The Crab Clan

The Crab Clan defends the Empire against the Shadowlands Horde. For generations, they have battled against oni, goblins, undead, and even the Lost - living samurai driven mad by the power of corruption. In recent months, their war has become even more desperate. Six of the twelve towers of the Kaiu Wall have fallen to the dark legions. The Crab Clan champion, Hida Kuroda, disappeared during the attack. Distracted by conflict with the Crane Clan, the Crab reinforcements were unable to arrive swiftly. When they arrived, they found the demons of the Shadowlands defending their own towers against them.

Kuroda's brother Kuon, an inexperienced and hotheaded samurai, was forced to take the mantle of leadership. Kuon has sword that he will not allow the shadow of the horde to stain the stones of the Wall so long as he draws breath. The berserker warriors of Razor's Edge Dojo rally to his side, but as they begin to retake the towers they have learned a chilling fact. Hida Kuroda now stands with the Shadowlands Horde.

"The Crab guard the Wall, and they're welcome to it. I have seen what is on the other side, and I shall never doubt a Hida's bravery again." - Kihei

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The Scorpion Clan

The samurai of the Scorpion Clan are the masters of all secrets. Their courtiers hold dominion over their courts, prepared for all contingencies. In the shadows, moving to make alliances with each of the Four Winds. Despite the chaos that consumes the Empire, only they have managed to remain truly neutral in all disputes, waiting for the proper time to assert themselves as the strongest of the Great Clans.

Even yet, Scorpion Champion Bayushi Yojiro watches his clan in concern. Some, it seems, have begun to grow drunk on their own power. He wonders if there are some among the clan who have lost sight of their duty to the Empire, and have begun to pursue their own selfish concerns.

But even the Master of Secrets cannot see all. The master of the Shadowed Tower plans for a day when Yojiro's overbearing mastery of the Scorpion will no longer be needed. Some say that the shadows hold the darkest secret of all.

"I would rather fight an oni with my bare hands than seek the secrets of the Scorpion. If that is your goal, samurai, I pity you." - Kihei

*****

The Unicorn Clan

Between their swift steeds and talented shugenja the three armies of the Unicorn Clan can appear almost anywhere, any time. The great Khan, Moto Chagatai, is known for his cunning and ferocity. Those foolish enough to stand against the Unicorn are ridden into the earth.

Akodo Kaneka now stands as Shogun, demanding absolute loyalty from those who follow him. The Khan was among the first to offer his blade. In Kaneka's name, the Unicorn block Seikitsu pass, crippling trade between the northern and southern halves of the Empire. Most wisely choose to avoid the great cavalry hordes of the Khan rather than risk his wrath.

In the gleaming halls of Shiro Ide, the Khan's advisors smile upon the accomplishments of the three armies. Their caravans bring great wealth from the lands beyond Rokugan, continuing to build the power of the Unicorn. The rest of the Empire might not approve of their trade with the gaijin. . . but what they do not know could do no harm.

"Anyone who says that a Unicorn cannot fight without his horse has never fought a Unicorn. Only a fool challenges the Khan." - Kihei

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