in the bloody waters. As
of Matsu legions on the northern shore of the Lake they make pilgrimages to the many ancestral shrines
of Shining Glass. Historians speculate that the two that dot the lake's shore, the Lion remember the battle
armies may have actually fought prior to this, and that as a terrible tragedy for their clan, even though losses
the Scorp ion-Crane force was simply pushed east and among the Scorpion and Crane are believed to have
south by the victorious Lion, forcing it to seek refuge been just as severe.
in Crane lands.
Regardless, o n the shore of the Lake of Shining LESSONS OF HISTORY
Glass, a ferocious battle ensued. Fighting raged all
From a strictly military perspective, this is a rare exam-
through the day and, contrary to normal Rokugani mil-
p le of a large-scale night battle. This is something t hat
itary practice, did not cease with the coming of night.
Rokugani generals largely eschew, given the difficulties
The armies, locked in a vicious struggle to the death,
of deploying, maneuvering, commanding, and con-
simply continued to fight, the carnage illuminated
troll ing a large army in the dark. It is also an example
only by torches and the wan lig ht of Lord Moon. It is
of a battle in which both sides were nearly eradicated.
said that ten thousand samura i were killed during the
The darkness and consequent loss of effective com-
Hour of the Wolf . Scholars argue over whether this is
munication between generals and their units probably
hyperbole-few armies of that era had enough samu-
contributed heavily to the carnage as, being unable to
rai to sustain such losses-but the number is widely
receive commands to withdraw, both sides likely kept
circulated regard less.
fighting until collapse.
J9
prey to whatever strange and terrible peoples and pow-

THE RETURN OF THE KI-RIN ers they likely had encountered. The Ki-Rin became a
In the year 45, three years after Fu Leng was defeated cautionary tale among the people of the Empire, an
on the Day of Thunder, the Kami Shinjo led her clan object lesson in the dangerous hostility of the foreign
on a long, arduous journey beyond the boundaries of lands that would feed Rokugan's growing isolationism.
the Empire. While the growing Empire was rebuilding
following decades of ruinous war and beginning the INVADERS FROM THE PAST
campaign to cement its borders, Shinjo was intent on
It was with great surprise, then, that in the year 815,
exploring the surrounding world. The treachery of her
a large force, most mounted on powerful warhorses,
fallen brother, with whom she had been close, affected
suddenly arrived in the southern reaches of the Empire
her deeply, so she was determined to ensure that no
having apparently traversed the Shadowlands. The
other force could come to pose a threat to the Empire.
Crab, who encountered them first, immediately pre-
Accordingly, she chose to project the Empire's aware-
pared to withstand an assault by these strange outsid-
ness beyond its borders, to identify such possible
ers. The travelers claimed, however, to be the long-lost
threats and learn how to avoid or defeat them.
Ki-Rin Clan, now called the Unicorn Clan. For nearly
Most of her clan-known as the Ki-Rin, after a fan-
eight hundred years, they said, they had wandered and
tastic, enchanted creature that took a form similar to
explored the world outside the Empire, and now they
that of a horse-followed Shinjo on her long journey.
were back.
Those who remained eventually became a Minor Clan
Unfortunately, any forces approaching the Empire
in their own right, the Fox Clan. The bulk of the Ki-Rin
however, journeyed across the Plain of Wind and Ston~
from the Shadowlands, a sinister land of evil, were
suspect. Such forces might appear human , but when
and through the Burning Sands. They passed not only
it came to the Shadowlands, the Crab had learned that
out of sight of the rest of the Empire, but largely out
appearances could be tragically deceptive. Meeting
of memory as well. Eventually, the Ki-Rin assumed an
the Unicorn vanguard forces with a hail of arrows, siege
almost mythical status among the Rokugani . More to
engines, and some of the finest warriors in Rokugan,
the point, most Rokugani assumed that they had van-
the Crab initially rebuffed them.
ished into the surrounding world, either lost or fallen
However, the Unicorn had ridden through the Shad- Rokugan and the Unicorn hordes finally emerged from
THE BATTLES O F
owlands and knew the dangers they would endure by the mountain passes in Lion lands, they found them- WHITE STAG AND THE
remaining in Fu Leng's territory. With the Crab unable selves arrayed against a well-organized army of tra ined RAGING SEAS
(or perhaps unwilling) to recognize them for who they ashigaru and valiant samurai. This time, t heir speed,
By the fif th century, the
were, the Unicorn followed their Clan Champion, power, and adaptiveness no longer worked to their
Empire had established
Shinjo Nishijin, who acted with swift decisiveness. advantage, as the Lion army was prepared fo r such a relatively open relations
The Battle of Burning Shadows was b rief and brutal, force. Yet the two armies never crossed arms, for at the with the various foreign
the Crab defenders finding themselves unprepared eleventh hour, an emissary from Otosan Uchi arrived powers that existed
for the techniques the warriors from distant lands wit h a decree from the Emperor. beyond its borders. For
some years, represen·
employed. Invoking foreign magics theretofore unseen While the hordes had been crossing the mountains
tatives of tl1ese gaijin
in Rokugan, the hordes' luchi shugenja b lasted a mas- and defeating their foes in combat, Unicorn d iplomats nations had engaged
sive hole in the Kaiu Wall, and the hordes overran the had ridden to their ancest ra l allies among the Crane. the Empire in diplomacy
unprepared Crab defenders. A lthough the inheritors of Lady Doji were skeptical that and trade. Unfortunately,
this new openness to
Before the Crab could even begin to formulate the foreigners were the returned Ki-Rin Clan, t he Uni-
foreign relations did
a response, their line of battle had b roken and their corn d iplomats still carried a sandalwood fan: the one not last; pressure from
forces d ispersed. Reeling fro m the unexpected assault t hat Doji had given Shinjo before the Ki-Rin d eparted more conservative and
and unsure how best t o oppose their mounted foes, more than 800 years earlier. The histo rians of t he Miya traditional factions in the
the Crab allowed the Unicorn to pass them by and and Asahina authenticated the ancestral artifact, and Empire eventually led to
an Imperial decree for·
regrouped to focus their efforts on repa iring the Wa ll. t he Emperor acknowledged t he Unicorn as the succes-
molly expelling all gaijin
Meanwhile, t he Unicorn took little t ime to rest before sors of the Ki-Rin. With the support of the Crane Clan diplomats and merchants
marching deeper into the Empire. Champion, the Unicorn Clan was welcomed into the from Rokugan.
In a series of successive battles, the Unicorn faced Empire and, by Imperial d ecree, given back their lands
In the turmoil that
armies raised by the Lion, Phoenix, and Scorpio n in t he northwestern portion of Rokugan. The Lion, who followed, bitter fighting
Clans. In each case, th e Unicorn 's use of massed cav- had been caretakers of those lands for centuries, were erupted between Imperial
alry charges overwhelmed their opponents and drove unable to gainsay an edict d irectly from the Empero r; and gaijin forces, culmi·
noting in two large and
them from the field. At the Battle of Wh ite Shore Plain, nevertheless, they struggled to give up towns and
consecutive clashes: the
the Unicorn d efeated a Scorpion army despite the fa rmlands that had essent ially been theirs for so long. Battle ofWhite Stag and
underhanded tactics its commanders employed. At To this day, the Lion and Unicorn continue to clash over the naval battle known
the Battle of Thunder Grove, the Unicorn thwarted a their territories, each having an ancestral cla im to t he as the Raging Seas. The
Lion ambush with a cavalry ret reat t hat drew the Lion lands surrounding the Drowned Merchant River and Battle of White Stag is
described in more detail
soldiers into a counter-ambush that d estroyed them. Three Sides River that they are unwilling t o cede.
in the Legend of the Five
And at the Battle of th e Peaks, as t he Unicorn ho rdes Rings Game Master's Kit.
crossed the Spine of the World Mountains, a team of l ESSONS FROM HISTORY These battles were fought
Phoenix Air Elemental Guards and the Hurricane Initi-
in and around the Imperial
ates attempted t o ambush them, only to be rebuffed Since the return of the Ki-Rin Clan as the Unicorn, the
Capital, Otosan Uchi.
by spirits they d id not recognize that answered the Empire has seen a wid espread adoption of cava lry Imperial forces eventually
commands of the Unicorn shugenja. forces by the clans, includ ing the use of warhorses, defeated and drove off
rather than ponies, and t he employment of sadd les the gaijin forces, but
An important advantage of the Unicorn's cava l-
and st irrups. The clans have also widely implemented only after the foreigners
ry-d ominated forces soon became apparent t o the inflicted great damage on
other clans: unprecedented strategic mobility. While cavalry t actics.
the city and killed many of
being mounted doesn't necessari ly make an army Despite this, the Unicorn remain the und isputed its inhabitants. The legacy
much faster than o ne traveling mainly on foot, it masters of mounted warfare. Accordingly, t he clans of this debacle was a
have also d eveloped a range of techniques and tactics renewed distrust offoreign
does allow for much longer marches and swift reac-
t o deal with opposing cava lry, including the use of stout powers, sparking not just
tions. These advantag es allowed the Unicorn t o dic- a resurgence of Rokugani
tate where and when battles would be fought, seizing spears and o bstacles t o block and b reak charges, the isolationism, but an actual
the initiative from the other clans and forcing them t o employment of square formations t o avoid present ing hardening of it as official
mounted op ponents with vu lnerable flanks, and a fuller Imperial policy.
abandon long-p roven strategies.
Finally, as t he snows of winter descended upon appreciation of terrain t hat limits a foe's use of cavalry.
H
ever-mounting losses. Eventually, Sakura realized she

THE BATTLE OF might win the battle, but even now lacked sufficient
SNOW PLAIN force to reliably hold the Snow Plain for her clan. She
finally called for a parlay with Kamu. The battle ended
In the year 820, the Lion Clan faced an unprecedented
in a tactical stalemate, which represented a strategic
and complex situation-nearly half of its lands had just
loss for the Lion, who faced a winter on the p lain with-
been given to the returned Unicorn Clan. Reluctant to
out actually having secured it. Still, thanks to intense
sacrifice the way of life his people had known for nearly
lobbying from the Crane, who considered the Unicorn
eight hundred years (not to mention a great deal of
their allies, the Emperor quietly issued a decree: t he
fertile land), the Lion Clan Champion lkoma Kojima
Lion would surrender the Snow Plain to the Unicorn
pressed his claim to many of the outlying towns and vil-
in perpetuity, while in return, the Unicorn would g ive
lages the Emperor had assigned to the Unicorn. While
most of the region's food p roduction to the Lio n Clan
he and other lkoma envoys brought numerous such
for a period of ten years.
cases to the Imperial Court, he did not shy away from
leveraging the Lion's unmatched armies to defend his
clan's history and honor. lESSONS OF HISTORY
Although ultimately inconclusive, this battle was an

BLOOD IN THE WATER important one from the perspective of fighting in
Rokugan. By defying the expectations of the Lion-who
The Snow Plain, one of many regions the Lion had gov-
had anticipated facing mostly cavalry-the Unicorn
erned in the centuries since the Ki-Rin Clan left, was
had demonstrated the importance of unpredictability
a fertile area located south and west of White Shore
and innovation in warfare. The battle also showed t hat
Lake. While the Emperor had given the Snow Plain to
while maintaining an aggressive momentum is import-
the Unicorn, he had issued the edict less than five years
ant, it must be tempered by sound judgment. Sakura
before, and the clan was still in relative disarray. Taking
was headstrong and prideful, pressing her tactical
advantage of this opportunity, the Lion Clan Champion
offensive forward and losing sight of her strategic goal:
ordered his most skilled general, Matsu Sakura, to mar-
to take and hold the Snow Plain for her clan.
shal an army to strike for the Snow Plain and return it
to the Lion.
Sakura had studied the cavalry tactics of the Uni- THE BATTLE OF
corn in great detail and carefully prepared her army FATE GORGE
throughout the summer to defeat them. In the fall,
In the year 1100, a bitter dispute flared in the Impe-
Sakura launched her offensive. The Unicorn command-
rial Winter Court between a high-ranking Lion Clan
ing the defenders, Shinjo Kamu, struck back at the Lion
general, Matsu Uniri, and the Phoenix Clan's Master
army with a succession of small cavalry raids. Sakura
of Water, lsawa Kaiyoko. In addition to performing
was undeterred, however, and simply drove onward,
his duties to the Lion, Uniri served as a general in the
pushing Kamu's forces ever westward.
Imperial Legions. During his tenure, fewer of the Phoe-
By the middle of the autumn, it seemed that Sakura
nix's lsawa Elementalists entered the legions each yea r,
would be fully in possession of the Snow Plain. Then,
until only Water Elementalists who specialized in heal-
Lion scouts reported that a large Unicorn force had
ing were joining the ranks. As the Master of Water, Ka i-
appeared not far to the west and was arraying itself
yoko had forbidden those shugenja from calling upon
HISTORICAL
for battle. Again, Sakura didn't hesitate, immediately
the kami for any violent purpose. Uniri saw this as a vio-
DISCREPANCIES preparing her army for an attack. By the time she had
lation of the chain of command, while Kaiyoko warned
her forces deployed, the Unicorn had established a
Scholars who study the that the spiritual repercussions of using shugenj a o n
strong defensive position among rice paddies, based
Battle ofSnow Plain have the battlefield outweighed Uniri's wishes. She argued
not on strong cavalry forces, but on spear-armed infan-
long been intrigued by that although the lsawa fam ily maintained the Elemen-
some inconsistencies in try. This initially threw the Lion into confusion. Between
tal Legions, this elite force was to be reserved for only
both the official histories their belief they'd be confronting cavalry, not infantry,
and surviving personal the gravest of threats, such as those presented by t he
and the difficult approach to the Unicorn line of bat-
documents. The scholar Shadowlands or the Bloodspeakers.
tle through the still-sodden rice paddies, the first Lion
Bayushi Kiriko holds that The dispute boiled over when a Shiba commander
the accounts were likely attack was repulsed with heavy losses.
in the Imperial Legions jo ined the argument, agreeing
altered not by the Lion, The battle raged for the next several days, amid
but rather by Imperial with his general that the Water elementalists should
periodic snowstorms and generally worsening weather.
bureaucrats seeking to sow do more than just heal. Moreover, he said, the rest of
The Lion made steady gains, but at the cost of
discord among the clans.
the Council of Elemental Masters could stand to spare LESSONS OF HISTORY

a few lsawa Elementalists specializing in Air, Earth, or
Fire as well. After the Shiba's ill-fated contribution, The Battle of Fate Gorge is a testament to the scar-
Emerald Champion Doji Satsume, leader of the Impe- city and potency of shugenja in the Empire. Invoked
rial Legions, commanded that those legions remain by only a handful of lsawa Elementalists, the fury of
neutral in the dispute. However, he could not stop the elements can turn the tide on a battlefield or wreak
Matsu Uniri from marching his own Lion Clan forces havoc upon war camps and supply lines. Despite this,
into Phoenix lands to forcibly requisition the shugenja the clans rarely employ shugenja in battle, maintaining
he believed the Imperial Legions were owed. the same caution advocated by Kaiyoko. Most com-
manders keep their precious shugenja in relative safety
and relegate them to supporting roles such as healing,
MAGIC AGAINST STEEL
controlling the weather, or rapidly creating earthwork
lsawa Kaiyoko could not bear to simply stand by and defenses. By the year 1123, Kaiyoko's shugenja had
watch as the Shiba family's small armies paid the yet to be unleashed against the Emperor's enemies,
bloody price of her refusal. To her side, she summoned although they had proved pivotal in the Imperial
the Tsunami Legion, one of the Elemental Legions, to Legions' rescue efforts after a tsunami struck the
dissuade Uniri from continuing his march. By making a Crane coastline in 1120.
few displays of force, including summoning a powerful
typhoon to slow his soldiers' progress, she hoped to
discourage him from continuing to fight. However, this
only reinforced Uniri's desire for the lsawa Elemental-
ists' offensive capabilities. Undaunted, the Lion contin-
ued their advance, until they imperiled the lives of the
very students Kaiyoko was teaching at the Elemental
Academies. She couldn't allow the conflict to con-
tinue-she had to stop Uniri, and quickly.
Under the cover of torrential rain, Kaiyoko dis-
patched assassins to kill Uniri. Although they elim-
inated their target, they had not anticipated that his
wife, Yunaki, and his daughter would be in the same
war tent and would put up a fight of their own. A skilled
warrior and commander in her own right, Yunaki dis-
patched several of the attackers. Ten years old and
armed with only a wooden practice sword, the girl who
would grow up to become Matsu Tsuko killed one of
the assassins herself.
The next day, Matsu Yunaki assumed command
of the Lion army and prepared to attack the Phoenix
in what would become known as the Battle of Fate
Gorge. It was Uniri's young daughter who proved the
true rallying point for the Lion, however. Despite her
tender years, her cries for vengeance for her father,
one of whose "craven assassins" she had slain "only
with a stick," spurred the Lion as they charged into
the waiting ranks of the Phoenix. By the end of the
day, the Phoenix had been driven from the field with
heavy losses, and the Lion were victorious. Rather than
endure further casualties, Kaiyoko surrendered many
shugenja from her Tsunami Legion to Y4Jnaki, and the
conflict ended.
When one clan was in power, its symbology would be

THE BATTLES OF shown and worn throughout the city, while that of the
TOSHIRANBO other would be hidden away-at least until the rul ing
clan changed again.
Established by the Lion Clan in the fifth century, Vio-
The centuries of strife led to a butcher's bill: thou-
lence Behind Courtliness City-more commonly known
sands of dead samurai, even heavier casualties among
as Toshi Ranbo-is located in a key strategic position
the peasant levies, and countless noncombatant com-
between four Great Clans and surrounded on all sides
moners caught in the crossfire. It wasn't until 1118 that
by fertile farmland. It sits on the northern border of Lion
the situation seemed to change decisively. In that year,
lands along the Drowned Merchant River, a major trade
the Tsume family, vassa ls of the Crane's Doji family,
route in northern Rokugan. The northwestern end of
launched an attack from their holdings in the Golden
the Crane-held Golden Valley (Kintani) is also very
Val ley-holdings they had seized from the Lion only a
close to Toshi Ranbo. The Dragon possess the lands
short time before. The Tsume had already destroyed a
to the north and west of the city, while the Phoenix
Lion Clan vassal family, the Damasu, and the Tsume's
control those to the north and east. It is little wonder
then, that Toshi Ranbo has seen conflict rage around it~
ruthlessly ambitious daimy6, Tsume Retsu, had wasted
no time in pressing on with his offensive. He succeeded
ownership, mainly between the Lion and Crane Clans
in seizing Toshi Ranbo, effectively ending the bloodline
for nearly its entire history. '
of another Lion Clan vassal family, the Goseki, in t he
process. The Crane Clan Champion supported Tsume
CLASHES FOR CONTROL Retsu's actions, albeit somewhat reluctantly, given the
Originally, the area that would become Toshi Ranbo con- dramatic extent to which doing so would worsen rela-
sisted of a formidable fortress surrounded by only a small tions with the Lion. Retsu, through his swift, decisive,
settlement. The intent of Toshi Ranbo's Lion founders and brutal action, had succeeded where generations
was to establish a headquarters and secure base for mil- of his Crane forebears had not. When Retsu ret urned
itary operations against the Crane, Phoenix, and Dragon to the Kintani, the Doji assumed formal control of Tosh i
Clans. The Lion were concerned about the Crane, in par- Ranbo and began to consolidate their hold upon it.
ticular; an offensive launched by that clan from the river
could quickly break into open territory and threaten to lESSONS OF HISTORY
overrun much of the eastern Lion Clan lands. The Akodo
The Battles of Tosh i Ranbo demonstrate multiple
tacticians studying the problem eventually settled on the
aspects of Rokugani warfare, but two, in particu lar,
area surrounding the fortress as the best place from which
stand out. First, the Crane and Lion Clans elevated the
not only to block any Crane aggression, but also to proj-
politica l scheming around permissible interclan combat
RECENT ect power against their neighbors.
to a veritable art form. Despite hundreds of years of bat-
DEVELOPMENTS From these relatively humble beginnings, Toshi
tle and bloodshed, in only a very few specific instances
Ranbo has grown into a full-fledged city-despite hav-
111 the spring of 1123, were their conflicts officially considered "war."
ing been the focus of almost constant conflict since
the Crane and Lion have Second, the Battles of Toshi Ranbo exemplify the
a fateful confrontation about 150 years after its founding. In the late sixth
Rokugani preference for direct assault over siege war-
at the gates ofToshi century, the Crane Clan, becoming increasingly wary
Ranbo. Akodo Toturi and fare. Large, sophisticated siege engines and equip-
of growing Lion power on its northern border, abruptly
Matsu Tsuko witness the ment are normally only used by the Crab Clan in t heir
attacked and seized Toshi Ranbo, holding it for a short
slaying of the Lion Clan grim, unending struggle against the Shadowlands.
Champion, Akodo Arasou, time before the Lion retook it. This marked the begin-
Inside the Empire, protracted sieges are rare, even
by Doji Hotaru's arrow. ning of repeated instances in which the city switched
against strongly defended targets.
Ostensibly to reduce ownership. While under Crane control, Toshi Ranbo
tensions, the Emperor Instead, direct assaults on fortified locations are far
would become a base of operations from which the
Hantei XXXVI/I appointed more common, rarely utilizing anything more sophisti-
Crane could strike into the Lion's northern provinces
Emerald Magistrate cated than mobile shields, ladders, and battering rams.
Bayushi Yojiro to admin- along the Drowned Merchant River, just as Lion strat-
This tends to limit damage to towns, cities, and castles,
istrate the city, witl1 egists had feared. The Lion would, therefore, amass
support from the Imperial helping aggressors retain their value and avoid costly
forces to drive the Crane back, retake Toshi Ranbo,
Legion (featuring a and time-consuming repa irs. Even more favored is the
and launch their own attacks into Crane territory. The
suspiciously high number Lion strategy of bypassing and isolating garrisons; gen-
of Scorpion legionnaires). Crane, in turn, would push the Lion back and recapture
erals simply do not like engaging in the grinding attri-
This effectively usurped the city, and the cycle would repeat itself.
tion of a lengthy siege and wou ld much rather achieve
Crane control through a Indeed, the city changed hands so often it was said
political coup, proving swift and decisive results.
that citizens kept sets of identifying rega lia for both.
that not all battles are
won on the battlefield.
11,e liott Cfatt
At the heart of Rokugan stands the Lion Clan. This is true
in more ways than one. Not only do Lion's provinces lie
at the center of the Emerald Empire, but the Lion Clan
is the core of its greatest martial tradit ion: that of the
samurai as a warrior. From its founding, the Lion Clan has
existed for the purpose of making war, but its samurai
are also the keepers of Rokugan's martial traditions and a
living reminder of the Empire's warrior heritage. The Lion
have taken this calling to heart, and over the centuries,
their soldiers have become the mightiest military force.
The Kami Akodo forged the Lion Clan into the
blade of the Emperor, prepared to attack or defend at
his command. The Lion are the Empire's warrior con-
science, remind ing its samurai what honor demands.
They are the scholars of war, producing some of the
finest tacticians the Empire has ever known. They are dedicated to especially heroic figures.
keepers of Bushido, the path of the samurai. And Of course, the Lion also worship the Fortunes,
through it all, t hey are the staunchest allies of the Han- especially Bishamon, the Fortune of Strength, and
tei line, ever ready beside the Emperor, just as Akodo Hachiman, the Fortune of Warfare. However, they con-
and Hantei stood at the dawn of the Empire. sider worship of the Fortunes a different relig ious p rac-
The Emperor's first commands to the Lion Clan are tice altogether. Fortune worship is transaction based,
carved into the foundation of every Lion dojo, so that every whi le ancestor worship is t heir sacred obligation. They
student who crosses the threshold knows them by heart: believe that a Lion fights not alone, but with genera-
"Be my sword and armor, my living memory, my lantern t ions of ancestors by their side.
in the night." The Lion interpret these orders as the clan's
ra"'ifie3 of ~e liott
ancestral duty: to be the military arm of the Emperor, to
preserve and champion Rokugan's warrior traditions, and
to remind the Emperor's servants that they are samurai.
Codifying Bushido, the way of the warrior, is among The four great famil ies of the Lion date from the dawn
the Lion's most influential contributions to Rokugan's of t he Empire. The Akodo guide the clan as its moral
culture. Before Akodo, the concept of warriors' honor compass and de facto leaders, tracing their ances-
existed in many groups, but it varied across the land try back to their namesake and the clan 's legendary
and was rarely formally codified. Akodo sought to founder. Steady at their side are the warlike Matsu, who
clearly define Bushido in his seminal text Leadership, supply the bulk of the Lion's military forces as the clan's
which outlines a code of seven virtues shared by all largest samurai family. Together, the Akodo and Matsu
honorable warriors. Although the Lion live as though lead, united by respect but differing in visio n and phi-
they invented the code, Akodo himself said Bushido losophy. Adventurous and studious, the lkoma are the
is an innate truth that honorable warriors know by Lion 's scholars and d iplomatic face, keeping the cla n's
instinct, and that ancient heroes walked the warrior's histories, advising elders, and representing the Lion at
path without ever having known its name. court. Finally, the Kitsu family of shugenja is the clan's
While ancestor worship is a prolific practice among spiritual anchor, its connection to the ancestors and t he
samurai, the Lion are especially dedicated to it. Their wi ll of the Heavens.
practices go back further than those of most clans, The roles and the hierarchy of the Lion families are
and they remember the names of more than just the as objective as an army's military ranks. However, all
greatest clan heroes. Each Lion family keeps ances- four families have led the Lion at some point in his-
tral records of every person born into the family and tory. Most often, an Akodo or Matsu has served as the
presents offerings to them all. Further, the Lion have Lion Clan Champion. Less commonly, an lkoma has led
more ancestral festivals than any other clan, and their the clan, and a handful of t imes, a Kitsu has been clan
household shrines to the ancestors are more elaborate champion. In the absence of a clear heir or the wishes
and crowded than any others. In the richest homes, of the prior champion , the clan's leader is ult imately
the household shrine is a separate building with halls whoever everyone agrees has the strongest claim.
What this means has varied from era to era.
The other clans praise this attitude, but it also

THEAKODO
FAMILY MON
AKODO explains the Akodo's reputation as unyielding and
""'""""'"""'"""'"""'"""'"""'"""'" To establish his clan, the Kami Akodo sought out the overly principled. The Akodo are notoriously difficult
A reserved lion face, greatest fighters and tactical minds, challenging them in to negotiate with and not half as pragmatic as their
divided into two halves:
one representing whatever they claimed as their mastery. Whether through lkoma cousins. Famously, the Akodo trust only outsid-
the tactical thinker, the duels, tests of strength, or games of wit and strategy, ers they personally have fought in a contest, duel, or
other representing the Akodo met every challenger in his search for those war- skirmish. This is because the Akodo believe a person 's
martial spirit. thy to share his legacy. But few proved his equal, and true nature is revealed in the midst of battle, when
his clan grew slowly. While his siblings boasted the alle- everything is stripped away but the "survival mind." It
giance of entire families and their clans began to swell, is then that a person's essential values are laid bare and
he had only a small fellowship of warriors, tightly knit the strength of their character shrines through.
but few in number. Akodo did not mind. He knew his Similarly, the Akodo remember all slights and let
patience would one day pay off. One winter, when he nothing slide. An Akodo might remind another samurai
brought only a handful to court before the Emperor, Han- that their ancestor insulted the Lion centuries past-
tei remarked that he was "a lion without a pride." Akodo and follow up by challenging that samurai on the spot.
simply replied, "A lion does not stand with sheep." The Akodo even tend to reject an alliance, however
Such is the way of the Akodo family, even to this day. logical, until the potential ally has apologized for an
Tight-knit, patient, and purposeful, ever judging but ancestor's role, no matter how minor, in leaving a dark
accepting once their respect has been won, the Akodo spot on Akodo history.
have risen to become one of the most glorious samurai
families in Rokugan . Their victories decorate the halls of CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Lion dojo and abound in the histories of the defeated.
As it is for most samurai families, the way of life for
the Akodo is modeled after the life of their founder.
REPUTATION AND VALUES
As a warrior, Akodo lived for the thrill of battle and
Merely following Bushido is not enough to the Akodo. embraced the path of Bushido . As a general, he stud-
Bushido must be fully embraced, all tenets given ied the ways of war and made innovations in the way
equal weight. But if an Akodo must choose a tenet to it was conducted . As a strategist, he devised a unified
venerate above all others, that tenet is Honor. Lesser theory of warcraft that laid the foundations for gen-
warriors fixate on what Honor forbids, hesitating and erations of warfare . Most of all, as a mentor, Akodo
second-guessing their actions, weighing them con- fostered fellowship in everyone he led, taking a per-
stantly against their codes. For a true samurai, how- sonal interest in each of his vassals and binding them
ever, honorable action is second nature. What honor together as kin. The Akodo family's traditions invoke
forbids never occurs to them, right action is obvious, each of these aspects in turn .
and any disgrace is unthinkable. The Akodo believe Unlike the cultures of the Matsu and lkoma, Akodo
such a warrior cannot be defeated. culture emphasizes the group over the individual,
teaching children from a young age to prioritize the
greater needs of family. An Akodo's path is never cho-
sen by themselves, but by their parents, their parents'
THE ROAD TO WAR advisors, their teachers, and their lord. And , some
would insist, by their ancestors, whom the Akodo
Although the Lion lands form distinct terri- believe guide their every step. While most Rokugani
tories, they are far more integrated than the believe their ancestors' attention must be attracted,
lands of other clans. It is not uncommon for a and that they can dwell in Ningen-do only for a time,
Matsu palace to stand in an Akodo province, the Akodo believe their ancestors are a constant pres-
or for the lkoma and Kitsu to share the fiefdom ence, always watching, guiding, and judging .
of a village, for instance. Rather than dividing At the heart of Akodo culture is warrior fellowship.
road maintenance by ancestral territories, the Strong bonds are encouraged from an early age, and
ent ire clan maintains the Lion's internal roads, each young Akodo is heavily guided to their place
which are laid out for rapid deployment of within the family. This is embodied in the Akodo's con-
troops and are among the best engineered cept of the doshi, or dojo partner. While most dojo
roads in the Empire. They contrast sharply pair students together as doshi, among the Akodo,
with the roads along the Lion's borders, which this is considered a sacred bond. Doshi are not just
the clan intentionally keeps run down and in classmates and sparring partners, but blood siblings, a
disrepair so as to frustrate would-be invaders.
IMPERIALISM IN RET ROSP ECT

Rokugan is an empire, and while its days of overt it is. For example, while the official history of
expansionism are largely in its (fictional) past, this Rokugan may claim that the humans whom the
does not mean they do not matter. Many of its Kami first encountered were p itiable and without
rulers and citizens subscribe to the idea that the culture, the lsawa's records from centuries before
actions of their ancestors were justified by the fact the Kami's arrival detail complex, vibrant societ-
that they created a massive empire-even those ies. The lsawa encountered these societies when
actions that were undeniably wicked, such as wars they arrived in the mountains that would become
of conquest and the suppression of the groups, their homeland. Indeed, the lsawa's own continu-
ideologies, and beliefs that existed prior to the ous culture proves that complex human societies
Kami's arrival. Far more Rokugani simply never existed before the Kami's arrival. Most Rokugani
question the ethical decisions of their ancestors. believe the various groups of people they call the
A few do question the origins of their society and Yobanjin submitted or were annihilated, and many
wonder how they can grapple with their history of were indeed killed in the wars fought to bring
conquest. Readers should take the opportunity to Rokugan under the control of the Kami and their
reflect more deeply on these matters when th ink- descendants. However, these people do still exist
ing about the story of Rokugan, as well as to con- in many parts of Rokugan, either maintaining their
sider how such themes may be relevant to thei r culture while blending into the general populace
own lives. or living in remote locations, such as the Great
If this is a theme a GM wishes to explore in Wall of the North mountains, where their unique
the game and the players are comfortable doing culture still thrives. Characters who discover such
so, the GM can give the characters a chance to information will be forced to grapple with difficult
reflect on the past, and on the uncomfortable questions about the sins of Rokugan's past.
truths behind how Rokugan came to be what
lifelong commitment whose ties are as strong as a kar- lANDS OF TH E A KO D O

mic link. Doshi are expected to be loyal to one another
no matter the circumstance and to support each other The Lion's lands were once t he domain Akodo con-
in their weakest moments, even into adulthood. quered for himself. Continually ready to d efend the
The most valued path in Akodo culture is that of the capita l, Akodo built his keep a mere day's ride from
general. In fact, the very word Akodo invokes genera- Otosan Uchi. These and the other provinces of the
tions of accomplished war generals and brilliant tacti- Akodo are dominated by rolling grassy plains. Streams
cians. Throughout the Empire, the most prestigious originating from the Empire's two largest rivers work
Akodo school is the Akodo War College, where the tradi- their way across Akodo lands like thin veins, bestowing
tions and techniques of the Akodo Commander School a bounty of grains, shrubs, and flowering plants.
are taught. Acceptance into the War College assures a
long and celebrated career, as the school is the most
reputable institute of leadership and tactics in Rokugan loyalty Castle
and claims the most successful army generals in history.
Shiro Akodo, or Loyalty Castle, is the ancestra l seat
The halls of the Akodo War College are decorated
of the A kodo family's power and the greatest of their
with war banners taken from famous defeated gener-
fortresses. It is located a day's ride from Otosan Uchi
als of other clans, and the school maintains an open
across mostly flat land, so that the Lion Clan Cham-
challenge for anyone to come and take them back. So
pion may swiftly respond to any invasion of the capital,
great is the reputation of this school that it has led to
which is always visible on the horizon. Here, the
the common truism "An army led by an Akodo-trained
maintain their largest staging grounds and
general has never lost." Although this claim can be
smithies, constantly cycling and drilling
easily disproven, it remains quite popular.
keeping their forges burning day and night.
As a keep built for staging military campaigns,
Loyalty Castle was never intended to host diplomatic
/
guests. Not even the Akodo daimyo's personal estate

is located on the grounds, a fact few out side the clan REJECTING THE TAO
realize. The castle itself is austere and underdecorated,
its labyrinthian layout designed to befuddle invaders, The conversation between Hantei and the
its steps famously uneven so as to trip rushing attack- monk known as Shinsei was recorded by
ers. For all these reasons, the " home" of the Akodo Shiba in a document that eventually came to
family has not received the designation of palace wor- be known as the Tao of Shinsei. This docu-
thy of hosting the Emperor's Winter Court. ment fundamentally changed the course of
However, there is one occasion on which the keep Rokugani religion and philosophical thought,
welcomes guests. Once a year, Loyalty Castle hosts and each Great Clan pulls numerous lessons
the grandest Go tournament in the Empire, crowning from within its pages. It is even rumored that
Rokugan's Go champion after a week-long competition. each of the Kam i learned a personal les-
During this t ime, the keep becomes an impressive dis- son from Shinsei that molded their clan in
play of Lion milita ry might, decorated with the personal subtle ways.
battle standards of the family's most famous generals. All but Akodo, that is. Akodo found Shin-
sei's philosophy to be so odious, so antithet-
Heart of Vigi lan ce Shrine ical to the samurai way, that he denounced it
as soon as he heard it, before the Emperor
For ages, the Heart of Vigilance Forest remained and the Little Teacher himself. Convinced
untouched, due to rumors that the sturdy pines and that embracing the Tao wou ld mean the
bamboo thickets were blessed by the Fortunes. But death of the warrior's way of life, he forbade
after centuries of deforestation wit hin Akodo territory, all members of his clan t o so much as glance
the Akodo saw little choice but to draw their lumber at its pages.
from the ancient fo rest. Withi n, bushi discovered a However, Hantei intervened, ordering that
forgotten shrine, one that appeared far o lder than any a copy of Shinsei's Tao must be given a p lace
other in the region. of honor within all Lion dojo. Akodo could not
The shrine was dedicated to forty-two Lesser For- disobey, and so to this day, each Lion dojo
tunes, including the Fortune of Agriculture and the has a copy of the Tao of Shinsei right beside
Fortune of Stacked Stones, yet the shrine seemed its copy of Leadership.
to predate Imperial proclamations recognizing the And to this day, every Lion dojo's copy of
existence of these Fortunes. Even more puzzling, in Shinsei's Tao remains unopened.
spite of its obvious age, the architecture was modern
Rokugani. No records could identify the shrine, nor
who built it or why.
None of these facts prevented the bushi from har-
vesting trees from the surrounding forest, for these
were their orders. Within weeks of this initial harvest,
every one of the directing bushi d ied suddenly. To this
day, foresters avoid the trees closest to t he shrine, and
wood is drawn from the Heart of Vigilance Forest only
in times of dire need. Those who take t he sacred wood
inevitably d ie soon after, accompanied by whispers
of having been struck down by the any of the hidden
shrine's forty-two Fortunes.
Authorized City
Over the past century, the vibrant town known as
Authorized City, or Ninkatoshi, has rapidly grown from
a simple farming village at the mouth of the Golden
Valley to a full-fledged city. Historically, this is where
have awaited permission to continue on into
ra'J'\Ko,oo provinces. The growing nonresident pres-
rise to marketplaces,
AOVANTAGES OJS/\DV!\NTAGES
AKODO RUMORS AKODO SHOSUKE
"/ overheard the senior ADVERSARY CONFLIG RANK: ,f.l 4 • 2 Unflappable: Unassuming:
students discussing why ~ Social; Mental ~ Social ; Menta/
Akodo Shosuke is the second-born scion of the ltagawa
our teacher endures such Patient:
terrible insults from that vassal family, whose purpose as a "forge family" is to
brute Hasawa. They said supply the clan with weapons and armor. But Sho- ~ Social; Mental
the two were diishi and suke isn't content with merely forging the Empire's
FAVOR EO WEAPONS
that they were sworn weapons-he is determined to become an expert
together at the same Self-Forged Katana: Range 1, Damage 4, Deadliness
in wielding them as well. His dream is to one day be
ceremony. "
anointed with the honorary title of kensei, or sword- 5/7, Ceremonial, Razor-edged, Resplendent
':4kita does not care that saint. In the meantime, he is a dutiful quartermaster
his actions punish us with Gear (equipped): Lacquered armor (Physical 4, Cere-
serving at the Castle of the Swift Sword, but he relishes monial, Cumbersome, Wargear). wakizashi, offerings
extra work every evening.
He will take any chance to the chance to practice his skills against any who are for the ancestor spirits, knife, small hammer
meet that strange woman willing to test him.
i11 the woods, even if the Gear (other): Plain robes, forging equipment
rest of us must pay for it!"
"/saw ltsuko practicing ENDURANCE 10 ABILITIES
in the diijii alone just the DETAILED PRECISION

other day. and after she 30 GLORY COMPOSURE 12 When making an Attack or Movement action check,
left, I swear the Tao of
Akodo Shosuke may remove 2 strife. For each strife
Shinsei had been moved 37 STATU S FOCUS 3
from its spot!" he removes this way, he adds one kept • set to~~ to
~+2, ~-2 VIGILANCE 2 the check and receives 1 fatigue .
DEMEANOR · DETERMINED QUICK FIX
As a Support action, Shosuke may receive 3 fatigue
ARTISAN .l MARTIAL3 SCHOLAR 2 SOCIAL 1 TRADE I
and 3 strife to remove the Damaged item quality from
one weapon or set of armor at range 0-1 .
The Matsu believe their honor is their greatest

MATSU weapon . Bushido is not merely a collection of virtues
THE MATSU
FAMILY MON
While many warriors strove to meet Akodo's challenges, codified by Akodo: it is an innate truth of the universe,
eager to join his clan , there was one who denied him . the distilled mindset of a warrior. The Matsu do not A lion's paw, grasping a
sword. In early centuries,
The warrior Matsu garnered a fierce reputation as a regard the Bushido virtues as limits,- but as sources
the depicted sword was
bandit lord, targeting those she deemed unjust and of strength . This accounts for their inspirational lead- a chokutii. This was
corrupt. One day, she saw the harm she had caused to ership style. A Matsu general always plunges into the amended to a wakizasl1i
the meekest commoners, and she cast aside the bandit thickest fighting, galvanizing everyone around them . in the sixth century.
life and distributed her ill-gotten goods to the suffering For all that the Matsu are famous for their honor
villages, settling down to open a martial school and con- and battle prowess, as well as for their natural cha-
template her life. Her former followers came to avenge risma and fierce loyalty, the Matsu are most famous
her betrayal of them , and each ended up buried in the for their strong emotions. Other clans consider a short
yard of her school. When word of this reformed bandit and mighty temper to be their defining trait. After all,
reached Akodo's ears, he was intrigued. the Matsu battle rage is the hallmark of their school. A
Yet Matsu ignored Akodo's many requests for an common saying is, " The Akodo do not forget, but the
audience. To her, he was like all the other corrupt lords Matsu do not forgive ."
and bandit kings she'd known in her adolescence- The Matsu regard their anger as a source of strength
just another brute killer rising at the cost of others. to be harnessed. This is epitomized in the Matsu battle
Eventually he came to her village, his forces in tow, rage , an entranced state in which a warrior is at one
and offered her a place by his side, as his wife. She with their martial instincts, becoming an unstoppable
countered his offer with a challenge to duel. When they force on the battlefield, immune to hesitation, fear, and
fin ished, Akodo lay o n his back with Matsu's blade at pain . The best-laid plans and most carefully deployed
his throat. That same day, Matsu pledged herself to advantages crumple like rice paper beneath the con-
Akodo's ca use, on the condition that they be equals in trolled storm of the Matsu Berserker. The key is know-
the clan . While legends speculate about what changed ing when to hold back, and when to unleash the fury.
her mind, her descendants believe their duel revealed
Akodo's honor and ambition; from these, she judged CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
him worthy of her respect and loyalty, believing that
Matsu culture derives from the life of their founder, the
thtir skills togethtr would take the pair further than
legendary folk hero who was one of the Seven Thun-
either could riM alone.
ders. The Matsu seek to emulate her in everything,
the Mil~ tnily has served as the Akodo's right
from the courts to the battlefield, in peace and in war.
hand since the Lion Clan's founding. A proud family
Whether through art, poetry, games, or the martial arts,
that maintains many matriarchal traditions in Matsu's
everything the Matsu do is fully committed and seen
honor, it fully embraces the Lion's philosophy, regard-
through the lens of the warrior mind .
ing all aspects of life through the lens of warfare . Seek-
For instance, Matsu poetry is spontaneous and
ing to emulate their founder in all aspects and famous
improvised, as simple as it is audacious. It is composed
for their hot-blooded temper, they are the beating
from cutting words and delivered with unflinching emo-
heart of the Lion Clan, embodying the will, fierce emo-
tion . Matsu theater favors the Kabuki style and is filled
tion, and courage of their founder.
with action and passion, focusing on the individual
and packed with special effects. Writers and directors
REPUTAT I ON AND VALUES
regard their troupe members as soldiers of a unit, drill-
The Matsu name is synonymous throughout the ing relentlessly for a flawless show. The Matsu pursue all
Empire with both the best and worst of the Lion Clan, arts in this manner: not as meditation or personal enjoy-
embodying its greatest strengths and weaknesses. This ment, but as disruptive expression, a battle to be won.
reputation stems from the Matsu's natural aversion to This is why other samurai say, "No matter what a Matsu
hesitation . Boldness and impetuous action are virtuous attempts, they are sharpening their claws."
in Matsu culture, or as the Matsu put it, "Hesitation is a Unsurprisingly, Matsu culture is thoroughly martial.
thousand deaths." The ideal state ofthe warrior is one in From the age of six, Matsu children are trained in lethal
which there is no space between thought and deed, and combat. Those who do not take to martial arts are
the warrior is nothing more than a vessel for pure martial swiftly placed elsewhere: fostered to other families or
instinct. If one does not commit fully to action, conse- sent to monastic life . Even Matsu who become artists
quences and all, then one cannot call oneself a samurai. and courtiers conduct themselves as warriors, destined
for a very different battlefield.
CHAPTER I: GLORIOUS HISTORIES
THE DEATHSEEKERS
The Deathseeker tradition originates in terri-
ble disgrace and glorious redemption . During
a border dispute between the Lion and Scor-
pion, a Matsu lord betrayed his liege and
sided with the Scorpion . His retainers rebelled
against his treachery, took his head, and
served in the vanguard of the liege's forces
to redress their lord's failures . After defeating
the Scorpion , the vanguard's only survivor,
Kirifu, swore to serve in the army's most dan-
gerous positions in order to spare others.
Kirifu's oath became a path to atone-
ment, a commitment to redemption through
selfless action, and others who had suffered
disgrace followed her lead. Yet volunteering
for the riskiest missions, forming vanguards
for armies without being asked, and throw-
ing themselves recklessly into danger, gives
the impression of someone who is trying to
die. These so-called "Deathseekers" hope
to redeem themselves by achieving one last
great victory for the clan, or as many as possi-
ble before they die.
Adopting their oaths voluntarily, a Death-
seeker returns their katana, wakizashi, and
any other family relics, and gives up their
rank and holdings. No longer beneath any
lord, they swear to forever follow a warrior
pilgrimage, to disregard their own safety, and
confront necessary dangers so others do not
have to. While permitted to keep their family
name, some elect to adopt a new personal
name to distance themselves from their for-
mer identity. A Death seeker can be identified
by their black-and-white painted face, the
braided cord around their arm or forehead,
and their relative lack of armor.
While many admire and praise Deathseek-
ers, the tradition is nonetheless controversial.
Shielding others from harm is considered self-
less, but many consider it selfish to sever one-
self from lord and family. Others bemoan the
human cost in expertise, resources, and lives.
Ultimately, no one is ever pleased to hear that
a loved one has joined the Death seeker ranks.
For rules on making a character a Death-
seeker, see page 132.
The stringent standards of the Matsu are demon-

strated in their gempuku, which is considered draco-
A LIFE OF BATTLES
nian even by Crane or Scorpion standards. Students
must pass many tests to reach adulthood, including The Matsu believe that life is a series of bat-
reciting memorized passages from Leadership, prov- tles. Farmers battle the land to yield crops,
ing their martial prowess with a variety of weapons, sailors battle the ocean to cross the waters,
quartering a tossed pomegranate before it touches the magistrates battle criminals, and so on. Sta-
ground, and enduring numerous strikes from a bamboo t ion and rank do not matter; every person
practice sword ca lled a shinai against their bare back. fights an invisible war, be it against them-
Those who pass the tests are marked with the Matsu selves, the elements, or very real enemies.
crest as a sign of their eternal devotion. Those who do No one can possibly understand the nature of
not pass are "allowed" to commit seppuku to spare another's war, and it is no one's place to j udge
themselves and their parents the shame of their fail- how that war is fought, except by the met-
ure. While the other Lion families sometimes adopt the ric of personal honor. If life sets one samu-
same tradition, it is the Matsu who are most strongly ra i against another, t hen it is inevitable that
associated with it. they will fight. To b e allies one moment and
Matsu lords and vassal families are always seeking enemies the next: that is the life of samurai,
to expand their territory. While the frequent targets are according to the Matsu.
the lands of other clans, it is common for the Matsu to
conduct limited conflicts with each other. In fact, the
Matsu encourage limited intrafamily warring, believing
it will keep the family strong. Matsu leaders cannot
show any sign of weakness, lest their neighbors sense
an opening to capture their lands.
It is common ly said that "a Matsu makes no prom-
ises." A Matsu's word and deed are as one; promises
are unnecessary, and to ask for one is an insult. How-
ever, Matsu samurai may still demonstrate their sincerity
through a tradition called kinchO, in which they strike
their swords together in order to "seal a promise." It is
believed that if one party is lying, their sword will break,
and therefore they will be cut or killed by the other.
Among the most unusual of the Empire's martial
traditions are those of the Matsu Beastmasters. These
warriors train lions and other animals to fight alongside
Lion soldiers in battle. Among the rarest Lion samu-
rai, a Matsu Beastmaster is always accompanied by at
least one trained animal, raised alongside them since
adolescence, with which they have formed a bond of
mutual respect. Caring for the lions of the Matsu is
considered a sacred task, for legends claim these lions
carry the spirits of ancient kitsu, accounting for their
unusually high intelligence.
CH APTE R 1: GLORIOU S HISTORIES
lANDS OF THE MATSU Since then, the Matsu have retained the castle to
MATSU RUMORS
keep watch over the Scorpion, renaming it Kenson no
"Mere/rants are saying our The varied lands of the Matsu family unfurl across Lion Gakka, or Humility's Lesson, in honor of their victory.
lord is extending fealty to provinces like a waving banner. Oxen and lion prides They hold an annual festival on the anniversary of the
the bandits in t11e hills. I freely roam the flatlands, while herds of deer wander castle's recapture, marked with imported fireworks and
shut them up, but what if
through the few but dense forests. The lands grow boisterous song . The Matsu ensure the yearly festi vities
it is true?"
steadily hillier as they reach south and west, eventu- can be readily seen and even heard from miles away,
'i'\ true account of Kaki- ally culminating in the Spine of the World Mountains, particularly from Scorpion lands.
ta's sligl!t to Lady Matsu
whose foothills house rich copper mines, one of the
has been discovered in
the Imperial Libraries, clan's most important exports. To the southwest is last Breath Castle and
one that proves our lady Beiden Pass, one of precious few crossroads through
the Valley of Storm s
was not the villain of that the mountain range and part of the most important
story. But the lickspittles trade route in the Empire . Overlooking Beiden Pass from a rising sea of golden
in the Crane are covering
A person could throw a stone from the edge of grass before the Lake of Sorrows, Last Breath Cas-
it up!"
Matsu lands and strike the open gates of Kyuden tle, or Shiro Matsu, is the home of the Matsu family
lone lion is wandering
'i'\ Kakita, which taunt the military might of the Lion daimyo and the military might of the family. It was
the Valley of Storms, a
behind treaties and thin diplomacy. The lands along built at the historic site where Lady Matsu first met
lion that is completely
black. Some say the lion this border have changed hands countless times over the Kami Akodo . The nearby town was once the tiny
was rejected by its pride, the centuries, causing resident farmers to lose track of village that Matsu called home but is now the largest
but I heard it is simply who their current lord is on a regular basis. and most industrious settlement in Lion lands. Visitors
seeking a pride worthy
from across the provinces arrive at the castle on their
enough to join."
Hall of Ance stors pilgrimage to the Hall of Ancestors, which is under the
keep's protection. Truly, Last Breath Castle would be
Built into the western hills above Shiro Matsu (Last the capital of the Lion were the Akodo not the tradi-
Breath Castle), the most sacred site of the Lion con- tional leaders of the clan.
tains the remains of the clan's greatest heroes. Jointly To the north, the fertile Valley of Storms forms the
maintained by the Matsu and Kitsu families, the Hall of breadbox of the family. South of the castle, Beiden
Ancestors with its many tombs, shrines, and memorials Pass lies exposed to Matsu scouts and way stati ons.
is the largest funerary complex in the Empire. To be Any travelers who enter the pass without the Matsu's
enshrined there is to be recognized as a legend among permission are immediately discovered, although
the Lion; it is one of the clan's highest honors. Also those seeking passage into Crane lands to the south
inside the complex are the histories of the dead, one are generally allowed through. Unlike Loyalty Castle,
of the richest collections of genealogical information Shiro Matsu hosts diplomats from other clans year
available to the clan. Traditionally, Lion samurai visit round. Still, few considerations are given to a guest's
this place at least once in their lifetime to honor the comfort, and most courtiers consider an assignment to
memories of the great heroes whe went before them. Last Breath Castle to be a severe punishment.
Humi lity's lesson

The largest Lion keep against the mountainous Scor-
pion border, the castle known as Kenson no Gakka did MERCY AMONG
not always have that name. Originally belonging to the
lkoma, the castle was infiltrated and taken by the Scor-
THE MATSU
pion Clan in the sixth century. Renaming it Castle of
Even in this harsh family, there is familial love
Honor, the Scorpion intended to use it as a bargaining
that cannot easily be set aside. If a Matsu
chip in their campaign to seize Kyuden lkoma (Sacred
parent believes their child will not pass their
Watch Palace). However, their campaign was disrupted
gempuku, they are likely to seek to have the
by the Matsu family, whose samurai stormed the keep
child adopted by another family, such as a
and killed every Scorpion living within. From there, the
vassal family or even a family of a Minor Clan,
Matsu staged their forces to press into Scorpion lands
or have them enter a monastic order. This
through the southern Beiden Pass, eventually com-
way, t hey can maintain the family tradition
ing within sight of Kyuden Bayushi (Silk and Shadow
without condemning their child to death, a
Palace) itself before the Scorpion lobbied for Imperial
fate few parents can endure no matter how
intervention. The Matsu gained a foothold into Scor-
disciplined they may be.
pion territory in the resulting trade.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
MATSU NAOKO
ADVERSARY CONFLICT RANK: ,f.J 4 • 2 Trained Survivalist: I
Hot-Tempered:
~ Martial; Physical, Menta/ ~ Social; Menta/
Naoko's parents first noticed something unusual about
their third-born child when she col lected a dozen FAVORED W(APONS
housecats in the garden teahouse and was feeding
Magari-Yari: Range 1-2, Damage 6, Deadliness 4,
and caring for them. More unusual was the rapport
Cumbersome, Razor-Edged, Wargear
she shared with the felines-they seemed to follow
her lead. On a hunch, her parents introduced her to Gear (equipped): Common clothes (Physical 1, Mun-
a teacher from the Beast's Heart dojo. When she was dane). daisho (katana and wakizashi), knife
fourteen, she received a newly weaned lion cub, a rare
Gear (other): Tattered kemari ball (Tami's favorite toy)
honor for an inexperienced student. Now a proud stu-
dent of the Matsu Beastmaster traditio n, Naoko and AHILITIES
Tami, her lioness companion, use their bond in their
WHIRLING CLAWS AND SPEAR
work as cartographers and scouts for t he Lion Clan-
When performing an Attack action against a target at
when they aren't hunting game across the plains or
range 0 of one of Naoko's allies (such as Tami), Matsu
sleeping beneath the open stars.
Naoko may spend *in the following way:
I *: The target suffers the Disoriented condition.
ENDURANCE 12
FELINE EMPATHY
40 GLORY COMPOSURE
9 Naoko can understand the motives of cats great and small
and can communicate with them in a rudimentary way.
39 STATUS FOCUS
5 BEASTMASTER
Tami the lioness is never far away from Naoko and
~+ 2, ~-2 VIGILANCE
3
DEMEANOR · ASSERTIVE
uses the Hunting Cat profil e on page 327 of the
core rulebook.
ARTISAN I MARTIAL] SCHOLAR 3 SOCIAL I TRADE 0
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Akodo found many of his greatest warriors via cross- The lkoma way is that of the adventurer-scholar,
roads duels and in dojo, yet his closest ally, the elder embracing knowledge and martial prowess in equal
lkoma, he found drunk in a sake house. The only patron measure. lkoma was Akodo's most valued advisor, and
THE IKOMA who refused to bow to the divine Kami, lkoma met lkoma culture molds its members to serve in similar
FAMILYMON capacities, as military strategists, scholars, and experts
.........,==="""'===j,. each of Akodo's threats with one in turn and topped
each of Akodo's boasted feats with several of his own. in law. The art the family values most is that of the sto-
A stylized torii arch
depicting a lion'sface, When Akodo expressed disbelief at what he saw as a ryteller-performer, embodied in its famous bardic tradi-
representing a portal to doddering old man's claims, lkoma regaled the Kami t ion. lkoma often serve as clan representatives based
knowledge and discovery. on family reputation alone.
with battle tales of his youth well into the night. By
morning, Akodo had warmed to the old man, offer- These values and trad itions stem from lkoma's
ing him a place at his side. The founder of the lkoma teaching that pride is a virtue. The past should be ven-
family is remembered as a braggart and a wastrel, a erated, one's ancestors celebrated, and one's deeds
brawler and a boaster, and an old fossil quick to speak eagerly shared. Bragging is encouraged, for when
his mind. But he is also remembered as a charismatic a person is recognized for their deeds, so are their
storyteller, a wise advisor, a mischievous ally, and one ancestors. As a samurai's name is inherited, each samu-
of few mortals whom Akodo called "friend." ra i's personal goal should be to return it even more
The lkoma family serve the Lion as historians, g lorious than before.
scholars, seneschals, and diplomats. They are the liv- The lkoma's study of history serves them well in
ing memory of the clan, keeping the stories of their fulfilling the family's ancestral duty. They are charged
ancestors alive. They are gatekeepers to the clan's with keeping the official clan histories, a daunting task
wealth, the first contact for alliances and favors. But that includes recording t he genealogies of its samu-
most importantly, the lkoma are the mortar of the clan. rai; interpretations of its laws; and military innovations,
They bond Akodo and Matsu, young and old, warrior victories, and perhaps most importantly, defeats. So
and scholar, glorious path with hopeful futu re. seriously do the lkoma regard this duty that neutral
lkoma heralds are regula rly deployed to both sides of
momentous battles, honor bound and sworn against
interfering, in order to record the events precisely as
Outside the Lion Clan, the lkoma have a reputation as they happen. The lkoma have even been known to
the Lion's resident troublemakers, an impressive feat accept the written accounts of soldiers who witnessed
for the clan of the impetuous Matsu. Th is reputation important battles as marriage gifts in arranged mar-
is owed in part to the infamy of the fam ily's founder, riages and as bargaining chips in negotiations.
lkoma, who notoriously preferred brothels and sake The lkoma carefully preserve these records in the
houses to dojo and tea gardens, and who fought with lkoma Libraries (see High Histories of the lkoma, on
his bare hands against armed opponents. In spite page 21). Housed at Kyuden lkoma within an ever-ex-
of this, the lkoma are usually regarded as the most panding shrine to Tenjin, the Lesser Fortune of Stories
approachable Lion family. and Secrets. The documents in the High Histories are
CHAPTER 1: GLORIOUS H I ST O RI ES
tended with the same reverence as religious texts. Main- Emotion is what sets these bards apart from other IKOMA RUM ORS
taining the largest library in the Empire is the most expen- clan storytellers. They are among the few who may
sive and time-consuming endeavor ofthe lkoma, yet they show open emotion in court without a loss of clout, "I have it on good author-
embrace it with great zeal, boasting of its sheer size and such is their socially accepted role. They are the voices ity that the farmers of the
nearby Daidoji-owned prov-
depth. It is the pride of the lkoma, their living legacy. of the voiceless, the accusers on behalf of the wronged,
ince are dissatisfied with
Officially, the lkoma Libraries house the records and the ones who boast while the accomplished their rulers. It would be a
used by the Imperial families, who have open access remain silent. Often it is an lkoma Bard who argues a shame if they took matters
to them at all times . Simply put, if it isn't in the lkoma Lion samurai's point in court, passionately recounting into their own hands. "
Libraries, the lkoma insist that it never happened. That the slights they've endured, while the injured party "My sister heard voices
the records within the libraries always seem to paint remains serene beside them. At funerals, a bard recalls in a corner of the lkoma
the Imperial line (and, in many cases, the Lion Clan) in the deeds of the departed and openly mourns their Libraries the other day,
the most flattering light is beside the point. Naturally, loss. The bard is the only one present who is permitted but na one was there
when she looked."
there are historical events that the lkoma prefer not to to cry, expressing the emotion others cannot, allowing
record, and others whose records they have altered the departed's loved ones to maintain face even in the "I overheard several
to preserve the dignity of the lords involved . Yet few wake of overwhelming tragedy. scribes complaining about
scrolls having been rear-
Rokugani dare to contradict the handpicked accounts Often, these bards wander the lands in search of ranged in the underjloor
within , lest they inadvertently offend those who pen the new tales. They follow warrior companies and join stacks, and now others
histories that are embraced by the Emperor himself. honor guards, acting as mediators or advisors, collect- claim the very words are
The lkoma are most famous for their bards. While ing as many stories as they can. In court, they recall changing on some of the
older histories! Surely the
other clans boast famous oral storytelling traditions, the deeds of the brave, bragging on their behalf, so
ancestral spirits must be
such as those of the Crane Clan and of the warrior-po- that their glory might be multiplied . By reminding at work here."
ets of the Sparrow Clan, none of these storytellers are Rokugan's samurai of their best, the omoidasu hope to
quite as versatile as the lkoma Bard, who is part histo- show them how great they can be.
rian, part folklorist, part adventurer, and part performer.
In the northeast corner of the Lion lands lie the Vener-
able Plains of the lkoma, a dusty region of rolling hills,
wild grasses, bamboo groves, and signal towers along
minor rivers. There, the lands resemble those of the
Lion's Unicorn neighbors, suitable for the clan's meager
pony herds. Relatively sparse throughout, lkoma lands
are more heavily populated at their borders, especially
to the south, where they cast a wary eye on the Scorpion.
THE LION'S SHADOW
Sacred Watch Palace
Whi!e the Akodo and Matsu hold themselves
The ancestral seat of the lkoma family, Sacred Watch to high standards, the lkoma understand the
Palace (Kyuden lkoma) stands just beneath the face ugly realities of warfare. Prolonged war is
of the Mountain of Seven Thunders. The castle was bad for the Empire, and needless loss of life
originally built as the primary signal tower of the Lion's shames the Emperor. But more so than this,
western border. While suitable to host diplomatic they understand the power of information to
meetings and the Emperor's family, it is still defensi- decide a battle's outcome.
ble and retains its original military purpose of signaling To serve war's necessities, they maintain a
Western invasions. Within this keep are the vast lkoma small network of spies and infiltrators for the
Libraries (see High Histories of the lkoma on page purpose of gathering information and, some-
21), the pride of the lkoma family and the envy of times, to end a battle before it even begins.
historical scholars throughout the Empire. Beyond this, they train select students in sub-
terfuge and stealth to serve as spymasters
The City of Honor's Sacrifice and saboteurs. While this is not especially
well-known within the Lion, it is obvious to any
Among the oldest cities in lkoma territory, the City of
general that the military leaders have access to
Honor's Sacrifice dominates the northern Firefly Plains
enemy troop numbers, deployments, strate-
and is set against the Drowned Merchant River, making
gies, and battle plans, things that are difficult to
it rich with trade from Unicorn and Dragon travelers. It
explain without the presence of spies. All a Lion
also boasts the greatest geisha house in Lion lands, the
Clan general must do is ask the right lkoma.
House of Morning Dew.
Akodo himself endorsed espionage in
While its original name is lost to history, its current
warfare, since he knew information is the
name derives from the legend of lkoma Arimi, a Lion
greatest weapon a general can wield. He
samurai whose sterling reputation was ruined when her
even rewarded his spies more handsomely
lone indiscretion was exposed by her many enemies.
than his highest-ranking advisors, ensuring
Requesting ritual suicide to cleanse her family of this
their loyalty and willingness to take unthink-
shame, her spiteful lord gave her a wooden practice
able risks. The lkoma are quick to point this
sword to complete the ceremony, intending to cast her
out to any Matsu or Akodo who object, and
under further disgrace. Regardless, she impaled her-
also to emphasize the distinction between
self upon the blunt weapon, erasing any doubt as to
"shinobi," who are outlawed by Imperial
her honor and shaming all who had disbelieved her. A
edict, and "spies," whom the law never men-
statue to her memory still watches over the Firefly Plains.
tions. After all, what is so dishonorable about
simply observing others?
rAVOREO W[APONS
IKOMA SHINIKO
ADVERSARY CONFLICT RANK: ,t.J 2 • 4 Iron-Soled Sandal (imp rovised weapon): Range 1,
Damage 2, Deadliness 3/4
Shinko was not born a member of the samurai caste
but was adopted by an lkoma samurai, who pitied the Gear (equipped): Splendid geisha "outfit or other
war orphan while also recognizing her usefulness. Now suitable disguise" (Physical 1, Ceremonial, Resplen-
a member of the lkoma Shadow School (see Courts of dent)
Stone page 92), Shinko compromises her honor on a
Gear (other): Kiseru, writing kit, tea set
daily basis, adopting guises and wrapping herself in
lies for the good of the clan. She has been well com- ABILITIES
pensated for the personal risks she takes, receiving a SLIPPERY
fine estate in the town surrounding Last Breath Castle
Once per scene as a Movement and Scheme action,
and enough wea lth to ensure her comfort for many
Shinko may receive up to 3 fat igue. Increase the TN
years, far more than is typical ly given to one who is
of checks targeting her by 1 for each fatigue received
peasant born. Originally believing she would only be
this way until the start of her next turn.
needed for a few missions, it has slowly dawned on
Shinko that she will never be finished with this duty, FLEXIBLE PERSONA
and deep down, she wishes to be free of her obliga- At the start of each scene, choose up to two shuji of
tions so she can enjoy the trappings she has earned. the same element of rank 3 or lower. Until the end of
t he scene, Shinko can perform those shOji.
25 HONOR ENDURANCE
6
30 STATUS FOCUS
5
~+2, ®-2 VIGILANCE
4
DEMEANOR · DUPLICITOUS
SCHOLAR 2 SOCIAL] TRADE 4
OJSAIJVANTAGES
Inexhaustible Politeness: Skittish:

~ Social; Interpersonal @ Martial; Menta/
Calming Presence:
~ Social; Interpersonal
CHAPT ER 1: GLORIOUS HISTORIES

THE KITSU
KITSU
FAMILY MON
~"""""""""""""""==t When Akodo first set out to tame the heartlands of Members of the Kitsu family are rarely encountered
A stylized profile of a Rokugan, among those he encountered were a feline beyond Lion borders. Other Rokugani regard them
lion's head with a flaming as unusually fierce for shugenja, blunt in manner, and
mane. Members of the warrior people known as the kitsu. These powerful
strangely comfortable with death. Among the princi-
Kitsufamily claim this supernatural beings had aspects of both humans and
depicts one of the five lions. The kitsu had existed in the Empire's heartlands ples of Bushido, the Kitsu most highly venerate the
founders of their fam ily. for as long as anyone could remember, but little was tenets of Honor, Compassion, and Righteousness.
known about their true nature. According to the Kitsu The Kitsu bow to Heaven first, and their duties to
family, Akodo's war against the kitsu people started their ancestors come before their duties to the Lion
when he and his followers mistook the lionlike beings Clan. They know it is the Fortunes and ancestors who
for monsters. As the final battle loomed and the exter- judge them first and finally. Theirs is a calling greater
mination of the kitsu seemed inevitable, a single kitsu than the concerns of individual mortals. This sometimes
made their way to Akodo, confronting him in his war sets the Kitsu at odds with the Akodo and Matsu, but
tent. But instead of killing the enemy general, the kitsu only the truly foolish would stand in a sodan-senzo's way.
offered his surrender. Few things offend a Kitsu like speaking ill of the
This shocking incident caused Akodo to realize the dead. Kitsu family members believe that a person's
kitsu were intelligent, and indeed possessed the same karma is left behind when they pass on, and while
sense of honor as he. According to legend, Akodo the Fortune of Death, Emma-0, judges mortals by
apologized to the last of the kitsu people and offered their deeds in life, spirits are ultimately redeemed by
them a place within his clan. Those who accepted took the Realm of Punishment to which Emma-0 assigns
human form, founding the Kitsu family. them . Kitsu honor even angry spirits and seek to settle
The Kitsu are the descendants of these mortal their grudges.
kitsu and their human spouses. Many Kitsu trace their The Kitsu make no attempt to hide the tragic and
bloodline back to these shapeshifting beings and have terrible origins of their family. They believe that elab-
inherited their unique spiritual abilities to communi- orating on or obscuring history shows disrespect to
cate with the blessed ancestors of Yomi, summon their those who lived through it. A common Kitsu proverb
spirits into the Realm of Mortals, and even travel to is, "Embrace your history, warts and all ." It sh ould,
other Spirit Realms. As the Lion's lone shugenja family, then, come as no surprise that while Rokugani culture
the Kitsu are regarded as the foremost mediums and shows considerable tolerance for interpretive truth, the
mythologists in the Empire. Famous for their sc5dan- Kitsu care not about recorded history. Instead, they
senzo spirit callers, who have an ability no other family commune with the ancestors to seek out what actu-
in the Empire can claim, the Kitsu serve the Lion as ally happened. They are far more likely to embrace
liaisons of the ancestors and wardens of the clan's most controversial ideas than other Rokugani are, and their
ancient traditions. written records tend to be unelaborated, simple, and
uncomfortably frank.
CULTURE AND TRADITI ONS
Of al l the traditions of the Lion Clan families, the ways

of the Kitsu are the most unusual. This is because they
have derived some of their traditions from their ances-
tors, the feline kitsu people. The Kitsu family believes
it is their duty to keep the ways of their ancestors
alive . Akodo promised th is to the last of the kitsu in
atonement for his misunderstanding that destroyed
their people.
Kitsu family members with close ancestral connec- lANDS OF THE KtTSU QUOTES FROM
tions to the kitsu bloodline inherit the physical traits AKODO'S LEADERSHIP
of their feline ancestors. Golden eyes are such a trait, Kitsu family territory is at the heart of Lion lands, pro-
as are elongated canines, bushy eyebrows, and thick tected by other Lion territory on all sides but north . "Soldiers will follow
These are the most fertile of the Lion's provinces, boast- orders. Families will
red manes of hair. Not all Kitsu inherit these physical
embrace tiJem. Therefore,
traits, but with in the family, they are regarded not only ing their most numerous and prosperous farms and
foster fe llowship!"
as marks of beauty, but also as evidence of strong ties orchards, due in part to the blessings invoked by the
to the kitsu bloodline . Kitsu themselves. Terraced hills, buckwheat fields, trick-
The most important sign of kitsu heritage is an ling streams, and vast plains roll along Kitsu provinces,
innate connection to spirits and ancestors. The kitsu's dotted occasionally by humble shrines, small farming
abilities primarily revolve around peering into the Spirit communities, and ancient crumbling tombs. Outsiders
Realms, which allows them to give physical form to traveling here are under immediate suspicion, as there
ghosts, channel ancestors, and perform other such is little that would attract pilgrims or non-Kitsu.
feats. The greatest of the kitsu can physically cross
into the Spirit Realms to confer with the dead. Some
members of the Kitsu family whose connection to their
bloodline is strong also inherit these abilities. A Kitsu CHANGING BORDERS
Medium can call upon the dead, grant them spectral
form in t he Realm of Mortals, and even allow them Only a portion of the Lion's lands can be con-
to possess the medium's body for a time. Through a sidered "ancestral." Many of their southern
special ceremony, Kitsu Realm Wanderers (see Celes- territories used to belong to other clans. To
tial Realms page 85) can even enter the realms below the southwest, Scorpion ancestral lands now
and other Spirit Realms for a time. These traits are why lie under Lion banners. Yojin no Shiro (Castle
the Kitsu are considered the "voices of the dead"; they of Vigilance) once marked the northernmost
allow the ancestors to speak to their descendants, a Crane border and is part of the ancestral lands
gift rarely held by other shugenja . of the Daidoji family; however, it is now Matsu
The Kitsu family members are notoriously insular, territory and has been for hundreds of years.
even isolating themselves from other Lion families. The Lion have lost territories as well. Lion
They forbid outsiders to study the Kitsu ways, and lands once extended farther north, across the
they consider revealing the secret traditions of the Drowned Merchant River. Those lands were
Kitsu to be akin to betrayal. This is true even for those ceded to the Dragonfly Minor Clan by Impe-
who marry into the family, although individuals whom rial decree to compensate for unsanctioned
the Kitsu eventually judge worthy may be allowed a aggression. The Kintani (Golden Valley), once
glimpse behind the curtain . The Kitsu never reveal a Lion province bordering Phoenix lands,
the secrets of the sodan-senzo to people who cannot was more recently taken by an ambitious
prove they have inherited the kitsu bloodline abilities, Doji lord and has been held by the Doji for
whether they are part of the Kitsu family or not. No Lion a generation.
would ever d isgrace the honorable Kitsu by requesting Lion territory once extended all the way to
a place in t heir secret ceremonies, while they know that the western Rokugani border. During the sec-
to be offered a seat is a gesture of trust and a great ond century, foreigners invaded the territories
honor. This has led to the prevailing perception that once held by the Ki-Rin clan, and the stew-
the Kitsu are secretive and suspicious. ards Shinjo had left behind were unable to
Birth into the Kitsu is no guarantee that one will hold them back. The Lion intervened but then
possess ancestral abilities. Kitsu matchmakers are pri- refused to return the territories since the den-
marily concerned with preserving this ancestral con- izens had proven unable to protect Rokugan's
nection, but many children seem to lack the desired borders. The Lion held these lands until the
capacity, and true sodan-senzo grow rarer with each Unicorn returned in the ninth century. To this
generation. Kitsu family members who lack this poten- day, some of the oldest castles and shrines
tial usually become bureaucrats, courtiers, shrine keep- in Unicorn lands display ancient Lion archi-
ers, or scholars by training in other Lion schools. The tecture and sensibilities. The reassignment of
Kitsu family even maintains the Kitsu Medic School (see those lands to the returned Unicorn has never
Shadowlands page 90) to help place many of its people sat well with the Lion.
as battlefield medics in Lion Clan units.
61
KITSU RUMORS
Blue Chrysanthemum Village keep was built to surround the sacred grounds. Today,
the Castle of the Swift Sword is the official estate of
""""""'"""'"""'"""'"""'"""'"""''i"
"The local lord's child is
Named for the unusual blue chrysanthemums that grow
11 the Akodo War College (see page 23). the most
not his own. I saw tire throughout it in autumn, Blue Chrysanthemum Vi age
prestigious of the Akodo family's schools, yet it is also
child's true ancestors is the most common destination of travelers permitted
the ancestral seat of the Kitsu shugenja family and the
watching over the clrild. to wander Kitsu territory. The blue flowers, which are
home of its daimyo.
and I believe they may famous throughout the Empire and prized by ikebana
have been the Harrtei F lk 1 ·b t The dual nature of the keep as both temple and cas-
Emperors." artists, grow only in this territory. o ta es attn u e
tle reflects the harmonious relationship ofthe inhabitants
the flowers to two star-crossed lovers, a Kitsu and a
"/ could have sworn the within. The Kitsu family governs its lands from an Akodo
Doji, whose marriage arrangement was severed by
other day that I heard two court, and students of the g reatest war college in Lion
visitors call each other the Lion Clan Champion. Shamed by the couple's pro-
lands study warfare on consecrated temple grounds.
"Shimizu," but I cannot test suicide, the Lion Champion relinquished his titles
The keep's libraries contain not only records of battle,
be certairr /heard them and became a monk, erecting a shrine to the Fortune
but also star maps and genealogies for Kitsu shugenja.
correctly. What does that Senten in atonement. The monk mingled the lovers'
word even mean?" The Lion's northernmost keep stands vigil over the
ashes together and scattered them in Blue Chrysan-
lands of the Dragonfly Clan and the mountain pass lead-
"There are whispers of themum Village; the locals believe it is from their ashes
ing into the Dragon Clan lands beyond. As the castle
kitsu within the Shinomen that the first blue chrysanthemums grew, a sign that the
Forest. If this is a chance sits along a major trade road, merchant caravans are a
lovers had forgiven the foolish lord for his spite.
to understarrd our common sight, as are diplomats seeking audience with
ancestry better, we should the Akodo and Kitsu. Overnight visitors whisper com-
arrange an expeditiorr to Castle of the Swift Sword p laints of having felt ill at ease during their stay, as if
meet them."
they sensed something was watching them within their
Standing watch over the Lion's northern border at the
rooms. Yet only samurai of other clans ever seem to
foot of the Drowned Merchant River, the Castle of the
experience this, and few visitors would suggest anything
Swift Sword (Hayaken no Shiro) rises above the Plains
were amiss directly to the Akodo's and Kitsu's faces.
of Bloodied Honor on a steep, curved foundation of
ancient stone. Within this foundation sits the Tomb of
the Five, where rumors say the sacred bones of The Kitsu Tombs
the Kitsu family's founders rest in a
While most of the Lion Clan's heroes are entombed
secret ancestral shrine. Before the
with in the Hall of Ancestors (see page 54) above
fourth century, only a temple
Shiro Matsu, the Kitsu fam ily lay their dead to rest
stood there, but bandits
w ithin the ancestral tombs of their family, known simply
and other threats
as the Kitsu Tombs. Although they are a Kitsu hold-
necessitated an
ing, the tombs and the temple above them rest within
expansion into a
Matsu territory. The holding's martial appearance has
military outpost,
led visitors to mistake it for a small castle w ithin the
and eventually
Kaeru Forest. The Kitsu daimyo owns an estate on the
an entire
grounds, and several shugenja and other samurai live
in the temple's dormitory. The first floor conta ins t he
personal library of the Kitsu daimyo, while the second
floor is a dojo training both shugenja and their yojimbo.
The third and final floor of the temple is closest to the
Heavens-and thus, the honored dead-and is used as
a place for meditation and other rites.
The splendid temple sits atop layers of catacombs,
many of which date from before the Empire's found-
ing. Indeed, the foundations of the temple were once
sacred to the kitsu people, and they are currently
among that civilization's few remaining structures. It is
the deepest tombs, away from prying eyes,
that the sodan-senzo tra in to cross into Yom i,
the Realm of Blessed Ancestors, and Meido,
Realm of Waiting, where the deceased
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
KITSU GINCHIYO,
MEDIUM-IN-TRAINING Mystical Intuition: Just a Child:
ADVERSARY CONFLICT RANK: ,t.J 4 ~ 3 r$l Scholar; Menta/ ~ Martial; Physical
Not yet having reached gempuku, Ginchiyo is none- Holy Personage: Haunted:
theless one of the most powerful Kitsu Mediums r$l Social; Interpersonal r$l Social; Spiritual
(sodan-senzo) in generations. Ginchiyo wants only to FAVORED WEAPONS
be a painter and storyteller, but to leave one's abilities
undeveloped is unthinkable to the Kitsu . The family Gear (equipped): Sanctified robes (Physical 1,
believes the child 's own wishes are secondary to the Supernatural 3, Ceremonial), assorted offerings to
preservation of their dying traditions. If they knew that the ancestors
some of the spirits Ginchiyo has been communing with
AIIILITIES
aren 't honored ancestors, but vengeful ghosts, per-
D ISCIPLE OF SECRET LOR E
haps they would think otherwise.
Choose four invocations (see page 189 of the core
rulebook) and up to three rituals (see page 212 of the
60 HONOR ENDURANCE 12 core rulebook) . Ginchiyo can perform these invoca-
tions and rituals.
48 GLORY COM POSURE 12
POSSESSION
FOCUS 6 Once per game session, Ginchiyo can become pos-
sessed by an ancestor spirit. Apply any one appropri-
VIGilANCE 3 ate NPC template to Ginchiyo's profile and adjust her
conflict ranks by + 1. This effect persists until the end
SCHOLAR 2 SOCIAL3 TRADE 0 of the scene.
CHAPTER
Defenders
of the
Empire
A young samurai prostrated herself before the gilded
altar. The candles guttered in an ice-cold breeze.
"I am Matsu Tsuko," she explained, rising. "Daimyo
the House of Matsu, Twice-Chosen, victor of the Bat-
tle of Fate Gorge. My father was Matsu Uniri, the late
lord of our family. Now, I have inherited his position."
The air went still, as if awaiting Tsuko's entreaty.
"Honored ancestor,
I seek your counsel. I
would lead my family for-
ward, but my vassals dis-
regard me. They say a
child could never lead the Matsu, even one
endorsed by the Lion's Pride, even one who was
Topaz Champion. They undermine me, scheming
behind my back. I cannot tell which are true and which
are traitorous." She knelt her head. "What should I do?"
"Take what is yours," a voice replied. "Hone your
emotions as you would a blade. Hold all Bushido vir-
tues in equal measure. If you must grasp power, snatch
it from the unworthy. If you must take a step, let it be a
step forward. And when all seems lost, and you draw
your final breath, let it be a cry that shakes the heavens!
Draw your blade, tilt your head back, and roar.
"Like a lion."
CHAPTER 2 : DEFENDERS O F THE EMPIRE
it is hardly as dangerous or forbidding as the border of

the Shadowlands. This may account for the fact that
while the Crab and Badger share many similarities, the
It is every samurai's duty to protect the Empire and its latter boast a more jovial attitude .
inhabitants from threats within and without. For the The Badger have an uneasy allian~e with the Lion,
Badger, standing between Rokugan and the hordes whose scorn of Badger manners and customs is thinly
of gaijin on horseback beyond the Great Wall of the veiled by the courtesy necessary to trade with them.
North mountains, this duty colors every part of their While Badger weapons may not have the reputation
lives. They protect the few passable mountain trails, (or beauty) of other renowned blades, they are very
acting as sentries and lookouts. From childhood, Bad- reliable in battle and inexpensive. Badger armor is
ger are taught to be watchful and ready at all times to likewise plain but practical. Moreover, Badger forges
warn the rest of the clan, and the Empire, of outsiders can produce both in large numbers. This makes Bad-
in the mountains. This wariness, combined with the ger weapons and armor appealing to the Lion, at least
inhospitable terrain of their home and the hardships it when equipping their vast armies of ashigaru . However,
brings, necessitates the toughness for which the Bad- it is the Badger's more complicated items that the Lion
ger are renowned. Visitors to the clan might expect to really prize, such as mechanical limbs with fully articu-
find hardworking, serious bushi offering little in the way lated digits, designed to replace those lost in battle.
of hospitality or entertainment. This is where the Bad- Only the design of their traps do the Badger refuse to
ger can surprise. share. These devices give them an element of secu-
An isolated clan, the Badger are always eager for rity in their mountain home but could be devastating
news of the restofRokugan, and once a visitor is deemed if used to destroy a castle or camp within the Empire.
friend rather than foe, the hosting castle takes on an air Well-placed traps, checked regularly by sappers,
of celebration. There is feasting and drinking, music and aren't the only way the Badger protect the mountain
dancing, and many competitive games, especially ones passes. The entire clan is organized with protection in
involving wrestling and feats of strength . Visitors to the mind. Most bushi work at patrol duty regularly through-
lands of the Badger are few and far between, and the out their lives, and the Badger built their fortresses in
clan makes the most of each one. Most of those travel- particularly vulnerable areas. Each member of the clan
ers return home with tales of samurai twice as large as is put to an appropriate use dependent on their indi-
normal bushi, children who run up and down mountains vidual strengths. Many of the Badger are naturally well
like goats, and terrible table manners. built and physically strong, especially their warriors and
When left to themselves, which is most of the time guards. The fastest samurai are trained as scouts, who
due to their isolated location, the Badger are industri- travel the mountains silently in small groups and periodi-
ous and focused . Their bushi train hard and work with cally enter gaijin lands to watch for growing threats, such
peasants at the harsh task of mining to provide ore for as a massing coalition of Ujik or other would-be invad-
the engineers and smiths. Their artisans create weap- ers. The rare Badger who are sensitive to the kami train
ons, armor, tools, traps, and innovative contraptions as shugenja, while those with inquisitive and creative
unknown to other clans. Children wrestle each other minds become inventors and smiths. All Badger samurai
when they're not busy with chores, while older Badger have important roles to play in the defense of Rokugan.
tend Mulberry Valley and its silkworms, creating del-
icate silken items for trading . The ratio of samurai to THE FOUNDING
peasants among the Badger is unusually balanced, and
the Badger samurai do not shy away from hard labor In the second century, a young Crab named Hida
that other clans might leave to the lower classes. Bad- Domogu enjoyed sumai, or wrestling, above all other
ger peasants who aren't mining invariably work in agri- pursuits. He excelled at the art and gained glory within
culture, specializing in intensive farming of the clan's his clan, and his victories made him proud. Trying to
rich volcanic soil to feed the always-hungry populace. curb his pride, his family sent him on his musha shugyo,
The Badger have never forgotten their Crab heri- with instructions to travel as much of Rokugan as he
tage and consider the Crab distant relations who share could in his year away. He took the name lchiro for his
a common goal. While there is truth in this, Crab are warrior's pilgrimage to develop his skills, already seek-
likely to point out that while their bushi fight against the ing humility in selecting such a common child's name.
Shadowlands daily, the Badger are called upon to fight Outside his clan, other samurai saw him only as
once a month, or less. Moreover, while much of the ron in; he was presumed crude and uncultured, and his
Badgers' mountainous territory is cold and unforgiving, reputation as a wrestler was unknown. lchiro sought
competitions to prove himself. Sadly, he found that in
CHAPTER 2: DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIRE
the rest of Rokugan, sumai was not as popular as other lchiro was no mere villager-he was Hida and thus
arts, such as iaijutsu and ikebana, in which he held always ready to defend . Now also armed with the skills
much less proficiency. he had learned from the villagers, he organized mul-
Humbled, lchiro focused on his task and traveled as tiple squads to slow the invaders and cleverly force
widely as he could. He reached what he thought was the them into narrow pathways where few could hold off
northwestern edge of Rokugan, in what was Lion terri- many. The squads employed drums so they could all
tory, only to be told that there was a village within the communicate with each other, using rhythms so natural
rugged border. Intrigued to meet people who chose to sounding that the invaders could not determine their
live at the very edge of civilization, he made his way into origins or meaning .
the mountains. There he fell into a cunningly concealed The gaijin riders found themselves assailed with
pit trap in the pass, and villagers armed with nothing rocks from above, their pre-scouted passages newly
more than farming tools captured him. filled with iron spikes and progressively more treach-
The villagers weren't all peasants: there were erous and unstable. They soon realized that they
renin among them, and bandits, and a large-statured were being crowded into a single killing ground . As
woman whose features were gaijin though she spoke their horses slowed, the sounds of th e drums became
Rokugani. Viewing lchiro as a common outcast samu- louder and louder. Panic began to set in. Those who
rai, they took him in and allowed him to learn their desperately tried to climb to freedom reached the
ways of defending their lands from outsiders. In turn, clifftops, but only to reappear flying through the air
he taught them sumai, and soon a thriving school grew and plummeting to their deaths.
in the mountains. The mountains began to shake as the drumbeats
It was not long before lchiro was a valued mem- echoed and rocks rolled down the sides toward the
ber in the village, which was fortunate when one day trapped horde. The gaijin scattered, but many were
the sounds of horns and hoofbeats were heard in the crushed beneath the boulders. lchiro led his sumai
distance. Scouts reported a force of mounted gaijin warriors into final battle, pulling the invaders from their
descending from a mountain pass, one so large it might horses in crushing attacks. Those gaijin who escaped
have been several tribes working together. If it wasn't would later tell of how the mountains, angry from the
stopped, the unprepared Rokugani samurai defenders pounding drums, awoke and slew their invading force.
to the south would be hard-pressed to repel the invaders lchiro was hailed for his efforts and named the new
without suffering heavy losses and leaving the Empire village leader. The final path where they had routed
open for further attacks. Before that, though, the villag- the gaijin, he announced, should be known as the Path
ers, even with their traps and other defenses, would be of Woe, as it had and would prove woe to any who
I slaughtered. They made ready to abandon their thought to invade Rokugan.
but the newcomer had other plans. By the time Akodo scouts brought a Lion army
to defend their territory, the villagers had improved
on their defenses in case a second wave of invaders
would arrive. When the Emperor heard the tale, he ele-
vated the villagers to the status of Minor Clan . lchiro
was made their daimyo and the new clan was entrusted
with defending Rokugan's border in those mountains.
The Lion considered this a slight but could not openly
disagree with the Emperor's decision. In the years that
followed, the new Badger Clan built fortresses and set
traps, and the Emperor was pleased with their prog-
ress. So began the vigil of the Badger.
/
CHAPTE R 2 : DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIR E
LANDS OF THE BADGER

SUMAI AMONG
The entirety of Badger territory lies within the Great
Wall of the North mountains, to the west of Dragon THE BADGER
lands. The only known access to Badger lands from
Sumai is an unarmed martial art, a duel of two
the rest of Rokugan is through the Path of Woe, which
wrestlers requiring great skill and strength .
passes all the way through the mountains and out of
Each wrestler tries to force t he other out of
the Empire. Since defending the pass is the purpose
the wrestling ring or onto the ground. A large
of the clan, almost every Badger holding sits in a stra-
number of rules govern how the wrestlers
tegic position along that path, its people ready to
may achieve this, and these vary slightly from
repel invaders.
clan to clan. The Badger follow the same rules
The terrain within the mountains is largely cold and
as the Crab, while the Lion have developed
unforgiving, but the Badger use their ingenuity to work
their own rules and have introduced these to
with their land. They make the most of every patch
the Imperial Court.
of volcanic soil , every ore-rich vein in the rock, every
Badger samurai enjoy many competitions
hot spring and sunny valley. Each building and mine
of strength and battle prowess, a necessity
is carefully planned to make defending an area easier
since they are rarely able to prove themselves
or make the pass more difficult for enemies to navi-
on the battlefield. Sushi compete in sumai
gate. Sushi, wrestlers, and peasants work in the mines,
matches as part of their training , but sumai
building their strength while following the direction of
is considered more than a mere sport. The
shugenja sensitive to the kami of metal and stone, who
Badger hold sumai matches before important
let them know where best to seek ore and where they
ceremonies to impress local kami and scare
might weaken the mountainside to turn certain routes
away those that might otherwise do the clan
into traps for approaching enemies.
harm. The most successful wrestlers are con-
Badger shugenja are rare, however, so any Badger
sidered favored by the kami and treat ed with
who shows ability is encouraged to apprentice with an
great respect. In particular, the reigning Bad-
elder shugenja and share their duties as quickly as pos-
ger sumai champion is treated as the Badger
sible. Often such shugenja have an affinity for Earth or
Clan Champion's equal, thoug h the sumai
Fire, surrounded as they are by mountains and dormant
champion's powers and duties are limited to
volcanoes . Their duties extend to warning the clan of
the spiritual sphere.
upcoming earthquakes, landslides, and even the very
The Badger hold the Great Games in
infrequent volcanic eruptions. They can influence these
the Castle of the Badger (Shiro lchiro) each
events, and tales are told of armies defeated by trem-
year, inviting representatives of every clan
ors encouraged by shugenja. Badger shugenja share
in the Empire. This contest, at which sumai
their spiritual duties with the highest-ranking sumai
is the main event, is usually poorly attended
wrestlers . These wrestlers learn how to conduct cere-
despite the days of revelry that follow. This
monies and rituals, though they do not share a shugen-
may simply be because the Badger are so
ja's skills in communicating with the kami directly. Such
remote, or it may be because no Badger
sumai masters often serve as priests when no shugenja,
sumai champion has yet been defeated by a
priest, or monk is available.
contender from another clan.
Badger shugenja and wrestlers both use drums
during rituals, but the use of drums within the clan also
serves other purposes. Messages can be sent from one
If the clan is ever overrun, drummers know how to cre-
Badger fortress to another using these instruments,
ate rockfalls to destroy passes and trap enemies within
and each patrol includes a drummer who can signal
the mountains as a final, desperate defense.
a warning that echoes through the mountains. These
Luckily, the mountains are rich with useful minerals,
messages can convey a great deal of information,
as the clan is otherwise poor in resources. Smiths and
and most Badger samurai can interpret the messages
engineers use ore from the mines to create weapons
hidden in the rhythms. Within the Castle of the Bad-
and tools for trade, as well as traps and other inven-
ger and some of the larger homes, drums are used to
tions to aid their clan's cause. The Badger encourage
accompany dances and other entertainments. All Bad-
invention, and rumor has it that Badger smiths and
ger know there are some places where it is not safe to
engineers are even attempting to make machines that
use a drum, where loud noises might cause landslides.
can take to the air.
The Badger consider trade important, not least Castle of the Badger
because of the information traders bring with them.
The home of the lchir6 daimy6, the Castle of the Bad-
Given that some of the original villagers had gaijin
ger is an enormous fortress built high on the mountain-
blood, it is unsurprising that the clan even trades with
side, overlooking the widest and most open section
some gaijin who have demonstrated peaceful ways.
of the Path of Woe. Rough ly in the center of Badger
This is kept a secret from the rest of Rokugan, though,
territory, it is the only castle the clan owns. The Great
or at least circumspect.
Games are held annually with in its vast courtyard and
As well as growing rough grains such as millet and
on the nearby mountainside. It has seldom-used guest
buckwheat, the Badger cultivate a variety of native
quarters for competitors to stay in, all equipped with
fungi and catch fish in mountain rivers. They grow
heated baths, and a grand d ining hall where stunning
plum and mulberry trees in areas warmed by volcanic
silk hangings adorn the wa lls. All kinds of mountain
activity and exposed to enough sun. From these, the
delicacies grace the Badger table, including mountain
clan produces plum wine and silk, which they both use
goat, silkworm pupae, and giant mushrooms cut t o
themselves and trade. Badger Clan si4k is particularly
appear like fortresses themselves.
fine and delicate, and even the Crane are rumored
Th is castle was built near fertile ground suitable for
to purchase it raw-though no Crane would admit to
farming, so that during an invasion, the peasant farm-
using such an uncultured source. Painting the silk is
ers can retreat to safety. Even for the economical Bad-
considered an appropriate task for elder Badger samu-
ger, the gaijin hordes must be kept back at any cost ;
rai, whose art hangs proudly in the halls of the Castle of
every life is worth saving if possible. To that end, the
the Badger and other homes, enrobes their shugenja,
Badger laid out a number of narrow paths and con-
or is sent to the Emperor as part of the rice tax. These
structed several underground passages to the castle,
artists' designs are inspired by the jagged beauty of
all of which can be collapsed or blocked if necessary.
the mountains and volcanoes they call home and are
In the lowest levels of the castle are several forges
considered splendid curiosities in the Imperial Court.
and workshops, where Badger engineers, inventors,
weaponsmiths, and b lacksmiths design, produce, and
LOCATIONS
test all manner of items. The more dangerous experi-
To better protect both their own territory and the north- ments are usually undertaken outside the castle, where
west route into Rokugan, the Badger have built several strange black marks spread across the nearby rock face
fortresses overlooking particularly vulnerable sections give evidence of their work. Occasionally, a new trap or
of the Path of Woe. Breweries, mulberry groves, and experimental device might detonate within the castle
peasant farms nestle in more protected areas or within wa lls, but Badger architecture is sturdy enough that the
the shadow of a fortress. damage done is minimal.
THE SILK TRADE

The Badger are quite protective of their silk
farm, only allowing accompanied visitors to
enter the valley or caves involved in silk pro-
duction. This is because the gaijin north of
the mountains are known to place great value
on silk. Once, a visiting "monk" enjoying
Badger hospitality was found trying to smug-
gle silkworms north out of Badger lands in his
traveling cloak. The imposter was a greedy
merchant who had been promised great
wealth by the Yobanjin if he could bring them
the secret of silk. Since then, the Badger have
guarded their valley jealously, wary of plots
from gaijin or even other Rokugani clans.
I
Badger's Scowl
lcHIRO HlNATA, SAPPER BADGER WEAPONS
This fierce-looking craggy vo lcano is actually a source ADVERSARY CONFLIG RANK: f.1 4 ~ 2 Tile Badger make a variety
of great joy for the Badger. The Scowl has long been of weapons, some of which
Hinata's duties involve checking traps and fixing or
dormant but supplies hot springs and steam vents. The appear nowhere else in
replacing them as necessary, so he is ·something of an Rokugan. These tend to
former provide the Badger with hot, therapeutic baths,
engineer as well as a warrior. He also undertakes patrol serve a dual purpose, such
and the latter serve as a heat source for Fureheshu Mine.
duty, as most Badger are expected to do. His mood can as the lchiro sapper ax (see
change remarkably quickly, so he is gruff and defensive page 88), which is half
Fureheshu Mine hand ax and half hammer,
one minute, and heartily welcoming the next. A sturdily
with a smooth wooden
The reinforced edifice of Fureheshu Mine is irregular built mature man, Hinata has dyed strips of his greying handle that can be used to
and jagged in its construction, such that the building hair black and white-the colors of the Badger men- beat a drum. lchir6-made
looks like part of the surrounding mountainside. The and regularly removes his helmet to reveal this. weapons usually bear the
lchirii pattern as their only
second-largest Badger holding, it is home to the Fure- adornment and tend to be
heshu daimy6 and in times of need acts as a Badger for- stronger and more durable
tress. Chunks of rock underneath its protruding towers 60 HONO R EN DURAN CE 16 titan counterparts made
have been half-broken, so they can be easily dislodged elsewhere in the Empire.
50 GlORY COMPOSURE 12
and dropped onto any attackers who might struggle
up the narrow paths toward the mine. The area also 39 STATUS FOCUS
5
contains the Badger sumai training ring and a brewery
that produces a famously strong plum wine. The mine @+2.~-2 VIGILANCE
7
itself has veins rich with iron ores, and the work needed DE MEAN OR· GRU FF
to extract them from underneath the earth is often an

I.PTISAN I MARTIAL3 SCHOlAR I SOCIAl I TRADE I
important part of sumai and samurai training .
Mulberry Valley Engineer's Hands: Uncouth:

When a silk merchant decided to stay with the Badger ~ Trade; Menta/, Physical ~ Social; Interpersonal,
rather than face his debts at home, no one expected Menta/
him to be able to establish a silkworm farm in the cold
FAVORED WEAI'ONS
mountains. However, one sun-warmed, volcanic valley
turned out to be the perfect place to grow a rare vari- lchiro sap per axe: Range 1, Damage 3, Deadliness
ety of mulberry tree. Generations after the merchant's 5, Durable
death, silk production has grown to become an import- Gear (equipped): Badger armor (Physical 2), basic
ant source of wealth for the Badger. Children help feed sapper tools (Mundane), small drum
the silkworms in their caves, bringing in baskets of
leaves from the valley, and talented Badger samurai ABiliTIES
paint breathtaking mountain landscapes on the silk BADGER SAPPER

before it is sold to other clans.
Hinata can spot Badger-made traps, and automatically
points them out to any character with whom he is trav-
Mysterious Shrine eling. As a Movement and Support action, Hi nata can
This small shrine in the mountains near Badger's Scowl disarm or reset one trap (without making a check).
offers no clue as to the kami that might inhabit it. Bad- SOUR MOODS
ger patrols sometimes come across it seemingly by Hi nata's demeanor is usually Good-natured. However,
accident and silently pay their respects before moving after Hi nata becomes Compromised or unmasks, his
on . Only the Sumai Champion ever goes there with demeanor becomes Gruff until the end of the scene. If
purpose, to sit in contemplation. Visits from outsiders he has had a particularly bad day, he may also start a
are exceedingly rare, though occasionally one appears scene Gruff to signify this fact.
under escort to offer their respectful prayers. Rumors
abound as to its true nature. There are tales that a
lost Kami's grave resides here, or that it is the location
where the first silk-producing butterflies were found,
or that an oni is buried underneath-one that only a
Sumai Champion could defeat should it ever emerge.
69
fUREHESHU AYAGINU, ADVENTURE SEED:

SUMAI CHAMPION LAIR OF THE BADGERS
ADVERSARY CONFLICT RANK: ;t.J, 7 -.. 4
Fureheshu Ayaginu has held the title of Sumai Champion
of the Badger Clan for two years in a row. She is a woman
of great renown within the clan, and her name is well-
known to sumai enthusiasts across Rokugan. As Sumai
Champion, she has spiritual duties to perform; Ayaginu
spends as much time communing with the kami as she
does training. She speaks little by nature, and a number
of rumors surround her: that she can hear the voices of the
kami, that everything she utters is prophecy, and that she
is too pure to ever draw blood or take a life. None of the
rumors are completely true, and very few Badger know
of the most important duty of the Sumai Champion in
protecting one of the most sacred locations in Rokugan .
60 HONOR ENDURANCE 18
39 STATUS FOCUS
7
VIGILANCE
5
DEMEANOR · DETACHED
ARTISAN I MARTIAL3 SCHOLAR 3 SOCIAL2 TRADE 0
Strength of a Mountain: Softheartedness:

~ Martial; Physical ~ Social ; Menta/
Wisdom of
Ancient Stones:
~ Scholar; Spiritual
FAVORtfl WEAPONS
Grip of iron: Range 0, Damag e 5, Deadliness 1
Gear (equipped): Badger-silk kimono (Physi cal 1,

Spiritual 1, Ceremonial)
AlliLITI(S
CRUSHING WATERFALL THROW

While making a Martial Arts [Unarmed] check, Ayaginu
may spend~~ as follows:
Earth*+: If either the target's silhouette or vig-

ilance is lower than~~ spent this way, the target
suffers the Immobilized condition and receives
4 fatigue.
Water~~+: If either the target's silhouette or vigi-
lance is lower than ~~spent this way, the target is
thrown 2 range bands in a direction of Ayaginu 's
choice and receives 4 fatigue .
?o
CHAPTER 2 : DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIRE
self-reliant as the mountains themselves can the Badger

BADGER CLAN ensure no invaders gain entrance to Rokugan through
PLAYER CHARACTERS the mountainous terrain they guard.
Ring Increase: + 1 Earth
Players who wish to build a Badger Clan character can
Skill Increase: +1 Martial Arts [Unarm.ed]
do so using the clan and family provided in this chap-
Status: 25
ter. At the GM's discretion, a Badger character could
study at a Great Clan school, or a character from a
Great Clan could fall in with these stubborn defenders THE ICHIRO fAMILY
of the Empire's northwest border. The rules for two of The lchiro family dominates much of Badger life and
the most iconic schools of the Badger, the lchiro Grap- has since the clan's founding in the early years of the
pler School and the lchiro lronsmith School, can be Empire. Most Rokugani who know of this Minor Clan
found on pages 7 6 and 77. simply assume the lchiro and the Badger are one and
the same. Much like the Crab, from whom the Bad-
THE BADGER MINOR CLAN ger founder originated, the lchiro are dedicated and
direct in their actions, and they care little for anything
While most clans seem to spend all their time fighting
that separates them from their duty. When they are not
each other, the Badger steadfastly defend the northwest
watching over the border or repelling would-be invad-
border of the Emerald Empire. The trivialities of courtly
ers, however, the lchiro are just as dedicated to activi-
life and interclan intrigue are less than important-and
ties such as wrestling and other competitive pastimes.
not even interesting. Only the Crab face a more con-
Many Rokugani are aware of the Badger's skills in forg-
stant threat. Still, although the Badger readily admit
ing weapons and armor, and while Badger products
that no gaijin invader rivals the terrors of the Shadow-
are universally derided as lacking elegance, the clan
lands, this doesn't diminish the importance of their duty
never seems to have a shortage of buyers.
deep in the Great Wall of the North mountains. Often
Ring Increase: +1 Earth or +1 Fire
forgotten by most of the major powers of the Empire,
Skill Increases: + 1 Fitness, + 1 Tactics
the Badger continue their charged duty with little to no
Glory: 35 Starting Wealth: 3 koku
outside support. Only by being as strong, resilient, and
WHAT DOES YOUR WHAT DOES BUSHIDO

CHARACTER KNOW? MEAN TO YOUR CLAN?
All Badger Clan characters have a greater awareness of the The Badger are one of the most isolated clans in the Empire,
following topics: and their samurai are as d irect and hard as the mountains
themselves. Sumai teaches them that strength comes from
0 You have a strong grasp of the politics and cultures honest application of muscle and skill, not from honeyed
within the Badger territory along the Empire's northwest words or blind acceptance. For this clan, to defend the border
border, as well as general information concerning the is to protect t he Empire, and there can be no weakness in this
Crab Clan. area. When truth and honesty are forgotten, there is little to
e You know much about the many mountain passes in this separate samurai from foreigners. For this reason, Righteous-
area, especially the Path of Woe. ness (Gi) holds a special place for the Badger.
The Badger ra rely leave their mountains, and while they are
e You have a strong familiarity with Ujik and other gai-
lively and enjoy games of all sorts, there is rarely need for man-
jin peoples who might attempt to enter the Empire
nered behavior within their lands. Every time they visit another
through force or stealth. You may even have had first-
court, they see only deceit and underhanded ways of twisting
hand experiences with one or more of them.
the truth for political gains. For a clan that prizes strength and
0 You may have some knowledge of a mysterious shrine iron, those samurai who rely on words instead of muscle are to
located in Badger lands and its true importance to be frowned upon at best. Thus, the Bushido tenet of Courtesy
the Empire. (Rei) is less important to members of the Badger Clan.
See page 301 of the core rulebook for more information on
how these can affect your honor and glory.
CHAPT ER 2: DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIRE
ADVANCE TYPE
NEW CONTENT
INTRODUCED IN Martial Skills Ski. Grp.
THIS BOOK
Courtesy Skill
The following are new schools that PCs can select as
Techniques with bolded Medicine Skill
part of character creation. ~
names are new to this ~
book and can be found z Theology Skill
starting on page 95. Agasha Ascetic School ~ Rank 1 Air Invocations l Tech. Grp.
[Shugenja, Bush i]
• Clouds Parted by Steel (/ Technique
Combining the teachings of mystic and warrior, the
samurai of the Agasha Ascetic School fill a valuable
role when the Dragon Clan goes to war. Their skills in
Grasp of Earth
Scholar Skills ' Technique
Ski. Grp.
calling upon the kami to aid the cla n are impressive Martial Arts [Melee] Skill
enough, but their martial abilities mean that they are N Meditation Skill
able to attack and defend in combat as well as any ~
z Survival Skill
bushi. This battlefield flexibility t hat makes them dan-
~ Rank 1-2 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
gerous and vital to the clan 's small armies.
Rings: +1 Air, +1 Earth • Beseech Togashi's Vision A Technique
Starting Skills (choose five): +1 Fitness, +1 Martial • Vanish in the Shadows )( Technique
Arts [Ranged]. +1 M artial Arts [Melee]. +1 Meditation,
Trade Skills Ski. Grp.
+1 Sentiment, +1 Tactics, +1 Theology
Honor: 45 Fitness Skill
ASCETIC INVOCATIONS Techniques Available: Invocations (l), Kata (~ ).Rituals (S!rt) M Martial Arts [Ranged] Skill
~
Starting Techniques: z Theology Skill
The Agasha Ascetic School
teaches its students invoca-
e Invocations (choose two): Caress of Earth,
~ Rank 1-3 Earth Invocations ~ Tech. Grp.
tions by Elementalnomes,
for they follow the Tao of Cloak of Night, Wall of Earth, Yari of Air • Employ Terrible Thunder )( Technique
Shinsei and see the world
'
0 Kata (choose one): Striking as Ai r, Grasp of the Air Dragon Technique
through the lens of the five
elements, or rings. (See Striking as Earth Martial Skills Ski. Grp.
Invocation Names and e Rituals: Cleansing Rite, Commune with Spirits
Traditions on page 190 in Command Skill
tl1e core rulebook). '<t Sentiment Skill
Stand as the Mountain (School Ability): After you
~
channel an invocation, increase your physical and super- z Theology Skill
natural resistances by an amount equal to the number <
c:: Rank 1-4 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
of dice you reserved, to a maximum of your school rank.
This effect persists until the start of your next turn.
Imbue Thunder A Technique
Starting Outfit: Sanctified robes, traveling clothes, Rise, Air l Technique

daish6 (katana and wakizashi), scroll satchel, journal, Scholar Skills Ski. Grp.
traveling pack.
Fitness Skill
II) Martial Arts [Melee] Skill
~
z Meditation Skill
~ Rank 1-5 Air Invocations
Ever-Changing Waves '
l
Tech. Grp.
Technique
Striking as Void ~ Technique
Soul of Deepest Stones (Mastery Ability):

-a When you successfully make a check to
~
z augment or mend a target, add a number
<
c::
of bonus successes equal to your ranks
in Fitness.
ADVANCE TYPE
Martial Skills Ski. Grp.

Command Skill
...::.: Courtesy Skill
z<( Government Skill
0:: Rank 1 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
• Tactical Assessment
Righteous Example
,,
~ Technique
Technique
Social Skills Ski. Grp.
Fitness Skill
N Martial Arts (Melee] Skill
::.:
z Tactics Skill
• Flowing Water Strike
• Preserve Strengt h
,,
~ Technique
Technique Akodo Soldier School [Bushi]
Lion samurai are renowned across Rokugan for their
Culture Skill prowess in war, and Akodo Soldiers are no exception.
I") Medicine Skill A lmost all are products of the Akodo War College,
::.: where they specialize in having no specialization. Each
z Smithing Skill
~ can fi ll almost any role in the clan's order of battle,
Rank 1-3 Kata
,,
~ Tech. Grp.
wielding any of Akodo's vaunted six weapons of the
• To Smash the Heart
Rallying Cry
,, Technique
Technique
samurai with equal expertise. Such is their training that
they can also provide battlefield medical support and
tactical advice when needed.
Scholar Skills Ski. Grp.
Rings: +1 Fire, +1 Water
Courtesy Skill
Starting Skills (choose five): +1 Command, + 1 Fit-
'ot Martial Arts [Ranged] Skill ness, +1 Martial Arts [Melee], +1 Martial Arts [Ranged],
::.: +1 Martial Arts [Unarmed], +1 Medicine, +1 Tactics
z Tactics Skill
~ Rank 1-4 Fire Shuji V' Tech. Grp.
Honor: 50
Techniques Available: Kata ( ~), Rituals(~), Shuji ((/)
• Pin the Fan ~ Technique Starting Techniques:
Disappearing World Style ~ Technique
e Kata (choose one): Striking as Fire, Striking as
Water
Command Skill
8 Kata (choose one): • Crescent Moon Style,
LO Government Skill -. Pelting Hail Style
::.:
z Sentiment Skill
Drilled Precision (School Ability): When making an
Attack or Movement action check, you may remove an
Moment of Glory V' Technique amount of strife from yourself up to your school rank.
~ For each strife you remove this way, add one kept •
-o
Striking as Void Technique
Strike Without Shadow (Mastery Ability):

*
set to to the check and receive 1 fatigue.
Starting Outfit: Ashiga ru armor, traveling clothes,
When you succeed at an Attack or Movement
::.: action check, you may spend 1 Void point daisho (katana and wakizashi), yumi (bow) with quiver
z
to add bonus successes equal to your ranks
~ in Fitness.
of arrows, yari (spear), nodachi (great sword) or naga-
maki (see page 88) or nagae yari (page 88), yoroi-
doshi (page 88), knife, battlefield medical pack
(page 90), traveling pack.
Daidoji Harrier School
[Bushi, Shinobi]
Rumors have long run of Daidoji battlefield agents who
gather intelligence and disrupt enemy supply lines. Yet
under the leadership of the most recent Daidoji daimyo,
the Harrier corps has become far more effective at end-
ing conflict s before they begin. Through sabotage,
assassinat ion, and forgery-tact ics many wou ld find
dishonorable- a single harrier might negate tens, if not
hundreds, of enemy warriors and ensure the Crane Clan
is well defended. Often the only sign a harrier is present
is the sound of t hunder and t he smoke of a collapsed
bridge or fa llen fortification.
Rings: + 1 Air, +1 Fire
Starting Skills (choose five): + 1 Culture, + 1 Fitness,
+ 1 Martial Arts [Melee]. +1 Martial Arts [Ranged]. +1
Medicine, + 1 Sentiment, +1 Skuld uggery
Honor: 40
Techniques Available: Kata (\t, ). Rituals !AL Shuji ({/)
Starting Techniques:
@ Kata (choose one): Soaring Slice,

Striking as Air
@ Ninjutsu: • Skulk
Explosive Arrival (School Ability): After you perform

an Attack action against a target who is Dazed or
Spreading Chaos (Mastery Ability): After unaware of your presence, that t arget receives strife
you use your school ability during a duel or equal to you r school rank. If your target is an enemy
skirmish, your target and each other char-
acter friendly to them at range 0-3 suffers leader's coho rt in a mass battle, t he enemy army also
the Dazed condition. After you use your receives t hat much panic.
school ability in a mass battle, the leader Starting Outfit: Traveling clothes, common clothes,
of the cohort you targeted suffers the
Dazed condition. daisho (kat ana and wakizashi). any one weapon of rar-
ity 6 or lower, knife, t raveling pack.
ADVANCE TYPE
Fitness Skill
.... Martial Arts [Melee] Skill
~
z Tactics Skill
<
0:: Rank 1 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
~ Beseech Hida's Might
• Battle of No Escape
,,
~ Technique
Technique
Command Skill
N Games Skill
~
z
<
Sentiment
,, Skill
0:: Rank 1-2 Earth ShOji
• Great Anvil's Measure
,, Tech. Grp.
Technique
• Beseech Shiba's Calm ~ Technique [Bushi, Courtier]
Unlike all other clans, the Crab are continually at war.
Command Skill
Even the Lion cannot claim the same. The Shadowlands
Performance Skill never sleeps, so neither can the stalwart samurai who
M
~ Tactics Skill are the primary defenders along the Wall. Hida Battle
z Leaders oversee t his war, and must rely on tactics and
<
0:: Rank 1-3 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
sheer grit to counter the overwhelming forces of Fu
~ The Patient Viper ){ Technique Leng. These are the most respected commanders of
'"' Beseech Akodo's the Crab Clan, as adept on a t actica l board as they are
Technique
Judgment ~ on the field of battle.
Martial Skills Ski. Grp. Rings: +1 Earth, +1 Void
Command Skill Starting Skills (choose five): +1 Command, +1 Fit-
ness, + 1 Games, + 1 Government, + 1 Martial Arts
'<t Medicine Skill
~
[Melee]. + 1 Sentiment, + 1 Tactics
z
<
0::
Smithing
Rank 1-4 Void ShOji
,, Skill
Tech. Grp.
Honor: 55
Techniques Available: Kata ( ~ ). Rituals(~). ShOji(' ')
,,
• Striking as Void ~ Technique
Steady the Hammer Technique 0 Kata: • Tactical Assessment
Social Skills Ski. Grp. e Shuji (choose one): Fortress of Necessity,
Fitness Skill Stonewall Tactics, Weight of Duty
Lll Sentiment Skill

Thunderous Courage (School Ability): Once per
~
z
~
Tactics
,, Skill scene after you perform a Support action, you may
Rank 1-S Earth ShOji
Rouse the Soul
,, Tech. Grp.
Technique
choose any number of characters within a number of
range bands equal to your ranks in Command. Each
chosen character treats their composure as increased
The Immovable Hand of Peace ' ' Technique by your school rank. This effect persists until the end
of the scene.
-o Unbreakable Resolve (Mastery Ability):
~ Compromised characters affected by your During a mass battle, if you are a leader, your army
z school ability can keep a number of dice con- treats its discipline as increased by your school rank.
~ taining 0 up to your ranks in Command.
Starting Outfit : Lacquered armor, traveling clothes,
daisho (katana and wakizashi), any two weapons of rar-
ity 7 or lower, finger of jade, tessen or gunbai (see page
91 ), several scrolls of battle tactics, traveling pack.
CHAPTE R 2: DE FE NDERS OF THE EMPIRE
lchiro Grappler School [Bushi] ADVANCE TYPE
Sumai is a very serious sport in most of Rokugan, with Martial Skills Ski. Grp.
traditions and rituals that date back hundreds of years. Games Skill
Few are as devoted to it as the Badger and Crab Clans,
.... Labor Skill
however. Those who train exclusively as lchin) Grap- ~
plers apply their skills in all aspects of their lives, fend-

z Theology Skill
<
ac:
ing off gaijin invaders just as they stand firm against Rank 1 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
their opponents in wrestling matches. In battle, a skilled + Lord Hida's Grip ~ Technique
Grappler needs no weapons other than their tenacious
Open-Hand Style ~ Technique
grip and immovable body to ensure none of their foes
are able to pass. Social Skills Ski. Grp.
Rings: +1 Earth, +1 Water Fitness Skill
Starting Skills (Choose five): + 1 Fitness, + 1 Games, N Martial Arts [Unarmed) Skill
+1 Martial Arts [Unarmed], +1 Meditation, +1 Perfor- ~
mance, +1 Survival, +1 Tactics

Honor: 45
z
<
ac:
Medicine
Rank 1-2 Earth ShOji
,, Skill
Tech. Grp.
Techniques Available: Kata (~), Rituals(~), Shuji ((l) Beseech Hida's Might ~ Technique
Starting Techniques: • Thicket's Embrace Style ~ Technique
e Kata: + Fierce Badger Style Scholar Skills Ski. Grp.
e Shiiji: (choose one): All in Jest, Honest Fitness Skill

Assessment M Meditation Skill
~
Badger's Hold (School Ability): After you succeed

z Performance Skill
~
at an Attack action check using the Martial Arts
[Unarmed) skill, if the target is Immobilized or Prone
(see pages 272-273 of the core rulebook), they also
Rank 1-3 Kata
• Your Enemy's Arrows
,,
~ Tech. Grp.
Technique
Shattering Tide Style ~ Technique
receive fatigue equal to your school rank.
Starting Outfit: Ashigaru armor, traveling clothes, Martial Skills Ski. Grp.
daish6 (katana and wakizashi), sumai garb, small Games Skill
drum, lchir6 sapper ax (see page 88), '01' Sentiment Skill
traveling pack. ~
z Theology Skill
~ Rank 1-4 Water ShOji (/ Tech. Grp.
• The Patient Viper
Steady t he Hammer
,,
)( Technique
Technique
Culture Skill
Fitness Skill
"'z
~
Martial Arts [Unarmed) Skill
<
ac: Rank 1-5 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
• Victory Without a Sword (/ Technique
Soul Sunder ~ Technique
Killing Grip (Mastery Abilit y): When you

-o inflict a critical strike on a target, if the target
~
z is Immobilized or Prone, you may receive 3
~ fatigue to increase the severity of the critical
strike by two times your ranks in Fitness.
lchiro lronsmith School
[Artisan, Courtier]
While the Kakita and other swordsmith schools pro-
duce weapons that are unparalleled works of art, the
hard realities of life in the mountains means a differ-
ent path for the lchir6. There is little call for art in this
school, which concentrates on weapons and armor as
tough and reliable as the rugged hills the Badger call
home. lchir6 lronsmiths are also famous for the speed
with which they produce weaponry, something the Lion
Clan relies upon greatly to arm its legions of ashigaru.
Rings: + 1 Water, + 1 Void
Starting Skills (choose five): +1 Commerce, +1 Cour-
tesy, +1 Fitness, +1 Labor, +1 Martial Arts [Melee]. +1
Martial Arts [Unarmed], +1 Smithing
Honor: 40
Techniques Available: Kata (~). Rituals (A). Shuji ((/)
0 Shuji (choose two): Coursing March Chant,

Courtier's Resolve, Honest Assessment,
Stirring the Embers
Starting Patterns: lchir6 Pattern. You can apply this pat-

tern (see page 94) to any weapon or armor you craft.
Tenacity of the Forge (Mastery Ability):
When you create a new set of armor, you may Hide of Iron (School Ability): Once per game session
apply two different patterns you know to it when you make a check to craft, improve, or maintain a
(instead of one). weapon or set of armor, you may receive an amount of
fatigue up to your school rank to reroll that many d ice.
Starting Outfit: Traveling clothes, common clothes,
wakizashi (short sword), any one weapon of rarity 6 or
lower, smithing hammer, lchir6 sapper axe (see page
88), traveling pack.
CHAPTE R 2: DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIR E
Ide Messe n ger School [Cou rtier] ADVANCE TYPE
Ide Messengers call upon the powerful steeds of the Social Skills Ski. Grp.
Unicorn Clan to allow them to traverse the Emerald Composition Skill
Empire (and often beyond) with information useful to Fitness Skill
their clan. They do more than simply carry messages,
.....
however. They carefully interpret these messages so as
to ensure that information can convey multiple layers of
~
z
<
0::
Survival
Rank 1 Earth ShOji
,, Skill
Tech. Grp.
meaning for both originator and recipient. The grace • Beseech Shinjo's
Technique
and subtlety these diplomats display is legendary, as Empathy S!:t
the Messengers use their travels to gather information • Swift Scouting )( Technique
useful for the Unicorn in both courts and battlefields.
Rings: +1 Earth, +1 Void
Martial Arts [Melee] Skill
Starting Skills (choose five): +1 Courtesy, +1 Fitness,
+1 Government, +1 Martial Arts [Ranged]. +1 Perfor- N Performance Skill
~
mance, +1 Sentiment, +1 Survival
Honor: 50
z
<
Sentiment
,, Skill
Techniques Available: Kata (~). Rituals(~) . ShOji ('')

0:: Rank 1-2 Water ShOji
• Call t he Wild
,, Tech. Grp.
Technique
Beseech Doji's Wisdom S!:t Technique
0 Shuji: • Lady Shinjo's Speed
Artisan Skills Ski. Grp.
0 Shuji (choose one): Courtier's Resolve, Honest
Courtesy Skill
Assessment
M Performance Skill
Sympathetic Bearing (School Ability): After you make ~
z Survival Skill
a check for Initiative (or enter the scene, for a narrative
~
scene). you may choose another character in the scene.
Rank 1-3 Rituals
,,
S!:t Tech. Grp.
That character removes strife equal to your school rank,

and you reduce the TN of your next Social skill check
targeting that character by 2.
• Regal Bearing
Rallying Cry
,, Technique
Technique
Starting Outfit: Traveling clothes, wakizashi (short
sword). yumi (bow) and quiver of arrows, satchel of Command Skill
messages, calligraphy set, knife, Unicorn warhorse '<t Composition Skill
(see page 327 of the ~
traveling pack.
z
<
Martial Arts [Ranged]
,, Skill
0:: Rank 1-4 Void ShOji
• Rouse the Soul
,, Tech. Grp.
Technique
• Vanish in the Shadows )( Technique
Cu lture Skill
Ltl Fitness Skill
~
z
~
Survival
,, Skill
Rank 1-5 Air ShOji
Buoyant Arrival
,, Tech. Grp.
Technique
Striking as Void ~ Technique
The Herd Flourishes Together (Mastery

Ability): When you make a Social skill check,
you may spend ~> as follows:
-o **:Choose another character's social
~
objective that you know. You may transfer
z any number of momentum points you have
<
0::
accrued to the completion of their objective.
After that cha racter completes their objec-
tive, you gain the Support of [That Charac-
ter's Group] advantage (see hage 110 of the
core rule book) if you do not ave it already.
lsawa Tensai School [Shugenja] ADVANCE TYPE

TENSAI INVOCATIONS
The shugenja of t he lsawa Tensai Schoo l pract ice an Following the same tradi-
even more elite and specia lized path than other lsawa tions as the lsawa Elemen-
schools. lsawa Tensai concentrate on a single element talist School, the lsawa
with which they have a natural affinity. This allows them Tensai School teaches its
students invocations by
to focus their energies upon that element and develop
Elemental names. (See
a unique link to the kami who embody it, letting them Invocation Names and
wie ld powers few can match. Traditions on page 190 in
Rings: +2 any one ring the core rulebook).
Starting Skills (choose three): +1 Courtesy, +1 Martial
Arts [Unarmed]. +1 Meditation, +1 Sentiment, +1 Sur-
vival, + 1 Theology
Honor: 50
Techniques Available: Invocations (W,). Rituals (A),
Shuji (~'>
e Invocation s (choose one): Any one rank 1

invocation of your inspired element
e Rituals (choose two): Cleansing Rite,

Commune with the Spirits, Thresho ld Barrier
e Shuji (choose two): Ancestry Unea rthed, Bor-

rowed Courage, Truth Burns through Lies,
Shallow Waters
Elemental Inspiration (S chool Ability): Choose one:

Air, Earth, Water, or Fire. This is your inspired element.
When making a check to activate an invocation of your
inspired element, add a number of rolled • set to ::;~
results equal to your school rank.
When making a check to activate an invocat ion of your
inspired element, you trigger spiritual backlash (see page
190 of the core rulebook) only if you keep four or more
dice containing <;i) symbols (instead of t hree or more).
When making a check to activate an invocation not
of your inspired element, you t rigger spiritual backlash
if you keep two or more dice containing <;i) symbols
(instead of three or more).
Starting Outfit: Sanctified robes, traveli ng clothes,
wakizashi (short sword), scroll satchel, traveling pack. "
Attuned Invocation (Mastery Ability): Once

per scene, when making a check to activate
an invocation of your inspired element, you
may spend 1 Void point. If you do, you may
keep any number of your rolled dice (instead
of a number up to your ring value) .
All Matsu bushi are ferocious warriors, but Beastmasters
are doubly dangerous, for they always have devoted
animal companions fighting at their sides. This school
teaches how to strengthen what could be an existing
bond between human and beast. Their combined roar
as they charge into battle is often enough to send
lesser samurai running before steel or fang have even
reached them.
Rings: +1 Fire, +1 Water
Starting Skills (choose five): + 1 Fitness, + 1 Martial Arts
[Melee]. +1 Medicine, +1 Meditation, +1 Performance,
BONDED ANIMALS
+1 Sentiment, +1 Survival
A pair of large dogs (see Honor: 45
page 326 of the core Techniques Available: Kata (~). Rituals(~). Shuji ((/)
rulebook) is the most Starting Techniques:
common bonded choice
of bonded animals of 0 Kata: Warrior's Resolve
the Matsu Beastmaster.
0 Shuji (choose two): Coursing March Chant,
However, at the GM's
Righteous Example, Sensational Distraction
discretion, your char·
acter could have a dif·
ferent bonded animal, Starting Advantage: Animal Bond (see page 111 of
in which case you may the core rulebook)
select one animal with One with the Pride (School Ability): Increase each
U 6 or lower, such as of your bonded animals' endurance, composure,
a hunting cat.
and ranks in Martial skill group by an amount equal
If you choose an animal to your school rank (its skill ranks still cannot exceed
with U 3 or lower, 5). If a bonded animal is a minion, it becomes an
you may have a pair of
adversary instead. With the Soul of a Lion (Mastery Ability):
such animals as your
Starting Outfit: Ashigaru armor, traveling clothes, After you perform an Attack action, each of
bonded animals instead your bonded animals may perform an Attack
(and your school and daish6 (katana and wakizashi), zanbato or nagae yari action against the same target, if able. If your
mastery abilities apply (see page 88) or nagamaki (see page 88). yoroi- attack action did not succeed, reduce the
to each one individual· doshi (see page 88), 1-2 bonded animals (see the TN of each of your bonded animals' Attack
ly, as does the Animal action check by 2.
Bond advantage). Bonded Animals note, left), traveling pack.
&0
CHAPTE R 2: DEFENDERS OF THE EMP I RE
A DVAN CE TYPE Yogo Penit ent Order [ Bu shi , Monk]

Martial Skills Ski. Grp. Stories say that when the Yogo curse comes to pass
Labor Skill in a betrayal too painful to bear, the betrayer may be
...
:.!
Skulduggery Skill offered a place in the Penitent Order. In monasteries
scattered across Scorpion lands, these monks train
z Theology Skill
their skills to a razor's edge. Yet unlike many other
<t
It: Rank 1 Kata \ Tech. Grp. monks, who look inward for Enlightenment, those
• Skulk )( Technique belonging to the Yogo Penitent Order seek redemp-
)( tion through service.
• Swift Scouting Technique
Anyone who makes the pilgrimage to one of these
hidden monasteries may plead their case to the Order. If
Command Skill the Order agrees this cause serves the good of Rokugan ,
Martial Arts [Unarmed] Skill by its own cryptic measure, it dispatches a deadly agent
N
:.! who serves that person's cause--even unto death.
Meditation Skill
z Rings: + 1 Air, + 1 Void
~ Rank 1-2 Air Kih6 ~ Tech. Grp. Starting Skills (choose four): +1 Fitness, +1 Martial
+ Beseech Bayushi's Arts [Melee]. +1 Martial Arts [Unarmed]. +1 Medita-
Technique
Absolution A tion, +1 Survival, +1 Theology
• The Patient Viper )( Technique Honor: 40
Artisan Skills Ski. Grp. Techniques Available: Kata (\), Kih6 (~). Rituals (S!'t)
Fitness Skill
M Martial Arts [Melee] Skill e Kata (choose one): • Iron Forest Style,
:.! • Veiled Menace Style
z Skulduggery Skill
~ e
Rank 1-3 Kata
• Entice with Falsehoods
,,
\ Tech. Grp.
Technique e
Kiho (choose one): Air Fist, The Great Silence
Rituals: Divination, Threshold Barrier
Still the Elements ~ Technique Starting Disadvantage: Dark Secret (see page 132 of
Scholar Skills Ski. Grp. the core rule book) or another disadvantage suitable to
Martial Arts [Unarmed] Skill your past betray aI
Oath of Sacrifice (School Ability): Once per scene,
"<t Meditation Skill
:.! after you defend against damage or suffer a critical
z Survival Skill strike, you may unleash your current kih6. Immedi-
<
Q:;
ately end its enhancement effect, then resolve its burst
Rank 1-4 Kata \ Tech. Grp.
,,
)( effect as if you had a number of bonus successes equal
• Vanish in the Shadows Technique
to your school rank plus the amount of fatigue you
Moment of Glory Technique
received or the severity of the critical strike you suf-
Martial Skills Ski. Grp. fered . If the burst effect has one or more targets,
Courtesy Skill may choose appropriate targets in range.
If you have used this ability already this scene,
It) Culture Skill
:.! may spend 1 Void point to use it again this scene
z Theology Skill (you can do this any number of times, pro-
<
Q:;
Rank 1-5 Void Kih6 ~ Tech. Grp. vided you have Void points to spend).
• Silencing Stroke )( Technique Starting Outfit: Common
(staff) or yari (spear). 3 shuriken (th
Striking as Void \ Technique
ing stars), knife, traveling pack.
Empty Soul Ki (Mastery Ability): When
-o
:.!
you defend against damage, if all your Void
z Points are spent, treat your physical and
supernatural resistances as being equal to
~ your Void ring.
t1ew 4dva"t~e3 a"d

TRADITIONAL ADHERENT (EARTH)
Day in, day out, the shrine keeper swept the floo r, lit
Vi3adva"t~e3
the candles, burned the incense, honored the history
of the shrine. Day in, day out, visitors came to pray
and seek guidance. Day in, day out, the shrine keeper
On the battlefield, a samurai must manage their
tended to their needs and sought nothing for himself.
strengths and weaknesses in order to succeed. To pres-
Day in, day out, all was as it was and had been.
ent vulnerability to a foe is to invite defeat, but to con-
Day in, day out, the shrine keeper went to bed
trol it may bait that same enemy into overextending. In
satisfied with a job well done.
much the same manner, awareness of one's own power
can be the line between confidence and hubris. Thus, Types: Mental
self-awareness and understanding are essential traits Effects: The following apply to a character wit h the Tra-
to samurai everywhere, and especially to the tacticians d itiona l Adherent distinction:
and generals of the Lion Clan. Courtiers may view the
0 You have a mastery of trad ition and routine,
life of a bushi as straightforward compared to the com-
and are able t o perform ceremonies and social
plexity of court, b ut the flow of battle can be no less
functions exactly as you were taught without
confusing without this crucial awareness.
variation, even under t rying circu mstances.
S P EC I F IC D ISTI NCTIONS 0 When yo u make a check t o mainta in the trad i-

tio ns of the past (such as a Perfo rma nce [Earth)
These distinctions follow the same format as those in check t o recite a poem in a style long-since
Chapter 2 of the core rulebook. out of fashio n in the courts, or a Composit ion
[Earth) check to examine a hist o rical account for
GUIDING A NCESTOR (Vom) inconsistencies), you may rero ll up t o two d ice.
That night, the dreams came again. Kitsu Masaru

tossed and turned as if in the grip of a tempest, and
his husband could not wake him for some time. When
SPECIFIC PASSIONS
Masaru's eyes opened, he appeared troubled, yet These passions follow t he same format as those in
there was something of serenity about him as well. Chapter 2 of the core rulebook.
"It was a warning," Masaru said at last. "Just as they
did be fore the Battle of Rushing Rivers, the Unicorn
hope to pass our guard in the night. None of the scouts
we sent to find them ever returned in life. Now one has
returned from death to make sure we do not fail again."
Types: Spiritual
Effects: The following apply to a character with the
Guiding Ancestor distinction:
0 You are watched over by a benevolent ances-

tor spirit, or sorei, who has high hopes for
you and your deeds. The spirit cannot
communicate directly but may send cryptic
omens in dreams and strange phenomena
to help you achieve a great destiny.
0 When you make a check to interpret

omens or to intuit a course of action (such
as a Theology [Void) check to understand
your dreams or a Tactics [Void] check to
guess the plans of an unknown enemy gen-
eral), you may reroll up to two dice.
CHAPTER 2 : DEFENDERS OF TH E EMPIR E
ANCESTRY (EARTH) @ After performing a check to improve your reputa-

tion or gain fame as a great samurai (such as a Per-
" ... Son of Matsu Hoshiko, who was the daughter of formance [Fire] check to impress a court with your
Matsu Jiro, who inherited the title from Matsu Kaoru , new melody, or a Tactics [Fire] check to execute a
his aunt, and not from his direct forebears. And so we daring raid on the enemy), you remove 3 strife.
continue tracing the line from Matsu Kaoru, who was
the daughter of-"
"How can you remember all of this?" the young girl SPECIFIC ADVERSITIES
asked in wonderment.
These adversities follow the same format as those in
The tutor looked at her and smiled, and answered
simply, "How can I not?" Chapter 2 of the core rulebook.
Types: Mental BLOOD FEUD (WATER)

Effects: The following apply to a character with the
Ancestry passion : "Thank you for welcoming me within your house,
Shiba-sama. It is a generous host who allows in a weary
@ The recollection of lineages comes easily to you. guest without so much as inquiring of their name!" The
You know your own family history as far back as Unicorn samurai bowed deeply.
it has been recorded, and can swiftly recall the " It is no trouble, " responded the Phoenix lord. "I
lineages of notable figures in Rokugan's history. welcome all under my roof unless they have done me
With a few contextual cues, you can deduce the or mine wrong, and no one has done such a thing since
ancestry of those you meet and remember the the passing of Moto Batjargal. "
great deeds of their forebears. Moto Jochi found his stay with the Phoenix
@ After performing a check to recall or determine the considerably more fraught after that exchange, and
family history of another character (such as a Gov- he soon decided to continue his travels, despite
ernment [Earth] check to remember a past daimy6 his weariness.
of a family, or a Command [Earth] check to remind Types: Interpersonal, Social
a subordinate of the expectations their ancestors Effects: The following apply to a character with the
would have of them), you remove 3 strife. Blood Feud adversity:
@ Your bloodline is locked in a deadly struggle

with another family or group, which makes mem-
G LORIOU S D EEDS ( FIRE)
bers of that group hostile when they learn your
"Even should a samurai evade death on the battlefield affiliation . They may bar you from their courts
and survive to see their great-grandchildren come of and homes, refuse to meet with you, or even
age, one day they will pass. Such is the way of mortals. challenge you to duels over slights in which you
But the stories that people tell of that samurai-those had no personal involvement. Confer with the
may live forever. " The lkoma historian gave his sibling GM to select a campaign-appropriate family or
a shre wd look. group when choosing this disadvantage. Note
"But you did not come to listen to the lectures I have that the family lines that participate in a given
for students, I suspect. You want to be the subject of feud are much smaller than a full Great Clan
my next lecture. Tell me of your accomplishments, and I family-this adversity represents a feud with
will make sure they are recorded in the family histories." a group such as the descendants of a specific
With that prompting, the eager bushi launched into Kakita lord, rather than the entire Kakita family.
a story about their efforts in the recent conflict, and
@ When performing a check to interact with the
they were not silent until late into the night.
chosen group or family that relies on their
Types: Martial , Social goodwill toward members of your family (such
Effects: The following apply to a character with the as a Courtesy [Water] check to seek hospitality
Glorious Deeds passion : on the road while traveling on family business,
or a Performance [Water] check to impress
@ You find risking your life to be a simple matter, as them with a song attributed to you under your
long as there is a witness to remember your brav- family name), you must choose and reroll two
ery. No threat or challenge deters you if you might dice containing 0 or~ . After resolving the
be remembered for it, making even the most check, if you failed, you gain 1 Void point.
daunting tasks easy ones for which to prepare.
CHAPTER 2: DEFENDE RS OF THE EMPIRE
ALTERNATE SCAR DISADVANTAG ES

When a character suffers a sufficiently grave critical strike, they
MINOR AND MAJOR SCAR
receive a Scar disadvantage, as described on page 270 of the
core rulebook. However, the Scar disadvantages that appear DISADVANTAGES
under Adversities in the core rulebook (starting on page 116)
If the Scar is assigned by a "Permanent Injury" critical strike,
are not meant to be the only possible permanent injuries char-
it should be an adversity that is rather narrow in its impact or
acters can receive. When a character receives a Scar disad-
one that comes into effect somewhat infrequently. Its narrative
vantage, GMs and players can collaborate to create new Scar
impacts should be noticeable in the character's life, but might
disadvantages using the guidelines here.
have a relatively small impact on their activities. Generally, a
minor Scar disadvantage reflects a permanent effect upon a
SCAR EFFECTS BY RING part of the body or sense or, occasionally, complete loss of a
body part that has redundancies within the body, such as one
Each ring governs a certain group of senses, activities, and
or more fingers or an eye.
approaches, so each Scar's narrative and mechanical effects
If the Scar is assigned by a Maiming Blow critical strike, it is
should pertain to the ring which it is connected. This not only
more impactful. It can be an adversity with a wider-ranging set
determines its mechanical effect, but can also help to deter-
of effects, or it can be a narrower one that is likely to come into
mine what part(s) of the body it affects. Each ring has certain
effect frequently. Its narrative impacts should be noticeable in the
associations with different senses, body parts, and modes of
character's day-to-day life, and might require them to adapt some
acting in the world.
of their behaviors to compensate. Generally, a major Scar disad-
AIR: Air often governs delicate, sensitive activities. Thus,
vantage reflects debilitation or total loss of a body part or sense.
Scars that affect the Air ring might make it harder for a charac-
ter to move with perfect precision, detect buried nuances, or
express certain subtleties.
Sample Air locations include the wrist, jaw, and ear. SAMPLE SKILLS AF FECTED
EARTH: Earth often pertains to stability and exhausting activ-
Each Scar disadvantage should have two sample skill checks
ities. Thus, Scars that affect Earth might make it more laborious
that it affects. Wh ile it does not need to affect these skills
for a character to maintain their stamina (mentally, physically, or
under all circumstances, and can certain ly affect other skills at
emotionally), or undertake activities that require perfect balance
the GM's discretion, this serves as a helpful jumping-off point
or sust ained effort.
for knowing when to apply it.
Sample Earth locations include the knee, shoulder, and toes.
For example, a Scar disadvantage associated with a wrist
WATER: Water often helps a character act flexibly, with
injury is most likely to affect checks for Composition and Martial
the whole picture in mind. Thus, Scars that affect Water might
Arts [Melee] skills. A knee injury could affect checks for Fitness
make it more difficult for a character to move fluidly or over
and Seafaring. An ear injury could affect checks for Sentiment
distance, keep track of multiple things at once, or recover
and Survival. A nose injury could affect checks for Medicine and
from exhaustion (mental, physical, or emotional).
Survival. And a neck injury could affect Fitness and Meditation.
Sample Water locations include the elbow, hips, and calf.
fiR E: Fire often manages swift, decisive bursts of activity.
Thus, Scars that affect Fire might make it more work for a char-
acter to quickly shift from inactivity to activity, maintain bursts PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
of energy, or overwhelm problems immediately.
Once the GM and player have determined the Ring and a
Sample Fire locations include the ankle, nose, and hands.
logical location for the injury, the scale, and the sample skills
Vom: Void often deals with matters of perspective, intro-
affected, they can construct the new Scar and give it a relevant
spection, and understanding of one's role in the universe.
narrative effect. Remember that you will still need to create a
Thus, Scars that affect Void might impede a character's efforts
suitable narrative effect (based on the logical challenges the
to understand themselves or the cosmos around them.
injury could create) and the specific cases in which the skills
Sample Void locations include the neck, skull, and brain.
are affected (as they should not be affected in all cases). The
GM should also feel free to adjust any of these to create an
effect that suits the injury the character has suffered, and the
specific ways it may affect them.
SPECIFIC
ANXIETIES
These anxieties follow the
BELLIGERENT (EARTH)
"Matsu-san, no! We are guests here." The courtier

" .. .And that is how I defeated the bandits who plagued
looked on in horror as Matsu Chiyoko gripped her
Gentle River Village." lkoma Daisuke looked around
blade as if to draw it.
"They should have remembered their duties as the court, expecting an impressed audience within the
hosts, then, instead of insulting me," Chiyoko retorted, teahouse. Instead, they seemed impatient, even bored.
before returning her attention to the Crane samurai in "You must do better than defeating ronin and
front of her. "I challenge you, for your insult! If you would peasants to be counted a warrior among the Crab,"
belittle my courage, I dare you to prove your own." sneered a burly Hida sitting across the room from him.
"Bandits! Speak to me when you have felled monsters."
Types: Interpersonal
Effects: The following apply to a character with the Types: Interpersonal
Belligerent anxiety: Effects: The following apply to a character with the
Braggart anxiety:
II You find it nearly impossible to keep your
cool when provoked, and may even look for II You can't resist an opportunity to share your
an excuse to fight with people you consider great deeds with others, and you grow dis-
tressed when your audience isn't impressed by
deserving of a good thrashing. Delicate social
situations can easily spiral out of control when your accomplishments.
you suspect the other party of giving offense. II After performing a check to share your past
II After performing a check to respond to provo- deeds with others without emphasizing your
cation w ithout resorting to violence or threats own accomplishments or trying to impress your
(such as a Performance [Earth] check to calmly audience with your story (such as a Courtesy
sing a song that was originally composed to [Water] check to allow a superior to take credit
for your deeds or a Performance [Water] check
paint your lineage in an unflattering light or a
Meditation [Earth] check to stay in formation when recounting a tale in which you played a
when you spot a rival across the battlefield), part), you receive 3 strife. If this is the first time
you receive 3 strife. If this is the first time this this has occurred this scene, gain 1 Void point.
has occurred this scene, gain 1 Void point.
A variety of unique heritages arise from having a
bloodline derived-at least in part-from the Lion. This
is true even for non-Lion characters, who may bear Lion
blood because of the marriages of members of that
clan into their family lineage. Some heritages are also
appropriate to the great warriors and generals of all
clans, even if they are most common with in the Lion.
Table 2-1: New Samurai Heritages represents
ese backgrounds when players create a new samu-
K who has ancestral connections to the Lion Clan
or to famous masters of the battlefield. This table can
be use21 i stead of Table 2-1: Samurai Heritages on
page 96 of the core rulebook and should be employed
in the same manner.
TABLE 2-1: NEW SAMURAI HERITAGES
ROLL RESULT MODIFIERS OTHER EFFECTS
Born on the Battlef ield: One of your ancestors

was born amid war and bloodshed, even if not Decrease
You gain the Guiding Ancestor (Void) d istinction
1 litera lly on the front lines. The omens of your b irth your g lory
(see page 82).
reflect an affinity for that ancestor, as such omens by 3.
have done for others in your family line.
Increase
Roll a ten-sided d ie to determine a skill you
your glory
Strategic Mastermind: You are descended learned by studying your ancestor's d eeds (1-2:
by 5 and
2 from a warrior known for t heir cunning and Tactics, 3-4: Command, 5-6: Government, 7-8:
decrease
wartime acumen. Culture, 9: Commerce, 10: Theology); g ain +1
your honor
rank in that skill.
by 5.
TABLE 2-1: NEW SAMURAI HERITAGES (CONTINUED)
ROLL RESULT MODIFIERS OTHER EFFECTS
Roll a ten-sided die and add the following family

Victory against the Crane: In your family, one
heirloom to your starting items (1 - 3: a weapon,
of your ancestors held a decisive victory over
4-6: a game set of your choice, 7-8: some other
the Crane. It may have been a battle, a game Increase
item relevant to your ancestor's victory, 9: a horse
3 of shogi, a duel, or any number of other things. your glory
or other animal, 10: the deed to a small piece of
Th e circumstan ces are irrelevant; the Crane were by 3.
land on the border of Crane territory). In addition
humbled, and your ancestor brought honor to
to its other properties, this item is a battlefield
yo ur clan.
heirloom (see page 90).
Roll a ten-sided die to determine a skill you

Victory against Invaders: The Lion Clan's fore-
Increase learned to honor your ancestor (1-2: Command,
most duty is to protect the Empire from outside
4 your honor 3-4: Government, 5-6: Tactics, 7-8: Survival,
threats, and one of your kin acquitted themselves
by 3. 9: Theology, 10: Meditation); gain + 1 rank in
honorably in this endeavor long ago.
that skill.
Shamed by Defeat: Among your kin is one who

failed th e cla n. Whether they were beaten in bat- Decrease Choose one of the starting skills for your school
5 ti e or a duel , humiliated in court, or something your glory in which your character has no ranks; gain +1
else, th e need to redeem your line burns within by 3. rank in that skill.
you an d drives you to excel.
Choose a weapon and add it to your starting

Blade of 10,000 Battles: You have been
Increase outfit. At the GM's discretion, certain weapons
entrusted with a storied weapon with an ancient
6 your glory may be inappropriate choices and cannot be
history and lineage, and you must prove yourself
by 3. selected. In addition to being a weapon, this
worthy to continue its legacy.
item is a battlefield heirloom (see page 90).
Lost Heirloom: An ancestor of yours was once

Choose a weapon to be the lost heirloom, which
entrusted with a peerless weapon, but through Increase
is now held by some individual or group hos-
their own fai lure, they lost it. It may have been your honor
tile to you or your clan. At the GM 's discretion ,
taken by another clan as a trophy in battle after by 5 and
7 certain weapons may be inappropriate choices
your ancestor's defeat, stolen by bandits or shi- decrease
and cannot be selected . In addition to being a
nobi, or even dishonorably sold to cover gam- your glory
weapon, this item is a battlefield heirloom (see
bling debts. Whatever its fate, it has fallen to you by 3.
page 90) .
to recover it.
Increase
Selfless Sentinel: Your ancestor was not well- your honor
known or highly favored , but they served with by 5 and Gain the Traditional Adherent (Earth) distinction
8
honor, if not glory, and protected Lion lands from decrease (see page 82).
attack for all their life. your glory
by 3.
Increase
Mighty Conqueror: One of your ancestors once Choose one: double your starting koku, add one
your glory
seized a valuable prize for the Lion Clan in a past item of rarity 6 or lower to your starting items
by 3 and
9 war, su ch as a village, castle, or valuable hostage. that is a battlefield heirloom (see page 90) in
decrease
Th e benefits of this prize still come to those of addition to its other properties, or gain the Glori-
your honor
their d escent. ous Deeds passion (see page 83).
by 3.
Right Hand of the Emperor: The crowning glory

of your line is the victory one of your ancestors
won in the name of a past Emperor. They may
have crushed an enemy of the Empire, won great
Increase Gain the Support of [One Group] distinction . The
political favor, or even been a close associate or
10 your status group chosen must be the Seppun, Otomo, or
friend of the Emperor in t imes past. As such, the
by 3. Miya family, or the Imperial Legions.
Imperial fam ilies have more respect for you than
for most clan samurai-and they expect you to
achieve accomplishments as glorious as those of
your ancestor.
Weapot13 POLEARMS
Through the centuries of Rokugan's existence, the
Fighting for the Empire and for honor demands arma- polearm and the bow have competed for supremacy
ments, and the Lion call upon smiths from their lands as the defining weapon of warfare. While the sword has
and beyond to fill this need. While most of the clan's ever been a symbol of warrior nobility in Rokugan, t he
bushi wield katana, some of which have been passed spear is no less influential upon history.
down through generations, others employ different
weapons. This especially holds true for the vast legions MAGARI YARI
of ashigaru and conscripted peasants who make up the
bulk of most Lion armies. Favored by the Matsu fam ily, the magari yari is a heavy-
tipped, t riple-headed spea r. Because of its unwieldy
head, using it in battle requ ires particular training.
AXES After performing an Attack action check with a
While axes are not a common weapon of war in magari yari, a character suffers the Disoriented condi-
Rokugan, the Badger Clan makes great use of these tion unless they choose to receive 3 fatigue.
versatile arms in their constant campaign to protect the
border of Rokugan. NAGAE YARI
Many ashigaru favor the nagae yari , or straight-headed
lcHIRo SAPPER Ax
spear. Featuring a flat steel b lade at the end of a very
Crafted by the relentlessly pragmatic Badger Clan, the long hardwood pole, it is ideal for repu lsing attacks
lchiro sapper ax doubles as both a hammer and an against fixed positions.
ax. Resembling a regular hand ax but with a knobbed Before performing an Attack action check using a
pommel and a smoothly polished or lacquered handle, nagae yari, a character may choose to suffer the Immo-
this weapon can be flipped in one hand to brandish bilized condition . If they do and succeed on the check,
either the blunt hammerhead or the sharp ax-head. they add 2 bonus successes
Like its creators, the lchiro sapper ax is notoriously
hardy and difficult to break, making it a great asset NAGAMAKI
both in and out of battle.
An lchiro sapper ax counts as an ax when wielded Favored by infantry, the nagamaki is a single-edged
with its standard 1-hand profile, and as a blunt weapon blade with a significantly lengthened hilt. While the
when wielded with its blunt profile. blade varies in length, the hilt of this weapon is known
for being almost as long as its blade. Designed with
a two-handed grip in mind, t he nagamaki is normally
swung in long, sweeping motions to slice the foe.
TABLE 2-2: WEAPONS

NAME SKILL RNG DMG DLS GRIPS QUALITIES RARITY PRICE
1-hand:-
!chinS Sapper Ax [Melee] 3 4 1-hand (B!unt): Dam- Durable 2 3 koku
age +2, Deadliness -3
Cumbersome, Razor-
Magari Yari [Melee] 2 7 4 2-hand:- 6 20 koku
Edged, Wargear
Nagae Yari [Melee] 2 5 2 2-hand:- Wargear 2 1 koku
1-hand: Cumbersome
Razor-Edged,
Nagamaki [Melee] 1-2 3 5 2-hand: Damage +2, 4 30 koku
Wargear
Deadliness +2
1-hand: - Concealable, Razor-

Yoroi-Doshi [Melee] 0 2 4 5 10 koku
2-hand: Deadliness +3 Edged, Wargear
/
HAND WEAPONS
YAJIRI (SPECIALIZED
While the humble knife may seem a petty weapon on
ARROWHEADS) the battlefield, it was no mistake that Akodo named it
alongside the long sword, spear, and bow as the Six
As varied and unique as the artisans who
Weapons of the Samurai. Knives are extraordinarily
craft them, yajiri are ornate steel arrowheads.
versatile as tools and weapons alike, useful in almost
These artisans favor the traditional inverted
any situation a soldier might face and easy to carry and
heart shape for its ability to pierce armor and
conceal compared with most other arms.
hide. Many yajiri crafters engrave sacred or
accusatory patterns into their arrowheads,
along with ornate mon or personal sigils- YoRoi-DOSHI
either their own or those of the intended Designed specifically for stabbing through armor at
wielders. Others split the arrowhead points close quarters, the yoroi-doshi is an especially thick
into two- or three-headed tips or add addi- tanto blade worn at the belt. The hefty steel head of
tional flourishes to make wielders' shots this blade is razor-sharp and intended to pierce thick
especially deadly. While many favor steel hide or armor in a single motion. Most samurai and
yajiri, others craft arrowheads of copper, iron, soldiers wear the yoroi-doshi on their favored side so
jade, or even obsidian . they can draw it in their off hand in the heat of battle.
When used with a bow, these arrows mod- When performing an Attack action check with a
ify the weapon's profile as follows : yoroi-doshi, a character may spend :::~as follows:
:.:~: Your target treats their physical resistance as 2
0 Steel-Tip Yajiri: Razor-Edged quality
lower. This effect persists until the end of your next turn.
(1 koku each, Rarity 3)
61 Jade Inlay Yajiri: Sacred quality
(1 koku each, Rarity 8)
@ Obsidian Splinter Yajiri: +4 deadliness,
Forbidden, Razor-Edged and Unholy
qualities
(1 0 koku each, Rarity 9)
BATTLEFIELD HEIRLOOM
Handed down from generation to generation, a battle-

Soldiers in wartime must equip themselves both for field heirloom is a relic from a famous battle-one that
the battlefield and for respite afterward . To success- a revered ancestor fought in many years ago, if not cen-
fully navigate the chaos of war, warriors must bring the turies. This prized possession can be almost anything
right tools. small, such as a fragment of a cracked mempc5 (face-
plate), a broken arrowhead, or the tassel of a gunbai .
Once per game session, a character with a battle-
ANIMAL HELM
field heirloom may reflect on the item as a Support
Favored by samurai and warriors who wish to flaunt action. If they do, they increase their composure (and
their prowess in battle, the animal helm is a visible their army's discipline, during a mass battle) by 2 until
display of a samurai's ferocity. This helmet is crafted the end of the scene.
to closely resemble the head of a dangerous animal, As battlefield heirlooms are unique, they cannot be
a roaring lion's head being the obvious favorite of the purchased as normal, and are usually handed down from
Lion. While such headgear offers little additional pro- ancestors or found by soldiers who fought at particularly
tection, it does bolster the courage of warriors who see momentous battles in Rokugan's history. The GM is the
their leader proudly wearing one, as they know that final arbiter of what qualifies as a battlefield heirloom.
even if the leader falls, the fighting spirit of the animal
continues on. BATTLEFIELD MEDICAL PACK
When a character who wears an animal helm while
leading an army or cohort in a mass battle is removed Specifically outfitted with needle and thread for stitch-
via the Cut Off the Head strategic objective, reduce ing wounds, as well as tinctures to clean the wounds
the panic the cohort receives by half (rounding up). and numb pain, the suture kit is carried by many units
(Cost: 1 koku. Rarity: 5. Item Qualities: Wargear.) on the battlefield to assist their fellow soldiers. This
small, clothbound kit is about the size of a pocket book
and contains everything one might need to sew up a
BLASTING PowDER (1 CHARGE)
minor wound or staunch bleeding long enough to seek
A rare substance known only to the learned, blast- assistance from a medic.
ing powder is a chemical concoction created from a Once per scene as a Support action, a character
number of common ingredients in extremely specific with a battlefield medical pack may remove the Bleed-
proportions. Discovered centuries ago, it has been ing condition from another character at range 0-1.
heavily researched and developed by the Agasha fam- (Cost: 2 bu. Rarity: 3.)
ily. Blasting powder's only legitimate uses are for fire-
works, flares, and other such devices, and it is viewed BRILLIANT FLARE
as something sacred-a dangerous power best left to
priests and others who can use it for its proper ends, Flares are essentially fireworks designed for use in bat-
such as the invocation of the Kami. However, the Kuni tlefield signaling. Pioneered in Rokugan by the Kaiu
and Kaiu families have also taken a great interest in family, flares come in numerous colors and are avail-
this substance, hoping to create devices to slay Shad- able to most commanders who seek them out.
owlands creatures resistant to traditional arms, and As a Support action, a character may make a TN
over time, knowledge of its composition has slipped 3 Martial Arts (Ranged) check to fire a flare. The
to other organizations in Rokugan. Thus far it has flare is generally visible to all characters at range 0-6 .
never been used against human targets, or so says the (Cost: 1 koku. Rarity: 6. Wargear.)
official record.
A single charge of blasting powder can be used to
make dozens of fireworks or flares, but it must be han-
dled carefully. If a charge of blasting powder is ignited
by a stray spark, the charge explodes and each charac-
ter at range 0-2 suffers 10 physical damage, items at
range 0-2 gain the Damaged quality, and each char-
acter at range 0-4 suffers the Disoriented condition.
(Cost: 20 koku. Rarity: 9. Ceremonial, Forbidden to
non-shugenja.)
90
/
CHAPT ER 2 : DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIRE
GUNBAI the tide of battle. A soldier's armor is designed with a

fitted clasp at the back of the cuirass for a sashimono
The gunbai, a leader or commander's war fan, is a sta- pole to slot into. Each sashimono is plainly decorated
ple of samurai officers for communicating orders to and dyed with easily discernible colors so that com-
their troops at a distance. Each gunbai is unique, as are manders can recognize their soldiers at a glance. (Cost:
the gestures the officers use to communicate orders 6 bu. Rarity: 2. Item Qualities: Wargear.)
to their troops . With a flick of the wrist, an officer may
order their troops to fall back or to charge into the fray.
S MOK ING PIPE
Often gilded with metal, a gunbai is used to convey
urgent tactical shifts and defensive moves. (Cost: 3 Crafted from reeds or carved from fine wood, the
koku . Rarity: 4. Qualities: Ceremonial, Wargear.) smoking pipe is a staple for many soldiers, who fill
A gunbai can be wielded as a one-handed Martial it with tobacco, opium, or other substances to calm
Arts [Melee] weapon with the following profile: Range themselves both before and after battle. The benefits
1, Damage 2, Deadliness 2. are purely psychological but well understood through-
During a skirmish, a character with a gunbai read- out the clan armies. Unfortunately, the relentless hor-
ied can perform shuji targeting characters who can see rors of combat have pushed many ashigaru and even
them at range 0-6 (as opposed to the usual auditory bushi to a nearly incapacitating addiction to the calm-
range restriction of range 0-4) . ing effects of opium.
During a mass battle, for each of an army's leaders (Cost: 1 bu . Rarity: 2.)
equipped with a gunbai, the army increases its disci-
pline by 2. TETSUBISHI
A type of caltrop welded together in the shape of

MEM PO
sharp-spined stars the size of a fist or larger, tetsubishi
Many samurai wear a mempo, or mask, to cover their are a type of iron makibishi designed to be scattered
face on the battlefield. They use a mempo partially for on the battlefield in front of fortifications as a defense.
both protection and intimidation. A mempo is crafted They may also be used to delay pursuers. While their
from iron or leather, covered with lacquer or clay, and sharp edges may pierce the soles of unsuspecting
painted to resemble a face. While some mempo may samurai's boots, these mass-produced weapons are
have human features, most showcase jagged oni teeth, especially effective at penetrating the hooves of horses
a ferocious mouth, and a frightening expression . (Cost: used by cavalry and mounted infantry.
5 koku . Rarity: 4. Item Qualities: Ceremonial, Wargear.) As an Attack and Support action, a character may
scatter a handful of tetsubishi targeting a patch of
S AIHAI ground at range 0-2. The terrain at range 0-1 from the
point of impact gains the Dangerous and Ensnaring
Used for nonverbally communicating orders to troops, terrain quality (Cost: 5 bu per handful. Rarity: 4).
the saihai, or war baton, doubles as a status symbol for
commanding officers. This item is a lacquered wooden
UMA-ji RUS H I
rod with a tassel made of brightly colored ribbons or
horsehair at its head. It is hung by a small loop from the Resembling a soldier's sashimono banner, the massive,
waist. The saihai makes it easy to signal troop movements heraldic uma-jirushi banner sets a daimyo or general
from mid-range. Traditionally, commanders brandish their apart as they ride into battle. While some uma-jirushi
saihai to signal charging and offensive maneuvers, as may simply be larger, more ornate sashimono, some
complex signals are difficult to convey at a distance. daimyo contract artisans to create elaborate, three-di-
During a mass battle, if an army's commander car- mensional shapes or even entreat shugenja to add
ries a saihai, increase the army's discipline by 2. (Cost: elemental flourishes (such as a perpetual, slow-burning
4 bu . Rarity: 3. Item Qualities: Ceremonial, Wargear.) flame or a constant gust of wind) to make their banner
stand out.
SASH I MO NO When making a Command check, a leader in a mass
battle who displays a personal uma-jirushi adds one
Clan mon and armor are essential for soldiers to tell kept • set to ~~ . Should the bearer of an uma-jirushi
friend from foe in the heat of battle, but sashimono-- be killed via the Cut Off the Head or Challenge action,
small, square banners attached by poles to soldiers' their army receives 4 additional panic. (Cost: 3 koku.
armor-help commanders and tacticians better discern Rarity: 7. Qualities: Resplendent, Wargear.)
'11
@ Quirk: While carried in a pouch or wrapped

cloth, a claw struggles as if trying to escape.
1'1) Sealed Invocation: Each Claw of the Kitsu
The following blessed treasures pertain to Rokugan's has the Vapor of Nightmares invocation within
glorious history of warfare, and as can be imagined, it, which the wielder may perform once per
many are tied to the Lion Clan. Many are nemuranai, or session using the Courtesy skill instead of The-
awakened items (see page 307 of the core rulebook). ology.
All are rare and hard to acquire; GMs may wish to
require characters to engage in long quests to locate
or prove themselves worthy of such items.
THE FIVE AKODO DAGGERS
The legendary Five Akodo Daggers were forged by
BANNER OF AMATERASU Crane artisans and gifted to the Lion Clan as a peace
After Hantei won the Tournament of the Kami and offering. Although the peace was short-lived, Akodo's
was named the first Emperor of the Emerald Empire, five children kept them, and t he daggers are priceless
he commanded his siblings to go forth and unite the treasures to this day. Forged with a silvery hue, t hey
peoples of Rokugan under one rule. Akodo crafted a glint with a strange iridescence. Each is engraved wit h
great uma-jirushi that seemed to capture the rays of the Lion Clan man and a subtle likeness of the Lion
his divine mother, Amaterasu, within it, heralding his carved into the handle.
arrival like the rising of the morning sun. Some believed One dagger is reta ined by the Lion Clan Champion,
the banner was also a reminder of the match between while the others are gifted to family or other members
Akodo and Hantei, and how the reflection of the sun of the Great Clans as a sign of favor. When the Lion
on Hantei's blade stilled Akodo's own sword. Champion dies, the daggers must always be returned,
Under this banner, Akodo's growing Lion Clan as per tradition.
marched to battle, pacifying and unifying peoples wher- Awakened Item: The Akodo Daggers are nemuranai
ever he went. The Lion Clan also used it during the War weapons. As such, these knives have +2 deadliness as
against Fu Leng, but since then, the banner has become well as the Durable and Sacred item qualities.
a sacred relic and has rarely been used in battle.
Awakened Item: The Banner of Amaterasu is a nemu- @ Quirk: The Akodo Daggers grow uncomfort-
ranai. As such, it has the Durable and Sacred item qual- ably hot if the blades of two or more of them
ities. A character wielding this banner adds a kept • come into contact with each other.
set to an :;~ result when making Command checks. 0 Sealed Invocation: Each dagger has the Bit ing
Steel invocation sealed within it, wh ich the
@ Quirk: While the banner is exposed to direct
wielder may perform once per session using
sunlight, all friendly forces hear battlefield orders
the Martial Arts [Melee] skill instead of Theol-
in the voice of their first martial instructor.
ogy.
@ Sealed Invocation: The banner has the Cour-
age of Seven Thunders invocation within
it, which the wielder may perform once per LEADERSHIP SCROLLS
session using the Command skill instead of
Akodo wrote several copies of his masterwork, Leader-
Theology.
ship, and some of those original scrolls still survive to
th is day. Each is a priceless relic deeply venerated by
the Lion Clan and only retrieved from heavily guarded
THE CLAWS OF THE KITSU alcoves in the Akodo War College with the special per-
The Claws of the Kitsu are both venerated relics and mission of its headmaster. Other copies are thought to
reminders of Akodo's horrible mistake in slaying almost exist elsewhere, and periodically, one is discovered far
the entirety of the kitsu race. These claws have grown underneath the ruins of an ancient castle or resting by
sharper and harder over the centuries and give off a a tree near a forgotten battlefield.
soft golden glow under moonlight. Few remain, as
some enemies of the Lion seek to eliminate the last e Effects: Each scroll has the Durable and Sacred
vestiges of the kitsu from Rokugan. item qualities. As a support action, a character
Awakened Item: Each Claw of the Kitsu is a nemuranai may spend one Void point and read from t he
and so has the Durable and Sacred item qualities. scroll. If they do, they may use the Tactics skill
instead of the skill they would normally use
when making Social skill checks. This effect
persists until the end of the scene.
(
CHAPTER 2 : DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIR E
BURNING WATER PATTERN
While the secret of blasting powder is one of the great-

Not all items are created equally. Depending on the smith est in the Empire, there are even more secretive artisans
or artisan and the materials used in its creation, weapons, who dare experiment with its formu la. One alteration
armor, and even clothing can vary greatly, not just in style, uses rarer ingredients that sti ll react when wet, allowing
but in performance. The patterns used in item creation dishonorable saboteurs to use blasting powder in the
are usually carefully guarded secrets, ones that a master rain or against structures that are underwater (making
would entrust only to the worthiest of their apprentices. destructive items even more difficult to detect).
There are two methods for gaining an item with one Blasting powder fashioned using the burning water
of these patterns. The first is for a character to appren- pattern has its damage reduced by 1. Blasting powder
tice themselves to a master to learn the means of craft- fashioned using the burning water pattern can be used
ing a new item with the desired pattern; this requires when wet or even underwater.
the PC to win the master's trust within the story of the XP Cost: 6 Rarity Mod ifier: +4
game and then to spend the XP to learn the pattern .
The other method is to requisition, purchase, or find an CONCEALMENT PATTERN
existing item with the pattern. The price is the same, but
Wh il e most samurai wear their colors proudly, there
the rarity is altered by the pattern's listed rarity modifier.
are those who see the value in armor camouflaged to
their environment. The Badger Clan, used to fighting
AKODO PATTERN large numbers in close quarters, often use such armor
The Akodo are known for their regal bearing and sta- to their advantage, as do many members of the Crab
tus throughout Rokugan . A weapon or piece of armor Clan, who face foes upon whom honor is wasted.
crafted by the Akodo family bears the characteristic fam- Armor produced with the concea lment pattern
ily mark and looping inlay. As a result of its association gains the Wargear qua lity, and loses the Ceremon ial
with the regal family, any equipment made by an Akodo and Resplendent qualities; it cannot gain those quali-
elicits an implicit trust in anyone who trusts that family. ties. Reduce its supernatural resistance by 1 (to a mini-
The Akodo pattern can be applied to a weapon or mum of 0). Whi le a character wearing it is in O bscuring
set of armor. A character carrying or wearing one or more terrain, they increase the TN of Attack action checks
items made in the Akodo pattern increases the discipline targeting them by an add it ional 1 (to a total of +2).
of any army of which they are the comma nder by 5. XP Cost: 6 Rarity Modifier: +4
XP Cost: 6 Rarity Modifier: +4
CHAPTER 2: DEFENDERS OF THE EMPIR E
DEADLY FANGS PATTERN Like t he Badger and the mountains that surround
them, this silk is hardy and tough, even when crafted
Lion armies often include ashigaru forces, their vet- into elegant robes fit for t he finest courts. It instills in
erans armed with especially deadly polearms forged its wea rers the quiet strength of rock that has endured
to hold fast against attackers. Few enemies can avoid for countless years.
becoming impaled on the needlelike points when When a character wearing armor made w ith moun-
these polearms are firmly planted. tain silk succeeds at a check to resist a critical strike,
A polearm made in the deadly fangs pattern gains the they add one bonus success. Armor with physical resis-
Cumbersome quality and increases its deadliness by 1. t ance 2 or lower made using mountain silk loses t he
If an entire cohort is equipped with polearms with Cumbersome quality (if it has it) and gains the Dura-
the deadly fangs pattern, its leader reduces the TN of ble quality. Armo r w ith physical resistance 3 or hig her
the Reinforce action by 1 (to a minimum of 1). made using mountain silk gains the Durab le q uality
XP Cost: 7 Rarity Modifier: +4 and reduces its physical resistance by 1.
FEARSOME SNARL PATTERN
Less a formal pattern and more a set of motifs, the fear-

SCREAM I NG F I RE PATTERN
some snarl pattern appears on many Rokugani samurai While blasting powder is frightening enough, some
armaments. Whether it takes the form of a swooping variant mixtures include alchemical items from gaijin
crane, a roaring lion, or a menacing crab, it conveys a lands designed to emit t errible shrieks and t hunderclaps
simple message to all enemies. w hen used. Even veteran soldiers become alarmed and
The fearsome snarl pattern can be applied to a prone to flee when the air it self assaults their senses.
weapon or set of armor. It loses the Concealable qual- Blasting powder fash ioned using the scream ing
ity (if it has it) and gains the Wargear quality. fi re pattern has its damage reduced b y 2. When it
XP Cost: 3 Rarity Modifier: + 1 causes an army to receive 1 or mo re panic during a
Mass Battle, that army receives that amount of p anic
lcHIRO PATTERN plus 3 instead. Additionally, t he area it affect s becomes
Imbalanced (All Elements) for 1 week.
In wartime, the need to produce weapons and armor
cheaply on a mass scale is a prime concern for the Great
Clans, especially when dispatching thousands of ashi-
garu for combat. The Badger have gained renown for
T ORIYAMA'S ENDU RAN CE P ATTERN
their special forging techniques that allow them to pro- When a fire broke out in Toshi Ranbo's archive, schol-
duce such items en masse for peasant soldiers (though in ars fea red that centuries of knowledge would b e lost,
some circles, such practices are met with equal disdain). but were surprised to d iscover that many of t he earliest
Named for the lchiro smith who perfected the tech- tomes, scrolls, or other literary artifacts were undam-
nique, the lchiro pattern has become synonymous with aged while later vo lumes had burned or been irrepa-
inexpensive, durable, and quickly crafted equipment. rably damaged by smoke. That the volumes remained
Weapons or armor produced with the lchiro pattern intact was due in part to the scientific advancement s of
halve their price (rounding up) and lose the Ceremonial the ancient wartime scholar Toriyama. When Toriyama
and Resplendent item qualities if they would otherwise was assigned to Toshi Ranbo's library in the city's early
have one or both qualities. Such items can never gain days, he feared that the city might be sacked and the
either quality. lchiro pattern weapons and armor are library put to the flame, for wars already raged around
also produced in half the time (rounding up) it would that region . As such, he developed new, more enduring
otherwise take to make them. inks and painstakingly researched chemicals that cou ld
XP Cost: 4 Rarity Modifier: -1 slow the burning of a scroll (without ruining the con-
(to a m inimum of 1) tents). After the fire in the library centuries later, Toriya-
ma's methods were rediscovered and propagated , and
MOUNTAIN SILK PATTERN are still taught to scribes and archivists today.
Parchment and scrolls that are made w ith Toriya-
Most beings who know of the Badger t hink only of their
ma's endurance pattern gain the Durable item quality,
expertise in sumai. More cultured individuals also know
but on ly against the effects of fire and water.
of the clan's expertise in silk, and eagerly seek out the
raw material so it can be used in their own creations.
The following are new techniques that samurai from
the Lion and other clans can use to lead armies and
engage in battle on behalf of their clan and the Empire.
CLOSE COMBAT KATA

The Badger Clan teaches its students a number of
techniques to improve their grappling abilities, encour- Activation: When you make a Martial Arts [Unarmed] or
aging them to use terrain to the utmost advantage to Fitness check, you may spend lC> in the following ways:
wear down their foes. Some of these techniques have lC>: If you are in Entangling or Obscuring terrain, reduce the
even become famous across the Emerald Empire, and TN of the next attack check you make by 1 (to a minimum
are taught by grapplers beyond the stony passes of of 1). This effect persists until the end of your next turn.
Badger Lands. ~~ ~~: If you are in Entangling or Obscuring terrain, you
The following kata are performed with weap- rnay ignore its negative effects. This effect persists until
ons that use the Martial Arts [Melee] or Martial Arts the end of your next turn.
[Unarmed] skill.
Shattering Tide Style Rank 3
Fierce Badger Style Rank2 It is rare that a samurai can pick the site of a battle, and
The Fierce Badger Style relies on controlling an enemy's battles can occur in locations where no actual fighting
position on the sumai mat and battlefield alike. It lets is needed for harm to come to all parties. Where the
the combatant hold their opponent in check until environment is as hazardous as sharp steel or heavy
they collapse, or, if desired, hurl them outside the fists, learning ways to incorporate such terrain into
designated area-or off a nearby cliff. attacks makes each strike all the more effective.
Activation: When you make a Martia l Arts [Unarmed] Activation: When you make a Martial Arts [Unarmed]
check targeting an a character at range 0, you may check, you may spend~~ in the following ways:
spend~~ in the following ways: :-t~: If you succeed, and both you and your target are
~>+: If the target is Immobilized, they receive 1 strife in Confining or Dangerous terrain, treat the damage
per lC> spent this way. and deadliness of the weapon you used as 1 higher for
~>+: If the target's silhouette and vigilance both are each kept wresult on your check.
lower than or equal to ~~ spent this way, the target is lC> ~~: If both you and your target are in Confin-
thrown 2 range bands in a direction of your choice and ing or Dangerous terrain, your target suffers the
suffers 3 fatigue. Dazed condition.
Thicket's Embrace Style Rank 3

A warrior must a/ways remember that there are two
opponents they must face in combat: their foe, and
their environment. It might be easy to chop away thick
vegetation covering the terrain, but a true master uses
the territory to their advantage. By becoming one with
the environment, the warrior can concentrate more on
their foe and thus end a fight much faster.
New Opportunities
RITUALS
~~+: If you succeed and designate a fortification (o r a
Warfare is not a thing apart from society in Rokugan,
battle zone with a fortification in it), while your army
and has its own rules that warriors are expected to
occupies that fortification, increase that fortification's
uphold and customs warriors are expected to partic-
difficulty level by 1 per~~ spent this way.
ipate in. Rituals of battle might be used to prepare a
~~ ~~+: Each time your army suffers panic from battle
sumai d6j6 or purify a place of combat or cleanse it
fatigue during this scene, it suffers 1 less per~~ spent
after blood has been shed there. By maintaining cer-
th is way (to a minimum of 1).
tain traditions in war, samurai endeavor to remain true
to themselves amidst even the chaos of battle. The rit-
Beseech Bayushi's Absolution Rank4
uals in this section pertain to warfare or how to live a
proper life on the battlefield. Bayushi never denied the ugly truth of war, nor did the
Kami of the Scorpion Clan shy away from it. Instead,
Beseech Akodo's Judgment Rank3 the self-proclaimed villain of the Emperor faced it with
clear eyes and hidden emotions. When faced with an
In Leadership, Akodo wrote of the importance of
impossible task or the need to set their heart aside to
terrain in battle, and of knowing how best to use
carry out their lord's orders, many samurai across all
terrain not only to one's advantage, but to motivate
the clans appeal to Bayushi and his unending loyalty,
one's troops. The terrain will guide the actions of the
working to focus their entire being on their goal.
troops as much as the words of the commander, or
so Akodo holds, and so a prudent general seeks the Activation: Once per game session as a downti me
terrain that will maintain order in their own soldiers activity, you may make a TN 3 Sentiment (Air) check
while disrupting that of their enemies. targeting yourself.
Effects: If you succeed, the next time you wou ld
Activation: Once per game session as a Support
receive strife or fatigue, reduce the amount you receive
action, you may make a TN 3 Tactics (Void) check
by your focus. This effect persists until the end of the
targeting one terrain feature on the battlefield (or one
next scene.
battle zone, if using the rules for battle zones).
Effect: If you succeed, increase your army's discipline
New Opportunities
by your glory rank plus your ranks in Command as long
as your army has at least one cohort occupying the *: If you succeed, the next time you would forfeit honor,
chosen terrain feature (or in that battle zone, if using reduce the amount you forfeit by half (rounded up).
the rules for battle zones). This effect persists until your
army has no cohort occupying that feature (or zone), or Beseech Doji's Wisdom Rank 2
until the end of the scene.
Doji believed that war was a necessary evil, and hoped
that each time Rokugan went to war, it might emerge
more enlightened, so that future wars might prove
unnecessary. As such, she took seriously the task of
recording the wars she witnessed, for without a history
to study, her descendants could never learn from these
mistakes and aspire to transcend all such mortal strife.
Activation: Once per game session as a downtime

activity, you may make a TN 3 Composition check to
transcribe a historical event you witnessed to paper.
The event must have transpired within the recent past,
before it has become well-known across the Empire.
Effects: You write from the heart to create a record of
the event that rings a genuine account and omits no
details of significance. Readers with vigilance lower
than your honor rank trust the events to be true, or at
least recorded in good faith .
New Opportunities New Opportunities
Fire ~~: If you succeed, each character who is awarded *= If you succeed, the arena gains the Hallowed (Fire)
one or more glory as a result of their involvement in terra in quality until the end of the scene.
this event receives that much glory plus your ranks in *+: If you succeed, increase the Endurance and Com-
Culture instead. posure of each character fighting a duel in the arena by
Fire*= If you succeed, choose one Great Clan or other 1 pe r ~~ spent this way.
major organization. The first time a character of that ~~+: Reduce the TN of checks to remove the Bleeding
organization reads the text each scene, that character and Dying conditions from characters within the arena
gains 2 strife. by 1 per~~ spent this way (to a minimum of 1).
Earth *= If you succeed, the text gains the
Durable quality. Beseech Shiba's Calm Rank 3
Earth ~a: If you succeed, when referencing the text
as part of a check concerning the recorded historical Shiba was a warrior, but he did not love war-despite
event, reduce the TN of the check by your ranks in his vast might, he sought peace over conflict and
Government (to a minimum of 1). compromise over bloodshed. Yet war was inescapable
Air *+: If you succeed, you may omit one detail of in his lifetime, and so he sought lsawa's spiritual
significance per* spent this way without creating con- expertise to learn methods for purifying battlefields
tradictions or obvious gaps in the text. after times of bloodshed profaned the land. As the
Air * *= If you succeed, choose one character. If that War with Fu Leng dragged on, lsawa saw the wisdom
character is awarded one or more glory as a result of in sharing this knowledge, and the rites he taught
their involvement in this event, they receive double or Shiba for stilling the unsettled spirits of the land after
half (your choice) that amount (rounded up) instead. the shedding of blood are used in Rokugan even
Water *= If you succeed, reduce the TN of any check centuries later.
to copy the text by 2 (to a minimum of 1). Activation: Once per game session after participating
Water *= If you succeed, choose one Great Clan or in a Mass Battle or as a downtime activity, you may
other major organization. The first time a character of make a TN 3 Theology (Void) check targeting an area
that organization reads the text each scene, that char- upon which a mass battle was fought earlier that day.
acter removes 2 strife. Effects: If you succeed, remove the Defiled terrain
Void * ~~: The text becomes inhabited by a perma- quality from the area.
nent blessing. It gains the Sacred item quality (see
page 241 of the core rulebook). New Opportunities
Beseech Hida's Might Rank 2 ~~= If the area gained the Dangerous, Entangling, or
Obscuring terrain qual ity during the battle through
Contests of strength were a favorite of the Kami Hida, supernatural means, remove one or more of those ter-
and even today, spiritualists in Rokugan call upon his rain q ualities of your choice.
blessing when sanctifying an area for ritualized battle. ~~ ~~: Remove the Imbalanced terrain quality from
Whether the arena is a circle for sumai or a parting the area.
of the battle lines for a field duel, it is important that * *= Until the end of the game session, non-Tainted
it be properly respected as a place for champions to beings reduce the TN of Theology checks they make in
take up arms. this area by 1 (to a minimum of 1), and Tainted beings
increase the TN of all checks they make in this area
Activation: Once per game session as a downtime
by 1.
activity or Support action, you may make a TN 2 Med-
~~+: Reduce the TN of any Fitness or Meditation checks
itation (Fire) check targeting an area encompassing 3
that characters in your army need to make at the end of
range bands around yourself.
a scene by 1 per~~ spent this way, to a minimum of 1.
Effects: If you succeed, this area becomes an arena.
When a character makes a Martial Arts check in the
arena during the event and does not gain strife from Beseech Shinjo's Empathy Rank2
the check, that character reduces the TN of their next
Shinjo's innate connection to the wilds of the world
check by 1 (to a minimum of 1). Th is effect persists until
is carried on by many of her descendants. On their
the end of the next scene.
long journey across the wider world and back to
Rokugan, Shinjo's heirs have kept her wisdom alive
and flourishing as they raise and train animals from New Opportunities
hounds and hunting hawks to mighty Utaku steeds.
~>: If you succeed and you are the commander of an
Their techniques have even been adopted by some
army, you may choose a leader in your army to perform
stablemasters of other Great Clans after their return
the action instead .
to Rokugan.
*: While you perform the prepared action, reduce the
Activation: Once per session as a downtime activity or TN by your ranks in Tactics.
Support action, you may make a Survival (Water) check
targeting a friendly animal at range 0-1 . The TN is equal Imbue Thunder Rank4
to the ll conflict rank of the animal. If this is an animal
you are bonded with (see page 111 of the core rulebook), Fireworks are the sacred domain of specifically trained
reduce the TN of the check by 2 (to a minimum of 1). priests and spiritual artisans, and many among the
Effects: If you succeed, your target removes 3 fatigue, Agasha and Asahina specialize in creating beautiful
plus 1 additional fatigue per bonus success on the check. alchemical displays for festivals and other cultural
events. These same techniques could, of course, be
New Opportunities used to create blasting powder, but meddling in the
domain of priests for purposes of waging war would
~>: You and the target each remove 1 strife per surely constitute some form of blasphemy.
bonus success.
*= If you succeed, your target removes additional Activation: To perform this ritual, you must first assem-
ble the proper ingredients (charred wood, salt of earth,
fatigue equal to your ranks in Medicine.
*: Remove the Bleeding condition from the target. pollen that burns) in the proper proportions. One full
**= Remove the Lightly Wounded condition from the

target, or reduce the Severely Wounded condition to
set of materials costs 10 koku and has a rarity of 6,
and is consumed by the process. Once per session
as a downtime activity, you may make a TN 4 Medi-
the Lightly Wounded condition.
~>*: If you succeed, remove the Dying condition from
cine check to properly mix the ingredients to create
blasting powder.
the target.
Effects: If you succeed, you create ten brilliant flares
~> ~>+: Choose one additional friendly animal of the
(see 90), plus ten per two bonus successes, or one
same U conflict rank or lower in range as a target per
blasting powder charge (see page 90), plus one per
~>spent this way.
two bonus successes.
Beseech Togashi's Vision Rank3

New Opportunities
Togashi always saw the bigger picture, especially in the
~> *: When used in a skirmish , the charge inflicts the
War with Fu Leng. When he stood as Hantei's cham-
Dazed condition on all characters at range 0-4.
pion, set to face Fu Leng in a duel, Togashi named his
Air**: When used in a skirmish , increase the charge's
weapon as no less than the entire Empire. And though
range band by 1.
Fu Leng was eventually defeated at the Day of Thun-
der, some say that Togashi's duel with his fallen brother
Earth * *+: When used, the charge inflicts 2 addi-
tional damage (or attrition) per** spent this way.
rages to this day, each celestial power subtly moving
Fire*~>+: When used, the charge inflicts 2 additional
pieces back and forth across a board no others can per-
strife (or panic) per~>~> spent this way.
ceive. Strategists across the Great Clans often appeal to
Water~>*: When used in a skirmish, the charge inflicts
Togashi's enigmatic wisdom, even if they cannot claim to
the Bleeding condition on all characters at range 0-2.
understand designs of such vast and cosmic complexity.
Void ~> ~>: When used, the charge frightens away all
Activation: Once per game session as a downtime kami in the radius of effect (or across the entire bat-
activity or as a Scheme and Support action during a tlefield, in a mass battle). The affected area becomes
Mass Battle, you may make a TN 3 Meditation (Void) Imbalanced (All Elements) terrain. This effect persists
check targeting a character you can perceive (or a for 1 day.
leader or commander of an enemy army in the scene).
Effects: If you succeed, you assess another character's
strategy. Once before the end of the next scene, after
that character performs an action, you may reveal that
you were prepared for this and immediately perform
one action.
/
SHUJI
Air *:
Add 1 kept • set to ~~ to the first Scheme
action check you make during the next mass battle
"I write not to embellish Akodo's words, but to under- your army fights.
score his wisdom. Mine is a humble torch lit from that
bonfire, but as a torch can be carried more easily in a Clouds Parted by Steel Rank 2
warrior's hand in the field, reminding all who see it of the
bonfire, I hope that my words are suitable reminders."
Warriors often claim a certain kinship with one another
- lkoma Yanagi's commentary on Leadership, included
and speak of how no one can hide their true nature in
a life-or-death battle; thus, they say, bitter foes might
alongside other scholars' remarks in versions of the
know each other as well as sworn comrades, or even
text read by students of the Akodo War College
better. While the truth of the matter is perhaps more
complicated, a skilled observer can indisputably learn
AIR SHUJI a great deal about someone by crossing swords with
" War may be an art of deception, but truth rings clear them enough times, seeing how they react to fear,
in the clash of blades. This is the virtue Akodo evokes frustration, success, and relief as a battle rages on.
when he writes of a righteous general in the Measure
Activation: When you make a check to perform a
of Wind."
Strike action (see page 264 of the core rulebook) or an
- lkoma Yanagi's commentary on Leadership
Assault action (see page 278 of the core rule book). you
may spend ~~ as follows:
Borrowed Courage Rank 1 Air~~+: If your target's vigilance is lower than your ranks
A skilled leader's task is to guide their forces to victory, in Sentiment plus ~~spe nt th is way, choose one of t he
and sometimes, this means misleading them away from advantage/disadvantage types: interpersonal, mental,
defeat. When an army is demoralized, when the odds or physical. If your target has one or more advantages
are harsh, when the foe truly is stronger-these are the or d isadvantages of that type, you learn what they are.
times a leader may need to spin a tale of the enemy's
weakness, of coming allies, or of a secret plan to guar- Entice with Falsehoods Rank 4
antee success. The line between falsehood and truth
In general, there is no victory to be had if the enemy can
may be dim or bright; regardless, sometimes warriors
easily see through a strategy. To deceive the enemy,
need hope to struggle on, even if that hope is forlorn.
however, a commander must sometimes deceive their
Activation: As a downtime activity, you may make a subordinates and allies, only revealing the true plan at
TN 4 Performance (Air) check targeting an army or the moment to strike. A leader who believes they have
a number of characters who can hear you up to your seen through their own commander's strategy might
ranks in Sentiment. You may stake up to 3 honor to attempt to anticipate this plan. This is simpler when
reduce the TN by that amount (to a minimum of 1) to there is terrain to conceal your actions from vigilant
embellish the truth. observation, and risky if your venture fails and disrupts
Effects: If you succeed, you spread a powerful rumor of the strategy of your superiors.
your foe's weakness, of allies certain to arrive, or of some
Activation: Once per scene during a mass battle as a
other hidden advantage that should ensure victory. The
Scheme action targeting the commander of the enemy
first time your target receives panic or strife during the
army, you may make a Tactics (Air) check. The TN
next scene, they reduce the amount they receive by
is equal to the target's vigilance. If you are not your
your ranks in Performance, to a minimum of 0.
army's commander, you must stake 5 honor and 5 g lory
Whether you succeed or fai l, if your side loses the
on your success. If your cohort is in Obscuring terra in,
battle, you lose your staked honor (as your boasts
reduce the TN by 2.
proved false). Additionally, there might be narrative
Effects: If you succeed, you immediately change your
social ramifications should individuals remember the
army's current strategic goal to a new goal of your
lies you told.
choice. Any momentum points your army had accrued
toward the previous goal are applied to this new goal.
New Opportunities
If you fail and you are not the commander, your com-
Air~~: If you fail, nobody remembers exactly what you mander's scorn falls upon you for overstepping your
said, so there are no narrative social consequences for position. You lose your staked honor and glory.
your fabrication.
99
New Opportunities Obscuring, or Recessed. During a mass battle, ene-

mies attacking a cohort in the fortification are treated
Air~~: Yourtarget remains unaware ofyourmachinations.
as being in terrain with the added qualities.
Air~~= Gain 1 momentum point toward your army's cur-
rent strategic objective.
Great Anvil's Measure Rank 2
Air *+: All characters in the scene with vigilance
lower than or equal to~~ spent this way are unaware of A proud leader often draws attention to themselves in
your machinations. battle, and a leader both proud and skilled does so
to draw their enemy into attacking them-especially
EARTH SHUJI when the enemy would rather attack elsewhere. When
the leader's troops are properly readied, and especially
"Life rises from the earth. To hold earth is to hold
when they are in a highly defensible location, such an
the means to grow rice, and barley, and millet. When
attack against them is doomed to fail.
Akodo writes that the Measure of Earth is understand-
ing the ground on which a general stands, he means Activation: When you make a check to perform a Guard
also that the general must understand the value of the action in a skirmish (see page 264 of the core ru lebook)
land, for from it arises life itself." or a Reinforce action in a mass battle (see page 279 of
- lkoma Yanagi's commentary on Leadership the core rulebook), you may spend~~ as follows:
Earth~~+ (Guard): Choose any number of characters in
Fortress of Necessity Rank 1 the scene with focus lower than or equal to you r ranks
in Performance plus 2 per~~ spent this way. Each cho-
While some generals favor a barren battlefield where sen cha racter must receive strife equal to your ra nks in
steel can face steel, many others look for places where Performance to perform an Attack or Scheme act ion
their forces can draw on cover. These locations offer targeti ng any character other t han you. Th is effect per-
troops a place to regroup, resupply, or take defensive sists until the end of your next turn.
action, but not all battlefields are so accommodating. Earth *+ (Reinforce): Choose any number of leaders in
In such cases, the commander has their army make the enemy army with focus lower than or equal to your
their own fortifications. ranks in Performance plus 2 pe r ~~ spent this way. The
Activation: As a downtime activity or a Support action enemy army receives panic equal to your ranks in Per-
during a mass battle, using adequate supplies and a formance each time any of those leaders performs an
suitable area, you may make a TN 3 Command (Earth) Attack or Scheme action targeting any cohort other than
check targeting a position you can reach . yours. This effect persists until the end of your next t urn.
Effects: If you succeed, you erect a defensive struc-
ture of trenches or short barricades in the area. In a Steady the Hammer Rank 4
mass battle, this structure is treated as a fortification
Even under fierce attack, the clever general sees
with difficulty value equal to your ranks in Labor plus
opportunities to outwit their opponent. When a
your bonus successes, which reduces attrition suf-
staunch counterattack is not possible, the general
fered by the cohort occupying it by 2. In a skirmish,
lures the enemyinto a position where they become
this structure is treated as Obscuring terra in by anyone
vulnerable to attacks from the general's allied forces.
attacking those inside from outside. This structure is
Such an act not only achieves victory, but also d isplays
temporary, and degrades completely if left to the ele-
to all the general's superior tactical skills.
ments for more than a few days. It can be maintained
with a TN 2 Labor (Earth) check as a downtime activ- Activation: As an Attack and Support action d uring
ity, which might need to be made more f requently in a mass battle, you may make a TN 5 Tactics (Earth)
harsh weather cond itions such as rain or snow. check targeting one enemy leader's cohort that per-
formed an Attack action check targeting your cohort
New Opportunities this round. If that enemy cohort is in Confining, Entan-
gling, or Recessed terrain, reduce the TN to 2.
Earth *= When you perform the Reinforce action in Effects: If you succeed, decrease the TN of the next
this fortification during a mass battle, treat the TN as Attack action check made by a friendly leader that tar-
reduced by 1 (to a minimum of 1). gets that cohort by 1 plus your bonus successes (to a
Earth ~~ ~H: Add one of the following terrain qualities minimum of 1). If that check succeeds, add additio nal
per ~~ * spent this way to the area extending from bonus successes equal to your ranks in Command. This
range 1-3 around the building: Dangerous, Entangling, effect persists until the end of the round .
100
,
CHAPTER 2 : DEF EN DERS OF TH E EMP I RE
New Opportunities Righteous Example Rank 1

Earth ~~+: This effect applies to one additional Attack A leader's power exists only in the minds o f their
action check mad e by a friendly cohort before the end followers, yet none can deny the power of an army. In
of the round per* spent this way. Rokugani warfare, leaders and even commanders often
take the field themselves at the start of battle, showing
FIRE SHUJI that they shoulder a portion of the risk along side
the ir warriors. This helps spur their forces on to g reat
"The soul of fire of which Akodo writes is the war-
victories no warrior alone could achieve.
rior's spi rit. The Measure of Fire warns us to choke this
flame if it is unrighteous, for Akodo knew all too well Activation: As an Attack and Support action d uring a
the risks of letting this fire burn unchecked. The Kitsu mass battle, you may make a TN 3 Martial Arts (Fire)
family's history reminds us that we may never again let check targeting an enemy leader's cohort.
our pride burn without righteousness a nd scorch the Effects: If you succeed, t he enemy army suffers attri-
innocent." t ion a nd panic equal to 1 plus your bonus successes.
- lko ma Yanagi's commentary on Leadership If you succeed, other leaders in your army re duce
t he TN of their Attack actio n checks by 1. Th is effect
Call the Wild Rank 3 persists until the e nd of you r next turn .
If you fail, reduce the TN of Attack and Scheme
While an anima/ or spiritual companion can be a source action checks targeti ng you r cohort by 1. This effect
of comfort and camaraderie for Rokugani, there are persists until the end of your next turn.
times when the untamed beast is need ed. Even the
bravest o f bushi might falter when a g reat cat bares its New Opportunities
claws and makes ready to leap, or a g rowling wolf pads
out of the darkness with blood on its fangs. Fire**: If you are both t he commander and a leader,
your army gains 1 momentum point toward its cu rrent
Activation: As a Support action, you may make a Sur-
strategic objective.
vival (Fire) check targeting one friend ly animal or man-
ifest kami at range 0-2. The TN of the check is equal to
the anima l o r ka mi's f.l conflict ran k.
Sti ng of Warrior's Pr ide Rank 2
Effects: If you succeed, increase t he damage and Courage and shame sometimes exist as two sides of
deadliness of t he animal or kami's weapon profiles by the same coin in Rokugani society. To fa ce death with
1, plus 1 for every two bonus successes beyond the courage is the measure of a samurai, and one who
first. This effect persists until the end of the scene. cleaves sincerely to the Code of Bushido is unlikely to
break even in the face of death. Still, not all samurai can
New Opportunities attain such lofty stoicism. When philosophy alone is
not enough to bolster a samurai against fearfu l
*+: You may t a rget one additional friendly animal or
odds~ the spur of shame can keep a sword arm
manifest kam i pe r :C> spent this way.
firm and feet planted in rank.
~H: The target animal or kami removes 1 fatigue per
~~ spent this way.
*: The animal gains the Enraged condition, then
removes all strife.
Activation: As a downtime activity, you may make a TN

4 Performance (Fire) check targeting an army or one WATER SHUJI
character who can hear you. You may stake up to 3 glory "When Akodo writes that water has neither form nor
to reduce the TN by that amount (to a minimum of 1). shape, he does not mean that it is chaotic. Water is
Effects: If you succeed, you spur your target to greater in its own way ordered, each drop following d utifu lly
courage in the face of death. The first time your target behind the ones that lead it. This is what Akodo means
is dealt attrition or damage during the next scene, they when he speaks of flow-not a state of disorder, but a
reduce the amount by your ranks in Performance, to a state in which commands are unnecessary, for the nat-
minimum of 0. ural path aligns with the path to victory."
Whether you succeed or fail, if you are observed - lkoma Yanag i's commentary on Leadership
acting in a cowardly manner by your target during the
scene, you lose any glory you staked on this technique. Coursing March Chant Rank 1
To Smash the Heart Rank4 Marching is as old as armies, and some methods have
changed little across the thousand years of Rokugan's
Like a case of fireworks, a battle is a volatile thing. history as an Empire. An army marching on extra
A single spark in the right place can blast apart all rations, with a rousing chant or musicians to keep its
semblance of order within even an experienced pace, will fare far better in the long run than one that
army. A moment of hesitation by a commander, the marches in silence on empty stomachs.
death of a trusted leader-these can ignite countless
sparks at once, sending an army's cohorts spiraling in Activation: As a downtime activity, you may make a
all directions. TN 4 Performance (Water) check targeting an army or
targeting a number of characters traveling with you up
Activation: Once per scene, after a character in the to your ranks in Command. You may expend an addi-
scene (or enemy leader, in a mass battle) becomes tional day's rations (army rations for an army, individual
Compromised or is killed, you may immediately make rations for an individual) to reduce the TN by 2 (to a
a TN 4 Tactics (Fire) check targeting that character. minimum of 1).
Effects: If you succeed in an intrigue, skirmish, or duel, Effects: If you succeed, you and your targets can march
each character in the scene allied with your target who twice the distance they normally could in that time.
has lower status than your target receives strife equal
to your bonus successes plus your ranks in Sentiment. New Opportunities:
If you succeed in a mass battle, the enemy army
receives panic equal to your bonus successes plus your Water ~~: If your target is an army, it removes attrit ion
ranks in Sentiment. up to your ranks in Medicine.
Water~~: If your target is an army, it removes panic up
to your ranks in Culture.
Water~~+: One individual target per~~ spent t his way
removes fatigue up to your ran ks in Medicine.
Water~~+: One individual ta rget per* spent this way
removes strife up to your ranks in Culture.
Water ~~ lC~+: Choose one mundane terrain quality
that would normally affect the targets on the march per
lC~ lC~ spent this way. Each target ignores that terrain
quality during the march.
Preserve Strength Rank 2

A general who wins a battle but loses a war is a
failure, and the fewer casualties that become fata lities,
the better their army will fare over the course of a
campaign. Thus, wise generals always find skilled
healers, charging them with keeping their forces in
fighting shape and preserving throughout the course
of the war the core of experienced warriors necessary
winning battles.
Activation: Once per scene as a Support action or as

a downtime activity, you may direct triage by making VOID SHUJI
a TN 3 Medicine (Water) check targeting a friendly "When Akodo writes that there is no explaining the Mea-
army or a number of characters at range 0-3 up to your sure of Heaven (or perhaps Emptiness, or Void, as Akodo
ranks in Command. uses the terms interchangeably at times), a part of me won-
Effects: If you succeed during a mass battle, your ders if his hand had simply cramped with the brush ear-
target removes 5 casualties, plus 1 for every two lier in the evening, or if he had tired of students with their
bonus successes. unending chorus of 'why, why, why?' But perhaps in blas-
If you succeed during a skirmish, each of your targets phemous thought, a kernel of truth exists. In emptiness is
reduces the TN of their next Medicine check by 2, plus the absence even of desire. In his silence, Akodo forces us
1 for every two bonus successes (to a minimum of 1). to ask the question of ourselves. I desire the answer from
Akodo, that I need not achieve it for myself. And to desire
New Opportunities knowledge is to desire, but a samurai's thought should not
rest on desire. What we desire to know is irrelevant. We
Water :£> :t> (Mass Battle): If you succeed, choose a
must focus on what we do know, and how it can be applied
friendly leader in the target army. Remove one of the
for the betterment of our lord. That is emptiness."
following conditions from that character: Bleeding,
- lkoma Yanagi's commentary on Leadership
Burning, Dying.
Water :t> :t> (Skirmish): If you succeed, each of your
Battle of No Escape Rank 2
targets may immediately move 1 range band, or 2
range bands toward a character who is suffering the There are no conditions of battle simpler or more
Bleeding, Burning, or Dying condition . motivating than "win or die." A warrior surrounded,
with no hope of surrender, is far more likely to be willing
Your Enemy's Arrows Rank 4 to fight to the death, clinging to the feeble chance of
survival presented: seize victory or pay the ultimate
A skilled commander sees the enemy's troops as if they
price. An outnumbered or outmatched commander
were under their command, then issues orders to their
might intentionally place their troops such that retreat is
own army such that the enemy will fall into place for
difficult or impossible, keeping them fighting to the last
their destruction. By erasing the distinction between
despite the terrible odds against them.
the foe's assets and one's own in their mind, a genera/
can see the battlefield as a whole, and maneuver the Activation: Once per scene as a Support action, you
pieces to the endgame of their choosing. may make a TN 5 Command (Void) check target-
ing your cohort or a number of characters who can
Activation: Once per scene as a Scheme action tar-
hear you up to your ranks in Meditation. Reduce the
geting another character who can perceive you or your
TN of this check to 2 if all targets are in Confining or
cohort, you may make a Tactics (Water) check. The TN
Entangling terrain.
is equal to the target's focus. You may stake up to 3
Effects: If you succeed during a mass battle, your army
glory on your success to reduce the TN by that amount.
does not suffer morale collapse if its panic exceeds
Effects: If you succeed, the next time your target
its discipline, and continues to function normally. This
accrues momentum points toward an objective, add
effect persists for one round, plus one round for every
those momentum points to your objective instead.
three bonus successes.
If you fail, you lose the glory you staked upon
If you succeed during an intrigue, duel, or skirmish,
your success.
each target ignores the effects of the Compromised
condition. This effect persists for one round, plus one
New Opportunities round for every two bonus successes.
Water :£>: Your target remains unaware of your machi-

nations. If you failed, regain your staked glory. New Opportunities
Water ~>: Gain 1 momentum point toward your
Void ~>+ (Intrigue, Duel, or Skirmish): Choose one
current goal.
additional target per~' spent this way.
Water ~>+: All characters in the scene with vigilance
Void ~' ~' (Intrigue, Duel, or Skirmish): If you suc-
lower than or equal to~' spent this way are unaware of
ceed, each target also ignores the effects of the Inca-
your machinations.
pacitated condition for one round, plus one round for
every two bonus successes.
10J
Moment of Glory Rank 3 Victory Without a Sword Rank 6
Sometimes, an army's suNival falls to a single individual. To win without conflict, to conquer without destroying,
When defending a bridge, a narrow pass, or a castle to unite with prowess rather than merely subjugating-
gate, a single warrior might find themselves facing this is the ideal Akodo is said to have reached by the
the brunt of an entire army's attack. Many tales tell of end of his long and violent life. Though he never put it
heroic samurai holding back the full wrath of the enemy to words himself, several of his students from his later
for some time in such a circumstance, sometimes years did. His lessons were simp/e. Any battle should
even driving the foe back before succumbing to their be as swiftly won as possible, and the greatest genera/
wounds. While these occurrences have been few and would be the one who never needed to fight, their
far between, and many are shrouded in myth, they have superiority clear to a// who could see it. To fight at a//
nonetheless left an indelible mark on history, and the was its own sort of failure, a lesson he had learned all
names of these samurai have been enshrined forever too well across ceaseless campaigns to unite Rokugan
as Lesser Fortunes of war; courage, and self-sacrifice. for his Emperor. Of course, up to the end, Akodo found
it necessary to fight, so perhaps this ideal was beyond
Activation: Once per scene as an a Movement and
even the Kami of the Lion Clan, a dream image of a
Support action during a mass battle, you may make
world barely visible through one tired eye.
a TN 4 Meditation (Void) check. Reduce the TN
of this check to 2 if your cohort is in Confining or Activation: As an Attack, Movement, Scheme, and
Obscuring terrain . Support action during a mass battle, you may make
Effects: If you succeed, whenever your cohort is tar- a TN 6 Tactics (Void) check targeting the enemy
geted with an Attack action check, reduce any attri- commander. Reduce the TN of this check to 4 if all
tion it inflicts on your army to 0, and receive that much cohorts of the enemy army are in Dangerous, Entan-
fatigue yourself instead. If fatigue you receive this way gling, or Obscuring terrain . This technique can on ly be
causes you to suffer a critical strike, the severity is 16. attempted once per army per scene.
This effect persists until the start of your next turn. Effects: If you succeed, the enemy commander imme-
diately resists with a TN 5 Command check (Void 3),
New Opportunities adding 1 to the TN for every 10 strength your army has
in excess of the enemy army's strength. If the enemy
Void ~~+: If you succeed, while this effect persists,
commander succeeds, their army suffers no ill effects.
reduce any fatigue you receive by 1 per ~~ spent this If the enemy commander fails, the enemy army suffers
way (to a minimum of 0). 10 panic for each point of their shortfall. If the enemy
Void * *: If you succeed, if you suffer a critical strike army collapses this way, its forces surrender. Individual
this way, it is not applied until the end of the scene, at leaders may choose whether they wish to withdraw or
which point you receive any critical strike results you hold the line as their troops surrender.
deferred this way. If you fail, reduce the TN of Attack action checks tar-
Void ~~: If you succeed and you survive, double any
geting the cohorts of leaders in your army by 2 (to a min-
glory you are awarded from your action. imum of 1). This effect persists until the end of the scene.
10/f'
0 (Mass Battle) Any nearby cohort (such as those

NINJUTSU in the same zone, if using the rules for zones
HONOR AND
BLASTING POWDER
"Akodo writes of deception in war, of deceiving his on page 118) is caught by the blast, and that
subordinates to win the day, yet whenever some appar- army receives 5 attrition and 5 panic, plus 1 per Blasting powder is
usually viewed as intrin-
ent contradiction arises in his text, it never seems to bonus success.
sically dishonorable, and
occur to any of my fellow scholars that Akodo might 0 (Mass Battle) If you placed the blasting powder some samurai would
have lied. A general faces deception on all sides, spies inside of a fortification (see the Fortifications never deign to use it
among their ranks, and ploys on the battlefield. I, for as a weapon of war.
sidebar on page 27 6 of the core rulebook).
However, honor does
one, think Akodo wished to teach his descendants that. reduce its difficulty value by 1, plus 1 per not generally extend to
A pity most of them missed the lesson ." bonus success. the minions of Fu Leng,
- Bayushi Kiriko's commentary on Leadership, for they have none to
0 (Mass Battle) One cohort leader affected by the spare for the foes they
included in almost every edition presented
explosion suffers the Immobilized and Lightly slaughter. If the targets
to students in Scorpion Clan dojo
Wounded conditions. are Tainted creatures, or
the blasting powder is
Employ Terrible Thunder Rank 2 0 (Other Scene) Each character at range 0-2 of being used in the Shad-
the target position suffers 10 physical damage owlands, at the GM's
For some samurai, there is something they prize plus 1 per bonus success, suffers the Dazed discretion, the honor
above honor: victory. For them, honor is meaningless condition, and receives 5 strife. forfeit needed to use
if their lord is dead or their family lost. Any method blasting powder may be
0 (Other Scene) Items at range 0-2 of the target reduced or eliminated.
that achieves victory is worthy, even if the Emperor
position gain the Damaged item quality.
themselves has outlawed it.
0 (Other Scene) Any structure (such as a bridge,
Activation: As a Movement and Support action, you
house, or wall) at range 0-1 of the target posi-
may make a TN 4 Skulduggery check and expend 1
tion gains the Damaged quality.
charge of blasting powder (see page 90) to place it
in your environment at a target position at range 0-1 of
you . You must forfeit honor equal to equal to half your New Opportunities
honor rank (rounded up) to use this technique.
Effects: If you succeed, you set the blasting powder to l-S~: Any item or structure damaged by this effect gains
the Destroyed quality instead.
explode at the end of the next round. Some or all of
the following occur based on the scene type: * l-S~: The area at range 0-2 of the position of the
explosion gains the Dangerous and Obscuring ter-
rain qualities, and flammable objects in the area are
set ablaze.
l-S~+: The blasting powder does not detonate for one
additional round per ::-s~ spent this way.
Swift Scouting Rank 1

The line between a shin obi and a scout is mostly one of
their current assignment. Yet, while traditional scouting
can take days or weeks, sufficiently experienced
survivalists who have lived in the wilds can undertake
scouting missions much more quickly than typical
observers. Shinobi must often spend long periods
of time traveling Rokugan, hiding in the wilderness,
or spying on targets on the road. As a result, many
are intimately familiar with the sorts of environments
found in those types of locations and can quickly
10~
sweep an area to identify the points of interest inside Effects: If you succeed, all t argets become hidden and
it. Especially skilled shinobi are likely to leave traps are not noticed by characters with vigilance lower t han
behind for enemy scouts or forces in the area. or equal to your Earth Ring p lus your bonus successes.
These hidden characters can not be the target of Attack
Activation: As a downtime activity, or once per scene
actio ns. This effect persists until the end of your next
as a Movement and Support action, you may make
turn, or until any target you have hidden performs an
a TN 3 Survival (Water) check to scout the terrain
Attack or Movement action.
around you. If you activate this technique in an urban
environment or on the ocean, use Skulduggery or Sea-
New Opp o rtunities
faring instead, respectively.
Effects: If you succeed, you discover all terrain quali- Earth *+: This effect persists for one addit ional ro und
ties of the area around you (several miles in all direc- per lt~ spent this way.
tion during downtime, or the entire area in which the Earth *+: Reduce the TN of the first Attack action
scene is occurring), as well as any fortifications in the check one of your targets makes against another char-
area. Characters with vigilance lower than your Air Ring acter in the terrain in wh ich your forces are hidden by 1
plus your bonus successes do not detect you during per lt~ spent this way.
this time.
Vanish in the Shadows Rank 3
New Opportunities
Shaking a pursuing cohort of soldiers is far more
Water ~~ ~~ (Downtime or Mass Battle): If you suc- difficult than simply hiding and requires intimate
ceed, you may choose one part of the area (a single knowledge of the terrain and a willingness to exploit
battle zone, if using the rules for battle zones) and add this for every advantage.
one of the following terrain qualities to that area: Con-
fining, Dangerous, Entangling, Obscuring. Activation: As a downtime act ivity or once p er scene
Water * ~> (Other Scene): If you succeed, you may as a Movement and Support action, yo u may make a
choose a position in the area you scouted. Up to three TN 5 Survival (Air) check targeting your cohort (in a
range bands surrounding that position gain one of mass battle) or yourself and a number of characters up
the following terra in qualities: Confining, Dangerous, to your ranks in Command (i n any other scene) who
Entangling, Obscuring. are within Confining, Entangling, or Obscuring terrain.
Water *+: You discover the location and composi- If you activate this technique in an urban environment
tion of any enemy forces in the area led by characters or on the ocean, use Skulduggery or Seafaring instead ,
with Air Ring lower than your vigilance p lus * spent respectively.
this way. Effects: If you succeed, all ta rgets become hidden and
Water lt~ * *= During your next turn , if you perform are not noticed by cha racters with vigilance lower than
an action targeting an enemy cohort, ignore any fortifi- o r equal to your Air Ring plus your bonus successes.
cation it is occupying. You may resolve effects as if you These hidden characters cannot be the target of Attack
were inside that fortification. actio ns and cannot perform Attack actions. This effect
persists until the end of your next turn , or unti l any t ar-
get performs an Attack action.
The Patient Viper Rank2
Sometimes, the best way to approach a target is to Ne w Opportunities
stand still. Shinobi often lie in wait for hours or even
days, patiently maintaining their position to ensure that Air ltH (Mass Battle): If you succeed, if an enemy army
they strike well when their foe arrives. has one or more cohorts wit hin the terrain, it receives 1
panic per lt~ spent this way.
Activation: As a downtime activity, you may make a Air ::t~+ (Other Scene): If you succeed, each character
TN 4 Fitness (Earth) check targeting your cohort (if you d id not target who is w ithin the t errain receives 1
you are currently the leader of a cohort) o r yourself and strife per* spent this way.
a number of other characters up to your ranks in Com- Air lt~ lt~ lt>: If you failed, increase the TN of Attack
mand (in any other scene) who are within Dangerous, action checks targeting each of your targets by 2. This
Entangling, or Obscuring terrain. effect persists until any of you r targets performs an
Attack action or leaves t he t errain.
104
·- ~; ~
/
Wreak Havoc Rank4 e Remove the Confining and Entangling ter-

rain quality from a fortification the target
While Leadership counsels against the needless cohort occupies, but add the Dangerous and
destruction of the enemys assets-for these can Obscuring terrain qualities to that area as it
become ones own assets if seized-sometimes fire catches ablaze.
provides an avenue that subtler means could not.
Baggage trains, fortifications, or even the tents of e Remove one cohort ability from the target
the wounded-for dishonorable commanders, any of cohort. This ability is restored when the army
these can make tempting targets for the flame. resupplies (such as when making a mainte-
nance check, as described on page 115).
Activation: Once per game session as an Attack and
Movement action during a mass battle, you may make Additionally, if you succeed, the target leader must
a Skulduggery (Fire) check targeting one enemy lead- resist with a TN 5 Command check (Air 6, Water 3) or
er's cohort. The TN is equal to the vigilance of that their army suffers panic equal to your ranks in Perfor-
cohort's leader. You may expend 1 charge of blasting mance plus their shortfall.
powder and forfeit honor equal to half your honor rank
(rounded up) to reduce the TN by 2 (to a minimum of 1). New Opportunities
Effects: If you succeed, you achieve one of
Fire l:C>: If you succeed, the target cohort's leader suf-
the following:
fers a critical strike with severity equal to equal to 6
e Reduce the difficulty value of a fortification the plus your bonus successes.
target is occupying by 4 plus your bonus suc- Fire l:C> *= The target cohort's leader suffers the
cesses. If this reduces the difficulty value to 0 Dazed condition.
or lower, the fortification is destroyed; any army Fire l:C>+: If you succeed, you may expend a number
with a cohort occupying it receives attrition of additional charges of blasting powder up to
equal to your bonus successes, and any leader spent this way to add two bonus successes
or commander inside suffers a critical strike expended this way.
severity equal to 6 plus your bonus successes.
CHAPTER 3: ACTS OF WAR
~xpattded l11a33 WHAT ABOUT
~ttre 1<r.de3
STANDING ARMIES?
While Clan Champions and powerful daimy6
This section expands on the rule for armies and mass often have a core of samurai and some units
battles presented in the core rulebook, giving GMs of ashigaru who have dedicated themselves
new options for using mass battles in their campaigns. to full-time preparation for war, keeping many
retainers battle-ready in this manner is expen-
MARSHALING AN ARMY sive, and that cost can become difficult to
justify in times of peace. The Lion Clan in par-
Readying an army for battle is a complex process that
ticular struggles with this, for its task is to be
begins long before the troops arrive on the battlefield.
ready to make war in the Emperor's name, yet
If players wish to create their own army, gathering allies
in times of peace massive armies can become
to the cause and deploying resources to assemble a
a crushing drain upon Lion lands. The Lion
fighting force, they should use the rules for marshaling
Clan addresses this in part by sending many
an army in this section . The narrative process of fully
of its soldiers to serve in the Emerald Legions,
assembling an army can be the subject of numerous
which are funded by the Imperial Court's man-
sessions on its own, as the PCs undertake diplomatic
date, relieving some economic pressure from
missions to gather support from other lords, skirmish
the Lion Clan but keeping its warriors active
against enemies who oppose their plans, and role-
even in times of relative serenity in Rokugan .
play the logistics of organizing and training a fighting
When war does break out in Rokugan, the
force . However, a character can begin the process and
first steps are almost always the gathering of
assemble a baseline fighting force with a single check.
resources, the securing of alliances, and the
organization of logistics to rally, train, and
THE MARSHALING CHECK supply armies.
To raise an army, a character must have access to their
holdings and retainers (or community, for commoners).
and must make a TN 3 Command check as a down-
TABLE 3-1: DETERMINING
time activity. If the character succeeds, they form an
ARMY STRENGTH
army that consists of their retainers. The army's maxi-
mum strength is set by the character's status (see Table STATUS MAXIMUM STRENGTH
3-1: Determining Army Strength), although a charac-
ter can always choose to form a smaller army (to a min- 100 150
imum of 5) if they desire, as smaller armies are easier
to maintain. 90-99 120
The army's discipline is set by the character's bonus
80-89 100
successes and their honor (see Table 3-2: Determin-
ing Army Discipline). 70-79 80
A character can spend~~ from the check to marshal
their army in a number of ways described in Table 3-3: 60-69 65
Spending Opportunity while Marshaling an Army
(see page 111 ). 50-59 60
The check to marshal an army not only gathers the
troops to the field, but also the support staff required 40-49 55
and the supplies needed (food, gear, travel equipment)
to keep them fighting for one month. At the start of
30-39 35
each subsequent month, a character must make another
24-29 20
check to keep their army functional and loyal (see
Maintaining an Army on Campaign on page 115). 20-24 15
Generally, a marshaling check can only be attempted
once per month for a given set of holdings, though the 0-19 5
GM may alter that restriction as the narrative dictates.
109
MONEY AND POWER TABLE 3-2: DETERMINING

ARMY DISCIPLINE
Status grants a decent approximation of a
BONUS
character's available wealth-sometimes. SUCCESSES DISCIPLINE
However, even daimyo can find their coffers
drained after a drought year, and merchants 60 +ranks in Government
4 or more
can grow startlingly wealthy. If a character's +glory rank
wealth is uncharacteristic of their status, the
40 + ranks in Government
GM shou ld treat their status as being one that 3 +glory rank
reflects their accessible wealth for the check
to marshal an army. For example, a wealthy 2 25 + ranks in Government
foreign ship captain (status 0) with a hold full
of goods to entice allies might treat their sta- 15 + ranks in Government
tus as 30, while a destitute Great Clan samurai
(status 30) whose estate is in ruins and whose 0 10 +ranks in Government
vassals have been dismissed might treat their
status as 10. on its own, it uses the Base Army Stats; otherwise,
Additionally, at the GM's discretion, a apply its Modifiers to the army it is joining. If the force
character who is appealing to a group of lists a rule, it applies to the entire army if it is oper-
peers (or even their superiors) rather than ating independently, or to one cohort if it has joined
their subordinates might use Performance or another army.
Courtesy for their marshaling check instead.
Allied Forces
TEMPORARY STATUS A character might be able to persuade another lord to
MODIFIERS SUPPLEMENTAL fORCES
commit resources to their cause. This should generally
1l1e following examples A character can expand their army once it has been mar- require an Intrigue or a number of significant roleplay-
show how the wealth a shaled in a number of ways, described in this section. ing scenes, and a character might have to make signif-
character has access to icant offers to that lord, such as agreeing in advance to
could translate into treat-
Raising Additional Forces certain concessions of territory taken in battle, making
ing their status as higher
pacts for favorable marriages, or promising to defeat
for a marshaling check:
If a character gains access to substantial new resources the other lord's enemies in addition to one's own. If this
A large storehouse or a new source of potential soldiers, the GM might effort is successful, an allied lord can offer an amount
of food:+ 10 allow them to make a new marshaling check, treating of support based on their status (see Tabl e 3-5: Allied
A town's yearly their status as increased by an appropriate amount Forces), which are added to the character's army. If an
taxes: +20 for the check. For instance, if a character captures a allied force is operating as an army on its own, it uses
rich city on campaign, they might be able to use the the Base Army Stats; otherwise, apply its Modifiers
A ship with luxury
goods: +30 resources from that city to attempt to build an even to the army it is joining. If the force lists one or more
bigger army for their next target. If the new check's rules, each rule applies to the entire army if it is oper-
A small city's yearly
result would not create a preferable army, the character ating independently, or to one cohort if it has joined
taxes: +40
can choose to simply maintain their prior army. another army.
A large city's
reserves: +50
Mercenary Forces Parting of Ways
The GM always has the
final say of whether and A character might get the chance to hire mercenaries If a force splits from an army, divide the casualties
how such a bonus applies. while on campaign, should they encounter such indi- and panic as evenly as possible between the splitting
vidua ls. Mercenaries must be paid a fixed amount each forces, with the larger forces receiving the additional
month when a character makes the check to maintain casualties or panic if it cannot be divided evenly. If any
their army. See Table 3-4: Mercenary Forces for var- force cannot function with the number of casualties or
ious types of mercenaries a character might be able panic it receives, it disperses and its members split up.
to hire. If a mercenary force is operating as an army
no
/
CHAPT ER 3 : ACTS OF WAR
TABLE 3- 3: SPENDING OPPORTUNITY WHILE MARSHALING AN ARMY
RESULT EFFECT
Reduce the TN of your first army maintenance check (see page 115) by 1 per lt> spent 7
Any lt>+
this way.
In addition to the army, you are given use of a fortification near your lands for the war effort.
Earth lC> This fortification counts as an outpost (reduce attrition suffered by 2, difficulty value 6).
Earth lC> lt> Increase the army's discipline by 5.
In addition to the army, you ra ise 100 koku per lC> spent this way. You must forfeit 10
honor to spend this money on anything but equipment upgrades (see page 11 4), mer-
Waterlt>+
cenary forces (see page 11 0), or other expenses that the GM deems to benefit the army
or the cause.
The army gains one of the following equipment upgrades (see page 114): Baggage
Water~:~~::
Train, Battlefield Medical Supplies.
For the first mass battle in which t he army participates, reduce the TN of each of its lead-
Firelt>
ers first Assault actions by 1 (to a minimum of 1).
Fire~:;!£:: Increase the army's strength by 5.
The army assembles without attracting the attention of any local powers not currently at
Ai r~:::
war with you.
Air~::~:: O ne cohort gains one of the following doctrines (see page 112): Out of Nowhere, Sappers.
The army assembles at a p lace of your choosing (that a large numbers of soldiers could
Void lt> plausib ly reach) in up to one month in the future rather than assembling immediately at
your current location.
Void ~::: ~:: Increase the army's strength and discipline by 3.
TABLE 3-4: MERCENARY fORCES
BASE ARMY KOKU PER

NAME STATS MODIFIERS RULES MONTH
Ashigaru Strength 20, Strength + 10, Rank Formation

200 koku
Veterans Discipline 40 Discipline +5 (see page 280 of the core rulebook)
Foreign Strength 25, Strengt h + 15, Elite Training: Infantry (see

400 koku
Sellswords Discipline 25 Discipline -10 page 280 of the core rulebook)
Mantis Strength 30, Strength +20, Strike as the Storm

475 koku
Privateers Discipline 30 Discipline -5 (see page 114)
Ujik Strength 35, Strength +25 Thunderous Charge '

500 koku
Outriders Discipline 30 Discipline - 5 (see page 114)
Bandits
Strength 20, Strength + 10, Out of Nowhere
100 koku
'
Discip line 20 Discipline - 15 (see page 113)
m
CHAPTER 3 : ACTS OF WAR
TABLE 3-5: ALLIED FoRcEs
STATUS BASE ARMY STATS MODIFIERS RULES
Elite Tra ining (one per cohort): Cavalry, Siege

Strength
Strength 150, Specialists, Infantry, Archers, and Mystics (see
100 + 135, Disci-
Discipline 80 page 280 of the core rulebook), Siege Defend-
pline +20
ers (see page 114)
Elite Training (one per cohort): Cavalry, Siege

Strength +95,
Strength 120, Specialists, Infantry, Archers, and Mystics (see
90-99 Discipline
Discipline 75 page 280 of the core rulebook), Siege Defend-
+15
ers (see page 114)
Clan Doctrine (see page 113), Elite Training

Strength +75,
Strength 100, (one per cohort): Cavalry, Siege Specialists,
80-89 Discipline
Discipline 70 Infantry, Archers, and Mystics (see page 280 of
+10
the core rulebook)

Strength 80, Strength +55, (one per cohort): Cavalry, Siege Specialists,
70-79
Discipline 65 Discipline +5 Infantry, and Archers (see page 280 of the
core rulebook)

Strength 65, Strength +35,
60-69 (one per cohort): Cavalry, Infantry, and Archers
Discipline 60 Discipline +0
(see p . 280 of the core rulebook)
Strength 60, Strength +30, Clan Doctrine (see page 113), Rank Formation
50-59
Discipline 50 Discipline +0 (see p . 280 of the core rulebook)
Strength 55, Strength +25, Rank Formation (see page 280 of the
40-49
Discipline 40 Discipline +0 core rulebook)
Strength 35, Strength + 15, Conscripted (see page 280 of the

30-39
Discipline 20 Discipline - 5 core rulebook)
Strength 20, St rength +10, Conscripted (see page 280 of the

24-29
Discipline 15 Discipline -5 core rulebook)
Strength 15, Strength +5, Conscripted (see page 280·of the

20-24
Discipline 15 Discipline -5 core rulebook)
0-19 - - -
once. If a doctrine applies to one cohort, it can be

OUTFITTING AND TRAINING applied to multiple cohorts by succeeding at the train-
Armies can be improved through two means described ing check multiple times.
in this section : DOCTRINES and EQUIPMENT UPGRADES.
Battle-Tested
DocTRINES
Soldiers who have faced the enemy before as a unit
Doctrines are army and cohort rules that characters can are generally more reliable, as each soldier knows how
add to their army. As a downtime activity, a character their comrades will behave under the stress of battle.
may make the listed TRAINING CHECK to attempt to train Training Check: TN 4 Command (Earth) check
their army in a new doctrine for which it meets the nar- Narrative Requirements: The army must have sur-
rative requirements. Each doctrine specifies whether it vived one mass battle.
applies to one cohort or to the entire army. If a doctrine Applies to: Entire army
applies to the entire army, it can only ever be applied Effect: Increase the army's discipline by +5.
(
Clan Doctrines Out of Nowhere

Each Great Clan has its own preferred strategies and Stealth tactics are viewed by some as dishonorable,
tactics, and the samurai of each clan are trained to best but Akodo wrote with great regard for the power of
support their commanders' methods of warfare. infiltrators and spies.
Training Check: None Training Check: TN 4 Skulduggery (Air) check
Narrative Requirements: The army must consist pri- Narrative Requirements: The army must have access
marily of the forces of a single Great Clan. to a forest or other large piece of Obscuring terrain in
Applies to: Entire army which to train.
Effect: The entire army gains one of the following Applies to: One cohort
based on its clan. Effect: When this cohort's leader performs an Assau lt
Crab: When this army would receive panic, it receives action, if the target cohort is in Confining or Obscuring,
that amount of panic minus 2 instead (to a minimum of 1). the leader may spend :;. as fo llows:
Crane: After a leader in this army makes a successful ~H : The enemy army receives panic equal to t he lead-
check to perform a Challenge action, if t he challenging er's ranks in Skulduggery pl us ~~ spent t his way.
leader wins the clash, the enemy receives panic equal
to that character's glory rank. If the chal lenging leader Sappers
loses, their army receives panic equal to t heir glory rank.
Dragon: When performing the Ra lly action, if a leader Capturing a fortification through direct attack is a
in this army succeeds, add a number of bonus suc- b loody, brutal prospect most commanders prefer to
cesses equal to that leader's ranks in Meditation. avoid. Capturing a fortification with a small fo rce by
Lion: When this army wou ld remove 1 or more casu- using subterfuge is a far more appealing option.
alties or panic, it may remove an amount equal to the Training Check: TN 3 Labor (Air) check
status ran k of its commander instead. Narrative Requirements: The army must have access
Phoenix: After a leader in t his army performs an to a fortification in wh ich to train.
Assault action, if they succeed, the enemy army suf- Applies to: One cohort
fers attrition equal to that leader's ran ks in Theology Effect: When this cohort's leader generates m r,mAn'hl
instead of Command. points toward a strategic objective t o seize a
Scorpion: Reduce the TN of the first Scheme act ion (such as the Capture a Position objective
check each leader in t his army makes each mass battle fication). t hey generate 2 additional
by 1 (t o a minimum of 1). If th is army's commander is towa rd that objective.
also a leader, reduce the TN of the first Scheme action
check the commander makes by 2 instead (to a mini-
mum of 1).
Unicorn: When performing the Ral ly action, a leader in
this army may make a TN 1 Survival check instead of
a Command check.
Fe rvor
A belief in one's own righteousness is a terrifyingly
effective motivator, and convincing one's soldiers that
the will of the Heavens guides their cause makes them
far more motivated to stand against harsh odds-but
a/so more likely to come to believe that they should be
interpreting this will for themselves.
Training Check: TN 6 Theology (Fire) check
Narrative Requirements: None
Applies to: Entire army
Effect: Increase t he army's discipline by + 10. Increase
t he TN of monthly checks to maintain the army by 2.
Siege Defenders upgrade specifies whether it applies to one cohort or

to the entire army. If an equipment upgrade applies t o
Defending a fortification against attackers is preferable
one cohort, it can be applied t o multiple cohorts by
to facing them in the open, but specialist troops will
acquiring it multiple times.
still perform better than those without experience in
defending an entrenched position.
Baggage Train
Training Check: TN 3 Labor (Earth) check
Narrative Requirements: The army must have access Supply logistics are crucial to keeping an army in ser-
to a fortification in which to train. vice for long periods of time, and without a baggage
Applies to: One cohort train, an army cannot operate far from its garrison.
Effect: While this cohort occupies a fortification, treat Rarity/Cost: Rarity 6 I 2,000 koku
its difficulty level as 2 higher. Applies to: Entire army
Effect: Reduce the TN of monthly checks to maintain
Strike as the Storm this army by 2 (to a minimum of 1).
While most Rokugani warfare is based around land tac-

Battlefield Medical Supplies
tics, attacks by water are not unheard of, and Mantis
sailors are rightly respected as some of the most skilled Giving soldiers the means to staunch minor injuries can
at unexpected flank attacks and ambushes. help keep an army in the field, curbing infection and
Training Check: TN 4 Seafaring (Water) check the spread of disease. For the rules of a single charac-
Narrative Requirements: The army must have access ter using this item, see page 90.
to at least one warship, or several smaller vessels, Rarity/Cost: Rarity 3 I 50 koku
capable of carrying the cohort with this ability. Applies to: One cohort
Applies to: One cohort Effect: When a character leading this cohort removes
Effect: When the leader of this cohort performs the 1 or more casualties from the army, they remove that
Assault action as part of their initial landing, they may amount of casualties plus 1 instead.
spend :t> as follows:
*=The target cohort's leader suffers the Dazed condition. Nagae Yari
:t> ~H : One additional enemy leader per~~ ~~ spent
this way suffers the Dazed condition. If using t he rules Needle-pointed spears arranged in a hedge are an
for Battle Zones, this can only affect leaders ·whose imposing sight for anyone, even heavy cavalry. For the
cohorts are in the same zone as the target. rules of a single character using this item, see page 88.
Rarity/Cost: Rarity 6 I 1,000 koku
Thunderous Charge
Among the Great Clans, only the Unicorn Clan trains
heavy cavalry units in significant numbers. However,
SEIZING RESOURCES
since their return to Rokugan, the other Great Clans Resources can be seized in battle. Sometimes,
have begun to experiment with their own cavalry units.
the enemy's equipment upgrades or food
Training Check: TN 5 Fitness (Fire) check
stocks can be taken after a victorious battle,
Narrative Requirements: The army must have access
and this is generally viewed as an acceptable
to enough quality steeds (Unicorn warhorses or equiv-
tactic. Other ti mes, ruthless commanders will
alent) to equip a cohort with this ability.
order their troops to take supplies from the
Applies to: One cohort
peasants living nearby. While this tactic is
Effect: The first time the leader of this cohort performs
dishonorable, it has happened many t imes in
an Assault action during each mass battle, if the enemy
Rokugan's history, for many warlords believed
cohort is in Open terrain and the leader succeeds, they
t hat their ends justified such means.
inflict additional attrition and panic to the enemy army
When resources are seized, their va lue
equal to their ranks in Survival.
should be added to the army's war coffers or
army equipment, depending on the nature of
EQUIPMENT UPGRADES the items. The GM is t he final arbiter of how
much captured resou rces are worth.
Equipment upgrades can be added to an army as well,
by purchasing or requisitioning them. Each equipment
TABLE 3- 6: ARMY MAINTENANCE CHECK RESULTS
CHECK
RESULT EFFECT
Success with
one or more Remove casualties and panic from the army equal to your ranks in Government, plus 2
bonus sue- per bonus success.
cesses
Success Remove casualties and panic from the army equa l to your ranks in Government.
The army receives panic equal to your shortfall. If the army's panic exceeds its discipline
Failure with
this way, reduce the army's panic until it is equal to its discipline. However, the army
1-3 shortfall
refuses to fight for the next month.
The army receives panic equal to two times your shortfa ll. If the army's panic exceeds its
Failure with
discipline this way, it breaks apart into multiple chunks. These new armies and warbands
4-6 shortfall
spread across the countryside, pursuing their own agendas or even turni ng to banditry.
Failure with The army revolts, and attempts to overthrow its commander and their leaders. Chaos
7 + shortfall ensues, and the commander must fight for their life, negotiate, or flee to survive!

Effect: When an enemy leader performs an Attack
MAINTAINING AN ARMY
action check against this cohort, they treat all terrain as ON CAMPAIGN
Dangerous terrain (see page 267 of the core rulebook).
The core rulebook explains how to use an army in a
mass battle, and this section offers expanded guidance
Tets ubishi on managing an army across a longer period of time,
Designed to ruin the feet and hooves of enemy troops such as a military campaign or a long-term assignment.
and horses, tetsubishi are iron caltrops make the prospect
of attacking a unit extremely unpleasant. For the rules of a REMOVING CASUALTIES AND PANIC
single character using this item, see page 91.
Armies receive casualties and panic much like charac-
Rarity/Cost: Rarity 4, 100 koku
ters receive fatigue and strife. Character abilities can
also remove casualties and panic. Additionally, armies
Effect: As a Movement and Support action, the leader
recover via an Army Maintenance check.
of this cohort may deploy tetsubishi. Until the end of
the next round, after the leader of a cohort (or army)
with the cavalry or heavy cavalry rule performs an ARMY MAINTENANCE CHECK
Attack action check targeting this cohort, that leader's Once rallied, an army must be regularly maintained . At
army receives 3 casualties and 3 panic. the start of each month, the commander must make a
Command check to keep their army in order, distrib-
Upgraded Armor ute supplies, and reorganize in the wake of losses. The
TN of this check is equal to the 1Os digit of the army's
While investing in ones soldiers' armor is expensive,
strength (or 10, if the army's strength is higher than
keeping troops alive for longer allows them to gain
99), as larger formations are harder to keep organized
vital experience on the battlefield, making the army
and equipped. Depending on the result, the army may
stronger as its members become more skillful.
remove casualties and panic, receive additional panic,
Rarity/Cost: Rarity 7, 3,000 koku
or even rebel upon its commander. See Table 3-6:
Applies to: Entire army
Army Maintenance Check Results for details.
Effect: If the army's commander succeeds at the check
At this time, a commander must also pay any mer-
to maintain the army, they add 2 bonus successes.
cenaries they have hired. Unpaid mercenaries might
leave, or even take their forces and turn on the army if
they believe they can take valuable hostages.
HARSH CONDITIO NS
A number of factors can negatively impact the 0 If the army is short on food, increase the TN
commander's Army Maintenance check. See by 1.
below for some examples: 0 If the army is short on water, increase the
TN by 3.
ED If the army is in host ile lands without a path
of resupply, increase the TN by 1. 0 If it is exceptionally hot, increase the TN
by 1.
0 If it is winter and the army is not garrisoned
in a shelter, increase the TN by 2. 0 If the army is plagued by insects and other
vermin, increase the TN by 1.
0 If the army has been on the march for two
weeks of t he last month (or more), increase 0 If the army is plagued by disease, increase
the TN by 1. the TN by 3.
INCENTIVES
On the other hand, a number of factors can pos- 0 If the army has been victorious in a mass
itively impact the commander's maintenance battle within the last month, decrease the
check. See below for some examples: TN by 4 (to a minimum of 1).
0 If food is plentiful, decrease the TN by 3 (to

0 If the commander's status rank is 6 or higher,
a minimum of 1).
decrease the TN by 2 (to a minimum of 1).
0 If the commander has publicly promoted

e If the troops are fighting a defensive conflict
in their own homeland, decrease the TN by
one or more jizamurai or ashigaru for a val-
6 (to a minimum of 1).
orous act in the last month, decrease the TN
by 2 (to a minimum of 1). ED If the commander has the backing or mandate
of a character with status rank 7 or higher,
0 If the troops have access to entertainment
decrease the TN by 3 (to a minimum of 1).
provided by the commander (such as small
luxuries like tea or sake, bards and other 0 If the commander or their backer has made
entertainers, or the opportunity to partici- a considerable sacrifice of personal wealth
pate in activities such as hunting or contests), (forfeiting 5 or more status), decrease the
decrease the TN by 3 (to a minimum of 1). TN by 1 for every 5 status forfeited this way.
DISPERSING AN ARMY After an army has served its purpose, most com-
manders seek to dismantle it, letting its various mem-
At the end of a successful campaign, a warlord's vas- bers return to their previous lives and reducing the
sals and allies generally expect recompense for their strain upon their estates. To get an army to d isperse
efforts. While in Rokugan most samurai do not expect properly, its commander must make a TN 4 Command
to be paid in spoils, they do expect compensation- (Air) check and pay any mercenaries their final dues. If
titles, positions, status, and most of all, lands captured the commander succeeds (and any paid troops are sat -
are considered to be the proper reward for shedding isfied), the forces return to their homes or prior occu-
blood on one's lord's behalf. Soldiers of the line, on the pations without incid ent . If the commander fails (o r fails
other hand, such as ashigaru and conscripts, generally to pay any unpaid mercenaries), the troops go on to
prefer to be paid in currency (or village tax exemption, cause p roblems for the local area or the commander.
for many commoners) for their labor unless they hap-
pen to be among the exceptional few elevated to the
samurai class thanks to their heroism or deeds.
/
TABLE 3-7: RANSOM AMOUNTS

HOSTAGES
STATUS KOKU PCS SURRENDERING
In the purest ideals of to which many Rokugani aspire,
a samurai is expected to be willing to fight to the bit- N/A (decorum would always If the PCs are defeated
ter end, but an idealized samurai is also expected to 100 demand seeing such an individual in a mass battle and
offer mercy to worthy adversaries who stand defiant safely back to their home) offered a chance to
surrender, their players
to the end. As such, if a small group is surrounded by
always make the
the enemy, or if the outcome of a mass battle is clear 90-99 10,000 koku
decision on whether or
(such as if an army has been routed or suffered morale not they actually do.
80-89 1,000 koku If a player wants to let
collapse) and the enemy leaders cannot escape, the
the dice decide, they
GM should consider whether any NPCs in that group
70-79 500 koku can ask the GM to have
surrender. If some of the NPCs are not inclined to sur- an NPC make the TN
render due to their pride or convictions, the victorious 60-69 250 koku 3 Courtesy (Air) check
side may attempt to get them to accept their hospital- to convince them to
100 koku surrender.
ity. A representative of the winning side must make a 50-59
TN 3 Courtesy (Air) check; if the character succeeds,
the target agrees to the terms and becomes their 40-49 50 koku
"guest" (hostage). After all, once a battle is decided,
further bloodshed is pointless. If the character fails, the 30-39 10 koku
target attempts to fight on, which can be resolved with
20-29 1 koku
narration by the GM, or perhaps a duel if the winners
are gracious. Taking a character hostage against their 10-19 5 bu
will by subduing them is a minor violation of Courtesy
(Rei), and requires forfeiting honor as normal. 00-09 2 bu
After a battle or campaign, it is customary to return

any hostages taken in battle to their families. Gener-
ally, a hostage is returned either in exchange for a hos-
tage of equal status rank taken by the other side, or The Mass Battle rules included in the core rulebook are
for a number of koku described in Table 3-7: Ransom meant to center the action on the PCs and keep the
Amounts (see page 117). If a character returns a hos- combat flowing quickly. As such, they abstract certain
tage without any demands (or frees them), this is consid- details, such as distance and travel time . However, for
ered a sacrifice in the name of Righteousness (Gi}, and campaigns where Mass Battles will be a frequent event,
the character should generally be awarded honor equal having more detail can add to the flavor of the narra-
to the hostage's status rank (and glory equal to the hos- tive and give players interesting new options based on
tage's status rank if they do so publicly). After a character the more tactical decisions they can make.
frees someone of higher status rank this way, they also Battle zones are an optional rule that GMs can add
gain the Ally [Name of Character Freed] advantage (see to their Mass Battles to more closely track the posi-
page 101 of the core rulebook) . tion of cohorts, fortifications, terrain, and commanders
A samurai is expected to care for any "guests" in within the field .
their custody as they would any esteemed guest. When
a samurai takes a prisoner on the battlefield, they must MAPP ING T HE AR EA
stake honor and glory equal to that individual's status
rank. If their hostage comes to harm, they lose the Before the start of the Mass Battle, the GM should
staked honor (and glory, if their failure becomes known) map out the area . To do so, the first place the key geo-
in addition to any forfeits of honor and glory they must graphic features such as:
make if they themselves treat the hostage with any-
e Fortifications such as castles, fortresses, and
thing less than the expected decorum. Refusing to
barricades
return a hostage in exchange for an equivalent hos-
tage, fair price, or suitable favor to be repaid later after e Mountains and hills
hostilities have ceased is also considered a breach of e Hollows and valleys
Courtesy (Rei) of a scale of the GM's discretion.
Of course, the GM should modify any of these
e Roads
amounts based on the importance of the individual e Towns and portions of cities
to those who hold the purse-strings within their clan e Fields and other open areas
or faction, as well as applying appropriate modifi-
cations based on negotiations undertaken by the
e Lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and other
various parties. natural barriers
e Key choke points such as passes, bridges,

and tunnels
@ Impassible areas
DESIGNATING TABLE 3-8: ASSIGNING TERRAIN
CONCEALED
BATTLE ZONES
BATTLE ZONES QUALITIES BY fEATURE
At the GM's discretion,
After drawing out the map, the GM should divide FEATURE TERRAIN QUALITIES
certain areas might
the map into battle zones. Each battle zone is an be partially or fully
abstracted area in which the battle can be fought, Cliff Elevated, Dangerous concealed, leaving one
or both commanders
defined by the key geographic features it contains.
uncertain what lies
Generally, each battle zone should be drawn to have within. The terrain
Hill Elevated
one of the above key geographic features as its defin- qualities, cohorts, forti-
ing aspect, and potentially conta in other features that fications, and other ele-
Hollow Recessed
alter it in various ways. ments with these areas
should be revealed only
The GM then outlines each zone, making clear where Va lley Confining, Recessed when a cohort moves
each zone overlaps with any neighboring zones, and leav- into the area.
ing gaps for areas where passage is normally impossible. Road Open
If two zones have overlapping edges, they are con-
sidered ADJACENT zones. Cohorts can move between Town Confining, Obscuring
adjacent zones and can sometimes affect other cohorts
Field Open
in adjacent zones, as described later in this section.
Finally, the GM should note the features within each
River Entangling, Recessed
zone and any terrain qualities that affect cohorts within
those zones. See Table 3-8: Assigning Terrain Quali- Swamp Entangling
ties by Feature for ideas.
Forest Entangling, Obscuring
USING BATTLE ZONES
Bridge Confining
Before commanders make their checks for Initiative,
the GM should show some or all of t his map to the Tunnel Confining, Obscuring
players and establish the position of each leader and
commander in t he areas visible to the p layers. Chasm Confining, Recessed
BATTLE ZONES:
MAPPING THE AREA
The GM divides the map

into zones based on key
geographic features . In
this example, the Lion
Encampment (Zone 1)
has pickets surrounding
it, creating artificial
barriers. Meanwhile,
the Lower Plains
(Zone 4) and Upper
Plains (Zone 7) are
divided by the Hilltop
(Zone 5). While Zones 4,
5, and 7 are not divided
by any clear physical
barrier, holding the
Hilltop makes passage
between the other
two zones much more
difficult, as the only
other route requires
traveling through the
Rice Paddies (Zone 6) or
Mine Paths (Zone 3). The
GM should also note any
fully impassible zones,
such as the Mountains.
BATTLE ZONES:
ASSIGNING TERRAIN
QUALITIES
Next, the GM assigns

terrain qualities to the
zones. In this example,
the Lower and Upper
Plains and Hilltop have
the Open terrain quality,
while the Rice Paddies
and East Pass have the
Entangling quality. The
Mine Paths have the
Dangerous and Elevated
qualities. The Mountains
are impassable for the
purposes of the mass
battle, and the camps
have no terrain qualities.
1Z.O
(
ZONE RESTRICTIONS If you made the Command check and succeeded,

you may then move your cohort one additional time to
When running a Mass Battle with zones, use the stan- an adjacent zone, plus one additional time for every
dard rules for Mass Battles on 27 4 of the core rule book three bonus successes.
with the following amendments:
0 Cohort leaders cannot target other cohort lead- ARMY AND CoHORT RuLES
ers who are not in the same zone. WHILE USING BATTLE ZONES
e Once during each cohort leader's turn, before Some army and cohort abilities alter how they behave
or after they perform an action, that leader may when using the battle zones rules. These include:
move their cohort to an adjacent zone. Cavalry: This cohort does not suffer panic when leav-
ing a battle zone with an enemy cohort.
0 After a cohort leaves a zone, if that zone was
Archers: While in Elevated terrain, this cohort can per-
occupied by an enemy cohort, the withdrawing
form Assault actions targeting cohorts in an adjacent
cohort's army suffers 5 panic.
zone, increasing the TN of the check by 1. However,
e Cohort leaders may use the following while performing an Assault action targeting a cohort
new action: in an adjacent zone, this cohort cannot fulfill the follow-
ing strategic objectives: Capture a Position, Cut Off the
Head, Seize Victory. It can still contribute momentum
March points to these objectives, but cannot be the action to
Activation: As a Movement action, you may reposition complete them.
your cohort. You may make a TN 3 Command check Mystics: While in Elevated terrain, this cohort can
to move further. perform Rally actions targeting cohorts in an adjacent
Effects: You move your cohort to an adjacent zone. zone, increasing the TN of the check by 1.
BATILE ZONES:
ASSIGNING FEATURES
Finally, the GM notes

the features within each
zone, including forti·
fications . The features
should be locations that
can affect the outcome
of the battle in some
way-choke points
(such as the Central
Hilltop and Fortified
Gate), strategically
important targets (such
as the Lion Supply
Train), and especially
defensible locations
(such as the Diamond
Mines and Mountain
Vale). Any location that
provides an especially
significant defensive
benefit should be
represented with a for·
tification (see page 276
of the core rulebook).
WARTIME CONSIDERATIONS
1<totttittj mifitar'j- Wars vary considerably, depending on initial conditions
\11e"'ed Ca"'pa~tts and other factors. Some, such as an invasion by a for-

eign culture from beyond Rokugan's· borders, might be
a war for survival. Others are conflicts over territory,
War is woven into the fabric of Rokugani society,
and particularly into the Code of Bushido. Given the such as the Lion and Crane's constant battle over the
Empire's long history of military conflict to draw upon, city of Toshi Ranbo and the rich Osari Plains. Many
running a campaign themed around o r set during a conflicts in Rokugan are matters of honor, foug ht to
Rokugani wa r can be highly engaging. War-focused avenge a past insult or even a previous war. Some wars
campaigns can be great fun for GMs and players alike, even start over matters of philosophy, with different
full of rich drama and challenges. However, as with any interpretations of important Rokugani cultura l tenets
campaign theme or major plot, it is important to think leading to violence. And of course, while most wars
through the implications of war in Rokugan to ensure are ultimately fought between samurai, major peasant
that the campa ign is as cohesive and engaging as pos- uprisings can be effectively wars in scope.
sible for all involved. The following sections highlight Despite this variation, there are certain common
key factors of a wartime campaign and how the GM elements to consider no matter what type of war a GM
can incorporate them to their group's best advantage. p lans to incorporate into their campaign. Some are
purely game-world considerations about how Rokugan
goes about waging war, while others have to do with
how players at the gaming table interact with war and
battle as a topic.
THE CAUSE OF WAR
War does not simply happen, nor does it happen lightly.

INCLUDING WARS
Skirmishes and small-scale conflicts sometimes seem to In the real world, war is horrific and terrible,
occur on the spur of the moment, such as when a lord both for the people fighting and the civilians
takes issue with the presence of samurai from another who are drawn into it. By contrast, legend of
clan within their lands. However, even these outbreaks
the Five Rings Roleplaying typically features a
of violence are informed by existing tensions and other
romanticized version of wa r, with heroes who
political factors. True war, with mustered ranks of ashi- are p ro ud to have trained to become soldiers
garu and a call t o gather bushi under a unified banner, since b irth. Groups who want to include wars
is both rarer and more deliberately planned. in t heir campaigns should do so after getting
A declaration of war always has a reason behind it,
full buy-in from their p layers (including the
ranging from a need to claim resources or territory, to GM) and after considering what level of rea l-
a failure in the courts, to a long-standing grudge hav- ism t hey want to include.
ing reached its boiling point. The reason that provokes Some p layers may be uncomfortable with
the first troop movements and strategic steps may d etailed descriptions of violence and gore, or
be known o nly to the lord who begins operations, or they may be sensitive to descriptions of activ-
it may be obvious to all involved. In either case, the
ities that typically take place in medical tents
leader initiating military action usually has a reason for
after the battle. Outbreaks of disease and
engaging in battle that they can use as ammunition in famine are also by-products of warfare, and
the courts-although this reason may or may not have their inclusion can be upsetting. Although
anything to do with their actual motivation for conflict.
many players may have enjoyed lives of
For example, if a clan knows that a p rovince's iron
peace, g roups should be considerate of the
mines are running dry, they might act to seize a neigh- fact t hat they might have rea l-world refugees
bor's mines. The clan would have p lanned this before
or combat veterans at their table. Discuss
the original mine was played out. The attacking clan what level of description everyone is comfort-
probably wou ld conceal its true strategic objective (the able with before play.
neighboring iron mine) and would pore over histories
As always, GMs should discuss the type
to justify "reclaiming" a village or two near the mines
of content they plan to include in their cam-
they wish to possess. paigns with the players before introducing
that content into the game. Neither players
CONDITIONS FOR VICTORY nor GMs should include content that will
diminish the amount of fun t hey or others at
Just as wars do not begin haphazardly, they do not end
the table will have while p laying.
without reason . The flames of violence, once ignited, do
not gutter out easily. A war's end is determined by the
justifications and objectives used to start it . A war dedi-
strateg ic objectives and the PCs' own goals. Some
cated to settling a grievance may end with the death of
player groups might be interested in leading mass bat-
a specific enemy lord or general, while reclaiming terri-
tles across enemy territ ory but have no interest in infil-
tory requires both pushing back enemy forces and for-
trating a castle to take out t he leaders of an opposing
tifying the territory to prevent future incursions. During
force, while the reverse mig ht be true of others.
longer wars, objectives may shift or be added due to
emerging circumstances, and the onset of winter may
interrupt outright hostilities, providing a chance for the THE CHAI N OF C O MMAND
brokering of peace in the courts. In a war, commanders expect complete obedience from
In a legend of the Five Rings Ro le playing Game their troops, and they make specific deployment plans
war-themed campaign, the GM should consider what that they expect to be followed. This provides ready
factors may bring that war to an end. Having a plan sources of conflict for PCs who like to go off on their
for the war's conclusion helps the GM set the length of own, which may lead to harsh consequences fo r break-
their campaign . If the game's story starts during a time ing orders. Naturally, players may find strict obedience
of peace, having victory conditions in mind helps the to their PCs' commanding officers a limit on their cre-
GM know when to return the game to its previous style. ativity. However, war's chaos and limited communica-
In addition, the GM should consider how PCs tions give players leeway to take more independent
might engage with the war based on the combatants'
(
action with t heir PCs. The PCs may need to be circum- THE COURTS AND THE BATTLEFIELD
spect about details to avoid consequences.
A GM can take any number of approaches to let PCs A bushi spends most of their life preparing for war, and
retain agency in a war-focused campaign. Depending a Legend of the Five Rings campaign focusing on war
on the group's character composition, independent puts them in their element. However, players of less
operations may be entirely appropriate, such as if the martial characters, especially courtiers, might worry
characters hail from a third-pa rty faction that is not (or about their ability to contribute to the group's success
not yet) directly involved in the conflict. Similarly, a or about getting a turn in t he narrative spotlight. GMs
party of shinobi should be expected t o operate wit h sho uld keep in mind that centering on a war does not
a certain freedom of action. A lternatively, the PCs' mean a campaign must focus entirely on mass battles
commander mig ht be a junior officer or inexperienced and skirmishes, or even primarily on conflict scenes.
enough to not notice lapses in how subordinates follow There are many ways for courtiers, artisans, and others
orders. The officer might even be self-aware enough to to contribute to the group's efforts during wartime. Ele-
acknowledge t he PCs' depth of experience and give ments such as parleys, neutral factions, troop morale
them commensurate loose rein. issues, councils of war, and more can bring these social
Finally, some players enjoy the subterfuge of characters to the forefront. Similarly, the upheaval of
accomplishing personal goals alongside official ones, battle might unsettle local kami or other supern
or won't mind the strict d iscipline expected of their elements, giving shugenja and monks time to shine.
characters in an army. In all cases, communication with GMs who make full use of these opportunities for
the players about their expectations and interests is alternate approaches to war-focused campaigns should
vital to an engaging game. ensure they stay aware of how players allocate their
XP. A bushi who concentrates entirely on Martial skills
might dominate skirmishes but have little opportunity
to engage elsewhere, just as a courtier who focuses
entirely on Social skills has the reverse problem. If play-
ers are willing to take turns in the spotlight, this can
work well. Alternatively, the GM can advise players to
invest their XP in less archetypal skills, allowing a bushi
to participate in negotiations or a courtier to face down
the angered ghosts of vanqu ished soldiers.
game. Even if the PCs change things in unexpected

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GLORY ways, this preparation gives the GM a starting point
PCs have many avenues for distinguishing themselves from which they can adjust.
during war. Success on the battlefield is an obvious Although a war-themed campaign does not need
one, and characters who triumph over difficult foes or to end with the war it focuses on, it is a good idea
command an army's successful engagement are likely to consider the group's next steps after the war ends.
to earn glory awards for their victory. These rewards are Characters who were brought together to serve in
especially likely for bushi characters. However, these war might need a new reason to continue working
are not the only ways PCs can prove their mettle and with each other in peacetime, and their ninj6 and giri
worth during a war. might need to change with new circumstances. GMs
Courtiers might earn glory for negotiating the sur- can handle such matters as they come up, or they can
render of an enemy army, for securing the release of discuss the characters' next steps between sessions or
hostages taken by the enemy (or concessions for hos- during a hiatus after the war's completion. Of course,
tages taken by their own side), or for otherwise defus- if the PCs were instrumental in their side's victory, it
ing the danger of war for their allies. Courtiers who trick might make sense to just end on a high note and start
the enemy into making mistakes or use rumors at court a new campaign!
to provoke an enemy general into unwise maneuvers
might even win accolades without fighting directly. INTEGRATING WAR INTO
Shinobi characters tend to be more infamous than
famous, but even (or especially!) if no one can prove
AN ONGOING CAMPAIGN
that they assassinated an enemy leader or sabotaged Campaigns that do not focus primarily on war can still
a hostile camp, their lord will surely reward them for incorporate the drama and conflict a wartime narrative
their cunning . Shinobi might also find themselves sup- provides. However, GMs who veer into such territory
porting other types of characters covertly, preparing mid-campaign should be aware of how this can change
the way for an attack by bushi or retrieving secret doc- the tone at their table. They should be sure to review
uments from secure locations and delivering them to The Chain of Command (page 124) and The Courts
courtiers who can deduce vital information from them. and the Battlefield (page 125), as military conflict
Artisan characters are critical for supplying the war is likely to change characters' duties and the party
effort. Engineers and swordsmiths might support bat- dynamic in terms of narrative spotlight.
tlefield operations directly, while painters, poets, and While a war can be an interesting result of existing
other creators of more ephemeral works can support narrative arcs, or an engaging way to create an unex-
a courtier with gifts and stories to use as leverage in pected complication, GMs should ensure that the out-
their negotiations. break of war fits with players' expectations. Suddenly
Shugenja and monks are rarely at home with war altering the course of a campaign can feel disruptive
and violence, but they can nevertheless be vital to and unfun. As such, the GM should balance the new
their clan's success. They may be needed to pacify elements of war with the campaign's existing themes
the unquiet dead, learn secrets not even shinobi can so that players can continue to engage with something
uncover, or maintain morale among troops troubled by familiar. For example, the onset of interclan conflict can
the losses of comrades and friends. Whatever sort of mean familiar NPCs become allies, enemies, or any-
character a player has, the GM should remember to thing in between, but existing relationships should still
include ways for them to prove their worth . influence how they interact with the PCs.
The history built up before a war can also influ-
RUNNING A WAR- ence how characters respond when they must battle
longtime friends or request aid from bitter rivals. Sim-
THEMED CAMPAIGN ilarly, once the war is over and the normal flow of the
If a campaign begins with the outbreak of war or campaign resumes, players and NPCs alike might find
during an extended conflict, then war can inform play it difficult to trust those who were trying to kill them
on every level. GMs running such campaigns should just a season before-a conflict that can drive great
closely consider all aspects covered under Wartime samurai drama.
Considerations, on page 123, but especially the sub-
sections The Cause of War and Conditions for Vic-
tory. Knowing how the war begins and is likely to end
allows the GM to plan a complete narrative arc for the
1U
Many samura i, and all of the ashigaru, wield more

basic weapons in battle. The iconic weapons of a
Rokugani army are spears and some types of polearms,
Preparation is the key to a successful military deploy- because they are suited to massed ranks of troops.
ment. Failure to prepare, even in small respects, can Beyond the ir extra reach and their ability to present a
· lead to an army's defeat and even destruction . Prepa- threat in tight formations, spears and certain polearms
ration falls under two broad categories. First, troops are inexpensive to make quickly and in large num-
must be equipped with the items most directly neces- bers, and they are relatively low maintenance. Further,
sary for combat, ranging from weapons and armor to troops with limited training can be drilled to effec-
the communication equipment leaders need to exer- tiveness with spears in a short period of time. More
cise effective command and control. Second, armies specialized weapons, such as bows, longer spears,
require the logistical necessities that allow troops to and oversized swords for fighting cavalry, can also be
remain on the march and in the field-such as food, obtained, though they require more training to use and
water, maintenance supplies for weapons and armor, more resources to manufacture.
and medical supplies for dealing with injuries. Many clans have even more specialized weapons
for particular circumstances . Crab warriors wield a vari-
EQUIPPING FOR BATTLE ety of heavy weapons, such as hammers and clubs, to
crack open the chitinous carapaces of the Shadow-
To fight effectively, armies must have adequate equip- lands monstrosities they face. They also favor weapons
ment and supplies from the following key categories. inlaid with jade, a sacred substance inimical to Tainted
beings. Likewise, troops expected to fight aboard
WEAPONS ships, or to engage in other dose-quarters combat,
employ compact weapons . These are often adapted
In Rokugan , most samurai already own the paired
from more mundane tools, such as the kama, a small
blades of a daisho: the longer katana and the shorter
sickle used by farmers, and the tonfa, a club derived
wakizashi. These are deadly weapons, but they are usu-
from the handle of a millstone.
ally secondary weapons on the battlefield, where bows
and polearms offer extra reach. Further, many samurai
are hesitant to wield ancestral weapons in the chaos of
open battle, where they can become broken or lost.
Most samurai still carry their daisho, should the oppor-
tunity for single combat with another leader arise. For
honor, for their clan, or simply to save the lives of their
troops, samurai will put aside other weapons to cross
blades when challenged in the midst of battle.
ARMOR For the first role, most Rokugani ponies are unsuit-
able; t hey lack the stature and strength to be good
Just as they typically own a daisho, most samurai also cavalry mounts, and they lack the temperament to be
possess armor. However, while daisho are generally ridden into harm's way. They are, however, well suited
reserved for single combat, armor is viewed in a more as infantry mounts (and as beasts of burden if other
utilitarian way. Many samurai wear even very valuable animals aren't available to fill that role). Prior to the
armor, with a lengthy history of family ownership, in the Ki-Rin's return to the Empire as the Unicorn Clan, cav-
midst of heavy melee. A warrior must wear their armor alry essentially did not exist in Rokugan. The Unicorn
regularly to maintain their ability to fight in it. More- brought with them several breeds of horses, including
over, ancestral armor is believed to provide samurai fast, powerful, and much larger animals ideal for use
with their ancestors' protection and guidance. More as cavalry mounts. The descendants of some of these
pragmatically, a samurai can be recognized by the horses became the basis for cavalry forces among all of
armor they wear, enhancing their glory and reputation the other clans. The purest and most robust b loodlines,
in battle. such as the famous Utaku steeds, are an exception;
However, few of the ashigaru who make up the bulk the Unicorn stubbornly reserve these for themselves.
of Rokugani armies own armor. Even some samurai On the rare occasions they do offer these magnificent
need their lord to provide it, especially if they have not animals to those outside their clan-as g ifts, for exam-
inherited any. Other samurai simply deem most armor ple-they are normally gelded, so they cannot breed.
too cumbersome in the swirl of melee combat, espe- For the last role, that of beasts of burden, Rokugani
cially the heaviest of armors, such as 6-yoroi. Samurai employ a variety of animals, including donkeys, mules,
employed in scouting, skirmishing, and archery roles oxen, and water buffalo, animals suited to labor that
favor light armor, as they value mobility over protec- favors strength and stamina over speed.
tion, and mounted samurai require armor suited for use
on horseback.
FoRTIFICATIONS
Accordingly, clan armorers produce a variety of
light- and medium-weight armor designed to be quick Rokugani armies make liberal use of defensive devices
and easy to make with readily available materials, as in battle. Most common are large, freestanding shields,
well as to be simple to maintain. Such armor may incor- usually made of light wood or wicker, that p rovide con-
porate wood, bamboo, and stiffened, laminated layers cealment and limited cover against enemy archery. A n
of linen or other cloth. While lighter armor does not army invested in a longer fight often deploys support
provide the same degree of protection as more elabo- troops to build earthworks and palisades from stone,
rate and sophisticated heavy armor, it may offer a bet- earth, wood, and other materials found on-site. Build-
ter balance of defense and encumbrance for its wearer. ing these requires appropriate tools, like axes, picks,
shovels, and hammers-as well as laborers who must
MOUNTS be protected from enemy archery and spoiling raids.
Occasionally, armies build even more elaborate
Mounts play three primary roles in Rokugani military field fortifications, includ ing walls and towers, also
forces. These are: often constructed from local materials. However, these
fortifications may instead be partly or entirely pre-
e Carrying their riders directly onto the battle-
fabricated, then transported in manageable sections
field, so these samurai can engage in battle
and assembled wherever needed. The shiro-chi-
while mounted, as cavalry.
essentially a small wooden castle-may be carried
e Carrying their riders to the edge of battle, and deployed in this manner. Such elaborate works
where the riders dismount to fight. This use are only used during large cam paigns and sieges of
of mounted infantry often also includes com- enemy fortifications.
manders and their staff, who need mounted
mobility to observe and direct the flow
of battle.
e Carrying troops on support missions, like scout-

ing or foraging ahead of the army, or pulling
wagons full of supplies and injured soldiers.
/
SPECIAL ITEMS AND EQUIPMENT fooD AND WATE R
Armies employ a variety of specialized equipment Soldiers expend a great deal of energy marching to
chosen to match the expected terrain, seasonal condi- and then fighting in battles. Accordingly, they require
tions, and tactics used by the enemy. adequate supplies of food and potable water to sus-
ta in them as they exert themselves. Much of Rokugan
Command and Control is bountiful with plant and animal life, so some of t hese
needs can be met by foragi ng for food, water, and t im-
Commanding an army in battle requires communica- ber for fuel and construction. However, this takes t ime
tion more robust than the commander's voice. War and runs risks. Parties of foragers who roam ahead of
fans, horns, drums, flags, and banners-and more the army can alert the enemy about their own army's
exotic devices such as signaling m irrors, firework-like intentions and positions. Further, although pillaging
colored rockets, smoke pots, smoke arrows, and carrier farms and villages isn't uncommon for an army, it is
pigeons-are all tools that a skilled commander may considered a last resort, since ownership of these same
use to wield their army like a surgical instrument rather farms and villages is often a key objective of conflicts
than an armed mob. in the first place.
As a result, most armies carry the bulk of their food
Siege Weapons and water with them. Each soldier carries at least a
day's worth of food, while the rest is transported in a
Rokugani military doctrine avoids protracted sieges.
baggage train, located near the rear of the army's col-
Commanders instead prefer direct assault of forti-
umn of march, where it can be protected.
fications. Ladders and battering rams are useful on
The food an army travels with must be relatively
the assault, while more chal lenging fortifications may
easy to transport and store and resistant to spoilage.
require more elaborate siege weapons, such as cata-
Rice, oats, and millet are the bulk of what soldiers eat,
pults, stone throwers, and siege towers. No clan has
livened up with dried vegetables and salted fish . Each
more experience with siege engines than the Crab,
soldier requires a minimum of about a quarter kan
who must use them against monstrous Shadowlands
(roughly two pounds) of food per day.
creatures attacking the Kaiu Wall.
Other Equipment
Sometimes, t he needs of a campaign require even
more specialized equipment, often d ictated by ter-
rain or weather. Armies need boats, barges, and pon-
toon bridges to cross rivers and other bodies of water,
and they need ropes and climbing gear for traversing
mountainous terrain. A late fall campa ign may catch
the enemy by surprise, but could requ ire cold-weather
gear and heavier tents, while extremely rare instances
of winter battles require sledges and other equipment
for crossing snow.
SUSTAINING THE ARMY

More armies are defeated by logistics than by battle
casualties. Armies require food and water for soldiers,
fodder for animals, materials and support for equip-
ment maintenance and repair, and medical support
for injured personnel. Denial of any of these things to
an enemy can bring a victory without combat. Conse-
quently, a skilled commander always knows where their
supply train is and assigns reliable troops to keep
supply train safe.
Further, a soldier on the march typically requires at MEDICAL SUPPORT

least two sho (around three and a half quarts) of water
per day, and more in hot weather. Because water is The most effective means of treating and healing inju-
heavy and cumbersome to transport, armies draw sig- ries is through the elemental invocations of shugenja.
nificant portions of their requirements from streams, However, shugenja are rare and conducting invocations
lakes, and rivers along their line of march. When possi- is too demanding for armies to rely solely on this type
ble, they boil this water to ensure it doesn't make per- of treatment. Healing by shugenja is normally reserved
sonnel good strategist will look at the map, estimate for important and high-ranking individuals. The vast
how far an army can move in a day, and lay ambushes majority of soldiers must expect to receive more mun-
or place scouts at streams and other bodies of water. dane treatment for their wounds.
The management and distribution of food and To that end, Rokugani armies have medics: individ-
water is the purview of quartermasters, who are some- uals skilled in medical procedures to treat wounds and
times samurai, but may also be heimin. Quartermas- care for the injured and ill. In battle, soldiers too injured
ters and their subordinates normally accompany the to continue fighting must make their way to the army's
baggage train, engaging in combat only to protect the rear for treatment; unfortunately, those too badly
vital commodities they supervise. wounded to do so usually must wait until the battle
has ended to receive aid. Armies have made attempts
to employ commoners as litter bearers to evacuate the
CONSUMABLE SUPPLIES
wounded during battle, but with only some success;
In addition to food and water, armies consume large the danger and confusion of battle makes most such
volumes of material supplies. Foremost among these efforts impractical.
is fuel. Wood, coke, or charcoal is used for cooking, Medics and their assisting staff treat the wounded
watch fires, and portable forges for repairs. In addition by administering opium-based painkillers; cleaning,
to candles, lanterns fueled with oil made from animal stitching, and bandaging wounds; and when this is not
fats provide illumination. sufficient, amputating injured limbs. Soldiers too badly
Timber, which requires foraging, is needed for pal- injured to return to duty are evacuated to the nearest
isades and on-site construction. Artisans, who accom- friendly village or town. This spares the army the effect
pany the quartermaster, need the raw materials of their on morale when soldiers see their comrades suffering
trades, which include making candles, rope, and wicker from grievous wounds and missing limbs-or dying of
as well as repairing barrels and wagons. Artisans may infections-when there is little they can do to help.
also supplement stocks of expendable weapons and
ammunition by crafting spears and arrows. MOBILITY SUPPORT
Additionally, armies require a wide array of mis-
cellaneous goods to replace unrepairable, worn-out, Moving an army across the countryside may entail sig-
and lost items. These include articles of clothing, both nificant challenges, as it may need to cross rivers or
under- and outerwear; socks, sandals, and other foot- traverse rugged and difficult terrain. For assistance,
wear; headgear; and packs, satchels, and cases of an army sometimes conscripts local commoners as
different types . laborers-under the supervision of engineers or sap-
pers (specialists in field fortifications or demolitions)-
to construct roads through forests, clear trails in the
MAINTENANCE
mountains, run ferries across rivers, or build bridges.
Soldiers are expected to carry out routine maintenance Depending on the nature and objectives of a cam-
on their own weapons, basic armor, and equipment paign, these contingents can be very large, with con-
to ensure they are ready for battle; harsh punishment siderable baggage and supply trains of their own .
awaits those who let their gear fall into disrepair. How-
ever, some types of damage and wear exceed soldiers'
ability to fix. This is particularly true of more complex
weapons, such as swords, and more sophisticated
types of armor. An army's artisans repair such items
using specialized tools, and when repair is not possible,
the quartermaster stores might have replacements.
/
CH A PTER 3: ACTS OF WAR
USING THE
The courts of Rokugan like to reward remarkable Impe-
ASHIGARU TITLE
rial citizens with prestigious titles reflecting their glori- The Ashigaru title is not likely to be earned
ous deeds and honorable souls. The various positions by many Great Clan samurai . However, there
within a Rokugani army require titles as well. The fol- are a few types of characters for whom it is
lowing new titles follow the rules described on page extremely useful:
305 of the core rulebook.
e Peasants and ot her characters in a Rise
ASHIGARU from the Dust campa ign (see page 306
of the core ru lebook).
Though samurai represent the pinnacle of martial
prowess in Rokugan, even the mightiest among them e Ron in, gaijin, and others made using
can be felled by a wa ll of yari or a cloud of arrows. the rules from Path of Waves.
Ashigaru, soldiers from the peasant class, make up the e Disgraced samurai, or samurai traveling
front line of Great Clan armies, surrounding samurai in disguise as commoners.
who stray too far from their own lines or turning the
tide in wars of attrition .
For some, ashigaru is a temporary title granted in A Thousand Stinging Cuts (Title Ability): When you
times of necessity. For others it is a death sentence. provide assistance (see page 26 of the core rulebook)
But for many peasant soldiers, serving as an ashigaru on the Martial Arts [Melee] Attack action check of
is a career, an honor, and a way to better their status another character at range 0-2, the character you are
in life by entering the lowest rung of the buke class. assisting treats their target's physical resistance as 1
Some of the Great Clans, including the Lion, offer bet- lower for each assisting character with this ability.
ter training and equipment to their foot soldiers than
other clans do, as well as more recognition. An ashi-
ASHIGARU
garu who serves with distinction can gain a small share
of the glory of battle, and even be called up to perma-
ADVANCE TYPE
nently serve as a guard or scout. It is not uncommon
for ashigaru families to serve a daimyo across multiple Martial Skills Ski. Grp.
generations, having found pride and purpose in their Courtesy Skill
service .
Command Skill
Assigned by: Any samurai officer. You must survive at w
...J
least one mass battle to receive this title. 1- Survival Skil l
i=
Glory Award: +5 (to a maximum of 29) • Rank 1-2 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
Status Award: +3 (to a maximum of 19) • Thicket's Embrace Style ~ Technique
XP to Completion: 20
• Slippery Maneuvers Cl Technique
DEATHSEEKER
Some call them Deathseekers because these
samurai appear to charge headlong toward their
deaths, heedless of any danger. Others believe that
the mantle of Deathseeker is a punishment for those
who have failed their lords. On the contrary, the
Deathseeker tradition is a type of warrior's pilgrimage
undertaken voluntarily by Lion Clan samurai who have
suffered failure or disgrace and who wish to redeem
themselves through action. Those who walk this path
ELEMENTAL GUARD
of atonement take on the burden of greatest risk so Although all shugenja know the spiritual risks of invok-
that other samurai might be spared, but they try to sur- ing the elemental kami on the battlefield , there are
vive as long as possible to continue serving their clans. some threats that are so grave, su ch as those posed by
The Deathseeker tradition is controversial even the Shadowlands, that the Coun cil of Elemental Mas-
KIRIFU, THE FIRST
DEATHSEEKER within the Lion Clan, and not all lords will allow their ters sanction the formation of shugenja units in battle.
samurai to take Kirifu's oath, as it is called. Those who During these times, the Elemental Guards of Air, Earth,
For more information on do become Deathseekers forsake their previous station Fire, and Water are called upon to protect th e Empire.
the Deathseeker tradition,
and relinquish their titles and belongings, including Each Guard specializes in a particular elem ent, joining
see page 52.
daish6. They paint their faces ghostly white to inspire their voices together in prayer to call forth hurricanes,
fear in their enemies. earthquakes, wildfires, and tsunami .
Assigned by: Disgraced Lion Clan samurai may take this Assigned by: An Elemental Master.
title upon themselves, pending approval from the GM . Glory Award: + 10
Status Award: -25 (to a minimum of 20) Status Award: + 10
XP to Completion: 8 XP to Completion: 20
Immediate Effects: You give up any positions you hold Wrath of the Elements (Title Ability): Choose one:
and your worldly possessions, save one weapon and a Air, Earth, Fire, or Water. This is your elemental spe-
set of ceremonial robes, are returned to your family. cialty. Once per scene after making a Martial skill
Kirifu's Oath (Title Ability): As a Support action, you check that uses the ring of your elem ental specialty,
may suffer the Enraged condition (see page 272 of the you may inflict an amount of strife or panic equal to
core rulebook) . your ranks in the ring associated with your elemental
While you are Enraged, you can perform Attack specialty against a target at range 0-3 or a cohort in
actions even while Incapacitated. the scene.
DEATHSEEKER ELE M E NTAL G UARD
ADVANCE TYPE ADVANCE TYPE

Martial Skills Ski. Grp. Martial Skills Ski. Grp.
Courtesy Skill Command Skill
Labor Skill Government Skill
....1-w Theology Skill
....1-w Medicine Skill
i= i=
• Rank 1-3 Kata ~ Tech. Grp. • Beseech Shiba's Calm A Technique
• A Samurai's Fate
• Moment of Glory
,,
(/ Technique
Technique
• Tactical Assessment
• Warrior's Resolve
~
~
Technique
Technique
Assigned by: A clan or family daimyo with a status of

ELEMENTAL LEGIONNAIRE 60 or higher, often following a great military achieve-
Although the shugenja of the Elemental Guards can ment by the character.
call forth the very fury of nature, their complex invo- Glory Award: + 10
cations leave them vulnerable to attack. In battle, the Status Award: +25 (to a maximum .of 85)
Elemental Legions of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water are XP to Completion: 50
sworn to protect their corresponding Elemental Guard. Superior Command (Title Ability): While you are the
Assigned by: A daimyo of the Shiba family or the commander of an army during a mass battle, your army's
Phoenix Clan Champion, with permission from a mem- discipline value is increased by your ranks in Command.
ber of the Elemental Council. Additionally, when making an Initiative check during a
Glory Award: + 10 mass battle, increase the result by your ranks in Tactics.
Status Award: + 10
XP to Completion: 24 GENERAL
Strength of the Elements (Title Ability): Choose one:
Air, Earth , Fire, or Water. This is your elemental spe- ADVANCE TYPE
cialty. Once per scene after making a Martial skill
check that uses the ring of your elemental specialty,
you and a number of targets at range 0-3 (or other Martial Skills Ski. Grp .
cohort leaders in the scene) up to your ranks in Com- Government Skill
w
mand may remove strife equal to your ranks in the ring
....
...A
Survival Skill
associated with your elementa l specialty. i=
*Rank 1-2 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
ELEMENTAL LEGIONNAIRE • Rank 1- 3 Rituals S!:t Technique

• Rank 1-4 Shuji (/ Technique
ADVANCE TYPE
Martial Skills Ski. Grp. LION'S PRIDE WARRIOR
Command Skill
Descended from a group of bandits who broke away
Medicine Skill from their gangs and followed Lady Matsu after she
w
....
...A
Smithing Skil l reformed, the Lion's Pride is among the most renowned
i= Matsu samurai. Membership must be offered by the
• Rank 1-3 Kata ~ Tech . Grp.
matriarchs of the unit, and only the most elite Matsu
'"' Great Anvil's Measure
• Moment of Glory
,,
Cl Technique
Technique
samurai are permitted to join .
The Lion's Pride are functionally a small family unto
themselves. In a communal keep located at Bishomen
Seide, they live together, train together, and share the
GENERAL lessons of their founder. They choose which battles they
The pinnacle of military command, a general serves as fight, and on whose side; not even daimyo can compel
the mastermind behind all aspects of their army, seeing them, so their presence in an army is considered a sign
the will of their daimy6 done through intricate planning of the general's rectitude. In battle they fight as one, an
and masterful stratagems. But there is more to a gener- unstoppable force of the Matsu family's best and bright-
al's duties. A general must lead by example; the expec- est. Their martial deeds fill the lkoma histories, and they
tations they have of their troops must be mirrored in are famous throughout Rokugan for their victories.
their own actions. Their voice must electrify the souls of Assigned by: An existing member of the Lion's Pride.
those under their command, inspiring them to charge Glory Award: + 10
enthusiastically to what may be their deaths. Their Status Award: +20 (to a maximum of 59)
combat mastery must be without flaw. Their decorum XP to Completion: 24
and personal honor must be beyond reproach. Fury of Matsu (Title Ability): Once per scene, when
Though it is a high honor to be given command, you deal damage to a target or deal attrition to an
it can also be burdensome. Leadership is often a enemy leader's cohort, increase the damage or attri-
weary, isolating task. On their shoulders rest the tion by an amount equal to the difference between
will of their lord and the security of their homeland. your honor rank and the target's honor rank.
1JJ
liON'S PRIDE WARRIOR

POET OF WAR
ADVANCE TYPE In battle, a force's morale can be of greater impor-
tance than their armament. A troop in high spirits
Martia l Skill s Ski. Grp. works more cohesively as a group, resists the terror
Command Skill of battle, and attacks with the strength and ferocity
Sentiment Skill of a much larger force. Generals value the ability of
w bards to put fire into the veins of their warriors, and
...1
1- Survival Skill
i= will often bring criers, heralds, and signalers with their
• Rank 1-3 Kata
+ A Samurai's Fate
,,,,
\t. Tech. Grp.
Tech nique
army into battle-individuals called "poets of war"
in the famous third century poem of the same name
• Battle of No Escape Technique by Akodo Shunryu. The most brave and dedicated
bards in the Empire, they demonstrate as much feroc-
ity on the battlefield as any warrior, and have drunk
MASTER SABOTEUR deep the military histories of Rokugan, absorbing
centuries of combat lore into their very being . During
Akodo wrote that destroying fortifications mostly
battle, they charge forth with the samurai, screaming
serves the satisfaction of genera ls who have had to
legends of their accomplished ancestors across the
besiege them, for earthworks should, when possible,
field, steeling the souls of the warriors around them .
be captured intact. However, t he Kami of warfare knew
Assigned by: A general or other officer with status 50
the va lue of disabling key defenses to make fortresses
or higher.
indefensible, and wrote extensively of the use of sap-
Glory Award: +10 (to a maximum of 55)
pers. To th is day in Rokugan, sappers remain a critical
part of most battles near fortifications, for an extended
The Hand of O ur Ancestors (Title Ability): After you
siege can easi ly ruin an entire campaign. Each gen-
perform a successful Rally action, the targeted cohort
eration of saboteurs trains the next, and only once a
deals 1 additional attrition when its leader performs a
trainee has proven themselves in front of a number of
successful Attack action check. This effect persists for
their mentors are t hey accepted as a peer.
one round.
Assigned by: Three other mast er saboteurs, who
are usually members of a genera l's command staff
or found leading specialized clandestine units. POET O F WAR
Status Award: None
XP to Completion : 40 ADVANCE TYPE
Ender of Works (Title Ability): When a fortification's dif-
ficulty value would be reduced during a mass battle, the
value is lowered by that amount plus your ranks in Labor
instead. If there is a cohort occupying it, that cohort's w
...1
army suffers panic equal to your ranks in Skulduggery. 1-
i=
MASTER SABOTEUR
ADVANCE TYPE
Government Skill
Martial A rts [Unarmed] Skill
w
...1
1- Medicine Skill
i=
• Rank 1-2 N injutsu )( Tech. Grp.
+ Imbue Thunder ~ Technique
• Wreak Havoc \t. Technique
CHAPTER 3 : ACT S OF WAR
QUARTERMASTER RENOWNED WARRIOR

It is no secret t hat a well-suppl ied army will defeat an Most samurai who serve on the battlefield are not
ill-equipped one nearly every time. An army can lose driven by a desire for monetary recompense, but this
before a single sword is drawn, defeated by logisti- does not mean that they are not motivated by rewards.
cal delays resulting in hunger or inadequate shelter. Recognition by one's daimy6 or commander is highly
It is the heavy responsibi lity of the q uartermaster to sought-after, and a choice word of praise from an indi-
ensure that their fellow soldiers have access to food, vidual of sufficient influence can spread q uickly t hrough
water, weapons, armor, and anything else required a p rovince or even across t he entire Empire.
by terrain, weather, or circumsta nces of war. The A ssigned by: A daimy6 or army commander with
quartermaster must have an o rganized, efficient status 60 or higher after you have been part of
mind and steely determination to acquire everything a mass battle in w hich your cohort was t he one
needed for their army. This is especially true when t o complete at least one st rategic objective.
the army travels through enemy territory or con- Glory Award: +5
ducts a prolonged siege. Though a quartermaster Stat us Award: +5 (to a maximum of 40)
may not share in the immediate, bloody glory of the XP t o Completion: 16
soldiers at the front, every general knows who else Behold the Legend (Tit le Ability): Once per scene,
t hey owe credit to at the end of a successful battle. after you make a successful Martial Arts check t hat
Assigned by: Clan or castle daimy6, army general, or inflicts fatigue or a critica l strike on the target, you may
other officer of sufficient rank. have each friendly character at range 0-3 of you o r t he
Status Award: +5 (to a maximum of 35) t arget remove an amount of strife equal to the TN of
XP to Completion: 24 the ch eck.
Procurement and Supply (Title Ability): When
you make a check as a downtime activity to pro- RENOWNED WARRIOR
vision an army, you may spend * as follows:
:;>+: If you succeed, your army increases its discipline ADVANCE TYPE
and strength each by 1 per* spent this way. This effect
persists until the end of the next mass battle scene. Martial Skills Ski. Grp.
Command Skill
QUARTERMASTER Culture Skill
w
-J
1- Performance Skill
ADVANCE TYPE i=
... Rank 1-2 Kata \t. Tech. Grp .
• Heartpiercing Strike
• Righteous Example
,,
\t. Technique
Technique
QUOTES FROM
SPIRIT CALLER SUMAI MASTER
AKODO'S LEADERSHIP
Many in Rokugan venerate their ancestors and call Many samurai, especially of the Badger and Crab
"I borrow my name from upon their wisdom through prayer or by studying Clans, practice sumai, a test of physical and mental
my ancestors. I must re-
writings left by the departed. A blessed few have the strength. Sumai can become an important part of a
turn it to them unharmed.
I borrow my honor from ability to reach through the veil of the Spirit Realms samurai's life, not only as a way to demonstrate their
my descendants. In sham- and make direct contact with their ancestors. Best prowess to their fellow samurai, but also as a connec-
ing myself. I shame them exemplified by those of the Kitsu fam ily bloodline, tion to the very spirit of their clan. True masters of the
as well."
these gifted individuals can speak to a shiryo (blessed art are some of the finest duelists in the Empire. Their
ancestor spirit) or, through extensive training, allow skills can fell opponents in matches and enemies on
the soul of the departed to enter their body and battlefields alike.
speak through them. While bonded in this way, they Assigned by: An existing sumai master, once you have
can perceive the memories of this venerated ancestor, proven your ability to them.
and in turn, the spirit may look again into the Mortal Glory Award: +10 (to a maximum of 50)
Realm and impart words of wisdom to those in need. Status Award: +10 (to a minimum of 35)
Through the Spirit Caller, an entire family's knowledge XP to Completion: 30
and skills from time immemorial can be accessed, and Unsurpassed Soul (Title Ability): When you make a Mar-
secrets thought long lost can again be brought to light. tial Arts [Unarmed] check targeting another character, if
Assigned by: An instructor of a Kitsu school or other your Void ring is higher than or equal to your target's Void
appropriate spiritual leader. ring, reduce the TN by 2 (to a minimum of 1).
Status Award: + 15 (to a maximum of 40)
XP to Completion: 38 SUMAI MASTER
Eyes of the Ancestors (Title Ability): Once per game
session as a Support action, you may spend 1 Void ADVANCE TYPE
point to summon the spirit of an ancestor to partially
possess you until the end of the scene. Choose a ring Social Skills Ski. Grp.
and a skill from that ancestor's profile; while possessed, Culture Skill
you count as an Otherworldly being and use your Martial Arts [Unarmed] Skill
ancestor's ring value and skill rank in place of your own, w
...J
~ Theology Skill
as well as your ancestor's honor value. Your ancestor i=
can use any non-unique human NPC profile (or a kit- "' Rank 1-2 Kata ~ Tech. Grp.
su's or other supernatural being's profile, if your char- "' Beseech Hida's Might A Technique
acter has such an ancestor). The higher of this NPC's
• Fierce Badger Style ~ Technique
U conflict rank and • conflict rank cannot exceed
your school rank plus your ranks in Meditation. While
you are possessed, the ancestor spirit may divulge per- SWORD-SAINT
tinent information at the GM's discretion. Afterward,
The kensei, or sword-saint, is a living master of the
your character will have only a hazy memory of any-
sword whose preternatural skills are hailed t hrough-
thing they experienced while possessed.
out the Empire. While kenshinzen duelists epitomize
the highest level of iaidc5, t he sword-saint embodies
SPIRIT CALLER the purest form of kenjutsu, or swordsmanship more
broadly. To witness a single stri ke of a kensei is to expe-
ADVANCE TYPE rience a moment of spiritual clarity-their bond with
Scho lar Skills Ski. Grp. their b lade is considered sacred. A true sword-saint
might come along once per generation, and past p rec-
Courtesy Skill
edent maintains that only one person may bear the t it le
Meditation Skill at a given time. Students of the Heart of the Katana
w
...J
!::: Perfo rmance Skill d6j6 in Lion lands devote their lives to the sword with
,,,,
~
the hope of one day being anointed as a sword-saint.
"' Rank 1- 2 Rituals A Tech. Grp.
Assigned by: A clan champion or the Emperor. Alter-
• Ancestry Unearthed Technique
nately, the title can be assigned by an existing sword-
"' Preserve Strength Technique saint who is slain by the character in an honorable duel
to the death.
/
Glory Award : +20 (to a maximum of 100)

XP to Completion: 24 WAR COLLEGE GRADUATE
Invincible Blade (Title Ability): When you perform an The Lion Clan contains many of the finest tacticians in the
Attack or Support action check that uses a sword, you Emerald Empire. But even among this formidable pool
may spend~- as follows : of military minds, there are the elite: the graduates of
Void ~> + : Reduce the severity of the next critical strike the Akodo War College. The oldest military institution in
you would suffer (before your Fit ness check to resist) by Rokugan, the Akodo War College has a curricu lum based
your ranks in Meditation plus 1 per ~- spent this way. on the philosophies of Akodo, refined over one thou-
This effect persists until the start of your next turn. sand years to near perfection. The academy is especia lly
Any ~- ~> : Increase the base damage and deadliness renowned for its instruction concerning mass warfare and
of your weapon by 3. This effect persists until the
end of the scene. If you activate this *
multiple times
during a scene, the effect is cumulative (add together
leading armies. Students endure rigid structure and gru-
eling training drills year-round, honing their bodies and
minds with studies of battle, siegecraft, and Bushidci. By
all increases you have applied this scene with this~>). the end of thei r training, the g raduates of the Akodo War
College are impeccable leaders and immaculate war-
SWORD- SAINT riors, paragons bred for one purpose: victory.
Assigned by: An instruct or at t he Akodo War College.
ADVANCE TYPE Glory Award : +5 (to a maximum of 60)
Status Award: + 10 (to a maximum of 40)
Martial Arts [Melee) Skill
Med itat ion Skill Learned from History (Title Ability): During a mass
Smithi ng Skill battle, when you accrue 1 or more momentum points
toward the Draw Them In or Seize Victory strategic
w Tactics Skill
...1 objective, you accrue that many momentum points plus
I-
i= • Ran k 1-5 Close 1 instead. Additionally, if your action completes that
Tech. Grp.
Combat Kata ~
strategic objective, the enemy army receives additional
• Soul Sunder ~ Technique casualties and panic equal to your ranks in Tactics.
• Victory W ithout
a Sword
,, Technique
WAR COLLEGE GRADUAT E
ADVANCE TYPE
Command Skill
Culture Skill
w
...1 Government Skill
I-
i= • Rank 1-3 Kata
• Rank 1-3 Shuji
,,
~ Tech. Grp.
Technique
• Beseech Akodo's
Techn iq ue
Judgement 5.!it
honor, glory, or merely survival, samurai at war must
~pettdittj Opportr!tti1!J make use of every weapon in their arsenal.

GMs running war-focused games may use Table
itt \1Hte3 of Wa.r 3-9: Spending Opportunity in Mass Battles to give

players additional means of spending* in their games,
or as inspiration for new options of their devising . The
The unprepared rarely survive war, and only those with
table focuses on the ru les for Mass Battles found on
the drive to seize an advantage when it presents itself
page 27 4 of the core rulebook, but similar results could
thrive amid war's chaos and danger. Whether driven by
be used in other types of conflict scenes.
TABLE 3-9: SPENDING OPPORTUNITY IN MASS BATTLES
COST OPPORTUNITY
Choose an allied leader other than yourself. Reduce the TN of that leader's next check
Air lGH
for a Scheme action by 1 per lG> spent this way. This persists until the end of the scene.
Choose a leader in a fortification . That leader's cohort loses the benefits of the fortifica-
tion until the beginning of your next turn.
Earth ~H Remove 1 panic from your army per* spent this way.
Choose an allied leader other than you rself. That leader's cohort cannot be targeted by
Earth~'* Attack actions until the beginning of your next turn.
Fire ~H The enemy army suffers 1 panic per* spent this way.
When performing an Attack action against the cohort of an enemy leader with vigilance
Fire ~H lower t han or equal to~' spent this way, after its effects are resolved, inflict a critical
strike with severity equal to the deadliness of one of your weapons on that leader.
Choose an allied leader other than yourself. Reduce the TN of that leader's next check
for a Movement action by 1 per~- spent this way.
Choose an enemy leader. That leader's cohort cannot perform Movement actions until
the beginning of your next turn.
Your army and each enemy army suffer 2 attrition per lG> spent this way.
When you perform a Support action, after its effects are resolved, you may immediately
perform a Challenge action targeting an enemy cohort's leader.
Increase the army's strength and discipline by 3. This persists until the end of the scene.
/
QUOTES FROM
TABLE 3- 10: SPE NDING OPPORTUNITY IN CONTESTED TERRITORY
AKODO'S LEADERSHIP
COST OPPORTUNITY
"There is no greater
strength, no greater
You discern subtle signs of incoming trouble and can take steps to avoid it. The next resource, than those who
Air ~s~ time you enter a conflict scene this session, you may add a kept die showing~~ to share your bloodline.
your Initiative check. A family's abilities can
be harnessed in war to
You create a clever disguise or ruse to get the jump on potential foes. The next time tremendous effect-and
Air !C~ :.;:: you enter a conflict scene this game session, after Initiative has been determined, should be."
or~:~~'::;~ choose one character in the scene. On that character's next check, they must reroll all
results containing 0 symbols.
Not even the chaos of war or the strangeness of foreign lands can faze you. Reduce
Earth~~ the TN of the next check you make to deal with an unfamiliar situation or opponent
by 1.
You hold fast to the thought of home while in distant locales and dangerous situa-
Earth~~
tions. You may remove 1 strife for each condition you are currently suffering.
A clever theory fills in the gaps in your knowledge. You may immediately attempt a
Scholar skill check of your choice to learn about your current situation or an NPC who
is present, lowering the TN by 1 (to a minimum of 1).
As you incite your allies to great fervor, any number of them may remove 1 strife for
Fire:;,+ each ~s~ you spend. For each character affected, you receive 1 strife as you let your
passion overtake you.
Your charm wins over even enemies. For each ~~~~spent, one hostile character within
the scene becomes friendlier toward you . What exactly that means depends on con-
Water ~;:: ~'+
text-it may defuse an imminent conflict, or encourage your foes to try to take you
alive, but it won't stop bloodshed altogether once blades have been drawn.
With cunning, you flow smoothly from one conclusion to the next. You learn of one
Water!:t:: ~' key feature, fortification, or terrain quality present in the surrounding area , and
whether or not enemies have passed through recently.
In all things, one can find balance, even in a duel of words or blades. You and a hos-
Void~~+ tile character of the GM's choice in the same scene each recover 2 strife for each ~~
spent in this way.
You find serenity amid adversity. You discover a neutral meeting place, protective
legal precedent, or similar safe haven applicable to your situation.
DEFINING HONOR
Honor, or Meiyo, may be the most important tenet of
Samurai are defined by their honor; Bushid6 literally Bushid6, but it is also the most nebulous and difficult
means "way of the warrior." A samurai's honor refuses to define. One cannot assess through exterior exam-
to let them be anything less than courageous on ination the honor of a samurai, for it is something
the battlefield and refined in times of peace. Honor possessed solely as part of their innermost self. Some
devotes a samurai to a purpose, a lord, and an ideal samurai are mistakenly driven to lash out in vengeance
that they serve and protect even unto death. It is a to "defend their honor," shedding blood over per-
quest for perfection in all things physical and spiritual. ceived slights against their heritage or character. These
The honor of a samurai has etched out a p lace for them samurai are not actually p reserving their honor, but
in history, one that elevates them from the designation rather attempting to save their reputation . The honor-
of warrior to the status of legend. able samurai knows personally the quality of their own
The Empire of Rokugan depends upon this legend character and does not need to defend it against the
to flourish . Dangers loom on every horizon, with for- barbs and jeers of lesser people. The wise samurai is
eign threats from the north and from the eastern sea, able to distinguish between the public perception of
and the hellish nightmares of the Shadowlands crawl- honor, and honor according to the code of Bushid6,
ing up from the south. Clan division or a peasant upris- which is an internal possession.
ing could tear the Empire apart in the b link of an eye.
Honor gives samurai the strength to defend the Empire
from outside threats and preserve peace through
courtly negotiation. Perhaps most importantly, it is
honor that maintains samurai's nobility in the eyes of
the peasant classes, honor that prevents samurai from
descending into despotism, and honor that preserves
the state of the Celestial Order. Honor is the soul of
the Empire, and without it, Rokugan would descend
into chaos.
(
CHAPT ER 3 : ACTS OF WAR
Honor's constant nature is its defining factor; when

present in an individual, it bleeds over into all aspects THE BURDEN OF DISHONOR
of their life and into every other tenet of Bushido. Honor is personally important to most samurai, but
Other tenets can be performed for gains in reputa- there is also a societal element to honor. If others
tion, or ceased when others aren't watching, but honor believe a samurai is no longer an individual of integ-
always serves as a samurai's moral code, driving them rity, their reputation may also be at risk by association,
to follow all other tenets as perfectly as possible at and so they may avoid that person. In the worst cases,
all times. A samurai rema ins righteous when no one a samurai might even be rejected by their lord, and
would be the wiser, and courageous even when no one forced to leave their service. Such a samurai may even
is looking, because of their honorable character. They end up as a ronin, unable to rise back to their station
do so regardless of whether they might receive praise without the permission, and thereby forgiven ss, of
or reward, but simply because it is the right thing to do. their former lord.
This personal integrity compels a samurai to continue From their former peers, a publicly dishonored
to do what is right even when it would cause society samurai finds little solace or pity, and certainly no trust.
to judge them unfairly, or when it would force them to Worse, such circumstances may force a samurai to take
defy a lord who has fallen into corruption . on dangerous or disreputable jobs, further diminish-
ing their social standing. While a samurai could cleave
HoNORABLE liFE to the belief that honor is intrinsically valuable during
such a trial, surely their belief in the Code of Bushido
When the Kam i Akodo ordered that Bushido in
would be tested .
Rokugan should be codified, it became both the stan-
What's more, a samurai's retainers and fam~ are
dard for conduct and the goal for all samurai and those
put at risk if they are disgraced publicly. This means
who would hold themselves to a samurai's code. To be
that if a samurai's reputation is soiled, they may have to
a samurai comes with a burden: that of upholding per-
make sacrifices to protect those who rely upon them,
sonal integrity at all times, no matter what situation or
even if their reputation was ruined unfairly. A samurai
demands they face .
who wishes to regain their lost esteem might need to
Despite their noble station, samurai are still mor-
undertake a substantial deed to make amends with
tals. With mortality comes fa lli bility and the pressures
their lord, or find a · ifferertt patron whose trust they
of society. A life devoted to honor faces demands to
can earn through the1r actions. Failing to do so jeop-
act in ways samurai could consider personally dis-
ardizes not just the individual, but also many others in
honorable. Honor is a personal appraisal, but some
their life.
might not agree with that assessment. Survival itself
But such redemption is not achievable by all. Some
could force a person into actions a samurai would see
publicly disgraced samurai instead take the vows of
as dishonorable . Maintaining honor when faced with
a monk, leaving behind the Code of Bushido to find
dishonorable orders from a daimyo, wartime clashes in
purpose in a different sort of life . Some clans offer a
which dishonorable tactics would win a bloodless bat-
path for disgraced individuals: the Lion Clan's Death-
tle, court intrigues that call for poisoned lies to crush
seekers, for instance, fight in the most dangerous bat-
a foe-all these and more test samurai who desire an
tles to show their dedication to their clan . Such paths
honorable existence, yet must balance this desire with
can spare their family and retainers the worst conse-
Duty and other demands of Rokugani life. To act hon-
quences. Others content themselves with a simpler,
orably sometimes may mean ignoring or casting aside
humbler life among the commoners of Rokugan. And
other aspects of Bushido, so samurai must judge which
some, who have truly discarded their honor, go on to
holds sway. For the Lion, honor is paramount, but this
prey upon those weaker than themselves, as brigands
is not the case in all clans or samurai.
or rogue warlords.
For a samurai, fai ling to uphold their honor is a fail-
Honor, then, is not just personal. A samurai's actions
ure to live up to the legacy bestowed upon them by
reflect on their family and clan, so they must take
the Kami. They have fallen short of their own expec-
respons ibility for their actions beyond simple individual
tations, as well as those of their forebears, and some
honor. Even if they believe their actions are not per-
believe this blemishes forever their immortal spirit. It
sonally dishonorable, if their deeds stain their family or
is this burden that drives a samurai to take immediate
clan with dishonor, then great sacrifices may be nec-
action to rectify incorrect deeds. If the error cannot be
essary to atone. Thus, the honor of the family or clan
undone, then the samurai must seek to make tremen-
stays intact-a small price to pay for such an essential
dous sacrifice, perhaps even of their own life, to see
aspect of existence in Rokugan.
their honor restored in the eyes of their ancestors.
1H
QUOTES FROM
AKODO'S LEADERSHIP
TRIFLING BREACHES
AND SMALL SACRIFICES
Vfew 1)e"'eat1or3 at1d
"One army may be stron-
ger than another, but
none are stronger
The Legend of the Five Rings core rulebook contains
guidelines for gaining honor for virtuous deeds, as well
vrt:C \e"'pfate3
than hunger. " as guidelines for forfeiting honor in order to act dis- Game masters can always call on the wide assortment
gracefully. However, minor acts can affect a character's of NPCs from the Legend of the Five Rings core rule-
honor as well. A samurai strives to adhere to Bushido book when creating adventures, but stories of wars and
in all aspects of their life, and many small positive or history demand more for the valiant NPCs featured in
negative demonstrations eventually add up. them. Many of these characters are likely to be of the
What follows are optional additions to Table 7-1: Lion Clan, perhaps leading armies, recording martial
Honor and Glory Forfeits/Awards, on page 300 of the deeds, or training new military leaders for future wars to
core rulebook, and to the examples related to honor defend Rokugan. Some might be from the Badger Clan,
on page 303 of the core rulebook. entrusted with guarding the Empire's northern passes.
This section provides GMs with a new demeanor
TRIFLING BREACHES and new NPC templates for fashioning new charac-
ters using the NPC profiles from the core rulebook
When a character wishes to commit a breach of honor and other supplements as their basis. These tools take
that is judged to be less serious than a minor breach, NPCs without an assigned clan and make them into
they must first forfeit 1 honor. Lion or Badger samurai, or other characters who might
Examples of trifling breaches of honor: be found in a library or war college.
0 Telling a half-truth to make a story

more interesting. NEW DEMEANOR:
eD Carrying out your lord's orders in a less expedi- HONORABLE
ent manner for personal convenience. The following new demeanor is designed to reflect a
0 Privately, but verbally, cursing the actions of a personality often found in Lion Clan members and in
higher-status samurai. other samurai who value the tenet of Meiyo-Honor-
above all others. Such characters do not hesitate to
overcome their fear and act correctly regardless of the
SMALL SACRIFICES consequences. Honorable works in the same manner as
the other demeanors on page 310 of the core rulebook.
When a character makes a sacrifice in the name of
Social Skill Check TN Modifiers: Fire +2, Earth -2
honor, but it is judged to be less significant than a
Common Way of Unmasking: Honor's Challenge
minor sacrifice, they are awarded 1 honor.
The NPC holds to very high standards of behavior and
Examples of small sacrifices of honor:
expects others around them to do the same. When
0 Allowing a verbal insult directed at you (one they observe breaches of integrity, they are quick to
that causes you to forfeit 1 glory or more to judge what should be the correct action and insist that
it be followed .
ignore) to pass without reprisal.
0 Refusing to use information overheard from

behind a closed door as testimony.
0 Aiding a friend who has been publicly dis-

graced but you know to be innocent.
[Social; /nterpersona~, Whispers of Cruelty (Void) [Social;

NEW NPC TEMPLATES Interpersonal; Infamy]
The following new NPC templates allow GMs to turn Techniques (add 0-2): Kata ( ~ ), Shuji ((l )
generic NPC samurai profiles into ones the PCs might Demeanor (replace 1): Ambitious, Assertive, Gruff
more commonly encounter in Lion lands, on battle-
fields, or in institutions where historica l records are INSTRUCTOR
studied or preserved. Each template works the same
Apply this template to someone who is passing t heir
way as the templates in the core ru lebook on page 311.
skills on to someone else.
Conflict Rank: Combat + 1, Intrigue + 1
BADGER CLAN SAMURAI
Ring: +1 Air
This template can be used with any clan samurai profile. Skills: +1 Martial and Scholar skills
Conflict Rank: Combat + 1 Advantages (add/replace 0-2): Keen Hearing (Air)
Ring: + 1 Void [Martial; Physica~ , Seasoned (Void) [Social; lnte rper-
Skills: + 1 Martial and Trade skills sona~, Subtle Observer (Air) [Social; /nterpersona~
Advantages (add/replace 0-2): Bishamon's Blessing Disadvantages (add/replace 0-2): Calcified Th inking
(Water) [Martial; Physical, Spiritua~ , Flexibility (Water) (Earth) [Social; Menta~, Impatience (Earth) [Social; Menta~
[Martial; Physica~, Keen Balance (Earth) [Martial; Men- Techniques (add 0-2): Kata ( ~ ), Rituals(~)
tal, Physical) Demeanor (replace 1): Assertive, Gruff
Disadvantages (add/replace 0-2): Disdain for Cour-
tesy (Air) [Social; Flaw, Menta~, Overly Suspicious (Fire) LION CLAN SAMURAI
[Social; /nterpersona~, Whispers of Poverty (Water)
Th is template can be used with any clan samurai p rofile.
[Social; Interpersonal, Infamy)
Conflict Rank: Combat +2, Intrigue +1
Techniques (add 0-2): Kata ( ~ ),Ritua ls (~)
Ring: +1 Earth
Demeanor (replace 1): Gruff, Shrewd
Skills: +1 Martial and Social skills
Advantages (add/replace 0-2): Paragon of Honor
HISTORIAN
(Void) [Social; Menta~ , Seasoned (Void) [Social;
This template can be used with any clan samurai profile Menta/, lnterpersona~ , War College Graduate (Water)
or subjects of Rokugan. [Martial; Physica~
Conflict Rank: Intrig ue +2 Disadvantages (add/replace 0-2): Eager for Bat-
Ring: + 1 Water tle (Martial; Menta~, Maimed Visage (Air) [Social;
Skills: +2 Scholar skills Physical, Interpersonal, Scar], Overconfidence (Earth)
Advantages (add/replace 0-2): Famously Reliable [Martial; Physica~
(Earth) [Social; lnterpersona~, Fukurokujin's Bless- Techniques (add 0-2): Kata (~), Shuji ((;1)
ing (Fire) [Scholar; Menta~ , Precise Memory (Earth) Demeanor (replace 1): Assertive, Honorable, Gruff
[Scholar; Menta ~
Disadvantages (add/replace 0-2): Bishamon's Curse MERCENARY
(Water) [Martial; Physica~, Bluntness (Air) [Social; Inter-
This template can be used with any bandit, reni n, or
persona~, Lives in the Past (Earth) [Social; Menta~
ashigaru profile, or for someone selling their services.
Techniques (add 0-2): Rituals(~), Shuji ((l)
Conflict Rank: Intrigue +2
Demeanor (replace 1): Assertive, Detached
Ring: +1 Air
Skills: + 1 Social and Trade skills
IMPERIAL LEGIONNAIRE
Advantages (add/replace 0-2): Better Quick than
This template can be used with any clan samurai profile Dead (Fire) [Martia l; Physica~, Famously Successful
as wel l as the trained ashigaru and skillful renin profiles. (Fire) [Social; lnterpersona ~ , Wily Negotiator (Water)
Conflict Rank: Combat +2 [Social; lnterpersona~
Ring: +1 Earth Disadvantages (add/replace 0-2): Disdain for Duty
Skills: +1 Martial and Trade skills and Loyalty (Earth) [Social; Flaw, lnterpersona~, Greedy
Advantages (add/replace 0-2): Indomitable Will (Water) [Social; Menta~ , Insolent Cur (Air) [Social; Inter-
(Earth) [Social; Menta~, Seasoned (Void) [Social; Inter- personal, Menta~
persona~ , Trad it ional Adherent (Earth) [Social; Menta~ Techniques (add 0-2): Shuji ((;1)
Disadvantages (add/replace 0-2): Hidebound (Earth) Demeanor (replace 1): Ambitious, Shrewd

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t llflililllilill

WRITING AND ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT

EDITING Christine Crabb

PROOFREADING Jeremiah J. Shaw and Megyn Johanson

RPG MANAGER Sam Gregor-Stewart

CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF STORY AND SETTING Katrina Ostrander

EXPANSION GRAPHIC DESIGN Scott Nicely

GRAPHIC DESIGN COORDINATOR Joseph D. Olson

GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER Christopher Hosch

FRONT AND BACK COVER ART Mauro Dal Bo

ART DIRECTION Jeff Lee Johnson

MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Tony Bradt

QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR Zach Tewalthomas

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Justin Anger and Jason Glawe

VISUAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brian Schomburg

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER John Franz-Wichlacz

EXECUTIVE GAME DESIGNER Nate French

HEAD OF STUDIO Chris Gerber

FANTASY Fantasy Flight Games

ISBN: 978-1-63344-374-7 Product Code: L5R14 Printed in China

5 WELCOME TO THE 108 CHAPTER 3:

CHAPTER 1: 109 Expanded Mass Battle Ru les

65 The Badger Clan

ADVENTURE SEEDS LEGENDS

CHAPTER 1 : GLORIOUS HISTORIES

BusH I MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

province. In this waY,, an army might have several spear

In the furor of battle, a basic chain of command is key

A single unit of conscripts, ashigaru, bushi, or

CHAPTER 1: GLORIOUS HISTO RI ES

SAKAE , DE DICATED ASHIGARU AllJLITilS

Katana: Range 1, Damage 4, Deadliness 5/ 7,

Yari: Range 2, Damage 5, Deadliness 3, Wargear

Yumi: Range 2-5, Damage 5, Deadliness 3

Gear (equipped): Ashigaru armor (Physical 3,

SEPPUN GENSHIN, CAPTAIN EMERALD

0 Strengths: Incredible defense, excellent tacti-

0 Weaknesses: Slow to muster, more reactive

CHAPTER 1: GLORIOUS HISTORIES

by t roop, an army resembles a honeycomb from above FROM KATSUHIDE:

0 Signature Warrior: Togashi lse Zumi

0 Signature Warrior: Utaku Battle Maiden

Many magistrates t ravel lightly and thus rely on

e Defend the Empire: It is rare for Rokugan

8 Assist the Emerald Magistrates: Address-

The resulting battles tend to be brief, impromptu

CHAPTER 1: GLORIOUS HISTORIES

LEADERSHIP AKODO'S LEADERSHIP

TOMES OF LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE

The Daidoji diverge from the rest of the Crane fam-

Many of the historic events captured in the docu-

siege engines, and more. If the Crab were ever able to

In the second century, Lion Clan Champion Akodo

Although the teachings of the War College have

make him no friends in court or among the more con-

the gates of the War College in a secluded clearing, ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

MATSU DOJU ABILITIES

ADVERSARY CONFLIGRANK: ,tJ 5 ~ 2 ROAR OF THE LION

\11e t»\pire at War THE RISE OF THE EMPIRE

CHAPTER 1: GLORIOUS HISTORIES

the Great Clans destroyed some kingdoms and peo-

on their masters through false information or bribery.

Ill! !Ill !HI !Ill Ill! Ill!

tt IHII!III!II 1111 Ill! 1111