RO LAYING GAME &/ TH a DANO |‘WRITERS RICH WULF SHAWN CARMAN H MASON BRIAN YOON FRED WAN EDITORS: DJ. TRINDLE KATLE YATES ADDITIONAL WORK: ROB VAUX CREATIVE DIRECTOR: MARK JELFO ART DIRECTOR: JIM PINTO GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: NATE BARNES MARIO RIVAS RODNEY SAENZ COVER ARTIST: NATE BARNES INTERIOR ARTISTS: CHRISTOPHER APPEL, STEVE ARGYLE, MATTHEW S. ARMSTRONG, DREW BAKER, BEET, JOHN DONAHUE, ‘AL EREMIN, CARL FRANK, DAVID HUDNUT, LLYN HUNTER, HUGH JAMIESON, APRIL LEE, MICHAEL KALUTA, MICHAEL KOMARCK, ‘MALCOLM MCCLINTON, TONY MOSELEY, LEE MOYER, WILLIAM O'CONNOR, JIM PAVELEC, BRAD WILLIAMS BERTRAND BESS MAUREEN YATES RAYMOND LAU, MARY VAL JOHN ZINSER CARTOGRAPHER: CHIEF OF OPERATIONS: BRAND MANAGER: PRODUCTION MANAGER: ORIGINAL CONCEPT: and il related marks sre ™ and © Alderae Entertainment Group Ine. Al ight PLAYTESTERS: Alen Elm, Alan Olson, Alex Andersson, Alex fones, Alexander J Skrabut, Angela Harris, Ankur Nguyen, Ashety Jetsico, Becky Anderson, Benjamin L, Noble, Bra Mosnster, Breit Cals, Bt an Bates, Catherine Prickett, Calin Mills, Chad Kindlll, Charles Etheridge-Nunn, Charles Fox, Chris Bums, Chris Koch, Christian Coriveau, Christopher LaHaise, C.J. Lesinks, Cony Mill, Dan: ‘Moenster, Danny Pichette; Darrick Harring, Dave Ashley, Davie Black, David Robotham, David Smith, DI Chagnon, Ed Owen Jones, Fric King, Erin Kogan, Enol Jaze, Greg Fitzimmons, Heath Hunt, Jamie Blizabeth Pinault, Jason Kang, lason Shale, fed Car feton, Jeremy Bulins, Jim Harts, Joe White, Joel Fry, ohn Olson, Jolin O'Nell, jon Schavaetz, Katheryn Bayne, Ki Chang Kin Kin Hosmer, Les Fulbrook, Liza Strout, Lynn Ahigren, Mate Quinta Mark Tumer, Matt Schenck, Mat Stout, Matt Wright, Mike Seo, Mike Webb, Molly Poole, Nathan Shafer, Patricia A, Pettinat Patrick Chen, Paul Hastmann, Paul Jenkins, Paul Meador, Rob Dake, Roger Liang. Roger Winter, Ryan Carman, Scolt Coutcher; Stephen Johnstone, Sieve DiPesa, Sieven Mileham, Steven Rious, Terry Baldvin, Tom Broivn, Tom Lewis, Troy The writers Would lke 19 offer thelr most slncere thanks to the playtesters, who went above and beyond to make this the best cation of Lk yet ADDITIONAL THANKS: RICH WULF: To the creators who made Rokugan rea and to the fans who made Rokugan last. And to everyone who knows I'm to0 shy to thank them AGAIN for everything they de, You prob ably know who you are SHAWN CARMAN: To all my crew in the Blue Whale Toupe, You aye beter frends than I deserve. SETH MASON: Thanks to Rich, Shawn, and D) for letting me play. In theit sandbox fora lle while and not leling mie bum out Tike a rosk star BRIAN YOON: I would ike to exterd my thanks to my parents, my brother Ted, the guys (Alen, Ane, Dave, Iason, KI, Pat, Rogen), #9 the LNCA, andl to Ashleigh, Withoutall of you, Twould have nev= ter come ths ar Last but not least, many thanks to Rich, Shavin, Seth, and AEG (at letting me work on this worderul seting FRED WAN: To every peison and every thing that taujht me to listen, to think, and to express myzell www lStcom =BOOK OF EARTH Factons of Rokugan 2. The Crab Clan fs the Crane Clan The Dragon Che The Lion Clan The Mantis Clan ‘The Phoenix Clen ‘The Scorpion Chan, The Unicom Clan ‘The Imperial Farilies Zhe Minar Clans The Ronin The Brotherhood of Shinsel ‘The Shadowlands The History of Rekupan What has gone before (Pre-Histony) First Century (100 16) ‘Second Gentury (101-200 IC) Thiel Century (201-300) Fourth Century (301-400) ith Century (401-500) Sixth Century (501-600), Seventh Century (601-700 IC) Eighth Century 701-800 IC). Ninth Century (601-900 1C) Eleventh Century (1001-1100 Ic. Twelfth Century(1101-1200 1C) ustoms and Culture The Celestial Order Samara. The Clon The Bonge TABLE OF CONTENTS Home al Hearth, Customs and Laws Government Crime and Punishment Travel ‘On (Face) Dishonor Bushido. Gempulku Seppuk Games Exiquete Leaning Gender Roles Love and Matlage ‘Adventurers Languages 100. Coin and Commerce War ‘Mal in Soclety Superstition | Time and Seasons. ‘Time in Rokugan Lore ofthe Land Climate (G) Foca Fauna . <8 The Cans % TheCrab Clan, <6) Thecrane Clan Me) The dragon clan 6) Thetion Clan @ The Mantis clan 7 ThePhoonix Clan 7 The Scorpion Clan 7 Thellnicor Clan 7 The Minor Clans 7 The imperial Families 4 Tho Brotheliood of Shinei 7 Ronkh § Prominent Ronin Famihes 8 Theshadowlands 8 § BOOK OF WATER “8 the Game of Twenty Quins 10 Genera Game Mechanic 1 Troll Keep. 6 1 Rings atts 2 sls 3 18 han Family Ssh 13 Chameter Points 14 Advani Disadenoges ono 3 18 Glory # Status 36 clog . 2 agit Rak Stil Rae BR Nice traces 2 sng sis 28 Makng Sil Ros 38 Leaning New Sls 28 inp 29 stasey Abies 22 ayn stls sual tbe Mesant Sl Bye Sk Low Sls Advantages Disacvanages| Fsanipe of Character Caton School ofthe Cab Cn School ofthe Gane Cin School ofthe Dragon Cha School ofthe lon Clan School ofthe Mantis Clan 2 Schools ofthe Phoentx Clan School ofthe Scorpion Clan School ofthe Unicom lan Imperl Sehoole Sel ofthe Minot Clans Ronin Schools okugel Names Male Names Female Named Hess Table 48 3 70 ve 1, 150 152 BOOK OF FIRE Basic Die Rlls Exploding? Dee ‘Ten Dice q Types of Rols ‘Skil Rolls ‘Raw Trait Rolls Rave Ring alls Spall Casting Contested Rolls Combat What isa Raise? TN Modifiers Blinded Going Without Alt Poison and Disease. Specific Plsons/Disease Motsubishi Polson Metsubis Crafted Metsu Improvised Metsubishi Void Points Oiler Uses For Void Points ‘Combat Resclution Skitmishes, The Combat Round. Aitack ane Defense. Wounds Healing Combat Postures What Cant Do tn a Round? Rakes TN Modifetse cee Special Combat Situations Grappling jutsu Duels Ranged Atak Unarmed Combat Armor Weapons ArONs Bows * Chain Weapons. Heavy Weapons and Axes Knives Ninja Ranged Weapons Peasant Weapons Polearm and Spears staves Swords ‘War Fans. ‘Miscellaneogs Items Clothing and Accessories Item Quality Glory and Status. Status Glory 158 158 ee 58 159 159, 159 159 159, 139 100. 160 oo 100) 161 101 los 165 165 les 166 160 16? 167 167 18 169 is 169 170 170 170 17 im 2 i 173 vs 175 iss i) na 187Honor Honor Losses and Gains ‘iher Aspects of Honor Kate Kata Format Common Kata. Grab Kata... : ‘Crane Kata Dragon Kata ion Kata... : ‘anils Kata. , Phoenix Kata ‘Seorpion Ki Unicorn Kata. i ‘Mass Bante oa Resolving Battles. ee Step One; Decl Step Two: Tes of Battle i Sigp Thrse; Determination «. Step Four Resolution... 5... Special Rules: Naval Battles. Speclal Rules: Fighting the Shadowlands a ‘after he Bathe fe Batlle Opportunites «2... Experience ancl Character Progression. Experience Points aoe ‘Charasier Propression Awarding Experience Points BOOK OF AIR 2 The Way ofthe Kam! . ‘The Kami, the Sun, afd the Moon (Cosmology, Spit Real: andthe Afterlife... Fu Leng. - The Seven Fortunes... ve The Lesser Fortunes Anjsestors. Sins Fotk Manis eae Dragons. - The Spirit Realms « Newurana} Oi Nemuranai Rules Shells and Magic. .... Teaming Spell Innate Abilities... Casting a Spell... Range and Area of Effect, «+... Ritual Magic Afiniy/Defciency : Concentration Levels and Duration Ralees vo... Universal Spells Emportine i Sen: Al Spells, Mastery Lsvel 1 Mastery Level 2 Mastery Le Mastery Level 5... Mastery Level 6. Earth Spells Mastery Level ) Mastery Level 2 Mastery Level 3 ery Level 4... Mastery Level 5... Mastery Level 2. Mastery Level Mastery Level lastery Level 6. Void Spells Mastery Level 1. Mastery level 2. Mastery Level 3 Mastery Level 4... Ma Mastery Level 6. sc Water Spells Mastery Level 1 ‘ Mastery Level 2. Mastery Level 3 Mastery Level 4 Mastery Level 5 ery Level ery Level Moris Common Qualities... Portunist Monks Students of the Tao Ancestor Worship ayinga Monk... Monk Schools The Four Templ a The Shrine of the Seven Thi The Temple of Kaimetsu-uo ‘The Temple of Osan0-W0 + cer ‘The Temples ofthe Thousand Fortunes iho. Martial Kiho Internal Kiko Khaimic Kaho Mystical Kilo Non-Monks and Kiho Ale Kiko. Eater seit vrs Cuma Fire Kiko: Le ‘Void Kiho, 6... ieee Water Kiho bi ainivlands Taint, « Protection Dangers ofthe Shadowlands Taint Faint Sympioms. : Living With Taint Removing the Taint... 256 258 259. 201 261 261 202 263 26. ‘Major Shadowlands Powers . on) Greater Shadowlands Powers « 264 +e Natural Shadowkands Creatures... . 264 Qo Deformtties vos ai Seanfeaten.c 0 a and Shadowlands Powers... 264 z, ‘Minor Shaciowlands Pow aaa: a Malor Shadowlands Pow 25 Mastery Level 3, ++ Mastery Level 4. 2 Mastery Level BOOK OF VOID ...2 Game Mastering Tips. q/ aetlleem 2 Gabins First Samual the First Party Mointaining 2 Campa. ‘Creaiures and Non Player Ghatacters 5 Creature Riles. oss es Creatures: Rolkupan: Eras of Play Danyn of the Empire Relgn of the Gozoku The Second Rise of luchiban Scompion Coup Era Pie The Clan Ws ‘The Hlicklen Emperor. - Waragains! the Darkness. The War of Spirits The Four Winds Era. 1,000 Years of Darkness» ‘Geography af Rokugan The Lands of the Crab. ‘The Lands of the Crane. ‘The Lands of the Dragon the Lands of the Lion 4 Lands of the Mantis Lands of the Phosnis Lands of the Scorpion - Lands of the Unieorn The Ulises and inoy Clan Lancs ‘Major Geographical Te, Lands beyond! Rokagan. 2 Suggested Reading Legendef the Fine Rings Sourcebooks Cultural Resources Character Conversion Glossary of Rokugani Terms.i BOOK OF EARTH seeerettitntnreernttncntean akuro stared sight a8 he walled out of the sake ‘Rouse, wincinig al the bright light of the moming sun. isto enmeshed as they pe ou on eh Zid sie usted fro the previous evening’ eatxiakanents Tauro pce about his wth an aogert ser. He a his brothers had artved in this village almost a week ago. Tris place was excused to being vse by samurat fhe peasants ve wee ilar ata. They fad fred ro andodgrg th quit ee, ting rohan returlear petri by the i ions ts Fi euro and is brothers Ra de i he kd ths ila asin 4s he Woked around, howe, he real! tat somelning was Eien The pattie eil usa the es of he pen square Irfore ese house Tey wolched quel, walling Tere wast “earin their yes, hut was diferent somehow. You are the ronin that calls himself Tirkuro?* called out ¢ extn Hole A roan spp formant fom the shadon of blag aco MBE A the clo wax cape over hls ead and shoulders o Ina he evening cl. ike Tokar cn his boters, he 0 Tbsnonds on i ip, te symbol of sam ua Suddenly the haze of Ture’ alcoho land exhaustion aie By csr of aera, He et his rts tens hes had allen rain tng enough fo now the dangers 0 Ife they ed. Sarr were wri soles ws be serve te ihn her daimyo. Aron, astrmiat with no aster was, Lncontil orc in the Emp. Though ey ofl no alone ayn hey had no preton save their ox om Tal, *he roe, “What business have yu ih ne rn en ceguainiance of young lad bythe name of Sethe Stangerrpe. “She hos told me tht ys treaty herine cess: fal manner sth er ‘Toktino laughed, and his iaughter was echoed levwdly by his Srothicrs. Yes Ws true, and ishat of te" he asked. "She Is nothing, Ht gis.” “Shes my fiend” thesiranger sad “are the men and wom. eet ofthis vifape: if you are men of honor you will offer them your “pate te pousants Tauro se wth & laugh, “Thay ae vl eo hem as pase andy say ut OF ato what you plese. minum the man seemed tH spi vor “then so sil >= an ples me to ition his ena oo tient gd beste ith tence.” Tutu eye he mr coutoust “You rec et ange sad "Tete are thn of ws n-ne." So younesep myshallenase” he an ashe So bei" Taku laughed. "do nat know Whe you sme fom, buat you a com alana We fo din thi fone village ‘he man altowad Hs cook o fal fom Wi shoulder, revealing long shite hair ard a bait bi: inion, the mon of a crane standing on one lgibLdzOncd ois igh sould He asta hisstance, holdirig hier and pm up aver the hilo olan as (fofermg gift He look! up, fmgeold estat blue eves upon His bothers #y name is Koa isu, “he ep in cen even voce, “and Ieper the Ese House ofthe Cra” A chill of arnan dyn Taku gti The Kosa yere among the st report swore the ER Even so, Was foo theroninan late to bastedovn noi, Hrecould nolshoveyseakness from of these fy pecan ate el Bitn a he ha. The me's in there was no reson OF eho Be fr re A aan Psst Brothers ‘her fora the defn cy, awn thee Blodes anal mov dg to lant Mitsuo. The Crane glanced quickly fro to the ext cad ela alow stance. He ducked seathiyto one side avollng the fst a sor aa Reng a the man's ame to throw hi off balun Masi’ bade Ges fee ois she dnd ns hone este than the con olen: ving nan upysent stroReand cect the second blate with clang The swerl ccm ace doit wth a savage stoke; cutting clean acs the fst man's Bock. The second man's block ished cut gen on hs hme Misuse quite quickly enough, aft of Dood welling across islet cr. Hs retura ‘roe is eles ising Wade asi rh osha Grand faving Tabu broher to fal nto ces. é tBOOK OF EARTH Mitsuo (ured, bate still hand, and faced Takuro agam. The leave ofthe ronin stil stow! atthe doors ofthe sake house, watchiryg the battle placid, “These rer) were your brothers” Kalin Mitsuo hissed. “You would not fight beste them?" ‘Takuma laughed. “They hac no chanceagainsta Crave,” he,etote, Beller that they should dle thar. Tey served ther purpos “Fill stand,” Mitsuo replied, moving toward 7Tukuro began (0 bac away, “Not for long,” he 0 grow weaker every momento blew. A bit longerand wena Keka, waxy pr You Will not de that lng, to forvan Tabu, blde acl fh. The rorrin wre ils ov bake ne lv, deflecting the Crunes stoke. He drewa ke tn ls fee handarat ‘slashed fr gms the Kaltla slonech, The man’s blue eves widened, with pain, Taleur expected the man to falter but he ld not. He flea «old sensation in hie shoulders Crare sll severed his arm. A swift i oni vere, “You the Crane snail. He leapt Ick sent him spacing ta the earth Takuro laughed as the taste of his ewn blood filled his mouth, He Jooleel up at the Crane defiantly. “Fol! he spat. "You ae days from, ‘any heal: You miay kllme, bu you wil dle of your wounds as wel. You ave prven your life for not The Crane only snd. "For the conan there s.0 fy" he sald ln caste woe. “For the hero there 10 ath” ‘Then Kalita Milsuo's bale fe one last me, and ended Taku ros if. Factions of Rokugan story of Legend of the Five Rigs Is ultimately the story of the Great Cl sich as the Mie ror Clans, Imped sadovslands. The character you play in Legend ofthe Five Rings wilhal from one ‘of these groups. While al of them wll be discussed in detail Jater in this book, here Is-a brlef synopsis of each of the ma- Jor powers in Rokugan that might help inform newer players as they consider which ofthese groups they might enjoy playing, T and other smaller factions Famili, ronin, and the The Crab Clan Descenslants of the mighty Kami Hsia, the They patio the Enpres southvestem order whet mets the tied Shad ulanis, Daly cine ses. pe Son the Great Carpenter Wal: giving Tht West the oer eas may he ire eetilta let ea cLenl sood ie Crab Nelle aay above lle ep above hore 70 he ra eo ats moe Che al hel ty, ey ae eleae ten honor vl doe to poet those ho depend ont AC rest puny ade CA pu unkempt and dhmght ue, baton questions te enh or courage, The Crane Clan the Crane pursue excellence in a Their founder the Kami Def most beautlal and eloquent of ers and sisters, ind i yas sh things was the tablished the traditions now customary in the Emperor's Court, Dojf husband Kakiia established the formal dueling sys> tem of iajuisu, and served as the Emperor's personal champion, Throughout history, the Crane have beer interswined with the Imperial fine, providing beautiful bridles for the vast majority of Rokugan’s Emperors The Crane are the F Left Han) defending his honor ‘and his Eaypire In court se muaintaiping the taclttons lac preferential statis wth the Impe Hal line Is renown, as they tend to have fewer taxes and more ifs heaped upon them. They are the masters ef sours, and have, the wenkth commensurate with such a postion, The Dragon Clan etn rest ee mea oe es, other eey ofthe Sun and Moon He Shale folovers among ie Digby Cit ferent the mourns al eae poe Iveading WIT re Ae on on Ce te aa Dee Sia) ese lee olacinicie pete eh Gee ene vee anit encrusted eee ie anne a Sethe ap om ther pis Stages of a the Orgs fave ruil oes of toed monks among th mune, fier and emer no bear my sca iets cg the isan ables beyon thas poecested by als Ue i ie es Gee gyi cerca ct doyen by thelr founder. Th igue, a unique fightlg The Lion Clan Tithe Cane st atthe Fiperor’s Let Eland then the Lon aré surely 10 hls Right. ‘the Lion ave the most mnltant ancl agiees- sive of all clans. They revere bushido and loyalty 10 the Emperor as lies v9 most essentla yoverning princples They iain the Langest standing army In the rivaled only by’ that of the Une Clan, Many of histry's most brillant generals have been, ‘product of Lion raining, and while itis not strictly true, many stil belive the old sage that no Akocotrained general has sn deleated on the bat The Lion’ rigidity and set adheience 10 taclition has resulted In dificult dipiomae selations with ther clans, host notably the Crane and Ssorpion, but in recent years the Unicorn as wel el.The Mantis Clan Beanie eno! crested by Kam, Be etiy re ln: oe erator Bo) cciastaiary oral en Denia Fis rafal claim leader ‘of the Crab Clan, Kal astead fone et Minor Clan along fapwer: caning outa eager exstece fmt topical wands off Rosugans coos Pe cence Get cao tne eeoray ef Thane Be erga ie Wits no bate angle ke ott as ene ane! te re rca te Mens piesa oppor Ther eer acct Wait acer yori Palos bored Rocio, Whe the Mant ue to cast ale eer iaa We ard ek ea fence ha ny pre anaes pects ar gute conmon ams er members The Phoenix Clan Shiba as unquestionably re wisest Kam, so much s0 that he cast ase pide and arojance fo voy fo panic the desse: Gite of Isa, the gresiestshugen of je tha ay, the Ph Peerarely delawalnivacaie for enlgnenens, ensuring thelr poston ‘#6 the preatest shugenja In the Emplre. Three fhe clan’ fou ales ve devote to studing the elements \viththe Shia working:o detend and protect the cian lanes {vas Shi ecodedthe consersaton betes the Emp {and Shins dng nef var th the Shadow Fists Alledhe fatto become ths preeminent sages Rok andalloter clans ecognice tele masten The Phoendeare elle Speier this, hough mary corsidrhemanicanl Hathyasyecl While the Lon are the Right Hand anline Cane arethe lef the Phoenix ar surly hs Voke,camying the messi offeaceshenaverthe classe um apainstane another adovlands, The Scorpion Clan When tke Empre vas formed, the Baspror gave each clan a duty to perlorm in his il fame. The cluty given to the Scorpion is ihe topic of much debate among. cher [f ‘ans, and the Scorpion are not talking, VpR Ostensibly, the Scorpion were given the Alary of protecting the nvehe Black Scro ponte arlats used to bind the pone of Fu Feng. Others believe, however, thatthe Scorpion’ nae dy 610 Heep the clans continual at odds with one anothes, ensuring that none will ever have the strength to rise against the Emperor Forthisreason they av cal the Emperors Uindthan a fam: lly of spies, manipulators, and assassins who valuc loyalty above alles. Honor snot beyoni them, bu [ts atl to be used and Alscarded. when convenient Theyre the dogger hat sires fom Shadow ard lminaes teats before they become dangerous, The Scoplon havea broad denon of trea” however a the te Iothaton behind thet schemes snot oe clea to Sa the east Many clans cespise them as a resuik,thotigh theirsveh of blackmail awlsecetsis wound so ly that ew would oppose them rf The Unicorn Clan ‘Once Known as the KERN Clan, the samu- Rokugin a fey years alter the fist Day of Thunder. 11 was Shinjos hope that other teats to the Empire could be averel by tlscovering them first. For eight centuries, they roamed the world, exploring stiange Jands and cultures, Less than three hundred years ago, they rtumed to Rokugan asthe Unicorn Clan and re sumed thelr rightful place among the Great Clans. When Shinjo reluimed during the War against the Darkness, she purged! her clan of subversive Influences and appolnied a barbarian from across the Ihining Sands as the new Champion of hee people The Unicorn are vastly diferent from other elans, iluenced more than ay other clan by gaijin cultures. The ruling Mowo family have unique traditions sind practices that eause many to, rar them as gain or barbarians, an accusation that the Moto do nothing to refute. Many hold them in low regard, but fear ‘them for thelr military might The Imperial Families Aisies ce ecetann a eliciecene ion (eure Ore ae eee eae ena reer a Eaiian yraimeaciallorsioecccbore get nite eece heal Seine Kee ke ROR Oe Bei outer psig ebm telmea Cnt Gren In ls absener the Sepp sre Ris Baran deel ihe ives to prtecinghin foal har eT, aly, te the Empeory most ee ad fanaa servants oun aietiy Soni cee pe ret at mec el veo fense The Minor Clans ‘Save forthe Mantls, the Great Clans have existed since the Em. pire was founded. Since that time. many Em perors have found ‘calls to reward thele most Joyal subjects by permitting them. to similar tothe Great Clans but con vastly smaller scale nor Clans typically conteot smal traets of land ard are made up of single fay of samral en numbering only a fev dozen at most ‘Minot Clans jn existence during the Lotus Fa include the Bayer, Bat, Fox, Hare, Monkey, Ox, Sparow, and Tortose Clans, with the Tostolse Being osiensibly the most powerful jen thelr postion as the Minor Clan representative athe Im: perial Court, Minor Clans that have been destroyed or absorbed. Include the Boar, Certipede, Falcon, Snake, and Wasp Clans. ‘The Ronin No matter how pro: there ‘To hese samira, known as ronin, or ‘wave men," the notion of alfe without duty Is far worse than death, Some ronin are bom to this lot, the child ofa samural who chooses not to recognize his offspring for whatever reasen. Others are east out for fallure, ented even the honorable redemption of seppuku. Still others, choose 19 abandon all oaths for a Iie of ps cholce no true samurai could even make. tteate a Minor Clan, ty: serous o beleaguered the Empire becomes, always samural who serve no master but themselves. HiNVI4O 1OOTBOOK OF EARTH Ronin fed as a lower class by most shan Samural. Even the Minor Clans can fook down upon ronin, fer they have nothing to call their own and na lord or com to proieet them. Peasants frustrated gant samural can celebrate petty victories against ronin, refusing them service or lighting them in other ways. Thouel a difficult [ifesiple results from the decision to affillare oneself With the ronin, fOr some the freedon they gain surpasses t anvkardness| ha Mfetime of service The Brotherhood of Shinsei The people of Rokugan are very mich a spiritual people, pure as they are by evidence of divine betngs anil elemental spits. Some choose to devote their fet studying the balance of al things and the wisdom coniained within the Tae of Si Sel, the compiles wisdom taken from the teachings of Shins the Liele Prophet, Some choose to study the Tao carly in if, waite man shave thelr heads nd enter monastery at the time ofthis reticent The Brothethove! of Shinsel is the governing body that over sees thousands of shrines and temples throughout Rokugan, unconcerned with materialism, anc wih polis, The driving goals: foster spiritual enlightenment and cultural provements, The Shadowlands For every light, a shadow falls, Just as the Kami Great Clans and Empire of Rokuyan, the Fallen Kai tite Shadowlands. This vast reglon to the south of Rokugan fs ghtmarich place comrypted by the poner of figoku, the Realm of Evil Somewhere deep within the Shadoslands the Festering Pt of Fu Leng, a vast poral Into Figokuy, where mans and evil spirits 1 ly from theit realm Into the realm of mortals. The Shadowlands tems demons called oni, goblins, ogr ‘creatures, many’ of them unique. In the past decade, new leader has taken control of the Lo Ihave succumbed to the Taint. This man, Dalgotsu, has carved 4 vast empire of his own, a dark reflection of Rokugan, deep Wwiltn the Shadowlands, Few mortal souls h Wis City of the Lost and lived to tll theta ail of Ie piste! and! evil, tolls, and countess other ‘powerful living humans who Military Ranks ‘Though Rokugant militany offices have no direct transla lion to westemn nitty ranks ane nits the following ist fives a rough Iranslation of the ranks from the highest ranks to the lowest ‘Fanslation Troops commanded kepsrroeae a “Clan Leader Eni Rae Generel Amy (aimye'sescetion) Shc! ‘Commande it Bn elon) i i Goa Gh ibenant ston irig Niuat tol Private none The History of Rokugan What has gone before (Pre-History) Bofore the fall of the Kimi, before the rise of mar, shete Were others. The oldest elvitization known to have existed In the lane now known as Rakugan was tha of the Naga. A race (of mystical, paeifstic seypent-men, the Naya carve great civilization that spanned th em Empire, Thelr history was marked by conilit Just as any ‘lhe history, but following their ovn situggles for supremacy ‘nel ar with the mysterious Astiakan from aeross the desert the Naga established a peaceful and philosophi c far western reaches of the mou al soit that Felged for many cent Fventually, the Naga entered an enchanted slumber in order to preserve their ying rice and combat some unlenaiy future ‘enemy. In thelr Wak tas that oF the Neamt, also known as Ratlings by mod cm Rokugank The Nezumf profess to have had a vast empire Of their own, one in which they conquered the king ofthe ores that dveled where the Shadowlands are today. Although other civilizations emerged. The gx samuel efuse to believe that the abominable ogtes that erved! Fu Leg might ever have been clolized ereatures, there is some small amount of evidence to support the Neetmt’s as: sertion. Whatever the truth may be, both the civilization of th Nezumi and that of the egies was destroyed with Pu Leng’ fall i, altheugh both races con- from heaven over & millennium a sinue to exis to this day ‘Atleast one othes civilization existed prlor to that of man- kind: the trolls. Whether created or merely corrupted by Fu Leng. the trolls nevertheless managed to forge a considerable kingslom throughout the Shadowlands, This kingdom bowed tothe rule of the trolls, survived the reign of the Nezuml, was Incorporated Into the dominion of Fu Leng, ad finally was shaitered during the rule of Hida Osano-Wo, child of Hida himself, who led the Crab Clan ina viclous war against the trolls, Remnants of their civilization still exist, howe a5 the dark city Volturnum, site of the Battle of Ot Gate. First Century (4-400 IC) ‘oF the Celestial Hears from the worklof Hantei and his siblings. The eatty ulbes of Roku ore this date which may seem apocryphal: mortal men yore formed from the blood of Loxd Moon wounds and the teas of Lady Sun shed in the wake of the fallof thes children. However, the witys of civiity re unknowable sar none an truly sty hw longi ok forthe Kam 1 fl One nove overlooked or many centuries was tv death of Ryo: ‘hun, the Ter Kami, Ryoshun never fel as hisstblings ld, but led ‘within his fathers stomach. Ryoshunsspint passed on tothe Rf ay area ofexistence berveen al] he Spine Realms. He remain! there ‘ouard the spints ol the dead fora eternity,early Events fost Gisel Toshi, th Inthe calendar year 7 immediately afer “This yell there behind lent Phaenie Cl hing oftime. Coronation of Hantel 1 Following a tournament bet FurTeng, and of course Ryos themost worthy rulerof Rokugan, Atthe end of the touraient, ‘When the last Akodo Fognshi speaks in words of prophecy falls, 50 falls the lass Hrantel.~ The War Against Fu Leng and Creation of the Shadowlands Shortly a Isiye ftom the Festering Pit, tainting the southern lands of Rokugan. The fmles of the Lost Brother, FU Leng, svar across Rolin and destroy ail in thelr path, ‘The servants of the Hi valiantly for de des, But find they are slowly los ing the War The Tao of Shinsel written: year 42 A strange iiile man arrives in the court Of the Hante), promising that he ean give the Kami vitory aver the armies of Tu Leng, Hist, however, he gains audience with the cami themselves, and speaks 10 Hantel at fengih. Shiba copies down the linle m wisdom dutifully; this texs later beca Tao of Shinsel, the foremost religious ti Rokugan, ‘The Day of Thunder: year 42 When ths vat foks bl ich ofth Ehins, Hiea AUavasi, Doji Konishike, Mie moto, Matst, Isawa, Shosuro, and Orsku ipin Shinsei on a journey to the Shadow Tannds fo defeat the falien god Fu Leng. All Of the Thunders die there, save one. Death of Shiba: year 42 Aifer the defeat of Eu Leng, Shiba jou eye into the Shadowlands In search 8f Shinsei and the Thunders. Shiba. Is ional wounded slaying the First Oni but ensures that Shosura reiums to the Empire alive ersone mortal from lly Is established re fall of the Kami. the Black S fow thoupht destroyed by all but the Phoenix who alls ofllusion ancl misdirection, remains ihe eailest sign of cultured” human habitation after the be nletis determined to be exp the fall of the Kam), waves of da Shosuro’s Return: year 42 ‘The inal Thunder, Shosuro, returns fron the Shadowlands with calls. Shosuro survives her journey only by mak Ing a pact with the Lying Darkness, and immediately thereafter off the persona of Shosuro to become Sos, founder of the Scorpion Shugenja family Shinjo's Exodus: year 48 With the war against Fu Leng now effeaively at an end, the cant) Shinjo determines that she must leave the Empire a the world better prepare the Empire for lis dan fnilies of the Kl-RIn Clan — the Otaku, fuchi and ide — choose to follow her, Before leaving, H tel granted Shinjo one ofa pair of magical mierors ‘reated by Shi ‘allow Shinjo to communicate with Hantet even fn distant lands, Death of Flantel: year 45 Crippled bya lingring injury during the War Against Fu Leng, Haniel spends the last months of 4 ind Isat. The mierots would life beciden. Unable to cary the nenso vctorytothe Emplte Hanes charges a boy named Fly with the eesporsibity of bringing the joyous tidings. to all, Shortly aflervard, the Son of Haven clases his eyes and dies tebt with what he and Is broth sssters hme done, Many beleve, he he Ht rejoined his otter in the Ce Crowning of Hantel Genji: year 46 ue to a period of mouming, the Emerald Thqone stands empiy fora shor time while the Empire recavers fromthe year and the n. Hantel Gent), son of Hantei, is crowned Haniel fie months alter the death of his lathes Genji, also called the Shining Prince, sponsible forthe majority ofthe socia ltions of the mocern Empire, Genfis reg Insts over two hundred years, the Blood of the Kam) Hantel strong in his veins. Han= ies 4 Doji woman, cementing tel Genji the traition oF the 4 Crane bride and the concept of pi geniture (Inherltance by the first-born. antel Emperor taking Birth of Hida Osano-Wo; circa year 48. ‘Osan Wo, second son of the Kani Hida ‘and offspring of the Thunder Dragon was bboun in this year HINV] dO NOOT= 2 & 6 Me 8 6 2 Hida steps down as Champion of the Crab: year 63 ‘Though Hica is a powerful Kam he recogn es macy traits in his son Osano Wo that he himself itcks, m pariular leadership and le upan his son. Hiclathereafer soft een le Ing lange groups of specially selected samuralon brutal sitkes deep. Sintcowlands (sometimes lasting up toa year). He other ‘wigeJeaves the clan in his son’ hand ‘The Phoenbx Clan find Uikkas, the Serene Prophet: sirea year 72 lek dte prophet of Shinsels Tao, Isa young chikl cursed with the. sao prophecy: His ravings are altematelyinspiing or bailing, but many of them Involve the future or Interpretations ofthe Tao. The Phownis take bim into thei custo, ‘nouncements dutifully. Although Uikku was young and seemed out ‘ftouch vith the wor his understanding the Tao was legendary ‘and the scrolls conaintng his prophecies amaze schokars with thelr, accuracy. even tok, ‘Mantis Glan Found (sano Wo chooses to acknowledge his Meimate son Kerzay as his fer rather than the legitimate Kaimetsuo, Though relations ween Kenvan and Kalmetsu-Llo aré not hosis, Kalmetsu-Llo Teaves Crab lands find his ovr dessin: He finds Ir across the seas ‘of Rokugan, on he isles fe names the Isles of Spice and Sil. 2s {olloners all hemsehses the Mantis, though they are not ctareny acknowledged as a clan. (in fst, te very ike of creating Minor Glans fsa precedent that has not yet been established.) a tanseribe al of bis pro The Crystal Prison created: yea ‘The Seompion Thunder Shostro, ater passing through a dozen diferent faces and ideas, has Lagu to reallze that Her minds ‘no longer er olin. Fearing the influence ofthe darkness with her, she surrenders herself io the Kan "Togashifor help. Togashi ealizes i he cannot sve he, but he creates crystal prison deep beneath -Kyusden Toshi to contain the danger she represents. Shosuro a Jows herself to be confined, Disappearance of Bayushi: yea 83, The rst Scorpion i sal have lett hisrmask ancl iyo for his son, with ihe note “I have esther forever bore disappearing completly ‘Death of Uikku, the Serene Prophet: clr year 90 Fox Clan founded: circa year 90) The Fox are the descends of the KLRIn, those who remain be find when Shinjo ec her people out of Rokuzan, Those who would ¢ Foxe ovate From thelr ancestral ards by the Lion -ganicd new land! in Mod Kitsune family name and M- ‘no: Clan of their own. The Emperor forbids the Grent Clans fom, tdecaring war upon them (thus establishing the precedent by whieh Great Clans may noeniate warsvth MinorClans) become They: ‘Hida Osano Wo murdered: year 97 The Chmplor of the Crab is murdered by an unknown assassin, 1s lather Hida, 1s missing on a long expasikion in the Shadow lands, ad wath the powers of darkness on the rise Osanio WOS: son Kenan is teluctant to abandon his post, Instead, he sonds a message of distress to his half-bresher, who eagerly eaps upon ‘hance wo average ther father, Hunting the trai io Phoenfs ands, witha feet of Mantis salon beside him, KalmelsirLo arrives athe doors of Shiro Shia itself, When the Phoonbe refuse to open gies, Kaimetst-Lo etfes 1 his lathe for vengeance. Thunder oats sind. stroke of pore lighting opens the gates of Shiro Shiba, The ‘Phoenix quickly bscke dawn a 9 who so clearly acts on behalf ofthe clemenss themselves. The tailor elsu-ao' eustody and pally exocte, Shortly thereafter Phoents scholars request that the Hantel the status of Fonune upon tke departs! Hilt Osan Wo, Osano Wo Ishereater the Fortune of Fre and Thunder Death of Akasa: ceca year 99 ‘While suveying the constuction of the Holl of Ancestors ancl the koma Libraries, Akedo One Eye is caught in an tinespocted fight With beasts of the Shadowlands. The monsters make thele yay through the Shinomen Forest, preparing attack the fledging hor dles ofthe Einpice, Akode stands spysins the howe wth one hun dred of his men, and mess his enemty im what wats once the Seikes ‘Pass through the Spine of the World Mountains, When the bate ‘Seetis ost, Akedo cals out to his mother, the Sun Goddess, Wi- ness how brave rien ded. As the adkancing Shuclowlands beasts each hlm, Akodos mighty roar collapses the pass, binging davim a ‘mountain upon im an she enemy Kuni Nakanis notices Talnt on corpses: The firs sims ofthe Shadowlands Taint, and its eects, ane suc fed by the Crab Clan as early as the fst century after the Emypie’ fourvling. Thelr scholarly research has sied many lies, ane the Infomation they have been sible discover during the thousand years of peace have been truly remarkable Second Cenhny (101-200 1C) Reported Death of fogashl: year 104 ‘When Daj trves tothe ld ofthe Dragon ela to vis with her Irotey Moa, she fs wee avy at Ute pe, This was the st insws ofthe death of the Dragon ani ge 19 asset the samt rea year 100 Disappearance of Dojl: year 102 Lidly Dos wracked with depression after wateblng the fekle mar ial orl shiftand shangeat she remains constr. As she has never been close to fer sole remaining sling, Hida, Doyt beglns 10 fee ‘yer silone, With that, Lady Doi imparts her nal wisonto heron, ‘Mlo and walls ntothe sea, never fobs seen aga, Creation of the Baclger clan: circa year 110. The Raker Clan, ose of the smiles of Rokugan’ Mb fourded to puand the nosthem passes ofthe Empl. Book of Sun Tao written: ciren year 145 “The origins of the ma knox as Sun Tao are open ta speculation, but itis penorally beloved that ke wrote his treatise on ara ce ingthis period. The writings of terontn general are valued as greatly asthe observations of Akodo himself, sometimes even moreso. The. ‘msing original copies ofis manuscript ae among the most greatly prize easures in Rokujan. Emerald Magistrates and Emerald Legions founded! year 153 Experienced military offcer Doji Hatsu and skilled courier Soshi Sabbanlan begin to daft methods by which quality solders could, fbeconscipte! an magistrates could enforce the law ofthe Empire Huatsuo aed Saitanizan soon devise the framework forthe Inpeeal Legions and the Emerald Mapisttates, respective} The neve sytemyarantes thar the Emperor's conscripts and magisates will work realy, with powers that complement one another whhout blag ycessive. The system persists without mcical change t0 this Fee lnc nae ce ars Tete anet ici Sutras hon Be ietansconeia areicus Beis talc bh kecrs caine Brg ie teen ery nepacins oe ‘sani myth and legend. “Chird Century (201-300) DDhappesrance ofthe Kami Hk: year 210 (traditional date) Ihe yea 210 te age Kamo Cab tok up hs Tsien be irterded to seskout hs et on and dp Bea pas oe ereeon an Tiayention of Koku: year 243, ‘Yisukl Tanaka invents the kok. The system of exchenging Hens ‘ofiworth for goods or services existed log before Tanaka, bur tls, Ihe who designs the kokus ns it ix recognized! toviay, The kok de sip feaitzes the kan) of the Fortunes on one skle and ihe Karn on the eiher. Though they ae simple and recognizable, Tanaka's coins When the Emptor lnguiresss tothe nature of the strange litle copper coin (hick as, ahi point used exclusively by the Crave) Tanaka gladly provides the Emperor manage to confound most aliempis ab fone Death of antet Genji: year 247 TUNE his father: Gen) & sald to have ascended into the Celestial Heavens upon fis death, The lates part of Hartel Genfié mule se tes Shinseiim and the pillozophy of Shintao in the Empire, al- though it does not become widely popular unt later Sn the history ‘ofthe Empire ‘Death of saya Akuma: yeutr 285 ‘This date is portant to nove, as t conclates dilly ‘mengense of Oni Lonel kama from the Shndowlarxls, On, the de- ‘mons of the Shacowlands, pan reat power when they seal aname fom their summoner Aku, one of the most po sepoviedly siole his name i this year fiom ain Is, Fale the prise forambition and paver FEow'th Century (801-400) Beginning of Nezumi-Crab Alliance: ye This she einving ofthe fan Neva Heres ofwhlch the rab have ony esemiy adhnited openly. veh year OM simuta Karnia fins a stone rapport with Ratlngs, and forges the bonds of trust between man al Nezumi.The Neaurnibe- lieve that Kazuma possessed the saul of both human and Nezuny il went on to become a Transcendent sprit afierhis death Fotinding of the Snake Clan: year 330 Tnnpetal maple tees Chuda susessullyswes the Emperors We fom the deadly threat ofa matho sive domain of samurai Ls important t0 note that peasant laborers ate not pa Their lnbor together vith the moderate taxes upon the crops lsat they prow, repays thelr ord for allowing them t9 live upon and wore his fine a feudal system with proven viability over Ie genuine; In some eases a peasant may demand money in ref for Servges renee to a samurai who does not serve his lord, Most ofthis money ts then passed on to the peasants lore with only a small percentage retained to feed the peasant family AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY The lfebloos of Rokugan, Rokuganl foaniets work tremendously and indistriously — expested to provisle up to 60% of theirannual yfek! as taxes, This is esessary to provicle the fam ily and clan upon whose land the faimers work with enough sustenance forthe semural under thelr command. This means thatthe farmers mst redouble their efforts during the year 10 ensure that they have suilficent rps 1 not only pay ther 10x <5, but also to feed their ov family Idustry ts targely uniaoven In Rokugan. Forte most par material ods are hand erated on an individual bass, Because ‘the perception erafsmansipa either an at form ora Ia ‘bor beneath the samurai class, no one has vet stumbled across the notion of mass produstion, though the engineers ofthe Kalu family have begun to consider the pessibiles, ronunatly, crafismen and merchants in the Empire sill manage to (alll the majorly of such needs. ffl colnage exists in the Empire, barter sil stands ‘is a very commonly used means of exchange. The basis ofthe roku on foodstuffs makes It more attractive 10 deal in material -goodls during times of sti, asthe value of these items is less Tikely to fluctua War Thougi both the Code of Bushido and the Tuo of Shins sie the vinuieof compassion, thesimple at that samira are carer war avoided. With so ny ponerfl fistons ing in cloze proximity, vying for tesoutses an! political advan tage, open warfare rages quite commonly in Rokugan The Champion ofa Great Clan may declare war upon anoth ¢ Great Clan, but he must seek permission from he Empey bsfre full sale ar bogs ofthe voit Is viewed as leg Forthe most part the Emperor does not approve of his iguering one another ‘Agri a weaker opponent, a shan may opto resolve thelr tuck 50 rapidly that dhe Emperor as no tne to in iematly general might dray upon his couriers to find any humbsr of lego loopholes excusing the attack as legal, hl present an enemy previous actions as an attack (paling th yess acon as nothing mors than self defen presentan argument tha te atch isnot eshnically an a ‘all The Lion Clan, for example, age changed wth protesting the Emperor infers, andl have often sized upon a poo wheat go te Empire eens, ‘Minor Clas fl) under the protection ef the Emperor, pr teste extremely stringent laws forbidding invasion ino sly tertory. No Great lan may cslare war upon then 9 ai ason, though mst Gieal Clans ave ute alep ing rather innocuous actions as “ats of wa Minor Clans tend to avoid the court when possible to api avin the wath of amliousland-hungry sama, LEADERSHIP AND THE BOOK OF SUN TAQ. ‘There age vo primary lexts on warfare wh als study, Akodo's Leadership Kami Akodo and sppenvie by every i the Book of Sun Tad, & compersdiam of philosophy ard sta egy written bythe nearmythial rnin, Sun Tao. Fach of the foro books has a wealth of wisdom regarding texan, tacts and reaingihe inentefones opponents Leadership isexra the lange ofthe Wyo tex the Book of Sin Ta ts ich Mee focused and concise, Which of these two volutes holds ies freer wiklom continues io be a mater of somie debate; ms Stunning generals dea bea fom Both ‘The ovina copy of AKodos Leadership isthe possession 9 the Champion of the Llon, though lesser coples can be found Alisyibued througout Roksan The orignal copy ofthe Book of Sus Tao was ost, though dhe manusenpts the renin general copied forthe Dragon, Scomplon, and Hane remain intact and humerouis copies have boon mace fom these SIEGE WARFARE The Book of Sun Tao slates that "a desperate general beslenes an enemys city," Indeed, most Rokugan generals dread sles ‘warlare, and prefer to meet their opponents on even ground when possible. S both sides involved. Indeed, some samurai consiéer the idea fof hiding ftom the enemy behind Walls of stone and wood 1 bbe somewhat dishonorable. Most samurai are somewhat mom practical, and will take advantage ofthe defenses thelr lore pro= vided for them, arfare Is long. teclous, and tresome foleee fi Th Lion, svar of the Crab expertise, stem 10 “Gieansa bit of the knowledge of the Kalu siegemasters whenever posible: SURRENDER Earender is elshonorable or a Samu. Indeed, even the set Ufofferngsrrender o clearly superior opponent is dishonor ite, for suggests that the opponent would attack a foe that shes beneath him, Such an Inst ean be ancvered ony with, Wholesale slaughter An attacking force can request surener Avihout any implication of shame or diskoner, but most defend fs, Horoughly eonditoned to protect thelr land, nnely azcept ithe offer. Roktigan encourayes cliplomatte solutions to conflict, bul ros samira would rather die than consider surrender as anoption Nags share a similar philosophy, and would rather Gi together than stand defeated. Nezue do not have any of these qualms, though they prefer escape to surrender Commonly es the safe rete srs vin a formal of thet ampon) al duel, withthe lives of Heslowers asthe sakes. fhe ehallengervins th the fe Jviesare allowed so leave the fed of bale vith ono. tthe hillenget ose, the vstr may da ashe pleases vith the lives, Of the challengers olowers, SHUGENJA IN WAR Mos ange aries keep « unit of shugerja on hand, both a 8 Bolen Weapon agaist the enemy sind to eal upon the bless Ings of he Fortunes for the butles ahead. Shugenja alsa serve a Heals during combat. Once the bate & done, they give thanks the Karn ancl purify the tant af bla! and dead flesh Hstheviabiy sans victorious army, Daring combat, shugenjo ae always well proeeted, Though HS) Youally ear litle more than ight arm (heavier an ieveres sy theie connection to the kam) vojimbo proiet them Pella ayofimbo exis exclusively to give is ite for ashugenia ‘without hesitation. © Sfligenja stand Out ae the one exception to the samurays stil aversion to surender. As servants of the kam), they are _Shvays treated th respect ar offered the option of being Sfrioner when possible. Mosi shugenja realize how rare and Pssious thelr is, anc how avong it would be to deny) the Paibetlis. and accep the offer even the idea of being hel sla ib othenv ise inclembe. Hostacrs {2 Roksan, the ethics of hostage taking and kidnapping dl: Hes Kidnapping isthe lal thet of lik PUNShabie by execution, Hostages are y PPEHethchestayes family, mos ofento insure good beh S (ebro enemy. However, hostages are just as frequently gett an alianceTypkaly the second sono he al HOS Is captured, symbolizing that exch datmys tak PS or peace seiously wile remaining practical enciph to protest his primary ele: Occasionally these hostages requlted {0 swear fealty to thelr captors, and lear the school technigues ofthe lun, Should one clan betzay the other hostages will pay with thelr Ives. ‘Duting violent periods, it the Emperor’ right to invoke the Hiojichi (Hestaged Laws, requiring each daimyo to spend a month of every year in Olosan Uchi, After the daimyo returns home, hls family remains in the elty for another manth as hes: tages of the Emperor, The Emperor oul thus greatly reduce the chances oan diantzed attack by. holding the loved ones ‘of important figures: at any given time the relasives of a Clan Champion or his supporting families soul! be held hostage thus the Emperor could rely upon that clas to prawet hi Hostages ate ueated as honored guests, not prisoners. Ta treat a hostage well shows true mastery ofthe virtue of courtesy, A samutal held hostage Kaew that his presence prateets is chin’ imerests, ane would not endanger his clan by attempt Ing escape, Most ofthese hostages ore actually quite yeleome among their captors, and are invite! to trai at their captors ddgjo, Feang ta the nal ineldenge of samira adepe in the techniques of val clan, No shame whatsoever emerges as the afer effect of being held as a hostage, andl in fet those ho undertake such a duty gain much respect among thelr kis for sking theives In sucha manner ‘TRAVEL DURING WARTIME With the constant psalbily of war ezupting In the Empire, the Clans protect themselves by keeping strict accounts of any sam: usa} visting in thet Inds, Samutal on offetal business must. obiain travel papers (as mentioned previously) Indicating thelr ‘destination aed business. These travel papers are cheskeed at all \way stations and province borders. In times of war, members tam elans muy be forbidden passage across province bor may be detain (ot verification of their mission, ostess permanent travel papers allow Jng them tourney anywhere In Rosugan they deem fit even during Warne, tegardless of thelt clan, Imperial Legionnaites require no travel papers so long.as they remain wit thelr unt. Theve samurai represent the Emyseror, not their elan, ain del duties are not to be-tlled with, DUELING When one samurai disputes with another, the staneard means of weetfying the problem ts through a formal duc, 1 not se ceptable 16 challenge samural of higher sation. Unsults from Superior samunt] are expected to be borne with honor, oF #e- solved by ane’ fore. A formal duel must have witnesses; with no winesses, the duel teehneally has ny nce and the mater remains untesalved. ‘The challenged party determines the nature of the duel. In ‘of vo bush), is assumed! thatthe duel willbe tral by’ inthe nla, a duel of magle: Couriers lenge bush who decides to greet his challenger with a contest of floweran- ranging Is Ln his right tw da ¢9, but will ely be branded a eot ard and Jose 2 great deal of face. \ courier or shupena chal lenged by a bush may call upon a secomd, usually yosimba oF tier close relative skilled in combat, This challenge is walved ifthe cauttier or shugenja wears his Ratna in public as suck a symo] Implies the individual in questian Is prepared to weld HINVI JO NOOY-BOOK-OF EARTH nal Is mane andl the due Is Lost. the ‘hallenged party and his second share whatever fate is deter ined forthe loser ofthe duel (meaning that it isa duel to the nged parly must commit seppuk should his his own sword. Ha se sath, the chall e resolved with jaijutst, and are blood (hell) The frst combatant to injure his opponent wins: Shugenja duels (laryuéa) are also usually hon-violent, as each shugenje attempts to sub the other's vill through the power of maple. Duels to the death are techn cally Megat, a a samurai Iie is not his own to throw avy, Howeves, should the partes in dispute obtain permission from their fords, a duel to the death becomes perfectly legal When a due! is complete, the matter Is epnskdered to be re solved, For better of worse, # duel arbiintes andl elfines the code of justice benveen two samural BLOOD FEUDS When a samurai i killed in an legal incompetence of another samurai Its the nght of his smmedi- ‘ate amily 19 declare a blose feud. formal blood feud requires ihe walten consent of one’s dalmye and funettons essentially « ‘declaration of war hesween the dead samurai immediate fam llyand the offending party, Those whe interfere in a blood feuel threaten the honor of the offended, and may be dealt with as Ihe offending party deems ft. (Tae Emperor, his magistrate Imperial Legionnaires, and other assorted personages ofthe Im petia! Famlly are exempt.) Once the offending party has been killed, the feud has been resolved and the wfended parties at expectedto leave the lands of their enemies peacofly. The most famous blocs feud in history Is that between the Lion andl Crane Clans, dasing back to the naming of Kakita 2s the first Emerald Champion. This feud was secretly instigated yy Scorpion manipulation, but nonetheless has grown such that Its. mre period Indeed that the Lion and Crate are not at one Anoihers throats The Lion Clan and Crane Clan are currently lnder an uneaisy peace du to the aetions of Crane Champion oji Kurohito and Lion Champion Maas. Nimuro, but since Nimuro’s resent death it 4s unknown what the farute for these fro clas holes ‘or de Lo the gross COINAGE Rokugan's economy Is based is the kok A single koku meastires the approximate ammount of ree nece 1 feel a singe 5 five bushels of rice. A Koku can be broken down into five bushels, 0 ‘aiins called ichibulkin (commonly referred to as bu). A buts fur ther broken down into aventy snvall copper coins called zen ir avn soins a the conclasion of n for a yeat, oF #0 every ha re, but all have very elstinct matkings so that the value of 4 Lon farm, for example, will not be confused wit the value ‘of Crane farm, In theory these coins ean be redeemed for an ‘amount of rice equall to Uhete value fom the clan that minted season. These colns are usable anywhere in the them at any time. In practice, however this is not done with any regularity, Instead, the colns remain tn circulation, their ‘value as @ representation of food overlooked in favor of their pescelved value as « medium of exchange Magic in Society Magi, In Rokugin, is not simply a shuyenja bending slements to his vil unceties all activites: the Bl taking Might, and the Sun sin from the confluence thes magic projected in he blood ancl teats thefis! Moon and Sun mbing “Magic spiis dell everyhere, simply wating tobe calle! up Tn a more common definition, however, magic the a of shugenja, and even the monk’ taho, While the aven Roku its sill a holy practice, and something to be looked up the Emp. Tire samural caste Holds the keys to the mag that the greatest bleasings of the Sun for the nobillty. Occasionally, peasants have a strong afin for the kam and in all but the rarest cases this s the same finer path that the monks follow The peasant then goes siudly among the peaceful Brotherhood of Shinsci. Peasant ‘who show true magical affinity ate quickly granted. samt status and trained as shugenia i Asi force, magic represents tool anda blessings a gendle sift from the Heavens. With the power of magic. a shuenja cam Daly fout water, el uth fom feton, tte fre nko their ee om and convene with the wisdom ofthe Celestial Heaverisg This invmense power commands eespect bot for the shugen ho wields i, andl forthe kami who provide such stiength MAGIC AND LAW Testimony 1s the wlimate standard of Rokugant law 80 th trusted fo speak the truth In matters of criminal -lfense eat suvmy judgments wih a simple word, Be ona holy men, thet testimony sven mone wei_ht than the ave age samural based on the responsibilities and purity 3 shuyenia supposcilly possesses This i not to say, however, that magic sohes all the mul dane problems in Rokugan. Magic can fe used to hunt down criminal and bring him tothe proper authors, but f males involved ina direct mannerto ascertain testimony the informe on isnot valid. The precedent for this goes back tothe ti of Haniel Genii, the Shining Prince. Whien a minor Scorpio shugenia was accused of murdering pawverful Lion peter th Kilst summoned the murdered Liow's spitt fiom the after fe The sprit gave festimony against she Scorpion, who was put leach. It was evened shortly after that he Lion samurai asthe Soshi had held him hostage tne whole tin jm accused the Lion of practicing impetfet mie Wile the Lion cred thatthe Scorpion fad perverted the Kits ‘ag, In either case, the Hate was faced with she obvious conclusion — maple Was not foolproof, and using iin suc @ eras a atfron to the kami and the Order fo this day; testimony gleaned by magical means is consi: ra useless even inthe Lanes ofthe Phoenix. Spells shat reads pen’ souls or els es rom truths lead nowhere, though nag trates ofen ulize such things as clues while hunting more con cele leads, Even the noble spiris of deceased ancestors cane be heeded in sch affairs, as ony the shuyenja can bring thelr ‘word 1 the land ofthe liingappwopriatelyMAGIC AND Courts ‘Asthugenja isa valuable ool fora daimyo. Using maple, a shu- Galea spy on his Fords enemies, detect when the dain ts Helle (o aa mudi she minds of enemy generals aiten inp the Iowds court, Since the dawn of the Empire, shugena “Have counied on magic 10 gain power and postion for thele stsimyo making ihe ideas far fom novel, and every competent |coumle has ready taken into account the possibilty of super Natal interference in his political gambits ‘Paimyo to Wish go regulate spell easing In telepresence Asset carefully, As magic isa form of devotion and prayer, Danning magic would be the same as dk the religion. of Hhekarn| and Fortines, which would be a monumental crime: is Best approach so far is to simply restrict prayers and seri fe Fesation (sich as spells) to those who the daimyo trusts Pe Kons eis well within a Tors ght 10 ford all elglous Mess nhs household save those conducied by his cho foe pkistoleshupeja to volte such an ecet would bea frais coumesy and be grounes for banishment from the BesSehold or worse. The Emperor allows only a celect few 19 pve see in hs presence, Usually these are lined to the Gaeta Masters of the Phoenix, the Voice of the Emper Tee ee SePPun Shugenja ofthe Hidden Guard. sworn to pro Fa ti life of the Erapezr. From me to time, the daimy of HOGShugen a families are also alioved such honor. Dalmnyo, in thelrown cour, can simply interrupt a shugenja ‘openly using magic without iesing face; Clever fords simply re {ques that thelr own priests join in the recta, forcing the saster To wale unl the danyos shugenja come to interfere with the fist, The daimyo ean also request that a different sutra or prayer be chanted, ruining the chance that the fst shugena : awit hs spel 5 5 thus often a hidden alfalr one shat ‘many shugenja indulge in but neatly none aclmit to perfor! Hiding such an action is dishonorable, andl 10 alt publicly t0 that sort of behavior can have dire consequences. Many shugen Ja, however, fee! that the sacifce of hele fonor pales in compari som to the service they are performing for thelr clan or family THE ROLE OF THE SHUGENJA ‘As memtioned previousty, shugenja do more than simply ca spalls. They are the priest of the kam, ther very powera tek rent to the wisdom and truth of ther belles, Shupenfa record ‘and keep the names ofthe Fortunes, act. as intexmediaries be: ‘nveen the world of mortals and spirits, and carry the wisdom set clown by the Celestial Heavens, Though not the oficial keepers ofthe Tao-of Shinsel (a duty held by the Brotherhood of Shinsel ‘moris), almost all shugena are familiar with the rex, and view itasa valuable gulde 0 ie = 6 9 a © = a S ai =BOOK-OF EARTH Shugenja bless villages many ines during a year: to help bring about a greater harvest, lealther livestock, and protest the vl. Inge mgninst threats both mortal and supernatural, They also commune with spits of the dead, creating a tink benreen the living and the revered ancestors of the family. Such a duty falls totem as both « great honor ad a staggering burden, as marty souls. ofthe dead are troubled with unfinished business, and wl soek-ashugenja’s aid in fuliling in return for thet wisslom. Shugenja tend be peacelul men, While most clans hav pable of casting sive battle magle (The Crab, Dragon, and Lion have mare such sShugenjs than other clans), the path of the Fortunes arid kam! impresses a shugenja with 2 strong reverence for life in al ts forms. Shugenja believe lifes a gif. and should never be squan dered for any reason MAHO For those who erave an easier route to power than the kant! of fer there fs mah: blood magie. Maho defies the Celestial Onder by drawing povter from Fu Leng ar Tok, the twisted real “where the Dark God. dwells, drawing spins from thelr banish Tent 10 plague the world of men, 11s thus outlawed by the Emperor and practitioners of maho can expect no mercy from the Emperors loyal serva ‘A mahv-sulal (one who practices maho) diaws his blood andl swears fealty to kasen (eit sir) in exchange for power These kansen ssl boast the power they offer nd loss over the costs of such dealing, All stick bawgains Inevitably on the eteinal darnnation of the tska¥s Sou! as they are gradually Tainted by th f mato for good ends are eventually twisted by its Influence, turing thelr back on family ancl clan to embrace the darkness ofthe Shadowlands ‘Miaho-uka usally keep their power secret, attempting to ow pain and misery inthe name of Fu Leng. Maho involves utses, manipulation ofthe dead, dominion over the forees of the Shadowlands, srying, and other dark magie. Each Bene a maho- spel i used, the saster must make a sasriice of blood (any Lioed wil do, though the blood of ncelligent beings prom: ises more potent may), and many times, eich spell inflsts small amount ofthe Tait on the: rag, Even those who try and use the power Superstition Tha land where supematutal events ave a part of everycay ie, 4 Js not onstial that the average man would devise bis own defenses against a stiange and unpredictable world. Thus peas fants and samural altke have invented a vast range of customs ‘and superstitions 19 protect them fiom the altention of unvel: ‘come spirits. Though shugenja scoff at such practices as ‘otk mmsigie” even they cannot completely discount the meritsof such saetiities. Superstitions vary greally from. one clan to the but some examples of the more common practices ftlon luniversal and practiced throughout the Empire For exaiple, 10 travel dlieeily northeast means to walk the same direction as the foul spits that flow from the Shadow. lids: A wise soul travels north, then east, so that the spits wil not see him, Thi number sever Is seen as extremely lucky fortis the numberof Fortunes, Virtues of Bushido, ang original Great Clans, To speak the name of Fu Leng for any teason at tncts misfortune, and craws the Dark Gods attention Comite cece toe en eee en Ah, is evel tal any conact ih fh, copoly el fess fs impure, For his teason Roluganavold touching nother and dldats hens (especilly clothing sald om Keer ie rah ecrig im Gailey i shy ble cee Sea puny Hse or 86 flesh that Has touched hint. Rokugan! shy aay rom consun smell bad. Some clans-and faiillies embrace these superstitionsal eens acess ae Ieaer and requenly consume bee! as pat of her de, Bel the Grab ahd Deagen Clans, dvelings ar rom bountula Piles ol fsb as hey do algo Stpotement hel diets will ‘amounts of red meat, q CRAB SUPERSTITIONS ‘The Crab consider obsidian an extremely unlucky stone, fori Is a perversion of pute jade, 4 person stuck by lightning Wh survives is belleved to be blessed by Osano-Wo, and can se the future, Many Cras farmers hang bowls of lee atthe edge of thele lls ro keep goblins away (his sn fact que elective foritattricts Friendly Nezumi, who kill the goblins). To ema ‘om any important taskvh fe tnt foul temper invites misfortune, frit wastes angerthat cout otherwise be used to gain strenggh against one enemtes. The Tortiaka family believe ‘vith one eye is destined to bring sroubled ghosts to rest, CRANE SUPERSTITIONS. tune of Rice, and you will have good lick for one year. 0) should never pour one's own sake, but sivays asic a drinkin ampanion to fll your cup for you. To bleach one’ hai white draws the strength of Hayaku, founder ofthe Daido}! fam DRAGON SUPERSTITIONS {Dragon Who wants tatoos aay as reason and sory Dee find each fatto, but ofl another he sory icky. A Drage on wil always meet any unguet spn or ghost wk (he respest they N9wld show 4 sama of higher sition, bowing desply and refering tothe ghosts “Sanu even 1 he spl of «pensar, or Iaving gts in arens known io be aurea asl Mish the and of a foreign fond The monks ofthe Tiree Ones play something ofa game with superstitions, spinning neo na hin mel to ee whieh ones take woot bell LION SUPERSTITIONS ‘\ Lion must not enter batle with an untested sveapon or he Is ‘doomed to defeat; even a tanto carried fn hls obi and not used in combat will almact il fortune: tkoma ciplontats keep thel hands pressec! fat against thelr ob wher addressing a roy anatiempt to invoke the spirit their iamily’s founder Abbi consirueted without a living person: buried In the foundation = willraw wicked spins; acrlminal fo be executed or dishonored stmrai generally will volun eet for this task, washing avay te {ull of thelr crimes as their pint becomes the bridge’ eternal protector. If. pensant crosses a Ton forseman’s path on tht» oud, the horse wil tip and break its legs. Wise peasants leat ta look both ways in Lior lands,