PEOCOLOCGIIOBOOSfase methine more than you do. You look the wrong way. ~ Togashi Legend of the Five Rings, The Emerald Empire of Rokugan and all other related marks ™ 8 & © 1908 and 1957 Fee Rings Patisting Group, Incorporated. Al Righis Reserved. Alderac eretanment GausCredits WRITTEN By JOHN Wick With appitionat Mareriat sy Davin Wittiams, Ros Vaux. Cris Dornaus, Grec Stoize anp DJ. TRINDLE Game System sy Davip WiLLiAms AND JOHN Wick Cover Artwork: MartHew D. WiLson Interior ARtwoRK: Tom BIONDOLILLO,.Cris Dornaus, KC Lancaster, WiLLiAM O'Connor, BEN Peck, Brian SNODDY Maps: KC Lancaster Artwork Prepress: Cris Dornaus, Steve HouGH Line Epitor: DJ. TRINDLE Epimine: DJ. Trinpie, Ros Vaux Interior Layout: Ros Vaux, DJ. TRINDLE AND JOHN Wick Sacer Senses Apvice sy Tony Kutt David Williams once again helped out with rules, Techniques, ame balance, et Rob Vaux wrote most of the “Who's Who" Chapter and the Places of Interest in Appendix 5. Cris Domaus gave me a kick-start with the Agasha and Kitsukl Greg Stolze wrote much ofthe Adventure Hooks in Appendix 5 (more appendices than chapters) Ed Bolme and Andy Heckt continue to provide fedback and inspiration as wel asa tatoo or two. J. Trindle squeezed this litle turnip ‘il he got all the blood out ‘Special Thanks: This book was a chore; Dragons defy definition. Thanks to Cris, Greg and Rob who balled me out with a whole bunch of really fine writing Thanks also goes out to DJ. (who is on vacation as write this, and that’s why I can sneak it in) fr kicking me when I was down and dragging me down to the incredible Huntington Gardens on a warm Sunday afternoon when my well ran dry. If you ever ‘get a chance to go yourself, don't miss it. ‘The work Ive done in this book is dedicated to Tony Kull [ve spent ten years of my life studying philosophy, learning how to think about life. Tony taught me (and the rest of us) how to live it Thank you, sensei. Ww Legend of the Five Rings is © and ™ 1996, 1997 Five Rings Publishing Group Inc. ‘and is used here under license.The Sword Path Chagter One: The Engmatic Dragon .... 10 Chagter Tio The Fambes of the Dragon . 18 Chapter Thyee: Character Chaster Fou: Who's Who Chagter Five: Character Templates Appendix One: The Dragons o¢ Rokugan . $2 Aovendx Two: Kaze—Do Aosendx Three: The Agastia Spellbook . . . $$ Assentx Font: Miscellany Aosentx Five: To Dragon Clan Decks . 100 Deson Clan Character Sheets‘The dojo was a simple room with simple ‘Wooden floors, simple paper panels and nothing ‘more. Sunlight spied into the room, making the floors warm to the touch. The only decoration in the dojo were the words painted on the north wall -with@ spontaneous, almost instinctive style. For as long as she could remember, she would Jook at the words written on the wall and wonder at them. She would sneak in at night and stare at ‘the words a if just by staring she could glean some meaning from them. I wouldn't be until she was nine that she would begin to understand their importance. It was Satsu, her older brother, who frst told her the stor. Sitting inthe dojo, she remembered the cool tones of his voice, the flash of his eyes, and his beautiful movements as he practiced Zenjutsu in the dojo. She remembered how he would open the panels, letting the wind sweep through the room and how it would tickle her skin under her kimono and she would gigale as she watched him fence with the wind. His laughter was sweet and simple and would echo across the mountains that surrounded their home. Together they would look out from the dojo and see al of Rokugan stretched out below them ‘She loved her brother. And she remembered the stories ofthe past he told to her when she was so small he needed to lift her so she could sit in his lap “it was a Jong time ago, my sister” he would begin. “When all the workd was young” “Even the mountains?” she asked. “Yes, even the mountains. So young that they ‘were short and squat, and not tall and noble as they are today. And it was inthis time thatthe fist Emperor and his brothers and sisters were at ‘war with the dark one who lurks under the world” She modded and did not speak the name she ‘knew she was forbidden to speak. “And the armies ofthe dark brother marched across the world, killing all who stood in their path. The frst Emperor was lst. His brother was using magic he did not understand. Even noble ‘Akodo and wise Shiba could not advise him” “What did he do, Saisu?” she asked, “He decided he would face his dark brother alone, Akodo forbade the Emperor to do so. ‘That 1s my duty he sal. But the Emperor refused and set out 10 face the dark brother on his own, knowing half in his heart that he could not succeed” She gasped and closed her eyes laid to see what would happen next Satsu smiled and continued, “But before he could leave, a man dressed in a simple kimono, @ wide hat and a long staff approached him and bowed low. Tam Shinse’ he said tothe Emperoe” She laughed and clapped, for she had. heard many stories of clever Shinsei and was quite fond of tales of the funny litle man, “What do you have to bring the Emperor, tle man?’ asked Akodo. “Only wisdom,’ answered Shinsei “Well, then. Let us see your wisdom’ said ‘Akodo and he stepped forward, drawing his sword...” “Let us see what you've learned” said her ‘sensei as he entered the dojo with a boken in his hand, Her concentration was broken and the memory faded into the background as her ror ie Lacon‘ining took the forefront of her attention. She sk into her hand the wooden sword lying to her rghit and drew the shorter boken from her obi sense did the same, hoose a stance,” he told her. She remained sil, with both arms relaxed and at her sides. Her sensei did the same. ‘She met his gaze, then let her own stay there. She was not aware of time. She remained in ber stance as the morning sun crept across the ‘She felt the wind pas through the room, cool mm its passage across the snow-capped ‘sountains, and heard a stream trickling over smooth stones as it made its way down into the lands of the Lion, but neither wind nor water disturbed her focus Then, a small sparrow swooped through an open panel of the room and both samurai moved 8y the time the sparrow lft the room, fv strikes bad been made. When it was gone, she stood with ber boken against her senses throat. His own at his feet. His shorter boken was ted up in kimono, Her shorter boken was pointed is belly oped away, bowed and sat back down, blade in her obi and her long She set her focus back on the swonts bein ber sensei and remembered. ~The defeated Akodo rubbed the bruise on bis neck as he listened to the little man’s words. Ail about him, the Children of Sun and Moon also siened, but Shinser’s words were directed at the snperor Haniel As he spoke, the Emperor and his brothers sod sisters asked questions. Shinsei answered a, but more often than not his answers only fed to more questions. “The only one who was silent was the one whom Shinsei called “Togeshi? What his name was before this I do not know, and I doubt anyone ise knows. Togashi listened quietly, showing no a of understanding, or even of interest. But Shinjo asked a question and when Shinsei ~ered, Togashi stood. All of his brothers and sisters were startled by Togashis sudden action, but Shinsei was not He watched Togashi look at him, and then watched him walk away into the forest. “Ashe walked, two men followed. Their names ‘were Mirumoto and Agasha, and they were loyal to Togashi. When they found him alone in the forest, he told them to stay back, When they asked him why he said 1 will not move until 1 understand? “Mirumoto looked at Agasha and the two were perplexed. ‘My lord’ asked Mirumoto, ‘What do you mean?” “L mean what L say! replied Togashi. “Despite their pleas, Togas refused to move, or eat, or drink. Mirumoto and Agasha tried to bring him food and sake, bt he did not move. “Nine days passed this way, withthe sun rising and setting and Togashi motionless in the center of a circle of food and drink. Mirumoto and ‘Agasha begged Shinsei to speak to Togashi, to convince him to eat or drink, but Shinsei shook his head and sad, ‘When the student is ready the teacher i there’ “On the morning of the tenth day, Togashi could barely speak. His body was dying and his ‘mind was dim. His vision was dowded with shadows, but he saw a lite man step tothe edge of the circle and kneel beside it, Togashi recognized the little man, and Togashi told him, will nt move until | understand? “Shins smiled and nodded. Neither wil he said and he stepped over the food and drink and sat down in the circle next to Togashi. “Togashis. murky eyes filled with ‘astonishment and then, his dry lips smiled. He nodded and a nightingale flew into the cide as well carrying a branch from a plum blossom tre. ‘Togashi ate the sweet fruit from the branch and together, he and Shinset ate the food that She smelled the foo that surrounded her, but she didnot each toward it Instead, her mind reached toward the words on the wall, trying to grasp them, Every moment she thought they werewithin her reach, they slipped away and taunted her with their prize ‘The crimson glow of the setting sun filed the room and her skin felt its warmth and the cool promise ofthe night wind that was beginning to build from the east Another day without an answer, Her stomach grumbled, her parched lips yearned for the sake before her and her ankles begged for release. She binked away a bead of sweat that fell into her eye and she felt a curse build in her throat, but she never let her gaze waver from the words. ‘At her knees a single piece of parchment, a pen and an ink well waited for her. They would be expecting her answer by the time the sun had set and she had nothing She blinked again, and her mind wandered {nto another memory. She tried to move away from it, to remain focused on the words, but it ‘ripped her mind and would not let go. She felt the emotion stir in her belly, replacing the hunger, and she blinked again, but this time, it was t0 drive away the tears. His blood fll onto the floor making the sound ‘of spilled soup. He dropped to one knee, his sword dropped tothe floor. She heard her mother gasp, but her father was silent, Satsu looked up, saw her fear in her eyes, and ‘managed to puta smile on his pain-wracked lips before the ttsubo crashed into his face and trickles of blood sprayed into er eyes. “FOUL! her father cried, his voice croaking in his throat. Her mother tried to cover her eyes, but she pulled away. She saw Sats's body twitch ‘once as it writhed onthe floor and the remainder of his life fled from his flesh, ‘The gray-clad samurai lashed a look at her father and lowered his blood-stained tetsubo, His ‘yes narrowed and he growled, "Do you have something to say on the matter, old man?” Her father said nothing. Her mother seid nothing. She could only watch, “Tognshi Satsu is dead” the samurai cried. “The matter is at an end. His wife's claims are Invalid. She is a liar, no better than the Scorpion scum who spread the rumor in the first place” ‘The Crab smiled “Are there any others who wish to dispute my word?” ‘The court of the Bayushi family was silent. She looked for a samura to step forward, to defend her brothers wif, but there was no-one. ‘She stood up, shrugged off her mothers grasping hands and stepped forward. The Crab didnot see her eros the courtroom until he heard her lit her brother’ sword, Then he turned and looked down at hee. “What is this” he said, asking withthe voice a despondent father uses with his child ‘She pointed the sword atthe Crab and waited, ‘The Crab smacked the blade aside and down, knocking it from her grip. She heard her mother scream, but she neve let her gaze move from the ‘blood soaked Crab. He raised his ttsubo over her head and let it rest onthe top of her skul. He leaned down to get a etter look at her and she spit into his eye. She felt the entire courtroom gasp and hold its breath. ‘The samurai’ fist gripped the ttsubo as his other hand wiped the spite from his fae. He smiled and chuckled. “T.won't kil you now, litle one” he said as he stepped backwards. “But you will remember that could have" ‘She stood perfectly still as she watched him leave the cour, and watched his entourage leave ‘with him. Then she looked down at her brother's body and saw what the ttsubo had done to is face. His sweet, kind, gentle, laughing face, ‘A swift dark wind consumed her and she fel. faling Tm falling... She awoke usin tme to catch herselé. Ling her weary head away fom te paneled flor, she blinked to clear the sleep from her eyes Then, she Jooked atthe sunt was nearly gone from the sky. ‘She looked atthe word then her gaze lashed to the empty paper. “Salsu” she whispered. “Help me, Satsu”The night air was cold, but her cheeks were Te last drops of sunlight were falling away. She looked at the words, looked back down at ank paper, picked up the pen and wrote. Truth’ path is a sord ‘The blade cuts my palms and heels Sul Tail not fall She dropped the pen and drops of ink cssered across the words. The last shat of light ved away under the horizon. She felt a hand = ber shoulder and she spun about... but were only shadows behind her. Daughter?” She spun about again, seeing her father jing in the doorway of the dojo. Standing beside im was her sensei. He stepped forward sd picked up the paper. All three of them were 25 he looked over the words. She felt pation filling her belly, dlling the pain in + ankles The sensei looked up from the paper fo her ssid. “You are my pupil no longer” He passed = paper to her father and lft them alone in the ber read the words then looked at her me sn again, Se spoke no words. His eyes told her. “My daughter” he said som” she said, her voice echoing off the = walls. “My name is Hitomi” icone to the frst in our Way ofthe Clans Way of the Dragon is. a sourcebook 4 help a Game Master flesh out his own okugan’s most mysterious Clan. The ce enigmatic, distant and recusive, but =ssee. Anonymity isa powerful weapon. AS sos: sai “You cannot defeat what you do not aorand” ow To Ust Tus Book Fest off, we do not intend this to be the “final regarding the Dragon Clan. AS usual, the cer always has the final authority over = of hs game If his vision of the Dragon doessit match with ours, expect some differences between what you find in here and what you find on the roa. ‘The first chapter contains anecdotes about the Dragon Clan, showing you just how they handle themselves around the other Clans, giving you a feel forthe Dragon philosophy, ‘The second chapter contains information and history about the different families ofthe Dragon Clan, including background on the Togashi and Kitsuki family ‘The third chapter contains all the rules you will ned to create & Dragon character, including rules for creating the Ise zumi and the Kitsuki magistrates. ‘The fourth chapter details the most important Dragons (other than Dragon player characters, of course, incuding thir Traits and Skil The fifth chapter lists five ready-to-play characters. All you have to do is photocopy the character sheet out of the book, and youre ready ogo. Lasily, we've Induded @ whole bunch of information on dragons (the creatures, not the Clan}, unarmed combat (kazedo) and the items and spells unique tothe Dragon Clan. We have deliberately stayed away from creating any kind of “family tre” for the Dragon Clan. Its hard to fit characters into a preset ancestry, s0 weve instead given the GM fre reign to create his own ancestral trees. We have, however, included many famous Dragons in the sidebars throughout this book. If one of them strikes your faney, you can purchase im or her as an ancestor forthe listed Character Points. For a thousand years, the Dragon have remained hidden behind their great walls atop their mighty mountains. Their secrets are only secrets 10 those who are unwilling to challenge the Great Climb, 1 know a secret path up the mountain, Are you ready? Then lets go,HI Mil, 7 oan | A. sill 9 | j (us | Ma . i med ‘Tt"Son oF THUNDER eft behind his ‘son, Hojasu, to tinue his tration. Fojasu went on ‘one ofthe most LE ‘What follows are short essays from the other Clans on their experiences with the Dragon Clan, Pay close attention to the identity of each of the speakers, for it is always important to know Which veil you are looking through A TREATISE ON THE MYSTERIOUS NATURE OF THE DRraGon Cian by Isawa KaeDE, ADEPT oF VoID You have asked me to tell you of my three ‘months with the Dragon Clan. I can only say that have Tess understanding of the Dragon than when [first began to climb the long road that winds up to their mountain passes. | will not ‘blunt the purpose of this paper with minutia, ut speak directly on my observations. T held many conversations with the shugenja of the Agasha family, and they may be best summed up with the single conversation I had with Agasha Tamor.It was a dark night, a cold hight, yet somehow felts if droplets of summer sunshine were always upon me. 1 could only assume it was some sort of elemental effect, but I could not see nor sens its origin. ‘We drank and ate as a wild wind whipped ‘outside the warm chamber. 1 was asking ‘questions and Tamori was giving answers. Lknew ofthe Togashi and Shinse story, soI began there. “T understand there are many interpretations ofthe tal” I said “Yes” he answered | waited for him to continue, but apparently he needed some prodding “Wel, what do you think ofthe ston? “Shinset only speaks three words fo Togash, and what I think fe meant is not important ‘Togashi knows what he meant” I raised an eyebrow at him. ‘Did he?” Tamonis nod was somber. “Yes” I sipped more sake and resumed. “If you have no thoughts onthe story, what ae the thoughts of your kinsmen?” “Their thoughts are thelr own. Speaking for another man is the same as speaking a lie” “1 se" I sald and tried a different tactic. "What of the collected volume of Shinsets wisdom? Do you use it in your lessons with your students?” "We prescribe no path to our students. We let them choose their own.” [knew that speaking with Dragons was like walking through a maz, but al 1 could find were dead ends. I learned much about mazes when I was a girl, and I decided to attack this maze the same way. [would solve it from the inside out “You spent a winter with us two years ago, ‘amor. What do you think of our Phoenix training methods?” “The student will aways rise tothe teachers level of expectation” he said and sipped more sake. “What do you expect of your own students?” *Only what they are capable of” he sid and slipped a slice of pickled cucumber onto his chopsticks. 1 fought down a grow! of frustration, If 1 allowed him that, 1 would lose all hopes of ‘ining his confidence. fet he was testing me in some way, and that I was doing poorly. I decided to try again “Tamorisan” I sald in a very level ton, “You spent those winter months with ws, and you were avery gracious guest. | hope we were gracious hosts” “fos. Yes you were” “Did you Tearn anything while you stayed with “Yes Yes I did” “What did you learn?” For the first time, I caught a glimpse ofa smile ‘on his ips ashe answered me. “Patience.” he said and swallowed the cucumber, ‘That singular dinner conversation speaks much of my three months with the Dragons. However, what is truly dificult to articulate with=xsy tool of words are the lessons I learned to mind, [was watching tattooed man = = name I never managed to learn - slanding -ige, looking down atthe mountain range w= below us. id not want to disturb him, so sssched him from afar 1 watched his perfect his perfet posture, his perfect stillness. His istened inthe light, and many times 1 had sk my eyes, for I could swear I saw the < dragon that cept actos his back shift in Saddenly, he called to me. Without moving a sssscie he called to me and asked me to join him te ledge. 1 moved forward, wrapping my sono about me to keep out the chilly wind. He ssid and | saw the tattoos on his face stretch re the Phoenix?” he said. ve have come to understand our ways” sodided. “As best as I can” He looked away from the ledge and looked at ‘me. "You cannot understand us. You will never understand us His words were not cruel. They were spoken ‘with a hint of sadness “You cannot understand us. until you have been where we have been. Until you are willing to-go where we go” Tasked him, “And where have you been?” His smile never faltered, “t cannot tell you any ‘more than you can tll me where you have been. You could tell me the names and the places, but can you tell me the tastes? Can you tell me the sweet scents? Can you tell me the fear, the exhilaration, the pain, the joy, the anguish? Can you truly?” | only blinked. “No, I suppose I cannot” He shook his head. “No, Not unless you lived It yourself You cannot tell me. Not any more than can tll you T nodded. “Then | suppose you cannot tell me where you are going?”the Clans have regarding the Ise smay be tue As long 2s they thelr mountain do I care of the He shook his head. "No, I cannot tell you Suddenly, his eyes began to gleam with a mad laughter and his grin turned into a wide, toothy smile. “But I can show you" ‘And with that he leapt out into the ai nd fll 1 screamed and ran to the edge and saw him plummet into the mists that twirled about the ‘mountain tops, All the while that he fll, {heard his laughter, echoing off the mountainsides, and his voice calling out my name, urging me to follow FROM THE JOURNALS OF MATSU CHino10 have often heard ofthe enigmatic nature of Dragons, but now I know there is truth in saying that no path can be understood nti itis wake. 1 was in the dojo of my sensei when fist saw him. The doors were open, anda warm wind was spiling through. He stepped up to the door, removed his shoes, bowed and entered. My sense stood, tare from hs students and met him with a bow lower than any I have seen him give any on. Kind words passed between them ~ kind, genuine words, I should say. do not wish to insinuate my sensei has the tongue ofa Sompion) Then, my sensei turned to me. “This is Mirumoto Hats.” he sid “I could never teach you what e wil teach you today, even i had fone hundred years to doit” [elt a pang of uncertainty fil my belly, but 1 sent it away with a thought. il your mind with bushido {remained Kneeling and bowed to my instructor forthe day. He bowed as well. Then, he motioned for me to stand and we began. “Show me your stan” he tod me took a deep breath and fll nto poston. He nodded and walked toward me, eyeing my bearing. He walked all the way around, his judicious gaze never leaving me. Then, he stood next to my sensei and called “Matte” and 1 relaxed as he commanded. He modded and turned to my sensei “He knows discipline” My sensei nodded. Then, the Dragon said, “Show me your stance” TTodded and fell into and el tothe floor with my ip broken. ‘The Dragon stood over me, his katana half pulled from its saya. was so concerned wit falling into the proper position that I never saw him move. He put his katana back into its saya and Heap to ry feet. “Your pride put you onthe floor” he said. “Lam glad it does not keep you there” looked at my sensei and saw something fash in his eye. Perhaps it was recognition, I do not know. Pethaps he had been where I was just then, ‘on the flor with a broken lp and a bruised sense of pride I looked back at the Dragon and said nothing, “Your mistake was in showing me something you had shown me before” he said. “Never show your opponent the same thing twice. I you do, you are lost” nodded and bowed to him, and for some reason, he bowed lower to me. “May glory follow your footsteps, young Lion” He turned and walked to the door. Then, he paused without turning and said, “twill warn my students about you" +e was gone, and my sensei was smiling 1 will warn my students about you 1 guess it was a kind of compliment. The closest thing a Dragon can come toa compliment, perhaps. Perhaps. From Kaxita Ryoxu's Famous NOVEL, WINTER and then there was the Dragon diplomat, standing in the corner like the mountains of his ‘ancestry: stoic, alone and unapproachable. 1, of ‘course, would not allow it 1 disengaged myself from my entirely boring company of Lions and Crabs and paraded myself toward the solitary Dragon. “You look so lonely, Kitsuk-an,"I said to im “Do the mountains lok so lonely, Madame?” he answered. Engaging conversation at lat! This was going to prove to be worthwhile. “Sometimes,” | answered. “Sometimes 1 look ‘out and see the distant mountains, and they look 0 cold. I sing to them sometimes, to let them ‘know see them and I care” “Is compassion such a worthless virtue to throw it away on a mountain?” he asked, “Certainly not” 1 answered, letting my voice carry a litle further than our litle corner, to let others know that we had engaged in what proved to be the conversation of the evening. “Why. i it not true that every mountain has a soul? Every tree, every forest every stream? Compassion ‘cannot be wasted, even if itis not reciprocated” I let my voice turn a itl tender atthe end there, ete erancx the gist of my meaning. without offense ceares were unchanged. “You tll me that ver wasted, and I ask you, what saht about by kissing pigs?” = sme, we had gathered a small erowd, se hear mufled laughter behind the fans ses Sveced their ips. “Why, Ktsuk-san, surely equating youre toa swine™ he answered “Are you?” 4 (a talent 1 learned from a rather see Sorpon), “Certainly not. You ae far from Se essed his arms. ‘What am I then?” ‘semen of anticipation swept over the room all waited for my answet.I smiled. “You = bearing ofa mountain, Kitsukisan” ‘Col and lonely, then?” he said cny face behind my own fan, A you are teasing me” we blame, the trapper for setting the Se fox for steping into" 1 had him! 1 knew that story, and 1 knew the right answer “The trapper” I said. “For the fox does not know the nature ofthe trap” “Even when itis disguised as a mountain,” he said ‘There was a slight breeze then, and they all turned to see who had entered the hall heard Someone mention the name, and I bowed 0 the Dragon. “Iam sorry I must leave you now, Kitsuksan. I must go and greet my new guest” He returned my bow. “Certainly, Kakitasan. And keep your eyes open for snares pretending 10 bbe mountains” | smiled and bowed again and silently vowed never to invite a Dragon to my winter court again. Children o¢ Togastn The Glan of the" Dragon “are unique in Rokugan, in that, they are not truly a Clan (inthe Rokugani sense of the word) All of the other Gans can trace their ancestry back to a single Kami (and his or her followers, but the samurai eee et Ete Lov Mae Ke LIP ACONof the Dragon Clan_ cannot ‘Their founder Togashi ~ did not establish a bloodline, Those who bear the Togas name are members of a monastic order founded by Togashi one thousand years ago. When. a samurai fakes the “Togeshi” me, he drops the name he as born with o show he is no longer the man he once was. He is now a Togashi, an Ise “zumi, a Tattooed Man. ‘The other two families - the Agasha and Mirumoto derive their names from the two Samural who served Togashi unt his death, Agasha was a highly skilled. shugenja- who was one ofthe first to se the connections between Shinsels wisdom and the religion of the Seven Fortunes, and Mirumoto was Togashi’s_yojimbo (bodyguard) and founder ofthe two-sword style the Dragon samurai are famous for. The recenty-established —itsuki family is an offshoot of the Agasha. Over & thousand years, the roles of the families have developed. The Agasha family are now responsible for Keeping the knowledge tathered by the Dragon Clan while the members of the Kisukt family (a branch ofthe ‘Agasha) act as the diplomats for the Dragon. The Mirumoto, on the other hand, are responsible for the defense and security ofthe mountain keeps of the Clan, The Togashi “family” follow thelr own private edicts that are so cryptic, that often times, not even the: Agasha or Mirumoto can explain them. AFTER THE FALL When the Children of Sun ‘and Moon. (kam) fell to the SESE een Enacxxth, they exased being divine, but were sill jzeater than mortal men. They found humanity in ss crude, barbaric state and began educating it in se ways of culture. Each ofthe Children attracted ‘numberof followers (the mortals knew divinity sven they saw 1), but Togashl wanted no one to slow him. After his lesson with Shinsc, he let his brothers and sisters behind to retreat into the ‘mountains where he could be alone. His quest, however, would prove tobe in vain ‘wo men followed him into the mountains and ound him high inthe windswept peaks. Together, he three of them uit a temple to Amaterasu and a caste to protect it They remained therefor ‘many years, but word of their temple grew, and ‘many risked the treacherous lls to find it. When asked why they sought out the temple, many would respond, 1 dont know. I just have to find it Slowly, Togashi's followers began to multiply and the castle grew. Soon, Togashis followers numbered in the hundreds, all seeking. the wisdom of the reclusive kami. Mirumoto took to ‘raining those who showed promise inthe way of he sword, while Agasha trained those who ‘owed insight in the ways of the Elements and the Fortunes. Then there were others who heard a different call altogether, and they went to Togashi himself They were tested by him personally, and those who passed the initiation rite became part of his own elite guard: the se zum. ToGasu's THUNDER Eight men and women followed Shinset into the Shadowlands, and Mirumoto was one of them. When Shinsel told Hantet that mortal men and women must follow him, Mirumoto was the second to step forward, a halfstep behind the Lion Thunder, None of Mirumoto's fellow Dragons questioned his claim, ‘Mirumoto was the founder of a unique syle of kenjutsu. Instead of using a katana, Mirumoto ‘would use both his katana and wakizashi. He was recorded a saying “ have two swords in my belt, ‘why should I let one of them rest?” ‘More on Mirumoto's philasophy and style can be found in Chapter Two. THE MIRUMOTO AND AGASHA When the news of Fu Lengs defeat reached ‘Togasi, he took those who had chosen to follow him and went into the mountains far above Rokugan. He was not interested in polities or ter Cer elie Eo Vat LOGO courlly life, only a quiet life of contemplation. Those who followed him also sought a life of tranquility and introspection, The two most notable followers of Togashi were Agasha and Mirumoto Yojito, the son ofthe Dragon Thunder ‘While in the mountains, Agasha established schools, shrines and temples while Yojro was concerned with maintaining their security. The two worked closely together, each learning much of the ways of the other. Over the year, a fast friendship grew between the bushi and shugenja. Mirumoto encouraged his bushi to watch and learn from Agasha’s students and Agasha did the same ‘This practice continued, even after the deaths of the founders of the two schools, Mirumoto bushi - while notable to cast magic ~ are highly attuned to the Five Elements, and Agasha shugenja - while not bushi ~ understand the basis of tactics and strategy. Tue Ise Zum There is no real Togashi “family” The first ‘Togashi never married and, as far as the rest of Rokugan is concerned, had no children. However, many of the samurai and shugenja who climbed the mountains to join his mountain retreat ~ rather than joining the shugenja or bushi schools ~ choose to shave their heads and seek the deep teachings of Togashi himself, Of the many thousands who have sought TogashtS teachings, ‘only @ handful have proven themselves worthy. ‘Those who do are known as the “Ise zum” a strange and bizarre monastic order that even the most esoteric shugenja do not dare to claim 10 understand. A storytellers bag is filled with tales of Jse zumi They are said to leap over horses, breathe fir, spit streams of venom and even take ‘on the aspect ofthe elements themselves. Its easy to pick out an Ise zumi They rarely wear anything more than the most simple ‘garments, shave their heads clean and cover their skin in elaborate tattoos. They speak in cryptic riddles and maxims, often quoting directly from The Tao of Shinseia Two ij the Families of | the Dragon“What is the deepest truth?* the Emperor asked Shinset Shinsei smiled and said, “Everything 1 have taught you is wrong” ‘The four families of the Dragon Clan ~ the ‘Togashi, the Mirumoto, the Agssha and the Kitsuki - are all very unique and distinct from both themselves and the rest of the Empie. In actuality, the Togashi are not a “family” but an ascetic order. Togasht Yokuni is technically the daimyo of the Clan, but all the Clans defenses are maintained by the Mirumoto while the Clan's magistrates are almost exclusively from the tsuki family The Dragons have never attacked another ‘Clan, Only one general has ever tried to storm the Dragon provinces. Dragon armies ative at battles ‘unannounced and uninvited. Their magistrates rely on evidence rather than testimony. A Dragon daimyo has not been seen in any court for over five hundred years. There are legends of their ‘mysterious order of tattooed men drinking blood and flying across the mountaintops. Those who hhave visited Togashi palace cannot agree on its location or appearance Like their namesake, the Dragon are the most mysterious and misunderstood Clan. But it cannot be sai that its not their own fault, In this chapter, we will look at each of the families of the Dragon. We will discuss their history, philosophy and current situation, as well as a reveal a few secrets It is important to remember that if any “truths” revealed here contradic other “ruth” itis only because the Dragon ae a Clan of contradictions. ‘The Togashi are the most reclusive family in a ‘Clan noted for its remoteness. Decades can pass ‘without the rest ofthe Empire even hearing about ‘a member ofthe Togashi family. Why are they so ceremitic? Lets take a look and find out. ToGas's SECRET “They've locked themselves up there or one thousand years.I do not care what anyone tells me, they are up to something ..” — anonymous Scorpion For a millennium, the Togashi family has remained within their mountain homestead, isolated from the entire Empire. Occasionally, an Ise zum or two will make themselves known to Rokugan, but for the most part, the Togashi keep to themselves, leting Rokugan’s history pass them by. But everyone has at least one secret, and the ‘Togashi are no exception. And this secret involves a Scorpion, a tragic love afiair and the first ‘Togas ‘Two hundred yeas aftr the first Hantei sat on the Emerald Throne, the Scorpion spy network put its mind to discovering as much as it could about the mountain retreats ofthe Dragon Clan. Bayushi Oshiso, the contemporary daimyo of the Clan, sent his daughter to discover as much as she could about the Togashi family. She bowed to her father and lord, stepped into the shadows and did not return for seven years. ‘When she did return, her night black hair bore streaks of white and her eyes were blind, but she had Togashis secret. She told Osho the secret, ‘and the Scorpion’ face went pale. She had discovered that the first Togashi was stl alive. tnmS 4 i a 9 Tashi Kuzejit, the man reported tobe the on Clan daimyo, was in fat the frst Togashi Wen he asked how she discovered this, she ~sed os, ut she dd tll her father tha she return to Togashi castle as soon as possible was pregnant with his child A frst, her father refused to lt her go, but he a realized that he had no choice As he bed his daughter walk away, he wondered if would ever se her again. fe never did. er sinoe that day, the Seopion have held a contempt for the Togas family. For eight ected years, they have been armed with the wedge that the first Togas is til aliv, and have been unable to act on it Also, the pion know there is - somewhere in the agon fortresses ~ a hid of both Dragon and The Bayushi family has heard rumors ‘Dragon-Man” that lives in the hidden halls ashi castle and wonders The current daimyo ofthe Dragon Clan is the oi Togashi, fallen from the sky, starved for ten ys and founder of the Clan one thousand years As he watches the end of a thousand years ing toward Rokugan, he knows that a time of testing is coming. The naga faced it and they fell into their deep sleep. Mankind will face it soon, as well. Togashi knows that mankind will be tested, and he is ready. More information on “Togashi Yokuni’ ashe is curently known, can be found in Chapter 4 ~ Who's Who in the Dragon Clan, Tocasni CastLe All maps show a road that leads from Shiro Kitsuki to Shiro Togashi, but in actuality, the road only climbs a few miles west, then ends abruptly. There are rumors of a hidden path, but they are only rumors. There is no true path to Togashi castle, One must make his own path. Those who have found their way to the castle, however, seem to have no trouble finding it again Further rumors claim that the castle is not entirely of this world, that it also has roots in the spirit world. This may be true. Travelers to the known (o have it in sight, then ssing mist. Even more mysterious are the differing accounts of its appearance. Some say it is carved out of the side of a mountain ‘Others say itis located at the bottom of a ravine, surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. Some AES Oe tiie eraile tht nigh hen speculate that the castle is, infact, many castles, and itis only the fact that so many approach it from so many different angles that there are so ‘many divergent accounts ofits appearance. At any one time, Togashi caste can have as few as two hundred Ise zum and as many as four hundred. THe Ascetic AND THE WoRLDLY Within the ise zumi order ~ almost ll the ‘monastic orders in Rokugan, for that matter ~ there are two “cults of belief: the ascetic and the worldly ‘The ascetic monk believes that he can only reach enlightenment by separating himself from worldly temptations. He isolates himself from the world, eats only the simplest foods (usually a bland grue), and spends his entire day meditating away earthly temptations. This way, his mind is cccupied with only metaphysical matters, and his thoughis are not “weighed down” by worldly concerns. ‘The worldly monk, on the other hand, believes thatthe only way to conquer temptation isto face it Those who follow this philosophy climb down from the high mountains and spend many years in the wicked world, eneountering and defeating the lure of temptation. : Viistory yas ly the eet Tats 2 = Anonymous ise Zam Like everything else, the Togashi have a unique perspective on history ‘As fr as the Togashi are concerned, there is no such thing a history, only the living moment. Al that an Ise zumi knows exiss in the moment. Eyer have @ memory that you've completely forgotten suddenly spring to mind? That’ the ‘way the Togashi view history. There is no history, ‘only moments that have been remembered and forgotten, ‘This makes recording the history of the ‘Togashi family abit troublesome. ‘There are no written records in the Togashi libraries. There are no written lineages. Technically, fe zum have no ancestors, but they do maintain contact with Togashis of the past Needless to say, an important part of the training of an Ise zumt is his memory A Day wh THE Lire oF AN Ise Zum ‘As mentioned elsewhere, the Togashi are less of a family and more of an order. Within their hidden hall, there are no servants tending tothe daily needs of the stronghold, only the monks. An ‘se zunis ie is strict and regimented. Every day, his schedule is as regular asthe seasons. ‘se zum sully rise atthe beginning ofthe hour of the Hare (6 asp. They eat breakfast together ina great hall until 6 am From 6 aM until 8 ant they exercise. When they are done, they separate into groups to perform repair and maintenance on the castle until noon. At that time, they eat a small lunch and retire to their individual daily tasks. Some monks tend to the stone gardens, others play go or shogi Many of these later hours are devoted to deep meditation. ‘At5 pu there i a final communal mea, After the ‘meal, from 6 Px, to 8 vt, there is another round of vigorous exercise, then a bath and sleep at 9p Itis— by a samurai account a rather boring, humdrum life. The Togashi castle has never been besieged, and there is litle chance of an army being able to assault it In fact, entire generations of Rokugant live out their lives without seeing an ‘se zum. Only during their tangyu (wandering) do they travel down and around Rokugan Were Tuere Is No Parn tis said there isa path that leads to Togas castle. ‘That i a lie Sot of ‘There is no path, at least a path that others may follow. The path that is listed on the Rokugan map ends in a thick bramble patch halfway up the mountain, Those who wish to reach Togashi castle must make their own path. ‘This symbolizes an important truth in Togashis philosophy: you must make your own path in the world. You cannot follow the paths of others, for ‘that is jut following another's shadow. A samurai ‘who wishes to understand the deepest truths must make his own path. Those who do will reach enlightenment. Those who do not... well, they don't They must craw through. brambles, thistles and all sorts of nastiness to reach Togashi castle. The Togash feel that those that give up ‘were never meant to make the climb inthe fist place.Tue First Step You cannot forget to breathe for it i in your deepest mind, beyond where pereption can touch it Act from your deepest mind tohen you do even the simplest things, and you wil find the secrets of the universe aren't so secret after al Its sad that path to enlightenment has only three steps (ee nearby side-ba) Each step is sid to “kill” an aspect of the student’ self, This is not an actual physical death, but a spiritual one ‘When the future se zumi climbs tothe top of the mountain and reaches Togashi cate, he has been torn to pieces by the thick brambles and thorn that he has had to climb through. This act symbolizes a kind of “tearing away” ofthe lsh, meaning that the student must lave behind everthing he has learned atthe bottom of the ‘mountain inorder to gain what he seeks at the top ofthe mountain, “The first step kills your parents” means that the student must leave behind everything that he The fist step kills paren The second falls me. The thi sural. Are you ral tht path?” ‘The stud asked, “What i trath?™ ‘The teacher No mater what will be aie™ pot aprer EWOrer te Latics Ur te SMO‘Many payers are asking themseves that question, ‘The answer isnot an ey one. ‘here have been 1 of non Togashi a ttio from the (lan but they are ‘extremely rare yl notice that the arate wishes to tatoo thas up the Master Ia player ‘an get a Kharmic ins) 1 a Dragon probably your Particular GMS ean Sealy buy the tatoo. (Rts 12.CPs fora nor ‘Togshi to buy has learned to be true from his family life. When the student reaches the top of the mountain, his name is let behind. He takes a new name, a name that reflects his new spiritual quest. Once he has left behind his family heritage, the student now begins his study atthe “Togas school. He reads and ponders the Tao of Shins, stuies the Fortunes and undergoes rigorous (Gomelimes torturous) physical training. Tue Seconp Step You cannot tly “follow” no-path, for ‘you are walking there no man has ever walked before. If you are following another’ footsteps, you are walking down the wrong path. Only by making your own way, by going where no other has gone before, can you find enlightenment. ‘The second step toward enlightenment comes at his gempukku. The Ise cum tains his first tattoos and he is expected to go out into the world and experience its truth with his new eyes. Tis is called the “killing the teacher” for now the Ise zumi must continue his own path, raking the lessons of the teacher his Again, this step follows the “no-path” philosophy. A true secker of enlightenment cannot follow the path of his teacher, he must make his own path, following his own heart and making his own perceptions. As many teachers have told their students, “L cannot tell you where the road to enlightenment ends, but Lean show you where it begins” Tue Last Step To kill yourself isthe final step. Live Iie as a child lies life. Watch a child then he paints. Thre is nothing alse in his heart but the desire o paint. Watch a child as he plays with the family hound. ‘There is mo other desir in his heart But to lay with the hound. Tis not even comect to cal it ‘The child paints or plays because that is that is in his heart. To be driven by desire is tobe a slave to emotion. Do not bea slave, be one with your desire, and ‘you will know suck bliss that all the ‘world will be yours and you wil belong to the world Cetie franFinally, the ise zumi learns that all conceived nations are lies. He ears to expect ething, to count on nothing, and to live life ontaneously, one with all the elements. By ling himsel{” he has learned that he has no ‘= He is apart of everything and everything is = part of him. The egoless life isthe final gol; to life sa child ives life: one moment at a time. Tue Fourtn Step “Only cohen you are inthe grave will you have hing more to learn” = The Tao of Shinsei ‘The road to enlightenment has no end It realy as no beginning. If an initiate believes his path ezins at the foothills of the mountain, he is song. Nor did his path begin the day he was bom. His path can be traced through the life of is father, and his father’s father, and so on back the beginning of time. Every step is a step on the road of slightenment. Enlightenment is running race, but all that matters is how far you go, not how ast. Some are even unaware that they are in the and that is sd, for they watch as others run, wondering, “Why are they running when they uld walk?" Or perhaps, those that walk are the zhtened Tue Tattoos ‘The most obvious method of recognting the Togashi is their appearance. Every man and woman in Rokugan knows their visitors origin wsben 2 hairless man tattooed head to foe shows up at their doot. The brotherhood of tattooed men is viewed by the peasanry of Rokugan with a respect that borders on fear ‘When the Ie zumt has proven his worth, he is brought into a secret chamber deep within Togashi castle where he i told the history of the Clan and its great secret. The, the daimyo slices his own wrist and bleeds into a cauldron. This pool of blood is the first component in an ancient ritual that binds the prospective Jse zumt to the Clan, The blood is used to tattoo an image to the samurai an image that will draw itself onto his body. AS the tattoo is burned into his skin, the blood burn his veins his heart and his brain. When the tattoo is finished, the Ise cum often experiences a time of raving madness as the blood rushes through his body. If he is strong enough, his body and mind will be able to join with the blood, making the Ise zumi something nS freater, more powerful, more or possibly even less human. If he is weak, the blood consumes him, his mind breaks and he is Killed. On some ‘occasions, the mad tattooed man escapes and goes on rampage through the castle. Only ‘ccasionally do they escape the mountain range. For a thousand years, the Mirumoto family have protected the Dragon Clan from attack and assassination, While Togashi is technically the daimyo ofthe Clan, the daimyo ofthe Mirumoto family isin charge ofall matters military The Structure of the Mirunoto Famly Because they are the Clans miliary might, the Mirumoto’ structure is much more regimental than the Togashi family. While the Togashi pay Witte attention 10 such things as rank, the Mirummoto find it absolutely necessary to know ‘who stands where inthe socal order. THE RANK AND FILE ‘The daimyo is the leader of the Clan. All follow his orders without question. The only two voices with more authority than his own are the ‘daimyo of the Togashi family and the Emperor (and the Emerald Champion, who i the voie of the Emperor, While the Mirumoto daimyo is only a Family daimyo in. status, he usually performs all the duties of « Clan daimyo. The Togashi daimyo is rarely (fever) seen, and it hes been the tradition ofa thousand years for the Mirumoto to carry out the mundane duties of the Clan to allow the ‘Togashi family to deal with more “sublimetheir starts fev the technique, ad iis-s° While it may seem that this situation is = obvious breeding ground for contempt scoveen the two families, because the Mirumoto ery also gains all the privileges of these +s (taxation among them), ther is litle room omplaint The Mirumoto daimyo's yearly income can be mated to be approximately 20000 koku a He is in command of any ead troops, all of sch are considered to be at his beck and call = personal guard is usually made up of the wing 200 archers 200 spearmen (usually ashigaru) 50 bannermen (also ashigaru) 50 shieldbearers with banners (again, =igara) 500 standing samurai 150 mounted samurai 50 shugenja ‘This isthe Mirumoto daimyo’ personal guard. = other words, these are the soldiers who are ctioned at Mirumoto castle regularly. The Mirumoto daimyo usually has contingents of samurai from other Dragon families at hand as wel (on a “our of duty” as it_ were). These ssmural are usually ona quarterly rotation, replacing samurai from other families. The total sumber of samurai that can be found in Mirumoto castle at any one time usually number between three and five thousand. ‘The current daimyo ofthe Mirumoto family is Mirumoto Hitomi, daughter of Kuojin. When he reached retirement age, his nephew Yukihira prepared to take command, However, Hitomi contested for position of daimyo. A dark cloud had fallen over Kuojin’ spirit since the death of his son, Satsu, and many wonder if the fire of revenge in Hitoms eyes isthe only light he ses these days. Hitomi won the duel, and gained the ancestral sword ofthe family ‘The total sum of the Dragon army amounts to approximately 200,00 fighting men, including ‘CommanD Starr The daimyo 5 rikugunshokan 10 shiretkan Army The Dragon army is divided into approximately 280 “units” A Standard Unit is comprised of approximately 700 men (meking the Dragon army equal about 200,000), Each unit includes: 1 unit commander - usually chu (Rank 4) 5 division commanders - usually gunso (Rank 3 1 unmounted division of 200 men ~ usually ‘hohe Rank 1) 1 cavalry division of 50 men and horses - usually nuda (Rank 2) 1 spear division of 200 spearmen - usually ashigar (peasants, Rank 0) 1 archery division of 200 archers usually Johto mika (Rank 1 oF 2) 1 shield division of 100. shieldmen and bannermen- usually ashigane (peasants, Rank 0) Ranks ‘At the botiom of the Glory ladder are the askigare These are peasants armed with spears and shields who stand at the front of the army. The shields are used to block their own archers from arrow fire. The spears are used to counterattack charging cavalry. ‘Next on the Glory ladder are hohet These are the unproven samurai who will demonstrate their worth in the eoming battle. They fill in the bulk ofthe army, and are usually only used in charges and as archers. Hohet rarely have land or te ‘They earn approximately 5 Koku a year. Gunso are samurai who are usualy in direct command of hohei and nikutai, They are the western equivalent of “sergeants” They are fighting men who have proven themselves and are now the teachers and commanders of the army's newest samural. Gunso rarely hae land or tile, and are sworn to the chui above them. Gunso earn approximately 10 koku a yar. Chui are unit commanders, They are gunso ‘who have proven to have a firm understanding of tactics and strategy. Chui are often rewarded for their command with a small castle where their nit is posted. Cha earn approximately 50 koku Taisa are putin command ofa group of units, ‘They. are usually - but not always ~ sons and daughters of daimyos who are put in command because oftheir rank rather than their experience Taisa will usually have a medium to large castle ‘with many units (one of which is his personal ‘guard) posted at the castle. Taisa earn approximately 100 koku a year. ‘A shireikan is. member of the daimyo’: personal staff, but alow ranking member. He hasa few units of his own as a personal guard along. with a larg castle, He has a numberof tsa under his command, and their units serve as his own personal army. Shireian earn approximately 500 koku yea. ‘The rikugunshokan is the daimyo’s chief military advisor. He is also often the Aaro, but not always. When there is both a rikugumshokan and a karo, there is often great competition between the two of them for the daimyo’s favor. His authority is second only to the daimyo himself in regards o military mates He often holds two or three large castles, each staffed with a shireihan and many units. The rikugunshokan earns approximately 1000 kok a yea. The ee the ‘The history of the Mirumoto family begins ‘with Togashi’ yojimbo (bodyguard). While he was also a cumning tactician, he is remembered for being a brilliant ducist His unique style of swordsmanship utilized both the wakizashi and katana, which was regarded as cowardly and dishonorable by many Crane and Lion samurai. It wasn't until Mirumoto' son Hojatsu refuted their claims with his treatise, Nilen, that other bushi saw the wisdom in his technique. Now Niten is studied by all samurai schools, if only to gain insight into the philosophy of Rokugan’s most enigmatic Clan. Many bushi sill all Nten the ‘coward’ schoo)” however. “Mirumoto passed on his technique to his son ‘who made him promise only to teach it to his children, Hojatsu devoted his entire life to swordplay and his wife gave birth to only one child: a daughter. Hojatsu. arranged for his daughter Ujaniko to marry his most promising student, Kijome. Kijome and Ujaniko kept the Mirumoto family name out of respect for Hojatsu and the Mirumoto family line began in full force. Since that time, there have been many notable Mirumoto duelists and a few generals. They have remained relatively isolated from the rest of Rokugan, but not to the extent of their Togas cousins. The Mirumoto family has made its presence known in Rokugan, especially on the field of bate BATTLE OF THE SLEEPING RiveR ‘Three hundred years ago, the rise of luchiban and his Blood Speakers made every shugenja in Rokugan suddenly take notice. The now-famous Battle at Sleeping River involved Iuchiban’s horde ‘of blood zombies and summoned oni generals. Nearly all the Clans sent armies to do bale with the sorcerer’ army, and the Mirumoto family was ‘no exception. It was the knowledge of the combined shugenja from all the Clans that allowed the samurai armies to defeat the blood zombies and lock away Tuchiban forever. The ‘general ofthe Mirumoto family at that time was Mirumoto Gojanuwan. His shireiRan was Hiamujto, a shugenj from the Agasha family Battie oF THE CHERRY BLossom ‘Snow Lake ‘This battle caused quite a stir inthe Emperor's court The Lion and Scorpion had contested over a small patch of land just south of Beiden Pass. ‘ter political attempts to soothe the problem failed, the two Clans sent out their armies to resolve the situation. The armies engaged, and it looked as if it would be a quick vietory for the Akodo family. However, a sudden cry from the north revealed a hidden camp of Dragon samurai. ‘The Dragons charged on the flank of the Lions forcing them to retreat from the Pas, winning the day for the Scorpion Clan. ‘Many have speculated why the Dragon came to aid the Scorpion at that moment. The truth of the matter lies in the story of Bayushi Oshiro's daughter. The daimyo of the Dragon sent his ‘army to aid the young Scorpions father in his darkest hour in return for his daughter. Barre oF Kyupen Tonso ‘The Dragonily Clan was first formed by a Mirumoto samurai Mirumoto Asiin) and a sawa shugenja (Agasha Maroko). Although Maroko had been plighted to a Lion samurai, the two fell esperately in love, and left behind their respective Clans and responsibilities. Their retainers followed with them, and together, the two created a bushi and shugenja school at the foothills of the Dragon provinces. A jealous romantic rival from the Lion Clan ~ Akodo Yokutsu - saw his opportunity. He brought his army against the tiny settlement, but quickly found himself surrounded by both Dragons and Phoenix bushi, He was not allowed to retreat until he swore he would never cause trouble for the aole again. Since that day, the family of Asinjin 2 Maroko has flown the banner of the -conily, an amalgam that shows their love of 4 devotion to both of thei families. Sect oF THe Great Cums Many years after the Battle of Kyuden Tonbo, odo Yoktsu was offended in the court by a sokt diplomat. The court acknowledged the salt and Yokutsu sought vindication for his loss Donor, He led five legions of Lions against the gon Clan, but carefully avoided the Dragonily seus, lest he break his word to leave the minor lone His attack began at Azasha castle. The umoto family showed up in force, and the ze lasted five days. At the end, the Miruroto flew the flag of truce and Yokutsu claimed = could ony find satisfaction if he were allowed diel the husband of his lost Phoenix love. The ragonfly samurai agreed and the two set their vel at the steps before Agasha caste. Yokutsu led his rival, who never even freed his sword om ts sheath. Yokutsu declared himself the imyo ofthe Dragonfly Clan, but this claim was wifly challenged by Tonbo Kuyuden, the son of ¢ man he just killed. The two faced off for the and Kuyuden slew the boastful Lion, thus s‘ablishing the hateful and undeclared war ~tween the Lion and the Dragonfly Clan, BATTLE OF KENSON GAKKA The Battle of Humility’s Lesson was a major seat forthe Seopion Clan, caused in part by the vival of the Dragon Clan. Once again, neither de invited or expected the arrival of a Dragon ny. This time, the banners ofthe Dragon joined with the banners of te Lion. The battle was over = matter of hours. The Scorpions retreated from ne castle, leaving it behind for the Lion army to sccupy It should be noted that the general of the Dragon army ~ Mirumoto Dehoda — died suddenly and unexpectedly two weeks later. Barrie ar Waite StaG ‘The Battle at While Slag was also the only battle the Dragon fought that also involved the Mantis Clan, A. gaijin army sailed into the Emperor ports bearing rifles and cannons. It ‘ook the combined fores ofthe entire Empire to sain @ victory, and even so. the barbarians occupied White Stag for two weeks before the Clans could drive them away. Since then, the use of guns and cannons has been strilly forbidden in Rokugan. The invasion did, however, bring ‘gunpowder to the Emerald Empire, allowing for naetasseneapeiel mysterious bombings from time to time. Niten AN ESSAY ON THE WAY OF TWO sworps sy MirumoTo HouaTsu (What follows is an excerpt from the famous hhenjutsu treatise by the son of the original Mirumoto, Hojatsu. It is one of two such texts which are held above all others, the second being Kakita’s famous book, The Sword, written contemporaneously with this text. While Hojatsu calls his technique “niten” fwhich means “two swords,” “ttvo heavens,” or “two swords fall from ‘heaven’, it is more commonly referred to as Seis hisancnce oie tatiess fea Speed sack ae Sie cal ee ee pee cts have included the famous “Five Positions” chapter to show Shinsei's profound impact on Rokugan, only a few years ajter his arival. You will find comments regarding each section from Hojatsu’ student, Kijome. Kijome twas also responsible forthe titles ofeach section. Hojatsu’ original document was writen without “sections” or titles, but asa single, continuously running paragraph. Some scholars have claimed Kijomes edit has diluted the text, while others ‘raise him for clarifying the bulky document. AsMirumoto himself could have said, your oun judgment is much more valuable than ours.) Way Tuis ScHoor Is CaLteD THE Two-Sworp ScHoot I have spent many years on the road, and 1 have fought forty-seven duels, and I have never lost. This i because I employ a technique that has 1o anchors to tradition. [employ a technique that teaches movement rather than memorization. My schoo alld mien, for [use both of my swords, not just the katana. Those who ask why do not understand. my thinking. They wil attempt 10 build a house with nails but no hammer Stance Your stance should never change, not from peace or time of war. Natural, natural, natural! ‘The way you stand with a sword in your hand is the same way you stand with a ta eup in your hand. IF you fight as you stand, your stance is aural and you do not need to shift your mind. ‘Kjome’s commentary: The word Mirumoto uses or ‘stance”is"kamae” It means posture and stance, but it has also come to mean school. Oftentimes, a samurai wil say to another, “Show ‘me your kame." and the other wil fall into his stance. From this stance, a perceptive samurai can determine which school his opponent has attended. “Shift your mind” Many schools teach that there is a “martial mind” and a “non-martial mind” Hojatsu’s school did not teach such nonsense If you tain your mind to be always sharp, always ready, while others are “Shiting ‘ther minds,” you are ready and they are dead. ‘Waar You SHow ‘There are two concepts taught by Shinsek: “What you show” and “What you do not show” Strategy is nothing more than knowing how to deceive. Truth isin the killing. Practice showing something different than ‘your intentions Practice as often as you can. Then, ‘when the need arises, you can doit without effort oF concentration. When it is time to draw the sword, your mind should be on nothing else. Hold your swords out of postion, to show your ‘ignorance or vainglory, and anticipate his halt hearted attack SEEING THE SuRFACE Do not be deceived by the surface. Learn to see ‘what you are not meant to se. Watch what your ‘opponent cannot hide from you. Do not look at his eyes. A man can always lie with his eyes. Watch his. shoulders, his belly, his breathing Watch al ofthese. Keep a broad mind. A man can fool you with one, but if your mind is broad, he cannot fool you with all of them, You must practice this diligently, STRIKE FROM THE SPIRIT When you strike, strike from the spirit. ‘Thought is slow. Spirit has no time, no hesitation, Nothing can distract the sprit. Leave the mind behind. Kijome's Commentary: Mirumoto uses the word ku, zohich eam mean many, many things. I ‘can mean “spirit” or “emptiness” or “nothing” (here is a profound difference between “emptiness” and “nothing? Shinsei explained that the spirit exits “where there is nothing” where “‘facton| is unclouded by emotion or thought” He explained that perception (the body) is a veil through which we see the unioerse. The body is imperfect, so our perception is imperfect. But the spr, that which is in contact with the oid, #8 pure, and unclouded by emotion andcit “Seikng from the sir,” then, would == striking cohen perception and emotion are side Ler Him Go By en the enemy charges us with urgency and oat, let him go by. sidestep is quicker than a charge, and puts m2 a position where negotiation means SOWING en the spirit i clear, iis im tune with the ents, in perfect accordance, Then, your true =ption, you will be with mushin, and your ci will be one with all the universe, and you {now your apponent’s every desire Kpome’s Commentary: “Mushin” means “no ugh” or ‘no-mind” When one is of no-mind, ‘pir is free to act without thought. Leave the vd behind for the mind and body are slow. «samara is mushin, he #8 in touch with ‘the elements, in tune with the cosmic order, ‘he kmows his enemy better than his enemy xs hse, for his enemy is sill hindered by wn perceptions. Some call this “kime” or ‘sho: focusing the ki, or life force. Tue River SworD Be like the water, ever flowing with no >ezinning or ending One movement leads to ssothe. The river can flow in all directions at sce. Make your movements like the river, and ou will understand my meaning. Kijome'’s Commentary: “Be like the water” Tere are those who believe a single strike solves the duel. This is not so. What solves the duel comes before the strike. Observe your opponent «and watch kim. Ifyou are certain of every stroke, vou will ever make a mistake, never be caught ft balance and you wil always be victorious. Tue Vintur oF WALKING ‘Many schools teach a “secret stepping technique” T have no secret technique. It is as 1 have said, in my school, all movement is natura. Tue Five Positions ‘There are five positions, one for each of the clements. All postions are an opportnity to cut When you take a position, allow your sword to meet your opponents, and use his own ‘momentum as your own Every moment, there is an opportunity to strike. wT laper PMO rie Lames ie en ‘The First Position ‘The sword falls easily at your belly with its tip Pointed at your opponents throat. The legs are spread comfortably and firmly. Both feet are flat s0 you may move when you wish, Never move ‘when you must, only when you wish. The short ‘sword is at your sie, resting easily. Your enemy’s confidence will be put asunder by your casual confidence. ‘The Second Postion ‘The sword is lifted high and falls down upon your opponent. Many think the strength of their arms is what cuts. They are wrong. The sword cuts. The wrists cu. Neverthe arms. The second sword is sideways across the chest to intercept the enemys cu, then swing about using the speed of his cut Kijome's Commentary: using the speed of his cut” Ride your blade along the blade of the ‘enemy while he cuts, and you wil feel this. His speed can be your speed. ‘The Third Position ‘The sword is low and against the lft leg. As the opponent strikes, we raise our sword and et his arms fall into its bite while we step aside, The ‘opponent cuts. We step aside, The Fourth Position ‘The sword is low and against the right leg. AS the opponent strikes, we move as if we are dedicated to the Third Position, He will guard appropriately, and as he does, our wrists bend lke water and his head is free from his shoulders hile our short sword cuts down on his sword for certainty sake. Show one thing, be intent on another. This the Way ‘The Fifth Postion The sword is held behind us and the short sword is before us resting lightly on our belt and