Starter/Booster box –
The Empire has reached a crossroads…
where a choice must be made. With the death of Rosoku – the last known descendent of Shinsei – two possible futures lie ahead. In the age of the Lotus, the Empire would find new wisdom. The clans would enter an era of hope and prosperity, though not without much change and hardship. In the age of the Dark Lotus, suspicion and treachery would again divide the Empire. The Clans would blame one another for what had been lost and march uncertainly toward an enigmatic future.
For better or worse, the choice has been made, and a new era begins. The clans begin to draw lines among themselves. In the south, sinister warriors of the Shadowlands stand united as never before, but seem strangely disinterested in challenging the Empire again. Only their mad prophet, Kokujin, has been active within Rokugan itself; the rest of the Dark Lord’s followers seem content to hold their lands – at least for now.
And in the capital city of Toshi Ranbo, the wheels of politics turn. The Righteous Emperor Toturi III has entered into an uneasy alliance with his rival half-brother, the Shogun Kaneka. While both men desire what is best for the Empire, their differences run deep. The Emperor is a master of politics and manipulation, while the Shogun maintains that clever words do little to guard the Empire’s best interests. From the shadows, the powerful shugenja known as the Wolf watches his two brothers in concern. He knows it is only a matter of time before violence erupts between them, but which side will he favor?
The Crab – The duty of the Crab Clan is not glorious one, but it is necessary. They are the guardians of the Kaiu Wall, the first line of defense against the Shadowlands. The Crab exist in an eternal state of war, always prepared for whatever foul beast or mad horde might arise from the darkness next. Yet the greatest threat to the Wall’s solidarity comes not from the Shadowlands, but from within. The divisions between Champion Hida Kuon and the returned Hero Hida Kisada begin to grow. Who will the Crab choose?
“The only danger that can threaten the Crab is compromise.” – Hida Kuon
The Crane – The Crane are the Left Hand of the Emperor, the soul of art and culture. A Crane will do nothing if he cannot do it with perfection. They number amongst the most brilliant politicians, artists, and swordsmen in the Empire. Even their eternal enemies, the Lion Clan, now stand beside them. Whatever troubles may lay in wait for the Empire, surely a brilliant future awaits the esteemed house of the Crane.
“Those who sneer at the Crane have merely been blinded by the light.” – Doji Kurohito
The Dragon – Reclusive mystics and prophets, the Dragon are the most enigmatic of the Great Clans. They have a perception of the future that few can comprehend, but such wisdom brings little solace. Togashi Satsu, the Dragon Champion, has seen troubled times ahead. Now the bold warriors of the Dragon prepare to fight a battle none can truly understand.
“The world is a riddle.” – Togashi Satsu
The Lion – They are called the Right Hand of the Emperor, bold warriors in service to Rokugan. Yet in times of peace, the brave Lion languish. What need has the Emperor for such forces when nothing threatens the Empire? The Lion’s last war did not grant them the glorious victory they sought, staining the honor of the clan in the eyes of many. How can they regain the prestige and respect they once possessed? The answer is clear – a warrior can only prove himself in conflict. But with what enemy?
“To challenge a Lion’s honor is to challenge the honor of ten thousand ancestors.” – Ikoma Otemi
The Mantis – While the other Great Clans have ruled over the Empire since the Kami first fell from the Heavens, only the Mantis have earned their position. They are ambitious, resourceful, and unpredictable. Masters of the ship and of the bow, they strike without warning and vanish across the seas. Though they have held their position for generations, their enemies still question their right to stand among the other Great Clans as equals. The Mantis Clan stands ready to battle them.
“What worth is a samurai unwilling to prove her strength?” – Yoritomo Kumiko
The Phoenix – The Phoenix Clan is the Voice of the Emperor, represented by Isawa Sezaru, the Emperor’s brother. They are a clan of scholars and priests who pursue the art of magic with fervor unmatched in the Empire. They are a clan of contradictions. While they value peace, their war against the Mantis has continued for months unabated. Though their shugenja are holy men, the shadow of corruption haunts their families.
“In not questioning, you have already arrived at the wrong answer.” – Shiba Mirabu
The Ratling – Long ago, the Nezumi ruled a powerful civilization based upon the power of Name magic. When Fu Leng fell from the heavens, their empire was shattered. The creatures Rokugan would come to call the Ratlings fell to barbarism, little more than intelligent beasts. After over one thousand years of division the Nezumi tribes stand reunited again, but to what purpose? Their lands remain in ruins. The people of Rokugan still distrust them. The Ratlings have no recourse but to carve out whatever future they can find for themselves.
“One Tribe, forever chasing Tomorrow.” – Kan’ok’ticheck
The Scorpion – The Scorpion Clan serves as the unofficial Underhand of the Emperor. They thrive on deception, misdirection, and manipulation. Behind the mocking masks they wear, Scorpion samurai smile with the knowledge of the Empire’s darkest secrets. Though their actions may be dishonorable, they are tempered by an unswerving dedication to the Steel Throne and fierce loyalty to one another. As new alliances and enmities begin to form, non can truly be sure whose side the Scorpion will take.
“Those who trust recklessly demand to be betrayed.” – Bayushi Paneki
The Shadowlands – Few would deny that the Shadowlands represents the greatest threat the Empire has ever known. It is a desolate land, twisted by the insanity of the fallen god, Fu Leng. The dark powers of the Shadowlands have seduced many a samurai, who know turn the loyalty they once owed the Emperor toward Fu Leng’s chosen Dark Lord, Daigotsu. But Daigotsu’s followers are not a mindless menace, and in recent years their blasted lands have come to resemble a dark mirror of Rokugan. Daigotsu’s servants have proven they are not entirely without honor, but does this signify that there may at last be peace with the Shadowlands – or does their willingness to fight the Empire on its own terms suggest a greater threat than ever?
“Take the hand of the fallen god, or be crushed beneath his heel.” – Daigotsu
The Unicorn – A clan of explorers and nomads, the Unicorn’s adventures beyond the Empire have shaped their culture in a way many traditional Rokugani will never understand. They are often seen as savage, uncouth barbarians who have forgotten their true history. The Unicorn proudly hold to their unique traditions, maintaining that it is in fact the rest of Rokugan who fail to understand them. By defeating the Lion Clan in battle, the Unicorn Clan has proven its strength to be greater than any had suspected. But where do the Khan’s ambitions ultimately lie?
“Easier to race the wind than escape the wrath of the Unicorn.” – Moto Chagatai
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