SNTuR=Es MTAL Pov Oz!F | Wime OF OPERATIONS: MAUREEN YArES BRAND MANAGER: RayMoND Lav (ve Rorgs. LY OF THE RAL PRODVETION MANAGER: ‘RF ARE USUALLY BBCOURAGING ANTIAH = wating: SHawy Chivcan ‘Magy Varuss Bede UN ave nio caavucendaconihs ot ye nee | wos Create Dav Muain Scort GEARIN: PLAYTESTERS: Ryan Canwas, Rowerr Dake, Marrbw Sciex; CHATHIA STHWAT JACORE CALLAHAS, sviToz! DJ. Trisone JED CaREETON, JnCoh. CHEATHAM, CHRIS. Ipsinshy, f Hf -_ MueMehoon, Dax Monten ; ApDIMORAL soTING: KEVIN MILLARD eee ait i [ os ges i AEG WOULD LIKE TOTAANE JAMES WYATT FOR | ws t cRERTWE DIRECTOR: Manx Jetro ‘WONDERFUL WORK ON OMIeNTAL ADVENTURES ; nar omsctoa: fsihia, SiR ak eee ft nee: al * 7 GRAPHIC Designee, Day AcosTon |e hes woos ane pra Srive Houck JFAMILY, AS ALWAYS, AND THE: PAYS BEING contenant ee Ade. ee integion Azmists: © ‘Troy GRAHAM | sso Ser, ikke Fash Ofna Fines Ceres ay es Pn tgp ri mansURE TH WORK wre, AND HIS ‘TYPESETTER: Davi Acosron PERE Sera oat xl Steve Hoven, i A z - To use the dAoSstem™ portions of ths bork, « Dungeon Masel needs Ue Mayr Hondo the Dgtn Mas Gul,» ("and Onihal Adverts ployer neds only che Hayers Handbacke-and Grell Advenhoe To use the LSR REG 2nd Edition portions af his book, #GM needs the Gune Maser Gude and the Player: Gul.» i Aplayte needs only the Maver Guide, LEGEND OFTHE FIVERINGS is produced by AEG unde license fm ofthe Coast, Inca subsidiary of Hasbto, Inc, “ and © 2002 Winards af the Coast, inc. 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ISBN 1.887953-485 fh S ? ‘Visit our website a Isralderac.com,THE OPEN GAME LICENSE Be fallen tint rey of Wf he Coin nde Copia 05rd Can ine) Wied Al Rigo esred Sens concn cp eae a ‘ines depen en hing en i np ‘Se pete mica ran mt sp rene med or adap 0 ee sl ed, eae aera inate ase classe ies aoe Bacimernice acento Sy ei prt dpc ie snp ae ening nig ie ces pi se pti ene ert ose, comcept, themes a cin oe ‘me ogc or perl she or fc pe mb oe deg od Spetbedenel seeped wor cas Seed Re yy seer he tin which ty ein Son ng rm 2 The cen Ths ere apes sy pen Game Can ht coin “ate a Open Cane Con yoy br Ueda ems ‘Ure Yu iach toe uy Open Cane Cote tat or Ue tre ‘ve ld wobec fom sens apes Sette al eens ayn ype cane Coen Seek 5, lent eae yn iOpen Cane Cnet oe ett tenn een ain ee ‘set erms ofthis cto Une he Gp Gane Case _— £, etn hry nrothin iie ‘lor ou hae sient ng am he agin conveyed bythe ens ane f Lene Cope io met up ie COFYRIGHE NOTE porta RCS ISIS TTR eric orc pec ‘ghd on he Coppi bales came othe COPYRIGHT NOTICE ay ca Saciarcoma pedi 1 gst ay sare gy i gn ‘ent nh the owner of ech cesses oft Pc enna ou entice ‘Sy ayy rt hw cea ‘eth isomer afc Maer ivan! ny Ped tent Gyen Gone net Fes Seem ng ecu a hay cng sanene ie tna eli: ea te Cpn Came Cat You my inde hich viol nos tng peas Come lige amat memes hater icetiane tea oes 4, ie me ay Inte sey Open {aCe er oe MUS nde cay tiie wih ee copy ae Sper Canc rato Dab 1 Conte Yu my nt chet bei he pes Cane Cie sot te min ch span cas "ain Compe impute Yow campy kh ny oth me Usemreth petenerar allie pe Gansta ae stoom coc ‘rgremmenl pon en ou mas Un ty Open Gone Mad weed 12ers Theme emia oma ol opty tl trserta nia wcoachbroch hear cogs ts ‘Macemer al seers ese 442m any pion fh int thle nen pv ‘SaiSsoelaiy ode cmt accu tomake nae _sCoPYRIGHT NOTICE Open Game Lene v0 Cope 06 Wine the THE OPEN GAME CONTENT mild eat (General hk licen Ra weal ine Cone See omc tC eye ya ‘cnc oping marl fw akin her OGL wks AE ed fpreine none tg OCE marl fo Wey ttm no OC NEG stots ay oi sre he eo et mee a ne ‘ro Spe Came Coombe eer Becta one porr once a ara of [DESIGNATION OF PRODUCT IDENTITY The elon heey sie | eg ecw ht Oe sar 6 ‘eps hee gs era msn ei es aig Lge litre ies paca pec ne co a tied ‘Sete hogs el Rota nga oy ene te Cd ne ee, ‘Sinkig bt ner ed ind mex Cun sams nas owe {peltinn eugene ret easing tren ted = pur Nao map sh mh sla can me np ne res ees rn cs mp eran ran {eda atl sloped fom Gri Alsen excep mater eed nh wae me Cae mal spn ci thee em doa ‘elisa nord ym bl Ln be ed 9 Uae umes ceneen of Segre cre ce es cn pany oes on Cnr inte din yam Bless Mfr Morea nde ene ‘Syma pening ee Theo Fred dei a ope Gane Coen. uIgAATON oF oy conn sh rad det so Intouch the Sho eon pe al prt of ka mechan Eitmpom tesco an pied te aed be bleed coe rahe fe chon te heat neces py trl pen tcompy w Mew Mbt pe sd Se at ir on rer pa (ape Allon hac edn ok wer on "Ane ig” elvis dengue ra opt 9 yy ee Sociale own tenderers LUSEOF MATERIAL AS OPEN GAME CONTENT theca a epee nto ‘Mies data Cp aces eles ies {Sooanedin taketh ns of Opes me Catt ee pertari e ‘an Cn ane ape ane a Some semen Exeter oma uct ey ped ve mth depen ean 8 Ried etsy bt Sach lene fear niger ed rr ne et ale SoBe oes on hy So po charg ao Tomtom nthsbecin cl econ tee ‘here rem etre Rat echeig”myb ae ese eo ‘Beam ne een hop Hide ef Ale reine Ga Te cae Goreme ay peta align rds nd chet eee, ‘erate mente hb rch Feds served dren and 3 od ‘Smclpah et Aden Eeramen Coan here Spot prs shisha ich oud OG na om he en, thst by sed Opes Gar Cee nd ee, SRI cotyatNomce wy eno Cp alee Thema fet ienne any copper ocpraatinthae patchy ‘Seeama rcp? ii ‘ao Spend htt yg demoed y Wal th Cot inetd scoring othe erm el oe a0 Sem ee ten #0 Acopy lth ant an befooe wewmirnacom aon Dy nd War of he Cone eer of Wo he come el et permision Cnc Alber wana Warf the ‘Com ede pron fee ng oe mp Hoag so ‘sed mats "and © Set Wd othe Cova ne nbd fH ne Aone fb eg ein apy 2 by Aldo necatrment rp Alt tered fepicon Sse mou wen pes ‘iin ote plier prey ic ep rhe aps te ‘Snaneni bead ansCONTENT s Introduction... “One Life™ Origins ofthe Samurai The Two Swords Anatomy ofthe Blade Honor ‘The Tenets of Bushido. How Honor Has Changed New Mechanics [New Moves for Old Samurai Single-Technique Schools New Baths Kaa ‘Striking asthe Elements The Thousand Years of Stee] Dojo Social Benefits ‘Training Benefits Sensei Dojo of the Crab Clan Sunda Miau Dojo Daishikis Anvil Dojo ofthe Razors Edge Advanced Training His Elite Guard (Prestige Class) Hida Elite Guard (New Path) Dead-Eyes Berserker (Prestige Class) Dead-Eyes Berserker (New Ph) Kets ofthe Crvb “The Toitaka ‘New Family Toritaka Bushi Schoo! Dojo ofthe Crane Clan Kyuden Doj Kaki Dueling Academy. Kosaten Shiro Advanced Training oj lite Guard (Prestige Class) ‘The Doj Elite Guant (New Fath) Horus Blade (Prestige Class) Hoturis Blade (New Path) Daidojt on Warriors (New Path) Kata ofthe Grane New Feats ‘Strength of the Reed Dojo ofthe Dragon Clan, lon Mountain Dojo Victory ofthe Living Bade Dojo Advanced Training ‘Mirumoto Elite Guard (frestige Clas) ‘Miumoto Elite Guard (New Path)... Kaa of the Dragon ‘Tattoos ofthe Ise Zumi Dojo ofthe Lion Clan. Castle ofthe Swift Sword Shiro Mates Shiro no Yojin, ‘Advanced Training ‘Akodo Forward Senties (Prestige Class) a 20 20 a 2 ona 2 25 26 28 28 29 23 30 30 30 3 3 36 36 36 ” o39 at 3 ‘Akodo Forwacd Sentry (New Path) Matsu Ete Guard (Preseige Clas) The Matsu Elite Guard (New Pa) Hom Bier New Pt) Kataof the Lion New Feats. Triumphant Dojo of the Mantis Clan Dojo Raiden -Kyuden Ashinagabachi ‘Advanced Training Yoritomo Elite Guatd (Prestige Clas) Yoritomo Elite Guard (New Bath) “Touruchis Legion (Prestige Clas) “Twuruchis Legion (New Path) New Family ‘Touruchi Archer School Kata of the Manis [New Feats Sting ofthe Wasp Claws of the Mantis Weaving Dodging. oling Dojo of the Phoenix Eternal Phoenix Dojo Da-chikat Dojo Advanced Training, Shiba Elite Guard (Prestige Class)... Shiba Elite Guard (New Path) Heavens Wing Initiate (eestige Clas) Brotherhood of Heavens Wing (Advanced Schoo!) Kata of the Phoenis Dojo of the Scorpion Clan Honor’ Lesson Dojo The Dojo of Lies Advanced Trsining Bayushi Elite Guard (Prestige Class) Bayushi lite Guard (New Path) Kata of the Scorpion Dojo of the Unicorn Cian ‘Shino Dojo ‘Shiro Unk shojo Rojins Wanderers Advanced Training Shinjo Elite Guard (Prestige Clas) Shinjo Bite Guard (New Put). Master Horse Archer (Prestige Class) Master Horse Archer (New Path) Kaa ofthe Unicorn Other Dojo Throughout Rokugan... Fallen Mountain Dojo... ‘Advanced Badger Training ‘New Farily ‘Transcend the Mountain Ichiro Bushi School Reichins Refuge Dojo ‘Advanced Hare Training Speed of the Hare. 6 PH New Family 7 ‘Usagi Bushi School 7 “The Vigilant Keep Dojo 7” Advanced Monkey Training 78 “Tokus Lesson 78 Fortune’ Favor 7 ‘Monkey Bushi Schoo. 78 Shito Marita Dojo 78 ‘Advanced Ox Training 73 Legacy ofthe Four Winds 3 ‘Way of the Ox 73 (Ox Bushi School 73 Kyuden Suzume Dojo 7 Advanced Spartow Training 80 Purity of Purpose 80 New Family seceeeee ‘Suzume Bushi School 80 Kyuden Miya Dojo 80 Advanced Miya Training at ire and Ice st Hand of the Emperor a Satoshi’ Legacy (New Path)... 81 Kyuden Oromo Dojo. st Advanced Otomo Training #2 Dividing the Stars 2 Virtues of Command. 22 ‘The Otomo Infiltrators (ew Fah) 83 ‘The Seppun Guest Home... 83 Advanced Seppun Training 4 ‘Seppun Training (Prestige Class) The Seppun Miharu (New Class). 8 Dojo ofthe Shadowlands . “The Temple of the Forsaken Advanced Trining Hunger of the Maggots. The Shadow Dragon Daigotsus Legion Dalgotsus Elite Guard (Prestige Clas) a Dalgotsus Elite Guaed (New Path) 88, [Nikushimi Shinden, a “Tyuno Bush (Prestige Class)... 88 ‘Truno Bushi School 30 Dojo of the Ronin . were “The Eyes of Nanashi ot ‘Advanced Eyes of Nanashi Tenining 92 Righteous Fury 92 Lav ofthe Heavens 93 “The Weavers 93 ‘Advanced Weavers Training 98 ‘Twist the Weave 3 Cutting the Weave 4 ‘The Machi-Kanshisha 4 ‘Advanced Machi-Kanshisha Training». cose Smoke and Mirrors 95 Clouded Mind 95 [News ofthe Empire 96 fa Oo is as 18 T )ONS LIF=" It had cen too long since the aged samurai had simply looked out over the plains nea is famaly’ home, Akodo Ginawa let the bese fromthe show to the north Blow into his fae, and let worry melt away for a litle while, He remembered when the Emperor had restored him and has into thea mghful places the Empire; he had promised himself he would always stp to enjoy what tt was he had ‘nce again. Years asa masterlss ma ha taught hi totaly app ciate the hfe of man in service as «sama ‘Ofcourse the promise ain ben so simple to hep. Many’ of the Aldo were amnesia, with no weollecton ofthe events ofthe Ives They had been taken by the Living Darkness, their minds wiped lean by that dark force. There were others as well; Ako who had tnt bee taken bythe Dares ut had lived many years ascas-out zomin roaming the Empire. Forging these two groups ino a single family wathin the lands ofthe Lon had taken 2 year As Ginaw herded the new Akodo through this time, they had endured «prolonged war with the spins of thse who had come before This, however, was the fie that had forged those who had forgoten aa those wh had bon cast out into the Ando of old legends They had once again shown the Empire the strength of their family, and that they had deserved the place Taburt had set ase for ther Now Ginawa ela eae, Though war moved inthe Empire, and his frend Totur had posed into the Voi he Akododavmyo's soul was center at last Complete If was the way ofa samurai to find inner peace m times of warand Took upon death as & part of life. Emperor Taturt hed died i defense of the Empire, honorably; courageously, and without fear 2 true samune. Though CGinawa would surely miss is master, Fhe had died as every samura wished. His ifs had en complete The old Akodo' thoughts drifted to others he had known, and one fae came to mind cleaver than many. Dokeru as meant be. The young boys requently-changing looks of puazlement, frustration, anger, humor, and unease flooded Ginawa's memories as he rernembered he fst who fad came to him: after he lft the Akado, "sitrue you are an Ako? the boy asked, his eyes wide, He and the unshaven, unbathed and uncaring onin Ginawva stood near the ‘encampment Toturs ery of rnin and Dragon samara had wade Theclderromin had la hs swords toes and was stretching ritually for practic with his yan. awe glared at Dokaru. "No" he silly Bul,” Dokaru said quickly, "you know the ways ofthe Lion? You understand the ways of Akodo's technique?” The boy shifted uncomfortably es his obi slowly sagged down his hips from the weight of the sword he ha jammed nit Hai’ Ginawa replied, eyeing the newcomer suspicions. know the Way ofthe Lion. As does Taturi-sama, Do you hear anyone adresing him as Ako Tour, boy DDokaru shook is head. “No es our commander though He old everyone nat cal hi that Busi says a obey yur commander Silence pased for a second as Ginawa raised his eyebrow and studied the lanl yung mua in fro of hi. ethaps he was truly the son of a samurai and geisha, as he had said. Perhaps not. “and you will not listen to me because { am mot your superior? ff imply kill youd The boy hesitantly sponded, “Bu. bushido says we shoul no be afraid to do what is right in the face ofd.. death” To Dokaru’s surprise, Gnawa suddenly broke sto deep rough laughter. “Perhaps then, shoul be your superior fL wert each you the basic ways of Akos stl, would Be your sense, bay. Ther if I tld calling me Akodo, you have t obey" Ginauss smiled for then added, “Since bushido says DDolkars ees grew wide, “You would teach me?" grunt issued from Gane that. Hat, for all the agnad it would d, You appear less ready for combat than many of he Scorpion’ old wives. Maybe the training of areal samurat vould just ll you Bushido says not to be afraid of death? Dokaru sid ‘again, apparently believing i a tle more ths tine rang few tes hi hands. He fle «litle beter, holding the weapon and falling into te routine ofthe practice kata. "Fine, then, boy Theor ronin sid finaly, turning his hea lo regard the young man without interrupting his Feta “Tec your sensei some water” A look of confusion crossed Dol face. *But bushido says such tasks arent for sama Ginawa took one hand ed his wakizash free, With fluid tio off of is yar, ps and hurled st hillfirst at the boy me in fahchenon easton ground im a sitting position after the of Ginawa’s short blade ted squarely om hs forces ‘Ginawat kat had ot ben Interrupted ithe slightest by this n movement tinuing the graceful swings ofthe yar, taking his eyes away from Dokar, who stil satin the gras, sured, “that is your fist, Tes, oy Senet i always ight Theo Aad ile the memory ashe walked nid, The doo ttt GE “vas mesos shoul be Though the sata was ned of yes the dead wel of he sate polished sd matnitned tn ck a sna thot ded net ar eves me Inder Crewe mused oh the ery pint of he Aka came before wath er ee hal Wha ube cold come them? Thee srl steered wih ove nce aed there lone Then the how as ae th dao he Ads Gojoe cys pnt as ens he La wold ne dena buh fro pein heat nde sae. sina aed inthe acembled det lf inte cal bt kein bef Helo Cin hil perio nding bu rhe eur the ent ofthe dee Sch we cso whe coming int the ae sere howands of legends had come before. The Akod daimyo nde othe sides nese and hey sly wehared tthe Froctes. On of th senor tadnt wld calmly ois lds end*Dokaresn Ginawa greta warmly. te the gisha wil is your pee yt another night” The other Akodo bowed quickly t9 his master and friend “hay have been missing me for my entire fe, Ginawa-sama 114 unfortunate I could not follow your lessons i all ways? Ie ele sys on hs foe Ginawa tas about Yo ask what had brought Dokar row a respected sense of he Ako, ote dojo at sich late hor ven the wind bought he allow ng a wathtower el. Exery one tn the doo Toke off nthe divetion of he ound, end Bakara Irs “We are tacked” “Everyone o our commander” Gnawa instructed the asebled students" Now! —Dokenaatond ma he ae he tactical mind of {an Ake taking oer from the pleasantries of fends The Akado dsmyo and his onesie sent rushed out the great ors the dja gazed athe plans ahead of hem. the smal Barns around he ds Cina ahs gs assembling bush as they awake fom their ery slumber or personal atv. Perhaps halfa mile cuay from the alla group of hunched humanoid shapes approached the do. “puny Gana sad fly hs mind wang — why woul such 4 sal pack forge sey nt the heart of Ako Lads? "F-pomt formation” the daimyo shouted oh guns a he strode ora Dolan waled une at hs masters se not ene sre how 0 conduct isl. The srs could mt recall a instance whch the ‘Ako doo had ever be attacked Within half a minute fv distinc ants of Bush stood vay to ree he charge. To uns of ikemen flanked Gnas she stod Goldy gains the might sky. A reserve nt supported each on, preparing to flank He Tsumo as they charged those the front. Behind lf ther was log line of archers ther ars moked and csi heir conmandersoner “our Dana? called down the guard fom the watdhtowe above them. they change on oot and bea no open weapon. The. the guard’ oie tale of or « moment, then came down again They cary wskimono of pale. my od Gina eee“. have heard rumors hat hse “uno ate a cary hemes with he men amu, Doar Doyle “he sensei nodded “T have no reason to disbelieve it. My own former students have wrt to me abou such ngs from the font Tins ofthe iting ‘Allow them ope with gs Cina cle ak “The Tmo sowed thes un rl tepped eautiusy into the open area where Ginewa and his small army had formed. Without preamble the ene nthe fron pointed atthe large using before Ther." We have come tcl this Lan. Lhave come to challenge the tnater of his dj, and to diplay his pthc ell! ave slam to many of your reading samuraton te fio at fo pri such ees ning fo continue wil despy the sense and trai my ou students hee, students worthy of Blade. Not thes” waved at theme assembled aginst smisvely eden” ‘Dkr nearly anced facet the challenge, but Gira held up esiraning hand and stepped forward himself" ace bes. You dan cll my men hlden when 1 have een moe Tsun all ander thet blades than a sesso’ talks of wheat befor simple {armerssicl? am Akodo Gina” heed, ‘nd Lwil you de hee and watch our ashes fda ito war your bothers” The lead Tyna nodded, noting in defiance, and stepped ows naw “Not just you" Ginawa growled, and the Tsuno stopped for 4 moment. A Tong lence fale: several hundred Lion looked on, theirhandsswestingn atpatin agaist her weapons Ginavwa drew his sword ino slow; deliberate motion, and then leveled t atone ofthe Tuo behind ils ar. "You aswel? Ginawe’s ice rumbled. The pack leader loked back at his subordinate, who rowland drew his gigantic blade i answer. The Akodo daimyo’ Blade moved afew inches tothe right, "and you he added, giving the beasts a grim smile He motioned 10 the final Tsuno ansaid, "You ge olive. You gt to tell your master Fao these vee ded The lead Tsuo drew his blade in a swift motion and threw his head back, losing a deep bellow that sounded like a hurricane With no further words, he changed the Toe Lion, andthe other two followed ‘Gnawa did not give an inch he adopted Akado$ Fist Slane. He elt complete ORIGINS OF THE SAMURAI a quick sword doesnot mak a sama though wean unmake one” —Hantei Nasera “Though it is their duty to wear the daisho and lead troops into combat, samurai are more than mere warriors. They ate direct vassals of the Emperor, the ruling class of the Empire ‘The kuge and buke clases enforce the law of the Emperor, and hold domain over the lesser classes. ‘But how did the system of the samurai come into being? Since the dawn of Rokugans history it seems that there have algiays been samurai, and in a manner of speaking this is rue. ‘The concept of samurai was passed on to the early tribes of Rokugan from the Kami themselves, hough what it means to be a samurai has changed somewhat throughout the ages. Upon their arival, Hantei and his Kami siblings sought to bring order to the disotdered civilization of the humans. Seeking the most expedient means todo so, they relied upon what they knew — the Celestial Heavens. Tengoku has always been place of strictly defined order The lesser kami (nor tue residents of the Celestial Heavens but able to visit that realm at will) serve as much of its population, chough they are ruled ‘ver by the Lesser Fortunes. They are euled over in turn by the Seven Fortunes, Just above these Fortunes stand the Elemental Dragons. Until their fll, che greater Kami stood slightly above the Dragons.The Sun andl Moon reign above all, their rule supreme overall of Tengoku “The role of the lesser kami — those whose duties are necessary but whose existence often goes unnoticed — was assumed by the hinin clas, As the lesser kami are not rue residents of Heaven, so would his class be considered ‘non-people” though through the merit of thei labors they might qualify for a more important role in a future life. ‘The heimin, a group with versatile abilities but litte ro distin= guish them as individuals, reflect the place of the lesser Fortunes The buke, or lesser samurai, emulate the position of| the Seven Fortunes, while che kuge, or noble samurai emulate the ole ofthe Elemental Dragons in bringing law and order to Ningen-do, The daimyo of the Great Clans reflect the ole of the greater Kami (and, in the beginning, were in fact the greater Kami) while the Emperor and Empress assume the roles of the Sun and Moon as rulers ofall che land. The term “Celestial Onder" was coined to reflect this emulation of the Heavens.Rokugan has prospered greatly under the rule of the samurai, and most who dwell within the Empire would never dream of altering the status quo. Most Rokugani view the Gelestial Order as not merely a way of life, but as the only conceivable way reality can function. The world can no more exist without samurai than it can exist without a sun or moon, ‘Though itis true that the Sun and Moon once fell from the heavens, the fat that they were replaced by mortal semurai only reinforces the importance ofthe Celestial Order in most Rokugani’s minds. Much as a soldier must stand ready to take up his army's banner should his comrade fall, the existence of samurai is essential ro insure the continued safety of the mortal realm. Had the Sun and Moon fallen and worthy {individuals not been prepared to ake thei place, the fate that ‘might have befallen Rokugan is too horrible to contemplate ‘Though Rokugan typically avoids contact with foreign nations, the Empire has had sufficient contact with gaijin [powers to realize thar others do not also adhere to the Celestial Order. To the Rokugani mind-set, this does not reflect any flaw or weakness in their own philosophy, but a foolish ‘oversight on the part of the gaijin. The way of che samurai, the teachings of bushido, are the only true paths that lead the soul from darkness to light. Rokugan will follow the Celestial Order and save the world from chaos and oblivion, even if it must doso alone. THE TWO SWORDS “A swont isa weapon made fr klling, but the intent ofthe dasho i not to take if, bu to punish the wicked” ‘Mirumoro Hojatsus Nite A samurai carries two things that set him apart from the common man — his honor and his dasho, The daisho isa tradition that dates back to the fll ofthe Kami. Hantei and his brethren each carried two swords, and thus their chosen followers — the samurai — were blessed with the right 10 carry these weapons as well. Why the Kami originally began carrying two swords is 4 matter of theological debate, bbut is ultimately a question that only the Kami themselves could answer. ‘Though the first samurai gladly obeyed the divine mandate that commanded them to carry the daisho, these weapons were viewed as only chat — weapons. However, this philoso- phy did not endure for long. Two essays written shortly after the First Day of Thunder eraphasized the philosophy of the samurai not only asa warrior, ut specifically as a swordsman, These essays, arguably the most influential writings on swordsmanship, were Miumoto Hojatsu’ Niten (Two Swords Fall From Heaven’) and KakitaS Ken (The Sword’) These two works were greatly influential in emphasizing the deadly art ofthe sword — supreme among ll fighting arts of the samurai — but also explored the strong spiritual connection between a samurai and the blades he carries. ‘Though Crane and Dragon still argue which ofthe two works {is more important, itis unquestionable that without these carly writings the katana and wakizashi would not hold the same importance that they do today. However, the art of swordsmanship is only half the reason why the daisho are important to samurai. The ar of sword- smithing is equally significant in the importance of 4 samurai’ swords. Unlike most crafts, swordsmithing is forbidden to heimin, Only a true samurai may craft a katana, and those capable of doing so are afforded a reverence equaled only by the most holy priests and shugenja. In the early days ofthe Empire, stel was not as it is today and only the ancestral swords wielded by the Kami were of extraordinary quality. All other blades were limited by the crude weaponsmithing technology of the time. The firs three _gceat swordsmiths in Rokugani history were Kalu, Togashi yoko, and Tsi Wentu. Kaiu, often called the First Smith, was a prodigy among mortals — of all the Kami only Hida set aside the blade he carried with him from the heavens and instead took up Chikara, the first katana produced in Kaiu forge, the weapon that slew the infamous Hatsu Sur no Oni. Being a practical Sort, Kaiu was not the sort of person to conceal his teachings, ‘He eagerly instructed any smiths who wished to learn from hhim, even those from other clans, and was single-handedly responsible for the overall improvement of smithing and weaponcraft throughout the Empire. Unfortunately Kalu was so greatly blessed in the arts of weaponcraft that he was able to teach his followers only a fraction of what he knew. Kaiu Master Smiths have dedicated generations to studying the writings left behind by Kaiu, and even today great untapped wisdom is often discos teachings ‘Togashi Nyoko was born a decade after the death of Kai, ‘Though she was a Dragon, she was an avid student of the Fist ‘Smith’ teachings. She was also a shugenja, apprentice 10 Togashi’s successor as champion of the Dragon, Togashi Furukusai. Under Furukusais tutelage, Nyoko first experi: ‘mented with combining the arts of magic and swordsmithing, forging blades that were truly extraordinary. The Five Swords ‘of Legend were her finest creations, and inspired the fledgling Agasha family o take notice of her work The Agasha took up where Nyoko left off, establishing the Agasha Foundries, Utilizing analytical thought as well as magic, the Agasha devised forms of stel thar were both sharp and flexible: The breakthroughs they made built upon Kaiu’s foundations, Unlike Kaiu, the Agasha kept the secrets of thei stel close for generations, though eventually their smithing techniques leaked out. Notably, the Bayushi smiths began forging Agasha-style swords before any other, withthe strongestallies of the Scorpion at the time following shortly thereaer. ‘The famous smith Tsi Wenfu is a rarity among Rokugani historical figures: a gaijin who gained acceptance in the Empire. He was born a Yobanjin tribesman (though some sources claim he was half Rokugani) and came to the Empire bearing secret weaponsmithing techniques from lands beyond Rokugan. Though Wenfu’ techniques were by no ‘means superior ro Rokugani techniques — Rokugani steel is arguably the finest in the world — Wenfu cleverly combined Rokugani craftsmanship with gaijin innovation to craft swords that were truly unique. When Lion daimyo Akodo Gempachi discovered one of Wenfu’s blades by accident, hhe was so enamored by the weapons sheen and balance that hhe demanded to know the identi ofthe smith, and was only momentarily nonplussed by the fact chat Weng was a gaijin Gempachi immediately commissioned a blade from the gaijin smith, The blade Wenfu crafted for him was of such cexitaordinary quality that Gempacht arranged for him ro craft another for Hantei Genji, who was also astounded The Emperor was so impressed, in fact, that he declared thatthe smith could not possibly be a gaijin, even iFhis ownbloodline seemed to indicate otherwise, As ifto prove the matter final, the Emperor awarded the gaijin the Rokugant family name “Tsi" and granted him 2 small esta inthe East Hub Village of Otosan Uchi. Wenfuls descendants have plied their trade in that village as swordsmiths ever since. Ts blades are true works of at, known for thei light weight and the distinctive humming sound they make when wielded. The eight Celestial Swords, currently wielded by the leaders of the Great Clans, were forged by the hand of Tsi Xing Guo, the mastersmith who went on to become the Fortune of Stel ANATOMY OF THE BLADE “Know your sword as you know yourself, for in truth there is no Aieence? —Togashi Nyoko A katana consists ofa blade, 2 guard (tuba), a handle (tka) and a scabbard (saya). The blade itself isthe of course the most significant part of the weapon. A katana or wakizashi will likely bear many different tsuby, suka, and saya in the course ofits existence, but so long as the blade survives i is still considered to be the same weapon. ‘There ate five distinct portions ofa blade that may be studied to determine the quality ofthe weapon — the haman {temper pattern along the blades edge), kissak (tip of the weapon), moncuchi (Fist eight inches of the blade’ cutting edge), mune (back ofthe blade roughly eight inches from the ‘end), and snag (back side ofthe blade half the length from the handle), All blades also fearurea tang, a section of metal that extends into the handle, This tang is often engraved with the personal mon of the smith who forged the blade, or the ‘mark of approval of those who have tested the blade ‘Though all samurai would hope to possess a perfect dasho, most blades are not entirely flawless. Most feature some flaws (Chiau’), Blisters, stress fractures, or wrinkles in the metal, pockets of carbon or other impure substances, stains in the substance ofthe blade, or even dents from clumsy forging all detract from the performance ofa blade. Though some- times these imperfections can be repaired by re-forging the blade, i is simple fact that most weapons are not entirely perfect blade that truly has no imperfections isa cherished treasure of any family lucky enough to possess i, and the pride ofthe smith who forged it. Before they may be carried by a samurai, all katana must be properly tested, Any respectable swordsmith puts a freshly forged blade to a variety of tests before he allows it to be wielded by a bushi. These tests vary from smith to smith. Most simply practice the weapon's edge on successively thicker bundles of bamboo. The swordsmiths of the Lion and Unicorn frequently test new weapons on convicted criminals; the grand record is held by a blade that cut through eight bodies ina single stroke (forged by Akodo Mayuko in the year 643 IC). The Kalu master smiths est ther blades on the only substance they deem worthy — a steel helm forged by another Kaiu. The legendaty Kakita blades are tested against solid stone, with the depth and angle ofthe cest cut marked upon the tang ofthe blade HONOR "1 borrow my name from my ancestors. must return it to them unharmed, I horrw my honor from my descendants In shaming myself shame them as well” —Akodo's Leaderthip “The guiding principle inthe life of every proper samurat is hhonot. Glory, fame, wealth — these things are meaningless. ‘The only measure of a samurai thar matters is living life in strict accordance with the code of bushido. This ancient code was established during the dawn ofthe Empire, and although the interpretation of the individual vieues it describes has changed from time to time, the code itself has endured the centuries virtually unchanged. THE TENSTS OF BUSHIDO “The code of bushido exemplifies seven virtues that every samurai should demonstrate with every breath. Only by adhering to these guidelines cana samurai truly serve is lord ‘with his fe and death gl mongsTy AND JUSTICE) ‘There is no room for dishonesty in the heart of the samural Lies corrupt the soul and distract the mind from honest pursuits, something a true and proper samurai cannot abide. Just as a samurai is honest with others, he cannot abide dis honesty and treachery in others. When confronted with erim- inal behavior, a samurai must see justice done. It is his duty. ‘Some in modern Rokugan consider full and complete honesty to be a failure of duty, particularly when it works against the goals of one's lord. The Scorpion have been. notorious for this philosophy for centuries, and a handful of other families in the Empire seem to have recognized the effectiveness of such tactics, particularly in court. YU (HEROIC COURAGE) ‘The motto ofthe Kakita family is “for the coward, there is no life; for the hero, there is no death” For the samurai, to die without fear in the fulfillment of one's duty is the tulkimate honor. Fea is for the weak of mind and those who Ihave no faith in the strength oftheir own blades. ‘Courage is particularly valued among the Crab Clan, 1s they face fearsome monstrosities that can break the spirits ‘of men with a glance. However, discretion is valued as wel If by running from a foe a samurai can survive to warn his brothers of the creature's impending assault, then there is ‘great honor in such an action. JIN COMPASSION ‘A samurai is strong and noble. By his very nature he is stronger than the lesser classes. Mistreatment of those ‘beneath one’ own station isa sign of weakness and insecurity, traits no true samurai would ever exhibit. A samurai cares for and protects those beneath him, justas hisown lord sees to his needs This extends all the way to the Emperor, who cares for the people of Roktugan and is looked after by the Heavens. ‘To {ail ro show compassion to those beneath your station is to fail in maintaining the Celestial Order.RE (POLITE CovRTESY) The samurai is civilized warrior. In addition to being taught the art of the sword, he is learned inthe ways of history, liter ature, and etiquette. To treat another with rudeness or die spect isto abandon that which makes one worthy ofthe title samurai. Without courtesy, even towards one’ enemies, aman is ltde more than an animal, snarling and lashing out at that which it does not understand or like. A man cannot be respected who does not conduct himself with poise and etiguere In practice this i the renet of bushido tha is most quickly forgotten by moder samurai. The passion im meris hearts is such that when one perceives a slight against him or his clan, he is compelled to respond with aggression and vitriol. Wit ness the relations berween the Crab and Crane, or the Lion and the Scorpion. MEYO HONOR External judgment is meaningless to the samurai. The true rmeasure of worth comes only from within. Ifa samura is tue to himselfand makes decisions that stem from his own sen cof what is right, then he cannot be dishonorable. Many samurai use chs tenet to justify questionable behav for. For example, the Daidoj family of the Crane participates {battle tactics that could be considered dishonorable (conta ‘minating the enemy's water supplies with animal waste, for instance). The Daidoji, however, consider this their duty to protect the clan and ensure their victory on the batlefield, and thus look upon it as an honorable sacrifice made in the name ofthe Crane. MAKOTO (COMPLETE SINCERITY) There is no difference between what a samira sys and does fone says that one will perform a certain act, then that at is as good as done. It has nothing to do with honesty or dishon sty; merely the recognition that the word and the deed are both the extension of the samurais honor, and that they are ultimately one and the same, CHUGO (DUTY AND LoyALTy) ‘The most important factor ina samurai life is his duty. Loy salty ro one’ lord and the execution of the duties with which one is charged define what it means to be samurai. Failure in either respect is inexcusable, and could be considered rounds for being made ronin or even ordered to commit seppuku, (On this coune there is no dissension. All great and minor ‘clans expect the samurai within their ranks to live each day ‘exemplifying chugo. Those who do not are of no use to their Jord, and thus are worse than traitors. HOW HONOR HAS CHANGED ‘The Rokugani notion of what it means ro be honorable only changes when something of incredible importance redefines 4 social convention. In the history of Rokugan, there have been only afew such incidents THE RISE OF IUCHIBAN, Prior fo the Bloodspeaker' appearance in Rokugan, the tad tion of reverence for ones ancestors often took the form of maintaining elaborate memorials to their remains, After Iuchiban animated the corpses ofthe dead, forcing samurai to fight their own ancestors’ corporeal forms, an Imperial edict aade cremation the proper way to deal with the remains of the dead. The honorable reverence for oneb ancestors took on more spiritual element, often involving lengthy meditation THE BATTLE OF WHITE STAG The Empire’ most memorable conflict with the gaijin from beyond its borders was a defining moment in Rolugans his tory, Until that point, the gaijin had been considered strange and somewhat untrustworthy, but not dishonorable. The dleath of the Hantei in their siege, however, demonstrated clearly that those who dwell beyond the Empire are utterly ‘without honor or even the most basic grasp of what it means tobe civilized beings. Ever since the battle, interaction of any sort with galjin has been considered a source of dishonor for the samurai of Rokugan THE SCORPION CLAN coup The failed coup of Bayushi Shoju did not change the percep- tion of honor so much as reinforce it, The trator’ unimagin- able crime, the willingness of his clan to follow his wishes and even the disstrous opposition to the Emperor's wishes by Akodo Totur after Shoju was defeated all served to reinforce the notion that only unquestionable loyalty to the Emperor is acceptable. Any less means death THE CLAN WAR The Clan War was the most divisive and destructive conflict in Rokugani history, surpassing even the ravages of the War of Spirits. Each clan took a different course of action in an attempt ro do what they believed was wisest end most honor able for the Empire. The harshest lesson was one learned by the Lion Clan, fully half of whom felt theie duty to follow the Emperor even aftr it became clear that he was possessed by Fu Leng. In the end, the Empire learned the harsh lesson that in order to be truly honorable, the Shadowlands must be ‘opposed whenever it appears, regardless of what form it rakes,THE DEATH OF THE SUR ARD MOON Then Hiromi slew Lord Moon, ic was a violation of the Celes tial Order om a magnitude @ no one could ever imagine -d by the actions of Onnotangu Yer her actions were necess and the Living Shadow. In th tangu himself had first violated the Celestial Order by failing to look upon those beneath him with compassion the Empire, this smacks of raionalization, but i is the only ‘way many could deal with the enormity ofthe notion that 2 rortal had slain the Lord Moon, THE WAR OF SPIRIT This conflict again complicated the relationship berween the Rokugani and their ancestors. Ficing their ancestors, either a equals or on the plains of battle, was a jarring and extremely disruptive experience. That some ofthese spists were unvwill ing to return to the realm of tial Order that many living Rokugani could not reconcile In the end, many samurai were forced ro choose bet two when the armies of Hantei XVI thr the Empire =W_ MECHANICS The Legend ofthe Five Rings game setting has been offic presented in to separate ga rid of Rings RPG 2nd Edition System (presented in the Payers Gu and Game Master’ Guide) and Wizards of the Coast's d20 presented in Rokugan, the official supplement ro | Aventures). While these two systems are somewhat was violation ofthe Celes: dissimilar, the setting presented in both versions of the game is the same, and thus it s our intent ro presenta sourcebook that i useful no matter which ofthese systems you choose 10 use when running your game Generally, when a new rule or mi whenever applicable we will p and LSR RPG 2£ System versions in close proximity. hhanic is pres ent equivalent d20 System Rules and options forthe d20 System™ wil ook like this. Rules and options forthe LSR RPG 2E System will lok Occasionally, extensive new information may be exclusive toa specific system (such as New Paths for the LSR RPG 2E System or new feats forthe d20 System™) In such a case, th information will follow the same convention as above. The 4420 System™ material will appear in black and the ISR RPG 2k System material in blue In the case of charactets,oceasionally a character's name will be followed by short explanation of his character cla Tiew of full statistical information, Such an example might look like TORITAKA TATSUNE [Samurai 6/Berserker 4/Shadowlands Veteran 10; Hida Bushi 5/Hida Avenger 3] The information presented before the semicolon is the character's class and level in the d20 System™ The informa cte's rank and tion presented after the semicolon isthe ch school in the LSR RPG 2E System, INSIGHT RANK ‘Many of the new samurai options in this book rely upon an attribute called “Insight Rank.” What this means it that a ch ere eet: cequal to ach n that option. For example, a Single-Technique School that requires Insight Rank 3 is ava eset Caren erase rere ea ta peer oer eran nes eel reboot Techniques. SCHOOL RANK peer eee ere neers ed {— the appropriate rank in that school. This is re ‘ erent has the requirement “School Rank Hida Bushi cannot be learned unless the character knows the Rank 2 Hida Bushi Technique, no matter how high the Earner cs teres N=W MOVES FOR OLD SAMURAI Though the schools ofthe Great Clans are each impressive in theirown right, and a samurai character who attains five ranks ina particular school is certainly a foe o be reckoned with these schools illustrate only the most traditional teachings of| the clans. This book introduces a number of options that can ad more depth to bushi characters allowing two students of the same school to turn out quite a bit ferent from one another at equivalent levels of Insight. Among these options are Single-Technigue Schools, New Paths, and Kata, SINGLE-TECHTMUQUE SCHOOLS These were originally introduced as “Ronin Bands in Way of the Wolf bur there is no reason why these schools should be limited to ronin characters. These techniques represent spe cial fighting styles devised by legendary individuals and their followers, or the secret techniques of small bands of indepen- dent bushi, ike normal technigues, Single-Technique Schools have entry requirements (such as minimum Rings, Skills, or Honor) and cost a set amouint of points (either Character Points or Experience Points) to learn the technique. Once character may lea arn these techniques do not these conditions are met, t the tech: nique. Characters who wish to requite th School Advantages solong a CREATING A New TECHTIQVE Inevitably, player characters are going to wish to create their ‘own techniques. Though new techniques should be r those who wish to create their own Single-Technique Schools should adhere tothe following guidelinesKNOW THE SCHOOL Le eog Feat: Know the School (All Clans Techniqu You have studied the students of another clan (appropriate clan or Benefit: You must choose a Great Clan or Min Clan as the focus of this feat when you select You gain a +1 competence bonus 0 cheeks, Rattle ch ere ere Bicester ks; Bluff checks, melee attack rolls eee ea chosen clan, and a +1 dodge bonus to your AC against melee attacks from members of the clan COL etnneg aes eee tr etre ae ert erty This feat was originally presented in Pear Seen eel Reena peer skill picks one bushi school studied with some regularity Pee ee ets eat eee eee et Il attack rolls against members of that school, and F rank in this skillas a bonus to his TN against any attacks by members of that school that use that school’s techniques. This is considered a Bugel skill (this skill supersedes the version found in Way eT) The than the Rank of th ary skill racter should have Insight Rank two Ranks highe nite to be created + Thep nique will use (Kenjursu, Courtier, et.) should be a least 7 + The rer must have the Great Destiny Advantage his ing doesnt happen every day must spend a minimum of chnique. No adventuring. Just actice and study ished with his ‘or must purchase the Multiple Schools advantage CREATING A NEW SCHOOL gues ae similar e gh that they can be used to ereate the groundwork of a new School. If two techniques bot a certain attribute, but one has stricter (but none uirements — one requltes ? Honor or higher an et requires 3 Honor or higher — these techniques a sidered simil the Instruction skill a 6 of higher, and must possess the Great Destiny Advantage. He must also spend 50 Experience Points at which time he is sufficiently inspired that he learns how -ombine the disparate techniques into a single style. The GM then chooses a Trait bonus he ppropriate for that he Single Techniques this Trait bonus, though newly characters who attend d gether, the GM and the schools creator should also det mine a starting curriculum of seven skill newly ¢ ated Rank 1 students will learn. Any skills formerly requited by the Single Techniques are logical choices, and a skill that is GM’ permission, the schools creator may choose forthe new school to have six starting skills, with one skill starting at 2, ather than seven starting The Ranks of the new school’ techniques are determined in order of their former point cost, from the lowest to the highest, no matter what order the teacher originally lea highest, ete them in. For example, consider the Ronin Kuso, He has lear wing techniques: Righteous Fury (7 points Samurai Fury (5 points) and Child of Water (15 points), ll which have sulliiently simi sto be combined nto-a school. The resulting school features Samural’s Fury ts Rank { Technique, Righteous Fury as Rank 2, and Chil Water as Rank 3. Characters wh points or meet requirements to learn those who already possess tech Schools Advantage ew school, or to branch out to new NEw PATHS talented than a student ofa single school. New Paths k rath of Entry 1 rement, which states what school a a character must b to be accepred For example, the Sato: Legacy New Path only accepts students w the second rank ofthe Miya Shisha Scho Similarly, New Paths have a Path of Egress. This specifies what schools the student may attend after his training the New Path has been completed and he is ready 10 advan: and arranged for his students to study there upon th ation. Note that he character follows both of Entry and the Path of Egress, there is no cost incurred the Multiple Schools advantage is not require Example: Miya studies with the followers of Satoshi, Kancko requests per. Rew PATH oT: in the d20 System; most new Paths translate as five-level presKATA Kata are special practice maneuvers learned by all bushi. They are typically used as training exercises or 2 focus for medita- tion, though some have practical applications in combat as well, Though many of these kata limit one’ ability to react ly. they can be very useful in the proper situation iques, major bushi schools all claim their own unique kata, Many contests of a samurai’ skill involve per- forming one oF more kata for show. [Learning a new kata requires as much time and energy as learning a new Teehnigue o feat the GM is encouraged ro use his oven judgment in determining how long it will tke a char scter to master anew kata. All kata have a preparation time. If his preparation time is interrupted for longer than a minute, the preperation is ruined and must begin again. Kata have a limited dutation, ‘buta kata can be extended for another full duration by spend ing three Void Points, Kaa chat end instantly after an attack roll or other stimulus may not be extended this way. A katas preparation time and duration are the same in both systems. ‘As kata requite very precise, choreographed movements, aacharacter may only be affected by one kata any given time, unless noted otherwise inthe description ofa particular kata There is no limit to the numberof kata a character may know. If a character wishes to cancel a kata currently affecting him, he may do so with a moment's thought, but cannot regain the kati benefits without undergoing the preparation ritual once mote, A character who is rendered unconscious loses al effects of any kata he was using atthe time. In the d20 System kata ae a unique new ability exclusive to Rokugan, Though they may require certain feats or class abilities before they can be learned, they are not feats nor class abilities, and can be learned by any character who meets the tequirements, Learning a new kata requires a significant expenditure of spiritual energy all kara havea cost (in experi fence) that must be paid when the kata is learned, In the LSR RPG 2E System all kata have a Rank require: ‘ment. Kata with a School Rank requirement require level of| familiarity with a particular fighting style before they can be learned. Kata with an Insight Rank requirement require no particular fighting discipline, only a certain level of compe- tence to leatn the maneuver. These kata can be learned by any character, Kata also have cost (in Experience or Character Points) to learn the kata (The rules for kata in this book supersede those presented. in Time ofthe Void?) STRIKING AS THE SLEM=ENTS “These are the most basic kata taught by any dojo, and thei origins have been lost to time. They are known throughout Rokugan, even among Minor Clan and ronin samurai STRIKING AS ZARTH Preparation Time: 10) minutes Duration: 120 minutes “This simple kata draws on the vast inner reserves of Earth within the body ust as Earth i shielded from harm, so does it often fail to perceive the world around it, Requirements: Constitution 13+ XP Cost: 20 Effect: You guin a +2 natural armor bonus for the duc tion, but suffer a -2 penalty to all Wisdom- and (Charisma-related skill checks Ranke Insight Rank 1 Cost:2 ‘Special: Must have 3 or higher Earth Effect: When using this kata, your TN to Be Hit is increased by 5, butall of your Awareness-and Perception related rolls roll rwo fewer dice. STRIKING AS FIRE Preparation Time: 10 minutes Duration: 120 minutes “Thissimple, shore kata is adaptable to any weapon or empty hhands Schools that primarily focus on speed over power teach this kata right away, improving the accuracy and repetition of student’ strike XP Cost: 20) ‘Effect: While using this kata, you gain a +1 insight bonus to melee attack rolls and initiative checks, bu suffer a~2 penalty to all wespon damage ros, Ranke Insight Rank 1 Cost: 2 Special: Must have 3 or higher Fire Effect: While focusing on Striking as Fite, your initiative rolls are increased by 2, you roll one extra die on melee attacks, and roll and keep one fewer die (minimum one) com all damage ros. STRIKING AS WATER Preparation Time: 10 minutes Duration: 120 minutes Focusing on pute strength, Striking as Water brings to bear the power of Water, sacrificing precision forthe pure ability to inflict damage. Given the natute of this kata, however, bladed ‘weapons gain no benefit from this kata (though penalties stil apply). Only bludgeoning weapons or unarmed attacks bene- fit from Striking as Water ‘Requirements: Strength 13+ XP Cost: 20 Effect: While using this kata you gain a+2insight bonus ‘onal melee damage rolls, bur sufera -2 penalty to your initiative check and all attack rolls Ranke Insight Rank 1 Cost: 2 Special: Must have 3 or higher Water Effect: When using Striking as Water, you roll wo addi- tional dice on all melee damage rolls, bur your initiative is reduced by $ and you roll one fewer die on all attack rolls STRIKING AS WIND Preparation Time: 10 minutes Duration: 120 minutes “This kata relies upon speed and maneuverability atthe cost ‘ofall ele. Striking as Wind allows phenomenally quick move ‘ments atthe cost ofboth power and accuracy.Requirements: Dexterity 13+ XP Cost: 20 Effect: While using this kata, you gain a +6 insight bonus to your initiative check, but suffer a ~6 penalty to all attackand damage rll Ranke Insight Rank { Cost: 2 Special: Must have 3 or higher Air Effect: This kata allows you 0 roll two additional dice on all initiative rolls, but you roll and keep one fewer die (minimum one) on all attack and damage rolls STRIKING AS VOID Preparation Time: 10 minutes Duration: One day Special: You must know Seriking as Earth, Striking as Fire, Striking as Water, and Striking as Wind to learn this kata, Effect: The effect of this kata is the same in both systems Striking a5 Void allows you to use ro other kata simultane- ‘ously. These two kata (neither of which may also be Striking as Void) must be named while preparing this kata, and cannot thereafter be changed. These kata must be prepared normally. ‘This basic kata does nothing in and of itself. It simply broadens the mind so that other kata may be utilized more easily ‘Requirements: Void Use, Depths ofthe Void XP Cost: 50 Ranke: Insight Rank 2 Cost: 5 Special: Must have 3 or higher Void THE THOUSAND YEARS OF STSSL Decades ago, the samurai Kakita Kaiten and Mirumoto Uso ‘met fora duel of respect — the bloodless challenge between masters of the Mirumoto and Kakita schools that occurs almost every generation, Having seen two major wars during their lifetimes, Uso and Kaiten tinderstood the value of peace between the Clans. The two swordsmen conspired to sertle the differences between their families, designing kata that united the two traditions instead of setting one against the other. Through intense practice, innovation, and patience, these masters of the blade devised five kata that share the vision of both Mirumoto Hojatsen and Kakita Kaiten and Uso encouraged the spread ofthese kata through ‘out the Empire, especially in the lands of their own clans, Following their example, che Kakita and the Mirumoto have come fo anew appreciation of each others styles, and come a step closer to uniting the genius of the two greatest swords men toever live, ‘These kata are collectively known asthe Thousand Yeas of ‘Steel, and are practiced by ll the major bushi dojo ofthe Great Clans THE EMPIRE RESTS ON ITS EDGE Preparation Time: 15 minutes Duration: 120 minutes Special: Must be used with a katana or daisho, The first common truth that Uso and Kaiten discovered about their ancestors’ styles is that both men applied the art of the sword to every aspect of life Each endeavor requires devo tion, training, purpose, and a goal. Those who learn this kata realize that everything must be treated as ift rests upon the edge of asword Requirements: Void Use XP Cost: 450 Effect: When you learn this kata, choose a single Charisma, Intelligence, or Wisdom-based skill you know. ‘While using this kata and rolling to attack, you gain @ circumstance bonus equal to one-fourth ofthat skills ‘modifier. For the duration ofthis kata when the chosen shal is used, its modifier is halved (round up) Ranke Insight Rank 1 Cost:2 Effect: When you learn this kata, choose a single High Skil. While the kata is active, you keep a number of dice equal to balf ofthat High Sill (rounded down) when making Kenjutsu rolls The characters rank in that High ‘Skill is considered to be half (rounded up) ofits normal value if he uses it while this katais ative. STANDING ON THE HEAVENS Preparation Time: 35 minutes Duration: 180 minutes ‘Special: Must be used with a katana or dasho, “The ultimate lessons of Kakita and Mirumoto each thatthe blade isa living thing, guided by the soul of a samuca, Like anything that is alive, it is bound by the will of the Heavens in action — though a truly skilled samurai can stand above the Celestial Pattern ro get a better understanding of destiny, Its this view of the world and its patterns as a whole that leads to ultimate mastery not only ofthe sword, bur of one’ own des- tiny. This kata primes the samuraié soul to be an indomitable force that is assured of the outcome of a fight — his victory. ‘Requirements: Depths of the Void, Knowledge (Shim to): 10 Ranks, Void Use XP Cost: 3,000 Effect: Whenever you would be struck in combat, you ‘may spend a Void Point co force the atack roll o be re- rolled. Ifyou everhave zero Void Points while this kata is active, you suffer a~4 circumstance penalty to AC for the rest of the day, and cannot inflicr critical hits ‘Ranke: Insight Ranks Cost: Effect: Whenever you would be struck in combat, you ray spend a Void Point to force the attack roll to bere rolled. Ifyou ever have zer0 Void Points while this kata active, our TN to Be Hit is reduced by 10, and you may not reroll dice that rll a 10 for the rest ofthe day. THE VICTORY OF THE RUER Preparation Time: 30 Minutes Duration: 180 minutes ‘Special: Must be used with a katana or disho. ‘Central ro the master’s control of swordplay is the relax ation of mind and body. Ths kata helps the samurai to adapt ro the changing tides of warfare andthe ar of combat. Once the kaa is complete, the samurai’s scrikes flow beautifully and cleanly; ten strikes blend together in one flowing ate of ste! ‘The strikes this kaa favors flow together, causing one effec tive attack to create another, and then another. These bold attacks even sacrifice defense for fluidity.Requirements; Cleave, Great Cleave, Power Attack XP Cost: 2,250 Effect: For each successfl attack you make on an oppo nent, all additional melee attacks you make against that opponent in the same round receive a cumulative 45 insight bonus, You may not declare total defense while this kata is active, and you are denied any Dexterity bonus to your Armor Class (making you vulnerable to sneak attacks). Ranke Insight Rank + Cost:6 Effect: When you successfully attack an opponent, his TN to Be Hit s reduced by 15 forthe remainder of your autacks during that same round. You may not declare Full Defense while using this kata, and your TN to Be Hit drops by 10, victory OF THE WIND Preparation Time: 20 minutes Duration: 120 minates Special: Must be used with a katana or daisho Tm both the art of iaijursu and ina skirmish, che master of the sword understands chat its not he who strikes first who is victorious, but he who strikes first with perfect form. This kata enforces the idea that a hindered man strikes slowly and poorly, and the man who can atiack with precision and speed 4s to be feared. By focusing on disabling the opponent instead of overpowering him, this kata quick, shallow strikes take advantage of opponents who attack sheer force Requirements: Expertise, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw XP Cost: 500 Effect: Each time you deal 10 or more points of damage with single melee attack against an opponent, you gain af insight bonus to attack that opponent for the remainder of this katas duration. These bonuses are ‘cumulative, but may not exceed half your class level rounded up), You suffer a ~2 penalty to your damage rolls. Ranle: Insight Rank? Cost: 3 Effect: For the duration ofthis kata you gain a Free Raise to every attack made against an opponent for each Wound Rank your opponent has dropped below +0 You may not gsin more Free Raises per attack from this kata than your Insight Rank. You roll one fewer die on all damage rolls, THE WORLD IS EMPTY Preparation Time: 25 minutes Duration: Special (Maximum 60 minutes) Special: Must be used with a katana or daisho. Both Mirumoro Hojatsu and Kakita were mortal men, but ones who walked alongside the Kam in the armies that defeated the Dark Brother Fu Leng. Even though they were nnot as powerful asthe Kami, they found that seven mortals could teach within to find a point of perfection: the Void. Both men sought to hone this ability through training with the sword. This kaa, natural outgrowth of their styles, draws out and expends this inner power ina swift display of awe- some skill The focus ofthis kata is more intense than mos, and iteannot be maintained for very ong. Requirements: Depths ofthe Void, Void Use XP Cost: 1,500 Effect: When this kata is completed, you may choose to activate it asa free action a the beginning of any round in the next sity minutes. When you activate it, you gain, Void bonus toll of youratack and damage rolls during that round equal to the number of Void Points you have remaining. Al of your remaining Void Points are spent by this action, and you are considered fatigued. You cannot recover Void or recover from this fatigue until you rest for at least one hour. Rank: Insight Rank 3 Cost: 5 Effect; When this kata is completed, you have sixty mi utes to choose to activate its power. When you activate you gain an extra number of dice for atack and damage rolls on your next single attack equal to the number of Void Points you have remaining, After using this kata, its effects end. You cannot recover Void Points and you roll wo fewer dice on all atack and damage rolls. hour of rest restores you to normal and allows furure recovery of Void Points. DOTO Allsamurai attend a dojo, asehool where they learn he way of| bushido, This dojo may be an open field where a samurai’ ronin father taught him how to hold a sword, or it may be an ancient academy where generations of proud samurai have learned the way of the warrior. Where a samurai character received his initial training and passed his gempukkku can greatly color shat samurais abilities aswell as his perception of the world. With this in mind, many dojo are introduced in this hook. If player creating a samurai wishes for his charac ter to attend a particular dojo described in this book, he may do so ifthe GM approves, Attending a major dojo bestows 2 ‘number of benefits. Individual benefits vary from school to school SOCIAL BENEFITS ‘Social benefits represent a measure of status gained by your association with a major school. These benefits apply only so Jong asthe student continues to attend the dojo. They repre sent mannerisms common tothe students and social contacts SCHOOL AND DOFO There isa slight distinction that should be kept PPOs Ure Es Sean eta ae en eerie dojo isa physical place where that style is taught, Mul: tiple dojo may share teach the sume school, oF a single re eee eae ee Seely pemrrer er or ee te arenes terra attended any ofa dozen different Crab dojo, and a stu dent of “the Sunda Mizu Dojo in the Crab Lands might be a student of the Hida Bushi School or the Hida Berserker School.between members of the dojo. Ifa student leaves the dojo on bad terms, certain aspects ofthese social benefits fade An intricate knowledge of the customs and practice of an individual dojo is required to emulate these benefits, so the success o failure ofan impostor hoping to reap these bereits isleft ro the discretion ofthe GM. All dojo give the following Social Benefit BROTHERHOOD OF THE SCHOOL All members ofa dojo are familiar with that dojo customs of greeting, meditation, and exercise. Two fellow students intro- duced t0 one another have little trouble recognizing thei mutual craining, even if they have never met before, and will be kindly disposed toward one another Benefit: You gain a +2 circumstance bonus on all Diplo ‘macy and Sense Motive checks with members of your ‘own dojo, or on Spot checks to recognize a fellow stu- dent. Ifyou check bon ave the school on bad terms the Diplo becomes a penalty instead. ‘Benefit: You gain a Free Raise on all Avasenes and Per ception-related rolls against members of your own school, TE you leave the school on bad terms, the Free Reise on Awareness-related rolls fades, and all Awareness. related rolls against members of yous former school have theit TN increased by 5 TRAINING BENEFITS Training benefits represent basic fighting abilities learned by attending the Dojo, These benefits reflect the training reg men of that dojo, and thus do not fade even ifthe character leaves on bad terms. However, should the character take rudy at a new dojo, the practices of that dojo may replace those gained at his former dojo, causing certain training bene fits to fade All dojo give the following Training Benetie KNOW THE SCHOOL ‘amiliar with the strengths and weaknesses of yout own style Benefit: You gain Know the School asa bonus fat (even, if you do nor meet the normal prerequisite), but with the restriction that it applies only ro those who have trained in your own dojo, Benefit You gain one free rank in the Know the Schox shal. (See sidebar, page 10 Gaining a dojo benefit costs nothing; it’s pat of your char acters background and history. While it may seem that a char acter who chooses a dojo is getting something for nothing, keep in mind that membership in an esteemed samurai school is a very serious business. Even after graduation, the eyes ofthe sensei are watching. A samurai is expected to hhonor his school, and to prove the superiority of its tech niques against che students of rival schools A student of a major dojo is a proud samurai indeed, but if such a samurai dishonots himself, he has brought shame not only to his clan and family, ur alo to is school. In addition, the troubles of his school ae his own as well if the samurais former school should come under attack, he may be called upon to defend i. S=ns=l Ifa samurai wishes to learn anew technique, narually he will wish to turn to his sensei to learn it. So who is his sensei? Though most major dojo have numero at least one sensei, master of the school’ techniues Each the dojo described in this book describes a sensei, a master bushi who instructs the students ofthat schoo. It is possible that a particular student may have very little contact with his sensei (some of them have alot of students to instruct) but @ samurai is certainly aware of who his sensei is and will have met him at east a handful of times, The sensei NPCs in this book can fill a variety of different roles in your campaign, from teacher, to benetictor, to villain depending on the campaign. 1fyour campaign involves exten sive forays into the Shadowlands battling Tainted monsters, Crab sensei Toritaka Tatsune may play the role of protector Ina campaign based in Crane lands, Tatsune may instead be the villain of the campaign, dispatch: ing brash and surly Hida bushi to plague the lives ofa refined and aristocratic party. Keeping in mind the wily different roles available for a and advisor forthe pa sensei given the variety of different campaigns possible in a Rokugani setting, full statistics for sensei are not given, Instead, only a suggestion of character School Rank / charac ter class and level are provided so that you may customize all sensei to suit the needs of your campaign. It is improbable that most sensei NPCs will ever be directly involved in ombat, whatever the campal 30 attacks his s and a player character " nsei deserves whatever he gets — so full statistics ae rarely required TSI CRONIN FAMILY) econ nn ee eT es The Tsi are an extremely small onin family, with only half a dozen members at any time. They are [erent eae tee meer acs tune of Stee, Tsi Xing Guo, among their ancestors. The Tai have a family estate in East Hub Village, though whenever a great war arises they usually strike out t0 offer their services as weaponsmiths toone side of the conflict or another. They are known to be on good terms with the Crab, Lion, and Phoenix, and rarely involve themselves in conflicts in a way that would anger one of these clans. Lee peeee tear raed Class Skill: Craft (Weaponsmith) Starting Outfit: 1) Masterwork weapon of choice, masterwork weaponsmithing tools, Bonus Languages: Yobanjin Pe rey The Tsi are known for the strength of the as is reflected in the quality of their blades. Peter a eee TheeJha pT ut ta he grim expe of the Shadows Tandy zrtchng Bost whe hand The dey 8 age purple Lor Ss had ong ince ons nthe western ay. ‘AU Taumes side ia Wu ok oer his cal or Je ith tone Sat hoe pking hs meri gel he iu Mall ste os Wisin a _Pthey relate! Wve ple. "Lbnew this wai bed id Ths iva bad son, th wore sn decade Dlg fro lines oe taney «mle fos our positon This no Pat or utvaed hilren Lond on expe ul report. rep ous owns, “atone sama, tf 1 fd hat your ang meds ae tet Sense viens Ont oyea tenia "tf ano ipertant thin ever tl gu prdsae ed? Tatu repid oth eins ‘Tasunea™ ral ou out from lot enret t= ower. "They ene / “ats loki weston inthe distance could ef smal group of ioe fly picking then wy Dong thd soos trwand the Wall Each came « Noodtatne head-bug of ws, He and of one ib ware i ign he ‘Shadowlands. “*Binw, amy?” Wat Bled eppibey ef © ke at he smal oye a "Sensei Wilko dikedy “how can you be s0 heartless? One, ‘peas to casualties per yds dering the gempubla &s hormal tu seven all atone?” WAG NwAvartn rem tae me emote lel] Tatsune shrugged Do you know what youve dane” Wks xdaimed display ag the it of student’ mares to he eged sense" What wil Lond Kuroda ay when 1 (if um, ys Sent seven children to thet deaths “Tell un the truth? Tsun said with ashe. *t dl mot send ‘Seven children to their deaths, Tse weve, and fons their corpses, sprang five Crab, strong sales who wil help hi tae back is lost towers. 1f Kuroda feels he can train soldiers nsaxe efeciently tll Fr me ont en hil. on i ge Sa enh Poy ath hi tee fore cree sromg perdi lot gegs wie "Waka led hiseye ond wed Hl sm? Wha selina SUNDA muzu i, : Clases: Berserker Fighter, Samrat . ‘Schools! ids Berserker Hida Bashi e HISTORY igh ‘Many Crab claim hat he largest dojo of the Hide bas is the Coane Wilnal Ttept tle ote wen allepiting Crab samurai ae assigned to the wall forsomme ero of tine. However no samurai alowed fee thepe ¢ r ya Fs af EY o as i ° t te) ° ¥ a ny Frat Ta) Shadowlands without the proper training, and for most bushi this takes place at the Sunda Mizu Dojo (Clear Water Acad: Sunda Mizu Mura (Clear Water Village), one ofthe oldest cities in Rokugan, nestles between Earthquake Fish Bay and the Wall Above the Ocean Mountains. Cleat Water Academy has been housed in the same structure for centuries, built of the sturdy gray stone that dominates Crab architecture. The school was designed by Kaiu himself late in his career, and its foundations were laid by his apprentices In the one instance during recorded history that Sunda Mizu Mura was attacked (during the War of Spirits), the resi- dents of the village retreated into the dojo and successfully defended the structure against the spirit armies for seven ‘weeks. Eventually the armies of the Lion and Crab arcived, forcing the Iron Chrysanthemum to retreat. Some believe that itwas the ferocity of the dojo students and the quality of Kaiuisarchitecture that kept the dojo safe. Others whisper that Hida Tsuneo’ memories of training within the dojo over helmed is loyalry tothe sinister Hantei XVI, leading him to knowingly perform an ineffective asault upon the TRADITION It is said Hida himself was the frst sensei Sunda Mizu (though if all Crab legends about him were true, Hida would have been a busy Kami indeed). While the Crab Kami’ position as teacher is open to debate, itis known that he instiruted the tradition of carving the names of every student who atended the dojo inthe stone walls. Hida decreed that no name would ever be removed or allowed to fll into ruin, and thus the names of such legendary heroes 4 Hida Tadaka, Hida Tsuneo, Hida Yakamo, and leven Osano-Wo can be found on the walls of Sunda Mizu, carved by their own hands. Even students from other clans who train ar Sunda Mizu carve their names on the walls. ‘Upon first arriving, an accepted student is given a hammer and chisel and instructed to carve his name ina location of his choice, so long as it does not deface an existing name. Students who find a place to carve their name beside that of great hero are seen as lucky, though they must be careful that their actions bring that hero no dishonor by association, Over the centuries, the dojo has been expanded many times, both to accommodate more students and to make room for more Students of Sunda Mizu take the inscription oftheir ames very seriously. "You may forget your training, but Sunda Mizu never forgets you" is a common admonishment ofthe dojo sensei. Students who misbehave or perform poorly ae given their punishment in the presence oftheir own names, so that they may meditare upon the shame that they have brought the dojo Though Hida ordered that no names would be defaced, the names of hose who bring the dojo dishonor are often cov cred with carpets, wall hangings, or even chamber pots, ‘The lengths to which sensei will go to hide a shamed name can be profound examples ofthe Crab sense of humor, The name of Hida Hideaki a bushi who willingly joined the army of Fu Leng during the Clan War) is now covered by a silk painting ofa delicate geisha a est among overstlfed pillows. Covering or uncovering a name i always the decision of the raster sensei, and isnot subject to discussion, TRAUTUNG Young students hoping to undergo gempukku 28 Crab simu: rai take their basic training at Sunda Miau. Students are trained in a variety of weapons (usually wooden replicas of \weapons used on the Wall). Most basic exercises and sparring are done in "heavy arm training’: students wear heavy armor fitted with lead weights ro make iteven more uncomfortable and difficult to maneuver in. At times, students who are not performing adequately are ordered to do heavy labor or sleep while wearing weighted armor This harsh regimen not only forces students ofthe Hida style to become accustomed to the discomfort of armor, bu it also builds their stamina, ‘After students gempukku, he is expected to journey into the Shadowlands and return with the head of a Shadowlands creature. Sunda Mizu Ryu students bring these heads to the dojo for the approval of the sensel. Those who bring back the heads of powerful creatures are allowed to advance more rapidly through the dojos training, the head is cleaned for permanent display in the dojo entry hall, so tha the first thing visitors see upon their arrival isthe remains of those that have fallen to is students, Over the centuries Sunda Mizu has accumulated quite a terrify ing collection of skulls. Accumulating the Shadowlands Taint in eny amount is grounds for immediate and permanent expulsion from Sunda Mizu, Such students are ‘immediately sent 10 the barracks of the Damned. Ssns=) Due tothe Grab Clan eternal war with the Shadowlands, few able-bodied bushi can be spared to instruct new recruits. However, the Crab have no lack of samurai who have sustained permanent injuties but still have the will vo fight. These samurai are asigned ro Sunda Mizu as instructors, Though the sensei of Sunda Mizu is always a bushi there is always a senior Kuni shugenja on the premises who instructs the students regarding the inhabitants of the Shadowlands Mostly, this instruction focuses on how to identify and kill said inhabitants, Like the other instructors, this shugenja is usually 100 old or injured to serve on the Wall itself TORITAKA TATSUNE Master Sensei, Sunda Mizu Ryu [Samurai 6/Berserker +/Shadowlands Veteran 10; Hida Bushi 5/Hida Avenger 3] ‘ortaka Tarsune isa gruff warvior in bis late fifties, the frst sensei of Sunda Mizu 10 ever bear the Tritaka name. He also happens to be the daimyo of the Toritaka family, though the family is small enough that his position as sensei seldom interferes. (He leaves most ofthe daily duies of family daimyo in the hands of his wife, Koiso) He isa quiet man built like a mountain, with thick limbs and a broad chest. He possesses infinite patience and has never been known to give up on a student, though a handful have found his training regimen so difficult that they led and did nor return Praise does not come readily from Tatsune’ lips, and st dents who do not perform adequately are severely punished with harsh labor and extra exercises, Tatsune sees no reson 10 treat his students with compassion, as he knows that the‘Shadowlands will show none.Tatsune makes no compromises and bestows no favors; his duty isto make strong bushi, nor friends Only returning students who have performed in sue- cessful campaigns against the Shadowlands are met with any warmth by Tetsune, though even they will find his harsh demeanor quickly returning when they request advanced training. “atsune wales with a sever limps his lft eg was shattered by an ogre during the Battle of Oblivion’s Gate and never healed properly. Though the wound bears no true Taint, it beds freely and emits terrible rotting odors without weekly treatments with a special healing poultice devised by the Kani. Even ifTatsune could find a means to permanently heal his eg, he would not do so. To him, the wound isa reminuler of what can happen when one is not prepared for the dangers of the Shadowlands Tatsune never speaks openly of his injury. Mechanical Notes: Tatsune' skills abilities, and feats tend to concentrate on stamins, endurance, and ant-Shadowlands combat techniques. He readily teaches these abilities to any student ofthe dojo who meet his approval. SUNDA MIZV BENSFITS ‘Asone of the oldest existing dojo in Rokugan, membership in the Sunda Mizu academy is a great honor not only among the Cra, bur among the samurai community in general. Hid bbushi take an enormous amount of pride in their dojo, nd tol- erate those who defame its name with only slightly less patience than they hold for Shadowlands beasts. ‘Training in Sunda Mizu emphasizes endurance, heavy armor training, and a thorough instruction in how to identify and kill minions of the Shadowlands, A student of Sunda ‘Mizu may choose ro honor his dojo with asmall splash of gray (representing the gray tone of the ancient doj) in the lower left corner of his sashimono or personal mon, SOCIML BENEFIT “The students of Sunds Minu ate the implacable enemies ofthe Shadowlands; the most powertul wariors ofthe Crab. Those ‘who have the support of their dja wil never alter in the face ofthe Horde Benefit: You gain 2 +4 circumstance bonus on all Intimi- dation checks against Shadowlands creatures Benefit: You gain a free Raise on all Intimidation rolls, against Shadowlands creatures. TRAMING BENEFIT You are particularly skilled in battling the minions of the Shadowlands. Due to the fierce focus and dedication this benefit requires it fades if you should ever begin study at 2 new dojo. Benefit: You gain a +4 bonus to all Blu, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Wilderness Lore checks against Shadowlands ereatures, and a +1 bonus to all weapon damage rolls agains such opponents. This benefit stacks with the ranger’ favored enemy ability, and damage is gained even against creatures that ae immune to ceiticl hits, Wich ranged attacks, this bonus applies only against creatures within 30 feet. Benefit: You may add your Insight Rank to all Hunting and damage rolls made against Shadowlands creatures, NOTABLE STUDENTS HIDA 2EIHA [Samurai 6; Hida Bushi 2] ‘A relatively young and inexperienced student of the acad cemy, Reiha is nonetheless quite notable. She was one of the few samurai to survive the Shadowlands recent attack upon the Kaiu Wall, and personaly witnessed Crab Champion Hida Kurodal final moments in combat with the Onis Kyofu. ‘She was the one to carry the shattered Celestial Sword of the Crab tothe Kai Forge, where i was reforged and given into the hands of new Crab Champion Hida Kuon. The young, samuratko was profoundly affected by her experience, and row has returned to Sunda Miau, hutling herself into more ‘igorous training so that she will be prepared to fight at Kuons| side when the Wallis retaken. HIDA: SAKAMOTO [Samurai 5/Fighter 10; Hida Bushi 5) ‘One of the most seasoned warriors of the Crab army, Sakamoto is also ¢ proud student of Sunda Mizu. On the day he was allowed to carve his name on the stone, he chose an ‘open area in a new wing, far from all other samurai names, His sensed reacted with surprise “What is wrong?” the sensei asked. “Are you ashamed to lace your name beside the others?” "Not at all” Sakamoto replied. “I do this so that when become a great hero, there will be room for hundreds of names to crowd near mine. Sakamoto was given extra exercises and harsh labor for his bravado, but he performed admirably. He has come to be regarded as one ofthe finest warriors the Crab have to offer, and has acted as military advisor to Hida O-Ushi, Hida Kiuroda,and Hida Kuon.Ifhe has any regrets itis only that he did not train himself thoroughly enough to adequately pro- tect his two former masters. Though neither of thelr deaths were truly his faul, Sakamoto has sworn that he will not fail Lord Kuon, DAISHIKI'S ANVIL (Classes: Fighter, Rogue, Samurai Schools: Hida Bushi, Hiruma Scout, Kaiu Engineer, Yasuki Taskmaster HISTORY ‘aishiis Anvil was founded by Kaiu Disha wealdhy Kaiu daimyo who fle thatthe soldiers ofthe Crab could benefit from direct experience on the Wall prot ro gempukk. With the permission of his lard, he spent his great wealth to expand Kait Shiro and build the doo that would be called Daishikis ‘Anvil He invited masters of every Crab school (with the exception ofthe Berserkers, whom he felt were to unstable to roam unchecked in Kai Shito) come and tain thei stu- dents within his dojo. ails Anwlis ocated within Kaiu hiro ands thus located close te both the Wall and the Shadowlands. The school has stood within the walls ofthe castle for three hundred yeas, operating amid the busy workings of the Crab Clans most Industrous family ares Cem Te) rat al [efeTer) ANwAaAvartn WAGUh te in = =a) TRADITION ‘Though not as old or respected as Sunda Mizu, Daishiki’s Anvil is « moderately well-established dojo. Its training is ‘extremely flexible, catering to the styles of many different Schools. The students in the different schools at Daishikis Anvil are encouraged to inceract, tran with one another, and share thoughts on how to better fulfill thei role as bushi. A friendly rivalry exists between the four distinct schools repre sented at Daishikis Anvil, and competition is encouraged among the students. Though the sensei of Daishiki’s Anvil consider this a strength, they often receive criticism from other, more focused dojo. TRAINING AAs Kaiu Shiro is a functioning fortress, some pains must be taken to keep students who have not yer reached gempulkku ‘out from underfoot of the true samurai on the premises These students wear colored armbands so that they will be recog: nized as students, and thus wort accidentally be given impor tant orders by a harried commander who mistakes them for ‘ue samurai. The color depends upon thei school: red (Hida ‘Bushi), black (Hiruma Scout), gray (Kaiu Engineer) or green (Vasuki Taskmaster) During atacks upon Kalu Shir, the stadents of Daishikis Anvil are expected to aid in the castles defense. Even those who have not reached gempukku serve as messengers, put out fires, or simply load ammunition into the siege engines under the direction of an experienced samurai. Asa result, most stu: dents have some experience actually battling the creatures of the Shadowlands before teaching theie gempulku, This is especially true of late, as Kaiu Shiro stands atthe frontlines berween the conquered section of the Kaiu Wall and that part which still remains in Crab control SENSEI Daishikis Anvil has a staff of four sensei at any given time, one foreach ofits major school styles These sense are all con sidered equally influential in any matters concerning the dojo, though the senset with the most seniority typically makes most of the important decisions. The current staf of sensei consists of Kaiu Hosaru (Kaiu Engineer School), Hida Fuchida (Hida Bushi School), Hiruma Hotoke (Hiruma Scout School), and Yasuki Otojro (Yasuki Taskmaster School). YASUKI OTOTIRO Senior Sensei, Daishiki’s Anvil [Fighter 6/Rogue 10; Hida Bushi 2/Yasuki Taskmaster 4] In his early seventies, Otojto isthe most seasoned and respected daimyo at the Daishikis Anvil dojo, He isa grizzled veteran of countless bates upon the Wall, and has become a somewhat stubborn and eccentric character in his old age. He is known for telling prolonged tales from his youth of his ‘exploits in the Shadowlands, and is never seen without ashorthandled ono a his side. Otojito refuses to credit any rumors of a Crane daimyo of the Yasuki, no matter how rel able the source may be. Once he even physically attacked a messenger claiming to bear such news (albeit without using his ax) claiming that the man “had his brains addled by the Shadowlands and needed to get some sense knocked in Mechanical Notes: Orojios skills, abilities, and feats con- ‘centrateon brute strength and intimidation. He will each his techniques to any who attend the dojo, so long as they treat ‘him with respect and listen to his stories. DAISHIKI'S ANVIL BENEFITS “The students of Daishikis Anvil are a cosmopolitan and versa- tile lot (fr Crab, anyway) who are well aware ofa variety of differen fighting techniques. Training at this dojo involves not only a mastery of ones own school, but a mastery of the strengths and weaknesses of other Crab schools. Those who attend this dojo often retain the armbands they once wore as ‘pre-gempukku students, attaching them to the hilt of their tetsubo or other weapons as decorative tassels SOCIAL BENEFIT None. TRAMUNG BENEFIT Your versatility aids you in mastering a variety of different fighting techniques Benefit: Select the favored character class of any other CCrab family (except the Kuni). You gain this character class as an additional favored class. Benefit: You may purchase the Mulriple Schools advan tage for three fewer points, solong.as the new school that you choose is also a Crab school. NOTABLE STUDENTS IDA YRSUHIRO [Samurai 7; Hida Bushi 3] Something of an anomaly among the students of Dsishikis Anvil, Yasuhiro is a samurai who has stayed true to the path ofthe Hida Bushi School, and has not adopted any techniques of the various other schools taught by this dojo. While he is aware of and appreciates the abilities of his brethren, he feels that the Hida Bushi school is the strongest of the styles repre- sented atthe dojo, and is a fervent proponent of the virtues of isstyle. DOJO OF THE RAZOR'S SEDGE Classes: Berserker Schools: Hida Berserker HISTORY “The Dojo of the Razors Edge is relatively new, founded only thirty years ago by a group of “dead-eyes" Crab berserkers led bya young samurai named Hiruma Yugure. After the death and corruption of the infamous Hida Amoro, these bush felt that their style (already often decried for its brutality and mindless savagery) had been shamed by the fall ofthe Crab ‘daimyo’ nephew They established this school in the shadow ‘of Razor of the Dawn Castle, far from the castles of the great families, but close to the Shadowlands. Here, the berserkers felt that they could perfect and purify their misunderstood techniques in a location with ample access to the hated denizens ofthe Shadowlands The school iself is rather small, 1 somewhat ramshackle one-story building just outside the walls of Razor of the Dawn,Though the students of the Razor's Edge have killed an impressive number of Shadowlands creatures during the ddojos short existence, they have had absolutely no success whatsoever in making the image of the dead-eyes berserker any more honorable oF respected. If anything, the existence of 1 formal and (somewhat) organized school of berserker just causes others to be even more wary and keep their distance from this school” TRADITION With its brief history, Razor's Edge has very few traditions. The only true tradition to speak of involves an absolute intl erance ofall outbreaks of the Shadowlands Taint. Any stu dents, past or present, who beat the Taint are hunted ruth lessly by all members ofthe dojo. TRAINING Training is very loosely organized at the Razor's Edge, but mostly involves tapping the deepest pits of one’s inner rage. Exercises involve building stamina by repeated exposure to pain (cither by being beaten by other stu- dents orby exposing oneself to harsh con: ditions) and harvesting rage through ‘kai shouts. tis said thatthe assembled cry ofthe students of Razor's Edge is 4 sound that would strike terror into the hear of Jigoku itself Selection ofa sense i also rather informal at the Razor's Edge. ‘The sensei is simply the oldest living student, Usually, this indi vidual is no more than thirty, and rarely holds the position for more than thee yeats before being slain by some inhabitent of the Shadow: lands, some other enemy of the Crab, or another member of the dojo during an accident while practicing. The sensei bas few formal duties, though allin the dojo teat him with due respect. HIDA INUKAL Sensei, Dojo of the Razor's Edge [Berserker 15; Hida Berserker 5] Inulkal isa stunningly beautiful ‘woman in her late twenties who dresses in revealing, form: fitting armor most of the time. She also happens to be ‘homicidal lunatic, barely lucid a the best of times and truly savage whenever anything resembling an enemy approaches. She is temperamental, abusive, and unpredictable toward the students under her care, though she rarely does them any per rmanent damage. ‘Mechanical Notes: Inukai’ skills abilities, and feats are straightforward. She does as much damage as quickly as possi- ‘le with no concern for her own safety Students who show no fear in her presence (quite an accomplishment) may ment het personal attention, RAZOR'S S0GE BENEFITS Membership in the Dojo of the Razor's Edge is not exactly a matter of prestige, though it certainly does cause others t0 take notice. The dojos reputation for producing fearsome, maniacal warriors is enough to gain most samurals attention. SOCIAL BENEFIT Members ofthe Dojo ofthe Razor's Edge have a reputation for wanton violence, giving them an extremely intimidating character. Unfortunately, this also often prevents them from seeking a peaceful solution to their problems (not that this often comes up for them). ‘Benefit: You gain a +4 circumstance bonws om all Intimk dation checks, but suffer a —4 penalty to all other (Charisma checks that relate to social interactions Benefit; You gain a free Raise on all Intimidation rolls but all other social-based Awareness rolls have their TN increased by 5 TRAINING BENSFIT “The students of Razor's Edge have mastered a more focused rage, allowing them to enter a state of savage fury for longer periods than a typical berserker Benefit: Your rage ability lass for double your Constitution modifier + 3 rounds rather than your Constitution modifier ¢ 3 rounds. Benefit: You may ignore wound penalties for your Earth x 3 toundsinstead of your Earth x2 rounds when using your Berserker techniques, NOTABLS STUDENTS HIDA TERSHU (Werserker 9; Hida Berserker 2/Dead Byes t) Hida Tenshu is the son of Crab shugenja Hida Rohiteki, and thus shares the bloodline of the infamous Hida ‘Amoro, whose death and corruption inspired the creation of Razor's Edge. “Those who knew Amoro say that they see much ofthat cruel berserker’ soul reflected in Tenshu’ merciless fighting style ‘Though the young berserker has been in few battles, already hhe has gained a reputation for never allowing an opponent 10 begin a fight with him and live. Even an innocent bar fight ended with Tenshu beating his opponent to death with his bare fists. Fortunately for Tenshu, his mother was the Crab daimyos advisor and the vitim was arather annoying Bayushi temissary. The Crah made restitution to the victim’ family; ‘Tenshi went unpunished save fora period of duty on the most dangerous section of the Wall. Many say that chis deadly stu dent ofthe Razor's Edge is walking a razors edge of his own, a ee Tomo (ol] eT rae) iEl te n= Ta fe) LS ch Ss a cy c iE i n ere) rele) ADVANCED TRAINING HIDA SLITS GUARD (PRESTIGE CLASS) ‘The most skilled warriors of the Crab are invited to join the Hida Elite Guard. These ete soldiers serve not only as the personal guard of the Crab Champion, but also carryout Important missions in thet daimyo’ name, These warriors are known for their ferocity; the Hida Elite Guard will allow themselves tobe slain ro a man before they consider retreat, ‘especially in the fice ofthe Shadowlands Horde. Hit Die: d12, REQUIREMENTS ‘To qualify to become a Hida Elite Guardsman, a character must fulfill ll the following criteria, Base Attack Bonus: 9 Clan: Crt, Feats: Hida Technique, Mountain Does Not Move, ‘Strength of the Earth Toughness, Void Use, Way ofthe Crab. Special: Must be invited to join the Elite Guard by the Crab ‘Champion. Must have the ancestral daisho class ability. CLASS SKILLS “The Hida Blite Guardsmans class skills (and key ability for cach skill) are Battle (Wis), Climb (Str), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (Shadowlands) (Io Sense Motive (Cha), Spot (Wis), and Swim (Str). (See the Players Handbook” for sil descriptions. The Batle and Tea Cee ‘mony skills ae described im Rokugan) Skill Points at Each Level:2+ Int modifier CLASS FEATURES Allof the following ae class features of the Hida Elite Guards- ‘man prestige class. Hida’s Strength: Ar st level, the guardsman may spend Void Point ro add double his Constitution modifier to his AC. as an insight bonus, or to add his Constitution modifier as an {insight bonus toall attack and damage rolls. Either effect lasts ‘one round; both effects cannot be used simultaneously Fear the Mountain: The looming strength of earth within the guardsman overpowers his foes. At 2nd level, che guards ‘man may add his Constitution modifier to all Intimidation checks. Great Fortitude: At 2nd level the guardsman gains this feat for free Hida’s Armor: At 3rd level, the guardsman becomes tougher and more resistant to damage. All natural armor bonuses provided by the Hida Technique feat are tripled, even if tripling the bonus would allow a bonus greater than the feat normally allows ‘Tapte 1-1: THe Hibs Euire Guaro Clase Bas Fort Ref Level Attack Bonus Save Save Ist # 2 40 2nd 2 3 40 ard 3 a 4 ath “4 4 #1 sth 45 “ 4 Bonus Feat: Ar 4th level, the guardsman may select 1 bonus feat from thelist of Crab samurai feats or technique feats. Hida's Last Lesson: At sth level, the guardsman gains permanent +2 inherent bonus to Constirtion, HIDA SLITS GUARD (mew PATH) ‘Technique Rank: $ Path of Entry: Hida Bushi 3 Path of Egress: Hida Bushi ¢ ‘Technique: Hida's Strength ‘The Hida Elite Guardsman has learned to channel the legendary power ofthe First Crab, adapting readily to attack or defense. Exch round during his ation the guardsman may choose to add twice his Defense Skill o their damage rolls oF Dis TN to Be Hieuntil his next action. DEAD-EYES BERSERKER (PRESTIGE CLASS) ‘Among the Crab, there isa special variety of berserker who attains a purr state of rage. The rage that burns within these warriors is nota raging, uncontrollable flame but a cold, inex orable anger that rises from nowhere and vanishes just as swiftly: These warriors ae said to be entirely without emotion, rendered nothing more than engines of death by thee rigor. ‘ous training and the terrible burden these techniques place on their soul, Some pity the dead-eyes berserker, but the Crab know better ‘Save your pity for those who stand against him, Hit Die:di2 REQUIREMENTS ‘To become a dead-eyes berserker, a character must fulfill all the following crite ‘Alignment: Any chaotic Base Attack Bonus: +6 Feats: Power Attack, Way ofthe Crab Rage class ability: This can originate from the Hida Defender class, the berserker character class, or any other abil ity that allows the character to enter rage, butt must be usable at least rice a day. ‘Special: Though this prestige clas is taught by the Crab Clan, one need not bea Crab to become a dead-eyes berserker Prospective students must only meet the approval of another sdead-eyes berserker —an equally monumental tsk no matter ‘one’ clan of origin. CLASS SKILLS “The dead-eyes berserker’ clas skills (and key ability foreach skill) are Battle (Wis), Climb (Str), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), and Swim (Str) (See the Players Handbook for sill deri tions The Battle sails dexerbed in Rokugan™) Skill Points at Each Level: 2+ Int modifier wilt sa Special 40 Hida's Armor 40 Fear the Mountain, Great Fortitude 4 Hida's Strength + Bonus Feat 4 Hida’s Last LessonCLASS FEATURES Al of the following are class features of the dead-eyes berserker prestige class. Rage: At ist, rd, and sth level the berserker gains the abil lity to enter into a rage (identical ro the rage described under the barbarian character class in the Players Handbook) an axlditional ume per day Dead Eyes: At 2nd level, the berserker has begun to purge hhimselfof all emotion. He gains a+2 bonus onal aves vs. any mind affecting effect. While affected by a rage, he is entirely immune toall mind affecting effects (though if their duration islong enough, they take effect normally when the rage ends) Eternal Rage: At fourth level, the dead-eyes berserker has learned to harness the deepest rage within his soul. If in the throes of a rage, he may extend the rage for an additional round by sacrificing ten it points, He may continue 0 do so as long as he has hit points to spare, and can even render him self unconscious by sacrificing hit points in this manner. DEAD-EYES BERSERKER (Mew PATH) ‘Technique Rank: $ Path of Entry: Hida Berserker 2 Path of Egress: Hida Bushi Technique: Endless Rage After using your berserker technique (sce Way ofthe Cab you are do not enter a semiconscious daze as normal. Instead, you rol two fewer dice on all attack and damage rlls forthe Same amount of time for which you would normally be spent This technique counts asa rank of the berserker school for the purposes of rolling and keeping extra damage dice. KATA OF THE CRAB “The Crab dojo areas secretive as any, though they have been kkaown to occasionally teach their most treasured kata to the dead-eyes berserkets and swift Hiruma scouts who share their waragainst the Shadowlands, SOUL OF STONE Preparation Time: 10 minutes Duration: 120 minutes This is one of the simplest kata taught by Crab sensei. The bushi folds is palms across his chest and focuses on drawing hhis own strength inward, hardening his body against harm. Requirements: Hida Technique, Way ofthe Crab XP Cost: 40 Effect: While under the effects of this kata, you gain a deflection bonus to AC equal to one-fourth your level (oninimum 1), but you cannot charge or run School Rank: Hida Bushi 1, or Hida Berserker 1, or ‘other Crab schools 3 Cost:2 ‘Tame 1-2: THe Deao-Eves Benseexen Class Base For. Ref Level ‘Attack Bonus save Save Ast 41 2 0 2nd 2 3 0 rd 8 3 4 ah 4 +4 4 sth s “ 4 Effect: This kata increases the practitoner'sTN to be Hit by his Insight Rank for the duration of che kata but he cannot move faster than a walk SHARDS OF SARTH Preparation Time: 20 minutes Duration: 120 minutes or until an attack rll fs made (Other: When he learns this kata, the bushi applies it exelu- sively toeithertersubo or jiyjutsu artacks. Shards of Earth may be learned separately in both forms ‘The Hida teach their samurai to focus their chi like the earth, to become impenetrable and strong like the mou tains. They show theie students how to draw out the Earth in themelves to augment their strength, bur this kata takes 4 different approach to the Hida’ affinity for Earth “The bushi must focus his chi around a small stone or other ‘object at the beginning of this kata. When the bushi reaches the end of the ritual, he raises either his tetsubo or his empty hand high above his head and strikes down quickly, stopping. ahairsbreadeh above the stone. Within seconds, the stone begins to crumble into dust ‘This kata ends after your frst artack roll, whether or not you successfully strike the target. Requirements (tetsubo version): Cleave, Martial ‘Weapon Proficiency (tetsubo), The Mountain Does Not Move, Power Attack, Void Use Requirements (unarmed version): Breaking Blow, Fists of Iron, Improved Unarmed Strike, The Mountain, Does Not Move, Power Attack, Void Use XP Cost: 500 Effect: While under the effects ofthis kata, you may make a single attack roll asif it were a touch attack. Your weapon is considered to be +1 for the purposes of piere ing damage resistance only, (Jf the weapon is already magical, it can pierce damage resistance asf its bonus sf you strike a flat footed opponent with this attack, the must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + your Constiru- tion modifier + half your level) or be stunned for 113 rounds School Rank: Hida Busht 3, or Hida Berserker 4, for Hiruma Scout + Cost: 3 Effect: You may completely ignore armor when striking aan opponent, directly attacking his Earth. fan unpre- pated target is struck by a Shards of Earth attack, he must make an opposed Earth check vs. your Earth or be thrown off his feet and miss his next action UNYIELDING FURY Preparation Time: 30 minutes Duration: 120 minutes “The bushi has learned to tap into the boundless rage ofthe Crab, the raging fire that fuels their Boundless sense of duty wilt save Special +0 Rage +0 Dead Eyes a Rage 4 Eternal Rage 4 Rage AwavatnWAG NitAvarn eam ET Tal ouoa ee Ce ee) The Crab can never be defeateds those who slay a true Crab will find themselves being dragged into the next world as ‘well This kata is seldom seen in action; is very existence is a matter of whispered legend, Requirements: Great Fortitude, Hida’ Rage, Hida's Technique, Strength of the Earth, The Mot Not Fall,The Mountain Does Not Move, Tough Use, Way of the Crab, XP Cost: 1,500 Effect: When under the effects of this kata you may spend a Void Point to make an immediate melee attack (out of rurn and asa free action) against an attacker who haa just struck you with an attack that will reduce you below zero hitpoints. This attack is made before damage is applied, and is automatically a critical threat, The damage inflicted by the original atack is not reduced in any way ‘School Rank: Hida Bushi 4 or Hida Berserker § Cost:5 Effect: If you are struck by an attack that would reduce you to Down, Out, Dead, oreven one that would kill you ‘outright while under the effects ofthis kata, you may spend a Void Point to make an immediate melee attack against your attacker before damage is applied, doing double damage if you strike successfully. The damage ted by the original attack isnot reduced in any way THE TORITAKA With their absorption into the Crab Clan as the Toritaka family, the once-Minor Clan ofthe Falcon now has resources never before available, With this in mind, they have greatly improved the techniques of their bushi school. The Toritaka serve as the eyes ofthe Crab, searching out menaces from other Spirit Realms beyond Jigoku which the Hida, Hiruma, and Kuni are not prepared to perceive. (Note: the techniques and Bonuses represented here supersede those Way ofthe Minor Clans new FAMILY Toritaka Bonus: +1 Perception The Awarenesselated abltes avilable fo Torta fail mem bers are no longer availabe; this enhanced awareness has been manced and altered as apart ofthe bushi schools taining, TORITAKA BUSH] SCHOOL efit i Wilpower Skil Falconry Honing Renu, Lore Mediation Yani and second nk i orBing Starting Monor:2 pus boxes Realm: Falconry TECHTUQUES Rank 1: The Falcon’s Eyes ‘At Rank 1, the faleon gains a free Raise per School Rank on all Peeeption rolls. In addition, he may perceive any invisible spirits within his range of vision by making a Perception roll vssthe spirits Alex, Rank 2:The Falcon Takes Flight ‘At Rank 2, the bushi begins to understand the swift move iments of the Falcon, He may add twice his Perception to all his Initiative rol, Rank 3:The Falcon’s Wings At this Rank, the Falcons mastery of his technique is such that he may make rwo attacks per round. Rank 4: Vigilant and Strong. At this Rank, the Falcon no longer needs to make a Percep tion roll to perceive invisible spivits. Against any invisible may make a Perception roll vs that x S to perceive them normally. Also, he may Percep- tion roll opposed by the Airofany opponent within thirty feet to perceive them despite say hamper his vision, existence 1 use this ably creatures h cs Ai fe must be aware of an opponent's Rank 5: Claws of the Faleon Just asthe Falcon can perceive things th world, so can he draw upon his understanding of such crea tures to defeat them. By spending a Void Point, the Falcon can select rm them normally (despit pace rating) for the dut ofthat combat. This applies oly to melee atacks made by the Falcon, are beyond this ¥e opponent an special invulnerabilties or Cx Fs a? © DW etuied jens of the Kakta Duotng Aedes master ‘seni: Kall Nori ood srouned bys of hosted tnd promising dent: Bede i the contr af the godin, teas ow stone pedestal with water-iled sin. wass old a thesdol sl and lyon the ol ofthe eft Sige “he tere of Kata’ teciguts Nortsit began walking etwul he ile sii simply aut he sed of ne’ ode, ‘agmany belive. Nor ik merle precision of yur sri Keshia ulema lesson isonc.of subtle Wathoit subtlety, no ‘amount of speed and precision ean. make you's master ofthe Kaka syle” He sind qt; wag forthe eae question “Master I do ot anders” twas Kalla. Ute whe ke the sence Novtshs smiled tuardly. Uae was joung and sefed, aloays eager for nowledge andy wndertancrg of the sve He would bea great warrior one da, "Bow does one maser suey ethene. j "cantar es" Novtogh repli. "Bitte monet. A _great ducist cart have speed, precision, arid stength, buf without subtlety he will never hea master Its the altimate expression of ‘the beauty and art ofthe Kakits style." Nortosks surveyed hs she ent again, aang for any sign of competes. Asn even Is mest adognced students dinplayed litle. te sigh lightly *Miny well the: fshall sow you" rds reached ni his obi and waiter pristine Tea. He held bday bode the bas algal of fs se Ighly pon the suf ofthe wale Sepp bake fo the bash, fhe ats mast dropped easy ni a ducing snc; his had arpping thet of his sword, For severat long moments, he repaid th as ih 0 n ofmement ‘Bieler ae tne ‘Suey thee was laze of matin. Norsk ow sot We lasers of «Butt having comple single sri bst ‘wilh ne apport fit, Seal students wine npn they ela hey had ut son tei honorable ese hi ae ratdihonor ‘ovis ease forward an ew very gently pon te sie fe ter Tel rey the rtm of thea ard raed nly nto fel has a ae tay ter, “Ase, ou did ot even fut heft of thee! Your stroke rs perk Res [Noritosht said mothing, but insted eld his led Before hire and pore these lcng mtn hat clmed the katana ofan enemys bln. Angle drop of water dirs ike oom 0 fie he done brat kote’ et “Perf? Tam aa nt. Lane Ae tulestf Keita jis seach fou" *Tehat woul hapen foe of usw bar he pet a” inorepeenog nts e ‘Arca single evo Noto std singh “Then ha sc dent wo take mpl” KYUDER post ees Chaser: Asitsn (Predtige); Courtier; Do} Hive Goard Prestige’, Samurai (eo) ce tbr tay a Per a ie eMmele (el)HISTORY Although Kyuden Doji itself has stod since the time of Lady DDoji and Lord Kakita it has only housed the primary dojo of the Dofi family forthe past few decades. The devastation of the Clan War, which followed years of war with the Lion, left many Crane dojo poorly defended or in ruins. The Crane Champion of the time, Doji Kuwanan, relocated all Crane schools to one of the clan's most defensible locations For those schools operated by the Doj family, that location ‘was Kyuden Doji ‘Kuwanan’s plan was a success. During the tumultuous period following the Clan War, the brief civil war between the Doji and Daido) families saw Kyuden Doji transformed into the center of Kuwanan’ military operations. With the family’s resources centered there, he had considerable resources at his disposal and could continue to supervise the Doji’ affairs while away from the front lines. Likewise, the Crane used. Kyuden Dojias one of their primary centers of operations during the Wer of Spits In recent years, Kyuden Doji has avoided the unpleasant ness of war The current war between the Crane and Crab is ‘aking place in the southernmost Daidoji regions and the adjoining Yasuki provinces of the Crab. While Crane Cham- pion Doji Kurohito oversees the war effort personally his wife and advisors manage the affairs of the Crane from the relative safety of Kyuden Doji TRADITION Since the schools were combined at Kyuden Doji only recently, there are few long-standing traditions. One of the most interesting involves competition between the Doji courtiers, the family’s oldest and most prestigious school and the Doji magistrates an institution no more than afew hundred years old. The eldest students of the courtier school put into ‘motion some elaborate plan that will result in some small. and relatively unimpoctant loss of face to the students of the magistrate dojo. The prospective magistrates, however, are aware that some such plot is afoot and attempt to dis cover the nature ofthe scheme. Historically, the couriers have dominated the contest, which might have played a role in the subdued profile of the magistrates in the empire at large. In the last few years, however, the magistrates have out- smarted the courtiers more and more often giving them a rep- utation as cunning adversaries TRAITUNG Much ofthe training at Kyuden Doji does not involve combat. Both the magistrates and the courtiers focus primarily on ‘observing others and interpreting thei actions. They are ‘rained in the nuances of inflection, body language, and subtle shifts of facial expression. Young courtiers relive the great historical debates ofthe Imperial Court while aspiring magis trates examine the most heinous crimes in the Empires history o ee how they were solved. (One of the least conventional training methods the Doji ‘employ isto have their students impersonate servants during, ‘unimportant diplomatic sessions. This allows them to see and hear whats going on, but prevents them from embarrass: ing the family with their inexperience; afterall, no one pays attention tothe servants, Martial raining does goon at Kyuden Doji as the Doji Elite (Guard maintains a large traning area for their rigorous prac tice sessions The magistrates mai smaller space forthe martial component oftheir taining. For the most part, however, these activities are secluded from the majority of the palace’ occupants. The Doji consider it poor form to conduct their military activities in full sight of guests, SENSE) Obviously the three very different dojo based in Kyuden Doji have separate sensei. The sensei of the courtiers and magis- trates are very influential in the Crane Clan, Within the palace itself however, the sensei of the Dojt Elite Guard is consid- cred to have seniority. As both the sensei and the captain of the guard, the responsibility for the safety and security of every individual within the palace falls upon his shoulders. Itisconsidered a sacred duty and the Crane Champion selects each new sensei personaly Dos! NAKARU “Master of the Watch, Doji Elite Guard [Samurai 14/Doji Elite Guard 5; Kakita Bushi 5/Doji Blite Guard 1/Doji Magistrate 1] Most of Doji Nakanuis life has been spent in quiet contemplation of the secrets of the Kakita style. As young man he gained 4 reputation as an enthusiastic student, often practicing for long hours in the forests beyond his home. Striking at leaves falling from the trees, practicing his strikes while standing in a waterfall, and balancing stones upon the end of his blade as he practiced his long, delicate blade strokes, hhe mastered many secrets of the style long before a bushi of his age would normaly do so, Only weeks after his gempukku, Doji [Nakanu found himself among the few defending soldiers when Kyuden Doi was assaulted ducing the Clan Wat. His flawless style caught the eye of Doji Kuvwanan and Daidoji Uji, and when those two heroes escaped the final onslaught of the False Hotuti and his hordes, Doi Nakanu was one of a handful of guards who survived to flee alongside them, Nakanu’s valor earned hima position in Kuwanans elite guard, where he served with distinction for the duration of the Clan Wat Following that conflict and the consolidation of the Daji schools at Kyuden Daj, Kuwanan charged Nakanu with the formation of an elite cadre of defenders 1 ensure the palace would never fll again, ‘Mechanical Notes: Nakanu has skills and feats that emphasize his vigilance and devotion tohis duty Any abilities that reflect an increase in perception or willpower would be appropriate KYUDEN DOJ! BENEFITS Kyuden Dojiis one of the most prominent and renowned cen: ters of learning and diplomacy in the Empire. cs the sort of place that poor peasant children dream of visiting to catch the eye of a great warvior or courtier. Samurai trained here carry that prestige with them wherever they go Students at Kyuden Doji can be recognized by the symbol of the court fan spread ‘beneath the family mon on their kimono,SOCIAL BENEFIT Having trained at Kyuden Doji demands espect from others, who will be more receptive to such an individual in social set tings Benefit: Once per day, the character may add a +4 com petence bonus to any Diplomacy or Charisma check Benefit: The samurai gains a Free Raise per day ro be used in any social interaction. TRAINING BENEFIT Al dojo at Kyuden Doji emphasize perception, granting their students an edge over their opponents in many sitwations. Benefit: Once per day, the character may add a +4 com- petence bonus to any Search or Spor check. Benefit: Scudents of Kyuden Doj rll one extra die on any Perception roll. NOTABLE STUDENTS Dos! TATITSU [Courtier 16; Doji Courtier $] Despite his relative youth, Doji Fantsu is one of the most prominent courtiers in the Crane Clan, He was a childhood friend of al three of Toturis children who were raised in cout, and iat present one of the few people in the Empire on fiiendly verms with all four of the Winds. He is particularly close ro Toturl Tsuda, although he has gained the trust of her siblings as well. fanitsu is open and honest, with an infectiously cheerful demeanos. His good narure and for rightness blind those who do not know him to his unprece dented skills at manipulation, although he rarely uses them tunless it directly benefits the clan, Dom! yASUYO [Samurai 15; Kakita Bushi2/Dofi Magistrate 2] Several Crane historians have declared Doji Yasuyo to be the very image of Lady Doji herself, and in truth she does seem to possess an otherworldly poise and grace, Anextremely gifted duelist, Yasuyo wasa well-known student fof the Kakita dueling academy, but requested permission 10 study with the Doji magistrates in order to better serve her clan. Few among the Crane can refuse the beautiful samuat- ko and she was granted permission Recently Yasuyo requested leave to pursue personal quest. The exact nature of her search is unknown, but her distant cousin Doji Kurohito personally gave her hs blessing. Some rumors claim that Yasuyo was Set upon her quest by vision of the Lady Doj.All that is known for certain is chat she caries with her the mysterious blade carried by her grandfather. Iris called Naishi, the Raven Sword, and not even Yasuyo herself knows is secrets. RKARITA_ DUELING ACADEMY Classes: Hoturis Blade (Prestige), faijusu Master (Pres- tige), Kenshinzen (Prestige), Samurai Schools: Kakita Bushi, Kenshinzen, Hoturis Blade HISTORY The origins of the Kakita Dueling Academy lie with Lord Kakita himself Those who followed his style learned directly from him at frst, then from bis students. After Kakitas deat, the school remained at Kyuden Kakita, although by that time there were many other dojo throughout the Crane lands. The Lady Doji came to visit Kyuden Kakita less and les, however, as the sight of students practicing her lost husbands secrets ‘caused her great pain. Not wishing to offend their mistress, the followers ofthe Kakita style constructed a separate facility that would serve asthe hub of che many Kakita dojo across their lands Thus was born the Kakita Dueling Academy Due to its position in relatively unfruitful lands and the lack of seasoned croops stationed there, the Academy has never suffered major assault from an organized foe. During, the Clan War and the War of Spirits, the Academy served as a rallying point for refugees from large battles that had been scattered across the Crane lands. TRADITION (One ofthe oldest rations ofthe Kakita Dueling Academy is its fierce rivalry with the Mirumoto Swordmasters of the Dragon Clan. This heated competition is nearly as old as Roktugan itself and originated in the dispute between Kakita and Mirumoto during the earliest days of the Empire. Kakita attempted to heal the rift when he ducled Mirumoto Hoja, the son of Mirumoto. Hojatsu was killed and the badly. ‘wounded Kakita deliberately fell upon Hojatsus sword, pro- claiming, “Do your master’s bidding” Unfortunately the arro- ance of some Kakita and the stubbornness of some Mirumoto have continued he sometimes-violent rivalry to this day TRAITUNG ‘The raining of a Kakita dulis ia traditional and ritualized process. There ate certain milestones tha each senset looks for 1o determine when a student is ready to advance to the next level. The first few yeats of a student’ training is spent exclusively within the dojo practicing the mechanical aspects of the dueling system, When the instructors feel that aa student has mastered the basis ofthe draw and strike, that student is sent on tothe next level. Second-ter students practice a great deal while surrounded by nanure. By practicing in heavy rain, wildlife-filed forests, ‘waterfalls and the like, they learn to focus only on thei strike rather than their surroundings. Additionally, the immersion in nature allows them to gradually realize the spiritual ele rent of thie craft. Kakita students are also trained in a wide variety of high ants. The Crane Clan is renowned for its culture and sophisti ‘ation, and ie would not do to have its most visible represents Te] CEA ANWAVATN cramer) err c L rg LyCc H A ? as R OE Er laal te Mik) wanwn tives not demonstrate the appropriate skills, History, liters ture, poetry, artisan skills and etiquette are taught at Kakita Dueling Academy alongside a wide variety of different weapon skill SEns=) KAKITA RORITOSHI ‘Master Duelist, Kakita Dueling Academy [Samurai t0/laijutsu Master 10; Kakita Bushi 5/Kensh- inzen 3] Kakita Noritoshi is the nephew of Kakita Toshiken, formerly the Emerald Champion of the Empire. He is the ‘grandson of KakitaToshimoko, a former Emerald Champion, and the grand master ofthe Kakita Dueling Academy, and per hhaps the finest duelist that has ever lived save for the great Kakita himselE. Noritoshi feels the burden of his family’s legacy but refuses to let it mold him into something he isnot, Noritoshi practices an older variant of the Kakita style, ‘one that has not been prominent among Crane duelists in ‘many decades. Perhaps partly because ofthis, he has enjoyed {great success among his peers, many of whom cannot mount a successful defense against his particular methods, This is by ‘no means a crutch for Noritosh On the contrary he is very sifted with the modern dueling style as well; he merely. prefers the style used by his ancestors, Noritoshi isan exceptionally patient man. It is one of the strengths that allow him to prepare young Crane for the uncertain furure of the Empire. Aleady he has sent many of his students fesh from their gempukku to their deaths in the war with the Crab. Ir weighs heavily upon his sou ‘Mechanical Notes: Noritoshi has many Void-elated feats, even a few kiho. Beyond that, hs abilities focus on dueling and instruction. KAKITA_ DUELING ACADEMY BENEFITS ‘The Academy is well established asthe finest institute forthe {instruction of iajutsu in the Empire. Aspiring duelists from across Rokugan look tothe Kakita Academy asthe birthplace of greatness. When facing other duelists, the students of the ‘Kakita Academy enjoy a considerable social and psychological advantage. The symbol of the Academy is a single stripe of silver, signifying the lightning strike of Kakita himself ‘his stripe appears on the right side of the students’ family ‘mon on theit kimonos, SOCIAL BEn=FIT Kakita Academy students enjoy considerable clout as they are Seen as the ultimate practitioners ofthe Empites most honor- able fighting sve, ‘Benefit: The character gains a +5 enhancement bonus 10 all Diplomacy or Bluff checks with any individual of the ‘Samurai class who is of lower overall character level than the student fit: When dealing with bushi with a lower Glory the samurai rolls an additional die on any social TRAINING BENEFIT ‘Anyone who practices formal dueling is intimidated by the students of the Kakita Academy, as they are the best and brightest of tha ar. ‘Benefit: The character gains a competence bonus equal to half his laijutsu Focus modifier (round up) to all Intimidation checks with other members of the Samurai class Benefit: When interacting with any bushi of lower rank who possesses the Iaijutsu skill, the samurai gains a ‘bonus to Intimidation equal ro his faijusu skill NOTABLE STUDENTS Dos! REsU [Samurai 5/Fighters /Tattooed Monk 3; ‘Kakita Bushi 3/Hitomi Hikage Zumt 1) One ofthe eldest students currently attending the academy, Doji Reju has lived a fall and eventful lf. He as served the Crane in a number of capacities, including a period as an off cial liaison fo the Tsume vassal family. He became a servant of Hitomi after the Clan War, bt managed to serve both her and his lord Kuwanan equally well, thus avoiding any dishonor. Upon her death, Reju returned to the Crane and eventually eared his right to bear the Doji name once more KAKITA RTOSHI [Samurai /Courtier 2; Kakita Bushi 2] Although he is well regarded by his fellow students, Kakita ‘Atosht isa lackluster student of iatjutsu. His choice to attend the academy came asa great surprise as he is from a very dis- "unguished line of courtiers. When he first joined the school, his fellow students treated him rather poorly. His persever: ance and generally good attitude quickly earned their respect, however. Atoshi currently serves as the yojimbo of a prom‘ nent Kakita courtier, lending both his blade and his keen ‘powers of observation to his charge, KOSATEN SHIRO (Classes: Fighter, Ninja, Rogue, Samurai Schools: Daidoji Yojimbo, Doji Magistrate, Taume Pike HISTORY Always the military arm ofthe Crane Clan, the Daidoji family has dealt with centuries of aggression from the clans ancient enemies, the Lion. Eventually, the Crane determined that scrambling troops and resources from Shiro Daido across the rane lands every time Lion troops were spotted was rather Inefficient means of dealing with an organized military foe. Soa new fortress was constructed, one that overlooked the plains between the Crane lands and the fury of Shiro Matsu Kosaten Shiro was born The Daidoji have always known that they cannot match the Lion in numbers or in sheer military might, Instead, they have developed tactical methods that skirt che edges of dis hhonor. Ambush, sabotage, exploiting the advantages of the