The Ancient Halls of the Akoko (Lion)
For a thousand years, the Akodo has been the leading family of the Lion Clan, the right hand of the Emperor. The Lion Clan has never failed in its duty to protect the Hantei dynasty ... until now. Scorpion treachery has taken the Imperial Palace, the Emerald Throne, and the Emperor's head, and the Lion must now retake the palace... or die trying.
The Shadow Stronghold of the Bayushi (Scorpion)
For a thousand years, the Scorpion Clan has kept the Emperor's secrets. They are neither his right hand nor his left; they are his underhand, the hidden dagger, the eye that never sleeps. Now the Scorpion Champion sees that ancient prophecies may soon come to pass, releasing the ancient evil trapped by the Twelve Black Scrolls, and he takes steps to avoid that fate... for in order to save the Empire, he must murder its Emperor.
Crab Clan
For generations the Crab have held back the horrors of the Shadowlands, but times have changed. Now they have embraced that which they have fought against for so long, turning their mastery of warfare against the Empire they sword to protect.
"You are always blind to your truest enemy, for he is behind your eyes." -The Tao of Shinsei
For generations, the Crab have held back the horrors of the Shadowlands, but times have changed. Now they have aligned with the dark forces they have fought against for so long, creating an army of tactical mastery and bloodthirsty rage. The power of the Shadowlands may give them the strength they need to win the Empire, but it may also foretell the beginning of their downfall.
Crane Clan
Their ambassadors are in every court, their merchants in every city square. They are not masters of war or magic, but their skill in the civilized arts is unmatched by any. No Clan can claim the wealth and prestige of the Crane.
"When I have a voice in the Emperor’s ear, I need no general in the field." -The Tao of Shinsei
For a thousand years the Kakita Castle has been the proud symbol of the wealth of the Crane Clan. However, the recent invasion of the Crab Clan has forced the Crane to move to the home of the Doji family and re-fortify their position there. With the aid of the Phoenix Clan and a small army of ronin, the Crane have managed to secure their borders and begin to formulate a counterattack against the encroaching Crab army.
Dragon Clan
Weaving steel and sorcery into a mighty force, Clan Dragon is the most versatile in battle. With their secret rituals and ancient magic, they are an enigma to the other Clans. Isolated in their lands, they avoid the politics of Rokugan.
"What you do not understand can kill you." -The Tao of Shinsei
For centuries the Dragon have remained silent, practicing their esoteric philosophies in their vast mountain keeps. But even with their armies being led by the fallen lion Toturi, rumors whisper that their Champion has disappeared, and that the inheritor of the Ancestral Sword has turned against her Clan and joined with the dark forces that conspire against her kin.
Lion Clan
One of the oldest families in the Empire, Clan Lion is known for its rigid discipline and respect for tradition. They hold the warrior’s code of bushido above all things. Money and sorcery are toys, for honor can only come from the courage shown in battle.
"Lose your fear, and you gain the world." -The Tao of Shinsei
They are fearless warriors, the traditional defenders of the Emperor, noble warriors whose hearts are free from fear. But recent upheavals within the Clan have caused many to question the old ways. Some flock to the fallen warrior who once led the mighty Clan, while others retain their fealty to the dying Emperor. Once, they were united in their devotion, but they are united no more.
Phoenix Clan
Of all the Clans, the Phoenix best understand the mysteries of the Five Rings. Their Elemental Masters are the most powerful in Rokugan. They prefer peace and solitude to the madness of war and will do what they can to bring the violence to an end.
"You cannot conquer the elements. You must learn to dance with their harmony." -The Tao of Shinsei
Despite their attempts to restore peace to the Empire, the Phoenix Clan have been drawn into the war for the Emerald Throne. With the opening of the Black Scrolls, ancient and forbidden magics have been released., and only the shugenja of the Phoenix Clan have the knowledge and wisdom to curb their terrible power. But one by one, the Elemental Masters are finding themselves corrupted by the Black Scroll’s power.
Unicorn Clan
You can hear them thundering across the hills. Unicorn is one of the youngest Clans, but has achieved great honor in a short time. They are devoted to the welfare of the Empire and putting a Unicorn on the Emerald Throne.
"The art of war is to put your enemy in a position that he cannot fight from." -The Tao of Shinsei
They left the Empire a thousand years ago and have returned with horses of the West Bringing with them the strategies of foreign lands, the Unicorn Clan stands alone without allies, and while their naivete may make them vulnerable to wily words and silver tongues, their mighty steeds and unorthodox tactics have proven to be worth a thousand footmen on the battlefield.
The Hidden Temples of the Naga (Naga)
A thousand years ago, the great civilization of the Naga fell into a deep meditative slumber. Nearly a millenium has passed, and they have awakened to find their self-glorifying civilization in ruins, and the Empire of men in the midst of war. Now they must rise against the evil of the Shadowlands before both Empires fall under its destructive power.
"The strength of an Empire does not lie in the stone of its walls, but the hearts of its people." -The Tao of Shinsei
Scorpion Clan
Surrounded by blackened earth, scorched by sorcerous reprimand, the ruined House Bayushi is the only testament to the once mighty Scorpion Clan. Now they have returned, striking back at the Empire with subterfuge and sabotage. Theirs is not a path to victory, but a path of revenge.
"Do not be distracted by the pincers when it is the tail that can kill you." -The Tao of Shinsei
Junzo’s Army
From the high towers of the Imperial Palace, the guards can hear the mad laughter of their Emperor. The undead shugenja, once known as Yogo Junzo now commands the Emperor’s armies, and his dark sorceries twist and corrupt the samurai into mockeries of their former selves. Soon they will stand rank and file next to the madmen and oni of the Shadowlands, and crush the Clans under their feet, bringing victory to their evil lord, laughing on his Emerald Throne.
Toturi’s Army
Across the hills and fields of Rokugan, word has spread among the peasantry that the Emperor’s greatest tactician has returned. His army’s armor is tattered, and their weapons unpolished, but their eyes show a fire of devotion that no man can question. Unconcerned with honor or glory, Toturi has cast away all allegiances to his former Clan, choosing rather to lead his band of followers against the Empire’s greatest enemy: the dark armies of the Shadowlands.
Brotherhood of Shinsei
Theirs is the way of peace, solitude and tranquility. For a thousand years, they have been the councilors of samurai and shugenja, lord and peasant. But the armies of Yogo Junzo have assaulted the mountain temples of the Shintao, searching for the rumored descendant of Shinsei who will fulfill an ancient prophecy. Armed with only their wisdom, the Shintao monks fight against the darkness, waiting for the time when the Seven Thunders will gather again, to face Fu Leng one last time.
Yoritomo’s Alliance
For a thousand years the Great Clans have dominated every aspect of Rokugan politics and culture. That time has come to an end. The minor clans have gathered under the banner of Yoritomo, the Mantis Clan Champion, to join the conflict that rips at Rokugan’s heart. Inspired by the deeds of the ronin Toturi and fueled by Crane koku, Yoritomo has seized the moment. In Rokugan’s hour of darkness, he and those who follow him fight, not for the Throne, but for their own chance at greatness.
Crab Clan
"Your magic cannot save you. Your knowledge cannot save you. Nothing can save
you."
- Hida Kisada
The grim samurai of the Crab Clan guarded the Emerald Empire against the horrors of the
Shadowlands for nearly a thousand years. They are the most feared samurai in Rokugan, both
for their tenacity and for the mysterious "Shadowlands taint" that casts a
shadow upon everyone who comes in contact with the foul spawn of that dark land. But now,
with the last Hantei Emperor dying from a mysterious wasting disease, the Crab have made a
dark pact with evil powers even they do not fully understand. Emboldened by the gruesome
creatures which now fight at their side, the Crab armies march upon Rokugan's green
fields, looking to claim the Emerald Throne for themselves.
Crane Clan
"For the coward, there is no life. For the hero, there is no death."
- Kakita Toshimoko
For a thousand years the Crane have been the magistrates of the Emperor, the power behind
the Throne. While their knowledge of combat and tactics is limited, none can argue that
the Crane have brought the art of Samurai strategy to the political struggles of the
Imperial Court. But now, as the last Hantei Emperor lies dying, the other clans muster
their armies in preparation for a clan war the likes of which Rokugan has never seen.
While they eye the clan's vast reservoirs of gold, they also fear the deadly dueling
skills of the Crane iaijatsu masters. The Crane must be careful, but should they survive
the fall of the last Hantei, they know who will sit on the Emerald Throne.
Dragon Clan
"You cannot destroy what you do not understand."
- Togashi Mitsu
High in the northern mountains of Rokugan, the mysterious Champion of the Dragon Clan
looks down upon the Emerald Empire with a restless gaze. For a thousand years, the Dragon
have watched and waited. He knows the moment is at last at hand, and war will summon his
people from their seclusion. Soon he will disappear, leaving a disgraced ronin in command
of his army of samurai, spell-casters, and enigmatic tattooed men known as the {ise zumi}.
What are the Dragon waiting for? What do they know of the future? None can say. Theirs is
the way of the Dragon, the ways of riddles and omens, and their greatest strength is that
no other Clan can truly say they understand them.
Lion Clan
"The fires of fury burn in our eyes, the fires of courage burn in our hearts.
Nothing can keep us from our destiny!"
- Matsu Tsuko
From the dawn of the Emerald Empire, when the first Akodo swore fealty to the line of
Hantei for all eternity, the Lion Clan has fearlessly defended the throne. They are proud,
noble and fearless, and draw great strength from the traditions of their families. In the
ake of the recent coup the Lions have been caught in a terrible trap, snared by their own
aggressive nature. Their champion has falled from favor, betrayed by his geisha lover; and
the black madness that grips the dying Emperor causes many to question the old ways. Once
united, now roaring in confusion and anger, the Lions must find the true enemy and destroy
it before they destroy themselves.
Phoenix Clan
"Only the darkest sorceries can save the Empire now, and I am ready to pay their
price."
- Isawa Tadaka
From its founding the Phoenix Clan has been devoted to studying the Tao of Shinsei and the
ways of magic. The Phoenix are also the greatest advocates of peace, but even their wisdom
was not enough to avoid the war for the Emerald Throne. Now, with the opening of the Black
Scrolls, they, too, have been drawn into the fighting, desperately seeking to defeat the
spreading corruption before all Rokugan falls to its arcane wiles. The most powerful mages
in the Empire, the Elemental Masters of the Phoenix have themselves become tainted, hoping
that they can use this forbidden knowledge to turn the ancient evil back upon itself
before it consumes them and dooms the land.
Unicorn Clan
"We have a duty to the Emperor, but we also have a duty to those who call us
masters. Where does our duty lie? We sall soon see."
- Shinjo Yokatsu
Long considered the lost clan, the Unicorn returned from their centuries-long journey a
battle-hardened army equipped with powerful horses and rich with the curious treasures of
the West. Mistrusted and alienated by the other, more traditional clans because of their
"barbarian" habits and their open compassion to the peasants of Rokugan, the
Unicorn can find no allies in the Imperial Court. Although their powerful steeds and
unorthodox tactics make them a force to be feared on the battlefield, their inexperience
and naivete leave them vulnerable to manipulation and betrayal. The Unicorn have long
gambled on their audacity, but now the stakes are the Emerald Empire itself.
The Ruins of Isawa Castle (Phoenix)
One Clan will fall ...
The smoldering ruins of the Isawa castle looks over the burned and blasted fields of
Rokugan likan an epitaph to the fallen family. One by one, each of the Elemental Masters
have become infected with the Shadowlands Taint. And now high on the parapets of the
Imperial Palace is teh Master of Fire. Mad-eyed and consumed with darkness, he is ready to
destroy his kinsmen. All five of the Masters will enter the duel, but only one will
survive...
The Great Walls of Kaiu (Crab)
... and one Clan will be redeemed.
Once, the mighty army of teh Crab was led by a blood-thirsty creature with a stolen name.
Now, as it stands outside the capital city, it waits for the command to charge from a hero
with a hand of jade. As Yakamo prepares his assault, he knows the oni that bears his name
is also preparing. And when they meet, even the hero's hand of jade will not save him from
the oni's fury.
The Kaiu Walls (Crab)
"We have driven the Shadowlands from the Emperor's halls. Now, we must destroy it
where it lives and breathes."
- Hida Yakamo
For a thousand years, the Kaiu Wall has separated the green fields of Rokugan from the
horrors of the Shadowlands, and for a thousand years the merciless samurai of the Crab
have held true to their ancestor's oath: that no shadow of that dark land would be allowed
to tread upon the soil of the Empire. During the Clan Wars, the Crab abandoned their
ancient charge and allied with the darkness, but now, under the uncompromising leadership
of Hida Yakamo, the Clan seeks retribution against their ancient enemy. Ignoring the cries
of a broken Empire, the Crab have turned their backs on the Jade Throne, seeking only to
claim victory in their renewed struggle against an unspeakable evil.
The Esteemed House of the Crane (Crane)
"We negotiated once, and it almost destroyed our Clan. The time for talking is
over."
- Doji Kuwanan
From the dawn of the Emerald Empire, the Crane have been a bastion of culture and
civilization. Their famed Iaijatsu masters - the most deadly duelists in Rokugan - have
dominated single combat, and their politicians have gently guided the fate of the Empire.
For two years Toturi ruled from his Jade Throne, while the Crane clan rebuilt their
devastated palaces and restored their lost wealth. Now Toturi has vanished, and the future
of the Empire is no longer secure. Without a clear heir to assume leadership of Rokugan,
the Crane alone must shield civilization and maintain the decorum of honor. The Jade
Throne stands empty in the halls of the Imperial Palace, and the Crane must act, lest the
Empire fall once more into chaos.
The Mountain Fortress of the Dragon (Dragon)
"The fate of the Empire often hangs by one slim thread of Fortune."
- Agasha Gennai
The dark mountains of the enigmatic Dragon clan cast long shadows across the Empire of the
jade Throne, and the winds from the north are mysteriously silent. For a thousand years
the Dragon have been ruled by a single man, and with his death the clan has retired to its
deepest fortresses. Theirs is the way of unknown magic, of riddles and omens, but the time
for prophecy has ended and a new path has been chosen by their silent champion. The clan
arms for war as the Empire mourns the loss of the Emperor Toturi, and all eyes turn to the
dark woman on the Dragon Throne.
The Ancient Halls of the Lion (Lion)
"If you must ask what honor is, you will never know."
- Ikoma Tsanuri
From the day of its founding, the Lion Clan has been the defender of the Emperor, serving
his every need and destroying his enemies on the fields of battle. During the Clan Wars,
Lions' loyalty was questioned and the throne they served was usurped by a terrible, dark
power. Now, two years after the Fall of Fu Leng, the Lion struggle to rebuild their broken
armies and reforge the fierce brotherhood that was destroyed during the wars. Holding on
to their majestic palaces and noble traditions, their strength will once again be tested
by fate. Now, they must have the strength to claim the throne they once served, and save
the Empire from a darkness that strikes not from the Shadowlands - but from within man's
own heart.
The Ruins of Isawa Castle (Phoenix)
"Never again shall darkness taint our noble house. Never again, I swear to
you..."
- Shiba Tsukune
Since the dawn of the Empire, the Phoenix have been devoted to the search for wisdom.
Their Elemental Masters, the most powerful shugenja in the Empire, sought to uncover the
deepest secrets of magic, daring even the corruption of the Shadowlands in their quest for
arcane lore. One by one, their Masters fell prey to dark sorceries, leaving the Phoenix
broken and defeated, their libraries reduced to ash and their lands laid to waste. Now,
the last survivors of the Phoenix must band together and find the path to salvation before
the flames of their once mighty Clan flicker and die forever.
The Provincial Estate of the Unicorn (Unicorn)
"We are the people of the Wind!"
- Shinjo Yokatsu
For hundreds of years, the lost clan of the Ki-Rin were absent from the fields of Rokugan,
following a destiny apart from the Empire. When they returned, they brought with them
powerful horses and strange sorceries, and they claimed the right to rule the lands once
given to their ancestors. Now the Clan of the Unicorn stands among the other Great clans
of the Jade Empire, and their compassion for the peasantry has earned them the right to
rule as magistrates, judging the crimes of the populace and governing the law of the
Empire. In Toturi's absence, the swift steeds of the Unicorn may be the only force
standing between the Law of the Emperor and the chaos of war.
The Hidden Temples of the Naga (Naga)
"It is not our ancestors who compel us to act, but our very souls."
- Shalasha
Long before the rise of Rokugan, an ancient race of serpent-beings formed a civilization
of great beauty and power. Then a dark time fell over the civilization, and one by one,
the Naga fell into a thousand years of sleep. Since their time, the race called 'humans'
built a grand empire on the lands the Naga once knew. Awakened by the rise of a mighty
evil, the Naga came out of legend to fight at the side of Rokugan, and defeat the
malevolent force behind the Shadowlands once and for all. Now in Rokugan's hour of need,
their strength will determine the outcome of a war that began a thousand years ago.
The Shadow Stronghold of the Bayushi (Scorpion)
"I will remain without my Lady, and remove my mask to hide my name."
- Bayushi Aramoro
The Scorpion, Rokugan's darkest clan, have always been the keepers of secrets and the
wardens of dark truths. Mistrusted and openly scorned, the Scorpion raised their broken
sword when the fate of the nation hung in the balance, restoring their Clan's lost honor
during the Clan Wars. Two years later, Emperor Toturi's disappearance has left blood on
Scorpion hands, and their clan has once again been condemned - this time, to an exile
beyond the borders of the known world. As their Clan embarks on their journey, a few loyal
samurai remain hidden in the Empire, waiting for the time when they can prove their
innocence and destroy those who would deny their right to the Jade Throne.
The Shadowlands Horde (Shadowlands)
"Of all the lessons Fu Leng has taught us, remember this...Death is not
eternal."
- Kuni Yori
The dark forces of the Shadowlands have stood for an eternity, their evil corrupting all
those who come into their realm. Where undead roam and terrible oni twist former samurai
into mockeries of honor and faith, a new army rises - one whose only goal is revenge. But
their leader has been destroyed, and the powers who claim his throne must fight among
themselves to prove who has the strength to lead their charge against the Jade Empire.
Once the challenge has been offered, only the blackest of hearts can summon the darkness
back from the abyss, bringing the power of the Shadowlands once again to the realm of
light. And the Shadowlands' darkest secret has yet to be uncovered...
Toturi's Army (Toturi's Army)
"The evil we face is not a god, it is a man. And one man can undo what another has
done."
- Toku
The dishonored Lion Champion, one known as Toturi the Black, has now raised his banner
above the Imperial Court, ruling a peaceful land from a newly carved Jade Throne.
Forsaking all ties to his former clan, Emperor Toturi I brought a new Age, a new hope for
peace and prosperity to the broken lands of Rokugan. On the day of his second coronation,
an event meant to seal his ascension to the Divine Throne, Toturi has been kidnapped. His
guards lie dead, and his throne is empty. The faithful samurai and shugenja who once
served the mighty general now scour the land, searching for any sign of their lost Master.
If he cannot be found, the Clans will war again, and another will claim the right to rule
in his place..
The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Brotherhood)
"As an ocean to a small stream, the leader to his people, this is the Tao to the
world."
- The Tao of Shinsei
Through a thousand years of preparation, the Brotherhood of Shinsei has fulfilled the
prophecies of the ancient Tao, guarding the Empire through its turbulent history. Now is
the time of the New Tao, the continuation of Shinsei's teachings. It is the New Way, a new
hope for enlightenment and peace in the dawning Age of Man. However, something unforeseen
has occurred: Emperor Toturi has vanished. Desperate to unlock the secrets of the new
Shintao, the Brotherhood has sealed itself in deep meditation, allowing nothing to disturb
their contemplation. Somewhere in the lessons of this new text, within answers to
questions yet to be asked, a solution must be found. If not, the Empire will pay the price
of their failure.
Yoritomo's Alliance (Mantis)
"You must force destiny to hear you. Fate has no place for humble men."
- Yoritomo Masasue
Across the hills and plains of Rokugan, the now colors of the Mantis are raised beside the
banners of the seven Great Clans. The Son of Storms has led the minor clans to victory,
earning the respect and grudging alliance of the Imperial Court. After the Clan Wars,
Yoritomo and the Mantis Clan have returned to their island home to revel in the glory of
their victory. But now that brooding peace has ended. The Jade Throne is empty, the
Emperor lost and the lands of the Scorpion Clan have been abandoned. Once again, the great
Clans fight among themselves over who will rule the Empire, and the Mantis watch for their
opportunity to strike. This time, the prize is not mere recognition, but something far
greater: the throne of the Empire.
Heart of Shinomen Forest (Naga)
From within the deep forests of the Empire, the ancient race of Naga stirs its might armies. The Daini, once a brother of the Dragon Clan but now sword to lead his new allies, commands the slaughter of the Clan he once served. Soon they will climb the peak of the Mirumoto mountains and conquer the secret heart of the Empire beneath a blackened sky.
Shiro Hitomi (Dragon)
Surrounded by the indomitable peaks and crags of the northern mountains, the dark grasp of the Champion's black hand tightens around the Dragon Clan, driving them farther and farther into the enigmas they once sought to understand. The last bastion of magic and myth, they struggle against the waves of invaders, striking back with a fury that comes from the heart of madness. Unconcerned with honor or duty, Hitomi threatens to sever all ties to the Empire, obsessed with the shadows of power that linger just within her reach.
The House of Tao (Brotherhood)
Fleeing the scorched mountains of the Dragon Clan, a handful of refugees have found sanctuary within the Brotherhood's sacred walls. Their choice: to hide in safety, refusing to enter the conflict; or to strike back at the darkness that grips their former home in cold peaks of the north, risking their lives and their ancient secrets. Beneath the shadow of a darkened moon, family loyalty must struggle against honor and duty, facing the inevitable outcome; blood against blood.
The Otaku Palaces (Unicorn)
For 300 years, those of the wandering tribe known as the Unicorn have been called outcasts, strangers. Gaijin. Now, their daimyo, Otaku Kamoko, has left them and ridden out on a quest of personal vengeance. Leaderless, the Otaku struggle to keep the Emperor's laws and maintain the peace of the Empire. But for how long can they hold back the tides of war?
Kyuden Yoritomo (Mantis)
From the wide oceans, a fleet of ships bearing the colors of the Mantis have set sail toward Otosan Uchi, the heart of the Empire. Led by Yoritomo, the boldest warrior in Rokugan, the Alliance is forging a new house to lead the Empire into its new age. They say they come in the name of peace, with the Emperor's seal to defend their actions, but now the Alliance must choose between duty and power. In the darkness that threatens to consume Rokugan, the Alliance may stand as the last hope for unity.
The Iron Fortress of the Daidoji (Crane)
The Crane Have always been the courtiers, the peacemakers. Their voices have chorused into the Emperor's ear, as they use favors and politics to shield themselves from the wars that tear at the heart of the Empire. No more. Led by the bold Doji Kuwanon, the Daidoji armies turn a blind eye to prophecy and the New Tao, sacrificing their honor to save their Empire.
The Palace of Otosan Uchi (Toturi's Army)
Servants of the Emperor and the last remants of Rokugan's mighty ronin army, Toturi's Army now wears the gold and green of the Jade Throne. It stands unified beneath the banner of Rokugan's lawful Emperor, determined to save the Empire at any cost. Yet with the return of Toturi come dark tidings, and the ultimate fate of the Jade Empire hangs in the balance.
The Dark Path of Shadow (Ninja)
In quiet places where no man has walked for hundreds of years, the ninja gather. They stand on the border of this world and the next, keeping secrets passed down to them from the beginning of time -- from the first Night that chased Lady Sun across the heavens. They are not the servants of shadow... they are the Shadow itself.
Eternal Halls of the Shiba (Phoenix)
Three years ago, the Clan of the Phoenix was destroyed by its quest for dark knowledge. Now, it must rise from the ashes of its fall and be reborn or let is fires die forever. The shadows of darkness close in around the Jade Throne, and it will take all of the magic left in the Empire to find the truth.
The Kaiu Walls (Crab)
"Honor is for children who tell tales by the fireside. Come and see the blood of
duty, and then speak to me of honor."
- Hida Tsuru
For a thousand years, the Kaiu wall has separated the green fields of Rokugan from the
horrors of the Shadowlands, and for a thousand years the merciless samurai of the Crab
have held true to their ancestor's oath: that no shadow of that dark land should be
allowed to tread upon the soil of the Empire. For months, the remaining Crab who walk the
length of the Wall have hoped for some word that their brothers in the lost Hiruma Castle
still live, but the Shadowlands are silent. Now, the family of the Crab must ready itself
for battle against an ancient foe, for in this new age they may be the last protectors of
the Empire.
The Esteemed House of the Crane (Crane)
"When the dawn comes, ronin, one of us will stand on this field, and one will
fall. I know my destiny. Are you so sure of yours?"
- Daidoji Rekai
The Crane have always been the bastions of culture and civilization. Their famed Iaijatsu
masters - the most deadly duelists in Rokugan - have dominated the field of battle, and
their politicians have gently guided the fate of the Empire. For nearly a year the Emperor
vanished, kidnapped by the shadows while a grieving Empire tried desperately to keep the
peace. Now Emperor Toturi has returned, and the future of the Empire is no longer secure.
Their finest diplomats and courtiers struggle to maintain unity in the Imperial Court and
uphold a tumbling Empire, but politics and manipulation can only turn aside the threat of
chaos for a short time. Now, on the battlefields of the Empire, the Crane must prove that
their actions speak as loudly as their words.
The Mountain Fortress of the Dragon(Dragon)
"The secret that is remembered is a blessing. The secret that cannot be forgotten
is a curse."
- Hitomi Akuai
The dark mountains of the enigmatic Dragon clan cast long shadows across the Empire of the
jade Throne, and the winds from the north are mysteriously silent. For a thousand years
the Dragon have been ruled by a single man, and with his death the clan has retired to its
deepest fortresses. Theirs is the way of unknown magic, of riddles and omens, but the time
for prophecy has ended and a new path has been chosen by their silent champion. As the
forces of the Naga destroy their palaces one by one, the Dragon must choose between the
hope of a new beginning and the condemnation of an empire. And on an ivory throne a woman
with a hand of black glass lifts a forbidden veil and decides the fate of an empire.
The Ancient Halls of the Lion (Lion)
"Speak not the of past or the present. If the future is to be changed, we must
challenge fate - and win."
- Kitsu Motso
From the day of its founding, the Lion Clan has been the defender of the Emperor, serving
his every need and destroying his enemies on the fields of battle. During the Clan Wars,
Lions' loyalty was questioned and the throne they served was usurped by a terrible, dark
power. For three years they have struggled to reforge their broken unity, but to no avail.
While their champion leads an army on a cause known only to her, the Jade champion sits in
the Lion palaces guided by a dark power. If the Lion hope to escape a terrible destiny,
they must have the strength to claim the Throne and save the Empire from the darkness
within humankind's own heart.
The Ruins of Isawa Castle (Phoenix)
"I hear the darkness move, and words are whispered into the wind. Somewhere,
someone is making the elements bleed."
- Naka Kuro
Since the dawn of the Empire, the Phoenix have been devoted to the search for wisdom.
Their Elemental Masters, the most powerful shugenja in the Empire, fell prey to dark
sorceries, leaving the Phoenix broken and defeated. Now the last survivors of the Phoenix
gather in ruined palaces, hoping to rebuild what was lost. The greatest shugenja of the
generation, Naka Kuro, guides the novices on their paths to wisdom - but will their
salvation come too late?
The Provincial Estate of the Unicorn (Unicorn)
"Let the Empire know this: there can be no peace without security. We are the law
that stands between Rokugan and chaos, and we intend to stand our ground."
- Shinjo Yokatsu
For hundreds of years, the lost clan of the Ki-Rin were absent from the fields of Rokugan,
following a destiny apart from the Empire. Now the clan of the Unicorn stands among the
other Great Clans of the Jade Empire, judging the crimes of the populace and governing the
law of the Empire. Their armies march across clan boundaries, stating their claim to
govern as the right hand of the Jade Throne, and their magistrates declare martial law in
the name of the Emperor. They are the Emperor's right hand, bringing one victory after
another to the feet of the troubled lord on the Jade Throne.
The Hidden Temples of the Naga (Naga)
"Sometimes humans cannot see the darkness, even when it shrouds their eyes."
- Tausha
Long before the rise of Rokugan, an ancient race of serpent-beings formed a civilization
of great beauty and power. Then a dark time fell over the land, and one by one the Naga
fell into a thousand years of sleep. Since their time, the race of humans has built a
grand empire on the lands the Naga once knew. As they stand on the gateway of the Dragon
mountains, they seek to uncover a secret that has been lost for a more than a thousand
years, a secret they will give their lives to destroy. But against an empire united in
battle, will their strength be enough to change their future?
The Shadow Stronghold of the Bayushi (Scorpion)
"There is no secret, nothing seen or unseen, that I do not control. I am the
seeker of truth and the keeper of lies."
- Aramoro
The Scorpion, Rokugan's darkest clan, have always been the keepers of secrets and the
wardens of dark truths. Emperor Toturi's disappearance left blood on Scorpion hands, and
their clan was condemned to an exile beyond the borders of the known world. Hidden in the
shadows of the Empire, the last of the Scorpions bide their time against the wars that
tear across the lands of Rokugan. With the Emperor's return, the time for their revenge
grows near, and poisoned words whisper through the Empire. Their allies have given them
the power to bring the Empire to its knees, but the cost will be the Scorpions' soul.
The Shadowlands Horde (Shadowlands)
"It is never too soon for revenge."
- Moto Sada
The dark forces of the Shadowlands have stood for an eternity, their evil corrupting any
who come into their realm. Where undead roam and terrible oni twist former samurai into
mockeries of honor and faith, a new army rises - one whose only goal is revenge. Once the
challenge has been offered, only the blackest of hearts can summon the darkness back from
the abyss, bringing the power of the Shadowlands once again to the realm of light. Deep in
their most hidden fortresses, the legions of the undead prepare for their new assault on
the realm of the living, led by a living prophecy - the heart of the darkness that awaits
only a destined Hero.
Toturi's Army (Toturi's Army)
"Some say life is led by destiny, but the future can be defeated. A man's fate
lies nowhere but in the palm of his own hand."
- Toku
At the bidding of their returned lord, the servants of Toturi desperately try to fulfill
the commands of the Light of Heaven in the rapidly dissolving Jade Empire. Though the
Emperor has returned, he is dark and troubled. Toturi's eyes hold a strange shadow, as if
he has seen some tormented future. Armed with faith and loyalty, these warriors lead the
last remains of the Emperor's once-powerful armies across Rokugan. If some evil guides the
Emperor's hand, their hope will be shattered and their new lives as samurai will once
again be destroyed. But if Toturi's visions hold the truth, then the shadow that is to
come may be the final end of the Empire...
The Brotherhood of Shinsei (Brotherhood)
"Sometimes the voice of peace must ring like thunder."
- Takao
Through a thousand years of preparation, the Brotherhood of Shinsei has fulfilled the
prophecies of the ancient Tao, guarding the Empire through its turbulent history. Now is
the time of the New Tao, a continuation of Shinsei's teachings. It is the New Way, a new
hope for enlightenment and peace in the dawning of the Age of Man. Desperate to unlock the
secrets of the new Shintao, the Brotherhood has sealed itself into deep meditation,
allowing nothing to disturb its contemplation. The prophet the Monks await has not come,
and their struggles to understand the New Way only lead to more confusion. Their attempts
to bring peace have failed, and now the Brotherhood must learn the ways of war.
Yoritomo's Alliance (Mantis)
"Only a fool stands in the path of a storm."
- Yoritomo
Across the hills and plains of Rokugan, the now colors of the Mantis are raised beside the
banners of the seven Great Clans. The Son of Storms has led the minor clans to victory,
earning the respect and grudging alliance of the imperial court. Now the armies of the
united clans once again march beneath a Mantis banner, one by one swearing fealty to the
Son of Storms. One by one, the Great Clans have fallen into anarchy and war, and the
Alliance waits for its time to steal the prize that rests just within its grasp. if the
Empire is to have peace, then someone must lead it from the brink of destruction.
The Towers of the Yogo (Scorpion)
Vengeance screams out upon the winds of Rokugan, and no force in the Empire is as much a master of revenge as the betrayed Scorpion clan. Forced to leave their homeland, the Scorpion journeyed to lands beyond the Sun, to a barren desert of deception and hatred. Now they have returned, bringing new allies and new magics, but their journey has changed them forever.
The Citadel of the Hiruma (Crab)
Torn out of the dark grasp of the Shadowlands, the banner of the Hiruma family, long lost, now waves in the dawning light. Of all the clans, the Crab have been the most scarred by the "New Age," their clan nearly destroyed by division and pride. If they seek to recover their strength and restore their destiny, they must learn to trust in the one thing they do not understand.
Sepulcher of Bone (Shadowlands)
In the blackened wastes of the Shadowlands, ancient heroes stir. Drawn back from beyond death by the power of necromancy, the souls of the lost gibber and wail. In fury they rise, streaming from the lands of the dead. Their legions are uncountable, their power immense. Revenge howls from every rotting tongue, and their sorcerous lord sits in his sepulcher and laughs..
The Kitsu Tombs (Lion)
Banners, tattered and fallen, wave sorrowfully from the high towers of the noble Lion. Tsanuri's forces on the Crab Wall wage war against an ancient enemy, but at home the Kitsu must deal with demons to keep themselves alive. Now their debt must be paid, and the price will be the blood of all they hold dear.
The New Akasha (Naga)
As the sky grows as red as blood and as black as pitch, the Pale Eye of the Moon is destroyed. Chaos shadows the land, and the earth shakes with terrible upheaval. Yet in the Empire's darkest hour, the secrets of the Naga may hold a final hope: one man stands among the serpent-lords, a hand of jade lifted at their side.
The Spawning Ground (Shadowlands)
Out of the writhing, tortured darkness and pits of Jigoku, terrible Oni craw, their mad laughter shredding the bones of the dead. The bonds that once held the monsters at bay are shattering, lost to the Shadow. Crushing the bickering clans of the Empire, they do not rise to subjugate and rule Rokugan: they march to destroy it.
Iron Mountain (Dragon)
Strong in their mountain keep, the Clan of the Dragon has a new Champion, and a bright moon hangs in the silver sky. The tattooed Dragon clan gathers beneath its gaze, ready to fight the Shadow with the secrets they hold. They are the last of the ize zumi and the beginning of a new family within the Empire. They are also the only ones who know the truth . . . .
Kyuden Kitsune (Yoritomo's Alliance)
The Mantis banner is tattered, and Yoritomo's control over the minor clans is splintering. Inspired by the deeds of the Crane general, Daidoji Uji, the Fox have stood their ground against all who denied them. In this most desperate hour, they must face the final battle alone. If courage alone makes a hero, then the samurai of the Fox will live forever.
Temples of the Crow (Monk)
Takao, Master of the Five, has commanded the Brotherhood to search the Empire. One half of the true Tao has been recovered, but half has been stolen, taken by the Darkness whispering from the gates of death. Without it, Jigoku will fall forever to the emptiness and shadow. The torn eyes of a mad prophet foretell the death of an Empire.
This text is from the various starterdeck boxes from FRPG's collectible card game, Legend of the Five Rings. These are owned and copyrighted by Five Rings Publishing Group, Inc.