Stronger than Steel Flavor Text

The Trackless Road - War makes one forget the simple beauties of the world.

Panda Spirit - Their presence is the greatest of good omens.

Vigilance Keep - “War is the most noble pursuit of a samurai. It gives him purpose, and brings honor to his ancestors.”–Akodo’s Leadership

Hida Fumetsu - The Topaz Championship is Rokugan’s most famous coming-of-age ceremony. The clans send their best to compete, and glory awaits the winner. 2006 Topaz Champion • Jason Aken

Hida Itsuma - “You’ve run out of time to talk, Crane.”

Hida Kashin - “Your precious reputation means nothing to me, Fumetsu.”

Hiruma Aya - The lost Hiruma Techniques have been found, and those who study them have already proven how deadly they are.

Kuni Takaniro - “Of course the jade hurts, cousin. Otherwise, it would be hardly useful.”

Kuni Umibe - “You are Crab, cousin, but I am watching you – and I will give you a Crab’s death if you stray.”

Toritaka Kaiketsu - “There is something amiss in the Empire, and we will find it.”

Asahina Ekei - “I do not understand the purpose of these wars. The Celestial Heavens will make their wishes known to us, and we shall bow to their will.”

Daidoji Kojima - “I hear it is war with the Crab,” Gempachi said. “Yes,” Kojima replied. “Time to show them what we have learned.”

Daidoji Naoshige - “We know the lands we are charged with defending. Let the enemies of the Crane come; we are ready to use that knowledge against them.”

Doji Nobuhide - “Lady Domotai, your father gave the Crab the chance to make peace, and they repay us with war. Now is the time to settle this.”

Kakita Kensho-in - ”The armies of the Daidoji are vital to the Crane defense, but the Kakita have a role to play as well. Let me show you the worth of my sword in combat...”

Mirumoto Yozo - “One less Lion stands between me and revenge.”

Tamori Sugi - “His soul brings with the unbridled essence of earth. Powerful, yes, but dangerous as well.” –Tamori Shaitung

The Rashana - “I have come to study with The Mareshi.”

Togashi Kanaye - “Be centered. Be whole.”

Togashi Remi - “All things change. Rocks to sand, men to corpses. Let me show you.”

Togashi Shichi - “The body is a tool. Learn to use it, and it will not use you.”

Akodo Hiroyuki - ”Bushido guides my every action.”

Akodo Katsumoto - “He refuses to retreat from battle until all hope is lost. Is he Akodo or Matsu?” –Ikoma Noda

Ikoma Tatsunori - “What would I sacrifice for the Lion? Better to ask what I would not sacrifice. The answer is nothing.”

Kafu - A powerful force defends the temples of the Lion from those who would defile them.

Kitsu Tenshin - “I chose the sword, but I do not reject my heritage.”

Matsu Sakaki - “Yoshino-sama promised the Khan that he would march into the heart of the Unicorn lands. I will gladly give my life for the chance to prove the Lion’s strength over these traitors.”

Chutaro - “He is young but skilled. He has earned the right to prove himself.” –Yoritomo Buntaro

Moshi Taya - “I have no need of the mainland or its wars. This is my home.”

Tsuruchi Amaya - “The Lion and the Mantis both petitioned the Phoenix for control of the city. Their debate grew heated, and violence ensued. Should we be surprised?” –Tamori Nakamuro

Tsuruchi Fuyu - “He enjoys his duty, perhaps too much.” –Tsuruchi Okame

Tsuruchi Masako - “There does not need to be an Emperor for us to enforce his laws.”

Yoritomo Daishiro - “Steal from the Mantis and nothing can save you from me.”

Yoritomo Kane - “Stand aside Lion. This city is ours as much as yours.”

Agasha Tamaki - ”All that was broken, we shall see rebuilt.”

Asako Eichiro - ”The Crab and the Crane waste lives in an ancient war over rice and territory. Would the Empire not benefit from our intervention?”

Isawa Kajibara - “The presence of the Fire Dragon has had a dramatic effect on the Acolytes who follow Ochiai. One can but hope they share her restraint.” –Shiba Ningen

Shiba Fusaburu - When the Lion and the Mantis attacked one another in the Imperial City yet again, it was the Shiba who interceded. Ever loyal, ever valiant, the Shiba take any risk so long as it benefits the Phoenix and the Empire.

Shiba Rae - “There will not be fighting in the Imperial City,” he proclaimed. “Lady Ochiai regretfully must order you to leave Toshi Ranbo immediately.”

Bayushi Arunsa - “I could kill you a dozen ways before you stand. The question is, are more useful alive?”

Bayushi Ryuzaburo - The wise dog sets the wolves against one another, and walks away with the prize unnoticed.”

Bayushi Shinobu - “What good can come of squabbling with the Mantis, friend Akodo? Why not direct your energy to more fruitful pursuits?”

Shosuro Kyuichi - “There is a ronin merchant near the Yasuki border,” Maru whispered. “Mention the girl in the river, and he will tell us everything.”

Shosuro Takuro - “A word please, on behalf of my lord Nomen?”

Soshi Ukon - “A wretched creature, but very useful,” Uidori said. “He can find out anything we wish to know about Yoshino.”

Yogo Honami - “She served the clan loyally for decades before her death. Afterwards, she continued to serve. That is the power of Scorpion loyalty.” –Bayushi Paneki

Chuda Genkei - “Let the Crab hunt us if they wish. They will find nothing but rumors and shadows.”

Daigotsu Junichi - “Justice is swift, ruthless, and without mercy. How suited we are to it.”

Datsue-ba - “Such a sweet, young face…”

Goju Ryuu - “The Lotus Blade bandits have proven most uncooperative. Perhaps they will be more pliable with a new leader.”

Hiromasa - “If any get too close to the truth, their lives are forfeit.”

Katashi -”Some secrets are worth dying for. Some are worth killing for.”

Horiuchi Yoko - “Her spells were visual poetry, a feast to the eyes. Must I watch her artistry turn into a brutal method of war?” –Horiuchi Nobane

Ide Eien - Unicorn courtiers dispersed into the courts of the Empire. Word by word, favor by favor, they struggled to increase the Khan’s influence.

Moto Chai - “Why choose such a famous name?” Chen asked. Chai grinned. “I will be the one remembered forever.”

Shinjo Kurimoko - “Is it possible to follow the path of the Khan and the Empire at the same time?”

Utaku Etsuko - “We have suffered a great defeat, but we will not be stopped. No man is strong enough to rule the Empire but the Khan.”

Gagoze no Oni - “Such delights to be found in the forest.” –Shahai

Hisao - “A philosopher and a warrior. A puzzle and an answer.” –Tamago

Kitsune Aiko - “The sacred forest is threatened. No price is too high to keep it pure?”

Noburo - “Your bribe is pathetic. I serve my master loyally.”

City Gate - “There are towns that must not be besieged.” –Sun Tao

Clan Estate - “My Khan, our efforts are already bearing fruit. My agents have been collecting a number of disturbing reports of matters going on far to the south of us.” –Shinjo Haruko

Haiku School - “A poem will not stop the Crab armies,” Hideo said. “No,” agreed Ayano, “but it will earn me a meeting with a lord who might.”

Temple of the Righteous Emperor - All of Rokugan honors his memory.

A Gruesome Display - “What does it mean, my lord?” Hida Kashin asked. Benjiro grimaced. “I do not know who is responsible, but I know I do not trust their motives.”

Gujo Odori - For thirty one nights, the townspeople gather and celebrate life. Samurai, peasants and merchants dance together in joyful harmony.

Power of the Masters - “The fighting in the Imperial City stopped only with the strength of the Phoenix. We must use that same power to guide the Empire.” –Isawa Takesi

The Heavens Are Watching - The realm of man erupted once more into war. The representatives of the Celestial Heavens took note of the chaos, and their disapproval grew.

The Throne Stands Empty - “The Empire will not be safe until it is claimed.” –Shoshuro Jimen 2007 Kotei Winners

A Lion’s Roar - Even as the Akodo withdrew from the capital, the Matsu and Ikoma descended upon the Unicorn border like a wrathful storm.

Choose Your Ground - The Unicorn marshalled their defences along the Lion border. All knew it was only a matter of time before the Lion began their assault.

Dastardly Tactics - “If you cannot defeat a man in a fair fight, find another way.” –Soshi Tishi

Devious Explorer - “Find their weaknesses, little ones.” –Omoni

Drawing in the Strike - “You move like an old man.”

Failure to Your Daimyo - “Those who betrayed the honor of Lady Doji were punished. The Daidoji will stand pure once more.” –Daidoji Fumisato

Falling Leaf Strike -The Togashi came to the Wall, but found no darkness to combat.

Fight As One - “Hold on!” Kaoru shouted. “We will make it out of this together!”

Honor is Power - “Who leads their forces? Oh yes, I know of him.”

Kolat Forgery - “Ruined!” Kakita Kyruko hissed. “Do not worry,” Morito said. “Something can be salvaged.”

Overwhelming Speed - “If they send one company, we shall send five. Leave nothing living. Teach them what it means to attack us.” –Moto Chen

Parley - “I must speak with your general. Lead me to him.”

Power of Innocence - “I had never before met a truly innocent soul. Ironic that such a person could be so dangerous.” –Bayushi Nomen

Private Whispers - Not every price is paid in gold. Not every weakling regrets his failure.

Silent Movements - “Tikaru, did you hear something? Tikaru?”

Soul Strike - Fighting between the Mantis and the Lion was inevitable, and the Mantis had weapons the Lion had not yet seen.

Storm’s Eye Style - “Fueled by scorn as much as skill.” –Yoritomo Eriko

Surveying the Land - “The Scorpion urge us to abandon the capital and seek vengeance on the Unicorn. What do they stand to gain?” –Matsu Yoshike

The Hundred-Hand Strike - “You have played your role. You are no longer needed.” –Michio

Unexpected Reinforcements - A handful of trained soldiers can make all the difference.

Unseen Assailant - “A sudden change in command can prove most advantageous to one’s enemies.” –Tangen’s Lies

Use the Wind - “Use the wind!” the Tsuruchi shouted. “The universe wants the Lion to die, and we shall oblige!”

Vision of P’an Ku - “An impressive style,” Remi said. “I will take it.”

Watching the Battle - Battle raged around them, but they continued their discussion undaunted.

Bairei’s Vigil - “I weep for the knowledge that was lost in Otosan Uchi. The libraries and temples of this city are under my protection.”

Isawa’s Air - “I pray for his wisdom as well as his power.” –Isawa Kyoko Paper to Steel - “It will require more than mere steel to turn the Crab away, young one. Fortunately, I have more to give you.”

Budoka’s Tonfa - The budoka look at peasants and see people, not possessions.

Doji Armor - Strength of will. Strength of honor. Strength of spirit.

Kusari Gama - “Tools are tools, whether they are tools of politics or war. They are often the same thing.” –Bayushi Nomen

Wasp Bow -The Mantis believed that protecting Toshi Ranbo was an extension of their job as magistrates. The Lion disagreed.

Disgraced Ronin - “You cannot associate with such scum. Then again, scum have their uses…” –Naoharu

Gunso Atshushi - Those who march on the Dragon lands pay a hefty cost.

Gunso Chitose - As hostilities with the Crab grew worse, more and more samurai were moved to the border.

Gunso Hirobumi - A guardian must know the secrets of the shadows to protect his charge from all dangers.

Longshoremen - Thousands of ashigaru fill army ranks. Those who do not fight aid the samurai in other ways.

Respected Mentor - Many samurai serve their clans long ago after retirement. Decades of experience is a resource not easily discarded.

Seppun Detachment - “Yes, they are skilled fighters, but they are dangerous because of the political implications they bring with them.” –Ikoma Hanshiro

Unproven Guardian - “Full of innocence, hope, and dreams of glory. To be so young again!” –Asako Juro

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