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 Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 8:06 am
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The PHOENIX Clan
Out of all the clans, no one will dispute the utmost mastery of the mystical arts of the shugenja belongs to the Phoenix Clan. Their history is different than most Great Clans, in that the ruling family, the Isawa, are not the ones descended from a Kami; the Shiba, sworn guardians of the Isawa, are. Since those days, the Phoenix have mastered the art of control over the elements.
To be of the Phoenix Clan is to be Mystical. The Phoenix have the highest yield of Shugenja of any clan, and theirs also have the tendency to have great potential. The Clan itself is generally pacifistic and scholarly. Even moreso than the Asahina of the Crane, Phoenix clan members will even give up their lives in the face of violence, if they feel that it will better serve the cause of Peace.
The Families
The Agasha Family is the youngest addition to the Phoenix Clan, having abandoned the Dragon Clan in a time of strife that threatened to exterminate them. Their joining had bolstered the Phoenix's then-weakened numbers, allowing them to persevere and survive when they might not have otherwise. Innately patient, they serve as mediators to the other families in the Phoenix. They continue some of their old practices from their time with the Dragon, which has earned them both praise and scrutiny from the Isawa.
The Asako Family is known for being primarily scholars and healers. They have superb knowledge of medicine, and equally superb libraries full of information. Many of the Asako have also been taught the secrets of attaining enlightenment, something which they have had to stumble over until they finally got it right themselves. Now, those who aren't reclusive scholars or knowledgeable courtiers are custodians of the secrets to guide mankind down the true path of their destiny; but only when they are ready.
The Isawa Family is not ruled by a daimyo, but by the Elemental Council - five masters of the elements who work in unison. They have an extremely proud heritage, known as the custodians of the world's magic. They are undoubtedly the foremost authority on matters of magic and the supernatural, and their expertise is always welcomed by other clans. They do realize the responsibility that comes with their expertise, which has been abused several times in the past - but always handled quickly and internally.
The Shiba Family are the sworn servitors and protectors of the Isawa. Though sometimes their ideas for what is best for them will clash, their dedication is without question. They do not value conflict as a way of life, but merely as part of their duty to the Isawa. Death is not a glorious end, but simply an end of a journey. They are often sought after as yojimbo by other clans, who would eagerly hire the services of one for their own Shugenja and Artisans, with their dear Crane allies being the main source of this.
The Schools
The Shiba Bushi School is taught to fight - but mainly to protect the shugenja of the Phoenix. Their training is not only physical, but spiritual as well. This has allowed them to train their reflexes to an almost supernatural level. More than any other Bushi school, the Shiba learn to harness the way of the Void in their techniques, as it has become an integral part of their style.
The Isawa Shugenja School is the premiere shugenja school in all of Rokugan. They are extremely adaptable and versatile, having none of the weaknesses that the Shugenja of other schools have. However, this power must be earned, even amongst the Isawa themselves, and the work to harness this power (and responsibility) is great.
The Asako Courtier School are trained to be patient and understanding. There are two tenets of this school: Dedication succeeds when all else has failed, and the lessons of the past repeat themselves continuously. As such, Asako Courtiers are trained in the ways of history, spending much of their time studying. Their time as intermediaries between the Shiba and Isawa has also trained them socially, making them rightful choices as courtiers of the Phoenix.
The Asako Henshin School is a school of monks, although they aren't as gung-ho as many other monastic traditions. The path these monks have chosen has led them astray in the past, but since then they have corrected themselves and are once more on their true intended path. The path in question is to true enlightenment and perfection. Now, the Henshin school trains its monks to become guides to every mortal soul to help them achieve greatness.
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:38 am
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The SCORPION Clan
The Scorpion Clan has gone under much scrutiny since its creation. Powerful and self-supportive, this clan is known as the Clan of Secrets. Known as the Emperor's Underhand, they specialize in garnering knowledge, especially about other samurai.
To be of the Scorpion Clan is to be Deceptive. Though half of their reputation is rumor and slander from the other clans, the other half is purposely created and maintained by the Scorpion themselves. They relish in their villainous aura, mixing threat, illusion, and power to keep their foes unbalanced. Despite all this, the Scorpion Clan is extremely loyal to the Empire, using their resources to eliminate potential threats before they grow too dangerous.
The Scorpion Clan views themselves as honorable, even if no one else will. They know what needs to be done, and aren't above doing it, even if it means stooping to dishonorable acts. It is a dark duty that must be done, but the fact that it must means someone must do it. And the Scorpion are willing to accept this burden.
The Families
The Bayushi Family rule the Scorpion Clan, they are often seen as the most dishonorable of all samurai families. However, they are very idealistic and hold themselves to the highest standards of bushido. Their bushi are well trained to speak with skill tongues in court, and their courtiers are trained to defend themselves if the need arises. They are wealthy and politically powerful, they never forget to collect on a debt... nor they never betray their obligations.
The Shosuro Family are known as a lesser family of courtiers and warriors who further Bayushi goals. The truth, unknown outside the clan, is that the Shosuro are a family of spies, saboteurs, and assassins. But not ninja; if you call them that, you won't survive til the morning. They do the darkest deeds that must be done by the Scorpion, and do so without question. In their eyes, they are that much more honorable for not questioning their duty.
The Soshi Family contain much of the Scorpion Clan's shugenja. They are borderline atheists, but come off as extremely devout, rousing those who will listen with brilliant speeches. They train to harness the element of Air for the sake of illusions, misdirection, and observation. They aren't warriors and don't pretend to be; however, their talents can still greatly effect how well their fellow Scorpions will fare in a battle.
The Yogo Family is descended from a man formally of the Isawa family of the Phoenix Clan. He was struck with a savage curse that would force him to betray whomever he loved. This curse has followed the Yogo family bloodline for all this time, who have since joined the Scorpion Clan, since the Yogo had no love for the Scorpion. Now, they use their abilities to battle Maho (blood magic) and Taint from the Shadowlands out of vengeance for their terrible curse.
The Schools
The Bayushi Bushi School is trained to mislead their opponents. They don't seek glory, only victory, using unorthodox techniques such as feints and disarming techniques. "Strike First, Strike Last" is very important to these bushi. But, despite their tactics, their training is very traditional, focusing only on the katana and bow.
The Soshi Shugenja School teach their students to specialize in the magical arts of illusion. Though they are less focused on their magical studies than most other shugenja schools, they make up for this by being very social, training in the arts of politics. This allows Soshi Shugenja to observe and gather information unseen, obeying their duty to wait and watch.
The Bayushi Courtier School is a ruthless one, enforcing the belief that if you are not their friend, you are their enemy. With this reputation, they actually prefer not to follow through on threats, leading others to believe it's easier just to aid the Scorpion rather than oppose them. They only play the part when it's efficient; however, if someone tries to call a Scorpion courtier's bluff, they find that there seldom is one.
The Shosuro Shinobi School is the most secretive school in all of Rokugan. Trained to be spies, saboteurs, and assassins, they protect the Scorpion's interests when diplomacy, strength of arms, and magic fail. They are trained to move silently, kill efficiently, and blend back into the shadows before anyone notices something is awry. As important as they are behind the scenes, however, they technically do not exist, and would sooner end their lives than risk letting slip a single clan secret.
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 11:48 am
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The UNICORN Clan
Formally the Ki-Rin Clan, this clan left Rokugan shortly after the First Day of Thunder early in their history, to seek out and face any threats to the Empire that might exist in far-off distant lands. 800 years later, they returned under the banner of the Unicorn. However, they weren't welcomed back with as welcome arms as they expected. Having adapted to their nomadic lifestyle, they are often viewed as "barbarian" by other clans.
To be of the Unicorn Clan is to be Unorthodox. They have few settlements, and live very nontraditional lifestyles. However, they are extremely skilled at wilderness survival, and the strength of their cavalry units is unmatched throughout the Empire. They are a strong, independent clan full of unpredictable and exotic resources and tactics.
The Families
The Horiuchi Family is brand new to the Unicorn Clan, the honor being given to their founder for saving the children of the Clan Champion during a bandit raid. This meek shugenja had no idea what to do with a whole family line of herself, until a series of recent battles had caused many orphaned children from all sorts of clans to have nowhere to go. All adopted and raised by this family, the numbers began to grow, and members of this family tend to fill any role the Unicorn ask of them.
The Ide Family have a rich history of being skilled diplomats and ambassadors. During the Ki-Rin's self-imposed exile, they managed to keep good relations with foreign cultures. Upon return to Rokugan, they've developed their ability to read people to help them adapt to any lifestyle the Unicorn need.
The Iuchi Family are the primary Shugenja family of the Unicorn. They were forced to improvise during their travel, learning to harness magic in ways much different than the shugenja of other clans. They harness their powers over the elements, but for different purposes: To heal, to fortify, and to study. They aren't opposed to engaging opponents in martial combat, but will seldom use magic to do so. They tend to be curious scholars, learning many different types of knowledge - not all of which are acceptable.
The Moto Family was originally a band of nomadic raiders encountered early on in the Ki-Rin's journeys that eventually chose to follow and join the clan. They were fierce and cunning, earning a begrudging respect from the other Clans upon the Unicorn's arrival. Their history was marred with the corruption of many of their number, but those stains have been purged since then. Recently made the ruling family of the clan, they fight hard to prove that they are a military force to be reckoned with.
The Shinjo Family are the descendants of the original Unicorn Kami, and rulers of the clan until recently. Compassionate, brave, inquisitive, and wise like their founder, they were unfortunately heavily infiltrated by a group known as the Kolat during their journeys, a group that was insistant on ridding Rokugan of any divine influence. Their founder returned and culled their numbers to rid them of the Kolat's influence, and, weakened and dishonored, they have asked the Moto to rule in their stead until they are ready to retake the mantle once more. Regardless of the circumstances, the Shinjo are a hopeful family, and few things can dampen their moods.
The Utaku Family is one dominated by women, and only women are allowed to ride mounts into combat (the men raise and care for the steeds). Originally named the Otaku, the family was renamed after the sacrifice of the last Otaku, so that she would be the last to carry that name. Courageous, fierce, and decisive, they are a family of few words, ready to draw their blades at a moment's notice, but also prefer peace over war whenever possible.
The Schools
The Moto Bushi School is a formally new style, albeit a fierce, unrelenting one that is understood by very few opponents. The bushi are taught to attack without hesitation nor thought of personal safety. However, the school encourages its students to learn a variety of styles and weapons, including those of gaijin origin.
The Iuchi Shugenja School takes its foundations from the style of magic learned by their travels away from Rokugan, called meishodo, or name magic. No longer widely practiced since their return, they still retain many of its tactics when using the traditional elemental magic of the kami. They prefer non-combat applications to their magic that most other Shugenja schools consider secondary. Their biggest influences for their spells are those that influence both movement and animals.
The Ide Emissary School is the Unicorn's Courtier School, one that's not particularly prestigious; however, the Ide Emissaries tend to have much more practical experience under their belts. They are an extremely adaptable lot, who have worked hard over the centuries to ensure the Unicorn's recognition. They are busy people, who enjoy a challenge.
The Utaku Battle Maiden School is a bushi school that is, without debate, owners of the finest cavalry in Rokugan. Despite their small size, their armies are just as feared as the Hida, Matsu, and Moto. Their utaku Battle Horses are larger and more powerful than the horses used by other Unicorn, doubly so when compared to regular Rokugani ponies used by other armies. The horses are faster, stronger, and utterly fearless, like their riders.
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 2:31 pm
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The MINOR Clans
The Badger Clan
The Badger Clan is made up of the Ichiro Family, an offshoot of the Hida Family. Having won a contest of strength, they were given a family name and sent to guard the northern mountains from a possible gaijin invasion. One never came, so they had grown lax over the years; it wasn't until a demonic oni had rose upon their lands and destroyed much of their number when they had realized their mistake.
Scattered and broken, most began working as wandering mercenaries in an effort to earn money to rebuild their home. They are stocky, morose, and pessimistic, and don't trust others easily.
The Bat Clan
The Bat Clan is made up of the Komori Family, an offshoot of the Yoritomo family. The youngest of all Minor Clans, the founder summoned the spirit of the current Emperor's sister, the previous Emperor, and for that was awarded his own family and clan.
Currently, the Bat Clan are trying to establish themselves, with no duties clearly outlined yet. They are working hard to establish their own Shugenja school, but thus far most of their mystics are former Mantis who have a focus on summoning kami and spirits.
At the current moment, this Clan does not yet exist.
The Dragonfly Clan
The Dragonfly Clan is made up of the Tonbo Family, one that was started when a Phoenix maiden forsake her arranged marriage and instead ran off and married a Dragon man instead. The Lion sought to avenge this dishonor with blood, but the armies of the Dragon and Phoenix combined to ward them off. Unexpectedly, the Emperor blessed the union and awarded them their own Family and Clan.
Strongly persecuted by the Lion, the Dragonfly hold no such grudge, and assist in managing lands between Dragon and Phoenix territory. They are quiet, calm, and understanding. They have very few bushi, instead focusing on mystical arts and diplomatic relations with other clans.
The Tonbo Shugenja School act as stewards of the Dragon Clan, using their talent in divination and diplomacy to screen visitors. They then use their magic to send information up to the Dragon to alert them of incoming guests and their intentions.
The Hare Clan
The Hare Clan is made up of the Usagi and Ujina Familes. Founded by a ronin warrior, the Hare take it upon themselves to root out conspiracy and treachery where ever they can find it - and put and end to it, one way or another. They seek out Bloodspeakers, Kolat, and any other criminal organizations or cults that bear ill will.
The Usagi, the older and larger family, primary involves its members in investigations. The Usagi seek out the evil influences that threaten Rokugan. The Ujina are the warriors, skilled and stealthy with a unique fighting style that must be seen to be believed.
The Usagi Bushi School is an school that focuses on rooting out evil, and vanquishing it promptly. With their small number, they tend to specialize in escape, defense, and fighting multiple opponents. They tend to combine both the steel of their blade and the swiftness of unarmed blows to overwhelm opponents.
The Monkey Clan
The Monkey Clan is made up of the Toku and Fuzake Families, and they were started by the acts of one man - a peasant, who took up the swords of a bandit king and the title of samurai when a number of noble samurai were killed to the last defending his farming village. Later, upon learning the crime he had committed, asked the Emperor to commit seppuku, but his request was denied. Instead, Toku was given leadership of a new clan.
Bordering the Scorpion Clan, the Monkey and Scorpion have an odd and unexpected alliance. The Scorpion look at themselves as protectors of the Monkey Clan, who see them as something far more noble than what most Great Clans are capable of. The Monkey are magistrates and soldiers, upholding the Emperor's justice to the exclusion of all else.
The Toku Bushi School is one that has garnered much respect and admiration in its relatively young age. They boast an indomitable will, never faltering or retreating even in the face of overwhelming odds. They display extraordinary skill and tenacity, even against more powerful opponents.
The Oriole Clan
The Oriole Clan is made up of the Tsi Family, a ronin family who was granted their family name after years of high-quality crafted blades they had produced fort he Emperor. The family had increased in popularity over the years and prospered, until their home was destroyed by the forces of the Shadowlands.
Forced to create weapons for the forces of evil, they refused to use their best work, and eventually were rescued, and upon their return to Rokugan, returned a blade of great sentimental value to the Emperor, who granted them Minor Clan status as repayment.
At the current moment, this Clan does not yet exist.
The Ox Clan
The Ox Clan is made up of the Morito family, though the clan existed many years prior. Formally of the Unicorn, their founder settled in unoccupied lands within Phoenix territory, and proclaimed his group as the Ox Clan, though they were not recognized as such. As the years passed, Morito defended the Empire time and time again, and when the Monkey Clan was awarded a family name, the Emperor did so for the Ox as well, as to not slight them.
In truth, their leader and several of the clan are strong Kolat sympathizers, though with a slightly different outlook: The most recent imperial line is exactly what he feels the Kolat had been working for up to this point. This truth is hidden from most of the Ox though, who make a living not only as bushi, but as explorers and couriers.
At the current moment, this Clan does not yet exist.
The Sparrow Clan
The Sparrow Clan is made up of the Suzume family, founded early on in Rokugan's history. During peace talks during war between the Crab and Crane, one Doji courtier made a remark, "Maybe the world would be a better place if samurai just gave their wealth to the peasants and allowed them to rule?" This set both sides off and almost reignited the conflict when the current Emperor stepped in. He forced both clans to give up some of their territories as punishment, and put the courtier and his father in charge.
Though originally intended as a punishment, many samurai who were disgusted with civil war flocked to their banner, and the Sparrow Clan was truly born. They are content living simple lives in inhospitable land. However, they view this difficulty as the truest test of a samurai; not only do they have to weather the harshest elements, they must do so within sight of the Golden Sun Plain - a lush, fertile territory forbidden by the Emperor for anyone to settle upon or cultivate. By resisting this temptation, they become that much stronger. So proud of their way of life, that they tend to prattle on about it to samurai of other clans, giving them a reputation of long-winded storytellers.
The Tortoise Clan
The Tortoise Clan is made up of the Kasuga Family, a clan that is looked down upon by most of Rokugan. They work as sailors, pirates, and smugglers, trading and negotiating with gaijin outside of Imperial lands. In truth, they do this with consent of the Emperor, in order to be his ears and eyes in foreign lands. It is a job that they accept proudly, for it gives them opportunities to see lands no other samurai will ever see.
They have convinced all the Minor Clans to ally with one another, and are the chosen representatives of the union. They constantly lobby for fairer treatment of these clans, and seek out allies for them against other Great Clan samurai. They also patrol the ruins of the old imperial capital, ensuring that nothing sinister still lurks within its ruins.
The Kasuga Courtier School choose to be the face of the Tortoise clan, a difficult position with how often they're reviled by other samurai. They view themselves as extremely honorable, and will unhesitatingly shame themselves if it will somehow serve the Emperor. They get by by masking their activities; Kasuga courtiers are experts at keeping secrets.
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:42 pm
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The IMPERIAL Families
Whereas the Clans manage most of the population of Rokugan, the Imperial Families are directly involved in the running of the Empire itself. They are not part of a clan, nor clans themselves. They serve only the Emperor directly.
The Miya Family
The Miya Family are descended from the messenger that spread the good word of Fu Leng's defeat at the start of the Empire, and the people who aided him. On a yearly basis, where samurai and peasants from Miya lands travel to ravaged lands to assist in relief efforts.
The Miya are well respected by the Great Clans, though they don't hold that much sway over actual politics. They are honest and merciful by nature, and still are closely enough aligned with the throne where the edicts they issue are taking seriously. If for nothing else, they are given heed for the sole purpose of avoiding the visits of less peacefully-inclined families, such as the Seppun or Otomo.
The Miya Herald is a school whose members serve a diplomatic function on the Emperor's behalf. They are constantly on the move, never staying long after they have issued their decrees or negotiated a meeting. They are skilled horsemen, though avoid conflict when they can. They prefer to use their Imperial status to force opponents to back down, lest they occur the Emperor's wrath.
The Otomo Family
The Otomo family are descended from one of Hantei's first followers. With the Empire still settling on its foundations, Otomo saw the potential for his power to be abused. With that knowledge in hand, he began to take efforts to complicate the process, making sure no one would be able to abuse such power themselves. Something his descendants have continued up to the present day.
Besides the threats from within, the Otomo realize that the Great Clans have the power and resources to threaten the throne itself. With that in mind, they take efforts to ensure that no Clan ever gets powerful enough to do so. This means they must ensure that the Imperial forces appear too powerful, and creating enough tension between the clans to ensure no one will ever feel comfortable enough to attempt a coup.
The Otomo Courtier School trains courtiers that are well regarded by everyone, though few actually trust them. This task, unpleasant as it is, is necessary, and done via some rather distasteful means. They are cunning manipulators, ensuring conflict is always a threat. But they are even more discrete than cunning, and always choose their battles carefully.
The Seppun Family
The Seppun Family are descended from the very first people to swear fealty to Hantei upon his arrival in the mortal world. Throughout the centuries, the Seppun have grown from not only faithful followers, to vigilant protectors. Every action a Seppun takes, be it learning art, lore, or warfare, is solely with their duty to the Emperor in mind.
The Seppun train their bushi to protect the Emperor and his city, and shugenja to aid in defending them against supernatural threats. They are legendary in their skill and dedication, and are highly devoted to the Tao of Shinsei and the Fortunes. However, they rarely venture out of the Emperor's city, leaving those matters to the Miya and Otomo.
The Seppun Guardsman is a bushi academy that train the guardsmen, known as miharu, as elite guardians of the Emperor. They are trained at an early age to divide their focus between eliminating threats, and defending their charge. Their lives are unimportant, as long as the Emperor remains safe.
The Seppun Shugenja, referred to as the Hidden Guard, protect the Emperor from spiritual dangers. Wards are placed and maintained around palace grounds by the Seppun. They are even more secretive than the Guardsmen, in order to keep their protective measures secret from all. They emphasize detection magic, and avoid damaging spells that their Guardsmen brethren can emulate with their blades instead.
The Toturi Family
The Toturi family was created by the most recent Imperial Family, granted to his family and trusted vassals. They serve the Emperor directly, and are protected by the Imperial families. They are too small in number currently to be counted as a group, but their political influence is still recognizable.
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 8:45 pm
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The MONK Schools
Monks are different than Samurai - they have the Status of peasants, but are revered as spiritual people, and respected as much as other samurai. Known as the Brotherhood of Shinsei, monks are men and women who forsake worldly fortune for the sake of attempting to attain enlightenment.
Icons of wisdom and purity, they still tend to have different views and interpretations of Shinsei's teachings. The sects they have formed are separate from one another, but are by no means violent or aggressive with one another.
Monks come from all walks of life - peasants and samurai alike can choose to follow their lifestyle.
The Orders
The Order of Osano-Wo is dedicated to the Fortune of Fire and Thunder. More than any other order, these monks are often sohei, monks who are trained primarily in the art of combat. They feel that honing the body hones the spirit; though they aren't violent people, the martial acts of which they are capable will crush any opposition.
The Order of the Seven Fortunes worship the Fortunes that have existed since before the creation of the Empire, and worship them primarily over the teachings of Shinsei. They are the most rigid and structured Order, with most monks choosing one of the seven most powerful Fortunes to follow. The choice that they make determines their roles in the Order.
The Order of the Seven Thunders are opposite of their Fortunist cousins; they value the teachings of Shinsei most of all. They are the first major group of monks to become organized. They struggle their entire lives to comprehend the full wisdom of Shinsei's teachings, they believe that the mortal soul is a force that can alter the course of the universe. They are the most traveled monks, volunteering aid to those who need it, neglecting the vices that they will confront - for they have no fear of them.
The Order of the Four Temples (later renamed the Order of the Ten Thousand Temples) were dedicated to the most spiritually important leader in all of Rokugan: The Emperor. They are located within his Imperial city, protecting him and participating in the harsh realities of Court simultaneously. They also dedicate themselves to the care and maintenance of the four holy temples of the city, viewed as the most holy and divine shrines in all of Rokugan.
The Monk Schools
The Four Temples school encourages its monks to protect and manage the holy shrines in which people come to the capital city to worship. They are more than mere groundskeepers; they spend a lot of their training mastering the social parts of their jobs too, allowing them to participate in courtly situations just as well.
The Shrine of the Seven Thudners school is revered by all clans. Monks who attend these shrines are reclusive, believing that enlightenment can only be reached through meditation, contemplation, and quiet study. They don't forget their martial practices, however - they wish to honor the examples set by the Seven Thunders.
The Temple of Kaimetsu-uo is made up of monks who follow the path of the original Mantis Clan founder. However, the path they have chosen has become different than what current Mantis have become. They tend not to initiative conflicts, only finish them. They are prohibited from bragging or intimidation, in an effort to eliminate the corruptive influence the mortal realm has upon their spirits.
The Temple of Osano-Wo is the most martial monastery of them all. They are trained to react to violence with violence of equal measure, and the Fortune of Fire and Thunder smiles upon his adherents. Made mostly of retired Crab, they have a keen interest in events of the outside world.
The Temple of the Thousand Fortunes is actually a large network of shrines that worship not only the Seven Fortunes, but each of the lesser Fortunes, with at least one such temple of each found within each province. They believe that the Fortunes don't coddle mortals, but rather support those who put forth a genuine effort to achieve enlightenment. This leaves most of these monks rather well educated in teh areas they pursue.
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:13 pm
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IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT LEGEND OF THE FIVE RINGS
Rokugani history started with the fall of the Kami, born of Lord Moon and Lady Sun. 9 Kami fell to Earth, which ended up being Hantei, Togashi, Doji, Bayushi, Akodo, Hida, Shiba, Shinjo, and Fu Leng. Whereas the first 8 landed in Rokugan, Fu Leng fell into the Shadowlands where he became corrupted to the soul. The 8 Kami held a competition to see who would be most worthy to rule, with Hantei being declared champion. The other 7 Kami each started their own clans to protect the Empire.
As Fu Leng recovered from his fall, he created many unholy beasts and oni, from which he attacked Rokugan in a fit of jealous rage. Hantei was wounded and none of the other Kami wished to stand before their brother. A simple mortal monk named Shinsei approached and offered a plan: Send in a small, elite group of warriors into the heart of the Shadowlands to face Fu Leng. One champion from each clan, known as the Seven Thunders, proceeded with the mission; only one returned. But Fu Leng was defeated on this day, the Day of Thunder, and peace reigned in Rokugan for many, many years.
Hantei died of his wounds, and his son, Hantei II, took his place as Emperor. The firstborn son of each Emperor would share the same name, and rule as they've done for 39 generations. Recently, through foolish actions of some powerful samurai, the 12 Black Scrolls were opened and unsealed Fu Leng's spirit, who possessed the last member of the Hantei line. A Second Day of Thunder occured, and Fu Leng was eventually slain in battle. The single man in charge of leading the attack, the ronin known as Toturi (formally of the Akodo family), was named Emperor, crowning a new era.
In the handful of years following the Second Day of Thunder, a mysterious yet powerful being known as the Lying Darkness almost undid all of creation. The dragon Mirumoto Hitomi gathered artifacts that allowed her to slay Lord Moon and take his place as Lady Moon. Lady Sun grieved and commits jigai, and the crab Hida Yakamo takes his place as Lord Sun. Together, they are able to name the Lying Darkness, weakening it to the point where it could be slain.
In the aftermath, the barriers between Ningen-do (the mortal world) and the other spiritual realms were weakened, allowing many spirits to return to the land of the living. One such spirit was of the most tyrannical of the Hantei line, Hantei the XVI, the Steel Chrysanthemum. The War of Spirits begins and lasts for 12 years, before the Hantei's forces are crushed.
The game will be taking place in the year 1151, a year after the defeat of the reincarnated Steel Chrysanthemum. A good number of ancient and unknown spirits are still present in Rokugan, and the armies are battered and worn out from the 10+ years fighting the spirit armies.
With the consent of the Emperor, the Jade Champion Kuni Utagu has started a tournament, overseen by his Jade Magistrates. Samurai from all clans have been invited to participate, though the prize of the tournament is unclear. It is rumored, however, that the prize is the title of Jade Magistrate, something that would be impressive and coveted by samurai so young, so inexperienced!
The Minor Clans and Monk Monasteries aren't officially invited, though they hear of it via word of mouth, and are informally invited. Ronin, however, are not welcome to apply, due to the formality of the tournament.
The tournament, which is confirmed NOT to be the Jade Championship, will more closely resemble the Topaz Championship, testing competitors in many different fields. Bushi, Shugenja, and Courtiers are all welcomed to apply. Though it will not be enforced, the Jade Champion requests that no more than 3 young samurai of a Great Clan should participate, and no more than 1 samurai of a Minor Clan should participate.
The tournament will take place at the Daidoji Training Grounds, south of Mura Sabishii Toshi, at the generosity of the Crane Clan. It will take place on the 10th day of the Month of the Moon. The tournament will begin at the hour of the Akodo.
Character creation is the standard 45 point build, as described in the book. Only 10 points of disadvantages can be taken, as normal. Rolls on the heritage table (if desired) must be done here, using the dice roller. If anyone needs help with character creation, let me know.
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:27 pm
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:34 pm
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:43 pm
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:44 pm
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Plainsfox Hrrm... Stupid background question here. What if I wanted to run a character that was born in clan A, but married off to clan B? How would I handle that?
Certain families have certain "rules" concerning marriage (p34-35 of the books). But generally, usually the female swears fealty to the new clan, but sometimes the male does. Certain matriarchal families will demand fealty sworn by the husbands marrying in, such as the Matsu and the Utaku. The Doji want anyone to be married into their family name, no matter the gender.
If your character is the one marrying into someone else's family, you'd probably be trained in their schools (figuring most marriages are arranged, and happen as soon as they come of age). However, if your marriage isn't arranged, you might have training from the school of your original clan already. In which case, you might need to later take the Multiple Schools advantage to further your samurai training in your new lands - else, you won't be able to proceed further in your school's abilities. Leaving for training periodically with your old clan would come off as a bit rude and dishonorable to your new family. Alternatively, you might "start over" at your new school, forgetting your old school.
So, if you wanted to be from Clan A originally and Clan B now due to marriage, it'd be easiest (for you AND me) to just learn Clan B's schools. |
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:48 pm
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Plainsfox rolled 1 10-sided dice:
1
Total: 1 (1-10)
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:58 pm
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Plainsfox rolled 1 10-sided dice:
6
Total: 6 (1-10)
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:00 pm
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Plainsfox rolled 1 10-sided dice:
9
Total: 9 (1-10)
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:02 pm
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Reply
