Shadowlands Flavour Text

Combined List
Preview Edition
Promo Card
Imperial Edition
Emerald Edition
Obsidian Edition
Beiden Pass
Forbidden Knowledge
Anvil of Despair
Crimson & Jade
Time of the Void
Scorpion Clan Coup


Personalities

Hida O-Ushi (SL)
"When you mention her 'nickname', she smiles a wicked smile, draws her hammer and dares you to say it again."

Hiruma Kage (SL) (TV)
"His was the first family to fall to the Shadowlands, and even if it means his death, it shall be the last."

Yasuki Nokatsu (BP) (SL)
"Not even the venomous Oni raise their voices to the master of the whip."

Doji Hoturi (Exp.) (SL)
"He's escaped her clutches knowing than an imposter has tarnished his name."

Mirumoto Hitomi (Exp.) (SL)
"She has lost her left hand and her brother's sword, but she's found a new ally..."

Mirumoto Taki (BP) (SL)
"Not only has he mastered the art of ni-to-kenjutsu, the two-sword technique, but shin-ken sho-bu, the Way of the Real Sword, is in his heart."

Ikoma Kaoku (SL)
"Those that fought and lived and those that fought and died, all will be remembered."

Matsu Chokoku (BP) (SL)
"If there is fear in your heart, give it to me! I know what to do with fear."

Ashlim (SL)
"I held the madman down while the Naga used pearls to purge him of his taint."
          -- Isawa Takaai

Balash (SL)
"These humans are weak. Mark my words, allying with humans is a mistake that will cost us dearly."

Isha (BP) (SL) (AD)
"He bent low to the earth, his eyes shut, his body still. Then, suddenly, his torso snapped up and he whispered, 'That way.'"

Mara (SL)
"The great warlord Shahadet has forbidden her from entering Rokugan. Of course, she has other plans."

Naga Shugenja (SL)
"Pearls! I swear it was pearls. Somehow he drew strength from them and the armies before him began to glow with such a light!"
          -- Morito Tokei

Naga Warlord (IE) (EE) (SL)
"They say his blood carries the souls of a thousand ancestors..."

Qamar (SL)
"I am not here to protect you. I am here for my people and my home, not your Throne."

Shabura (SL)
"It is difficult to speak of the women of the naga, for reports of their appearance are always contrary."

Shagara (SL)
"'Lose your fear of them!' he called out to the Phoenix samurai. 'They are not your ancestors, they are only dead men! Fight or we will be lost!'"

The Nameless One (SL)
"Once an Elemental Master, now his name has been stricken from the Histories of the Phoenix and his daughter carries out his duty."

Shiba Tetsu (SL) (TV)
"He was meant to be a shugenja, but the need of the Clan dictated his destiny."

Bayushi Goshiu (SL)
"It would be unwise to mention such crimes in the court when I could speak equally of your own with even greater eloquence."

Soshi Bantaro (SL)
"When his Lord Shoju fell, he was not strong enough to protect him. This time, his strength will have to be enough."

Soshi Bantaro (SL)
"When his Lord fell, he was not strong enough to protect him. This time, his strength will have to be enough."

Otaku Kamoko (Exp.) (SL)
"Her victories have gained her quite a reputation, but her recklessness shall be her downfall."
          -- Hida Kisada

Otaku Kojiro (SL)
"The Otaku family have been the keepers of the steeds for generations. Now, in their hour of need, Kojiro looks to the battle-torn east and wonders if the speed of horses will be enough."

Ginawa (IE) (SL)
"He remembers his fallen master. He remembers the eyes of the assassin who took his life."

Heichi Chokei (SL)
"He has seen many battles and studied across the Empire. If there is any of that order I would trust it would be him."
          -- Hida Kisada

Kumo (BP) (SL) (AD)
"It crept with its long hairy legs and we could hear it laughing through a mass of venomous mandibles."

Morito (IE) (SL)
"Once he rode with Unicorns. Once, long ago..."

Morito Tokei (IE) (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"When I looked into his eyes, I saw a power there unrivaled by many. I was certain that such power should not be wielded by a mortal mind."
          -- Matsu Yukimura

Oni no Sanru (SL)
"Do not be tempted by false promises. Remember, even a Scorpion can smile."
          -- Togashi Mitsu

Ratling Scavenger (SL)
"Looking, looking, looking I am. Always looking. I can find whatever you need."

Thunder Dragon (SL)
"As the fury of Osano-Wo fell upon them, I saw the mighty Oni tremble in fear and the laughter of the Thunder Dragon was like lightning on his breath."

Events

Desperate Measures (SL)
"Desperate men employ desperate measures."
          -- The Tao of Shinsei

Doom of the Crab (SL)
"It will be the return of an ancient hero that marks their doom. He will destroy the Crab Clan and everything for which they have fought."
          -- The Prophesies of Uikku

Doom of the Crane (SL)
"A fallen foe will prove to be their undoing. They will be led astray by a deceiver, and the true hero will arise too late to save them."
          -- The Prophesies of Uikku

Doom of the Lion (SL)
"Blind faith in the Throne leaves you blind to the need of the Empire."
          -- The Prophesies of Uikku

Doom of the Naga (SL)
"They believe they have come to the Empire to assist against the Shadowlands, but it shall be this very action that will be their doom."
          -- The Prophesies of Uikku

Doom of the Phoenix (SL)
"The Tao of Shinsei is no guard against darkness. It is their pride that will blind them to their downfall."
          -- The Prophesies of Uikku

Doom of the Scorpion (SL)
"At the moment of their victory, that is when they shall learn the cost of dark alliances."
          -- The Prophesies of Uikku

Doom of the Unicorn (SL)
"When the great wind comes, it shall be the saplings that fall before the great trees with deep roots."
          -- The Prophesies of Uikku

The Falling Darkness (SL) (AD)
"When darkness falls, the dark things feed on fear..."

Imperial Levying (SL)
"The need of the Emperor always supersedes the need of his subjects."
          -- Bayushi Kachiko

Plague (IE) (SL)
"Their tongues turned black and their eyes boiled white. The quiet companion of war spares only a few."

The Rising Sun (SL) (BP)
"...and it is the rising of the morning sun that burns away all deceptions."

Setsuban Festival (SL)
"It was a day of celebration for the time of renewal had finally arrived."

Holdings

Copper Mine (EE) (OE) (SL) (AD) (TV)
"I have crippled the Crane - the Emperor's left hand. The right hand is next..."
          -- Bayushi Kachiko

Dark Oracle of Air (SL)
"Dark winds can blind your eyes to your goal..."

Dark Oracle of Earth (SL)
"...corrupted foundations can cause houses to fall..."

Dark Oracle of Fire (SL)
"...Fires of fury can burn courage from you soul..."

Dark Oracle of Water (SL)
"...and even salvation fails when the black tide swallows all."

The Festering Pit of Fu Leng (SL)
"The heart of the Shadowlands is where the Nameless Lord fell from the Heavens and left a wound in the earth that even time cannot heal."

Forest (EE) (SL)
"How can you trust the Naga when they come from the same wilderness as the evil that now threatens the Empire?"
          -- Hiruma Kage

Forest (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"How can you trust the Naga when they come from the same wilderness as the evil that now threatens the Empire?"
          -- Hida Amoro

Geisha House (SL) (AD)
"Hearts are the depositories of secrets. Lips are their locks and tongues are their keys."

Go Master (IE) (SL)
"Think before you place that stone, for I know why you are placing it there before you do."
          -- Master Suana

Gold Mine (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD)
"Our armies have cut Togashi off from the Phoenix, the only Clan that could save them from the doom I have prepared."
          -- Hida Kisada

Hawks and Falcons (EE) (BP) (SL)
"You can spend your days training your birds, and when the time for war arrives, only your birds will be ready."
          -- Hida Tampako

Jade Works (SL) (AD)
"Jade has been long regarded for its worth against the creatures from the Shadowlands, but now the jadeworkers begin to turn their skills to making weapons..."

Kolat Oyabun (SL)
"My most trusted advisor pulled the knife from my side and smiled. 'You will never even know why,' he said as he slipped into the shadows."

Marketplace (EE) (SL)
"Use the Crane as an ally, for their greatest strength is our only weakness."
          -- Ikoma Kaoku

Pearl Bed (SL) (CJ)
"The pearls of the Naga are as pure as their hearts."
          -- Togashi Mitsu

Pearl Divers (EE) (OE) (SL) (CJ)
"To understand our magic, your must first learn the secret of purity."
          -- Ashlim

Port (EE) (SL)
"For centuries the ports of Rokugan have fed the bellies of the Crane while they have delegated to us what they felt we needed. No more, my brothers. No more."
          -- Kitsu Toju

Sanctified Temple (IE) (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD)
"What price is too high to pay for Honor?"

Silver Mine (EE) (OE) (SL) (AD) (TV)
"They are the key to our victory. Protect the Phoenix, my brothers. They will see the evil first."
          -- Togashi Yokuni

Small Farm (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD)
"From the farms they came, armed with only their spears and their courage. Lord Toturi called them 'Quick Legs' and the Ashigaru seemed to like the name."
          -- Mirumoto Daini

Stables (EE) (SL) (AD)
"The Crab have cut us off from our most valued ally. We have only the courage of the Lion to rely upon now."
          -- Shinjo Yokatsu

Items

Bloodsword (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"It is an evil weapon, bound to bring doom upon any who use it."
          -- Kakita Toshimoko

Broken Sword of the Scorpion (SL)
"You may have broken my family sword, but you will find my family not so easily broken."

Crystal Arrow (BP) (SL)
"A white fire struck the thing down. I felt all the fear in my heart burn as well."
          -- Shisobi's Tale

Crystal Katana (EE) (OE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV) (SC)
"Even the light that reflected from the blade caused the creature pain. I advanced and watched as it cowered before me."

Han-Kyu (SL)
"Just try and touch her, Crane Lord, and you will see what I can do to you."
          -- Bayushi Aramoro

Jade Arrow (SL)
"Genaru pulled back, set his aim, and let the fire roar and fly by his face into the Lion's chest."

Jade Bow (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"The power of the Shadowlands cannot be countered by mundane weapons; we must turn to the weapons of our ancestors to destroy the darkness."
          -- Isawa Tadaka

Jade Goblet (SL)
"The waters from the goblet poured over his lips and Mitsu leapt up, his teeth black and his lips still smoking. 'I am ready!' he cried.

Naginata (SL)
"As deadly as samurai can be, I still cannot believe what I saw when that Naga cut down the shadowlands ranks faster than a whirlwind with only a Naginata in his fists."
          -- Mirumoto Daini

Obsidian Mirror (SL)
"Once, long ago, there were three artifacts of obsidian, but now only the mirror and the hand remain."

Shuriken of Serpents (EE) (OE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV) (SC)
"As the ninja threw the shuriken into the midst of the bushi, I watched as the thing flew to each throat, striking them down one by one."

Tetsubo (SL)
"'What do you have to fear from me?' Hida O-Ushi said as she let her gaze fall upon Toshimoko. She smiled. 'Your move, old man.'"

Wakizashi (SL)
"When your life is on the line, you want to make use of all of your tools."
          -- Miyamoto Musashi

Warhorses (SL)
"When you hear thunder from the hills, you will know it is me."
          -- Shinjo Hanari

Spells

Biting Steel (EE) (OE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"The Dragon know secrets we cannot even hope to understand."
          -- Isawa Tsuke

Blood of Midnight (BP) (SL)
"They say the creatures from that place have the very darkness of a moonless night pumping through their hearts."

Call Upon the Wind (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"Uona looked at me with a smile. 'Keep practicing,' she said."
          -- Morito Tokei

Castle of Water (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"Yours is not the only element that guards us, Tadaka."
          -- Isawa Tomo

Contemplate the Void (SL)
"When there are no more options, you must look at the situation as if you have never looked at it before."
          -- Michu Shan

Dark Divination (SL)
"A look at your destiny is what I provide For the fate that awaits you has nothing to hide."

Energy Transference (IE) (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"As night moves into day, so may the balance of one's being be changed."

Evil Ward (SL)
"Ancient scrolls have protected the Phoenix against the terrors of the Shadowlands, but what shall protect us?"
          -- Kakita Yokune

The Fire From Within (BP) (SL)
"I know what will destroy these abominations, and it is the purity of fire."
          -- Agasha Tomori [sic]

Force of Will (SL)
"To endure what is unendurable is the truest test of will."

The Fury of Osano-Wo (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"Lightning flickered from the Shugenja's fingers, and I knew the samurai was doomed."

Look Into the Void (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"The Oracle of Void is nowhere to be found. But then, the Dark Oracles are also incomplete..."
          -- Isawa Kaede

Shapeshifting (SL)
"When shadows loom, it is my time To discover my doom, discover my rhyme."

Stale Wind (SL)
"This dark land is like a disease and it must be stopped. Your little prideful war will not stop it. Your honor will not stop it. Only working together can we stop it."
          -- Lord Dashmar

Sympathetic Energies (SL)
"Friendship is truly tested when it is time to share the burden."
          -- The Tao of Shinsei

Tomb of Jade (BP) (SL)
"The words were read and the air turned thick with the sounds of screams as the creatures were entombed in bodies of jade - trapped forever in a prison of pain."
          -- Mirumoto Daini

Touch of Despair (SL)
"My doom you have chased, my end you have sought My evil embraced, in my web you are caught."

Touch of Fu Leng (SL)
"From where I hide, I hold the Empire's fate But when you learn my name, it shall be too late."

Wind Born Speed (EE) (OE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"When the infantry charged, we found the spearmen were not on the crest of the hill, but to our flank, cutting down troops like wheat."
          -- Doji Hoturi

Wings of Fire (IE) (SL)
"Suddenly, the Crab forces burst into an unearthly fire...and they began to fly."
          -- Shinjo Kamoko [sic]

Followers

Archers (EE) (SL)
"Some find comfort in the balance of a blade, while others revel in the song of an arrow in flight."

Ashigaru (SL)
"'Quick legs' is what they call them . They would have to have quick legs indeed to keep up with me."
          -- Otaku Kamoko

Doji House Guard (SL)
"Be more concerned with good actions that great ones."
          -- from the war banner of the Doji family.

Goblin Mob (IE) (EE) (OE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"Look out boys, here come the samurai! Hey, anybody seen the boss?"

Heavy Cavalry (IE) (SL)
"Speed is only half of the battle. You need strength as well."
          -- Shinjo Hanari

Heavy Infantry (IE) (SL)
"Force! Bring me men with swords and spears to cut down my enemy. Swiftness comes from demoralizing your enemy, not outrunning him."
          -- Hida Kisada

Hida House Guard (SL)
"There is no honor in defeat. There is no honor in compromise. There is only honor in victory."
          -- from the war banner of the Hida family

Lesser Mujina (IE) (EE) (OE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (SC)
"Beware alliances with tricksters and fiends."

Light Cavalry (SL)
"While the infantry was engaged, the cavalry moved to the south, burning homes and farms as they went."
          -- The Battle for Kakita Castle, Part V

Light Infantry (SL)
"The Phoenix and Crane numbered only in the dozens, so Daidoji Uji relied on position rather than brute force."
          -- The Battle for Kakita Castle, Part I

Matsu House Guard (SL)
"Do not pray for deliverance from the storm, but deliverance from your fear."
          -- from the war banner of the Matsu family

Medium Cavalry (SL)
"And as all seemed lost, Shinjo Yasamura's cavalry rode in from the North, forcing the Crab army to retreat to Baiden [sic] Pass."
          -- The Battle for Kakita Castle, Part VI

Medium Infantry (SL)
"The Crab army descended on the Phoenix and Crane, smashing into their ranks with brutal abandon and deadly precision."
          -- The Battle for Kakita Castle, Part II

Naga Bushi (EE) (OE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"They have the courage to face the Shadowlands armies because the walking dead are not their ancestors returning from the grave."
          -- Isawa Tadaka

Ratling Pack (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"They fight with such courage. Perhaps we have misjudged these creatures..."
          -- Matsu Gohei

Scout (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (TV)
"Do not ask me if I fear those walking dead men. I will sneak about their camps in the darkness because my Lord commanded me to. That is all the reason I need."

Shadowlands Madmen (SL)
"Lord Doji assured me all was well when he left to speak to Lady Bayushi, but then returned with an army of madmen and burned down the Kakita Palace."
          -- Kakita Yoshi

Shiba House Guard (SL)
"Choosing between two evils is still choosing evil."
          -- from the war banner of the Shiba family

Skeletal Archers (SL)
"One wonders how they can be so accurate with no eyes or muscle to guide their aim."
          -- Mirumoto Sukune

Skeletal Troops (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD)
"Three months ago, there were only scattered reports of them, and now the armies of the dead seem to be everywhere."
          -- Hiruma Kage

Spearmen (EE) (SL)
"Armed with spears, the Crab forces negated the higher ground of the armies protecting Castle Kakita."
          -- The Battle for Kakita Castle, Part IV

Actions

Another Time (SL)
"He was about to deal the killing blow, but my cousins dragged him away, calling my name..."

Arrows from the Woods (SL)
"We charged into the Crab army, but the air was filled with flashing death, and when I saw her fall from her steed, I knew we were doomed."
          -- Shinjo Tokoru

Block Supply Lines (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"Only a fool believes that sabotage does not have its place on the battlefield."
          -- Bayushi Kyoto

Careful Planning (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"Do not overlook understanding your enemy, Lady Matsu. Great samurai have fallen because they relied only on their own courage and strength and not on their enemy's weakness."
          -- Kitsu Motso

Charge (EE) (BP) (SL)
"I have no need for caution and planning, Kitsu Motso. The knowledge that I will die protecting the Throne is all I need."
          -- Matsu Tsuko

Confusion at Court (SL)
"A clever word from a diplomat is worth a thousand men on the battlefield."
          -- Bayushi Goshiu

Contentious Terrain (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"Cast them into positions from which there is nowhere to go and they will fight to the death without retreating."
          -- Sun Tzu

Corrupted Ground (BP) (SL)
"This is one situation your Master Sun never counted on, little samurai."

Court Jester (SL)
"His simple mistake was turned into an exercise in humiliation by the singing, dancing little man."

Dispersive Terrain (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"It is the nature of the army to defend when trapped, to fight fervently when their is no choice."
          -- Sun Tzu

Entrapping Terrain (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"When your enemy's force is lesser, attack. When he is equal, outmanuever him. When he is greater than you, avoid him for another time."
          -- Sun Tzu

False Alliance (SL)
"Trust me, Lord Shinjo. If there is anything that is true about the Hida family, it is that you can always trust us to be true to our word."

Intersecting Highways (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ)
"An ally with wings is likely to take flight at the first sign of storms."
          -- Yasuki Taka

Meditation (EE) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"One who is samurai must, before all things, keep in mind that he must die."
          -- Daidoji Yuzan

Outflank (IE) (EE) (BP) (SL) (AD) (CJ) (TV)
"When besieged, let them on the roof, then take away the ladder."
          -- The Thirty-Six Strategies

Rallying Cry (SL)
"We strike them quickly, then move away quickly. Only with the strategy of the snake will we survive against an army of marching dead men."
          -- Shinjo Hanarai [sic]

Shadowlands Sickness (SL)
"The pain was too much for him. He tried to raise his katana to protect himself, but his strength had been devoured by that which had once protected him."

A Stout Heart (SL)
"The only true test of courage is the last one."
          -- The Tao of Shinsei

Suspended Terrain (SL)
"Even if he entices us with profits, we will not advance."
          -- Sun Tzu

The Turtle's Shell (SL)
"Hide with your little shields, little men. You cannot hide forever."
          -- Hida Yamako [sic]

When Darkness Draws Near (SL)
"When the creeping shadows move across your door, the wise man chooses not to open it."

Winning Kachiko's Favor (SL)
"Petting scorpions with a compassionate hand only gets you a sting."
          -- The Tao of Shinsei