Here is my group's take on the War of the Spirits. Our own game, which saw the Rise of the Stag Clan, greatly changed a lot of cannon, and as such, I felt it would be fun to write it up like it would be in Imperial Histories. I'll include how each clan was affected by the war individually, and Game Mechanics, as well. If this proves popular, I'll do our take on the Four Winds Era too.

Table of Contents

1. Important Events before the War of Spirits

2. Prelude to War

3. War of Spirits

4. Clans and Factions under the War of Spirits

• Crab
• Crane
• Dragon
• Lion
• Mantis
• Phoenix
• Scorpion
• Unicorn
• Imperials
• Minor Clans
• Ronin
• Other Factions

5. New Mechanics

Important Events Before the War of the Spirits..

(The events of Rokugan's cannon history from 4th edition is largely the same in this setting, with a few notable differences)

The Start of Toturi's Rule

Lady Sun shines down on the Imperial Place for 3 days following Toturi's coronation, showing her approval and blessing to his dynasty. The new Emperor is given a vision- it is the will of Heaven that Hantei's line not be forgotten. Hantei-no-Kami was the favorite child of the Sun and Moon, and founder of Rokugan. His descendants were its rulers and shapers of its destiny; they are worthy of more than just to be forgotten. Toturi is shown that one who is of Hantei's line will rise and found a Great Clan, dedicated to his name.

• Toturi also commands the clans to fill any empty leadership posts, and for all daimyo to marry and produce heirs as soon as possible, seeing the devastation of the Clan Wars has left the Empire lacking many leaders.
• One of the most noteworthy samurai who marries and starts a family due to this is Hida Yakamo, who fathers one son before his ascension as Lord Sun. Yakamo still arranges for his sister Hida O-Ushi's marriage to Shinjo Yasamura, as in cannon. Though O-Ushi rules as Champion after her brother, she knows it is Yakamo's son, Hida Kyoden, who will rule after her, not her own children.
• Otaku Kamoko also marries and has only one child, a son. This creates a large scandal as the Otaku family leaders push Kamoko to have second, 'proper' child (a girl). However, Kamoko mothers no other children, due both to her own difficulty conceiving and her duties preoccupying her. Her son, named 'Kamo' after his mother, is married to a strong-willed and powerful member of the Otaku family. Kamo's wife is made family daimyo, while Kamo himself is seen as little more than a breeding stud from the line of the Unicorn's Second Thunder.

The Jade Championship during "The War Against Shadow"

During this timeline, Iuchi Karasu takes the title of Jade Champion after Kitsu Okura, the current one, is exposed as Tainted. Emperor Toturi supports his claim.

The Dragon Clan Civil War and the Agasha Defection

During Lady Hitomi's madness, the Agasha family leave the Dragon en mass, joining the Phoenix. Their Daimyo, Agasha Tamori, refuses to agree with such a dishonorable act, and stays with the Dragon ruling remains of the family, little more than a few score.

• Unlike in the main Cannon, Agasha Gennai, the Daimyo of the Phoenix Agasha is not made Master of Air. Instead, that title is given to Isawa Kusaeri, a humble and idealistic member of the Mist Legion.
• The Hitomi and Hoshi tattooed families are formed and the clan faces was is essentially a brief civil war, though after the clan is united under Togashi-no-Kami's son Hoshi, the Hitomi and Hoshi become Vassals of the Togashi.
• To ease the hatred between the Dragon and Phoenix over the Agasha defection, Togashi Hoshi decides to take a Phoenix as his bride. To the shock of many, he marries Isawa Kusaeri, the Master of Air; with the Council of Five still not fully complete after the horrors of the Clan War and Hoshi's higher status, many Isawa fear that Kusaeri will leave the Phoenix and have no suitable replacement. Kusaeri, however, is allowed to keep her title as Master of Air (though she does take the Togashi name), and splits her time between the Dragon and Phoenix. Outwardly, the Dragon and Phoenix start to mend their strained relationship. In truth, many members of both clans oppose any peace efforts; most notably Agasha Tamori, daimyo of the Dragon Agasha.

The Scorpion's Fate

Unlike in cannon, the Scorpion is not banished to the Burning Sands during the War Against Shadow due to shaky evidence and testimony. However, the Scorpion clan's agents in the Unicorn due help free Shinjo-no-Kami from the Black Earth, similar to cannon.

Empress Kaede gives up the Oracle Status

When the Void Dragon directs his oracle, Isawa Kaede, to wed Toturi so that the Empire's soul might be saved from the Lying Darkness, the Dragon also released Kaede from her position as his Oracle. Because of this, there was no imbalance created by Kaede's actions, and as such, no Dark Oracle of Void is ever created.

The Founding of the Hogosha Family

The Mantis's lack of a true courtier family prompts the Mantis Champion Yoritomo Aramasu, to found one. This new family is named after the legendary Mantis diplomat Yoritomo Hogosha, and is headed by his heirs. The Hogosha family soon develops its own identity and reputation separate from the Yoritomo, but thier closeness to the leadership of the clan causes resentment with the Moshi and Tsuruchi families.

The "Perversion" of the Kolat

After the War of Shadow, the Kolat's original leadership is largely killed off, leaving newer, less ideologically charged successors in their place. Combined with the lose of much of their knowledge and resources to the Lying Darkness and Toturi's rise to the throne undermining their original goals, and the Kolat soon drift away from their origins. While it is arguable that the Kolat's true goal was never truly ideological in nature and just an excuse, it soon becomes apparent that the Kolat of this era onward seek power for its own sake. While they generally still pay lip service towards their original ideals of mortals ruling mortals, the leadership and most of their closest followers know that truly the Kolat now just aim to become the rulers of this world, not it's 'liberators.'

The Fate of the Lying Darkness

After the Nothing is named by the new Sun and Moon, it is largely left powerless and impotent (the Dragon of Air does not attempt to destroy it by swallowing it as in Cannon). By naming the Lying Darkness, Hitomi and Yakamo rob it of many of its powers; amongst other things, the souls that were seemingly 'unmade' by the Darkness are instead released and rejoin the mortal coil. What remains of the Nothing is no longer a world-destroying threat, but a mere shell of what it once was. The new Darkness can still corrupt individuals and take their identity and memories, but it is much weaker, and those Shadowspawn that are slain have their souls freed from the Nothing's grasp. The Nothing can no longer truly manifest an Avatar, and must work through its Shadowspawn minions. The power and cleverness of its minions varies -at the basic level, Shadowspawn are little more than otherworldly beasts and brutes, existing only to satisfy the Nothing's hunger. They lack understanding beyond the very basics to be able to pass in human society (though it takes little scrutiny to suspect them), and their minds fall to the wayside when confronting their 'prey'. However, these creatures are also perfectly loyal and obedient to the Nothing itself, and are largely extensions of its will. Shadowspawn can be given greater initiative and 'personality' (or, more accurately, what passes as personality to beings that only understand Desire, Regret, and Fear and lack Free Will as we know it), but at the cost of the Nothing risking their spawn becoming more independent. The strongest and smartest Shadowspawn are nearly human in nature (and can have School ranks to reflect this), but no matter how independent, they are still part of the Nothing, and bound to it- they are not human, and have only a mockery of human nature within them. Regardless, the Nothing has one goal -it is the only thing the Nothing can even conceive in its current state- to devour enough souls to gain the power to manifest an Avatar again. From there, the Nothing will likely have the ability to realize its power was lost by the Sun and Moon naming it, and seek a way to undo this.

The Akodo Reborn

After the War Against Shadow, the Akodo family is reinstated by Mandate of Heaven, with Akodo Ginawa being named family daimyo and the Lion Champion.

Lady Sun and Lord Moon Join the Mortal Coil

Unknown to all, Amaterasu and Onnotangu, the Lady Sun and Lord Moon, also pass through the Oblivion's Gate. Having been slain and replaced by mortals due to Onnotangu's unknowing support of the Lying Darkness, the old Sun and Moon decided to give mortal life a chance, becoming powerful shugenja named Amateru and Tsukuyomi. Seeking to atone for their part in the Lying Darkness's near victory, the two journey though the Empire, giving aid and blessing to all. Eventually, the two become the Masters of Elements, the first couple to do so, and take the Naka name. Stories of their amazing power and great compassion begin to circulate through the Empire.

The War of Spirits

Prelude to War...

Years 1133-1138

After the Battle of Oblivion's Gate, Rokugan was seemingly able to enter a time of rebuilding and healing after the devastation left by the Can War and the War Against Darkness. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the consequences of the Battle of Oblivion's Gate are far from over. Almost all of the Returned Spirits are unhappy with the current state of the Empire, and most of them are especially displeased with Toturi on the Steel Throne. It isn't that the Returned Spirits are ungrateful for Toturi's heroism at the Second Day of Thunder; simply put, most of the Returned Spirits simply cannot imagine anyone but a Hantei leading the Empire. The Hantei family founded and ruled the Emerald Empire for a 1000 years. To most of the spirits, the whole of their existence was devoted was devoted to the Hantei. To acknowledge anyone else as emperor, even someone as heroic and honorable as Toturi, is unthinkable.

Outwardly, all seems well enough at first in the Empire. The confusion and awkwardness created by the Returned Spirits' presence aside, the years before the war are peaceful and productive overall. Various conflicts do erupt, but they are considered small, isolated incidents, at least at first. However, Hantei Okucheo (known originally as Hantei XVI), the Steel Chrysanthemum, watches the unease and conflict running through the Empire, and sees an opportunity to reclaim the Throne. Gathering all the returned Hantei family members, Okucheo quickly establishes himself as their leader, giving them direction and purpose. At first, he merely wishes to test the waters with them, seeing which are most displeased with the Empire's current state of affairs or those that could be especially useful to his plans. The Steel Chrysanthemum also takes note of those who might pose a threat to his bid for power, or those Hantei that will be most difficult to control. While most of them are proud and strong willed (being former emperors and all), the returned Hantei quickly fall under the Steel Chrysanthemum's sway, influenced by his intense charisma, vision, and shear force of personality. Though Hantei XVI does not makes his plans for the Throne known to any, he is certain that they will support him when the time comes.

Armed with some of the most savvy and skilled politicians of all time, the Hantei subtly extend their influence across Rokugan, fanning the flames of conflict between the past and present samurai of the clans. When war finally does break out, the full impact of their manipulations will be seen in earnest.

Year 1133

• Battle of Oblivion’s Gate: The Empire marshals an army and marches to Volturnum to confront the Lying Darkness. During the ensuing battle, great numbers of spirits from the Empire’s past pass through Oblivion’s Gate, led by the Emperor Toturi. The Lying Darkness is finally defeated and in the process Oblivion’s Gate is destroyed, trapping the returned spirits in Ningen-do. All of the survivors march back to Rokugan where Toturi resumes his role as Emperor.
• Return of the Akodo: By Heaven's Mandate, the Akodo family is finally restored. Akodo Ginawa, who was Toturi's Right Hand after the family was destroyed, is named Akodo Daimyo and Lion Champion.
• Hatsuko's Fate: The Dragon of Thunder returns the Hatsuko, Toturi's geisha lover, to the mortal realm, making it appear as though she is a Returned Spirit. Emperor Toturi is heartbroken to see her, but does nothing to harm his marriage to Empress Kaede. Akodo Ginawa is visited the Thunder Dragon, who reveals that Hatsuko will give birth to Toturi's child eventually. The Thunder Dragon explains that she knew Hatsuko and her son would distract Toturi from his destiny as a Second Thunder. Thus, she spirited the woman away to the Spirit Realms, where Hatsuko remained in status for years. With the returned Hantei and the mounting discontent in the Empire, the Dragon foresees that if Hatsuko gives birth right away, the Steel Chrysanthemum will accuse the child of being Toturi's bastard (a technical truth, but for the wrong reasons) and will use the scandal against Toturi. As such, Ginawa weds Hatsuko, and the Dragon of Thunder continues to delay her pregnancy for a number of years. When she does give birth to her son, it will be well into the War of Spirits.

Year 1134

• The Hantei Family: At first, the Empire is left in an awkward situation; Toturi is Emperor, but there are dozens of returned Hantei spirits (most are minor family members who took the Otomo name, though). Eventually, it is decided that the Hantei will basically be treated as honored vassals of the Toturi, with Hantei Okucheo as their leader. Construction begins on Kyuden Hantei, the castle meant to house the Returned Spirits.
• The Returned Crab: The Crab clan chooses to give the spirit Hida Tsuneo the title of Crab Champion; the current champion, Hida O-Ushi, is more than happy with the arrangement, as it puts many returned Crab at ease. Behind the scenes, this is one of the earliest manipulations of the Hantei family, setting the stage for their coup. Soon, most leadership positions are filled by Returned Crab, such as Kuni Osaku being named Kuni Daimyo.
• Returned Spirit Leadership: Amongst the other clans, a number of Returned Spirits take up leadership positions. The most prominent of these are Doji Hoturi, Bayushi Dairu, and Isawa Akiko. Doji Hoturi is urged by Crane Regent Kakita Kaiten to reclaim the title of Champion that he held in life, as Kaiten feels the Crane need a true hero like Hoturi to give them strength. Likewise, Bayushi Yojiro gladly steps aside so Bayushi Dairu, son of Kachiko and Shoju, might take his rightful place as Scorpion Champion. Isawa Akiko, daughter of Isawa himself, is gladly accepted by the Pheonix and made the Master of Water. None of these three Returned Spirits were placed by the Steel Chrysanthemum's machinations, but it seems favorable to his plots.

Year 1135

• The Emerald and Jade Championships: Hantei Madoko petitions to the Emperor that the titles of Emerald and Jade Champion are unlawfully filled. Seppun Toshiken was named Emerald Champion by Toturi because the true champion, Kakita Toshimoko, had vanished, while Iuchi Karasu took the office of Jade Champion after his predecessor was exposed as Tainted. Both men have technically not earned their titles by the traditional tournament, and Madoko claims this undermines their positions. Toturi agrees and holds both an Emerald and a Jade Championship. To the shock of many, Seppun Toshiken is defeated by Hantei Ryute, better known in life as Hantei XX, while Agasha Tamori of the Dragon wins the Jade Championship.
• The Gusai Family: After failing to wrest control of the Mantis from their current Champion, Yoritomo Aramasu, the Returned Spirit Gusai is granted leave to instead found a family of his own. A few Otomo protest that the Gusai family was destroyed as traitors, but the Mantis counter saying no law prevents the honorable dead from re-founding their family, as Gusai was alive before his family's crimes and therefore not subject to the Imperial ruling. Toturi allows this, and is supported by many Hantei members.
• Unicorn Unrest: Returned Unicorn spirits voice dissatisfaction with Moto Gaheris's styling himself as "Khan" rather than Champion, and request he drop the title. Gaheris's refusal is met with hostility and minor conflicts. The Shinjo, in response, officially petition to the Emperor during Winter Court to denounce the title of Khan, claiming it is disrespectful to all past Unicorn Champions. Gaheris responds by saying that most of the past Champions were members of the Kolat and without honor. Several duels to the death are fought, and a number of Returned Sprits, especially among the Shinjo, denounce Gaheris as a false Champion. Whispers circulate of a blasphemous gaijin cult taking root amongst the clan, brought by the Desert Moto. Gaheris dismisses the rumors as baseless slander.
• Kitsu Motso takes Command of the Imperial Legions: Emperor Toturi names Kitsu Motso as Commander of the Imperial Legions. Motso is a staunch loyalist to Toturi and an opponent of the Returned Spirits, and rumors persist that Motso was given command to counter Hantei Ryute's ascension to Emerald Champion.
• Serpent in the Emperor's Garden: Winter Court is held in the Yasuki Estates this year. During the season, an Otomo courtier is discovered attempting to spy on the the Emperor's security, and is killed by Matsu Hitomi, a Returned Spirit as one of the Emperor's honor guard. Agasha Tamori, the Jade Champion, names the Otomo as a Bloodspeaker, but in truth he was a Hantei Loyalist.

Year 1136

• Jade Inquisition and the Phoenix's Humiliation: Following the exposure of an Otomo as a member of the Bloodspeaker cult, the Phoenix Clan attempts to humiliate the office of the Jade Magistrate by ordering their Asako Inquistors to root out any remaining Bloodspeakers in the capital. At the same time, Agasha Tamori sets his Jade Magistrates to hunt out any Bloodspeakers himself. While the Phoenix's investigation leads nowhere, Tamori's Jade Magistrates quickly discover a cell of the cult in the Phoenix Lands, remnants of the Elemental Master's dabbling in Maho during the Clan Wars. The cell is destroyed, and the Phoenix shamed.
• Death of Kyuden Tonbo: The Returned Spirit Akodo Yokutsu seeks vengeance against the Dragonfly. Yokutsu claims that the Tonbo Kuyuden, a Returned Spirit and Dragonfly Champion, is lying about their fateful duel and must be punished. Without permission from the Lion Champion, Matsu Kiriko, the daughter of Matsu herself, rallies a 5000 Lion samurai, mostly Matsu, and the force marches on Kyuden Tonbo. They are led by several Lion Returned Spirits, including Yokutsu, Kiriko, and others like Akodo Kenburo and the legendary Matsu Itagi.

The Returned Spirit's unlawful attack on Kyuden Tonbo is the first hint of the war to come. The spirits believe their status as honored ancestors puts them above scrutiny, and have no fear of punishment. With the daughter of Matsu herself leading them, much of Matsu family quickly falls in line, not even thinking or caring what their Champion has to say. The initial attack on the Dragonfly is only barely repelled by the Tonbo's magic and Kyuden Tonbo's enchanted walls, but Dragonfly still suffer heavy losses and the castle is soon breeched. The Lion's army, however, is stopped by the sudden arrival of the Dragon Army, led by their Champion, Togashi Hoshi in his dragon form. The Dragon are soon supported by the Hurricane Initiates and the Legion of Wind of the Phoenix Army (sent by Hoshi's wife Kusaeri, Master of Air). The joint forces of Dragon, Phoenix, and Dragonfly soon push the Lion's attack back, before the Imperial Legions arrive, led by Kitsu Motso. Motso condemns the Lion's attack as dishonorable and unlawful, even rebuking Matsu Kiriko when she protests his words. Yokutsu demands that his honor will not be satisfied until he is granted a duel to the death against Tonbo Kuyuden. Motso responds to this by simply hacking the Returned Spirit in half, daring anyone else to protest. He then has Kiriko and the other spirits commanding the Lion forces arrested and led back to the Lion Champion as common criminals. While Motso's actions are condemned by several Matsu, Emperor Toturi supports him for enforcing the Imperial Law.

• Birth of the Tonbo Family and the Dragon's Discontent: With their heavy losses after the Death of Kyuden Tonbo, the Dragonfly are forced to join the Dragon Clan in order to survive, becoming the Tonbo family. The whole affair hardens the hearts Dragon clan as a whole against the Returned Spirits. The Dragon, even the returned ones, become open supporters of Toturi, and the Hantei soon find their agents turned away completely from entry into Dragon Lands.
• The Kitsu's Revelation: Following the disgrace of Matsu Kiriko, the Kitsu Daimyo Toju starts to question just how honorable many of the Returned Spirits are. When Matsu Itagi, remembered by the Lion as one of their greatest heroes, is unable to answer simple questions about Yomi (the Spirit Realm he claims to have dwelled for the last 700+ years), Toju uses magic to discover that Itagi in fact is from Toshigoku, the Realm of Slaughter. Seeing as only the dishonorable and sinful are condemned to Toshigoku after death, this revelation sends shockwaves across the Lion clan. Soon after, many other ancestors the Lion deified are also reveled to be from Realms other than Yomi, including Akodo Kenburo and perhaps most shockingly, Matsu Kiriko.
• Matsu Succession: Following the revelation that so many of their most honored dead, including the daughter of their family founder, were condemned to Toshigoku, many Matsu commit seppuku in despair, including Matsu Ketsui, the family daimyo. Following her death, both Kiriko and Itagi make claim to the title of daimyo, but both are denied by the living Matsu and Akodo Ginawa. Instead, Matsu Mochiko, a Returned Spirit truly from Yomi, is given the title. Soon after, Mochiko weds Kitsu Motso.
• Cult of the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang: In Unicorn lands, Shinjo Magistrates discover a cult cell dedicated to the worship of the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang, gaijin death gods that were once patrons to the Moto tribe. The Shi-Tien Yen-Wang were abandoned by the Moto when they joined Shinjo, and the death gods have been seeking vengeance against their former followers ever since. The cult is routed and destroyed, but the whole affair is a major embarrassment to Moto Gaheris, as most of the cultists are Desert Moto.
• Phoenix Aid against the Death Cult: Gaheris entrusts Iuchi Karasu and his family to discover all they can about the Cult of the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang and destroy it. Soon after, Isawa Akiko, the Master of Water, offers the full support of the Phoenix clan in the Iuchi's investigations. Together, they discover that the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang made an alliance with Fu Leng, the Burning Words, which resulted in the Moto Curse and the rise of the Dark Moto; now the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang are tainted servants of Jigoku, but somehow able to exert powerful influence over the Moto family, giving them nightmares and driving them towards the Shadowlands. The Iuchi are not, however, able to understand how the Death Gods can exert such influence. In order to seal an alliance between the Iuchi and Isawa, Karasu marries Lady Akiko, taking the Isawa name. Soon after, the Asako Inquisitors lend their aid in finding and destroying cult cells.

Year 1137

• The Hantei's Influence Grows: Several Returned Spirits secure positions in the Emperor's Court through the Otomo family. For example, Hantei Madoko wins the appointment of Imperial Matchmaker, and Kakita Chikuma is made Imperial Advisor. Unknown to all, these appointments are done mostly at the Steel Chrysanthemum's manipulations of the Otomo family, many of which are more loyal to the Hantei than the Toturi.
• Yasuki Conflict: Yasuki Masashi, a Returned Spirit of the Crane, confronts the Yasuki daimyo Oguri over the Yasuki family's loyalty to the Crab. Masashi demands that Oguri return the Yasuki family to their ancestral oaths, but Oguri refuses. A series of insults, duels, and even skirmishes between Crab and Crane result. Doji Hoturi condemns Masashi for inciting violence, but he is maneuvered by several Returned Crane into admitting that Masashi has right to attempt to correct 'errors' he sees in his descendents.
• Growing Crane Troubles: Following the Yasuki incident, Doji Tanaka and Doji Raigu, both Returned Spirits and former Crane Champions, suggest that the Crane is divided and suffering from weak leadership. The Daidoji daimyo Uji is getting on in years, Asahina Tamako bares the Taint from the Battle of Oblivion's Gate, and Kaiten of the Kakita family is a skilled duelist but a poor politician. The two Returned Crane offer their services in helping lead the Crane in any way they can. Hoturi sees their power play for what it is, and deflects the offer, instead assigning the two to dealing with many of the conflicts that are becoming more and more common between the Living and Returned Crane. Soon after, Hoturi weds Kakita Chikuma, hoping a wedding to a respected spirit will help unify his divided clan.
• Winter Court: Emperor Toturi chooses Kyuden Ikoma to host Winter Court this year. During the season, Hantei Madoko arranges several important matches. Madoko's actions are not part of Hantei Okucheo's plans, but as part of her attempt to uphold peace. Kitsu Toju also gains permission from Toturi to cast a ritual during court that reveals the Spirit Realm of origin of all Returned Spirits present.
• Naming the Imperial Chancellor: Ikoma Maruku is named Imperial Chancellor, causing controversy as he is both a political unknown and he has served almost exclusively as a member of the Ikoma Libraries; the Otomo family in particular are insulted that Toturi would pick a librarian over one of their own. In truth, Maruku is a member of the Shosuro-Ikoma alliance, which keeps a secret library of the Empire's full and true history, such as the less glamorous facts about past emperors. Maruku was the library's adjunct to the Emperor, providing him with all the information available on the Returned Spirits' pasts since Toturi returned from Oblivion's Gate, and the Ikoma is perhaps the most knowledgeable man on the secrets of Rokugan's history. Maruku's knowledge lets him identify which Returned Spirits are the most likely threat to Toturi, and he uses his position as chancellor to block any potential plots they might be scheming.
• The Kitsu Ritual: Kitsu Toju gains permission from Toturi to cast a ritual during court that reveals the Spirit Realm of origin of all Returned Spirits present. However, Agasha Tamori, an ally of the Steel Chrysanthemum, knows of Toju's plans ahead of time and tricks the kami so that the Steel Chrysanthemum and his followers appear to come form Yomi or Tengoku. The Kitsu's ritual also comes across as an insult to many Returned Spirits
• Assassination Attempt on the Steel Chrysanthemum: Seppun Haru, a Returned Seppun Miharu that was involved in the original regicide against the Hantei XVI, finally snaps and attempts to openly assassinate him, screaming of his past crimes. Haru is stopped and seemly killed by the Hantei's bodyguards, dismissed by the court as a lunatic. However, members of the Lion clan secretly rescue and heal the dying Seppun; Haru is then interrogated by the Ikoma for all he knows. All is reported to Toturi.
• Spirit Scheming: Bayushi Dairu approaches Hantei XVI many times during Winter Court, giving subtle support in public and private hints at dissatisfaction with Toturi's rule. Likewise, Isawa Akiko contacts Okucheo and assures him of her disgust with the modern Empire.

The years leading up to the War of Spirits plays out similar to complex game of chess: Hantei Okucheo makes Hida Tsuneo the Crab Champion, Toturi's loyalist secure the Lion clan's devotion; the Hantei place several Returned Spirits in positions of influence, Toturi blocks them by making Ikoma Maruku Imperial Chancellor. While this might seem like a calculated game, only the Steel Chrysanthemum is playing it as such. Emperor Toturi only just senses the conspiracy festering beneath the Empire's surface. While his access to the secret libaries of the Ikoma and Shosuro grants him knowledgeable about the crimes of the Hantei, particularly the Steel Chrysanthemum's, Toturi does not yet understand the full scope of Okucheo's villainy, nor does he see how far the Hantei's influence reaches until it is tragically too late. Part of reason Toturi does not see the Hantei's scheming is due to the influence of the Otomo family. Many Otomo are compromised, loyal to the Hantei as their ancestors were; Otomo courtiers either downplay evidence of treachery amongst the spirits, or even cover it up.

Year 1138

• The Emperor's Investigation: Alarmed by the increasing discontent in the Empire, Toturi orders the Scorpion Champion to investigate. Bayushi Dairu already suspects the Hantei, and approaches the Steel Chrysanthemum directly. Dairu promises the Scorpion's support should he march against the Throne, claiming to want vengence for Toturi's part in ending the Scorpion Coup and for killing his father.
• Shiro Hantei: The Crab complete Kyuden Hantei, but the castle is a fortress with enchanted walls, rather than a simple court palace. It is rechristened "Shiro Hantei."
• Daidoji Uji's Murder and the Battle of the Bloodied Carp: The Daidoji's highly celebrated daimyo Uji is murdered along the Crane-Crab boarder. The Returned Spirit Dadoji Masayoshi accuses the Crab for the deed, and leads a vengeful force into Yasuki lands in retaliation, with Yasuki Masashi aiding him. Doji Hoturi condemns their actions, only for the two to denounce Hoturi's leadership and claim he has no respect for the dead. A number of Crane follow the rebels and conduct guerilla warfare and raids against both the Crab and the Crane forces Hoturi sends to stop them. Daidoji Rekai, Uji's adoptive daughter, is named daimyo after his funeral.

In truth, the Uji was killed by the Steel Chrysanthemum's agents to spark the conflict. Hantei XVI knows that Hoturi will never fight against Toturi, and hopes to discredit him instead. Hida Tsuneo arranges for those Crab that would prove most loyal to Toturi to be present when Masashi's forces attack; their ranks are thinned in what will later be called the Battle of the Bloodied Carp. The Steel Chrysanthemum promises Yasuki Masashi to make him the Yasuki Daimyo, winning his loyalty. Of course, the Hantei also plans on ordering the Yasuki to remain with the Crab, lest he upset his most loyal followers.

• Seizing the Crane's Southern Lands: The stage set, Hida Tsuneo takes the Hantei's Spirit Army, supplemented by the Crab, and seizes the Fields of the Morning Sun from the Crane. The Crane rebels present no resistance, of course, nor do the pacifist Asahina; their family is too weak to have any hope of pushing out the invaders, and their daimyo Asahina Tamako, a recluse that is unwillingly tainted, reasons that surrender is preferable to hopeless violence and death. Tsuneo's armies are respectful in face of surrender, and the Morning Sun Plains are largely untouched as the Spirit Army marches onward, taking all of the Crane lands up to the Anshin province, laying siege to the fortress of Zenshou Tetsu, starting what will be known as the Siege of Broken Iron.
• The Past Against the Present: Leaving the siege of the Crane's lands in the hands of his followers, Tsuneo accompanies Hantei XVI and his most loyal followers to Otosan Uchi, where the Steel Chrysanthemum demands Toturi surrender the Throne to him. Toturi refuses, and the War of Spirits beings in earnest.

War of the Spirits

Choosing Sides

The full extent of the Hantei's subtle influence becomes clear as the factions arise as soon as the war starts. While samurai from all of the clans fight on both sides for one reason or another, the Great Clans declare their alliance as follows, at least at first:

1. The Crab Clan almost unanimously supports the Hantei, with those loyal to Toturi instead focusing on maintaining the Wall.
2. The Crane Clan supports Toturi, but their military weakness at the start of the war leaves them vulnerable. The Spirit Armies take much of their southern lands, and Doji Tanaka declares himself the true Crane Champion, ruling the captured territory. Doji Raigu rides to Kyuden Doji and demands Doji Hoturi submit to the will of his ancestors, but amazingly, Hoturi cows Masashi into submission. The Returned Spirit swears loyalty to Toturi. The Asahina family is forced to submit to the spirit invaders, but maintain a neutral stance, joining no side but offering healing to all.
3. The Dragon Clan are still bitter over the Death of Kyuden Tonbo at the hands of the Returned Spirits, and as a whole back Toturi and the living empire. Sadly, Agasha Tamori, the Dragon Agasha Daimyo and the Jade Champion defects to the Hantei, on promise of revenge against the hated Phoenix.
4. The Lion Clan supports Toturi. More than any other clan, the Lion are loyal to the Living Emperor. Perhaps as a result guilt from when half of their clan supported Fu Leng on the Second Day of Thunder, or the Kitsu family's revelation that many of their ancestors are not as honored as once thought, but with little exception, the Lion are overwhelmingly loyal to Toturi. In fact, the vast majority of Returned Spirits swear loyalty to Toturi. Matsu Itagi attempts to bully the Lion into supporting the Hantei, but he is killed in a duel by Akodo Kenburo, Hantei XX's own bodyguard, who denounces the Hantei as corrupt and unfit to rule.
5. The Mantis Clan is seemingly split down the middle, with the Yoritomo following Toturi, the Gusai swearing allegiance to Hantei, and the rest of clan splintering between the two factions. However, both sides seem to avoid conflict with each other, instead lending their support to the armies of the Living and the Spirits instead. In truth, the Mantis are playing both sides for all their worth, making sure to back both horses in this race.
6. The Phoenix Clan's leadership chooses to withdraw from the war at the beginning. Isawa Akiko attempts to push the clan into supporting the Steel Chrysanthemum in earnest, but she overestimates her influence over the Council of Five; daughter of Isawa or not, the other Masters are deeply loyal to Toturi, having witnessed his heroism firsthand. Isawa Hochiu in particular wishes the Phoenix to join Toturi's armies, but in the end, the divided council decides that the clan is still too weakened by the Clan Wars and the War Against Darkness to be of much help to either side, and withdraws, focusing on rebuilding. A number of Returned Spirits join the Hantei's armies, but the Phoenix remain neutral for the most part.
7. The Scorpion seemingly betrays Toturi, swearing the bulk of their armies to the Steel Chrysanthemum's cause. Only a portion of the Yogo family and a small legion of Scorpion Loyalists, led by Bayushi Yojiro, denounce their Champion's treachery and join Toturi's Empire, making Shiro Yogo their base of operations. However, Yojiro secretly gives Toturi a simple message from Bayushi Dairu: "I will be your villain, Toturi."
8. The Unicorn are the single most divided clan during the War of Spirits. While Moto Gaheris supports Toturi, the Returned Spirits of the Unicorn neither respect nor acknowledge Gaheris as a true Champion. His heavy-handed leadership, dismissal of their concerns, and poor handling of the growing Death Cult in Unicorn lands causes the Returned Spirits to rebel and side with the Steel Chrysanthemum. The spirit Shinjo Inejiro takes control of the Shinjo family and most of their lands, announcing himself the Unicorn Champion. Civil War breaks out amongst the Unicorn, with the Shinjo and Moto pitted against one another. The Iuchi family focuses most of its energy on dealing with the Moto Curse and the Death Cult, taking little interest in the conflict as a whole, though they officially support the Moto leadership. The Ide, being mostly pacifists, can offer little to either side, but being mostly traditionalists, they mostly support the Shinjo and Hantei. The Utaku family is heavily split, as those Returned Spirits who lived as Otaku are deeply upset over the changes their family has suffered. Otaku Shiko, the daughter of Otaku herself, joins the Shinjo rebels, and many follow her, but the majority of the Utaku remain loyal. In the end, the Unicorn clan is so divided and full of infighting that they are unable to offer any meaningful support to Toturi.

Year 1138 (Continued)

• Emerald and Jade Defection: The Emerald Champion, Hantei Ryute, denounces Toturi, which comes at no surprise seeing as he is both a Returned Spirit and a Hantei. It is a surprise, however, when Agasha Tamori does the same, becoming one of the Steel Chrysanthemum's most important and powerful agents.
• Siege of Broken Iron: The Spirit Army soon takes Zenshou Tetsu, which becomes the staging point for future spirit attacks into Crane territory
• Shiro Shinjo taken by the Spirits: The Returned Unicorn denounce Moto Gaheris officially, and name Shinjo Inejiro as their leader. They soon take Shiro Shinjo, renaming it the Unicorn Capital city. Shinjo Shono, daimyo of the family, swears loyalty to the Khan, but he and his family are silenced and kept in house arrest in Shiro Shinjo. The Unicorn are officially at civil war.

Year 1139

• Burning of Nikesake: Agasha Tamori leads a Spirit Army though Beiden Pass, their greater endurance and need for only a fraction of rest allowing the army to move far faster than a normal one; this is just the first example of how the Returned Spirits will exploit this advantage during the war. Tamori leads an attack on the Phoenix city of Nikesake on the Steel Chrysanthemum's orders. Nikesake is the center of the Crane-Phoenix alliance, and Hantei XVI sees destroying it as the perfect way to punish both clans for refusing to support him in full. Tamori's ruthless tactics easily overwhelm the Phoenix forces, and he personally burns the city to the ground. A Lion army at his heels forces the treacherous Jade Champion to fall back and feel through BeidenPass before he can push deeper into Phoenix territory, but he vows to return. Isawa Akiko blocks the Phoenix from retaliating, instead urging them to focus on repairs and preparing a stronger defense.
• The Battle of Four Armies: The Lion pursue Tamori's forces all the way though Beiden Pass, where they are met by a Scorpion army led by Bayushi Dairu. The Hantei's forces clash with the Lion, led by Matsu Mochiko; soon after, a vengeful Dragon army arrives, seeking the traitor Tamori's head. Tamori's magic is destructive and terrible, but he is soon forced from the field by the Dragon Champion Hoshi, who proves resistant to his spells. The fury of the Lion and the skill of the Dragon win the day, and the Lion take Beiden Pass from Scorpion control. Akodo Kenburo is given the title of Guardian of Beiden, charged with ensuring the pass remains under Toturi's control. Tsuko's Heart, an all-Returned Spirits legion, is put under his command.
• Siege of Wind and Spell: Wanting to remove the treacherous Scorpion that sided with Toturi, the Steel Chrysanthemum sends an army, mostly spirits and Mantis mercenaries eager for a chance to spill Scorpion blood, to claim Shiro Yogo and scourge the traitors. However, the limited Scorpion loyalists are supported by the timely arrival of the Wolf Legion, led by the mysterious and extremely powerful Shugenja named Naka Tsukuyomi. The Yogo and Naka's magic push the sprits back, and Tsukuyomi disappears soon after.
• Birth of Toturi's Sons: Empress Kaede gives birth to Toturi's first son, Toneri. Toneri is born pale with blue eyes, and his hair turns pure white minutes after his birth, signifying his powerful connection the Void. Imperial Shugenja quickly predict that Toneri will be one of the most powerful Shugenja the Empire has ever known, a clear sign of Heaven's Favor. Unknown to all, though, is that 2 months prior, the true firstborn son of the Emperor was born by Akodo Hatsuko. At the Thunder Dragon's will, the boy is passed off as Akodo Ginawa's son. He is named Akodo Mako.

Year 1140

• Taking Iuchi Pass: Hida Tsuneo, realizing the war is doomed if Toturi controls passage through the Spine of the World Mountains, leads a swift offensive to Plum Blossom Pass, in the Unicorn's territories. Supplemented by rebel Unicorn, Tsuneo quickly secures the pass; as a result, the Unicorn's southern provinces come under the control of the Shinjo spirits. The Hantei hold Winter Court in GreatDayCastle to cement their victory.
• Failed Siege of Beiden: Hantei Ryute leads an attempt to retake Beiden from Lion Control, but it fails.
• The Jade and Emerald Tournaments: Toturi holds the Jade and Emerald Tournaments to name new Jeweled Champions. Kakita Kaiten becomes the new Emerald Champion, and Isawa Karasu regains his title.
• The Steel Magistrates: To ensure no treachery amongst their ranks, Hantei Okucheo creates a group of inquisitors he dubs the "Steel Magistrates". Their leader, the Returned Spirit Shosuro Tsia, is given the title "Steel Champion". Tsia was Okucheo's lover and most devoted follower, and even after being executed at the Steel Chrysanthemum's order, she still is just as loyal following her return. The Steel Magistrates act as the Hantei's secret police and assassins, gaining a fearsome reputation on both sides of the war.
• The Gusai Privateers: The Mantis under the Gusai engage in privateering all across the coast, focusing mainly on the Crane lands south of the Spine of the World Mountains still not under the Steel Chrysanthemum's control. Toturi orders the Mantis loyal to him to put an end to it, but the Yoritomo claim the Gusai fleet is supplemented by the Crab Navy, and too strong to directly oppose without risking loosing control over their own waters. In truth, the Mantis Clan as a whole are engaged in piracy across the whole coast, benefiting from raiding Crane trade in particular.
• Birth of the Emperors' Daughters: Kaede gives birth to Toturi's second (legitimate) child, a daughter they name Kairi. Similarly, the Steel Chrysanthemum's Empress, Hantei Yugozohime, gives birth to a girl she names Mikazuki. Agasha Tamori and the Asahina family representatives note that many auspicious events in the heavens, including a meteor shower, happen the night of Mikazuki's birth, and the Hantei is deeply pleased.

Year 1141

• Second Siege of Beiden: Once again, Hantei Ryute attempts to take Beiden for the Hantei Empire, but is pushed back again.
• Strike Against Kyuden Ashinagabuchi: Seeing an opportunity to get revenge on the Tsuruchi for the slight that gave birth to the family, Bayushi Dairu orders the Steel Magistrate Bayushi Baku to frame family members loyal to the Steel Chrysanthemum of treachery. The plot works, and a strike force is sent to punish the Tsuruchi. Kyuden Ashinagabuchi is besieged and several Tsuruchi die for the crimes of one traitor.
• Battle of a Thousand Hoofbeats: The Shinjo forces march on Shiro Utaku Shojo, thier army supported by a spirit army and led by Otaku Shiko. After a bloody battle, the castle is taken by the spirits.
• Battle of Slaughtered Cranes: The Crane Clan attempts to regain its lost holdings in a bold offensive, but their advance is halted in the Anshin province. A Steel Magistrate spy detected their plans and informed Hida Tsuneo, who laid a brutal ambush for the Crane's army. The Crane army's vanguard is slaughtered to a man, and their general orders a retreat; many more Crane are lost before they reach safety.
• Birth of the Steel Chrysanthemum's Son: Empress Yugozohime gives birth to the Steel Chrysanthemum's second child, a son named Jirozame; however, the child is sickly and small, and the Hantei Emperor is disgusted with him.
• Birth of Toturi's Second Daughter: The Empress gives birth to Toturi Shizuko, Toturi's youngest child and second daughter.

Year 1142

• The Spirit's March into the Crane Lands: Spurred on by their great victory at the Battle of Slaughtered Cranes, Doji Tanaka urges a march to take as much of the Crane lands as possible. Hida Tsuneo personally commands this march, taking units from the Wall to ensure he has enough soldiers to take Kyuden Doji. Hida O-Ushi protests, but her words are ignored.
• The Battle of Shallow Waters: Akodo Kenburo leads Tsuko's Heart from Beiden and marches to meet the spirit army, sending word for the Lion to reinforce the pass. Though hopelessly outnumber, Kenburo's forces engage Tsuneo's valiantly. They are largely slaughtered and left for dead; their sacrifice gives the Matsu family time to re-enforce the Crane's positions up north. Kenburo and a few others, however, are not dead, and chaise after the Returned Spirits' army. The remains of Tsuko's heart meet with the Wolf Legion, who led a forced march to supplement the Crane's numbers.
• The Siege of Kyuden Doji and the Victory of Crane's Vengeance: Hida Tsuneo's army lays siege to Kyuden Doji; amongst the defenders is the entire Daidoji army led by Daidoji Rekai, and a Matsu army led by Matsu Mochiko. The battle is bloody and long, and takes a sudden turn when the Gusai Mantis lend their strength to the fight in a sea-assault, with Hantei Ryute and his Emerald Legions among them. Help comes twice to Toturi's Empire, however. First, a powerful Shugenja named Naka Amateru appears, unleashing the very power of the sun upon the spirits. Then the Wolf Legion and Akodo Kenburo's surviving forces from the Battle of Shallow Waters attack the spirit army from the rear, hitting their command post. The injured Kenburo engages Tsuneo himself in a brutal battle, injuring the Stone Crab before finally dying. Ryute dies in an iaijutsu duel against Kakita Kaiten. The death of their Emerald Champion and the injury of their general shatters the Spirit Army, and Tsuneo orders a retreat. Unknown to the Living Empire, the Scorpion Clan also had a hand in their victory, with Shosuro Shinobi killing key targets or sabotaging siege equipment. Toturi's armies chaise the spirits out of the northern Crane territories and retake the Anshin province. The commander of the Wolf Legion dies in battle, and the mysterious ronin 'Kintsugi' is named their new leader.
• The Shadowlands Uprising: A large force of Shadowlands oni and monsters attacks the Wall without warning. Hida O-Ushi call for help from Tsuneo's army, but he cannot risk losing any more ground to Toturi's forces, and orders her to hold out and make do. Eventually, Bayushi Dairu sends a Scorpion force to aid them, and the Crab throw the attack off, but with heavy casualties. Whispers of resentment start to fester amongst the Crab, and O-Ushi starts to gain support. Hida Atarasi, the First Crab Thunder, reveals his existence to O-Ushi; he has been secretly dwelling as a no-name Crab Returned Spirit, fighting on the Wall and watching his clan. Atarasi promises to help O-Ushi take back control of her clan if she helps him with a deed worthy of a true Crab hero: Destroy the Akutenshi made from Atarasi's body. O-Ushi accepts, and the two start to plan.
• The Moto's Siege of Shiro Utaku Shojo: The Moto family attempts to retake the Utaku's home, but their siege force is too weak and is forced to retreat; too many of their numbers are either hunting the Death Cult, fighting along various points between the Shinjo and Moto controlled territory, or otherwise supporting Toturi's war effort as cavalry forces.

Year 1143

• The Lion-Crane Push: Toturi's forces, led by Akodo Ginawa and Matsu Motso, push deeper into the captured Crane territories, reclaiming the Wakiaiai province from the spirits. Their efforts are bolstered by the Yoritomo blocking a sea attack by the Crab's navy.
• Reclaiming the Seas: The Lion, supplied with ships by the Crane, join the Yoritomo Mantis's navy and attempt to deal with the Steel Chrysanthemum's privateers. They are overall successful, securing the safety of much of the Crane's coast. The Yoritomo warn the Gusai of the most dangerous engagements, minimizing damage done to the Mantis. The Yoritomo also start to officially engage in their own privateering on Toturi's orders.
• The Hantei's Emerald Tournament: The Steel Chrysanthemum holds an Emerald Tournament to replace Hantei Ryute. The brutal Returned Spirit Hida Raiden wins.
• Ruby Ascendance: Emperor Toturi proclaims Matsu Hitomi as Ruby Champion.
• Birth of the Steel Chrysanthemum's Twins: Empress Yugozohime gives birth to the third and fourth children of Hantei Okucheo's, the twin boys Kusada and Muhaki, named after Yugozohime's father and uncle respectively.
• Hunting the Akutenshi: O-Ushi and Atarasi seek out Kuni Osaku's help in hunting down his Akutenshi.

Year 1143

• Akiko's plotting: The Phoenix Clan is becoming more and more disgusted as they remain neutral, even after the Burning of Nikesake and the suffering their Crane allies have endured. Isawa Akiko realizes that if she does not act soon, the Phoenix will join Toturi's Empire, regardless of her wishes. She contacts the Hantei, and they plot for a way to force the Phoenix to join the Hantei's side. Meanwhile, the Masters plan to meet with diplomats of Toturi's at Nikesake to discuss the Phoenix's roll in the war.
• Victory of the Brutal Strike: Hida Raiden leads a powerful assault of mostly Scorpion and Crab to retake Beiden Pass from the Lion. The pass is defended by Matsu Kiriko, Akodo Kenburo's second-in-command and widow, and a Matsu army. To the shock of the Matsu, Raiden kills Kiriko after challenging her to a personal duel; their moral shaken, the Matus are routed from Beiden by Raiden's forces, who march deeper into Lion territory in a series of raids before running back to the pass for safety. On a side note, sometime afterwards, Matsu Mochiko adopts Kiriko and Kenburo's young son Koki.
• The Battle of Shiro Iuchi and the First Battle of White Shore Plain: As Raiden takes Beiden's Pass Hida Tsuneo launches a surprise attack on Shiro Iuchi through the Plum Blossom Pass. The sometimes-ronin Shinjo Morito's forces heroicly defend the Iuchi family, but in the end, they are forced into a fighting retreat. The spirits capture Shiro Iuchi, but a fair portion of the Iuchi, including their daimyo and his family, escape with Morito's forces. As Tsuneo's forces chase after Morito and the Iuchi, they meet the Moto and Akodo armies in the White Shore Plain; the Living armies force the spirits back to Shiro Iuchi.
• Battle of Tamori's Brutality: The two other battles through the Spine of the World Mountains are just smokescreens to hide the Steel Chrysanthemum's real target: the Phoenix. Agasha Tamori takes an army by sea to the seat of the Phoenix's Shiba family, Shiro Shiba. With the Elemental Masters gathered in Nikesake, the bulk of the Shiba family's army is there to protect them. However, the children and favored students of the Elemental Masters are all at Shiro Shiba. Supposedly, they've been gathered there for their safety should the Hantei somehow strikes at Nikesake again. In truth, it is all part of Akiko's plans with the Hantei. Agasha Tamori's attack is a brutal surprise, and it quickly turns in his favor. Akiko supplied the mad Jade Champion with the knowledge needed to overcome any magical or mundane defenses of the castle, and soon Shiro Shiba lays besieged. With Toturi's forces seemingly tied up battling at Shiro Iuchi or Beiden's Pass, it seems like the Phoenix will be on their own. However, the Dragon Champion Hoshi flies into the battlefield, followed by the Dragon army. The Dragon and Phoenix are able to force Tamori to retreat, but his goal was never to capture Shiro Shiba in the first place. Tamori successfully kidnaps the children of the Elemental Council, and retreats back to the Hantei's holding. A Yoritomo fleet attempt to cut off Tamori's escape by sea, but his magic protects his ships long enough for the Gusai-Crab Navy to come to his rescue.
• The Steel Chrysanthemum's Ultimatum: Hantei Okucheo sends a message to the Phoenix, demanding their support in exchange for the lives of their children. Isawa Hochiu almost incinerates the Returned Miya that delivers the ultimatum, but Akiko stops him. While Akiko urges that they have no choice but to agree, Shiba Tsukune refuses, and the other Masters agree.
• Birth of the Steel Chrysanthemum's Twin Daughters: The Hantei Emperor's wife gives birth once again a set of twins; Agasha Tamori points out that twins are lucky to the Scorpion, the Hantei's allies, and that two sets of twins in a row are an extremely auspicious sign. The Steel Chrysanthemum considers it, and in a romantic moment, swears any request his Empress asks to be granted. The twins, both girls, are named Retsuhime and Michiko.
• Housing the Isawa Hostages: During Winter Court in Yasuki Yashiki, Doji Tanaka suggests that the Isawa hostages should be housed by the Asahina family, in an attempt to gain their favor. The Steel Magistrates accuse him being a traitor conspiring with the Asahina to free the hostages. They attempt to take him away to be tortured and executed, but Empress Yugozohime insists on his innocence. The Emperor, deeply pleased with the Empress following the birth of their second set of twins, agrees and pardons him, ordering that the Isawa be placed in the Asahina's care. The Steel Champion Shosuro Tsia starts to become jealous of Yoguzohime, and begins watching her carefully.
• Birth of the Ox Clan: At Winter Court in Kyuden Doji, Toturi acknowledges Shinjo Morito's heroism, naming him Champion of his own minor clan, the Ox Clan, and allowing him to keep the lands he and his followers have occupied near the Phoenix boarder. Unknown to all, Morito is a Kolat Master, and the Ox will be a stronghold for the conspiracy.

Year 1144

• Glorious Defense of the Wolf: Emblazoned by their many victories in the past year, the Steel Chrysanthemum orders his forces to bring the fighting to the Lion. An army of Returned Spirits and Scorpion march through Beidin Pass and attempt to attack the Hall of the Ancestors. With the Lion's forces stretched across all fronts, they're unable to hold back the attack, and it seems the Hantei's forces will destroy the sacred hall. However, a surprise rear attack by the Wolf Legion, with help from Naka Tsukuyomi, breaks the enemy's lines, allowing the Matsu to regroup and route the enemy forces. The Wolf Legion's commander, 'Kintsugi,' is praised by Emperor Toturi himself; it is then that Kintsugi is reveled to be Akodo Arasou, the Emperor's brother, returned to the living. Toturi embraces his long lost brother before the entire Imperial Court and names him a member of the Emperor's house. Meanwhile, the Wolf Legion is prased by the Lion for the defense of their most sacred holding, and Lion swear an oath that members of the Wolf Legion will always be welcome in their lands.
• Retaking Beiden Pass: A Lion and Dragon Army retake Beidin Pass from Hida Raiden; the Hantei's Emerald Champion is defeated by Mirumoto Uso in a duel, though Raiden survives and flees into Scorpion territory. The Dragon hold the pass while the Lion march deeper into enemy territory.
• Murder of Isawa Yaruko: When the Phoenix Clan refuses the Steel Chrysanthemum's ultimatum, he orders the execution of one of the hostages in retaliation. Isawa Yaruko, daughter of the Master of Earth, is executed for her defiance. Amazingly, the Asahina family can no longer stomach the spirit's brutality and expel them from Shinden Asahina, protecting the remaining Isawa children with their lives. Agasha Tamori nearly kills Asahina Tamako in a taryu-jiai duel, but the timely arrival of Naka Tsukuyomi and Amateru, who force the mad Jade Champion to flee. During his fight with the Asahina Daimyo, however, Tamori accidently gets splashed by Tamako's Tainted blood, and becomes Tainted himself soon after, as kharma would have it.
• Liberation of the Crane: Enraged at the brutality of the Steel Chrysanthemum, the Phoenix, Lion, and Crane march to retake the Crane's lost lands and save the Phoenix Children. Led by Matsu Motso, Doji Hoturi, and Shiba Tsukune, Toturi's forces are able to fully liberate the Crane lands from the Hantei's control. Doji Raigu engages Doji Tanaka in a duel and kills the Champion of the Hantei's Crane. The Phoenix hostages are returned home; Isawa Taeruko vows vengeance her daughter's death. Secretly, Isawa Akiko also realizes her error in trying to support the Hantei, and denounces him. The Council of Five are unified under Toturi's banner.
• Birth of the Steel Chrysanthemum's Seventh Child and the Empress's Growing Discontent: Winter Court for the Hantei Empire is held in Kyuden Bayushi. During the season, Empress Yugozohime gives birth to Hantei Okucheo's seventh child, a son they name Usan. While all seems well for the Imperial Hantei family, secretly, Yugozohime is disillusioned with the Hantei's cause. The war has proven far most costly and bloody than she thought it would be, and the suffering of the people weighs heavily on her soul. Likewise, the spell of charm Okucheo had over her and several other Hantei is no longer in effect. While Okucheo's charisma caused them to write off the earlier atrocities of the Spirit Army as ugly necessities of war, the brutal execution of Isawa Yaruko is too much for many of them. Likewise, the Steel Magistrates witch-hunts for traitors leave many Hantei feeling paranoid. The Empress and a few other Hantei secretly start to talk amongst themselves for ways to end the war.

Year 1145

• The Returned Crane: With the loss of their Crane holdings and the death of Doji Tanaka, the Crane still loyal to the Hantei (mostly Returned Spirits) name Yasuki Masashi their leader. Masashi expresses open discontent with not being named daimyo of the Yasuki family as promised and suggests that the Yasuki lands should be handed over to the Returned Crane as compensation for their losses. Soon after, the Steel Magistrates discover that Masashi is a traitor and he is promptly arrested, forced to confess, and executed. The Steel Chrysanthemum names Daidoji Daisetsu Lord of the Returned Crane; Daisetsu makes not complaint, and focuses his energy on securing their boarder with the Crane lands for now. There are rumors that Masashi was framed, possibly at the Steel Chrysanthemum's orders, but they are silenced quickly.
• The Moto's Second Siege of Shiro Utaku Shojo: Once again, the Moto attempt to retake BattleMaidenCastle, this time with support from the Unicorn and the Dragon clans. They are nearly successful, but the timely arrival of Hida Raiden's Emerald Legion is able to push the attack back. The Battle is bloody and heavy.
• Destroying Atarasi's Akutenshi: After years of searching and preparation, Hida Atarasi and O-Ushi finally tract down the Akutenshi made from the Thunder's fallen body. After a titanic battle, they destroy the monster made from Atarasi's flesh. The two are hailed as legendary heroes amongst the Crab, and there is open talk of O-Ushi being renamed Champion of the Crab. A few Steel Magistrates attempt to silence such talk, but they are either ignored, or in many cases, outright beaten by Crab. For his part, Hida Tsuneo expresses quiet admiration for O-Ushi's deed.
• Researching the Moto Curse: Disgusted with her hand in Isawa Yaruko's death, Isawa Akiko pours herself into helping her husband Karasu in researching at source of the Moto Curse. They discover that the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang have captured the first Moto's soul, granting them a kharmic connection to his decedents. With help from Kitsu Toju, they start to devise a way to end the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang's grasp on the Moto.

Year 1146

• Battle of Dishonor's Fruit: A force of mostly Lion samurai strike against the Scorpion, driving the battle all the way to the walls of Kyuden Bayushi. There they are turned back both by Agasha Tamori's magic and Scorpion agents using gaijin powder and other dishonorable tactics.
• Hida O-Ushi Reclaims Leadership of the Crab: With support from the Hiruma and the Kuni, Hida O-Ushi demands that Tsuneo surrender leadership of the Crab to her. Not wishing to cause a civil war in his own clan, Tsuneo does so on the condition that O-Ushi remain loyal to the Hantei. O-Ushi agrees, so long as the Hantei remian loyal to the Crab. Secretly, Bayushi Dairu's agents have met with O-Ushi, and promise her that the time for her to expel the spirits from her lands is coming.
• Karasu's Sacrifice: Isawa Karasu and his research team discover a ritual that will free the first Moto's soul and end the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang's curse once and for all. However, the price is high. Karasu uses his own life-force to empower the spell, which frees the Moto and binds the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang to the pits of Jigoku. The Moto Curse is destroyed and the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang are unable to kidnap the Moto's souls. For his sacrifice, Toturi names Karasu the Fortune of Demon Quelling.
• Battle of the Chained Unicorn: Shinjo Inejiro and Hida Tsuneo lead an attack on Shiro Moto; after a long, bloody battle, they take the castle, in effect giving the Hantei absolute control over the Unicorn Lands. The Moto family does not bow, and conducts a series of guerrilla warfare raids across the Unicorn lands.

Year 1147

• Freeing the Shinjo: The Hantei hold Winter Court in Shiro Shinjo to solidify their claim on the Unicorn's lands. During court, the Steel Chrysanthemum's eldest child, 6-year-old Hantei Mikazuki, makes friends with 6-year-old Shinjo Sora, son of Shinjo Shono and heir of the Shinjo family. Shono's family has been under house arrest for the entire war at Inejiro's orders. When Mikazuki mentions Sora to her father, the Steel Chrysanthemum orders the family brought before him, offering them pardon and even a place in his court, now that the Unicorn Clan and its lands are under the Hantei's control. Shono defiantly refuses, and in a rage, the Hantei orders them to be executed. Emperess Yugozohime, however, has her agents free the family and provide them with safe passage out of Unicorn lands, but not before Shosuro Tsia discovers her plot.
• Assassination Attempt on O-Ushi: During Winter Court, a Scorpion Steel Magistrate makes an attempt on Hida O-Ushi's life; the Crab kill the assassin, and O-Ushi accuses the Hantei of treachery.
• Tsia's Fall From Grace: Shosuro Tsia attempts to tell the Steel Chrysanthemum about Yugozohime's treachery, but she is rebuked and silenced; the Hantei Emperor accuses her of lying and treachery, making the story up to cover her failed assassination on O-Ushi. He orders Tsia executed for treason, and names Bayushi Baku as the new Steel Champion. Secretly, Bayushi Dairu has his agents save her

Year 1148

• The Crab Withdrawal: Following the attempt on her life, Hida O-Ushi offically withdraw the Crab from the war, expeling the Spirit Armies from most of her lands.
• Breaking the Unicorn's Chains: Shinjo Shono is able to rally factions of Unicorn to Toturi's cause, drastically reducing the powerbase of Shinjo Inejiro and his Hantei-loyal Unicorn. Together with the Moto, they reclaim Shiro Moto, and start retaking provinces in the name of the true Unicorn.
• The Battle of the Sun-struck Pass and the Birth of the Firefly Clan: While the armies of Toturi retake Shiro Moto, Hida Tsuneo attempts to lead an army through Plum Blossom Pass to reinforce the Hantei's positions. They are haulted, however, when a surprise attack of Seppun, Monkey, Toturi-loyal Scorpion, and the Wolf Legion block their advance, led by Seppun Haru and Toku. The battle is seemingly hopeless, but Naka Amateru and Tsukuyomi once again appear to oppose the Hantei's forces. Even the power of the two Naka are not able to stop Tsuneo's army, however, and the forces of Toturi retreat to Monkey lands. However, their actions delay Tsuneo's forces long enough that the spirits are unable to stop Toturi's army from liberating Shiro Moto. Haru dies of his wounds soon afterwards, but Toturi rewards his valor by naming him founder of a Minor Clan. His widow takes the Firefly as the clan's symbol, in memory of how Lady Amateru's magic lit up PlumBlossomPass with daylight at night.
• The Gusai's Hostage: With the Crab withdrawing from the War the Unicorn losing land, the Gusai demand that the Hantei Emperor provide them with proof of his conviction, and request one of his children to foster to the Mantis. The Hantie gives them his son, Jirozame. The Gusai were planning on using the boy as a hostage to give to Toturi, but the Emperor despises the boy. In a rare act of pity, Gusai has the child raised in his own house, with respect and love.

Year 1149

• Liberation of Shiro Utaku Shojo: Following their victory at Shiro Moto, the Unicorn loyal to Toturi retake Battle Maiden Castle with help from the Phoenix, Lion, and Dragon clans, led by Matsu Motso. Hida Raiden, the Emerald Champion of Hantei Empire, is killed by Mirumoto Uso. Utaku Kamo, husband of the Utaku daimyo, takes command of the Utaku's forcers after his wife is injured.
• Taking Shiro Shinjo: Matsu Motso leads the Toturi's armies to Shiro Shinjo, where they lay siege to the castle and take it after a long battle. Utaku Kamo breaks tradition and mounts his wife's Utaku warhorse so he can direct their cavalry. The move is necessary for the battle's victory, but his wife forces Kamo to commit seppuku as soon as the battle is over for his impudence. Motso protests, and later petitions to the Emperor to have Kamo's son raised by the Matsu. Shinjo Inejiro retreat to Shiro Iuchi, where they refortify their position and prepare to flee through Plum Blossom Pass.
• The Battle of Steel Seas: The Steel Chrysanthemum attempts to take Otosan Uchi while Toturi's forces are distracted in the Unicorn lands. The Mantis Clan, however, double-crosses him, deciding they can no longer safely maintain their service to two masters. The Gusai ships turn on the Hantei's naval forces, and the Crane and Phoenix navies join with the now unified Mantis. Toturi's forces decimate the enemy navy; Shosuro Tsia and Bayushi Dairu's agents ensure their victory before hand by killing the Hantei's commanders and sabotaging their navigation maps. The Gusai are pardoned by Toturi. Because Hantei Jirozame is expendable to his father, Toturi does not attempt to use the boy as a bargening chip. Jirozame remains in the Mantis's care, but Emperess Yugozohime and the other Hantei protest the Steel Chrysanthemum's callous disregard for his son's life.
• The Kitsu Ritual: Kitsu Toju discovers a ritual to render the Returned Spirits mortal, based on Karasu's research into the Moto Curse. He and the Isawa devise a way to cause the ritual to affect an entire army, but they will need to prepare ahead of time. Bayushi Daiyu contacts them through Bayushi Yojiro and promises to have the Spirit Army in place.

Year 1150

• The Second Battle of White Shore Plain and Reclaiming Shiro Iuchi: Toturi's forces clash with the Hantei's at White Shore Plain before reclaiming Shiro Iuchi, forcing the rebel Unicorn to flee through Plum Blossom Pass and fortify themselves at Kyuden Ide.
• Trap of the Pincers and Tail: The armies of the Lion and Crane suddenly burst through the Scorpion line, making their way through to Ryoko Owari. From there, they can march on Shiro Hantei. In truth, this is all part of Bayushi Dairu's plan. In the city, Isawa Shugenja already are preparing their ritual to remove the spirit's supernatural resistance. The Scorpion have also discovered a special poison that can only affect Returned Spirits; they have been using it throughout the war to weaken or kill key targets, and now have prepared to use in mass.
• The Battle of Drowned Honor: Tsuneo moves to defend Ryoko Owari, taking the bulk of the Spirit Army with him. However, at the battle begins, the Scorpion suddenly turn on the spirits, and the Crab Clan's armies march. Tsuneo finds himself surrounded at all sides outside the city, and with the Scorpion Clan conducting guerrilla warfare and assassinations inside the walls. The Phoenix unleash their ritual from inside the city, rendering the spirits mortal. Robbed of their supernatural endurance and with many of their commanders suddenly dying without explanation (the work of the Scorpion's spiritbane poison), Tsuneo is forced to call a fighting retreat. Through sheer determination, Tsuneo's forces break through the trap and flee. During their fighting retreat, Hida Yasamura, the husband of Hida O-Ushi, dies when from an arrow to his throat, fired by a Returned Crab.
• Lord Sun joins the Fray: As the Unicorn loyal to Toturi prepare to march on Plum Blossom Pass, a great fireball flies down from the sun onto the ancient Seikitsu Pass. The divine fire opens the once blocked passage, creating a massive pass straight through the Spine of the World Mountains. The Unicorn armies ride through it, preparing to block off Tsuneo's retreat and finish the war. A more fanciful tale claims that the fireball was not hurled by Yakamo, but rather that it was Lord Sun himself. Supposidly, Bishamon, the Fortune of Strength, had chosen to side with the Hantei and appeared to destroy Toturi's army, only for Lord Yakamo to fly down and fight him. Their titanic battle cleared away the SeikitsuPass before Lord Sun forced Bishamon from the field. While many dismiss this tale, there has been many reports of it coming from both sides, including Togashi Mitsu, who many consider to be above reproach as a witness.
• Tsuneo's Last Stand: Surrounded on all sides, Hida Tsuneo is unable to do much more than stand defiantly with the last of his army as Toturi's forces close in on him. The Scorpion's posion robes more of his commanders of their lives as they make their last stand outside the fields of Shinden Osano-wo, and Tsuneo himself is weakened by it. Reports vary as to Tsuneo's death. Some claim he went down fighting, smiting a score of enemies before Hida O-Ushi, Matsu Motso, and Kakita Kaiten finally kill him, while others claim he surrendered for the sake of his men and committed seppuku, with Toturi himself acting as second. Some even more romantic tales claim he escaped and reported his failure to the Steel Chrsanthemum, who stabbed the Crab general to death in a fit of rage. This story maintains Tsuneo died smiling, content that he was finally free of his curse to serve the Hantei in this world and the next.
• Capture of Shiro Hantei: The armies of Toturi surround Shiro Hantei to demand the Steel Chrysanthemum's surrender. To their surprise, the Hantei are waiting for them outside the walls. Bayushi Baku has already killed or captured the remaining Steel Magistrates, and with the loss Hida Tsuneo and most of their army, the Hantei know they have lost. Hantei Yugozohime forces Okucheo to admit defeat, with the rest of the Hantei supporting her. They surrender, and Hantei Okucheo is brought before Toturi to dictate the terms of their surrender.
• Treaty with the Spirits: The Hantei agree to denounce any claim they have to the Throne, now or in the future, and swear their loyalty to the Toturi dynasty. The Hantei are pardoned and named an Imperial family, on equal footing with the Otomo, Seppun, and Miya. Hantei Ochukeo is named their daimyo, but because he is also put under life-long house arrest in Shiro Hantei (with guards provided by the Lion and Seppun), and the Hantei family's estates will be placed in Otosan Uchi, Hantei Yugozohime is effectively made daimyo.
• The Tamori Family and Agasha Tamori's Fate: Hantei Ochukeo also demands that his servent Tamori be remembered for his loyalty, and the Dragon Agasha are forced to be renamed the Tamori family. Tamori himself is pardoned and offered honorable seppuku as part of the agreement. However, when Tamori attempts to commit seppuku in Shiro Tamori, he is consumed by Tainted fire and disappears, screaming of pain and vengeance. An hour later, unholy fire consumes the daimyo's quarters of Kyuden Agasha, killing Agasha Gennai and his immediate family. Though no one knows it, Tamori has become the Dark Oracle of Fire.
• The Kyona Ronin: Those few still loyal to the Hantei are stripped of their names and made ronin. They become a ronin family, acknowledged by the Emperor as servants of the Hantei, and watched carefully by the other clans, but they make no trouble. They simply realize they cannot return to their original lives, so they have to make news ones in this word. Their leader, once named Seppun Kyona, is a charismatic woman who gives them hope, and they name themselves after her. The Kyona resolve to serve Yugozohime and her children in this new world.

Crab Clan

Leadership

• Champion: Hida Tsuneo/Hida O-Ushi
• Hiruma Daimyo: Hiruma Masagaro
• Kaiu Daimyo: Kaiu Utsu
• Kuni Daimyo: Kuni Osaku (Returned Spirit)
• Toritaka Daimyo: Toritaka Tatsune

In many ways, the Battle of Oblivion's Gate is seen as a blessing in disguise by many Crab. After the Clan Wars and the War Against Darkness, the Crab clan's leadership is left in a shaky position. Lord Yakamo's ascension to the position of Lord Sun is a glorious thing for the Crab, but that leaves leadership of the clan in the hands of his sister, O-Ushi. While none can deny she is brave an honorable, many of the Returned Crab view her with suspicion at best for her compliancy in her father Kisada's betrayal of the Crab's ancestral duty. Further, O-Ushi herself is a fairly irresponsible woman with no real desire to lead. As such, many Crab rally for Hida Tsuneo, the legendary Stone Crab and one of the clan's finest generals, to take leadership. While Tsuneo does not wish to do so, Hantei XVI secretly orders him to do so, and Tsuneo reluctantly follows the Hantei's orders. O-Ushi, for her part, is happy to shrug off responsibility as Clan Champion, though she does seccure an oath from Tsuneo that her brother's young son Kyoden, will be made Champion when he comes of age. Tsuneo soon proves himself as competent a leader as ever, directing the Crab's resources toward reconstruction and striking deeper and deeper into the Shadowlands. Further, the returned Hantei support the Crab's efforts in court, making their reconstruction efforts go faster than any other clan's. Likewise, the unrest caused by the Returned Spirits clashing with the living does not occur in mass in the Crab lands. For a while, it seems the Crab have entered a golden age.

This all changes when the War of Spirits breaks out. Under Tsuneo's leadership, the Crab clan throws all their support behind the Returned Hantei's bid for the throne. With both an army of Returned Spirits (and all the tactical advantages that entails) and the Crab Clan's unified support, the Hantei's forces quickly prove to be able to match Emperor Toturi's. It is only now that O-Ushi realizes that she's been an irresponsible fool, and resolves to correct this mistake.

While the war rages on, O-Ushi accumulates a supportive power base by directing the clan's efforts on the Wall. At first, she is subtle, suggesting that the war is draining the Crab's efforts against the Shadowlands and that Tsuneo would to better to address that problem. Latter, once her actions on the Wall has won her the support of many Crab, Living and Returned Spirit alike, O-Ushi outright challenges Tsuneo's claim to the title of Clan Champion. Many Crab have been secretly guilty over betraying Toturi, the Hero from the Second Day of Thunder, and others are instead disgusted with the atrocities the Steel Chrysanthemum's committed over the course of the War of Spirits. Large portions of Crab reject Tsuneo's leadership and even start to expel the Steel Chrysanthemum's forces from those area's controlled by Toturi Loyalists. Luckily, Hida Tsuneo refuses to allow the Crab to fall to civil war, for fear of what that would do to the clan's efforts against the Shadowlands. For the remainder of the War of Spirits, about two thirds of the clan follows O-Ushi's leadership, and both sides work together on the Wall.

After the war ends, the Crab quickly unites under the young Hida Kyoden, son of Lord Yakamo. O-Ushi's actions largely erase the shame of the Crab's initial support of the Steel Chrysanthemum, and Toturi's desire to unite the Empire allows the Crab to simply move on. They are left in a slightly damaged position from their armies facing those loyal to Toturi, but Crab are nothing if not resilient. Politically, the Scorpion and Crane both support the Crab as they rebuild there damaged lands. For the Crane, it is a way of redirecting attention away from their own shameful civil war, and for the Scorpion, they had secretly supported O-Ushi's efforts, and are pleased at the Crab's small but potent roll in the fall of the Hantei's forces.

Important Returned Crab

Hida Tsuneo (stats found in Imperial Histories, pg. 239): Known as the Stone Crab, Tsuneo starts the era as merely Hantei XVI's yojimbo and confidant, but he soon wrests the title of Crab Champion from Hida O-Ushi. During the course of the War of Spirits, Tsuneo throws as much of the clan's strength behind the Steel Chrystanthemum's bid for the throne. Tsuneo proves essential to the Hantei's war efforts and is the Rikugunshokan of the Armies of the Steel Chrysanthemum. Even after O-Ushi challenges his claim to the title of Crab Champion, Tsuneo's leadership and tactics keeps the Returned Spirits seemingly undefeatable. It is only after his death that the Hantei finally admit defeat. Tsuneo's only positive legacy, his son Isamu by a peasant girl named Hariko, joins the Kyona ronin family after the war in order to prevent a possible power struggle in the house of Hida.

Kuni Osaku (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 24; however, to represent her growing power, the stats found in Imperial Histories, pg 305 can also be used): The hero of the Battle of the Cresting Wave, Kuni Osaku was given the title of Daimyo by the family, which had been largely leaderless following Kuni Yori's disgrace. Osaku quickly proves herself to have little interest in the War of Spirits, focusing her energy entirely on fighting the Shadowlands, though she does lend the family's magic towards strengthening and empowering the clan's strongholds. Osaku also begins research towards restoring the Kuni Wastes, though her progress is slow and tedious.

Hida Masiko: The wife of Hida-no-Kami, Masiko returns to the world of the living with her son Atarashi, the First Thunder of the Crab. Rather than draw attention to herself, Masiko instead keeps a low profile, watching the heirs of her husband but largely keeping to herself. Eventually, she begins training Crab women with no passion for war in gentler arts, and soon Masiko gains a humble reputation as a skilled teacher of the feminine arts. Like all Returned Spirits, Masiko does not age, and remains a young maiden like when she first met Hida. It is only later, after the War of Spirits, that Masiko chooses to reveal her identity.

Hida Atarasi (use that stats from Enemies of the Empire, pg. 65, though without the Taint, Shadowlands powers, or ranks in Maho Bujin. Instead, Atarasi has 3 ranks in the Defender of the WallAdvanceSchool): A legendary and tragic figure, Atarasi was the first Thunder of the Crab, but also the first Akutenshi (evil angel) after his body was corrupted by the Taint. Atarasi followed his mother's soul through Oblivion's Gate, and while he soon gained a reputation as an indomitable warrior on the Wall, Atarasi kept his identity secret. Instead, he focuses much of his energy on protecting his mother Masiko, whom many assume is actually his younger sister (he looks to be a man in his mid-twenties while she is a maiden in her adolescence). Atarasi's identity is eventually found out by Hida O-Ushi, and the two work together to destroy Atarasi's Akutenshi shell. It is by their success that O-Ushi is able to rally large portions of the Crab to her claim as Clan Champion.

Hida Raiden: A fearsome duelist from the Steel Chrysanthemum's original rule, Hida Raiden killed duelists from all other clans save for the Dragon in an effort to prove Crab superiority. He boldly demanded the Dragon send a duelist to face him, and provoked Togashi Nyoko, a duelist, Shugenja, monk, and blacksmith. Nyoko killed him, and he spend the next 600+ years in the Realm of Slaughter. Upon rejoining the living, Raiden gleefully returned to his old life, under his old Champion, and his old Emperor. Raiden joined in many battles during the War of Spirits, seeking out the enemies duelists. Eventally, he earned the title of Emerald Champion of the Hantei Empire, a title he always longed for in his first life (Hantei XVI never held an Emerald Championship, not wanting anyone to have such power in his empire aside from himself). Over the course of the war, Raiden gained a rivalry with Mirumoto Uso, daimyo of the Mirumoto family. Raiden had a speical hatred for all Dragon after his death, and Uso and he fought many duels, with Uso winning the majority of them and forcing Raiden from the field. Eventually, Raiden is killed by Uso during the Liberation of Shiro Utaku Shojo. The Hantei are unable to hold another Emerald Championship to replace him.

Hida Sukune: See below

Important Crab NPCs

Hida Sukune, Son of the Legend

School/Rank: Hida Bushi 1/Kaiu Engineer 2

• Honor: 5.9
• Status: 6.0
• Glory: 3.5

Rings

• Air: 3 (Awareness 4)
• Earth: 2 (Willpower 5)
• Fire: 3 (Intelligence 4)
• Water: 2 (Perception 5)
• Void: 4

Skills: Athletics 1, Battle (Mass Combat, Siege Warfare, Shadowlands Counters) 7, Craft: Armorsmithing 3, Craft: Weaponsmithing 3, Defense 3, Etiquette 3, Engineering (Siege) 5, Heavy Weapons (Tetsubo) 2, Intimidation 1, Kenjutsu 2, Lore: Architecture 2, Lore: Shadowlands (Tactics) 4, Lore: War (Crab, Shadowlands) 4, War Fans 3

Kata: None

Advantages: Great Destiny, Leadership, MultipleSchools, Tactician, Strategist

Disadvantages: Low Pain Threshold, Meek, Small, Weakness (Strength & Stamina)

Special: Returned Spirit Abilities

Few figures are as tragic as Hida Sukune. Son of the legendary Hida Kisada, Sukune was small, sickly, weak, and seen as a failure in his father's eyes. In spite of Sukune's own considerable tactical skill and persistence, Kisada secretly despised the boy for his physical weakness. Kisada's lust for the Throne drove him to eventually agree to let Kuni Yori sacrifice Sukune to activate the Black Scroll, a Terrible Oath, and to nail Sukune's body to the Terrible Standard of Fu Leng, greatly increasing the power of their armies. Sukune, however, never surrendered his soul, and escaped damnation.

After traveling through Oblivion's Gate, Sukune rejoined his sister O-Ushi, and supported her in all endeavors. O-Ushi was overjoyed to have her little brother back, and once again, Sukune lent his brilliant, tactical mind to the Crab. Joining the siege masters of the Kaiu family, Sukune soon found far greater respect and admiration amongst his fellow Crab than he ever thought possible, and was even arranged in marriage to a lovely Doji wife (as part of many political matches made by the Crane in the few years following Oblivion's Gate). Soon, in spite of his physical weakness, Sukune found himself Commander of the Armies of the Wall, a great honor for the weak and disappointing son of Kisada.

Like O-Ushi's husband Yasamura, Sukune disagreed when she gave up the title of Crab Champion to Hida Tsuneo. Unlike Yasamura, Sukune didn't voice his discontent. perhaps out of fear of losing his newfound respect and status. As the war raged on, Tsuneo attempted to have Sukune join the war against Toturi, but Sukune refused, saying the only war he would ever fight again would be against the Shadowlands. Sukune helped O-Ushi as she sought to regain the respect of the Crab on the Wall, as he was perhaps the most trusted man in the Crab for his skilled leadership. It was Sukune who helped O-Ushi find those commanders that would support her bid for Championship. After the war, Sukune continued his duty, wanting neither praise nor reward for his part in restoring the Crab's leadership. He was just content at being a part of the clan.

Hida O-Ushi, True Champion of the Crab, the Bully

School/Rank: Hida Bushi 3/Defender of the Wall 2

• Honor: 3.8
• Status: 8
• Glory: 6.5 (Infamy 2)

Rings

• Air: 4
• Earth: 4
• Fire: 3 (Agility 4)
• Water: 4 (Strength 5)
• Void: 4

Skills: Athletics 3, Battle 4, Courtier 2, Defense 4, Etiquette 3, Games (Fortunes & Winds) 2, Heavy Weapons (Dai Tsuchi, Tetsubo) 6, Horsemanship 3, Hunting 3, Intimidation (Bullying) 5, Investigation 2, Kenjutsu 3, Kyujutsu 2, Lore: Shadowlands (Oni, Ogres) 5

Kata: Iron on the Mountains Style, Indomitable Warrior Style, Strength in the Arms Style, Strength of the Crab

Advantages: Benten's Blessing, Blissful Betrothal (Shinjo/Hida Yasamura), Crab Hands, Clear Thikers, Great Destiny (Destroy Atarasi's Akutenshi), Leadership, MultipleSchools, Tactician, Strategist

Disadvantages: Contrary, Infamous (Bully, Irresponsible), Overconfident, True/Lost Love (Hida Yasamura)

Proud and defiant, O-Ushi was the only daugther of the legendary Hida Kisada. Raised without a mother, O-Ushi was brought up as a son of the Crab, raised and trained as a warrior. O-Ushi was every bit a Hida and close to both her brothers. Her unladylike boldness, bullheadedness, and tendency to meet insult with a swing of her dai tsuchi earned her a reputation as a bully, a reputation she gleefully accepted. Unlike many samurai-ko, O-Ushi refused to take a vow of celibacy.

After the death of Kisada, O-Ushi's brother Yakamo ordered O-Ushi to finally take a husband, and arranged a fighting tournament to find one worthy of her. Stubborn as ever, O-Ushi entered the contest and fought off every possible suitor in the mass melee, until at last she knocked out Daidoji Uji, and was knocked out by him in turn. When she woke, she found herself wed to Shinjo Yasamura, son of the Unicorn Champion Shinjo Yokatsu. Yasamura had been a member of the tournament, but he had been so passive and meek no one even bothered trying to fight him, leaving him the last man standing and O-Ushi's husband. As it turned out, Yasamura and O-Ushi were a perfect match, with Yasamura submissive and meek. O-Ushi even took to calling him her "Good Little Wife."

When Yakamo ascended to Heaven as Lord Sun, O-Ushi was lost. She was overjoyed at the great honor her brother had been given, but at the same time, she was scared at the prospect of being Crab Champion. She had never been raised for such a role, and enjoyed her life as a soldier and general. When Hida Tsuneo returned through Oblivion's Gate and talk was made of him becoming Champion, O-Ushi gladly shrugged off responsibility to him. It was the only time Yasamura spoke against a decision of hers, and O-Ushi found it bothered her greatly. As the War of Spirits raged on, O-Ushi realized how wrong it was for her to shirk the responsiblity Yakamo had trusted her with, and resolved to undo her mistake. She discovered Hida Atarasi, the First Crab Thunder, and the two vowed to hunt down the monster that wore his original body and destroy it. After many years, O-Ushi finally accomplished her goal, with Yasamura right by her side; after that, she regained control of the Crab Clan, and expelled the Returned Spirits from her home. O-Ushi reclaimed the Crab's lost honor for siding with the Steel Chrysanthemum at the Battle of Drowned Honor, but at the cost of her dear Yasamura's life. He left her with twin sons, Kuroda and Kuon. After the war, O-Ushi focused her energy on rebuilding the Crab's strength, and regaining the trust of the Empire. It was a long road, but O-Ushi was stubborn enough to see it through.

Crane Clan

Leadership

Champion: Doji Hoturi (Returned Spirit)

Kakita Daimyo: Kakita Kaiten

Daidoji Daimyo: Daidoji Uji, then Daidoji Rekai

Asahina Daimyo: Asahina Tamako

In many ways, the Battle of Oblivion's Gate had the opposite effect on the Crane as it did the Crab. The Crane were already greatly weakened after being brutalized by both the Clan War and the War Against Darkness; only the Phoenix Clan has suffered more in terms of sheer damage to their lands and numbers. While the influx of spirits from Oblivion's Gate boosts their numbers, the Crane also finds it brings them inner turmoil. A fair number of spirits, most notably Yasuki Masashi, come from an era where the Yasuki family was still part of the Crane, and almost immediately start making trouble over the family's split with the Crane- trouble the Crane cannot afford in their weakened state. Others are disgusted with the Crane's apparent political weakness as the Scorpion, Lion, and other clans have members filling many roles Toturi's court "traditionally" held by Crane. Toturi's Phoenix-born empress also rubs the Returned Crane the wrong way, and soon a large selection of them view him a usurper of the Throne.

Luckily, not all is ill for the Crane. The great hero Doji Hoturi returns through Oblivion's Gate, and is able to resume the role of Champion to the Crane. The Crane Regent, Kakita Kaiten, was a good friend of Hoturi's brother Kuwanan and an honorable bushi, but a poor statesman, and the Living Crane gave a quiet sigh of relief when the more politically minded Hoturi took over. Hoturi spent the years leading up the War of Spirits prioritized strengthening his clan's connections to the Throne, especially in light of the growing resentment between the living and returned Crane factions. When the war did break out, Hoturi had already taken military action against those rebellious Crane attempting to retake the Yasuki lands, and much more of the Returned Crane joined Hoturi in supporting the Crane than the Hantei expected. Still, most of the Returned Crane supported the Hantei, and were led by Doji Tanaka, who named himself Crane Champion of the Hantei-loyal Empire.

At the start of the War of Spirits, the Crane have already lost much of their southern lands to a preemptive strike by the Spirit Army, and the Asahina family are all but captured entirely. It isn't until 1144 that the Crane have fully regained control of their lands from the Hantei, six years into the war. The brutality the Asahina witnessed under the Steel Chrysanthemum causes them to put aside their pacifism and take a more active effort in the war.

At the war's end, the Crane are in one of the stronger positions in the Empire. While their lands suffered greatly at the hands of the Spirit Army, the Crane have proven their mettle and will to the rest of Empire, and Toturi holds them in high regard. It is Crane diplomats which help the Emperor dictate the treaty that ends the war, and they are offered many positions that were left empty by the war. It is also at Crane suggestion that many of the Returned Spirits are pardoned, helping to harmonize the Empire and gain their defeated spirit's cooperation.

Though Doji Kurohito, rightful heir to the Crane Championship, comes of age towards the war's end, he does not take leadership of the Crane away from his uncle. Instead, Kurohito seems content leading the Crane military, suggesting that perhaps he will pass title of Champion to Hoturi's daughter and his cousin, Doji Hanahime. The Asahina, led by Asahina Kimita (who only takes leadership from her uncle at the war's end), find themselves at an odd impasse. Having proven their mettle, lending their magic to heal and protect their fellow Crane, the Asahina are not sure they can return to their monastic lives of peace and contemplation. Many of their number feel their souls are full of violence, unable to cope with the radical shift their world has taken. Asahina Tamako, their now retired daimyo, helps restore the family through his own example. Tamako joined his clan in battle at Oblivion's Gate, offering his powerful magic to heal and protect others, and was Tainted for his efforts. Even having known the violence of war and the Taint in his soul, Tamako still was able to return to the ways of peace, and then returned to war to expel the spirits from the Asahina's temples. Following Tamako's example, the Asahina resolve to return to peace, but to be ready to act in the name of a noble cause, should they be needed.

Important Returned Crane

Doji Hoturi (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 60): See above

Doji Tanaka: A Returned Crane from when Iuchiban first rose to power, Tanaka was tragically given the Bloodsword Passion, which drove him to kill his family and declare his love an an 11-year-old geisha before regaining control and killing himself. In truth, Tanaka was a straight-laced man in life who cared nothing for vice. So when he returned to life, Tanaka was deeply upset that his clan remembered him as a shameful pedophile for his actions under Passion's influence. Tanaka enters the War of Spirits seeing Doji Hoturi as a shameless hedonist, nothing like a responsible leader; for this reason he joins the Steel Chrysanthemum, hoping to reestablish respect, dignity, and tradition amongst the Crane as he sees it. He is actually a capable and responsible leader, and his death shatters the order and strength of the Crane under the Hantei's banner.

Doji Raigu (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 55): One of the original founders of the Kolat, Raigu enters the era planning to recreate the conspiracy as before. He willingly follows the Steel Chrysanthemum, planning on creating a web of influence from the Returned Emperor's plotting. However, Raigu soon finds Toturi's Empire much more to his liking, and quickly comes to respect the heroic Doji Hoturi. When war breaks out, Raigu joins Toturi's side, and even eventually kills Doji Tanaka in personal combat. It is possible that Raigu saw Toturi's Empire as a place a new Gozoku would be more likely to succeed, but it is not clear if he ever reestablished the conspiracy.

Kakita Chikuma: See below

Kakita Rensei (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 58): One of the most skillful swordsman of the Crane, Rensei had little interests in settling old scores or reestablishing old traditions in Toturi's Empire, and thus he fought against the Steel Chrysanthemum's armies during the War of Spirits. He mostly acted as Kakita Chikuma's bodyguard after she wed Hoturi, and there are dozens of stories and no less than four plays (one for each season) of how he thwarted one assassination attempt after another against her.

Daidoji Masayoshi (stats found in Sword and Fan, pg. 37): Considered by modern Daidoji as the father of guerrilla warfare, Masayoshi was instrumental in the First Crane-Crab War, having nearly beaten the Crab's superior military through sheer attrition. Masayoshi sided with the Steel Chrysanthemum in the war, and his knowledge of both the Daidoji's tactics and the layout of their land had a major hand in the Spirit Army's initial success against the Crane. After the deaths of Doji Tanaka and Yasuki Masashi, Masayoshi is made 'Champion' of the Crane still loyal to the Hantei. He leads them with an iron first, hell-bent on halting the advance of the Toturi Crane and reclaiming their losses. Masayoshi and he and his command staff seemingly die mysteriously during the final years of the war, among the first victims of the Scorpion's spirit-bane poison. Because of the many other losses the Hantei face, his death goes largely unnoticed.

Yasuki Masashi: One of the most important puppets of the Steel Chrysanthemum, Masashi played the perfect tool in causing strike and chaos amongst the Crane as he attempted to force the Yasuki to rejoin the Crane. After the war starts, Masashi expects to be named Yasuki Daimyo as promised right away, but the Steel Chrysanthemum puts it off under the pretext that his Crab supporters have greater need of the Yasuki to fuel the war effort. As time goes on, Masashi's usefulness comes to its end, and when he publicly demands to be named daimyo as promised, the Hantei Emperor has his Steel Magistrates arrest the Yasuki on charges of treason. Masashi is forced to confess under torture and promptly executed. His death, however, does serve as a catalyst for the growing dissatisfaction amongst the Hantei family and their supporters against their mad Emperor.

Important Crane NPCs

Kakita Chikuma, Imperial Advisor, The Black Fan

School/Rank: Doji Courtier 4

• Honor: 7.8
• Status: 8
• Glory: 4.5 (Infamy 1)

Rings

• Air: 3 (Awareness 4)
• Earth: 2 (Willpower 4)
• Fire: 3
• Water: 2 (Perception 4)
• Void: 4

Skills: Artisan: Poetry 4, Calligraphy (High Rokugani, Cipher) 3, Courtier (Gossip, Manipulation, Rhetoric) 6, Etiquette (Bureaucracy, Courtesy, Contestation) 6, Forgery 2, Games (Letters) 3, Intimidation 3, Investigation (Interrogation) 4, Lore: Gozoku 2, Lore: Heraldry 4, Lore: Law 3, Meditation 2, Perform: Oratory 4, Perform: Storytelling 3, Sincerity (Honesty, Deceit) 5, Stealth 1, Tea Ceremony 3, Temptation 2

Advantages: Allies (Doji Hoturi, Emperor Toturi, Hida O-Ushi, Ikoma Maruko), Benten's Blessing, Higher Purpose (Find Redemption), Paragon of Courtesy, Social Position (Imperial Advisor)

Disadvantages: Dark Secret (Gozoku member in her first life), Infamous (The Black Fan), Softhearted, Sworn Enemy (Shosuro Tsia)

Special: Returned Spirit Abilities

(Chikuma's original story and art can be found here, used with permission from the original creator, pen name Kushindou.)

Kakita Chikuma rose to prominence during the reign of the three-clan alliance known as the Gozoku, becoming one of the first representatives of the conspiracy to show how powerful the group had become when she was elevated to the rank of Imperial Advisor. Assigned the task of using her rank to weaken enemies of the Gozoku through courtly intrigue and slander, Chikuma soon became one of the most feared members of the Imperial Court among the members of the clans not connected to the Gozoku alliance, becoming known as "The Black Fan" for the many dishonored samurai and orders for seppuku that she left in her wake. Despite her importance to the Gozoku, Bayushi Atsuki, the conspiracy's founder, never truly trusted Chikuma, considering her too soft for her unwillingness to truly turn against the Emperor himself, and even advising him at times.

Chikuma would not live to see the fall of the Gozoku, as she was killed by an assassin years before the alliance fell. It is unknown if she was killed at Atsuski's orders, by Imperialists loyal to the Throne, or even the victim of a jealous rival with no connection to the Gozoku. Surprisingly Chikuma was later spoken of well following the end of the conspiracy by many of the regime's surviving figures, even such staunch defenders of the Hantei Dynasty as the ronin hero Mochiko. Her texts are still studied by Doji (and more than a few Scorpion Clan courtiers) hoping to serve the Empire as advisors either at the clan or Imperial level.

After Chikuma returned through Oblivion's Gate, she found a world much different than the one she left, and perhaps it was for the better. Though surprised to see her old Champion Doji Reigu alive as well, Chikuma didn't make any move to contact him or revive the Gozoku; she was done with that life. Instead, she saw this new world as one where she could find redemption for the terrible things she had done in the Gozoku's name. Her skill at the courtly game won her the attention of the Hantei, whom she felt compelled to support at first, due to her role in the undermining of their dynasty at the hands of the Gozoku, and they in turn elevated her to the role of Imperial Advisor, once again. However, when the Hantei started whispering for her to play subtle roles in their intrigues, to undermine court members loyal to the Throne, Chikuma completely disowned them; too much of her second life was starting mirroring her first one, and instead she devoted herself on serving the Crane and the new Toturi dynasty. Her melancholy spirit attracted the attention of Doji Hoturi, the Crane Champion. Chikuma soon found that his jolly, foppish spirit was a mask to hide a soul weighed heavily by his past sins, not unlike her own. The two courted, and were soon married. Chikuma gave Hoturi two children, a daughter named Hanahime and a son named Youta.

Chikuma had made many enemies by spurring the Hantei, and the Steel Chrysanthemum ordered his personal assassin Shosuro Tsia to kill her even before the War of Spirits began. Two attempts on her life were made within six months of the order, one through an agent and another through poisoning. During the war itself, Tsia gave her Steel Magistrates special orders to kill her, and at least four identifiable attempts where made, including one by Tsia herself sneaking into Kyuden Doji while Chikuma was heavy with child. The Crane blocked each attempt, and Chikuma would sometimes joke with Hoturi at the irony of how similar her new life was to her old one; rising to Imperial Advisor with help from a conspiracy against the throne, only for them to turn on her when she proves too loyal for their liking.

Kakita Kaiten, Kakita Daimyo, Emerald Champion

School/Rank: Kakita Bushi 3/Kenzenshen 2/Emerald Champion path at Rank 5

• Honor: 6.5
• Status: 8
• Glory: 7.0

Rings

• Air: 4 (Reflexes 5)
• Earth: 4
• Fire: 5
• Water: 3
• Void: 4

Skills: Battle 2, Calligraphy 4, Defense 5, Etiquette 2, Iaijutsu (Assessment, Focus) 6, Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Kyujutsu 2, Lore: Bushido (Kakita's "The Sword") 6, Lore: Theology 3, Meditation (Void Recovery) 5, Sincerity 1, Spears 3, Tea Ceremony 2

Kata: Breath of Wind Style, Striking as Air, Striking as Void, Disappearing World Style, Strength of the Crane, Strength of Purity Style, The Empire Rests on Its Edge (Lore: Bushido), The World Is Empty, Victory of the River, Standing on the Heavens

Advantages: Ally (Mirumot Uso), Clear Thinker, Sacred Weapon (Kakita Blade), Social Position (Crane Regent, then Emerald Champion)

Disadvantages: Antisocial (Rank 2), Competitive, Dependent: Kakita Kyruko (Niece), Nemisis (Hantei Ryute), Rivalry (Mirumoto Uso)

Kakita Kaiten was not born to be Kakita Daimyo; he was from a family with no direct connection to the main house. It was Kaiten's skill with his blade that first won him attention and advancement; first, as the friend and advisor of Doi Kuwanan, the Crane Champion. After the death of Kakita Toshimoko and his legitimate son Ichiro, the Kakita were left without a daimyo, and Kaiten was selected almost unanimously by the family leadership. It was shortly after Kaiten was named daimyo that Kuwanan died at Oblivion's Gate, naming Kaiten Clan Regent, much both to Kaiten's surprise and horror alike. Kaiten was not a politician or a statesman by any stretch of the imagination; he knew his sword and little else. He gave a quiet sigh of relief when Doji Hoturi appeared as a Returned Spirit and took the reigns of leadership.

During the War of Spirits, Kaiten was a devote follower of Toturi, and it was with great pride that he won the Emerald Championship and became his emperor's hand. Kaiten had made an enemy of Hantei Ryute, the man who defeated him during the Emerald Championship prior to the war; Ryute was a Returned emperor, and was everything Kaiten was not: spoiled, entitled, and born to a position he abused. As soon as war broke out, the two vowed to kill each other, and nearly did many times. Kaiten focused his energy on protecting the rich Crane lands and stopping the Hantei from taking any more than they already had. When the Hantei's forces laid siege to Kyuden Doji, Kaiten faced Ryute one last time and slew his nemesis. To many, Ryute's death was a single point to the war changing in Toturi's favor.

Kaiten did have a life outside of being Emerald Champion. Early in life, he struck up an odd friendship with the Mirumoto family's daimyo Uso; the two became both rivals and the closest of friends. Though their families were often bitter enemies over who's sword style was superior, Uso and Kaiten had little interst in such things, and instead worked together to find the common virtues of both styles. Their work gave birth to the Thousand Years of Steel, a series of kata said to explore all aspects of the samurai's life and duty.

Kaiten also had to care for his niece, Kakita Kyruko. Unfortunately, Kaiten had spoiled her, and she was often a source of shame and embarrassment with her explosive temper and shameless flirting. Still, Kaiten could never find it him to truly discipline the girl. The best he could ever do was hand Kyruko over to others less patient than him for a time.

Dragon Clan

Leadership -

Champion: Togashi Hoshi (stats found in Imperial Histories, pg. 24):

Mirumot Daimyo: Mirumoto Uso

Agasha/Tamori Daimyo: Agasha Tamori/Agasha Tsutomu (Lady Agasha)

Kitsuki Daimyo: Kitsuku Yasu

Tonbo Daimyo: Tonbo Kuyuden (Regent)

The Dragon start the era off as one of the weaker clans. While their losses during the Clan Wars and the War Against Darkness where fairly light compared to other clans like the Phoenix and the Crane, the Dragon also suffered a bloody civil war during the worst moments of Hitomi's maddness, resulting in the vast majority of the Agasha family forswearing their ancestral oaths and joining the Phoenix, leaving the Dragon with less than a hundred shugenja in the whole clan.

Luckily, the Dragon are able to greatly rebuild their power-base in the peaceful years preceding the War of Spirits. The Dragon's new Champion Hoshi is a powerful seer like his father Togashi, though he favors a somewhat more active role in leading the clan. Hoshi attempts to amend his clan's wounded relationship with their long-term allies, the Phoenix, by marrying the Master of Air, Isawa Kusaeri, and arranging for several matches to be made between the clans, though his efforts have a minimal effect. Hoshi also builds upon the Dragon's alliance with the Scorpion Clan, and in fact gives their Champion prophetic advice several times in the era, even after the Scorpion officially side with the Steel Chrysanthemum. Togashi Hoshi is one of the few people who knew the Scorpion's loyalty truly laid with the Living Empire, and he ensured that his clan was the first to welcome the Children of Bayushi back with open arms at the war's end.

The single most important event to the Dragon in this era actually took place before the war. When Akodo Yokutsu accused Tonbo Kuyuden of dishonoring him illegally attacked the Dragonfly, the Dragon as a whole were deeply enraged at the act of pointless violence. While Hoshi's Inner Sight ensured that a Dragon army was ready to lend their support to the Dragonfly, they were unable to prevent the loss of many innocents. After the Death of Kyuden Tonbo, the Dragonfly had lost almost a third of their clan in one fell swoop, including their daimyo. Hoshi offered them the chance to swear their loyalty to the Dragon as the Tonbo family, and the Dragonfly agreed. Though saddened that the Lion had ultimately caused the end of their clan, the Tonbo knew that change was inevitable, and accepted it with serenity. Perhaps this readiness to change also led the Tonbo to largely forget their old shugenja traditions, and instead picked up the duties of the now largely absent Agasha, studying the ways of mutli-elemental magic. A section of the Tonbo family still devoted themselves to being the Dragon's gatekeepers, focusing on courtly duties.

The Death of Kyuden Tonbo had a profound effect on the Dragon in another way. A large number of Dragon spirits had stepped through Oblivion's Gate, enough that the clan's was markedly less depleted than it otherwise would have been. The Steel Chrysanthemum had planned for the Lion's unprovoked attack on the Dragonfly to turn the Dragon against Toturi for allowing such thing to occur under his rule. Instead, it had the opposite effect, with the Dragon hardening against the Returned Spirits who were living in past and clearly had no place in the present. Even the Returned Dragon felt this way. Togashi Hoshi's foresight ensured that none of the Steel Chrysanthemum's agents infiltrated the Dragon, and when the war broke out, the Dragon were the only clan aside from the Lion to side fully with Toturi from the start. The only exception to this was Agasha Tamori, leader of those few Agasha still loyal to the Dragon. Hatred and pride had twisted his once peaceful soul, and he joined the Hantei at the offer for revenge against the traitors. The Dragon Clan took his treachery as a deep insult to the suffering the Returned Spirits inflicted upon the Tonbo, and many Dragons sought the traitor's head throughout the war.

The Dragon were the only clan to be virtually unscratched by the war directly. Being the northernmost clan meant they never faced a dedicated invasion from the Spirit Army, nor did they suffer any infighting. The Dragon Army itself, however, was active in many engagements. The Dragon were considered key in the Battle of Four Armies, where they helped the Lion take Beiden Pass (Togashi Hoshi himself forced Agasha Tamori from the field), and in the defense of Shiba Shiba, where they attempt to bring Tamori to justice once again.

After the War of Spirits, the Dragon find themselves in a stronger position than most of the other clans. Very little of their holdings suffered any damage, and the Dragon suffered limited losses to their numbers. When the Hantei force the Dragon-loyal Agasha to be renamed after their treacherous daimyo Tamori, it is a difficult pill to swallow, but the Dragon have no choice but to accept. They end the era with a strong alliance with the Scorpion, and seemingly repaired relations with the Phoenix. However, there is still a deep undercurrent of unresolved hatred between the clans, deepened by the many brutalities Tamori unleashed upon the Phoenix. These dark waters beneath a surface of civility between the two clans will lead to tragic conflict in the years to come.

New Dragon Mechanics

Tonbo Family: +1 Awareness

The family formerly known the Dragonfly clan remain outwardly the same as they were: humble and gracious despite the important roles they play as gatekeepers between the Dragon and the rest of the Empire. Though some of them are filled with anger over the suffering their people faced at the hands of the Lion, the Tonbo largely harbor no desire for revenge, as it goes against their philosophy of moving on. In spite of this, the family has let go of their devotion to pacifism, instead prepared to fulfill the role of their Agasha predecessors, supporting the Dragon in peace and war alike. While they do not revel in violence, the Tonbo no longer shun it. They are a people of spirituality, philosophy, science, interaction, peace and change, balancing all aspects of who they are without shame.

• Tonbo Mon: A dragon, with scales shifting from green to gold, holding its two claws up with an iridescent dragonfly hovering between them.
• Meaning: The mon symbolizes the Tonbo's acceptance of their new life as a part of the Dragon, just as the dragonfly in the mon is small compared to the dragon. The dragon's shifting scale colors reflect the Tonbo's acceptance of change. A few have noted that the mon also resembles the old Agasha mon (a dragon holding an open pomegranate), and have suggested it is also meant to snub the Agasha who left the Dragon, but the Tonbo deny this.
• Family Creed: We have seen two paths, and made another between.

Tonbo Courtier School

As members of the Dragon Clan, the Tonbo gained access to far greater resources than they ever had preciously. With their shugenja tradition shifting away from courtly assistance and divination towards multi-elemental Magic, the Tonbo put efforts forth to ensure their duty as the Dragon's gatekeepers was not neglected. Originally, they simple trained some of their number in with their Kitsuki cousins, but the Tonbo soon adapted what they learned and created a school that fit their own needs better.

Tonbo Courtiers are highly skilled a resisting manipulation, as well as at theological debate. This, and their training to undo social blunders means the Tonbo are given the duty to represent less socially-skilled members of the clan in courtly settings.

Tonbo Courtier

• Benefit: +1 Perception
• Skills: Courtier, Etiquette (Courtesy), Investigation, Lore: Theology (Shintao), Meditation, Sincerity, any one High Skill
• Honor: 6.5
• Outfit: Traditional Clothing, Wakizashi, Knife, Calligraphy Set, Traveling Pack, 5 koku

Techniques
Rank 1: Voice of the Dragon
The Tonbo are the Dragon's gatekeepers and emissaries, trained not only in dealing difficult situations, but also in artfully speaking for their superiors. You add your Lore: Theology ranks to all Etiquette rolls. When an ally commits a social faux pas, you may roll Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness at TN 20 to remove the insult from your ally's actions (any Honor loss caused by their social blunder is still lost). The GM can require Raises for more serious social blunders, or even make it outright impossible for you to wave off your associate's words; actions or words that directly endangered or injured someone cannot be waved off, for example.

Rank 2: Lesson of the Tao
The Tao of Shinsei states "What is written is not what is; only what is written." The Tonbo Courtier knows that few things are what they truly appear to be: testimony can be false, samurai can lie, and even friends doesn't always have your best interests at heart. When rolling to resist Social Manipulation (including School Techniques), you gain +0k1 to your roll's total, or +0k2 if you have more ranks in Lore: Theology than your target.

Rank 3: The World's Impermanence

To the Tonbo, change is as much a part of the world as the elements that make it up. They are taught not only to study the Tao, but challenge what they know on it. As such, the Tonbo are also incredibly skilled at debating theological or philosophical points. After debating philosophies with a target for at least five minutes, you may make a Lore: Theology/Awareness against their Etiquette (Courtesy)/Willpower. If the target is hostile towards you or your view, or their beliefs on the mater are extremely steadfast, they gain a Free Raise to their roll. With success, the target's view on the matter shifts towards your own. This is not mind control, nor can it cause a person to go against their fundamental beliefs, loyalties, or character. Aside from these limitations, however, the target embraces your view on the matter as their own until they encounter something that causes them to rethink the matter. It is ultimately up to the GM how much this technique can effect a target's own philosophies. You may not use this technique on the same target more than once per month, whether or not your first attempt is successful.

Rank 4: Empty your Cup
While the Tonbo prefer a passive, reactive approach to court, their knowledge of the Tao allows them to not only move in harmony with an ever-changing world, but also unbalance those minds less enlightened. Once during a Social Encounter, you may spend a Void Point as a Free Action to force a target making a Social roll to use their ranks in Lore: Theology in place their ranks in the appropriate Social skill. At the GM's discretion, this technique cannot be used in situations were theology or philosophy would be inappropriate or irrelevant to the conversation.

Rank 5: The Final Riddle
The Tonbo understand the enlightenment because they embrace change, the fundamental lesson of the Tao. Once per session, when debating a theological or philosophical point with someone, you can roll Courtier (Rhetoric)/Awareness opposed by their Etiquette (Courtesy)/Willpower; if your ranks in Lore: Theology are higher than your opponent's, you add the difference to your Dice Rolled. With success, you prove your point to the target. This does not force them to change their own view or accept yours, nor does it change their attitude on the matter, but they will concede that you are correct for this one point. The target is not prevented from continuing to debate with you, on a different subject or even the same one, but it might be socially awkward of even embarrassing for them to do so, at the GM's discretion. You cannot use this technique to force a target to agree to ideas that are blasphemous, illegal, or dishonorable (such as questioning the Emperor's divine right to rule or suggesting that Maho is not dangerous).

Tonbo Shugenja (Dragon School)

After joining the Dragon, the Tonbo have taken up the duties of the old Agasha family, especially in the study of multi-elemental magic. Even before joining the Dragon, the Tonbo studied how the elements interact and change when more than one are used in a single spell. While they gained much criticism from others when they were just the Dragonfly (especially from the traditionally-minded Lion), as a family of a Great Clan, the Tonbo are now above most scrutiny. With the Dragon's greater resources and magical research, the Tonbo Shugenja of the Dragon Clan are not only mastered multi-elemental magic, but have also unlocked elemental versatility normally displayed only by the Isawa of the Phoenix (though the Isawa's sheer power with the elements still dwarfs the Tonbo family's).

Tonbo Shugenja

• Benefit: +1 Intelligence
• Skills: Calligraphy, Etiquette, Lore: Elements, Lore: Theology, Meditation, Spellcraft (Spell Research), any one Bugei or High Skill
• Honor: 2.5
• Outfit: Ropes, Wakizashi, Knife, Calligraphy Set, Scroll Satchel, Traveling Pack, 5 koku
• Affinity/Deficiency: Tonbo Shugenja may select any element as their Affinity, and gain the opposing element as their Deficiency.

Technique: Harmony of the Elements
The Tonbo's understanding of multi-elemental magic is second to none. When casting a multi-elemental spell, you may spend a Void Point to remove one of the Elements of the spell for purposes of spell-casting roll and spell slots used. For example, you can cause a Fire & Air spell to be treated as a Fire spell instead, or a Water, Earth, & Fire spell to be a Fire & Water spell. You can never remove more than one element from a spell. You gain a Free Raise on all Multi-Elemental Magic.

Alternate Path

Tonbo Counselor
Many Tonbo Shugenja still continue their original duties as gatekeepers of the Dragon even as they study multi-elemental magic. The Tonbo Counselors school was based off their old shugenja traditions, using their connection to the kami to guild themselves and others away from folly.

• Replaces: Tonbo Shugenja 2
• Requirements: Courtier 3, Etiquette 3, Divination 3

Technique: Guided by Fate - The Tonbo Counselors serve as both the Dragon Clan's intermediaries as well as court shugenja. You may expend one spell slot to grant yourself or an ally +1k1 to any Social roll as a Free Action.

Mechanical adjustments to the Dragon Clan

Kitsuki family bonus: +1 Perception

The Kitsuki family's bonus has been changed to both reflect the Tonbo's growing importance to the Dragon as a courtly family and also to better reflect the family's intense focus on investigation and perception.

The Dragon Agasha/Tamori Family

The Tamori Family does not exist for most of this era, only being named after the War of Spirits ends. However, many Returned Agasha are interested in the study of alchemy and the science, even more than the Agasha family before the split. At the GM's digression, any Agasha Shugenja trained in this era may use the mechanics of the Tamori Shugenja school to reflect the family's focus alchemy, though they still retain the Fire/Water Affinity/Deficiency of the Agasha.

Important Returned Dragon

Lady Agasha/Agasha Tsutomu (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 87): Lady Agasha leaves Yomi through Oblivion's Gate after seeing so many of the family that bares her name abandon the Dragon. Lady Agasha initially avoided becoming too involved with the present, taking the name Agasha Tsutomu to hide her identity, and wed Agasha Tamori, the family daimyo. They had a daughter together, named Shaitung. When Tamori joined the Steel Chrysanthemum, Tsutomu was heartbroken but she wanted no vengeance, and avoided joining the Dragon's war effort. She remained a pacifist at heart even during the war, but allowed her followers to make their own choices on the matter.

Agasha Daijoku (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 88): The founder of modern alchemy, Daijoku was outraged at the Agasha defection, and attempted to get the family to rejoin the Dragon before Togashi Hoshi stopped him, saying that they had made their choice, as was their right. Seeing the wisdom in these words, Daijoku let go of his anger and accepted that things had changed. When Agasha Tamori betrayed the Dragon over the same hatred for the Agasha traitors, Daijoku took it as a personal insult, and engaged the traitor during the Battle of Four Armies, dying a hero's death. Daijoku was survived by his wife and son.

Mirumoto Kaijuko: Known as the Scaled Scorpion, Kaijuko was possibly the most politically skilled Miurmoto Daimyo of all time (not that she had much completion, considering the Mirumoto's view on politics as a whole). Incredibly beautiful and deadly in court and with a sword, Kaijuko was famed for killing her own uncle in a duel to protect her birthright as daimyo, and for her feud with the Scorpion Clan, especially their Champion's wife. Ironically, in this new life, Kaijuko was betrothed to Bayushi Dairu, Champion of the Scorpion. Putting aside past rivalries in the name of duty, Kaijuko was a dutiful wife, until the Scorpion sided with the Steel Chrysanthemum. After that, she took her and Dairu's two children to the Dragon lands, disgusted by her husband's treachery. However, Lord Hoshi explained the truth behind Dairu's actions, telling her that that Dairu had also acted to protect his family (which was now safely in Dragon lands, away from the fighting) by withholding the truth. When the war ended, Kaijuko returned to her husband, perhaps more appreciative of him now.

Mirumoto Satsu: Brother of Mirumoto Hitomi, Satsu was killed in a duel with Hida Yakamo over the Crab's insult of his wife, setting his sister off on her infamous quest for revenge. In truth, Satsu had been warned prior by Togashi Yokuni of Yakamo's destiny as the Second Crab Thunder, and Satsu willingly lost the duel to ensure the Empire and his sister survived the second day of thunder. Satsu and his wife both crossed through Oblivion's Gate together, and Satsu was offered a chance to become the family daimyo by Mirumoto Uso. Satsu declined, and instead served his clan commanding the clan's armies.

Tonbo Kuyuden: See below.

Important Dragon NPCs

Agasha Tamori, Dragon Agasha Daimyo, Treacherous Jade Champion, Dark Oracle of Fire

School/Rank: Agasha Shugenja 6//Emerald Champion path at Rank 6

• Honor: 2.0
• Status: 8
• Glory: 4.0 (Infamy 5)

Rings

• Air: 4
• Earth: 4
• Fire: 6
• Water: 3
• Void: 5

Skills: Battle (Shugenja Tactics) 4, Calligraphy (Cipher) 5, Craft: Alchemy 5, Craft: Weaponsmithing 3, Defense 3, Etiquette 3, Investigation 3, Kenjutsu 4, Lore: Elements (Fire, Multi-Element Magic) 6, Lore: History 4, Lore: Nature (Natural Phenomena) 4, Lore: Theology 4, Medicine 3, Meditation (Void Recovery) 3, Spellcraft (Spell Research, Importune) 6

Kiho: Soul of the Four Winds, Ride the Water Dragon, Channel the Fire Dragon

Spells Known: As Agasha Daimyo and later Jade Champion, Agasha Tamori have access to all publicly known spells in the Empire. He has memorized all Fire spells and all spells below Rank 4.

Advantages: Chosen of the Oracles (Fire), Clear Thinker, Heart of Vengeance (Phoenix), Magic Resistance, Sage

Disadvantages: Dark Fate (Dark Oracle of Fire), Driven (Get Revenge on the Phoenix), Infamous (Traitor, Murderer of Nikesake, and much more), Small

Traitor, Murder of Nikesake, Butcher of Flames, Madman of the Jade Mantle...Dark Oracle of Void, even. These are only some of the infamous titles given to Agasha Tamori, the most brutal enforce of Hantei Okucheo. Any who knew Tamori before the War of Spirits would have never predicted that he would become possibly the most violent and cruel man to ever become Jade Champion.

Agasha Tamori grew up fascinated with the elements and how their patterns played out in the physical world around him. Tamori was one of the most learned men when it came to science and the natural phenomena of the world around him. He was a powerful Shugenja, but withdrawn and not given to shows of power. Instead, Tamori focused on ever learning more, blending his understanding of the spiritual, natural, and scientific worlds around him.

And then the Agasha betrayed him. Led by his most beloved student, Agasha Gennai, with promises of respect and power, the Agasha family abandoned their ancestral oaths and forsook the Dragon, joining the Phoenix. But it wasn't enough; not only had they left Tamori with only a few score of followers, but they stole every scroll, every secret, every bit of research that belonged to the Dragon. For the first time in his life, Tamori truly felt hate. He had to have revenge.

His Champion, Togashi Hoshi, warned him of the dark path his heart had started on. After the Battle of Oblivion's Gate, many revered Agasha joined the Dragon (not one joined the treacherous Phoenix), and Tamori felt his heart calm...ever so slightly. He wed Lady Agasha herself, who counseled him to let go of the fury in his heart; they even had a daughter together, Shaitung, whom Tamori adored. However, he couldn't simply let the traitors go unpunished. It ate at him, like an ember in his gut.

The Steel Chrysanthemum saw that ember, and fanned it into an inferno. Tamori became his willing agent, and the Hantei had to only offer him a chance at vengeance.

When Agasha Tamori became Jade Champion in the year 1135, it came as a great shock to everyone . Tamori had been a meek man most of his life; the power he displayed at the tournament was incredible, and the brutality at which he defeated his opponents, especially the Phoenix ones, was terrible. Before the war broke out, Tamori took great pleasure in lording his status over the hated Phoenix Clan, blocking their political efforts and constantly harassing their Shugenja. Amongst the Dragon, there were many cries for Lord Hoshi to reel Tamori in before he dishonored his office.

By the time the War of Spirits broke out, it was already too late. In one of the earliest and most terrible battles of the war, Tamori marched an army to the defenseless city of Nikesake, burning it to the ground and killing nearly the whole population. This was just the earliest example of Tamori's brutality. Throughout the war, Tamori led a campaign of violence and slaughter, taking dark pleasure in leaving nothing but ash in his wake. His favorite targets were Phoenix of course, and he killed almost all Phoenix shugenja who attempted to stop his rampages, many of which were of considerable skill. In time, Agasha Tamori had become the most feared agent of the Steel Chrysanthemum's, even outdoing Hida Tsuneo in the sheer terror he could inspire on the battlefield. The Dragon Clan was disgusted with the monstrosity Tamori had become, and attempted to end his reign of terror several times.

Secretly, he had been Tainted in combat with Asahina Tamako, and the slow realization of his impending fate had an impact on Tamori. After the war, he willfully submitted himself to the Dragon Clan after the Hantei's surrender, not seeming to notice the hatred his clanmates showed him. When the Steel Chrysanthemum demanded that the Dragon Agasha be renamed after Tamori in his honor, the Dragon were horrified, but had no choice. Still, Tamori had also been ordered to commit seppuku for his crimes, and Tamori offered no complaint. Seppuku would be his escape from the Taint.

However, as he performed the three cuts, Tamori noticed a number of Agasha members in the crowd, watching with gleeful eyes, and his hatred returned at the last moment. Tamori gave into the Taint, and became the Dark Oracle of Fire. After using his new power to get a final vengeance on Agasha Gennai, Tamori disappeared, consumed by the will of Jigoku.

Tonbo Kuyuden, Returned Dragonfly Champion

School/Rank: Shiba Bushi 1/Mirumoto Bushi 2

• Honor: 6.4
• Status: 8
• Glory: 4.5 (Infamy 1)

Rings

• Air: 3 (Reflexes 4)
• Earth: 3 (Willpower 4)
• Fire: 3 (Agility 4)
• Water: 2 (Perception 3)
• Void: 4

Skills: Courtier (Rhetoric) 3, Defense 4, Etiqutte (Courtesy, Conversation) 4, Iaijutsu (Assessment, Focus) 6, Kenjutsu (Katana, Wakizashi) 5, Kyujutsu 2, Lore: History 2, Lore: Shugenja (Tonbo Shugenja) 4, Lore: Theology (Tao of Shenshi), Polearms 2, Meditation (Void Recovery) 3, Sincerity 2

Kata: Striking as Void, Strength of the Dragon, Strength of the Phoenix

Advantages: Allies (Many Dragon and Phoenix Samurai), Clear Thinker, Great Potential (Iaijutsu), Prodigy

Disadvantages: Driven (Rebuild the Tonbo Family), Idealistic, Infamous (Honorless Dragonfly), Sworn Enemy (Akodo Yokutsu, and many other Lion after his death)

Son of Mirumoto Asijin and Isawa Maroko, Kuyuden was the first true Dragonfly Champion. Trained not only in his father's unique dueling methods but also by the Shiba of the Phoenix, Kuyuden's life was never easy. While Kuyuden was away studying with the Phoenix, his father's sworn Akodo Yokutsu enemy used a trumped-up insult to attack the Dragonfly's allies and demanded Asijin duel him in exchange for lifting his attack. At the Dragon Champion's command, Asijin dueled Yokutsu and purposefully lost, in what would have ended the feud normally. Unfortunately, Yokutsu was still not satisfied, and attempted to force Kuyuden's mother to marry him and named himself Dragonfly Champion. Luckily, Kuyuden returned just in time to kill Yokutsu and avenge his father before the Lion could attempt to carry his plan out. Kuyuden would come to learn the Dragon Champion's part in his father's death, and nearly challenged him to a duel over the matter, before his mother explained that his father's sacrifice had gained the Dragonfly the Dragon's eternal protection, and she turned her son away from thoughts of vengeance. Seeing the truth in his mother's words, Kuyuden disbanded his father's bushi school, symbolically ending the bloodshed that had plagued his clan from birth, and set them towards studying enlightenment

After returning through Oblivion's Gate, Kuyuden was saddened to find that the Lion's hatred for the Dragonfly had not lessened over the centuries. He also found that his old foe Yokutsu had returned from the realm of dead as well, consumed by revenge as ever before. Kuyuden turned away from continuing the feud, and instead did his best to simply enjoy the Empire as it was now, rather than live in the past.

Kuyuden was even more surprised to find many Mirumoto family admirers of his father, most of which were curious to learn the secret dueling techniques of Asijin that were supposedly lost after Kuyuden shut down the Dragonfly's bushi school. During one fateful Dragon Winter Court, Kuyuden was retelling the story of both his father's and his own duel with Akodo Yokutsu when the Lion himself appeared and accused him of lying. Yokutsu demanded Kuyuden duel him to the death over it, but Kuyuden refused. "I have dueled you to the death before, and you lost. Let go of the past, Yokutsu-san, and look to the future instead."

Instead, Yokutsu rallied an army of Returned Lion and attacked the Dragonfly Clan. Though the Dragon and Phoenix armies protected the Tonbo, the damage was done. With their Champion killed in the attack, the Dragonfly turned to Kuyuden, who become clan regent until the Champion's young son came of age. Seeing no alternative path, Kuyuden accepted the Dragon's offer of fidelity, and the Dragonfly Clan became the Tonbo family of the Dragon Clan.

Though Kuyuden watched his family change greatly from their roots, he has decided to accept it. Change has been something his people have always accepted as a necessary part of enlightenment, even if you do not always understand why things must change.

Leveling Ashinagabachi (gesundheit) alone gets you two thumbs up.

nice work this.

2 hours ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

Leveling Ashinagabachi (gesundheit) alone gets you two thumbs up.

nice work this.

A response at last! I was really starting to lose heart with this project.
Haha, anyway, Kyuden Ashinagabachi wasn't necessarily 'leveled'' per say. The castle was put under siege and Tsuruchi were killed, but the Steel Chrysanthemum was looking to punish, not annihilate. Meanwhile, the Scorpion pit Toturi's enemies against each other, weakened the Hantei's power-base, spread distrust amongst his followers, and also got to closely observe the siege and fall of the Kyuden Ashinagabachi (I can't take that name seriously)...pretty sure they'll use that later, espcailly considering the Mantis's Champion is Bayushi Dairu's traitor-cousin.

Here's hoping to see more comments on this, haha. Also, any thoughts on the Tonbo's fate or new schools?

I peck most of these out on an XBOX controller, so the backpats and snark come in short bursts.

The Utaku men and the 'original' Moto are the only things Unicorn that speak to me,

So, Utako kamo I definitely liked.

the 'Reborn' Sun and Moon was inspired imo definite potenntial here.

1st up; Hantei Family LOVE THIS!!

Putting aside personal bias re: Crab, The more calculated setup in the runup to the war is well done. I probably would run more stuff here than during the war itself.

The only thing that bothers me here is Dairu. I have hard time seeing Yojiro turning control over to a inexpirienced kid.

more to come

3 hours ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

I peck most of these out on an XBOX controller, so the backpats and snark come in short bursts.

The Utaku men and the 'original' Moto are the only things Unicorn that speak to me,

So, Utako kamo I definitely liked.

the 'Reborn' Sun and Moon was inspired imo definite potenntial here.

I cannot even imagine using a non-computer to surf the internet with any dedication. I like a large screen to read easily without having to scroll endlessly, so I never use my cellphone for that. And I've never owned an Xbox. Is that all you have, or is there a neglected computer in some dusty corner of your home? Hahaha.
Yes, I plan on stating up Utaku Kamo when I make the Unicorn's post, and yes, his son has an even greater effect on the Utaku during the Four Winds Era. And what do you mean by the 'original' Moto?

As for the Reborn Sun and Moon, they both play major rolls in my own setting.

3 hours ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

1st up; Hantei Family LOVE THIS!!

Putting aside personal bias re: Crab, The more calculated setup in the runup to the war is well done. I probably would run more stuff here than during the war itself.

The only thing that bothers me here is Dairu. I have hard time seeing Yojiro turning control over to a inexpirienced kid.

more to come

You mean you like the dynamics of so many Hantei out at once, or that they were made into an Imperial Family?
Thanks for the imput on the rest of it. I had the Hantei messing with even more sitaitons in the empire, but it got too busy and there's no way Toturi couldn't have noticed who was doing it, so I had to tone it down.
The cannon's War of Spirits didn't have the same sense of danger to me, because cannon claims the Hantei had no support from the living. Only one Spirit Army. Meaning they had no home-base or fresh recruits to replace lost ones. I had to give them some power-base with a few Living clans.
As for Dairu and Yojiro, I based it off the idea that Yojiro would do what tradition dictated, as Dairu was technically rightful heir. However, I imagine the set up had Yojiro heavily advising Dairu in the years leading up to the war, and then coming up with the plan to stab the Hantei in the back. At that point, Dairu would have gotten 4 years of experience and be around 18-20 instead of a young teen, so Yojiro could cut the apron strings.
Anyway, for more on the final fate of the Hantei and the reborn Sun and Moon, you can check out the Stag Clan and their history here.

The 1st ed 'all viindicator' Moto I should have said.

Now that ive gotten thru the war timeine...

Its impressive how much better this is than the 'official' version.

I always saw Kenburo as a viscious thug. He is an interesting choice for 'heroic general'.

Their is a really good balance between the clans. vis a vis win/loss, good stuff/bad stuff. FFG should take notes.

I wont gush on Crab-coolness, but the Battle of Cresting Wave may be my all-time favorite 'Historical tale' Kuni Osaku returned makes me smile.

more to come

Crab commentary

I found the 'esteem for the role of Mother' notion from Great Clans a wonderful addition to Crab culture. Hida Masiko seems to me to be a good illustration of that.

Kuni Osaku...see above.

The Atarasi Redemption was suitably legendary ...and gave O-ushi something to do rather than plot like a Scorpion, or whine like a Crane

You cant really go wrong giving a tragic character like Sukune another shot at things. I approve.

next;

my #2 favorite clan the Crane. ....yeah I know I dissed them a second ago. I cant explain it, The heart wants what it wants

On 6/10/2017 at 10:45 PM, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

The 1st ed 'all viindicator' Moto I should have said.

Now that ive gotten thru the war timeine...

Its impressive how much better this is than the 'official' version.

I always saw Kenburo as a viscious thug. He is an interesting choice for 'heroic general'.

Their is a really good balance between the clans. vis a vis win/loss, good stuff/bad stuff. FFG should take notes.

I wont gush on Crab-coolness, but the Battle of Cresting Wave may be my all-time favorite 'Historical tale' Kuni Osaku returned makes me smile.

more to come

Thanks; I really wanted to emphasize the "civil war" element of the conflict, as well as ensure that the clans weren't reduced to simply taking a side and fading into the background.
As for Akodo Kenburo, he was and still is a vicious thug in my book. However, considering his rise to fame in his original life was based on luck (gaining the attention and fatherly love of a mad-dog Lion Champion while playing mercenary for the Lion), and the year he spent in the Realm of Slaughter for his crimes in life, I figured Kenburo might take time to reflect his second chance. Not to mention, it was outright spelled that Kenburo had a pretty deep understanding of humanity's ugly side, so he would have realized just how crazy some of the Hantei really were (and the power struggle that would come after a Hantei victory). So, his choice to side with the Toturi is pragmatic, though he did become something of a hero amongst the Lion (though it's also possible his last stand was born out of bloodlust and hate as much as anything else). How heroic Kenburo really was this time around is left open. I guess

18 hours ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

Crab commentary

I found the 'esteem for the role of Mother' notion from Great Clans a wonderful addition to Crab culture. Hida Masiko seems to me to be a good illustration of that.

Yes, I loved the Crab's view on motherhood as one of their best qualities explored in Great Clans. And Hida Masiko is going to play a huge role in the next part of my setting, eventually getting her own family and school.

18 hours ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

The Atarasi Redemption was suitably legendary ...and gave O-ushi something to do rather than plot like a Scorpion, or whine like a Crane

Crab do not whine or plot...they endure and fight back. And I wanted O-Ushi to win back her clan as a true Crab than have it handed to her.

18 hours ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

You cant really go wrong giving a tragic character like Sukune another shot at things. I approve.

I plan on Sukune's tactics preventing the Wall from walling to Daigotsu's attack during the Four Winds Era, thereby preventing the awful Tower of Fear sub-plot (The Crab have suffered enough!).

Ah. I forgot to mention that the Crane and Crab both developed the Doji Marine (possibly renamed to Daidoji) and Kaiu Shipmaster Alternate Paths to reflect the heavy use of naval warfare. I'll add that later (the paths can be found on pg. 197 of Imperial Histories II).

Anyway, I'm writing up the Lion Clan next; I'm making a new take on the Ikoma Bard and Ikoma Historian Path (I never liked the Core book's take on them), and possibly a Lion's Pride Brawler-inspired path for them, haha.
The Returned Lion include: Akodo Yokutsu, Akodo Kenburo, Akodo Ketto, Ikoma Dayu, Ikoma Arimi, Ikoma Komori, Matsu Mochiko, Matsu Hitomi, Matsu Itagi, and Matsu Kiriko. Most of those are already stated up, but is there someone you'd like to see? I'm panning on stating up Kitsu Toju as the Lion's 'Living' NPC, and possibly Ikoma Maruku.

11 minutes ago, Samurai Fox said:

Thanks; I really wanted to emphasize the "civil war" element of the conflict, as well as ensure that the clans weren't reduced to simply taking a side and fading into the background.
As for Akodo Kenburo, he was and still is a vicious thug in my book. However, considering his rise to fame in his original life was based on luck (gaining the attention and fatherly love of a mad-dog Lion Champion while playing mercenary for the Lion), and the year he spent in the Realm of Slaughter for his crimes in life, I figured Kenburo might take time to reflect his second chance. Not to mention, it was outright spelled that Kenburo had a pretty deep understanding of humanity's ugly side, so he would have realized just how crazy some of the Hantei really were (and the power struggle that would come after a Hantei victory). So, his choice to side with the Toturi is pragmatic, though he did become something of a hero amongst the Lion (though it's also possible his last stand was born out of bloodlust and hate as much as anything else). How heroic Kenburo really was this time around is left open. I guess

Yes, I loved the Crab's view on motherhood as one of their best qualities explored in Great Clans. And Hida Masiko is going to play a huge role in the next part of my setting, eventually getting her own family and school.

Crab do not whine or plot...they endure and fight back. And I wanted O-Ushi to win back her clan as a true Crab than have it handed to her.

I plan on Sukune's tactics preventing the Wall from walling to Daigotsu's attack during the Four Winds Era, thereby preventing the awful Tower of Fear sub-plot (The Crab have suffered enough!).

Ah. I forgot to mention that the Crane and Crab both developed the Doji Marine (possibly renamed to Daidoji) and Kaiu Shipmaster Alternate Paths to reflect the heavy use of naval warfare. I'll add that later (the paths can be found on pg. 197 of Imperial Histories II).

Anyway, I'm writing up the Lion Clan next; I'm making a new take on the Ikoma Bard and Ikoma Historian Path (I never liked the Core book's take on them), and possibly a Lion's Pride Brawler-inspired path for them, haha.
The Returned Lion include: Akodo Yokutsu, Akodo Kenburo, Akodo Ketto, Ikoma Dayu, Ikoma Arimi, Ikoma Komori, Matsu Mochiko, Matsu Hitomi, Matsu Itagi, and Matsu Kiriko. Most of those are already stated up, but is there someone you'd like to see? I'm panning on stating up Kitsu Toju as the Lion's 'Living' NPC, and possibly Ikoma Maruku.

I find myself totally looking forward to your version of four winds

Lion Clan

Leadership -

Champion: Akodo Ginawa

Matsu Daimyo: Matsu Ketsui, then Matsu Mochiko

Kitsu Daimyo: KitsuToju

Ikoma Daimyo: Ikoma Sume

The Lion Clan begin this era in a position of undeniable strength. While their military campaigns during both the Clan Wars and the War Against Darkness left them with heavy losses, the Lion's size and resilience allows the clan to absorb most of the damage without compromising their position as the preeminent military power in Rokugan. Likewise, their losses are countered by the most important gain to the Lion in the last two decades with the reinstatement of the Akodo family by nothing less than divine mandate. The restoration of Akodo leadership does more than just add the lost family's numbers to the Lion's armies, it restores their brotherhood and unity. For the first time in living memory, it seems the Lion Clan is truly unified under Akodo Ginawa. The contentions between the Akodo and Matsu families seen in prior years (especially in the days of Akodo Toturi and Matsu Tsuko) have been ironed by the many humbling trials the Lion has faced in recent times. This unity also results in great political strength, as the Lion's major opponents, the Scorpion and the Crane, are heavily distracted with their own troubles, leaving the Lion with much less opposition than normal in the Emperor's court. With Toturi being a former Lion Champion, the Lion also find themselves receiving more of the Emperor's favor than they traditionally expect. The appointments of Ikoma Maruku to Imperial Chancellor and Kitsu Motso as Commander of the Imperial Legions are just two examples of Lion's political strength.

In spite of being unabashedly traditionalist, the Lion Clan faces the least bit of conflict with the Returned Spirits of their clan than any other, save perhaps the Dragon, who's trails were much more low-key and private. While the Crab bow and hand the reigns of leadership to their ancestors and the Unicorn break out into civil war, the Lion have only one notable clash between the past and present clan members: the Death of Kyuden Tonbo. Akodo Yokutsu's unprovoked attack on the Dragonfly is considered by most historians as the earliest warning sign of the war to come. While many Lion still nurse a grudge against the Dragonfly for the insult that gave birth to Minor Clan, even they are shocked at the Returned Lion's sense of irreproachably, to the point of believing that Imperial Law and the commands of their Champion do not apply to them. Kitsu Motso's harsh and decisive punishment of the renegade spirits, executing Yokutsu for treason and leading the rest home as common criminals, sends shockwaves throughout the Lion Clan. Initially, the Matsu family protests the humiliations heaped on their ancestors, but the Kitsu soon condemn the Returned Spirits upon the discovery that many of the formally honored dead have actually been spending their afterlives in Toshigoku. The revelation is too much for a few Lion, and a number of Matsu commit seppuku rather than endure such a horrible truth, including their daimyo Ketsui. A number of Returned Matsu attempt to step in as daimyo, but unlike such attempts in other clans, the Lion deny them, sometimes with brute force. It is only after carful consideration that the living Matsu choose Matsu Mochiko, a Returned Spirit, as their daimyo, largely due to her similar history as that of Akodo Ginawa and Emperor Toturi.

The Lion leadership stamps out any future attempts at dissension within the clan, though both appeals to honor and displays of force (especially on the part of Motso and Mochiko). By the time the War of Spirits starts, nearly all of the Returned Lion swear allegiance to the Lion, to the shock of the Hantei (they had been banking on either the whole clan's support or at least that of the Returned parts). Faced with the hard-earned respect their decedents haved earned and humbled by the Kitsu's spiritual authority, the Returned Lion find themselves unable to turn on their Living brothers, including Emperor Toturi. A few spirits do join the Steel Chrysanthemum's cause, but they were the exception, not the norm. Most famously, Matsu Itagi, once one of the most celebrated Lion Champions in history, attempted to seize the title of Lion Champion from Akodo Ginawa and force the clan to support the Steel Chrysanthemum, only to be cut down by fellow Returned Lion Champion Akodo Kenburo, an embodiment of the Lion's stance.

No clan was as essential to Toturi's war efforts as the Lion. Nearly every major battle saw Lion samurai opposing the Steel Chrysanthemum's armies, and it was Lion generals who wrote out the winning stratagems. It was Matsu (formally Kitsu) Motso's idea to seize Beiden Pass and employ a Fabian Strategy, robbing the Hantei's legions of their greatest strength, momentum. Likewise, the Kitsu family also discovers a way to remove the Returned Spirit's innate resistances, both on a personal and mass-effect scale, which becomes key to defeating the Spirit Army.

Just as no clan played as important a role to defending Toturi's Steel Throne as the Lion, no clan paid as much as they. By the end of the War of Spirits, all four of the Lion armies (Akodo, Ikoma, and two Matsu) have endured heavy losses. The Akodo and First Matsu Armies were responsible for the liberation of the Crane lands and the heavy assaults on both the Scorpion and Shinjo-led Unicorn, while the Ikoma and Second Matsu armies both fought off countless attempts at invasions into Lion lands (which are too many to count), as well as the eventual liberation of Shiro Moto and the Unicorn as a whole. Lion samurai were also responsible for filling the rank and file of the Imperial Legions, ensuring they remained strong throughout the war. By the time the war ends, the Lion's legendary war machine is nearly exhausted, yet ironically, more than any point in history, they have fulfilled their duty in protecting the Empire. The Lion Clan fought on behalf of every clan in the Empire, protecting the members of every family. Just about all of the Empire owes the Lion a great debt of honor, particularly the Crane and Unicorn, the Lion's traditional enemies. The Lion leave the era possibly the strongest clan, with their armies ravaged but undefeated and having won the heart of the Empire.

New Lion Mechanics

Ikoma Bard School [Courtier]

If one examines the greatest storytellers of every generation across the history of Rokugan, the pattern that emerges will indicate clearly that the Ikoma dominate this aspect of the Empire's Social circles. Unlike most courtiers who focus on manipulation of words and laws, the Ikoma bards, or omoidasu, manipulate the heart itself. No one in the empire understands human emotion like the Ikoma, and no one can pull a person's heartstrings like they can either. Through historical precedents and heroic tales, the Ikoma bards control the flow of their audence's hearts, guiding them to outcome the bard desires. While this might seem a curious tactic, there are many courtiers in other Clans who have difficulty conducting themselves against the Ikoma when the Ikoma can demonstratively prove that the individual's ancestors might well have disapproved of a course of action. In a society so steeped in history and tradition, argument via parable is a surprisingly effective technique.

The Ikoma bards are masters of emotion, both their own and their enemies'. Because of their understanding of both bushido and history, they are also willing to bend the rules of honor, using threats or bribery as necessary.

Note: This is rework of the Ikoma Bard School, as I found the one from Core did not reflect the flavor surrounding the Ikoma, such as their mastery of human emotion and willingness to use less honorable tactics like bribery or threats.

Ikoma Bard

• Benefit: +1 Intelligence
• Skills: Courtier, Etiquette, Lore: History (Lion Clan), Perform: Storytelling (Public Bragging), Sincerity, any one High Skill, any one Skill
• Honor: 6.5
• Outfit: Traditional Clothing, Wakizashi, Knife, Calligraphy Set, Traveling Pack, 5 koku

Techniques
Rank 1: Heart of the Lion

The Ikoma the Lion's historians, storytellers, and heart. You gain a Free Raise on all Intelligence rolls to remember something; this bonus stacks with the Precise Memory Advantage, which you can purchase for 1 Point less. Your deep understanding of both emotions and Bushido allow you to treat Temptation and Intimidation as High Skills rather than Low Skills (you still lose honor if your or your target's actions become dishonorable or criminal), and you do not lose Honor or Glory for displaying emotions in public. Likewise, any attempt to manipulate your emotions add +5 to the roll's TN. What qualifies as attempts to manipulate emotions is left to the GM, but seduction, outright threats, and appeals to your better nature are all solid examples

Rank 2: Brilliant Glory

Every bard of the Lion Clan is an inheritor of the first Ikoma, a boisterous brawler and masterful storyteller. You might be more 'civilized' than your predecessor, but you retain his zest of life. When using a Perform skill (typically Storytelling or Oratory) to praise another samurai's noble or heroic actions, they gain additional points of Glory equal to your School Rank (on top of the normal Glory gain for public bragging). Additionally, after making a Perform (Storytelling or Oratory) roll against a TN of at least 10 + 5 times your School Rank, you gain a Free Raise on all Social Rolls against those who witnesses your performance, until the end of the day. You cannot benefit from this Technique more than once per day.

Rank 3: Master the Heart's Flow

An Ikoma Bard is not just the master of his own heart, but of others' as well. When someone in your presence starts to become emotional, you can opt to make a Courtier (Manipulation)/Awareness roll opposed by the target's Etiquette (Courtesy)/Willpower (the target may not choose to voluntarily lose this roll). If you succeed, you can choose to either make the target's emotions overwhelm them or suddenly die out. In the case of making their emotions overwhelm them, whatever emotions the target is feeling are magnified to an embarrassing state; people who were angry become belligerent and insulting, while those who were sorrowful bust into uncontrolled tears, for example. What this causes is up to the GM, but normally this counts as a Breech of Etiquette and can often have other ramifications, like public embarrassment. On the other hand, you can also choose to make your target stable and calm for the next 5 minutes; during this time, they do not need to roll to resist Brash, Overconfident, and are otherwise calm and collected; you can use this Technique to suddenly shut down someone's Brash drawback or keep them from embarrassing themselves in court. The negative side of this is that the target is also suddenly devoid of passion and zeal, and must call a Raise on all Social rolls made to convince others of their dedication or sincerity.

Rank 4: Every Lion is Your Brother

The Ikoma's steadfast encouragement call on the examples of noble ancestors to infuse their allies with a strength they did not know they had. A number of times per session equal to your School Rank, as a Simple Action, you may verbally encourage an ally with a tale of great deeds from the past, rolling Perform: Storytelling / Awareness at TN 25. With a success, the next time during the same day that the chosen ally fails a roll, he may re-roll it, adding your Honor Rank in unkept dice to his roll. However, if he fails this second roll, you lose 2 points of Honor.

Rank 5: The Strength of Tradition

The Ikoma's understanding of Bushido, history, emotion, and human nature empowers them in court, filling their arguments with the ringing power of generations of noble Lion, and calling on the precedents of a thousand years and more to support their cause. Five times per session, when you are making a Contested Social Roll against an opponent, you may cite historical precedent to support your views and roll additional unkept dice equal to your Rank in Perform: Storytelling. In situations where citing history seems inappropriate or strange, the GM has the final say on whether this Technique may be used.

Alternate Paths

Ikoma Historians [Courtier]
The Ikoma Historians are a specialized sub-group within the Ikoma courtly schools, recruiting students from both the Omoidasu an the Lion's Shadow. They are an elite group within the family, charged with supervising the Empire's official histories, and regard their duties as a sacred trust. They frequently make use of their access to the secrets of the Empire's histories to protect both Imperial and Lion interests, and most of the members of the hidden Ikoma-Shosuro alliance are drawn from their ranks.

• Replaces: Ikoma Bard 4, Ikoma Lion's Shadow 4
• Requirements: Lore: History 5

Technique: The Past and Present - The Ikoma Historians are trusted with both maintaining the Empire's official history, and knowing its secret, less flattering one. You gain the Advantage Forbidden Knowledge (Empire's True History) at no cost. Though you are not allowed to make this history public, just knowing it allows you to change the light in which past events might be seen. During a Social Encounter, when a target attempts to evoke any past event (even recent one, such as a skirmish last season), you can make an Lore: History/Intelligence roll opposed by their Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness (you gain a Free Raise to this roll if the historical subject actually is part of the Secret Histories). If you succeed, you've proven to all other witnesses that the target's claim on the event is incorrect, while your claim is the more accurate recruitment (GM can require Raises on your roll depending on your claim). Should the target continue with their claim, they cause a Moderate Breach of Etiquette that can also justify a duel. This technique cannot be used to 'prove' blatant lies about history.

Lion's Pride Brawlers [Courtier]
All Lion Bards are taught both to trust and control their emotions (and those of others), typically though inspiring stories or vicious goading. A select few, however, train in subtler and simpler methods. One such group is the Lion's Pride Brawlers. Trained in both in combat and courtly arts, the Brawlers are masters of the subtle menace, bullying weaker courtiers with the threat of social and physical aggression. Though not bushi in the traditional sense, the Lion's Pride Brawlers are fully capable of defending themselves, as they sometimes need to when their threats are found out. The group's name originates from a story they draw inspiration from. Legend maintains an unnamed member of famed Lion's Pride who ended up at to the Imperial Winter Court. The woman, a Matsu with an Ikoma father, proved as adapt and dangerous on the social battlefield as she was on the real one. Supposedly, she even managed to take hold of the Crane Champion by the throat in the middle of the court, but evaded punishment for such an act by twisting the Doji's own words into an invitation to do so (he had sarcastically suggested that she just take him by the throat, seeing as the Lion Clan wished to strangle the Crane anyway). Whether or there is any truth to this story (as the exact date and identity of the Lion's Pride member changes with each telling), the Brawlers have long taken the tale to heart, though their threats tend to be far less obvious.

• Replaces: Ikoma Bard 2, Ikoma Lion's Shadow 2
• Requirements: Water 3, Intimidation 4, Any weapon skill at Rank 3

Technique: Lion's Growl - Members of the Lion's Pride Brawlers forgo the glorious storytelling traditions and instead focus on using their knowledge of human emotion in aggressive negotiations. As a Free Action, you can spend a Void point to make an Opposed Intimidation (Bullying)/Willpower roll against a target (they may choose to use either Intimidation or Etiquette (Courtesy)/Willpower to resist). With success, the target is cowed by your threatening tone, body language, and overall demeanor; for the rest of the day, they cannot spend Void Points to enhance any Rolls against you, or benefit from Raises on Social Skill Rolls against you. In addition, you gain a Free Raise on all Sincerity rolls made against the target, who is menaced into believing anything you say.

New Advantages

Inner Gift: True-Blooded Kitsu (7 Points)
You are a true descendant of the first Kitsu, allowing you to perform their unique Ancestral Magic and enter the Kitsu Soden-Senzo Advance School. Only members of the Kitsu family trained as Kitsu Shugenja can take this advantage.

Mechanically, Ancestral Magic can be simulated by allowing a play to cast select Void Spells, changed to fit the ancestor magic theme; they do not, however, count as true Void spells for all other mechanical purposes and the True-Blooded Kitsu is not considered an Ishiken. Spells that a True-Blooded Kitsu can cast include:
Boundless Sight, Drawing the Void, See Through Lies, The Void's Caress, Altering the Course, Drink of Your Essence, Severed from the Stream, Kharmic Intent, Moment of Clarity, Read the Essence, Void Release, Balance of Elements, Draw Closed the Veil, Fill the Emptiness, Unbound Essence

New Ancestor: Kitsu/Isawa Taiko (7 Points)
Born amongst a peasant family with a distant Kitsu ancestor, Kitsu Taiko was nonetheless one of the most powerful Fire shugenja alive, in spite of the Kitsu family's natural affinity for Water. At the Battle of Sleeping River, Taiko's magic proved to be just as formidable as that of the Elemental Masters, and after the battle, he was the first non-Isawa to be made a member of the Council of Five, becoming Isawa Taiko. Taiko guilds shugenja of both the Lion and Phoenix Clans, even those adopted into the clan (as he himself was adopted into both the Lion and the Phoenix). Those guided by Taiko gain his power for magic outside of their training's norm. Select one Element you do not have an Affinity with; you gain a second Affinity for that Element; should your selected Element also be the one your School has a Deficiency for, the two negate each other, and you instead gain +1k0 to all Spell Casting rolls made for spells of your selected element. If you are trained as an Isawa shugenja, you do not benefit from your School Technique a second time (so you only gain a Free Raise on your 'natural' Affinity).
Demands: Taiko was man born a peasant and given the honor of training with two of the most exclusive shugenja schools in the Empire. He always remembered the privilege he had been honored with, and betrayed neither of his families. He likewise demands such respect and devotion from those he guilds. If you ever betray the secrets of the Kitsu or the Isawa, Taiko will abandon you. He will likewise do so if you betray your family, both by blood and those by friendship or oaths.

New Lion Nemuranai

Akodo Daggers: Forged at the Dawn of the Empire by the five Kakita artisans in an attempt to heal the rift between the Lion and Crane, these five daggers were initially gifted to each of Akodo One-eye's sons. Each dagger was passed down from father to son for generations, becoming a sign of prestige and loyalty amongst the Lion, especially the Akodo. After the Akodo were disbanded at Hantei XXIX's order, Matsu Tsuko ordered the daggers gathered and destroyed to prove there was no more trace of the treacherous Akodo line in the Lion. However, the holders of daggers either refused or hid them until the Akodo were restored by Divine Mandate. Currently, Toturi I holds one from his days as Lion Champion, as does Akodo Ginawa, who stole his soon after the Akodo family was disbanded to keep it from being destroyed. Rumor claims one is in the hands of the Tsuruchi family, possibly after Tsuruchi himself hunted it down from a former Akodo at Tsuko's order. Akodo Kage, Master of the Kolat, was also known to hold one, but he lost it after faking his death during the Hidden Emperor Era; the dagger was discovered in the Imperial City and remains in the Emperor's possession. Members of the Ikoma family hid the last dagger against Tsuko's orders, and gifted it to Akodo Ginawa after he became Champion.
Mechanically, the Akodo Daggers are all fully Awakened 2k1 tanto that can harm Invulnerable foes and count as jade for damage purposes. The glory and prestige that comes from owning such a weapon grants its holder a +1k1 to all Etiquette Rolls, or +2k2 against Lion Clan members. The holder also treats their Honor and Glory as if both were one Rank higher. These benefits only apply if the dagger can be seen on the person.

*Note: After the events of Oblivion's Gate, it is possible that there are now more copies of the Akodo Daggers in existence. The gate has the power to duplicate any object or clothing than an individual considered 'part' of them when they were restored to life by it's power, including nemuranai. Because several important and legendary Lion samurai entered Rokugan through the gate, it is quiet possible that a few duplicates were created in the hands of Returned Lion. For example, Toturi would have two Akodo Daggers, one original and one created by the power of Oblivion's Gate. It is up to the GM how many Akodo Daggers should be in existence, but a good rule of thumb is no more than 13, otherwise the unique prestige of the nemuranai might be lost.

Mempo of Matsu Hitomi: A face-mask that once belonged to the most famous samurai-ko in the Empire's history, the Mempo of Matsu Hitomi is a beautiful golden mask shaped like a lion's jaw, elaborately tooled with the lion's teeth shaped from small mirrors designed to catch the sun and shine into the enemy's eyes. When Hitomi killed Mirumoto Turan and fled, she left behind her armor and weapons, including her iconic mempo. The mempo has remained with the Lion Clan, worn by the most heroic and honorable members of the Lion's Pride; after she returned through Oblivion's Gate, the Matsu offered it to Hitomi, but she refused, saying she had given it up years ago.
The Mempo of Matsu Hitomi grants its wearer a Free Raise on all Battle, Athletics, and Kenjutsu rolls made while wearing it, as well as to all rolls to resist Fear. It is also rumored that the kami of the mempo is intensely protective of its honorable history, and will curse those who dare commit a dishonorable act while wearing it, though it is not clear how true this is.

Important Returned Lion

Akodo Arasou: See below

Akodo Yokutsu: An arrogant and violent general who's disgrace led to the creation of the Dragonfly Clan (and the Lion's legendary grudge against them), Yokutsu's crime won him an eternity in Toshigoku, which he would escape through Oblivion's Gate 400 years later. Yokutsu pursued his vendetta against the Dragonfly, leading to the Death of Kyuden Tonbo, which ended in the Lion Clan's disgrace and Yokutsu's death and subsequent return to Toshigoku. Ironically, Yokutsu's last actions also brought an end to the Dragonfly Clan, as they soon joined the Dragon as the Tonbo family, as well as an end to the Lion's grudge, as he had exposed his legacy as one of dishonor.

Akodo Kenburo (stats found in Imperial Histories, pg. 120): The single most violent man to ever hold to the title of Emerald Champion, Akodo Kenburo held the title during the Great Famine, and his brutality even in the face of such dire times earned him the title of "Emerald Butcher". After his death, Kenburo was sentenced to Toshigoku (with his Lord, Hantei XX), until he stepped through Oblivion's Gate. While originally planning on returning to his old life of violence and cruelty, Kenburo's experienced a change of heart after witnessing both the fall of other Returned Spirits and the Lion's intense brotherhood; supposedly, an Ikoma Bard's stories of Toturi the Black's heroism is what ultimately won Kenburo over, as Kenburo himself was a ronin before becoming a Lion and Toturi had been heroic in the face of hardship whereas Kenburo was a Butcher. For whatever reason, Akodo Kenburo was still a brutal man, and his wrath against the spirit army was terrifying to behold. Kenburo was eventually given command of the Tsuko's Heart Unit and charged with the defense of BeidenPass, a key position he never failed to defend that also brought him in conflict with his former lord, Hantei Ryute. Kenburo was killed during the Siege of Kyuden Doji, fighting to his last breath. Kenburo married Matsu Kiriko, a match many saw as odd, but the two loved each other dearly. They had a son, Koki, whom they adored for the few years they raised him before their deaths, after which the 4-year-old Koki was adopted by Matsu Mochiko.

Akodo Ketto: One of the founders of the Akodo Kensai school, Ketto was a brilliant duelist that served during the rule of the Steel Chrysanthemum until his honor would not allow him to enforce the cruel Emperor's will anymore, and he allowed himself to be cut down. After returning life, Ketto refused to support the Hantei, having seen the villainy their leader was capable of firsthand. Ketto first trained many young Lion in the way of dueling in the Heart of the Katana Dojo, working alongside the famous Matsu Seijuro. During the War of Spirits, Ketto joined the Tsuko's Heart legion after one of his students was killed during the initial fighting. Ketto's skill let him survive the Battle of Shallow Waters, but he fell at the Siege of Kyuden Doji to Hantei Ryute's blade. Ketto married a Doji (descended of the one that killed him, in fact), and fathered six children.

Ikoma Dayu: An extremely popular author from the 9th Century, Dayu was known for his wonderfully entertaining but less-than-accurate stories. However, after discovering that the celebrated Matsu Itagi was not a great hero, but a brash and boorish glory hound that led countless samurai to their deaths in the Shadowlands, Dayu attempted to expose the truth to the Empire, only to be murdered by members of the Matsu family to cover-up his discovery. After returning to the realm of the living, Dayu devoted himself to exposing the ancestors unworthy of the Lion's acclamations. He publishes several controversial novels about the less than flattering aspects of various Returned Spirits, and was challenged to many duels (Akodo Ketto was always his champion in such cases). During the War of the Spirits, Dayu upped his game, producing dozens of tragic and powerful plays, almost all centered on the cruelties of Hantei Emperors, especially Hantei XVI and Hantei XX. After the war, however, Dayu found his spirit spent of bringing the honorless down, and from then on, all of his works were acclimations to the truly honorable ancestors. However, even so, several books of controversial nature to be published, all under pseudonyms taken fro Dayu's plays and of notably similar writing style to his own.

Ikoma Arimi (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 120): A paragon of bushido, Ikoma Arimi was disgraced by one sin in her orignal life, only for her to cleanse her shame by committing seppuku with a wooden wakizashi. Arimi's devotion to bushido made her question whether her loyalties were to the Hantei or the Lion, but in the end, she stood with her clan at Toturi's side. Arimi's beauty and skill caused her to gain the attention of many samurai, and she was wed to an important Ikoma bard. She gave her husband two children before her death at the Battle of Shallow Waters, serving her clan with her last breath.

Ikoma Komori: The charismatic and passionate son of Ikoma himself, Komori found himself badgered constantly by many historians for information about the early Empire. Of course, they were often shocked at the blunt truths Komori gave them, such as the flaws and mistakes of many of the Kami or some of his favorite uncensored stories from his father. Komori was loyal to the Lion to the core, and his firsthand experience with the kami themselves led him to realize that the Hantei were not as perfect as they claimed. He stood, as most Returned Lion, with the Toturi, a powerful figure in court and on the battlefield. Komori was eventually murdered by the poison of a Steel Magistrate, but he was survived by wife, daughter of Ikoma Sume, the family daimyo, and two children, as well as a third by a mistress.

Matsu Mochiko (stats found in Imperial Histories, pg. 92): A heroic figure from the Gozoku era, Mochiko had refused to serve a puppet emperor and became a ronin, before returning victoriously to help bring down the conspiracy and become Emerald Champion. Mochiko felt a kinship with Toturi, who's story was similar to her own, and her own experiences taught her that even the Hantei can be flawed. As such, it was no surprise that Mochiko swore loyalty to Toturi even before the War of Spirits, or that she was named Matsu Daimyo. Mochiko was one of the most important and heroic figures during the war, and it was her leadership that rallied so many Returned Lion to Toturi's banner. Mochiko wed Kitsu Motso, Commander of the Imperial Legions, and had no less than nine children with him. She also adopted Koki, son of Akodo Kenburo and Matsu Kiriko.

Matsu Hitomi (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 122): One of the most celebrated samurai-ko in Rokugan's history and considered the ideal of bushido, Matsu Hitomi was in truth deeply uncomfortable with her status as a living legend, feeling unworthy of such acclaim. She was able to get assigned to Toturi's honor guard before the war, and was approached by an Otomo loyal to the Hantei, who asked Hitomi for information in the Emperor's security. Hitomi realized the Otomo was aiming to assassinate the Emperor, and killed him with her bare hands where he stood. The incident was written off as a Bloodspeaker plot, but it was later reveled that the Otomo was a Hantei loyalist. Toturi himself greatly appreciated Hitomi's dedication to duty and search for inner peace, and he granted her the title of Ruby Champion, feeling that a life of a sensei in a dojo away from the courts would give her spirit the solace she needed. Hitomi found life as a sensei deeply fulfilling, and her duties as Ruby Champion caused her to befreind many important figures, including the ronin commander of the Wolf Legion, Kintsugi (actually Akodo Arasou). Arasou proved to be a kindred spirit, wishing to escape the fame of his past, and the two fell in love. They wed privately, and after Arasou became a member of the Toturi family, Hitomi was as well, becoming Toturi Hitomi.

Matsu Itagi (stats found in Great Clans, pg. 121): Once one of the most celebrated Champions of the Lion, Matsu Itagi was a proud, brash, and brutal man who believed in the absolute superiority of the Lion. After returning through Oblivion's Gate, Itagi was welcomed with acclaim and praised almost like a Fortune by many Lion, and he believed himself worthy of such praise. Itagi participated in the Death of Kyuden Tonbo, and pushed for the clan to avenge many other slights, even arguing with Akodo Ginawa, the Lion Champion, in public. After it was exposed that Itagi's afterlife was in the Realm of Slaughter, he found himself no longer above reproach. When the Hantei declared war on Toturi, Itagi was outraged that the Lion refused to side with them, and attempted to force Akodo Ginawa to duel him to the death for control of the clan. Instead, he was killed by Akodo Kenburo, whome Itagi had fought against many times in Toshigoku.

Matsu Kiriko (stats found in Imperial Histories II, pg. 47): The daughter of Matsu herself, Kiriko was an honorable but proud and violent warrior who led a life of violence until her death when she attacked the Crane without permission from her champion or the Emperor. Like Matsu Itagi, Kiriko was celebrated by the Lion and saw herself above reproach. Unlike Itagi, Kiriko took the humiliations and lessons she endured at the hands of Living samurai to heart. Ever her mother's daughter, Kiriko put the Lion before all, and she came to admire Toturi as the rest of her clan did. When the war broke out, Kiriko stood with Toturi and her clan, serving in the Tsuko's Heart Legion, where she met her husband, Akodo Kenburo. They had only one child, a son they called Koki, whom they both adored dearly. Kiriko survived the Battle of Shallow Waters and the Siege of Kyuden Doji, but she was killed by Hida Raiden in the Battle of the Brutal Strike one year later. Kitsu Soden-Senzo proved that Kiriko was accepted into Yomi after her second death, and her son was adopted by Matsu Mochiko.

Important Lion NPCs

Akodo Arasou, Former Lion Champion, Commander of the Wolf Legion, Toturi's Brother

School/Rank: Akodo Bushi 4/Wolf Legion

• Honor: 7.2
• Status: 0/6.5/9.4*
• Glory: 6.8

Rings

• Air: 3 (Reflexes 4)
• Earth: 4 (Stamina 5)
• Fire: 4 (Agility 5)
• Water: 5
• Void: 4

Skills: Athletics 4, Battle (Mass Combat) 5, Defense 3, Etiquette 2, Horsemanship 2, Hunting 2, Iaijutsu 3, Jiujutsu 4, Kenjutsu (Katana) 5, Kyujutsu (Yumi) 4, Lore: Bushido 3, Lore: History 3, Lore: War (Crane Tactics) 4, Sincerity 1, Spears (Yari) 4, War Fan 2

Kata: Striking as Fire, Striking as Water

Advantages: Bishamon's Blessing, Prodigy, Social Position (Commander of the Wolf Legion, Protector of the ImperialCity & Brother of the Emperor*)

Disadvantages: Brash, Driven (Seek Redemption), Lost Love (Matsu Tsuke)

Special: Returned Spirit Abilities

*Arasou spends many years as a Ronin by the name of Kintsugi; while he has no Status at all at first, he eventally becomes Commander of the Wolf Legion and is later exposed as Toturi's Brother

Once hailed as the greatest warrior of his generation, Akodo Arasou was adored and beloved by his family and his clan. The elder* brother of Akodo Toturi, yet Arasou and he couldn't have been more different. Where Toturi was awkward, meek, and full of thought, Arasou was proud, forceful, strong, and talented to the point of being considered a prodigy. Arasou's abilities and popularity left Toturi in his shadow, and Arasou hardly noticed when he was sent off to a monastery.

Though he was fiery and blunt, Arasou was also perceptive, and he soon realized the schism in the Lion between the Akodo and Matsu families, something he feels the Akodo elders have willfully ignored. In an attempt to resolve this divide, Arasou decided to take Matsu Tsuko, heiress of the Matsu. The proposal lionizes him even more, and Arasou proudly swore to wed his bride in Toshi Ranbo. Unfortunately, the pride and determination that characterized him his whole life led to his downfall, as he stubbornly marched his armies through every ambush and trick set up by the Daidoji, thinking the Lion's brute force would lead to victory over the Crane's subterfuge. Finally, Arasou was caught in a Crane trap inside the gates of Toshi Ranbo, so close to retaking the city, killed while screaming Tsuko's name.

Arasou had expected the gates of Yomi to be open to him for his actions in life, but instead he found himself before Emma-O's judgment seat. The Fortune of Death had condemned Arasou's life as a wasteful quest for personal glory, one without accomplishment or honor. As Arasou stood shocked at the Fortune's judgment, Emma-O relented, ruling that while Arasou had failed as Champion of the Lion, he had not lived a truly wicked life worthy of eternal damnation in the Realm of Slaughter or the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Instead, Arasou would stay in Meido, the Realm of Waiting, until his debt to karma was paid.

After wandering through Oblivion's Gate, Akodo Arasou was shocked by all that had passed; Toturi, the little brother he had dismissed as weak, had become the Second Lion Thunder and then Emperor of Rokugan! However, Arasou also learned of the Lion's horrible actions during the Clan War, such as his beloved Tsuko's brutal quest to avenge his death at the hands of the Crane, or how half the Lion sided with the Fu Leng-possessed Emperor on the Second Day of Thunder. Arasou felt deep shame at all this, feeling he had set his clan on this path. Not wishing to have to face Toturi or the Lion, Arasou did not return to his clan, but instead became a ronin, taking up the name 'Kintsugi'. At first, 'Kintsugi' merely wandered the Empire aimlessly. It was only by happenstance that he met Toku, Toturi's favored vassal, and was offered a place in the Wolf Legion. It was amongst the Wolf Legion that Kintsugi's spirit was restored, discovering the brotherhood and honor that he had forgotten as a Lion. Eventually, he became the leader of the Wolf Legion, and his glorious defense of the Hall of Ancestors led Kintsugi to winning the attention of the Emperor himself. While not wanting a reunion with Toturi, honor and duty forced Kintsugi to appear before him, praying that perhaps after so many years, Toturi would not recognize him. Toturi did, and to Kintsugi's surprise, embraced him with tears in his eyes. Toturi proclaimed him his brother and a member of the Imperial house, and Kintsugi became Toturi Arasou, Protector of the ImperialCity. At long last, Arasou felt he had overcome the failings of his past.

*"Imperial Histories" lists Arasou as being the elder brother, and while every other source names Toturi the elder of the two, I prefer Toturi as the younger, as it helps justify his family's treatment of him.

Kitsu Toju, Kitsu Daimyo, Master Sodan-Senzo

School/Rank: Kitsu Shugenja 3/Kitsu Sodan-Senzo 3

• Honor: 7.0
• Status: 7
• Glory: 3.0

Rings

• Air: 3
• Earth: 4
• Fire: 5
• Water: 5
• Void: 5

Skills: Battle 2, Calligraphy (Cipher) 3, Defense 2, Etiquette 4, Games (Shogi) 3, Jiujutsu 3, Kenjutsu 3, Lore: History (Lion, Imperial) 5, Lore: Spirit Realms (Yomi, Tengoku, Returned Spirits) 6, Lore: Theology (Ancestor Worship) 6, Meditation (Void Recovery, Soden-Senzo Magic) 5, Sincerity 3, Spellcraft 4

Spells Known: As Kitsu Daimyo and a master Soden-Senzo, Kitsu Toju has access to any publicly known spell and all secret spells of the Lion, and has many unique spells due to his Kitsu Blood.

Advantages: Ancestor (Kitsu/Isawa Taiko*), Great Destiny (Discover the Kitsu Rituals to defeat the Returned Spirits), Inner Gift (True Blooded Kitsu*),

Disadvantages: Antisocial Rank 1, Bad Fortune (Stutter), Meek

Kitsu Toju was the youngest son of the Kitsu Daimyo, shy, weak, and suffering from an incurable stutter. It seemd his elder brothers outshone Toju in every way, being more intelligent, well-spoken, charming, and stronger than he. It seemed Toju would be destined to forgotten, likely as a minor diplomat in an unimportant post. However, on the Day of Choosing (an important ritual that determines the future of all young Kitsu), Toju's true potential was revealed. Where others could only perform minor tricks with the embers of the ritual, Toju caused the flames to become white with heat and extend several feet into the sky, something only the most talented Isawa Tensai would be capable of at such an age. What made it more impressive is that Kitsu normally have only a weak connection to the Element of fire. Toju was immediately inducted into the Kitsu Shugenja school, where he began to master the rituals of the ancestors, even with his stutter.

By his mid-teens, Toju had become a full-fledged member of the Soden-Senzo and the most powerful shugenja in the Lion Clan, and was named daimyo of the Kitsu ahead of his brothers. His reverence for the ancestors was deep but quiet, and most of the clan considered his council wise. While he was not a charismatic leader of his family, Toju was well-loved by the Kitsu, and he maintained their honor and duties. Something of note was Toju's close relationship with his brother Kitsu Mosto. Whereas most of the Kitsu considered Motso a failure and blasphemer for being forsaken by the ancestors, the two brothers remained close even with their differing careers and views.

During the Clan War, Toju was increasing worried by Matsu Tsuko's escalating war efforts. The disbanding of the Akodo family had greatly angered the Revered Ancestors, and Toju found they spoke of nothing but disapproval for Tsuko and her wars. While the Ancestors approved of honorable warfare, they all warned Toju that the true battle was yet to begin, and Tsuko's leadership would only lead the Lion to dishonor. Toju voiced this concerns to Tsuko, only to be ignored or dismissed by her. As it was, Toju withdrew the Kitsu family from most engagements of the Clan War, lending aid only to battles against the forces of the Shadowlands. When Toju's brother Motso rallied the Lion to fight against the Fu Leng Possessed Emperor, Toju lent his quiet, stuttering voice in support of him, as did the Ancestors.

After the Battle of Oblivion's Gate, the Kitsu family faced a minor religious crisis. Here where many heroes of the Lion, returned to the world of the living, yet many of them were...less ideal than the stories surrounding them. Toju became more and more suspicious of the Returned Spirits, and eventually discovered many of them were frauds, not belonging to the honorable dead of Yomi. This discovery rocked the Lion, but Toju led the Kitsu in reestablishing the clan's faith, as many of their honored ancestors were still in Yomi, supporting Toturi against the Returned Spirits. Toju's master of the Soden-Senzo arts played no small part in many Returned Lion swearing loyalty to Toturi, and it was his research that led to the discovery of a ritual that would undo the spirit's supernatural endurance.

On 6/12/2017 at 1:07 PM, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

I find myself totally looking forward to your version of four winds

Haha, those are a bit in the future, I'm afraid. Still working on this era, after all.
Anyway, I edited the Lion's post, adding Nemuranai to their list of new mechanics.
Likwise I edited the following years of the timeline:

Years 1135 Serpent in the Emperor's Garden

Year 1136 Jade Inquisition and the Phoenix's Humiliation

Year 1142: The Wolf Legion is mentioned in the Battle of Shallow Waters and the Siege of Kyuden Doji.

Year 1143: Ruby Ascendance

Year 1144: Glorious Defense of the Wolf

1 hour ago, Samurai Fox said:

Haha, those are a bit in the future, I'm afraid. Still working on this era, after all.
Anyway, I edited the Lion's post, adding Nemuranai to their list of new mechanics.
Likwise I edited the following years of the timeline:

Years 1135 Serpent in the Emperor's Garden

Year 1136 Jade Inquisition and the Phoenix's Humiliation

Year 1142: The Wolf Legion is mentioned in the Battle of Shallow Waters and the Siege of Kyuden Doji.

Year 1143: Ruby Ascendance

Year 1144: Glorious Defense of the Wolf

I have to ask. Did u put Arasou in because of his recent reappearence and second death?

27 minutes ago, Kuni Katsuyoshi said:

I have to ask. Did u put Arasou in because of his recent reappearence and second death?

Well, yes and no. I was struggling on which Lion Returned Spirit to stat up, so I started just thumbing through Imperial Histories I & II for inspiration, until I came across Arasou again. After some thinking, I decided it would be interesting for him to be a Returned Spirit, and perhaps go on a similar journey as Toturi did as a ronin. This would also 'widen' the bloodline, so there are more people with the Toturi name and right to take the Steel Throne should something happen to the main bloodline...of course, considering my players stopped Toturi's death at the hands of Daigotsu's Onisu (compleate with the player Matsu Koki killing Fushin with his bare hands, right after fighting his way through a dozen lesser Shadowlands monsters), Toturi's line is secure in our cannon.

1 minute ago, Samurai Fox said:

Well, yes and no. I was struggling on which Lion Returned Spirit to stat up, so I started just thumbing through Imperial Histories I & II for inspiration, until I came across Arasou again. After some thinking, I decided it would be interesting for him to be a Returned Spirit, and perhaps go on a similar journey as Toturi did as a ronin. This would also 'widen' the bloodline, so there are more people with the Toturi name and right to take the Steel Throne should something happen to the main bloodline...of course, considering my players stopped Toturi's death at the hands of Daigotsu's Onisu (compleate with the player Matsu Koki killing Fushin with his bare hands, right after fighting his way through a dozen lesser Shadowlands monsters), Toturi's line is secure in our cannon.

Kenburos son kills onisu bare handed. great headline