Banner of Stars – Fluff

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Introduction
The Empire of Rokugan in the fourth millennium is known by many names depending on
who is asked. The most common variants are the Empire of the Emerald Stars and the Empire
of the Celestial Heavens, although the various cultures Rokugan has encountered and
defeated might have had other, less than flattering names for it. The Empire spans a
substantial portion of the galaxy, at present controlling over ninty sanctified solar systems
along with several as-yet-unconsecrated systems that are in the process of being settled. The
era of history when Great Clans controlled simple provinces are long gone, and all clans
control at least three solar systems completely, with some of the larger clans controlling
many more than that. Some of the sanctified systems on record with the Imperial bureaucracy
are small, with only one or two planets, devoid of life-sustaining conditions but rich in
mineral resources, while others are enormous, with a dozen or more worlds, literally scores of
moons, and multiple planets capable of sustaining life.

The universe beyond the confines of the world of Rokugan is nothing like ancient samurai
might have imagined. It is at once vastly more horrible and unimaginably more wondrous
than any mortal mind could ever have grasped without experiencing it firsthand. Centuries
ago, the discovery that other worlds existed beyond Rokugan caused enormous discord
among the people of the Empire. The theological ramifications alone were almost enough to
cause a near complete breakdown of society, and a brief but very intense schism erupted
between the various religious viewpoints. This conflict, known as the War of the Tao, might
have raged on far longer than it did if not for the Emperor of that era. Unwilling or perhaps
unable to quell the theological Warfare taking place across the land, the Emperor instead
funded advances in magical theory and technology that permitted the observation of these
distant other worlds. Although this project took nearly a decade to complete, a decade in
which War threatened to rip the Empire into many smaller nations, the endeavor was
ultimately successful. The nearest planetary neighbor to Rokugan was observed clearly, and
the most powerful shugenja in the Empire collaborated on a ritual that allowed them to make
very rudimentary contact with the spirits of that world. Their conclusion was that this hot and
Verdant planet was closely tied to the Spirit Realm of Chikushudo, a reflection of that realm
in a manner not much different from the most undeveloped regions of Rokugan such as the
Shinomen Mori. This observation allowed the various theologies of Rokugan to
accommodate the reality of other worlds with their theological beliefs, and the reigning
theory that each alien planet is a manifestation of the Spirit Realms in differing proportions
persists to this day. With this peace of mind (whether real or manufactured) attained, the
Empire returned to peace and the Great Clans began looking outward in a policy of expansion
that continues to this day.

The vast interstellar expansion of the Empire of Rokugan has been made possible by the
development of an extremely powerful magical ritual, first created by the Phoenix and the
Unicorn Clans. Thousands of years ago, the rare precursor of this spell was known to many as
Walking the Way, in which a single shugenja could create a tunnel-like conduit linking two
physical locations and a traveler could walk through it, ensuring they were in no danger from
environmental difficulties or enemy attacks during this travel. The spell the Unicorn and
Phoenix developed operates on the same principle, known as Opening the Way. The ritual
used to require up to one hundred shugenja to cast depending upon the size of the vessel
being affected, but modern advances of the Navcom technology allow singular shugenja to
perform the ritual alone. This spell allows for immeasurably vast distances to be covered in
short amounts of time, essentially giving the Rokugani the ability to move their vessels at
speeds faster than light. The void of space which the vessels travel is an eerie place to the
Rokugani, despite that the Ishiken of the Phoenix Clan insist it is distinct from the Void of the
Five Elements.
Timeline
Eras used by modern historians:

Age of the Kami: Time when the Kami walked within Rokugan. Generally, Fu Leng is not
considered when determining the end of this Age. Privately, the Spider ignore the following
age and consider the Age of Expansion to be the next major era.

Age of Rokugan: Time between the disappearance of Lady Doji and the end of the Destroyer
war, when the Empire reached to embrace the former Ivory Kingdoms.

Age of Expansion: From the founding of colonies in the former Ivory Kingdoms until the
first spaceship takes flight.

Age of Stars: The current era.

Timeline from 1169 to present

1169
Moto Chagatai's ambition leads to a direct assault on the capital Toshi Ranbo. He is
eventually defeated, but the last of the Toturi line are killed, leaving the Empire leaderless.
Almost the entire Nezumi race is killed in the Battle of Tomorrow. While some Nezumi
remain, they are never seen again in large numbers.

1170
Daigotsu unleashes a group of assassins throughout the Empire targeting prominent figures of
all the Great Clans. The Kolat Hidden Temple is destroyed by the Scorpion, giving what is a
deathblow to the ancient conspiracy.

The Celestial Tournament is held at the Seppun Hill. The ultimate winner of the tournament
is Kitsuki Iweko, the daimyo of the Dragon Clan's Kitsuki family, who becomes Empress
Iweko I and the Champion of Ningen-do.

The Dragons, tired of Man's rule of the Heavens, exert their will upon Tengoku. The Seven
Fortunes allow the Dragon of Jade and the Dragon of Obsidian to replace Hida Yakamo as
Lord Sun and Hitomi as Lord Moon respectively. The other Dragons, save the Dragon of
Thunder leave Rokugan to cement their power in Heavens. Dragon of Thunder gives part of
its divinity to Yoritomo, allowing him to remain in Tengoku.

1171
Spurred by the Dark Oracle of Fire, the Army of Fire attacks the Empire from north, invading
Dragon and Phoenix territories. The Badger are overrun and effectively destroyed. While a
few survivors linger in the Empire, they are too few to rebuild a clan without assistance;
which is nonexistent in the troubled years to come.
1172
The Destroyer War begins, as a large gaijin force led by Kali-Ma, the Champion of Jigoku
breaks through Crab lands. Meanwhile, the Dark Oracle of Fire continues his attacks in the
north
1173
The Destroyer War moves deep into Scorpion lands. Fu Leng regains his divinity and tries to
battle Kali-Ma but is killed. Eventually Daigotsu sacrifices himself to defeat Kali-Ma,
earning the Spider their place as a Great Clan. Iweko I orders the Rokugani to take over the
ruined Ivory Kingdoms, becoming the first of the many Emperors to advocate Rokugani
expansion.

1174
The Dragon of Thunder goes dormant in deep waters near Tempest Island, vowing to return
in Rokugan's time of greatest peril. The Mantis promise to guard the Dragon until the time of
its awakening.

1175
The Scorpion begin construction of a new wall surrounding the place where Kali-Ma died,
the Second Festering Pit.

1178
After being rebuked for their disloyalty to the Empire and Daigotsu’s pact by collecting gaijin
artifacts in secret, the Chuda stage a betrayal of a large contingent of Daigotsu warriors deep
in the jungle. However, the Spider and Dragon are fully prepared for the predictable turn of
events, and the few surviving tsukai flee for their lives. Following decades see the Spider
hunt down nearly all of the remaining Chuda with only few of the Family surviving the
Daigotsu's wrath.

1180
The last remaining Badger dies.

1403
Kuchiki Famly is established by young priestess, Kuchiki Daigotsu. Records detailing the
events that led to the creation of the Kuchiki are not well known as Ikoma histories seem
oddly quiet about the matter.

1551
After gaijin pepper had been legalized by Iweko IX, the ever curious Kaiu tap into writings
about the battle of White Stag. By the end of the same year, Kaiu Matsuko presents Hida
Kaoru with the first prototype of an arquebus. Rokugan starts to expand its territories, with
Imperial armies pushing northwards along the coastline. The following decades sees the
Rokugani establish control of Yobanjin territories.

1720
For reasons known only to the Spider, the Goju defect from the Clan, disappearing from the
public. Whether the Family remains within the Empire or ceases to exist is unknown.

1810
With Yobanjin lands firmly secured and 'civilized', Rougani expands further north,
conquering the High Steppes to claim the land and its resources to feed the ever-growing
population.

1937
Moto civil war. War erupts among the Moto as the two daughters of Moto Oglukai wage war
for their father’s seat after his peaceful death. Other Unicorn families watch from the side as
the two Moto factions fall upon each other with abandon. The bitter infighting lasts for the
better part of three years, hamstringing all Unicorn efforts throughout the Empire as more and
more resources are lost. Shiro Moto is burnt down after a siege that leads to the deaths of
both would-be heirs. Emperor Iweko XXXIII intervenes and orders the Moto to unite under
Moto Khalai, one of the few remaining Moto kuge. Additionally, the Emperor proclaims the
compassionate Shinjo Jaruki as the new Unicorn Clan Champion. Moto Khalai falls upon his
knees, swallowing his curses and assumes leadership of the badly crippled Moto family.

2122
After the fifth siege of Kyuden Tonbo decimates the Dragonfly population, Mirumoto
Kwanchai tasks Kitsuki Ayame, a respected political sensei of the Investigator school, to
establish a new school for Dragon courtiers to fill the void left by the fallen Tonbo. Ayame
gathers the best of the clan’s diplomats and courtiers to set up the guidelines that eventually
form the basis of the Kitsuki Courtier school.

2125
Steelclad Merenae vessels, more advanced than those of the Mantis, force a landing on Iron
Turtle City. Much to the Mantis' surprise, the gaijin demand that Rokugan open its borders to
them for trade. In Rokugani news, the day becomes to known as Day of Grey Ships. The
Emperor considers his options and agrees to Merenae's demands, opening two trading ports
for them to use.

Behind the scenes, the Mantis are ordered to acquire Merenae technology for Imperial
engineers to study in order to prepare the Empire for possible invasion. Over the following
decades, Rokugani reverse engineer most of the Merenae inventions, implementing them on
their vessels of war. Urged by the Emperor, all the clans with coastal territories start
bolstering their naval forces. However, Merenae benefits from the trade and never invades
Rokugan.

2143
Relations between Rokugan and Merenae grow stable, though Imperial Edicts limit
interaction between the Empires. The Mantis, being the Emperor's chosen proxy for eastern
relations, grow immensely rich.
Mantis win the Emerald Championship when Yoritomo Unemitsu defeats Kakita Genshiro in
the finals. The following year sees Crane coffers draining as Unemitsu revamps the Empire’s
taxation laws to subtly benefit the Mantis.

2145
Yoritomo Unemitsu is found dead, having accidentally fallen from the balcony of his
personal lodgings at the Capital.

2190
The Festering Pit of Fu Leng is finally closed under the leadership of the legendary Kuni
Yanagi in a ritual that consumes the lives of one hundred and eight shugenja and and an
entire year's output of jade from the Empire's mines. The Festering Pit is finally sealed with
Yuruginai, the Celestial Sword of the Crab, driven into the earth at what had been the center
of the pit. The enormous sacrifices are deemed worth the safety of the Empire, quelling the
periodic surges of activity from Jigoku.
While much of the Empire celebrates, the Spider attempt to attack the Crab in court for the
destruction of one of their holy sites. The Crab point out that the site is as consecrated as any
spot in the Empire, but open gates between Ningen-do and other realms threaten the stability
of the realms and have been closed and protected when found. Backed up theologically by the
Phoenix, and politically by pretty much everyone else, the Spider are forced to back away
from the fight. Several of the most devout commit seppuku in protest, and relations with the
Crab become even more strained.

The temples of the capital and many other temples observe the day each year by ringing the
bells 108 times to commemorate their sacrifice. Temples dedicated to Diagotsu douse all
flames and maintain silence within from midnight to midnight.

2195
After slowly acquiring a massive horde of jade, the Scorpion, with the technical assistance of
the Kuni, are ready to duplicate the Crab's feat at their own festering pit, which has seen
increased activity since the first was closed. Kuni researchers readily provide technical
assistance, but their numbers are still so depleted that they are able to offer only one of their
number to participate in the ritual; a symbolic sign of the Crab's dedication toward wiping the
influence of Jigoku from Rokugan.

Despite intense lobbying and equally intense efforts at sabotage on the part of the Spider, the
Scorpion complete the closing six months before the publicly scheduled event, intended to
coincide with the anniversary of Yanagi's feat. Despite having no one of Yanagi's stature and
experience, and generally less affinity with the element of earth, the Soshi are still able to
close this smaller portal with the same prescribed 108 shugenja. No Yogo take part in the
ritual.

While intermittent portals and dark magic still allow the occasional passage of demons into
Rokugan, for the first time, the realms are in balance, with no known permanent portals
between them.

2272
The Great Cataclysm of the Sands. A previously unknown plague demolishes Medinat al-
Salaam and its surrounding lands, wiping out millions. Senpet and Yodotai suffer from the
economic repercussions of the plague and anarchy spreads within both Empires. The wasting
disease, rages for years, wiping out almost ninety percent of the Yodotai population. During
the next decades the small factions fight over the remaining resources with the surviving
Senpet and people of Medinat al-Salaam. Over the following two centuries, the great
civilizations of the sands all but cease to exist, names of its people surviving only in the tales
of the few remaining Ra’Shari. Some refugees stagger across the Sands to seek refuge in
Rokugan or its colonies. Having heard of the events in the sands, Imperial authorities enforce
a strict quarantine that shuts off all but the thinnest trickle of such immigration.

2290
On the centennial of Kuni Yanagi's sacrifice, Iweko XLIV announces that Yanagi has
ascended into the Celestial Heavens as the Fortune of Purity for his feat.

2305
Despite the quarantine, the wasting disease spreads into the Empire. Samurai and heimin
perish in droves as healers strive to find a cure. Some nobles flee to the colonies, bringing the
disease with them. For some reason, the Great Blight as the disease has became to be known
is even more virulent among the Ivindi, spreading like wildfire among the tiny local
population. This leads to speculation that the disease was a final 'gift' of one of Kali-ma's
cults. Seventy percent of the population of Rokugan and its colonies die before the Isawa
announce they have discovered a cure. Little by little, they rebuild a decimated society. Of
the Ivory Kingdom natives, only few individuals remain, and the next century sees the
extinction of the already small tribe.

Rokugani economy collapses and many of the ji-samurai are forced to become farmers and
craftsmen as their lords lack funds to support them, effectively creating a working-class
nobility. During the following years these changes become more or less permanent with the
ji-samurai taking responsibility of highly skilled work, becoming doctors, traders and
engineers, forming a own sub-class of buge. Following the old traditions, these men and
women receive military training and are employed in the army during the times of war.
Technology takes a sharp setback as well, as the industries supporting anything more
advanced than survival collapses. This too rebuilds slowly over the ensuing decades.

Monkey clan, never having had the holdings, the wealth or the numbers effectively cease to
exist. Oriole are absorbed by the Seppun so that their lessons would not be forgotten.

2307
The Wasting Disease spreads into Merenae, killing millions. Civil unrest is followed by
several civil wars as the survivors struggle for power.

2315
The Tonbo, down to a handful of survivors rebuilding after losses to the plague, lose their
lands to the Lion during one of the many uneven engagements between the two Clans. Tonbo
Kai leads his people into exile, fleeing to the Dragon lands. The political situation of the time,
and lack of numbers, does not allow the Dragon to intervene, but they allow the Tonbo to
build a small village within their lands. The Lion are unhappy about this turn of events but
have their hands full fighting the Crane--a war that provided the pretext for marching across
Tonbo lands in the first place. Over the next few decades the Tonbo village grows and
flourishs under Dragon's protection. Eventually Kai’s daughter, Kanami swears loyalty to the
Dragon daimyo, marrying one of his sons and uniting the Tonbo with the Dragon with the
blessings of the Emerald Throne.

2369
Rokugan, having recovered from the Great Blight slowly expands to exploit the lands left by
fallen civilizations. Wherever the Rokugani travel they find only smoking ruins and scattered
communities. The Tortoise clan, having lost much of the reason for its existence is merged
with the Imperial families via Imperial Edict. Most of the Kasuga join the Otomo or Seppun.
Notably, with the help of Mantis navy, the Throne claims Merenae lands to its name,
eventually granting their custody to the Mantis.
2401
As the Dragon and Crane bask in the favor of the Emperor, the Scorpion leak several
sensitive Crane documents that inflame Crane/Crab relationships with incredible speed. Two
weeks later armored Kaiu columns push their way through Crane defences and deep into
Crane heartlands. The Crane, still nowhere near their former military strength after plague,
war with the Lion, and continuing hostilities on those borders throughout the century, resort
to guerrilla warfare while the Crab besiege Shinden Asahina and Wall Above the Ocean
Village. While the Crane are able to inflict considerable losses upon the Crab during the later
stages of the war, the initial casualties suffered by the clan leave them with little in reserve.
Crab, on the other hand are able to reinforce their forces with fresh ashigaru from northern
provinces. Unwilling to waste the lives of his men, the Crab commander orders the Kaiu to
hammer the Asahina into submission with artillery.

2402
A radical group of Asahina students abandon the seven Fortunes during the late stages of
what becomes known as the Half-year War, as the Crab armies bombard Kyuden Asahina
into ruins. Infuriated by the passivity of their elders, the young shugenja seek power from
Shahai and Akuma, embracing Perfection and Strength as their cardinal virtues. The small
coven attracts disgruntled Asahina, slowly growing in size as they organize to take over their
family leadership. After a poorly planned coup, the members of the conspiracy are arrested
and exiled into roninhood by the Asahina leadership. Disgusted, the renegades make their
way to Shiro Daigotsu, reappearing years later as full members of the Spider.

Late in the spring, the Crane offers apologies to the Crab in public with promises to pay
considerable sums of money as war reparations to the Kaiu and Hida. With their honor
satisfied and their coffers bulging, the Crab withdraw from the Crane lands.

2542
A great earthquake off the Islands of Spice demolishes Mantis and Komori holdings, while
the resulting tsunami ravages coastal areas of the mainland, shifting the map significantly.
The Bat clan, having lost most of its people, granaries, and its entire fleet, stands on the verge
of utter destruction. Komori Heihachi approaches the Mantis for aid and eventually kneels
before Yoritomo Umie. The Komori return to their parent clan as full-fledged vassals.

The Crane also suffer devastating losses, avoiding starvation only due to the better part of
their storage being farther inland. The Phoenix are less affected overall, but their coastal
holdings, being largely located between the sea and stark cliffs, are destroyed so completely
you would barely know buildings had ever stood in those spots. It takes the clans better part
of two decades to restore the coastal areas to their former glory.

Tonbo Ageha falls into a trance and startes speaking with a deep rumbling voice alien to the
small girl, reciting riddles and mysteries that were not found in the Tao. Sometimes she talks
about kin in the heavens for hours at a time, and of the great bloodshed that would follow the
great exodus unto 'home unlike home'. She warns the Dragon of those dwelling beyond,
serving the Unmaking itself. Quick to realize that Ageha was in fact a prophet, the Dragon
record and later transcribe the girl's words, giving birth to the so called Ageha Prophecies
which are assumed to contain information about the future of the Rokugan.

2665
The Phoenix scholar, Asako Netsu, proves the existence of other planets through the use of
powerful magic-imbued telescopes. He does not foresee the religious backlash his discovery
triggers, as it implies that worlds not subordinate to the will of the Celestial Heavens could
exist. Tensions build throughout the Empire, and the Imperial Legions put down several
heretical cells that attempt to use the unrest to undermine the Iweko dynasty. These small
conflicts escalate into a series of battles known as War of the Tao which lasts for the better
part of the decade.

2675
Under the Emperor’s sponsorship, the most powerful shugenja of the Empire complete a
ritual which allows them to observe the alien world closest to Rokugan. The lush jungle
planet is discovered to be full of life. The viewing shugenja deem that the planet is more
strongly influenced by Chikushudo than the Empire itself is, but still very much tied into the
Spirit Realms and the greater cosmology of Rokugani beliefs. This discovery brings an end to
the War of the Tao as the rebelling factions grudgingly accept the existence of the alien
worlds as the Will of Heaven. During the ensuing prosperous peace, the Great Clans begin to
work together in order to visit and explore these new worlds.

2680
Multiple research endeavors begin to bear fruit with the first jointly created Agasha/Kaiu
satellite telescope settled into a stable orbit through engineering and careful negotiating with
the kami of earth and fire to keep them balanced there. Clearer images of the far-flung stars
pour in. A few months out, it discovers something unexpected, a small, dark satellite, clearly
of Rokugani origins, with sensors that appear to remain pointed down rather than out to the
stars. Work begins on a massive ship intended to sustain several hundred crew on the long,
long journey to the new world, along with the equally massive engines and complex rituals to
fling it on its way.

2692
The Starship Fortune's Favor launches with the blessings of the Empress and immense
fanfare. Most clans have some hand in the project, but it is acknowledged largely as a
Crab/Phoenix/Unicorn endeavor, with many Unicorn signing up to join a journey expected to
take generations. The soil beneath the launch site fuses into glass like stone, a material sold
by enterprising Yasuki as souvenirs and collected by shugenja as having interesting qualities
linked to both fire and earth.

2697
The Phoenix and the Unicorn complete the ritual known as Opening the Way, harnessing the
power of Water kami bound within a special vessel to enable the Rokugani spaceships to pass
between worlds in a fraction of the time that would normally be required. As an additional
benefit, massive launches are unnecessary. Later that year, Unicorn start the construction of
what will become the first vessel of the Age of Stars, the Shinjo. Other clans watch the flying
wonder with open envy and scramble resources to start their own space programs utilizing
this revolutionary new technology.

2699
The Shinjo is completed and the first joint Imperial space expedition sails to the nearest alien
world, dubbing it ‘First Landing’ as they arrive. The samurai of Rokugan discover the new
world to be much like theirs as the fauna and flora are similar broadly similar to Rokugan’s,
even though later several new and exotic species are discovered from the deep jungles of the
world. Rare and entirely new materials discovered from the planet fetch astronomical prices
on Rokugani markets, hastening the efforts of the Clans to mount expeditions of their own.

2701
During the following century, the Empire slowly spreads to the stars with each of the Great
Clans claiming extra-Rokugani holdings. Mantis are the most aggressive, while Crane and
Scorpion consolidate their power on Rokugan itself. Small skirmishes are fought for the
rights to settle a given world, but the century is mostly peaceful. Dragon realize that the first
part of Ageha prophecies had come true as now the Dragon have 'kin among the heavens',
with large numbers of samurai moving from Rokugan to the new settlements that the
prophetess had called 'home unlike home'.

2803
After nearly two decades of arcane research, Isawa Aki and Iuchi Kanna finish the first
prototype navigational computer, Navcom. The new invention allows Iuchi Kanna to single-
handdely guide an Owl class heavy freighter from the orbit of Rokugan to First Landing, a
feat normally requiring crew of twelve shugenja. Aki and Kanna spend the next three years
perfecting the technology before presenting it to the Emperor, whom tasks the two to set up a
school to train shugenja in the use of their device. During the following decade, each clan
establishes their own Navigator Academies as one vessel after another is upgraded with the
new technology.

2812
An Imperial survey team landing on a new planet is wiped out to a man by a primitive race of
semi-intelligent humanoid creatures quickly dubbed Ryunin, incredibly powerful warriors
fueled by the rage of Toshigoku. The Emperor spends little time before
deciding that the security of his citizens is of prime concern and far more important than the
existence of new human-like race. With his Imperial decree in hand, the Spider rapidly
deploy armies to the new world. It takes them several months to fully pacify
the Ryunin, but eventually every one of the creatures is put to the sword. Having served their
duty, the Emperor orders the Spider to withdraw from the planet and claims the now
uninhabited world to the Miya who dub the world Showa. The chosen of
Daigotsu bow their heads and grudgingly obey.

2817
A team of Mantis explorers discovers a small world where thick crusts of ice hide massive
oceans. Movement is detected below the ice. The Emperor inexplicably steps forward and
grants stewardship of the planet to the Dragon, who close it to exploration
by anyone else. The Mantis are incensed but obey the Imperial edict and the Dragon never
share a word of what they discover beneath the ice. They do, however, always maintain a
small but strong garrison on it .

2821
A small Mantis privateer fleet ambushes and captures Furor of Earth, a modern Tamori
cruiser. After studying the vessel for several months, it is added to their fleet, renamed as
Scales of Saibankan. The Dragon protest and cut diplomatic relations with the Mantis for a
better part of a decade but are never able to truly punish the Yoritomo for their audacity.

2826
As the number of planetary expeditions continues to grow, the Empress Iweko LXV decrees
that the Imperial Exploration Corps be formed. Led by shugenja, the Corps is tasked with
exploring and sanctifying newly discovered planets before allowing colonization. This
ensures that the Empress has full knowledge of her Empire’s expanding boundaries and the
Imperial families gain the prime choice of sites to colonize. Worlds passed over by the
Imperial families are offered up to the Great Clans to claim, each one creating a round of
intense politicking and outright skirmishes to determine control.

2828
A Phoenix scientist, Isawa Sanae, discovers “radiant energy”, which involves slightly
awakening a material’s spirit to coat it in an evanescent field of energy, causing the material
to emit a soft blue glow. The discovery revolutionizes personal combat as radiant rifles,
armors and swords are quickly produced. The Phoenix try to keep the secret of manufacturing
these weapons to themselves, but both the Scorpion and Yasuki hackers waste no time
breaking into Phoenix networks to steal the schematics. Soon all the Great Cleans are
equipping their armies with the new weaponry.

2829
A skirmish between Mantis and Lion over possession of a freshly sanctified planet escalates
into war that engulfs the nearby Mantis system. For the first time, war is fought in the void
between the stars. It isn't long before alliances and opportunities draw the other clans into the
conflict. The Imperial Court watches the War of the Worlds as the Clans maneuver to raid
and counter-raid each other's factory-worlds and space stations.

Ronin Yutaro of the Children of the Osprey saves Emperor Iweko LXV's third son and is
granted a right to form a minor clan. The Osprey are formed around the ronin band called
Children of the Osprey, known for the skills of their navigators. It is not long before the
Osprey find places within the Imperial Exploration Corps.

2830
Appalled by the perpetual warfare, and sadly adrift in the voids of space, the Kitsune flee
from Mantis-held space and revoke their oaths to the Yoritomo, eventually settling on a lush
and verdant world offered to them by the Lion. Enraged, Yoritomo Hanae sends a small force
to pursue the Kitsune, but Lion and Fox forces ambush the attackers, forcing them to retreat.
The Mantis daimyo really cannot spare more resources from the greater war simply to chase
down their errant family.

The rich Yakumo system, close to Rokugan itselfs, sees much bloodshed as Lion, Crab and
Mantis forces each try to gain foothold on its three habitable worlds.

Two Crab fleets engage Spider forces around Obsidian Gate, a large, mineral-rich world the
Spider had claimed a few years previously. Fierce fighting ensues, but the numerically
superior Crab forces soon gain an upper hand as swift Hiruma vessels cripple two of the
Spider’s lumbering gunships. The Spider fleets withdraw and the Crab claim Obsidian Gate
as their own.

The Kitsune make use of favors owed by the Crane to add their voices to the Lion's in court,
leading the Empress to announce the rebirth of the Fox during the 'winter' court. As the war
rages on in the heavens, the Lion delegates in court take everyopportunity to make the Mantis
feel the sting of this loss in court.
2831
With most of the Empire embroiled in wars, the Phoenix and the Dragon approach the
Empress with a bold petition. They ask the throne to intervene into Clan politics to call an
end on the war that is slowly but surely dooming the Empire to decline as the Clans throw
their resources into endless fighting. She agrees, and soon Imperial fleets sail forth to enforce
the Imperial peace upon the weakened Clans. A cautious peace follows as the Great Clans
count losses and consolidate resources. To ensure the peace, Iweko LXV claims the Yakumo
system for the throne.

2841
The Lion complete the first Katana-class battlecruiser, the Akodo. These new ships are as fast
as the former Yari class cruisers but carry heavier weaponry with twice the range of the older
vessels. Other Clans rush to develop battlecruisers of their own and a nervous period of arms
race follows. Expensive to build and maintain, the 'Katana' class vessels become a measure of
a clan's power and wealth. The existence of such powerful ships stalls the ambitions of the
most war-hungry admirals, who understand that even the smallest conflict could quickly
escalate into a war neither side could afford.

2848
Kitsuki Shonin, one of the Dragon's foremost experts on the nature of spirits, succumbs to the
Taint during the course of his research. The charismatic scientist finds the voices in his head
sensible company. Following their urgings, he establishes a small cult at the research facility
at the mineral lakes of Reflection, a small Kitsuki settlement near the galaxy's edge. Shonin's
wit and intellect lure most of the staff into his secret projects, making maho seem almost
logical by the time they are that far into his schemes.

2850
With the blessing of the throne, the Spider launch an assault on HNW-332, a large habitable
planet populated by the Demien, an intelligent race of creatures seemingly tied to Jigoku. The
gaunt Demien withdraw to their cave-complexes as the Spider begin a planet-wide campaign
of genocide. Casualties on both sides are terrifying and, after two years of near constant
warfare, the last bastion of the Demien falls, slaughtered to the last by Spider troops. The
planet is afterward deemed uninhabitable, partially due to the large amounts of chemical
weapons employed by the Spider during the assault.

2851
The Dragon lose contact with Reflection and send a ship to investigate. Upon landing, the
crew is ambushed by several oni and the cultists controlling them. A few, badly mauled, crew
survive and flee with the report, leading Mirumoto and Tamori fleets to mobilize secretly.
The strike force eradicates Shonin's cult in a short, brutal campaign. Investigators undertake a
quiet audit of all research in the Clan, thereafter, rooting out questionable and suspect
scientists over the next few years. The Kitsuki Inquisition finds more embezzlement than
maho but sets Dragon research institutions straight for the next century.

2872
With the completion of the Peaceful, the Asahina family becomes the last Great Clan family
to build a battlecruiser of their own, establishing a balance of forces in the known universe.
Exploration continues while the Clans carefully watch each other for signs of weakness.

2902
The Scorpion open Bayushi’s Eye to settlement from other clans, claiming this will allow for
cooperation and trade in a place with low taxes (and selective tax law enforcement). This
leads to a massive influx of population and wealth, and the place is renamed The World of
Dreams. In the following decades the planet becomes one of the most populated places in the
Empire of Emerald Stars.
2905
The Spider eradicate the Alakhai when purging the world of Nightfall. Kuchiki priests study
the advanced flesh crafts of the fallen race and adopt many new techniques. During the
following decades such improvements become more and more common among Spider bushi.
The Crab, seeing the potential of such devices but wary of starting down the distasteful road
of grafted flesh, start their own program to create functional artificial limbs and organs with a
great deal of caution applied. Carefully studying captured Spider specimen to speed their
research, Kuni and Kaiu construct their first prototypes. For reasons of safety, most Crab
flesh crafts come with Jade ornamentation.

2911
The Dragon Clan are the first to reach the Eastern Nebula, whose strange emissions disable
all spirit-machinery and effectively block further travel in that area. Galactic ‘south’ and
‘west’ of the Empire of Emerald Stars are mostly vast fields of emptiness, devoid of useful
systems, so the Empire’s explorers focus on the ‘northern’ sector for further expansion and
exploitation. The Dragon maintain a small garrison near the Eastern Nebula, studying it in
hopes of understanding its nature and function.

2932
A clash erupts between Crab and Lion over who should pacify a new planet inhabited by
monstrous creatures influenced by Gaki-do. The clash soon escalates into a war proper, with
Mantis supporting the Lion, while the Unicorn and Crane line up beside the Crab. Once more
the Empire is engulfed in bitter wars, later dubbed the Second War of the Worlds. The
conflict lasts over a decade with enormous losses on all sides. Phoenix, Spider, and Dragon
remain neutral for most of the conflict, though the Spider invade some of the weakened Crab
border colonies, taking advantage of the Crab's inability to spare troops for their protection.
New ships, armor and weapons are developed during the war, as are new tactics and
techniques dealing with all types of combat. The Crane lose almost all of the Iron Crane
companies during a protracted campaign over the mineral rich moons of Isatawa prime,
leaving the Daidoji Scouts as the Clan’s prime fighting force for decades to come. Several
planets are reduced to ruins during the decade of warfare.

2943
The Emperor officially calls for an end for the Second War of the Worlds, declaring the
damage to the Empire is too great and now outweighs whatever insults prompted the initial
conflicts. Legends later claim that the war interrupted shipments of Emperor’s favorite
recreational drug from far across the galaxy and he could not endure such an imposition.
Regardless of the Emperor’s reasons, the Clans agree to a cautious truce. There is no clear
winner to the war, and the Clans retreat to their own worlds and lick their wounds. For
several generations afterward, warfare is limited to skirmishes and the Empire prospers again.

2954
Kaiu Hotaru unveils the designs for Lord Kaiu class mining carrier. Crab start to tap into
hard-to-access mineral deposits among the celestial debris.
2961
As the number of systems which can be reliably reached and exploited starts to dwindle, the
Emperor commands that no Clan shall lay claim to an entire new planet or system. Instead,
new planets must be split between different clans. This eases the strain of competition for
entire planets and systems, allowing smaller players like the Minor Clan Alliance to compete
for resources. The Crane and other clans with relatively few systems under their control try to
protest, but the Emperor proves intractable and the edict stands.

2966
The daughter of the Doji champion, Doji Anju, marries into the Spider after her scandalous
affair with a heimin artisan becomes public. After her nuptials, she is never again seen in
public.

2968
The Emperor Iweko LXX grants Kaiu Hotaru permission to found her own minor clan, the
Firefly, in hopes to prevent the skirmishes fought for the asteroid belts developing into a full-
blown war. Rumors suggest that the Emperor had a personal reason to
end the conflict, though the profits the Throne makes from the arrangement suggest Otomo
involvement.

2975
Mantis pirates operating deep in Scorpion space ambush a Soshi convoy, killing the Soshi
champion’s wife to be. The Mantis deny any connection to the privateers. Two weeks later,
the eldest son of the Mantis champion is found dead next to a plate of halffinished fugu in his
chambers.

2988
Isawa Miltech finishes the first prototype of an advanced cruiser. Unfortunately, due to
miscommunication between the design departments and conflicting requirements set by the
council, the ship ends up heavier than planned and the ship’s reactors are unable to provide
enough energy for faster-than-light travel. Two revisions, three years and millions of koku
later, the first vessel of the Voidfarer class leaves for a maiden voyage, returning safely a
week later.

2989
Scorpion infiltrators manage to steal the Voidfarer’s blueprints. Yogo shipwrights take a look
at the schematics and after three days of intensive calculations deem the project hopeless. The
Fortune's Favor drifts into First Landing's system. There is no sign of human life aboard. No
bodies. No signs of hasty exit. All the escape modules remain berthed. The hydroponic farms
are overgrown and the yeast vats foul enough that the ship's atmosphere must be completely
cycled out to make it breathable. Logs detail the journey, and hardships both expected and
unusual for the first 150 years or so of the trip, simply ending in the year 2932. Fearful of
what contamination or influence may have so strangely emptied the ship, it is carefully set in
orbit around an uninhabited moon with a small assignment of Toritaka who wait to see if the
spirits of the departed might return and require calming. It remains something of a museum,
though few care to risk whatever ill luck adheres to it by visiting. Even historians and
scholars usually just ask the Toritaka skeleton crew to send them pictures and other data as
needed.

3000
Rokugan celebrates its entry to the fourth millenium, the Empire more prosperous than ever
and enjoying a long period of relative peace. The celebrations are among the most lavish in
recorded history. However, a number of self-proclaimed prophets appear on different planets,
many speaking of a Third Day of Thunder approaching with about half of the prophets
claiming to be Shinsei’s heir. Some of the most threatening agitators are eventually
eliminated by Scorpion operatives.

Iuchi Kanna, first of the Navigator Priests, is elevated to the position of Fortune of
Navigators during the New Year's Eve of 3000.

3011
The Shark Clan is founded after Yoritomo Same saves the life of Iweko LXXI in the
steaming jungles of HNE-122. Initially the Shark are no better than a Mantis proxy, but as the
Clan grows it joins the Minor Clan alliance as a full member to reduce its dependence on the
Mantis.

3038
Emperor Iweko LXXII ascends the throne after his mother dies peacefully in her sleep. He
quickly establishes a distant but fair style of ruling, and relaxes the policies governing
warfare between the Great Clans as long as they do not threaten the flow of commerce. The
most aggressive clans start using this to justify new expansion in other clans’ territories.

3054
A recreational narcotic dubbed ‘The Dream’ spreads among Mantis youth and heimin like
wildfire, causing a noticeable dent in the clan’s production rates and leading to dozens of
deaths among heavy users. Notably, the niece of the Mantis champion suffers a heart attack
during the Setsuban celebrations. Tsuruchi magistrates track down the dealers and expose the
so-called Blue Lotus cartel operating within Mantis space. They blame the Scorpion for the
incident, but the clan of secrets vehemently denies association with the Blue Lotus.

3059
Unicorn and Phoenix clans unite to claim the system HE-936. Moto settlers move to the
planet, eventually naming it as Kuwagata after the massive insect-like creatures that roam the
world's forests and plains. Two decades later, the settlers have domesticated some of the
exotic creatures, using them both as mounts and beasts of burden while fabricating tools from
the chitin of the insects. Alarmed by the Spider's growing power, the Crab organize long
range reconnaissance patrols to Spider space. Assisted by Scorpion technology, the Crab are
able to keep closer tabs on the Spider's low-level narrowcast traffic, though little action
results from the new information.

3093
Kitsu Pharmaceuticals introduces Shimmershield, a techno-spiritual device that protects its
wearer with energy generated from the wearer's honor alone. Costly and time-consuming to
manufacture, only the Lion elite formations and particularly distinguished samurai are
equipped with Shimmershields.

3098
Mantis and Spider sign a secret pact, agreeing to limit hostilities with each other. Small
skirmishes are still orchestrated to hide the budding alliance and to obfuscate the covert trade
between the two.
3108
Emperor Iweko LXXV ascends to the throne at the age of 37 after her mother, Iweko LXXIV
retires to a Seppun monastery.
3112
The tournament of the Emerald Champion takes place as the previous champion, Kakita
Nariko, retires. It is an exceptionally lavish event; the competitions being widecast all across
the Empire’s many planets, featuring hundreds of participants from all the clans. Although
many aspects of the competition have changed, it still culminates in the traditional iaijutsu
duel. The winner is a masked woman named Kagami, who defeats the heavy favorite, Kakita
Shinnosuke, son of the previous Champion. Kagami keeps her allegiance secret, but
immediately begins building her power base.

The Yogo finish the construction of the Black Tower, one of the largest space-born fortresses
in the galaxy at the time. Most of the Yogo Family make this their home, taking advantage of
its advanced research and training facilities.

3114
Crab reconnaissance frigate is caught within the Spider held space. The crew manages to
destroy most of the sensitive equipment before the Spider board the ship. The matter is never
brought up in public, though the Crab easily deduct the fate of the vessel. Spider, as
precaution fill their information networks with disinformation while all the security protocols
are updated.

3115
The Lion launch a daring raid on the Watchtower, one of the three Mantis stations in Osano-
Wo's Reach. Lion scouts had been skirmishing with Yoritomo fleets in the vicinity of the
other two stations for several weeks prior, drawing Mantis reserves out of position. With the
battlefield arranged, the Lion's mighty warships engage the small flotilla left to guard the
giant space fortress, forcing them to flee. Knowing there is little time before nearby Mantis
fleets reroute to engage, the Lion eschew boarding in favor of turning their guns upon
Watchtower, crippling its defenses and docks. The Fortress is rendered useless for years to
come, severely limiting the Mantis' activities within the system.

3116
A small group of Mantis vessels launches an attack on a supposedly secret Phoenix weapons
development facility. Phoenix scientists board their prototype ships and sally forth in
desperation. The raiders are eventually driven off by the eclectic experimental flotilla, though
both sides suffer heavy casualties. A young engineering student, Asako Asagi rises to fame as
she guns down three Mantis fighters with her half-finished Kurenai-class vessel.

In the fall, a secret Phoenix research facility near the Eastern Nebula is attacked, leaving
defenders barely time to pulse out a coded distress call. Arriving rescue ships find an empty
shell riddled with radiant weapons damage, blood spatters, and no bodies. They investigate
the carnage without coming to any conclusions about the source of the attack.

The Spider, following this successful raid, study the stolen schematics and equipment. With
study aided by information tortured from the captured researchers, they are able to recreate
the High-R Ion Drive being developed at the facility. The drives are functional, but the
Phoenix had been working to fine tune the necessary crew supports that would allow them to
function under such conditions. Quickly realizing that their undead legions will have little
problem functioning after high-R stresses, the Spider move to refit several fleets with the new
engine designs.
Asahina Nozomu marries Shinjo Kimiko, further strengthening the ties between the Crane
and the Unicorn. Despite the nature of the union, Nozomu soon grows fond of his shy, but
intelligent wife. By the end of the year the Asahina announce the birth of an heir.

3118
A Lion Clan transport is attacked by a smaller Mantis ship commanded by a man named
Yoritomo Osu. Despite being less well-armed, Osu’s skilled crew is able to overcome the
Lion’s defenses and carry away an important shipment. The Lion are incensed, while the
Mantis publicly disavow Osu and his crew. Rumors claim they are still secretly supporting
them, as they are rumored to support many other “privateers”. The Lion expand the escorts
for their ships and search for Osu across the galaxy.

After years of work and preparation, the Unicorn launch a revolutionary new ship called the
Ide, built in collaboration with the Phoenix. They hope this vessel will be capable of crossing
the eastern border of the Empire. Despite being piloted by one of the Unicorn’s greatest
captains, Utaku Ji-Yeong, the ship disappears during its test flight. In the absence of any
communication, it is considered lost. The Unicorn launch an extensive investigation to
determine what happened to the ship, eventually learning that a Phoenix engineer had been
stealing experimental components and replacing them with lesser versions. Although the
Phoenix clan as whole claim ignorance, publicly condemning the engineer, the Unicorn
launches several punitive raids at Phoenix border worlds, pillaging the colonies before
burning them down. A series of small skirmishes follow as the Clans try to avoid full-blown
war, and higher-level diplomats attempt to repair shattered relations.

A Dragon Clan patrol finds a devastated world stripped bare of resources on the edge of the
Eastern Nebula. No trace of life remains on the world. The Dragon leave a small group of
Kitsuki to investigate, but the team cannot reach any logical conclusion.

Several attempts to bring Yoritomo Osu to justice end in bitter failures as even more ships
and cargo are stolen. Lion Clan Champion, Akodo Tsuroi, personally takes command of
Lion’s First Fleet and undertakes the pursuit of Osu. Although the pirate still

eludes his pursues, Tsuroi wins several key victories against the other privateers working for
the Mantis. Near the end of the year, rumors place the pirate at The World of Dreams, and
Tsuroi moves to blockade the planet until its governors give up Osu. The Scorpion are
understandably incensed at the action, which proves generally unpopular with most clans,
given the disruption of traffic and trade.

Still distraught at the loss of the Emerald Championship, Kakita Amane and Kakita Nariko
command their family to investigate the identity of the Emerald Champion, Kagami. Kakita
family finds itself at odds with the Emerald Champion and her supporters several times as she
quashes all of their attempts to learn who she is.

A Crab patrol exploring a rocky planet in the southeastern region disappears entirely. Unsure
about the identity of the culprit, Hida Tetsuya orders thorough investigations and mobilizes
his forces, fully aware of the heightening tensions within the galaxy. No further incidents
happen that year.
3119
After his months-long blockade of World of Dreams fails to gain cooperation from the
Scorpion, Akodo Tsuroi’s agents learn the location of Osu and the Lion champion commands
a small cadre of elite warriors to the surface for a covert attack. The two men briefly fight
each other, causing minor but noticeable damage to the small Scorpion settlement around
them in the process. Osu escapes, fleeing the planet with the Lion in close pursuit. Bayushi
Isao lets both men leave his planet and remains oddly silent on the matter afterwards. He later
sends an agent with Osu, masquerading as a member of his crew to find out why the most
notorious of Mantis pirates seems to despise the Lion so much. A scout vessel commanded by
Hiruma Keitaro is ambushed by a Spider bioship but manages to flee despite extensive
damage to the ship’s hull. A few days later Crab are forced to land on one of their remote
mining outposts, only to discover that no human life remains on the planet. On their first
night, the Hiruma come under violent assault from previously unknown creatures, human-
sized insectoids which display an eerie level of intelligence, employing primitive weapons to
fight the Crab. With no way to escape, Keitaro and his men commend their souls to their
ancestors and prepare to sells their lives as dearly as possible.

The Dragon, in response to an insult to their name, launch an offensive against the Spider
Clan, occupying several seemingly unimportant worlds. Incensed, the Spider deploy their
formidable forces against the invaders. Bitter fighting ensues between the two Clans, and
soon the fortunes seem to favor the Spider. As the Spider forces approach the Dragon-
occupied worlds, the Emerald Champion intervenes with her personal fleet, threatening to
destroy the opposing fleets should the conflict prolong. The Dragon consolidate their gains,
while Spider fall back to lick their wounds. Surprisingly, the Crane champion the Spider’s
cause in the courts, forcing the Dragon to return two of the conquered worlds to the Spider

The Black Tower, home of the Yogo Family and the center of its operations, is destroyed in a
cataclysmic explosion, killing all aboard. Less than three hundred Yogo survive, scattered
about the galaxy. The remnants of the now-crippled family build a new colony on Shadow’s
Rest, home of the Shosuro.

3120
A Crab Clan patrol searching for the lost Hiruma Keitaro and his crew stumbles upon the
abandoned mining world, discovering heaps of insectoid corpses surrounding the now dead
Hiruma warriors. A small group of Kuni is summoned to investigate the incident and the
Crab patrol returns home, unknowingly carrying one of the monsters back to Hida Secundus
in one of the ship’s compartments. Once upon the planet, the creature begins infecting
people, turning them into similar beings. In a matter of months, Hida Secundus is embroiled
in war as the parasitic creatures wreak havoc in the massive biodome cities of the planet,
slaying millions. The Hida nickname the creatures Mushi due to their insectoid looks. Local
forces mount a stubborn defense but are eventually overcome by hordes of their twisted kin.
The Crab daimyo orders the Crab forces to bombard both Hida Secundus and the small
mining colony with tactical weapons, rendering both worlds inimical to all life, human or
insectoid.

Spider intelligence learns that Crab champion Hida Tetsuya is going to visit the small mining
outpost of Umisaki III. Seeing this as a chance to avenge their humiliating defeat at the hands
of Crab five years earlier, the Spider launch a surgical raid on the
unsuspecting moon in hopes of capturing the Hida daimyo as a hostage. Fierce fighting
ensues in the narrow corridors of the garrison-fortress as the Crab prepare to sell their lives as
dearly in defense of their champion. Hida Tetsuya is slain by Daigotsu Morio, but the Spider
victory is short lived as the defenders drive the kami of the fort’s spirit-furnace into an
agitated state, causing the power-plant to go critical. The resulting explosion wipes out the
entire settlement along with every man and woman on the moon. Licking their wounds, the
Spider fleet retreats. The young Yuka Hida becomes the Crab champion.

Shiba Qadan, much to his surprise, becomes the Shiba daimyo after his grandmother retires.
Mirumoto Yorimitsu marries Shosuro Yanagi, daughter of Shosuro Ayami to further unite the
two clans. The Scorpion organize a grand fete to celebrate the occasion. Scandalously, the
bridegroom himself is not present, having mysteriously disappeared after the wedding night.
Yorimitsu returns three days later, rebuffing Scorpion inquires about the reasons of his
absence.

After crop failure, a violent peasant uprising occurs on Matsu Prime. Matsu Hanako orders
the planetary governor to put down the rebellion with extreme force. Thousands of heimin are
put to sword. Asahina and Phoenix voices protest, but the Lion inform them that they will
deal with their internal matters as they deem best, while suggesting that the entire uprising
was Scorpion plot.

Utaku Ji-Yeong unexpectedly returns to the Unicorn, with the modified but recognizable
ship, Ide. She explains that her ship somehow reached a completely different part of the
universe, home to a vast and highly intelligent alien civilization. The realization that there is
another space-faring culture, apparently mightier than the Rokugani comes as a great shock to
the Empire. Ji-Yeong has learned much from the aliens, even having adopted some of their
customs. Although the Unicorn are still upset by the Phoenix’s industrial spying, the safe
return of the Ide takes the edge off their anger and the conflict between the two clans simmers
down. The exact nature of discoveries made by the ship's crew is obscured, though Imperial
authorities receive a full report.

3121
Lion and the Scorpion forces clash on a small habitable moon orbiting UNE-433. At first it
seems that the Scorpion are victorious, but Lion reinforcements change the tides of battle, and
the Scorpion are forced to flee, losing several ships as they run through the Lion blockade.
The Lion-Kitsune alliance claim the moon to their name, sidestepping the decree keeping any
individual clan from claiming a world; though it’s widely known that the Kitsune are nothing
but Lion’s proxy in this, and that little of the planet’s wealth will end in Kitsune coffers.
Indeed, few Fox settle outside of their own forested lands. Daidoji Tomoe marries Akodo
Takahide, though their nuptials are interrupted by a Mantis raid upon a nearby Crane outpost.
The almost-wed couple charges to battle, celebrating their union on a later day.

Iweko LXXV invites Utaku Ji-Yeong into attendance. Several Imperial authorities take part
to the hearings as the Otomo and Seppun try to determine the best course of action. After
weeks of discussion, Iweko LXXV does something that no Emperor has done in centuries,
addressing his people in a recorded open speech. In his speech, the Emperor roughly explains
the nature of Ide's discovery, tasking the Unicorn to organize a diplomatic mission into the
alien space. Lion and Crane are incensed, but do not voice their concerns openly. Lion
shipyards burst into a frenzy of activity as no less than three new Katana-class battlecruisers
are laid down.
Immediately after the Emperor's speech, the Unicorn announce a plan for such a mission,
openly asking aid from other clans. While the official reason for the request is the need for
skilled personnel and potential access to latest Phoenix and Scorpion technology, many of the
courtiers note that monopolizing the project would have been a political suicide for the clan.
The Crab launch a punitive raid against a small Spider mining world. Bitter fighting ensues as
Spider defenses are more extensive than Yasuki analysts had predicted. The Spider dig in and
the Crab do what they do best, lay siege to Spider defenses while the small Crab fleet
blockades the system. This siege lasts for three months, eventually wiping out the Spider
garrison, while the Crab suffer hundreds of casualties. Yasuki are puzzled about the lack of
Spider intervention.

Scandalous pictures of Matsu Kohana in the company of the current sumai grand-master
appear in Scorpion tabloids and spread across the galaxy. The images are later proven to be
falsified, but not before the Otomo cancel Kohana’s engagement to the Emperor’s younger
brother, who instead marries a prominent Bayushi noble. Incensed, the Lion raid two
Scorpion border colonies, only to have their raiding parties ambushed. Lion withdraw for the
time, as most of their forces are committed keeping their shipping lanes clear of pirates and
harassing the Mantis in search of Osu.

Hearing of the Lion plan to enlarge their fleets, Hida Yuka digs deep into the Yasuki coffers
and orders the Crab to follow the Lion’s example, laying down three battlecruisers of their
own. These new ships are the first vessels of the newly engineered Kisada-class, having
thicker armour and heavier weapons than the ubiquitous Katana-class ships. Hearing of the
Crab armament plans, the Crane and Phoenix speak openly for the need to avoid such an
arms race, but their pleas are largely ignored.

3122
Lion and Mantis hostilities flare again over presumed piracy incident at Osano-Wo’s Reach.
The border is tense for a time, with a few small skirmishes fought between the scout flotillas
of the clans. No more than handful of vessels are lost before both sides withdraw from the
forward positions to avoid a full-blown war.

Two Mantis ships go missing in Scorpion held space, but as the vessels were privateers,
Mantis cannot pursue the matter openly. Discouraged by the incident, many of the Mantis
privateers head to Crane and Phoenix space.

Unknown raiders ambush an Utaku light cruiser, the Windrider, stripping her of equipment
before scuttling her badly damaged hull. Eerily enough, when the wreckage is finally
discovered, the crew of the ship is nowhere to be found. Utaku diplomats press the Mantis,
whom deny all accusations.

Hiruma Namiko’s ship, the Iron Bear, fails to respond to a scheduled communications check
while patrolling the galactic north. At first, technical failure is suspected but when the ship is
not heard of after another two months, the granddaughter of the Hiruma daimyo and her crew
are declared lost.

3123
Month of the Hare
A small Spider force equipped with a new class of corvettes raids, boards and subsequently
cripples, the orbital station of Yaneka II, a small Unicorn clan-held mining station near the
Spider-held space. The small local garrison organizes a pursuit, but the meagre Unicorn
forces are unable to catch the nimble attackers. Adding insult to injury, the new class of
vessels employed on the strike cannot to be identified, leaving the Unicorn unable to publicly
pin the attack on the Spider.
Month of the Rooster
With the plans for the Ide II having been finished, the Great Trials begin as the Unicorn
organize several grand gatherings where samurai of all clans can prove their skills and earn a
place on the mission. The other clans scramble to send their best, hoping to earn fame and
glory in the eyes of the Emperor. The fact that all of the Ide II's crew are likely to be able to
observe the much-discussed alien civilization is also a consideration.

Events of Banner of Stars occur here.

Responding to suggestions that escalating losses from pirate attacks along trading lanes
indicate that she is incapable of keeping the Imperial Peace, the Emerald Champion’s forces
stage a series of well-coordinated raids. This leads to several days of conjecture that the
elusive Yoritomo Osu had been captured. While he remains at large, many other influential
pirates and criminal leaders are taken in the raids, and much of the Mantis-run underworld is
thrown into hiding. Notably, parts of the Imperial Fleet are pressed into service as Kagami
directs raids on numerous remote hideouts--much to the annoyance of many among those
forces.

Month of the Dog

The Phoenix send a delegation of Technolytes, Tensai, and xeno-scholars to Crystal Tower to
help the Unicorn as they struggle to aid the Karushan with repairs. Their aid is invaluable to
the task, but they also use the opportunity to funnel information to the Elemental Council and
to investigate well beyond their assignments. While many of the Unicorn are happy to have
their aid, quite a few doubt their motives. Under the protection of the Throne, Taushirr nrr-
Udatowyn remains upon the station, learning the ways of the Empire from the Ide. During
this time it becomes evident that the Karushan captain represents a only one faction of the
Kal’sha. While the alien claims to represent a ‘notable party’, the actual political layout of
Karushan society remains vague, thanks to difficulties in translation. Taushirr insists that the
Rokugani would be welcomed, however.

Near month’s end, the Imperial envoy escorts Taushirr nrr-Udatowyn to Golden Mirror in
preparation for the ensuing Winter Court. The Karushan spends time immersed in lessons on
Rokugani etiquette as well as teaching the ways of the Kal'sha to Imperial scholars as both
sides slowly gain fluency in one another’s tongues.

Having lost significant portions of their raiding fleet to Kagami’s forces, the Mantis find it
increasingly difficult to disrupt Lion supply lines. Able to bring their full might against the
Mantis, Lion forces push back the Mantis on several fronts in the Crossroads system.
Yoritomo and Tsuruchi fight rearguard actions, relying on guerilla tactics to inflict significant
casualties even as they are pushed back.

The Mantis, knowing they can’t support simultaneous engagements with the Lion openly and
the Emerald Champion secretly for long, turn to their alliance with the Spider, drawing forces
and expertise to harry the Emerald Champion’s forces from unexpected quarters. Notably,
Spider pirates ambush and decimate two Seppun cruisers. In response, Imperial forces begin
traveling in larger groups, leaving the Mantis more room to maneuver

Month of the Boar

Emperor Iweko LXXV opens Winter Court at Golden Mirror and formally receives Taushirr
nrr-Udatowyn, the Karushan diplomat. After a week of rehearsing the exchange with
linguists, this important meeting goes off without a hitch. Diplomatic hiccups are saved for a
later week, when a conversation in the garden leads Taushirr to ask if the Emperor’s girth
indicates he carries young.

The Otomo and Ide daimyo are both in attendance specifically due to the alien’s presence at
court. In fact, this court is better-attended than any in recent memory. News crews chafe at
the restrictions and delay in sending their reports as Imperial censors take time to review all
reports carefully before releasing them. The Emerald Champion is in attendance as well.

While securing newly-won territory on Red Fields, the Lion discover ancient tombs, pre-
dating the Blightstrider civilization. These grave complexes are found to be sealed by
Blightstrider wards and sigils. As these aliens have been known to wield maho in the long,
bloody battles that have raged across the small world, the Lion are unwilling to divert
resources investigating the tombs themselves. They report it to nearby Imperial forces, who
request the assistance of the Yogo.

Osu, now openly disavowed by the Yoritomo, dispels the rumours regarding his capture by
seizing and subsequently privateering the Lion cargo ship ‘Firemane’ near Kitsu Prime.
When the Lion publicly accuse the Mantis of the attack, they present Osu's warrant of arrest,
signed by the Yoritomo daimyo himself.

The Kuni mount an expedition to the quarantined Hida Secundus in hopes to unearth some
evidence regarding the organization and physical characteristics of the mushi, the insectoid
creatures that infected the population in 3120

causing command to order the world destroyed from space. Crab leadership feels that the
threat of this alien species to the Empire at large must to be evaluated. Meanwhile, some of
the more radical Kuni are quietly discussing the possibility of weaponizing the mushi-spores
in hopes of developing an ultimate biological siege weapon. Obviously, the organism would
need to be modified to include some kind of biological killswitch to control them, but the
radicals see this merely as the sort of challenge their family was created to tackle.
Meanwhile, the Hiruma mount yet another expedition to the galactic south in hopes of
discovering the fate of Hiruma Namiko and her crew, reasoning that whatever has kept them
from returning may be yet another danger that ought to be investigated.

Month of the Rat

The crew of the Ide II, composed of the Ide’s crew, Imperial Explorers and those applicants
drawn from the Trials, gather at Open Hand Castle where the Ide II is being constructed.
Under Iuchi and Miya supervision, the crew begins familiarizing itself with the vessel. They
study Karushan culture and language extensively, drill heavily with the equipment they will
be using, and run through the many scenarios imagined by mission leaders. Phoenix stationed
at Open Hand Castle gain extensive access to the records of Ide and Ide II via espionage. An
agent known by the codename Lantern is particularly successful in retrieving classified data
for the Council.

Discussion at Winter Court finally seems to turn toward business, as the novelty of the alien’s
presence wears off. Kagami shocks the court by noting that there is no way to ascertain the
provenance of spoils captured from raids on pirate and criminal strongholds, so the many
claims forwarded to her office (mostly from the Crane and Unicorn) would remain unfilled,
with the unclaimed resources directed to Imperial coffers--including those of her office.
Unsurprisingly, this solidifies the Emerald Champion’s standing among the Imperial
contingent and the Crane's hatred of her.

Angered by this power play, the Crane seek out the Mantis, throwing their political forces
together against the Emerald Champion and bargaining for some protection from the piracy
draining their coffers. Given their need to pull back from their less legal actions under
Kagami's scrutiny and the need to redirect forces to fend off Lion attacks, the Mantis are
happy to oblige. With Crane political support and covert Spider military support, they can
push their underworld activities to a back burner for the time being. Under the watchful eyes
of Seppun scholars, Kitsu and Yogo researchers began to study the magical wards
Blightstriders used to seal the burial complexes of an unknown and ancient civilization.

Month of the Ox
Yogo Kaoru makes a breakthrough in researching the strong Blightstrider wards, allowing
him to counter them, at least for a time, with wards of his own that bar the influence of the
Blightstrider magic from the area. With an unknown time, free of the dark wards’ influence,
archaeologists rush to catalog and retrieve the tombs’ contents. They are found to be full of
alien remains, sequestered in hundreds of small jars liberally decorated with what appears to
be writing. Similar runes cover the many artifacts and probable weapons discovered. It will
be years before it can all be properly studied.

A Dragon outpost near the Eastern Nebula picks up a signal that seems to originate beyond
beyond the Nebula itself. The signal is composed of four distinct pulse waves of R-particles
that repeat sixteen times. While brief, no natural sources could explain the signal. Kitsuki
researchers inform their daimyo, who reports to the clan champion. Following the advice of
Togashi Rin, Mirumoto Yorimitsu instructs Dragon scholars and mystics to study the matter.
Despite the urgings of Kitsuki Yayoi, no word of the incident reaches Imperial authorities.

Fantasy Fight, a long forgotten virtual card game finds a surprising renaissance during the
Trials for the crew of the Ide II. Allowing competitors a way to pass time and blow off steam
in a multi-clan environment in the down time between tests, its popularity only grows as the
Ide II's crew trains together, and then spreads to the Empire at large. Crane merchants attempt
to turn the trend to their advantage by acquiring rights to the game and publishing add-ons.
Most fans, however, reject such alterations to the elegant game and prefer to stick to what
they call the ‘Rice’ version of the game. Fan-driven tournaments proliferate, with rare,
unopened packs from the game's heyday becoming sought after prizes.

Month of the Tiger

Winter court comes to an end without major incidents. The Emperor asks the Kal’sha envoy
to join the Ide II’s crew. Taushirr readily agrees, with the stipulation that the Ide II sets off
with the Kal’sha ship whose repairs are nearly complete.
While Spider agreements with both the Crane and Mantis are kept quiet, rumors begin to
circulate of surprising maneuvers in court and whispered sightings of Spider samurai and
suspiciously Spiderish ships among Mantis forces. Already half at war with the Spider, the
Crab focus on acquiring better intelligence regarding these possible ties. Somewhat
reluctantly, they turn to the Scorpion, trading technological secrets for access to Scorpion
intelligence feeds. Several prominent Crab and Scorpion houses are also joined by marriage
by the end of court, drawing a bit of notice and speculation about the unlikely ties. Same
Wataru is found in his rooms, appearing to have choked upon a large bit of the New Year’s
mochi. His daughter, Same Minami claims her father’s seat. With her husband originally
hailing from the Scorpion, some of the older Shark see her as a threat for the clan’s
independence. After a failed attempt to oust her, Minami purges the clan’s upper echelons of
unloyal elements with the support of Same Mamoru and his cadre of friends loyal to her
cause.

3124
Month of the Hare
In the vacuum created by the Mantis’s reduced presence in the Empire’s underworld, Spider
and Scorpion-connected enterprises have less competition. World of Dreams, already
strongly in the Scorpion’s hands, sees them push back much of even the limited Mantis
presence still lurking their. The former crime boss known as the Golden Fist quickly gives up
several other notable Mantis criminals when interrogated, striking a solid blow to Mantis
underworld holdings there. Kuchiki Bioengineering Corps (KBC) announces a breakthrough
in the field of bacterial engineering, heralding a new era of science where once harmful
germs are turned into curative agents. Bacteria are being engineered to treat various
debilitating diseases such as cancer and Taroyo’s syndrome. First commercial application is a
treatment aimed to help samurai lose weight with adipose breaking bacteria. While most Lion
and Phoenix scholars openly scoff at such vain treatments, they have enough applicants
waiting for the treatment's approval to announce that they'll be looking for two more clinic
sites to meet demand. Seeing the potential profit, and chance for industrial espionage,
representatives of several worlds begin negotiations to bring theclinics to their worlds.

Mantis forces manage to stabilize the situation in the Crossroads system, though suffer severe
casualties in the process. While the alliance with the Crane and Spider benefits the clan,
Yoritomo Akifumi cannot quell the voices of discontent. Many of the more traditional
samurai are opposed to clan's dealings with the Spider while others still recall the recent
series of skirmishes the Mantis fought with the Crane. Unwilling to force an alliance that
leaders of his clan's families would oppose, Akifumi wishes to check the wind before setting
sail and alienating the rest of his families. Extravagant engagement banquets, well-attended
by trusted informants, have allowed him to quietly gauge the opinions of his clan members
while flaunting the vast wealth of the Mantis before the Empire. These banquets have quickly
become the leading social scene for the year 3124 as guests flock to the lush gatherings.

New Kalani happens here.

The festivities conclude without major incidents despite the unexpected kraken migration.
Local media reports a dragon sighted within the city, but this particular piece of news is not
spread by the LNN that focuses on the impact of the alliances.

Remains of Usagi Souki are incinerated in a somber ceremony as soon as the Mantis can find
a ranking Hare ambassador to attend. Notably, Yoritomo Kaine is in attendance. Following
the funeral, the ambassador remains on New Kalani as the Hare hope to reap benefits from
the seemingly evident Crane-Mantis alliance.

In the wake of the cyber attacks on New Kalani by Voice and its anti-establishment
movement, many organizations are forced to come to grips that their network security is
woefully ill equipped to equipped to handle modern cyber terrorism and several sysops
commit seppuku to cleanse the shame, though rumors suggest that many of the samurai
involved were coerced into taking their own lives. Following the attacks and much to the
chagrin of the Crane, the Miya News and Entertainment Network chooses to opt out of the
Doji-made Wall_FLWR defense system and acquire the Yasuki made to CRPTR_Wall
defense system instead due to its reportedly better performance during the massive cyber
attack.

Following the purges targeting the associates of Yoritomo Genshin, the Kyuden Sango Stars
finds itself without a head coach. The Stars fail to quality to the finals leaving the Shiro
Shinju Stormcallers facing the Shiro Akabachi Deadeyes in a record breaking 14-inning long
game of baseball. Aftermath of the game sees several riots occur at Shiro Shinju, though they
are quickly suppressed before any real property damage could be done.

3124
Month of the Dragon

After his return home, Asako Shuichi is inducted to the Eternity Research program. He is
allowed to spend some time with his family before he and the other new hopefuls are shipped
to the south-western fringe of the galaxy where the Eternity’s ships are currently located.

Susumu Yu dies in mysterious circumstances with the Spider tabloids connecting his death to
his presumed ties to a certain dishonored Daigotsu family. The news circulates for two days
before it’s shortly forgotten about. No further word on the investigation.

With his clan seemingly supporting the proposed alliances, Yoritomo Akifumi orders the
Mantis navy within Yoritomo’s Reach to withdraw to protect the three worlds Mantis still
holds. Meanwhile, Yoritomo and Komori engineers begin fortifying these planets as the
Yoritomo legions in the system dig-in. This move is meant to give respite to the thinly
stretched Mantis forces while ensuring that the current status quo is maintained. As the Lion
admirals debate how they should react to more passive Mantis, a Miya diplomat delivers a
Mantis offer for peace to Kiyomizu no Tama.

Susumu Yakumo signs a contract with Voice of the Miya News and Entertainment Network,
traveling to Showa to record her next album, most notably under a neutral slant. Susumu
Sotaro accompanies Yakumo, keeping company to the star far away from home.

The Ide II is officially launched, heading out for space trials that are expected to last for two
months during which the crew is supposed to learn the ins and outs of the most advanced
spacecraft ever built. Some of the Karushan engineers join the tests causing confusion among
the crew with their questions regarding both the spiritual engineering and the social structure
of the Empire. While the aliens seem to be enthralled by the kami-engines, they have harder
time wrapping their minds around the idea of celestial order.

Yoritomo Akane finds herself removed from the Heavenly-9 group due to the rumors
regarding her potential solo career. Disgraced, the Mantis idol sets upon a tour encompassing
most of the Yoritomo controlled worlds, performing at smaller venues. She still maintains her
loyal fanbase at her hometown of Shiro Shinju, City of Pearls.

This year’s lesser Fan-Cons arranged across the Empire prove to be a great success, drawing
greater numbers as new fans join the old ones celebrating their fandom. However, the largest
gathering was held on Yakumo. Dubbed ‘Fan-Con Prime’ the event attracted record breaking
audience. The annual cosplay competition drew numerous professional cosplayers and
costume designers to showcase their work. This year’s favourite was Kakita Shizu, an idol
who had done particularly well at her previous showings in conventions and courts. However,
she was ultimately outdone by Shosuro Naoko who won with her tailor-made costume and
crossplay performance as Seppun Rokusaburo, the mysterious masked man and occasional
hero of the Starlight Miko Crusaders. All eyes were on the Crane, as there were doubts about
Naoko’s costume’s authenticity, but no duels were declared.

3124
Month of the Serpent

After month long negotiations the Crane-Mantis-Spider alliance becomes reality when the
daimyo of the respective clans sign the Treaty of Irontide named after the planet hosting the
negotiating parties. Festivities following the occasion last for a better part of a week with the
diplomats consuming ludicrous amounts of alcohol.

Soon after the treaty has been signed, dozens of memes portraying Dark Fortunism in poor
light appear across Mantis intranets. While the censors eventually manage to purge the
harmful material from the networks, their origin remains mystery with some evidence
pointing at Crab. The censors consider the incident minor enough to not warrant a full
investigation, though a memo detailing a need for hunter-killer scripts is drafted.

Yoritomo Seika, heiress of the fabled Watanabe family sets up ‘Lady Sun’, a charity meant to
provide for the poor and the weary. This operation is funded with the profits gleamed from
the first sale of experimental Flarenet solar power system. Several pious samurai and monks
join Seika’s cause. The monks associated with the movement spread word of tolerance and
compassion in stark contrast with the teachings of the Dark Fortunism that focuses on the
individual. Seika’s parents are less than thrilled with this development and the young scion
founds her inbox filled with profiles of potential suitors.

In response to the alliance, the Crab dig deep into their coffers, allocating funds to several
secret Kaiu and Kuni project in hopes of developing new weapons for the great war they
deem inevitable. During the following months, top-secret training facilities are set up on the
wakizashi class vessel Atago where hand-picked samurai learn to pilot the new Type-1
‘Marauder’ Exo suits.

Spider intelligence manages to pick up a hint of the Crab military build-up, conveying this to
both the Crane and the Mantis in a secret memo. In response, the Crane request the Mantis’
aid in securing its borders against potential Crab invasion. The Mantis high command agrees,
figuring that in case of a war, the Crab would most likely to strike at the Crane to weaken the
alliance.

Somewhere within Spider space a monk belonging to the Brotherhood of Shinsei causes a
small diplomatic crisis by preaching taoist creed most of the Spider samurai do not agree
with. This small problem is exacerbated by the rumors that suggest that the monk fraternized
with samurai-ko in an inappropriate manner. Thereafter the monk finds himself shadowed by
a mysterious figure...

Firefly, a clan without a world to call home, are suddenly granted right to settle HSE-764
alongside the Miya and Seppun as a reward for their services to the throne. In reality, this
reward is meant to ensure that the Imperial Families maintain a firm hold of the clan. This
allows the Otomo to control the flow of rare, strategically important minerals into markets,
increasing the costs of naval expansion following the increased tensions between the grand
alliances. This precedence of joint Imperial and Minor clan settlements causes some
consternation among the Great Clans, who now feel there are more rivals for settlement than
planets to be settled.

3124
Month of the Horse

Emboldened by the now official alliance, Susumu Gen’ishiro hatches a plan to assassinate the
Emerald Champion who has been a thorn is Spider’s side ever since she took the office. The
Susumu agent chosen for the task manages to infiltrate the Emerald fleet under false identity,
securing a position as one of Kagami’s personal guards. However, the agent fails to
assassinate the Emerald Champion, though grievously injured. The Seppun manage to seize
the would-be-assassin and force a confession out of her. Recordings of the interrogation are
broadcast across the galaxy, angering many. The Spider claim that the recordings are a hoax,
engineered by Kagami to bolster her declining popularity. While the Otomo know that the
claims are justified, they publicly refuse to mobilize Imperial legions, noting that Kagami has
sufficient forces to defend her honor.

Seeing the balance of power shift - and fearing that the Mantis raiders would pillage their
distant settlements - the Unicorn break alliance with the Phoenix, seeking an arrangement
with the Lion and the Crab. As a result of surprisingly brief negotiations the Unicorn joins the
loose Crab-Lion-Scorpion alliance, providing the Lion and the Crab with crops and material
in return for security guarantee that sees small Lion and Crab fleets patrolling the major
Unicorn shipping routes, allowing the Unicorn to allocate their fleets to defend the more
distant settlements. Many of the senior Unicorn politicians oppose this pact even if the
majority of daimyo deem it necessary.

A Dragon science vessel ‘Amberwing’ goes missing near Eastern Nebula. While the clan
leaderships is informed of the incident only a partial version of the report reaches the
Imperial authorities. The search party following the route Amberwing took find no trace of
the vessel while the Nebula remains quiet.

Voice of the Miya News and Entertainment Network publishes Susumu Yakumo’s album
titled ‘Hear the Universe’. Imperial channels are used to market both the album and Yakumo
herself. Hundreds of thousands of people see her perform during the next months as she tours
the galaxy under Imperial banner, performing on over twenty-one different worlds.

Much to the shock of her agent and fans, Shosuro Hashinako resigns from the production of
‘Life of a Togashi’ to pursue career as a traveling thespian. Rumors follow the artist with
many assuming that such a decision could only be result of a blackmail, wondering just who
Hashinako had managed to cross. Others suggest that she became pregnant to an important
lord and thus disgraced herself, her letter of resignation being a ruse to cover her shame. This
sudden news also came up at the same time as the Miya News and Entertainment Network
were looking to acquire the show under their banner.

Despite their founding charter requiring the Firefly to sell the entire yield of certain strategic
minerals to the Otomo, the youngest of Minor Clans signs a trade contract with the Spider.
This contract sees the Firefly trading some of their hard-earned deep mining knowledge to the
Spider in return for coin that the Firefly invests in their new settlement on HSE-764 - world
later dubbed as Amanoseki. There are rumors that Imperial blessing has been given to the
deal, though no official word has been released by the Otomo, but neither have been any
public censures inflicted on the minor clan.

Shiba Shachihiko earns a scholarship at the famous Isawa Applied and Esoteric Sciences
college. Several student organizations try to lure the athlete into their ranks, hoping that his
fame would attract more members.

The Kaiu Heavy Industries Incorporated release the Shinobu fleshcraft prosthesis range,
version 9.0.0, to the public after months of anticipation. The firmware update fixes certain
performance issues that had been plaguing the version 8.4.6, including annoying whirring
sound during idle time and certain responsiveness bugs. Notably, the new model also features
also built-in GPS receiver and navigation system. Moto Shiwahime, hero of New Kalani, is
among one of the first adopters of the product.

In a huge upset Hiruma Anzu loses the lightweight sumai belt to Hida Tamami after a
grueling 1-hour match at Sumai Showdown 84, ending Anzu’s reign of three years. There
was some reported interference when Anzu took a chair to the back of the head from Shosuro
Asashi, a previous rival. Hiruma Anzu is demanding a rematch and the representatives of
Hida Tamami have yet to comment. Despite that, Sumai Showdown 84 was one of the Silver
Fin Production’s most watched events.

3124
Month of the Goat

Using the maps provided by the Crane, the Mantis privateer fleet moves to operate in Phoenix
space, using the information gleaned from the Crane to terrorize the commonly used shipping
lanes. Phoenix merchant fleet loses no fewer than 18 vessels during the month of Goat alone.
The raiders are brutally effective, commandeering all of the seized vessels.

Similarly, Spider raiders probe the Unicorn borderworlds but find that the Children of the
Shinjo are fierce opponents and present in larger numbers than the Daigotsu-stratego could
predict. Vessels are lost on both sides, the Kuchiki built self-destruct mechanisms on the
nimble Spider frigates ensuring that there is never enough evidence to prove that the Spider
are behind the attacks. Despite the Spider’s best efforts to obfuscate the origin of the attacks,
the Unicorn are well aware of the true nature of their enemy. When accused in public, the
Daigotsu daimyo insists that the Spider navy has not been sanctioned to raid the Unicorn and
thus such attacks cannot have taken place.

During one such black-op raid Utaku Jian earns fame as she and her navigator gun down
three unidentified gunships during the battle for convoy 203. Jian’s name is mentioned in the
fleet HQ sector dispatch and she is subsequently awarded with Distinguished Flying Emblem,
3rd class.

Crane publishes another expansion to Fantasy Fight, dubbed ‘Lords of Iron’ that explores the
heroes and legends of the early industrial age corresponding roughly to 17th century. The
power creep becomes evident as the ‘Iron Beasts aggro’ and ‘Gilded Coin control’ dominate
the tournaments where the expansion is allowed. While gaining some popularity among the
Crane and the Mantis, the Lion game-masters refuse to touch the expansion.

Scorpion, fully aware of the gravity of their situation, call upon Same Minami, daimyo of the
Shark and leave her with an ultimatum. Either she marries a Scorpion noble or the Scorpion
disclose just how much money the Shark owe them and how badly Minami’s father
mismanaged the Shark’s fortunes. With the Shark are also heavily indebted to the Mantis,
Minami, much to her dismay, has to agree with the Scorpion ultimatum.

Usagi Drop! publishes a new album that becomes major success among the Crane and the
Hare. Several legal copies of the album are shipped to Yoritomo Raizo as Kakita
Entertainment Network discusses potential artistic cooperation with the Lighting News
Network, even though the Crane have their doubts about the artistic integrity of the Mantis.

The Lion archaeologists discover two further necropoli on Red Fields, both older than the
tombs discovered the previous year. Teams of Kitsu and Ikoma scientists began unearthing
the remains of what the Lion and Scorpion now know to be an advanced civilization
predating the life on Rokugan. Kitsu philosophers and theologians debate whether the Lion
can employ the technologies based on the findings without committing a heresy. The
Scorpion who gain access to the tombs in return for helping the Lion with the ancient wards
have no such qualms and the Yogo R&D teams are busy for months to come as they try to
reverse-engineer some of the artefacts given to the clan of secrets.

A surge of tourists overwhelms some of the smaller and less well-known traditional hotels on
Golden Mirror thanks to series of eccentric commercials tapping into current memes. The
campaign is utilizing computer generated graphics and is seen very much up to date, unlike
most of the Crane marketing.

The Miya News and Entertainment Network continues their work with pre-production on the
live-action Starlight Miko Crusader movie. The role of Bayushi Shana is perhaps shockingly
given to Shosuro Niko, a largely unknown actress know only for a small handful of parts.
However, the network assures the fans that Shosuro Niko will do the role justice once
shooting begins next year.

Having recovered from the assassination attempt, Kagami summons her captain informing
them of her plan of taking war to the Spider space and laying siege to Whispers, the Susumu
homeworld. The Emerald Fleet scattered near Mantis space begins to prepare for war.
Kagami swears that she will not relent until the Susumu homeworld lies in ruin. The Emerald
Champion contacts the commander of the Imperial navy, requesting help for her campaign.
However the Otomo fear that this might tip the precarious balance between the Lion and the
Mantis and inform Kagami that while she is allowed to defend her honor, she has to do so
with the ships she has under her command.

3124
Month of the Monkey
Moshi Wakana and Daigotsu Isao are wed on Whispers, with friends and relatives in
attendance. Moshi Chizuru is sighted among the crowd, seemingly pleased with herself.
Much to the Spider’s surprise, Wakana settles on Blightwell, living among Isao’s relatives.
The determined woman sets up a small charity operation, using her time to look after the poor
and the weak in the slums of the city. While Isao fears for her safety, the commoners come to
love the noblewoman they dub Lady Darksun. Eventually few other nobles join Wakana’s
efforts, even though the city’s peerage scoff at their efforts.

With their shipping lanes in shambles and no strong allies to call to aid, the Phoenix face
economic ruin. Without trade, the small border worlds of the clan cannot sustain themselves
forcing the clan leadership debate abandoning the hard-won territory. The Elemental Council
convenes and orders Shiba Qadan to see to an arrangement with the Crab. High level
negotiations are commenced with the Crab keen on acquiring Phoenix technology - even if it
means sending part of their navy to protect the Phoenix worlds.

Similarly, Komori Sumire and Asahina Tomoko are wed in a grand ceremony on World of
the Golden mirror with several celebrities in presence. The wedding is done in the Rokugan
feudal tradition, albeit the union follows contemporary norms. The festivities last three days
and no less than four duels are fought over misunderstandings between the Crane and the
Komori guests. During the occasion Kakita Ruri, niece of Kakita Amane, shocks the
traditional Crane fashion world by wearing a contemporary outfit bristling with frills, lace
and bows. This leads to the Crane fashionista wait with baited breath to hear the Clan
Champion’s opinion on the matter to see of they have to follow Ruri’s example or if they can
publicly condemn her.

During this month Bayushi Daizu marries Kuchiki Ainomiya, becoming Kuchiki Daizu. The
Spider shugenja greet the new member of their family with open arms and sequencers ready
to run.

Ide Yamako and Komori Noburo are wed at Open Hand Castle in a private ceremony
attended by closest friends and family. After the honeymoon, Noboru is discovers that the Ide
have put him in charge of small team of journalists, allowing him to serve his new clan.

Same Minami marries Bayushi Atsushi, cousin of Bayushi Hazuki. The political union
becomes a common gossip throughout the courts of the Empire with the courtiers speculating
the amount of influence the Scorpion have on the Shark.

Later in the month, the Emerald Fleet pushes into the Spider space transmitting a single word
- ‘vengeance’ - on all common frequencies. The Spider call the Mantis for aid and the
Yoritomo and Komori begin fitting a fleet capable facing the Emerald Champion. The Spider
navy tries to delay the Emerald Fleet’s advance by near suicidal hit-and-run attacks, suffering
heavy casualties. Convinced that the fate of the Spider is at stake, Daigotsu Miyako orders
the Eisei to prepare the undead fleet for war.
Clans

Crab
I am Hida Tatsuya, Champion of the Crab. Son of Hida Kenji and Hida Sachie. I am the right
hand of vengeance and the boot that is going to kick your sorry asses out of this system! I am
death incarnate, and the last living thing that you will ever see.
- Hida Tetsuya, hailing the Spider raiding fleet orbiting Kaiu Secundus

After the Festering Pit of Fu Leng was closed, the Crab endured a spiritual crisis of sorts,
having lost the primary focus of their existence. Pragmatic as ever, the Children of Hida
persevered and found renewed focus in the Age of Stars. First, with the growing importance
of science and technology, the Kaiu family became an important part of Rokugan’s
development, allowing them to demand resources to expand their operations, particularly in
mining and engineering. Secondly, exploration revealed that many planets were inhabited by
strange and often hostile life-forms influenced by the more dangerous Spirit Realms,
including Jigoku. This gave renewed purpose to the Crab who took to the stars to fight
against the most dangerous inhuman species, as well as establishing gigantic mining and
construction operations for weapons and defense development. Used to great hardship and
difficult conditions, the Crab adapted very well to exploring strange new environments and
have become a force to be reckoned with in the Empire of Emerald Stars.

The Emperor continues to use both the Crab and Spider to pacify hostile worlds, leading to
increased rivalry between two clans that never managed to do much better than barely
tolerate one another. Small skirmishes have been common save in the months immediately
following the end of the Second War of the Worlds when the Emperor’s edicts offered a
fleeting taste of peace throughout the Empire. They have frequently clashed on newfound
worlds, both competing for the same resources before one has been forced to yield. These
conflicts tend to be particularly bloody as interclan conflict goes, due to the tenacity in
combat both clans are known for. Until recent years, Spider and Crab avoided directly
attacking each other's established holdings, but this stalemate has recently eroded into what
most now nervously consider war. Since the Spider's assault on Shell, an isolated Kaiu
mining world, hostilities have steadily increased. Three years ago, the Spider lost their
champion in a successful attempt to assassinate Crab champion, Hida Tetsuya, on Umisaki
III, leading to the current state of hostilites simmering just short of war.

This enmity has deepened the clan's relatively good relations with the Scorpion, who have
provided copious amounts of information regarding Spider and Lion forces in exchange for
military support; which frees Scorpion ships from escort duties and allows the clan to actively
hunt pirates in Scorpion-held space. They also have a tentative pact regarding scientific
cooperation, though both the Soshi and the Kaiu jealously guard their best secrets. Still, some
small advances have been shared, the Scorpion gaining access to the Kaiu silk-steel recipe,
though production has not yet gone beyond prototypes, while the Crab have been given
access to the improved long-range communicators of the Soshi. Similarly, the Crane's recent
support of the Spider has kept relations cool between Crane and Crab delegations. The
Yasuki and Kuni maintain ties among the Phoenix, eager to share in their technological
breakthroughs, while sharing Kuni cataloguing information and offering military and
engineering assistance on problem planets. Mantis pirates prey on Crab vessels as much as
any others, leading to several small skirmishes as Crab strive to protect Yasuki trading
interests. So far, the Mantis’s disavowal of official support for the privateers has been enough
to keep relations between the two clans mostly civil, particularly as the Spider demand more
attention.

The loss of Hida Secundus and the quarantine of that system after discovery of the incredibly
dangerous Mushin was a harsh blow to the Crab, but also a reminder regarding the level of
vigilance required when exploring the unknown. Unfortunately, there was little learned about
the Mushin before their incursion was destroyed. The Kuni are nearlycertain that there are
more of them out there, somewhere. The Hiruma daimyo has vowed that their scouts will be
utterly devoted to their watch; the Crab will be warned, should the mushin return. Many of
the Crab would like to blame the Spider for the mushin, even though no evidence connects
the strange parasitic lifeforms to the Dark Mirror.

Hida
The Hida hold the center of the clan as they always have, manning most of the clan's ships as
well as providing the bulk of their armies. With the threat of Jigoku to the Empire at large
greatly reduced, the sons and daughters of Hida have taken it upon themselves to safeguard
the vast Celestial Empire against all external threats. For this purpose, the Hida have
expanded aggressively, fighting tooth and nail for the resources it deems necessary to protect
the Empire. This expansionism has led to several skirmishes with the Lion, Mantis, and
Spider, and while the Crab are not openly at war with anyone, tensions with the Spider seem
ready to spawn war soon. Needless to say, the Hida daimyo have kept a close eye on the
Spider, employing both the Kuni and the Yasuki to acquire information on the children of
Daigotsu as they wish for an excuse to eradicate those they see as their ancestral enemies.

New tactics and strategies have been developed by the Hida, with their current doctrine
favoring the use of massed armored formations to engage and eventually encircle the enemy.
When fighting outnumbered, the heavy infantry digs in, fortifying whatever ground it sits
upon, buying time for the reinforcements to arrive. Thanks to the size of the clan's armies,
reinforcements are rarely far off. Much like the Lion, the Crab also maintains sizable
numbers of reserve troops composed of heimin levies that have been trained by retired bushi.
These young men and women, working in fields and factories can be rapidly formed into
companies in times of need, and while their skills are not comparable to the better trained
samurai, they make up for it in loyalty, tenacity, and sheer numbers. The recent loss of their
family daimyo, along with a secret research facility in the Umisaki system was a severe blow
to the Hida. Despite her fierce reputation, the current champion seems a pale shadow of her
father, and some of the older Hida doubt her ability to lead the clan through these troubled
times. Nevertheless, most among the vast ranks of the Hida are able to set such doubts aside
and stand behind their champion, ready to serve as they always have.

Hiruma
With the Hida focused on ensuring the Crab's strength, it falls upon the Hiruma to keep an
eye out for unknown enemies. Hiruma-manned, long-range vessels patrol the far reaches of
the Empire, their sensitive scrying orbs reaching out into the unknown. These same ships
often escort the clan's gas and mineral foraging mammoths, protecting them from corsairs on
their long journeys through the wilderness of space. Those not serving on these patrols either
guard one of the many Crab holdings or serve among the Crab legions as scouts, much as
their ancestors did, gathering intelligence and paving the way for the more heavily armed
Hida and Kaiu formations.
With the advent of firearms, the Hiruma school adapted its teachings to allow a more fluid
style of fighting which favors ranged combat. Light armor and weapons are often favored
over heavier equipment to allow greater mobility, allowing the Hiruma to chose their
engagements. Excellent pathfinders and skirmishers, Hiruma warriors also often serve among
the Imperial Explorers as scouts and guards.

Hiruma hold several systems to their name, among which Hiruma Prime and Ishibashi are the
most important, the former working as the family's seat of power as well as a notable trading
hub. While most of the Hiruma are still trained among the family's own, it's becoming
increasingly common to send second or a third child to the Yasuki as the mercantile
operations of the Hiruma grow in importance.

Kaiu
As warfare has moved into space and onto strange, distant worlds, the Kaiu have been kept
busy devising new weapons and equipment for the Crab. Most Kaiu engineers serve the clan
through Kaiu Heavy Industries Incorporated, the largest arms manufacturer in the Empire.
Known for their quality, Kaiu crafted weapons and armor are in high demand across the
Empire, and carefully planned trade agreements have filled the clan's coffers in the past
century. Such resources have allowed them to build several massive planetary fortresses
which protect the central Crab systems. Not all Kaiu work in the official family business and
many Kaiu schooled samurai serve as battlefield engineers, pilot spaceships, or crew the
mighty lumbering battle tanks the Crab take to the field of battle. Many also work on the
clan's extensive civil projects, drawing plans and guiding the workers. Ashigaru and the well
trained heimin of the Kaiu work closely with their masters and are considered the best
educated among Crab commoners. The Kaiu foster this relationship, sometimes even
adopting gifted craftsmen into their ranks.

Recently, Hida Yuka's order for three new battle cruisers for the Hida in response to Lion
proclamations has kept the Kaiu forges busy. Engineered and manufactured by the Crab using
the most advanced weapons and armor available, the new Kisada class vessels are more
expensive than anything the clan has built before. Heavily armed and armored, and equipped
with superior Soshi-manufactured scrying orbs, the new battle cruisers are more powerful
than any other ships within the Empire, barring the Emerald Champion's personal vessel.

Kuni
While some of the Kuni serve their clan as technicians and engineers, assigned to forge-
factories and strongholds across the galaxy, the majority travel as they always have, in some
isolation from society. Solitary Kuni and their students journey with Imperial and Crab
exploratory missions, classifying new life forms, sampling worlds for safe air and water,
examining likely worlds for hidden threats, and peering into the spiritual health of each
system they encounter. Of course, all information that passes through Kuni hands eventually
finds its way into the vast Crab dataworks, allowing Hida and Yasuki strategists an
occasional edge in claiming worlds that turn out to be far more productive than Imperial
Assessments indicated.

The large pool of information gathered by the Kuni has allowed them to develop several new
breeds of cultivated plants and lifeforms. The most famous examples of Kuni bio-engineering
are the Tashokukeiko-type silkworms, whose silk glows in blue-green hues when exposed to
light, and Golden Rice, a breed of rice whose edible parts have been engineered for enhanced
nutrition. Besides their advances in the field of life sciences, the Family is also known for its
excellent geomancers, shugenja specialized in dowsing precious metals that lie deep beneath
the surface, whom allow Crab to tap into resources more efficiently. Additionally, the Kuni
still rigorously drill their students to recognize the effects of Taint as well as the prayers
needed to ward their kin against evil. The ancient pacts between the Kuni, Kuroiban and
Phoenix Inquisitors are still in place, though the cooperation is mostly limited to information
exchange as their small numbers spread among so many worlds. To further increase their
network of informants, the Kuni have recruited the Hare Witchfinders to their cause, whom
are now duty bound to report their findings to the Crab. In return, the Kuni family trains the
few shugenja born among the Usagi.

Yasuki
The growth of the Empire into the stars has been a boon to all of those with an interest in
trade. From world-spanning industries supporting the creation of ships and equipment, to tiny
ships braving the void to bring goods and luxuries to the scrabbling colonies, the Yasuki have
entered eagerly into it all. Between that and the vast amounts of data received from Kuni
researchers and Hiruma scouts, the Yasuki have also become the clan’s main analysts of all
this data. Computing machinery, run by Yasuki Savants and bound with fire and air kami,
collate and churn through the data, seeking trends and anomalies for them to exploit.
Currently, the family is engaged in a protracted aggressive economic campaign to ensure the
clan's access to the resources and funds it foresees needing to deal with the threats of Mushin,
Spider, and potentially the aliens discovered to the east. Yasuki are also responsible for the
solitary widecast network of the Crab, Silver Fin Productions, producing news, propaganda,
and light entertainment for the masses. The channel is probably best known for its sumai
coverage, easily the best and most complete among widecast networks. Unfortunately for the
Yasuki, public opinion among everyone other than sumai enthusiasts has it that the Yasuki
productions are somewhat stale compared to the Crane and Scorpion ones.

Toritaka
The Toritaka once thought their role would be to remain in Rokugan, tending to the ancient
spirits there as they assumed there would be less use for their unique talents among the stars.
However, it didn’t take long until deaths under circumstances never encountered before led to
reports of haunted corridors on the first stations and sightings of insane ghosts drifting in the
void of space. So, in small numbers, the Toritaka took to space, seeking the restless spirits
among the stars. Then the Empire met the Ryunin--and wiped them out, only to have an
entire planet haunted with rage-filled spirits of the perished aliens. To make the world safe
for would-be settlers, the first detachment of Toritaka Irregulars was mustered and put into
service. Ever since, they’ve found plenty of work on worlds where manifestations from the
spirit worlds have developed in an unforeseen ways.

Smallest of the Crab families, the Toritaka have formed close ties with the Kuni and
intermarriage between the two is common. Over the past centuries, this has led to an
increased number of shugenja among the Toritaka, something many consider a boon for the
Family fortunes. Trained by the Kuni, Toritaka shugenja often specialize in prayers dealing
with the Spirit Realms, learning to leash and banish spirits at will. Small units of a Toritaka
and their eta servants, work to find the bodies of those lost to space, perform appropriate
rites, and put any frantic ghosts to rest. Known as Soul Seekers, these men and women spend
long periods of time traveling the trade routs and
visiting locations of space battle in their line of duty. While disparagingly called Corpse
Hunters by many, anyone who’s woken to a ship alert due to an enraged yurei encountered in
the middle of nowhere can understand just how necessary their task is.

Daimyo of the Crab

Hida Yuka
The space age has brought many changes, but the Crab are still militant at their core,
aggressively claiming new worlds with an eye toward harvesting the resources needed for
defense of this vast Empire. Their armies are larger than those of any other clan save the
mighty Lion, and Hida Yuka is determined to transform her formidable forces into the
mightiest war machine ever seen. Nothing less will suffice, she says, if the Crab are to remain
steadfast in their ancient duty; particularly in light of recent, mysterious dangers confronting
the Empire. By this reasoning, aggressive expansion and resource mining not only make
sense, but any other course of action would be a dereliction of duty. Yuka, the second child of
Hida Tetsuya, little resembles the imposing figures of past Crab daimyo. Slight of stature and
impeccably dressed in the latest fashions, the young woman is known in the Empire’s courts
for her fiery temper and stolid dedication to her clan; so much so that some Crane refuse to
deal with the ‘Spitfire.’ Not that anyone uses the nickname to her face; not since that incident
with Soshi Ryuto. While the Scorpion tradition of masks means he may still have an acting
career, he’ll never again enjoy a role that requires him to bare his face. Only three years into
her position, many consider her woefully inexperienced and ill-prepared to take up leadership
after her father fell to the Daigotsu daimyo on Umisaki III. Yuka’s tendency to rely on her
own intuition has led to several endeavors widely seen as blunders, much to the dismay of her
advisors. Still, no one can deny that she is her father’s daughter, given that it was exactly that
sort of impulsiveness that led to him even being on the rather unimportant moon when he
died. While the Crab loyally stand behind Yuka despite such missteps, the Scorpion-
sponsored tabloids are rife with rumors of the young Hida daimyo’s erratic behavior and
speculation regarding the substance abuse fueling it, meaning that the general public tends to
view the young Crab with suspicion, wondering if the Crab’s warmongering has its roots in
her ‘issues’. Despite this reputation, her advisors are pushing hard for her to find a husband.
Three years is long enough for the clan to remain without an heir and few find her Yasuki-
trained older brother suitable, including the man himself.

Hiruma Masato
For the past four decades, the stout Hiruma Masato has led the clan. A brilliant commander
and strategist, he is credited with preserving the entire Tetsunabe system from the
encroachment of magnetic leeches slipping in from the Universal ‘South’. Loved by his men
and feared by his enemies, the gray-bearded, lanky daimyo prefers to lead from the front,
often taking to battle aboard one of the fleet’s smaller vessels to ‘be where things happen.’
Ardently dedicated to the Fortunes and the Kami, the old Crab is hesitant to take credit for his
victories. In his eyes, he has merely done what one must, guided by those ancient powers that
have always been with the children of Hida. His strict religious views, penchant for speaking
his mind, and decades steeped in the ‘etiquette’ of the battlefront have ensured that any court
invitations sent his way often mysteriously disappear before reaching the borderlands he
generally frequents. This bothers him not at all, leaving him to lead his life, and his family,
out on the fringes of civilization where he feels he belongs.
Hiruma Shinichi, Masato’s eldest son, intercepts many of these invitations while handling
Hiruma interests from the fortified world of Ishibashi. Widely viewed as the daimyo’s likely
successor, Shinichi is a well-traveled and reasonably well-spoken diplomat who manages his
family’s position in the courts when required. Privately, however, he has often expressed the
opinion that he is already too old to be taking up that sort of shift in responsibility. Many
Hiruma believe that when the time comes, Shinichi will pass the position to his daughter,
Namiko, a woman who takes after her grandfather and spends the bulk of her time on the
borders of the Empire. Unfortunately, Namiko is currently missing in the galactic ‘south’
after reports of border outposts vanishing without a trace in the region.

Kaiu Ryuta
Despite his youth, Ryuta is almost a legend among his peers thanks to innovative thinking
and brave designs that allow Crab weaponry to compete and, in some cases, surpass the
technical qualities of Phoenix manufactured weapons. Equally legendary is the Kaiu
daimyo’s courtesy. Visitors are often taken aback by the soft-spoken engineer after exposure
to the more stereotypical elements of the Clan. Yet the man could say he is no different from
his ancestor, as most of the time he can be found studiously engineering the latest
improvements for the Crab fleet within his skunkworks, surrounded by assistants and myriad
holo-slates filled with schematics. Ryuta's ancestors might give the holo-slates a second look,
before trying to figure out how they worked, but nod approvingly at their successor seeing
him working hard for the betterment of the Crab.

Older Kaiu are nearly fanatic in their approval and dedication to Ryuta. Some are less than
circumspect in noting that he’s a vast improvement upon his father. The former daimyo, Kaiu
Jun’ichi was well known for his interest in the latest of Scorpion luxury items, going so far as
to devote considerable time to engineering some of his own. While his wife was reported to
be quite pleased with the new items her husband manufactured, and they’ve captured a
certain niche market in the Empire, it was time taken away from work considered more
essential by most of his family. The Crab and Crane have built tentative ties with Ryuta’s
recent marriage to Kakita Amane’s eldest daughter, Asuko. Unfortunately, rumor already
paints the match as one likely to create more rifts than it has healed, as Ryuta’s dedication to
duties other than marital have led to tales of the lonely Asuko seeking comfort elsewhere.
Recently, it’s been noticed that she spends quite a lot of time in the company of Yasuki Isoya,
supposedly regarding the still growing trade in Jun’ichi’s sturdy marital aides.

Kuni Seiji
A venerable and respected biologist, Kuni Seiji remains as vigorous as ever, with a
publication record that hasn't slowed since gempukku, and a month-old son by his third wife.
It’s rumored that his second wife, Kuni Akiko, retired two years ago with more than a few
disparaging comments about the activities of the ‘old goat.’ With public acknowledgement of
his third illegitimate child preceding her retirement by a scant month, the tabloids were rife
with speculation that it was the last straw, coming on top of ceaseless account of Seiji’s
dalliances throughout the Empire. None of this, however, means that the Kuni daimyo does
not take his duties seriously. Under his leadership, the Kuni have advanced research into the
various new life-forms discovered throughout the Empire, nearly completing the Unified
Classification of Life Forms Within the Celestial Order efforts begun by Kuni Mitsuko on the
verge of the 3rd millenium. Great strides have been made in understanding the dangers and
weaknesses of those which threaten them, while expanding the uses of many other strange
creatures. While there are arguments between Kuni and Asahina researchers about
classification of certain edible lifeforms as ‘fish,’ ‘fowl,’ or ‘flesh,’ there is no denying the
accomplishment of having so many classified to quibble over.

While many are justifiably proud of the vigor and productivity of their daimyo, many Kuni
wonder how long he can maintain such a pace. Some have even begun to suspect use of
illegal substances that would allow Seiji to continue operating at such a peak well into his
eighth decade. Some have begun looking more closely at his work, intent on prying out
improprieties, but none have yet made anything stick. Akiko, now the nun, Souma, watched
bitterly as her former husband married the noble actress, Doji Sumire--mother of his most
recently acknowledged bastard. The knowledge that one of Akiko’s eldest daughters will take
her rightful place at the head of the family someday is some small consolation to the nun. It is
rumored that these twin daughters are quietly encouraging those who peer more closely at
Seiji’s record in retribution for his blatant disrespect to their mother. For his part, the daimyo
behaves publicly as if he knows nothing of any of this...an amazing lack of paranoia for an
elderly Kuni.

Yasuki Taiki
More than any daimyo previously recorded, Taiki is wedded to his machinery. He has a gift
for speaking to spirit-infused computational libraries, seeming almost to commune as much
as type commands, sometimes dashing off with an answer before the chattering printout or
glowing holo-display finishes resolving. While the priests claim that the spirits bound to
computations or twined into connections that can be stretched across vast distances are no
different from their less meddled-with brethren, some people with no hint of the kami’s
blessing, like Taiki, can still seem to interact almost seamlessly with such advanced
technology. Whether this is a form of ancestral blessing or the favor of the Heavens is a
much-debated subject among the Phoenix scholars. Taiki himself does not care either way.

With his Kuni-trained wife frequently traveling, the Yasuki daimyo spends more time in the
midst of monitors, speaking to her and the rest of his scattered Family than he does away
from the screens. His son and daughter have found themselves mostly raised by their
extended family of aunts and uncles, with very little interaction with their workaholic parents.
By all accounts this is seen as having produced strikingly grounded youth, who currently
exhibit little of their parents’ eccentricities. Recently, Taiki has thrown himself and his family
ever harder into the economic battles of the Empire, determined to back his young
Champion’s push to strengthen the Crab. While the clan has often worked quietly with the
Scorpion when it served to hinder the Spider, the Yasuki have recently been more aggressive
in areas of trade traditionally dominated by the Clan of Secrets. Not all of the Yasuki are
comfortable with the underground trade in the latest designer drugs--and the blackmail such
purchases provide over their clients that Taiki has masterfully orchestrated, but no-one can
deny the success of these ventures as millions of Koku are flowing to Crab coffers from
across the galaxy. Despite the immense profits, some of the elder Yasuki are disturbed by the
side effects rumored to stem from the newest substances, derived from Kuni research and
adding fuel to the rumors swirling around Seiji’s habits.

Toritaka Tsubaki
A tall and lanky woman with milky grey eyes that suggest blindness, Tsubaki tends to
unsettle those she meets. Given that she began her career with the Soul Seekers, it’s a
reaction she’s long grown accustomed to.
Tsubaki has led the family for nearly 13 years, after her elder sister perished when pirates
ambushed and subsequently scuttled the ship she traveled on. The Falcon’s last transmissions
indicated they were planning to answer a distress call from a nearby world. After that, only
static was heard. Weeks later, search parties found the Falcon crippled, her hull engines torn
asunder by powerful weapons, devoid of all valuables. The crew lay within the ship,
slaughtered. Of the attackers, there was no sign. Suspicion immediately fell upon the Mantis,
and the Toritaka have since been noticeably slower to respond to requests for their expertise
in Mantis-controlled systems.

Unwilling to leave the clan without an heir as her sister did, Tsubaki married less than six
months after taking command of her family and now has two sons and a daughter to her
name. Her husband, Toritaka Mitsuhide, is a scholar who is even less wellknown in the
Empire at large than his wife and found himself himself married to the family daimyo solely
due to the distinction of being the first name on the list of unmarried Toritaka over the age of
20 (The list wasn’t very long).

Beyond the small pettiness regarding the Mantis, Tsubaki ignores clan politics and focuses on
the narrow purposes of her family. Occasionally someone will invite her to their winter court
to have a spiritual problem attended to with minimum rumorstarting potential. These are the
only courts Tsubaki has ever been to. Given that most do not invite the Toritaka daimyo for
*small* problems, most of those have been rather memorable courts.
Crane
Acknowledge that duty is heavy as the mountains and that death is light as a feather.
-Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors

The children of Doji have taken to the stars with a passion and talent for shaping starfaring
society that their founding kami would surely approve of. The art of striding into the future
while retaining the traditions of the past is simply one more for the Crane to master. Of all the
clans, the Crane probably retain the greatest influence on Rokugan itself, remaining close to
the seat of power. As other clans claim the bulk of new worlds at the Empire's frontiers, the
Crane fill the void they are leaving behind. This is not to say they have not ventured into the
stars; but they have done so more carefully. Currently, only three systems are recognized as
lying under Crane rule within the galactic ‘core’. Crane holdings, however, are everywhere. It
is a poor world that does not boast at least a single Kakita artisan's studio or lush Crane estate
with gardens showcasing native flora. Only the most backwater courts are devoid of Doji
courtiers, and even the most remote mining colonies rely on some form of art or recorded
entertainment to pass the time--much of it bearing the touch of Crane entertainers and media
empires. Crane-held worlds are considered to be some of the most beautiful planets within
the galaxy, including some of the most exclusive (and expensive) resorts in the Empire.
These enormous tourist and entertainment ventures, along with the massive information
networks, feed the clan’s coffers with billions of koku, helping ensure that the Crane’s
economic might is second only to the Mantis, and allowing them to wield investments as the
Lion or Crab might wield armies. Because of this advantage, and despite the small amount of
actual territory held, the Crane's political and cultural power reaches nearly every corner of
the Empire. News and entertainment produced by the Crane are widecast throughout the
galaxy, giving the clan a way to influence nearly everyone with their carefully engineered
propaganda. Given their dependence upon social and political power, the Crane must pay
close attention to its allies to safeguard its interests.

Thankfully for the Crane, their relations with the Phoenix and the Unicorn remain good, and
the three have formed a loose alliance against the aggressive Mantis. The recent Emerald
tournament and the defeat of the Crane candidate was a severe blow to the children of Doji.
The former Champion, Kakita Nariko had supported the Crane openly, often assuming the
stance most beneficial to her kin. The current champion is an enigma, and while most of the
Rokugan duly acknowledge her, the Crane are still bitter. The champion's recent undeniably
partial intervention in the Dragon-Spider conflict allowed the Crane to win an unconventional
ally as they carefully championed the Spider's case in court in order to undermine the
Emerald Champion's character.

Doji
The Doji remain at the heart of the Crane and of the Empire's courts and manage the vast
assets that fuel the Crane's power and wealth. Their political acumen has facilitated the
expansion of their entertainment ventures and secured beneficial tax rates for their luxury
ventures. Thanks to Doji politics, Kakita entertainment networks have become the primary
source of entertainment and popular culture throughout the far-flung worlds of the Empire,
further benefiting the clan. It is no coincidence that the same networks also form the
backbone of interstellar communications, an arrangement that floods the Crane coffers with
koku. Connectivity, fame, access--the Doji wield them expertly as both weapons and rewards,
supporting their allies via carefully coordinated PR tricks while undermining their enemies
with stinging satire.

These vast interstellar communication networks include massive relays and beacons, often
built on asteroids and other forlorn celestial objects, require regular maintenance and repairs.
Much of the actual work is done by well-trained heimin crews under the careful guidance of
Doji and Asahina engineers. Asahina knowledge might have been used to design and build
the networks, but it falls to the Doji to direct their expansion according to the clan's needs. In
the courts, the Doji continue to support the clan's allies, earning favors and services which are
used to safeguard the Crane's existence. While the relationship between the Crane and
Phoenix has occasionally been strained, the two have remained allies through the centuries,
allowing the Crane to benefit greatly from the Phoenix's technical advances. During recent
centuries, the Crane have strengthened their bonds with the Unicorn as well, calling upon
their highly mobile forces to guard distant Crane holdings. In return, the Phoenix and the
Unicorn have been granted several favorable trade contracts and while these arrangements
cost the clan a small fortune, the Crane has little choice but to maintain the current state of
affairs or risk losing its most valuable assets. The recreational worlds and resorts of the Crane
are managed by the Doji with an eye both to generating income for the clan, and to rewarding
their allies. Talented, and attractive, heimin are plucked from throughout Crane holdings to
staff these showcases of beauty and pleasure. Intense training to uphold Crane standard
means that the loan of a cook or geisha from Kyuden Senbonzakura is a favor sought by
many.

Daidoji
The Daidoji Iron Warriors that once held the center of the Crane armies now serve aboard the
clan's vessels as spaceborne troops, ready to repel any would be boarders with their heavy
weaponry and superior close-quarter stratagems. Meanwhile, Daidoji scouts have become the
Crane's main fighting force on ground where their guerrilla tactics often allow the Crane to
engage numerically superior enemies on equal terms. Despite the capabilities of the Daidoji,
the armed forces of the Crane are too small to wage war on a large scale and forces the clan
to rely on mercenaries and masses of ashigaru forces to bolster its ranks. Additionally, all
heimin in the service of the Daidoji family are required to serve six to nine months in the
Crane planetary defense forces (CPDF), forming an additional reserve of minimally-trained
troops. While the absolute power of the Crane armada is small when compared to the
powerhouses of military might such as Lion, Crab or Mantis, the Crane's lack of celestial
holdings means that the Daidoji admiralty is able to concentrate their forces in a relatively
small area compared to other clans. The Crane defenses are also bolstered by their deep
coffers, allowing them to equip their ships with the latest technology available.

The Daidoji Trading Counil (DTC) is responsible for running and maintaining Crane trade,
and its merchant patrons are ubiquitous sight across the trade posts of the Celestial Empire.
The merchant patrons work closely with Doji and Kakita courtiers, making sure that Crane's
economic interests are served in the courts. Crane orchestrated investments are almost always
political, with money being fed to enterprises most detrimental to Crane's opponents.

Kakita
The Kakita still produce the finest artists of the Empire with both trendsetters and
traditionalists seeking perfection in their chosen arts. From traditional opera to cutting edge
serial theater, classic literature to pseudonymously-authored smut, ephemeral radiant energy
paintings to enduringly sculpted asteroids, the Kakita still set the bar for arts in the Empire.
During the past millenia, the art of programming has been included in the Kakita curriculum
and while few of their students are masters of the information sciences, nearly all of them are
fluent with the computational tools of their field. Musicians and visual artists know how to
digitize and edit their works if needed. Some of the Kakita chose to pursue the art of
programming, and while the Crane trained codewrights are rarely as efficient as their Crab or
Mantis colleagues, few can compete with the clear architectures and polished results the
Crane produce.

Dueling remains an art mastered by the Kakita as well. While modern advances have reduced
the use of the duel to settle matters of law, the art remains the predominant way to settle
matters of honor. For a time in the mid-2500’s, it seemed that designer drugs might severely
tarnish the art as duelist after duelist was revealed to be using dangerous cocktails to enhance
focus and speed. Blessings developed by the Asahina to clear mind and body restored purity
to the ancient ritual and have become a standard procedure of official duels, though the drugs
remain popular in less savory arenas. Meanwhile, the other martial traditions of the Kakita
had faded in prominence as the family focused on entertainment ventures which provide the
Clan with much of its wealth. Kakita bushi still served as reserve units beside Daidoji legions
but were nowhere near the bulk of their forces. The school has seen a dramatic increase in
membership during the current generation, however, thanks both to the prestige of training
the current clan Champion and the exacting demands the Kakita family daimyo hasplaced
upon the clan's artisans.

Asahina
Many inhabited worlds owe their existence to the legendary Asahina terraforming rites.
While the Phoenix may work more quickly, it's widely acknowledged that their worlds take
decades or centuries to settle into true elemental harmony. The Asahina have a reputation for
creating worlds of such harmony and ecological complexity that an exploration mission
would have difficulty knowing it has been terraformed. Thus, despite the long timelines until
delivery and outrageous fees, the Asahina world-gardeners have a backlog of clients that
should see them busy well into the next century. Still pacifist at heart, modern technology
means that the crafters of the Asahina often walk an uncomfortable line. Many of the most
advanced and exciting projects involve fusing magic to machines. While this might entail
creating ever more responsive life support systems or cutting-edge communications
advances, it also includes advanced weaponry. While supporting the military arm of the Clan
in such a fashion is a necessity, the Asahina are far better known for their communications
expertise. Asahina engineers are among the finest communications engineers in the galaxy
and provide the technological backbone for the Crane interstellar networks.

The family is also well known for its charitable efforts. While the clans have developed
family-held companies dealing with every aspect of samurai life, from maternity wards to
funeral organizers, heimin have patchy access to such services. Depending on the clan they
serve (if any), and the position they fulfill within it, they may find themselves well taken care
of, or scrambling for the basics. The Asahina, along with the Asako and some Imperial
branches, have developed large networks that provide medical care and food to the neediest
in the Empire. They often work alongside Brotherhood orders devoted to such concerns. The
heimin of the Crane are among the happiest in the Empire and large-scale civil unrest on
Crane worlds are practically unheard of.
Daimyo of the Crane

Doji Masatsugu
The Crane of the 32nd century are led by Doji Masatsugu, a man that has often been
compared to legendary Crane warrior-poets of the early Dynasties. His handsome visage and
mellow voice are familiar to most of the Empire, presiding over widecast court assemblies
and numerous artistic events. A pleasant demeanor and finely-honed artistic sensibility had
won Masatsugu friends throughout the Empire well before he took over leadership of the
clan; creating an extensive network of connections and favors he can rely upon.

Even before taking on the leadership of his family and clan, he was known for his poetry,
well-crafted and reminiscent of the quietly melancholic 17th century poets. Kakita influence
has elevated this style of old to prominence once more, and Daidojimmerchant patrons ensure
that his works have remained in print. Anyone with a few bu and even a passing interest in
poetry has copies of the Doji daimyo’s work, while originals have become highly prized gifts.
Masatsugu trained among the Kakita bushi, thus becoming the first warrior-lord to lead the
Crane in the new millennia. This departure from centuries of courtiers leading the clan was
worrisome for many who feared an ambitious general would seek to expand the Clan’s
holdings at the expense of what many see as their true power. However, Masatsugu’s military
past is seldom apparent in court; only the daisho at his hip reminding others of his training.

Unsurprisingly, the charming Doji lord is the most coveted bachelor in the Empire,
surrounded by an endless stream of young noblewomen hoping to find themselves elevated to
his side, and tabloid 'reporters' eager to comment on his every interaction. Ever polite,
Masatsugu nonetheless seems to slide from their company untouched, preferring the company
of his friends and advisors. Approaching his mid-twenties, he’s begun to hear ever more
pointed questions from those advisors regarding his single status. Knowingt that he must
marry eventually and has only temporarily deflected pressure by stating that he hasn't met
anyone suitable yet. High standards are to be expected. Interestingly, while the scandal rags
are happy to print lurid tales of the Crane daimyo’s supposed trysts with pretty much anyone
who’s appeared in a picture with him, the more reputable sources have yet to offer more than
tentative speculation. If he’s conducting any affairs, they have been superhumanly discreet.

Daidoji Tomoe
Daidoji Tomoe is the current commander of the Crane land forces and the second in
command of the Grand Crane Army. Known for her tenacity, a stubborn unwillingness to
give up, and some impressively strong friendships with her subordinates, she inspires loyalty
and a fierce devotion in those she leads. Trained among the Daidoji scouts, the young daimyo
is no stranger to war. As the third child of the legendary Daidoji Sakurako, she was
encouraged to pursue an active military career. Most assumed she would take her place
among Daidoji forces, commanding a company or battalion, earning glory for the family on
the front lines of Crane skirmishes while her elder siblings trained to lead the family and
Crane armies as a whole.

Her fortunes changed on the feral, but undeniably beautiful world of Kanon no Namida,
where her elder brothers lost their lives unexpectedly thanks to a Mantis ambush of what
were to be standard training maneuvers. Tomoe, leading the defense of Crane network
holdings from pirate incursions in the Unicorn-held Far Plains system, returned home to
mourn after hunting down the last pockets of raiders. It was not long before her mother
retired, placing the family in Tomoe's hands. She continues to lead from the front, and has
proven to be a capable general, finding victory over seemingly superior enemies time after
time and earning the grudging respect of Mantis and Spider field commanders who have
faced her most often. For all her skill leading the family, the Daidoji daimyo only grudgingly
bowed to duty and allowed family elders to arrange her marriage to Akodo Takahide, a
strictly political match binding the Daidoji to an ancient and well-regarded kuge lineage.
These nuptials were cut short as word of a Mantis strike against nearby Isora’s Rest reached
the celebration on New Iron Fortress. The Daidoji daimyo politely bid guests to continue
enjoying the feast and entertainments to come, apologized that the final wedding ceremonies
would be delayed and privately held, then ran for her ship, leaving the bewildered Takahide
behind. To the credit of her Akodo not-quite-husband, Takahide only took long enough to
find someone willing to provide an explanation before following Tomoe in his personal craft,
joining the battle shortly after she arrived to take command, an event that has seen numerous
retellings and revisions in play and prose.

The unorthodox marriage started out rather well once the fighting was over. Nearly a year
later, Tomoe has, recently taken a leave from active front-line duties to bear their first child.
Annoyed by her inability to partake in manoeuvres as usual, the soon-to-be mother is driving
the officers of the Crane general staff of New Iron Fortress into despair with constant
demands for updates on her troops and endless messages to be sent. Rumor has it that
Takahide’s sister has arrived and added a new level of distraction with rather exacting
requirements for the future heir’s nursery and staff.

Kakita Amane
Amane, the vibrant head of the Kakita, is known for her extraordinary voice and her
obsession with excellency. An extremely demanding patron and daimyo, she pushes her
favored artists to the point of brilliance or collapse--often both. Whispered protests among
her family are ignored, but growing, as elder artisans watch talented young samurai pursue
easier roles within the clan or burn out beneath the grueling regimen. Amane stubbornly
refuses to see fault in her demanding ways. After all, the rigorous practice regimen set down
by the clan’s founders made her the ‘Blue Skylark,’ arguably the most famous singer of her
generation, and remain good enough for those who follow her.

The Kakita run two of the eight largest widecast networks vsible throughout most of the
Empire, providing the latest news, serial theater, and infomercials to audiences hungry for
entertainment. Amane skillfully directs the operation of these networks to showcase Crane
talent and influence the Empire’s trends and opinions. Generations of samurai have woken up
to the classical shakuhachi opening of Seeing Clearly, the morning news show of the Kakita
News Network. Clearly, as it’s generally known, is widely regarded as the most honest news
around, even as academics dissect the carefully crafted Crane bias contained within its
programming. Recently Amane has also come into the spotlight when she failed to win the
singing contest held in honor of Iweko LXXV’s 50th birthday. An event which did nothing to
lessen her image as out of touch and perhaps a bit past her prime. Instead, the young,
glamorous Shosuro Meiko, the Crimson Nightingale, won with an amazing rendition of
Bayushi’s Last Secret. Publicly, the daimyo congratulated her opponent and praised her
obvious skills; privately she suspects foul play and has ordered a covert investigation into the
event and the young Meiko’s background. Indeed, between that investigation, and Amane's
drive to uncover the identity of Kagami, the new Emerald Champion, the magisterial offices
of the Crane, and the Kakita in particular, have been finding regular busines pushed to the
side. Kakita Nariko was Amane's aunt, making Kagami's secrets a very personal interest of
Amane's. Recently, she has been approached by Spider diplomats intimating certain
knowledge of the mystery woman's origins. Amane has begun to pursue this lead, wary of the
eventual cost. Rumors about her eldest daughter’s indiscretions have also cropped up in the
past year, a distraction the daimyo is certain she doesn’t need. As a result, her other five
children have found themselves on considerably shorter leashes of late, much to their dismay.

Asahina Nozomu
Asahina Nozomu, the daimyo of the Asahina and self-proclaimed World-sculptor, is best
known both for his impressive ability to commune with the wild or slumbering spirits of
dormant worlds, and for the beauty of his planetary designs. He has, quite literally, moved
mountains and split oceans to suit his artistic visions. As the only child of the former daimyo,
he had every freedom and resource available to follow where his talents led, advancing the
family’s reputation and filling the clan’s coffers even before his gempukku with stunning
watershed designs for the Seppun-controlled moon, Tranquility. While many compete for the
honor of staffing the now middle-aged daimyo’s projects, even the most ardent admirers
admit it’s a bit of a gamble. Those working on his pet projects can expect to have Nozomu
examining and interfering with the tiniest details, exploding into legendary tantrums when
displeased, and rerouting months, or even years, of work in an instant. While such an
assignment means working on the most exciting of the family's projects, the strain has been
known to drive some to an early retirement. Ironically, some of the most sought-after
monasteries are nestled in terrain designed by Nozomu. At least in these places, his one-time
vassals can enjoy the man’s gifts without having to suffer from his temper.

The one and only person able to consistently calm his rages is his beloved wife, Kimiko.
Shinjo Kimiko’s marriage to the future Asahina lord was entirely political, the two meeting
each other for the first time on their wedding day. Despite awkward beginnings, the couple
have become quite the darlings of all the social news media, both because they’re so
obviously crazy about one another and because the shy Kimiko has been elusive to catch in
public. After announcing their first two children with the usual fanfare, the rest remain
something of a mystery outside of the family; though rumors place the number at six.

Nozomu is also famed for his love of fine food. It is said that he designed the seas and
mountain ranges of Resting Peace, specifically to produce the exquisite tea he enjoys.
Whether or not this was his purpose, teas originating from Resting Peace are well known and
Nozomu seldom serves anything else. The banquets he throws are legendary. According to
the Scorpion tabloids, his latest fete for a few (around 100) selected friends cost him well
over 50,000 koku--a sum that would easily fed a small colony for years. The Doji PR office is
well aware of this issue and while there is little they can do to alter the man’s appetite, they
have taken efforts to divert public attention toward the Asahina daimyo’s accomplishments
rather than his tastes.
Dragon
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is
nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
-Togashi Rin

After a thousand years guided by the Kami Togashi, the Dragon spent a thousand more
finding their own path and took to the stars confident in both the ability of the Tao and the
Iweko dynasty to guide them. Unshaken by technological developments, they maintain close
relations with the Throne as favored vassals for unusual duties the Emperor trusts to no
others. The strangest and most mysterious of the early planets were often allocated to the
Dragon by Imperial order, many remaining off-limits to the other clans even now, leading to
much speculation as to what secrets they may hold. Certainly they do not hold many
resources, since the Dragon remain one of the poorest clans of the new era, often depending
upon Imperial subsidies to feed its people.

Dragon forces are small, and their worlds widely scattered across the Empire. Most rely on
planetary fortifications to hold against would-be invaders until fleet reinforcements can
arrive. Oddly, many an attacker has found such reinforcements arriving sooner than expected,
leading to speculation regarding unknown communication technologies or a precision to the
divinatory skills of the Tonbo that other clans have yet to match. Despite the scattered nature
of their holdings and lack of resources, the Dragon are not without allies. The clan has
cooperated fruitfully with the Scorpion for centuries, exchanging scientific discoveries for
political favors and beneficial trade agreements. In 3071, the two deepened their alliance by
jointly claiming the world of HN-445. The Scorpion's current cozy relationship with the Crab
has led to closer ties between Dragon and Crab as well. Cooperation between the two is not
as extensive, but the Dragon's deep mistrust of the Spider, thanks to the old feuds and the
grim Prophesies of Ageha, unite them with the Crab both in court, and monitoring Spider
activities in the Empire at large.

Mirumoto
The Mirumoto have led the Dragon for nearly 2000 years now, as much as anyone can be
said to lead the eclectic families gathered under their banner. They hold the measured and
meditative center that the others nearly always return to, reining in the wild speculations of
the Tamori, or investigations of the Kitsuki, before they run too far afield. The Mirumoto of
the 32rd century are much like their ancestors, devout warrior-mystics striving to forge their
bodies as they walk the path of the warrior, following the tenets set by the first Mirumoto.
With the importance of ranged combat in modern battles, the Mirumoto have adapted their
ancestral teachings during the past centuries; many a Dragon samurai now can be found
wielding either two sidearms or sidearm and a sword. Niten is still the core teaching for
Mirumoto warriors, as they believe that the way of the sword their ancestors followed
prepares the spirit of bushi for whatever they might face. The texts of Mirumoto Mugen, a
famed 16th century pistol duelist, are also widely studied, and his philosophy of 'No thoughts,
no delusions' is considered essential for understanding the art of ranged warfare.

The history of the Dragon gun-masters can be traced back to the 15th century and the advent
of the first projectile firearms. During this time, it was the Mirumoto who began to connect
Taoist teachings with the new alchemy-based primitive rifles and pistols, creating
philosophies that have echoed through their techniques ever since. Drawing from the lessons
of the past and equipped with the finest Tamori armor and arms, modern Mirumoto excel at
fighting in cramped spaces where proper fire-zones are hard to establish, their instinctual
firing methods seeming to give them an advantage at many of the strange environments one
encounters in space. To take advantage of this, Mirumoto holdings and ships have been built
on esoteric principles, creating an often-unsettling environment for visitors and would be
invaders.
Togashi
Throughout the ages, the Togashi have sought to find their path individually. The Age of
Stars has seen little change to this core precept of the Order, even as the new horizons have
considerably opened up the arenas in which to seek those paths. Still the smallest family of
the Dragon, most initiates to the order are not born within their temples, but instead must seek
out their initiation into the Order. Togashi monasteries are difficult to find, even in an era of
sophisticated sensors and maps, and finding them is only the beginning. Initiates train in these
remote and challenging locations--the highest peaks of nearly uninhabitable worlds, domes
resting on the bed of tumultuous seas, cramped habitats whipped along through the poisonous
winds of great gaseous worlds or hidden in the hearts of asteroids. These monasteries are
nearly always self-sufficient, often doubling as observation and/or research posts.

To feed the samurai and staff of such places, the Togashi have made the most of Tamori
research into intensive hydroponics and the extensive use of microbial cultures to provide
nourishing, if unconventional meals. Among most clans, the easily-grown yeast and fungal
proteins are seen as fit only for the very lowest classes. In the monasteries, they’re staples.
Even seasoned with some of the vast array of spices now found in the Empire, it’s a diet that
few find truly enjoyable. The monks claim that such fare eliminates one more distraction that
can interfere with their research and their individual quests. Research in these facilities tends
to be highly esoteric and individualistic, focusing on the mysteries of the universe and the
nature of the spirits and energies that make it up. As each Togashi walks his or her own path,
the monks rarely collaborate, each seeking their own answer to whatever puzzles their mind
at the moment. This is not to say that the wisdom the Togashi seek never produces practical
results, simply that the nature of the work means that most scholars of the Empire never hear
of it. Reports are sent regularly to Togashi’s Rest, however, making it a repository of some of
the most unusual research in the Empire.

Tamori
The expansion to the stars has been inspiring to Tamori researchers as they clamor for the
chance to test their inventions in the myriad environments available, or to conduct research
into utterly new phenomena, or simply add vast samples of new flora and fauna to their
collections. The limiting factor for Tamori ambitions is often a lack of resources, given the
historically poor finances of the Dragon. Operating on a shoestring budget, often in areas of
infrequent supply drops, the Tamori have become masters of making do with what is at hand.
Coaxing the spirits of local materials to release their fondness for a given form and settle into
another allows them the ability to more easily gather the raw materials needed to provide
basic needs. A domed camp beside an acidic lake has a ready source of water as Tamori
purifiers are put to work. Gravel becomes dust to be fed into the yeast vats. Spirit-wrought
filters create pure air from murk, while eager biomats capture and devour stray pollen and
microbes. Such technologies have not seen wider adoption due to their need for constant
monitoring and adjustment.
Tamori scientists frequently maintain laboratories in Togashi monasteries. as the extreme
locations are often ripe for some particular thread of their research. Others have begun to
make pilgrimages to such monasteries to present particularly thorny research conundrums to
the Togashi, hoping that their unique approach might offer the breakthrough eluding less
monastic researchers. ‘Take it to the Togashi’ has become something of a saying when
presented with an essentially unanswerable question. Where the Togashi study the esoteric
interactions of spirit, mind, body, and the universe, the Tamori are relentlessly practical—by
their own measure. Even the most wide-eyed “what does this do?” variety of project
inevitably is headed by someone who will describe at length the many, many applications of
‘this’ if it works in one of the fashions they have theorized. At least the singing snapdragons
of Sinari’s Waterfall have provided a recent income stream thanks to research which finally
allowed them to be kept alive beyond their tiny habitat.

Closer to home, the Tamori continue to develop the armor and weaponry of the Dragon.
Other clans study famous battles with the Dragon simply as studies in how to competently
handle massive uncertainty upon the field. Expecting radiant energy blasts, then being met
with swarms of short-lived algal balls that stick to everything, creates a whole new battlefield
experience. Boarding parties have found ships abandoned and ‘trapped’ with clouds of
microscopic mites that do little harm but will create itching and burning sensations wherever
they find skin to settle into. Unreliable cloaking technology, multi-ship formations casting
radiant energy nets, or ships flinging asteroids and smaller debris with something that appears
to be a gravity pulse, have all been reported. Unfortunately, much recent research has been
hampered by the current daimyo’s insecurities and need to meddle. A number of researchers
have been urging him to take a few of their most intransigent problems to the Togashi for
another view…something that should keep him out of their hair for a few months.

Kitsuki
Just as the technology has changed the way samurai fight, it has also changed how the
Kitsuki approach their ancestral duty. While methods of observation and deduction are still a
strong part of their curriculum, modern technology has changed many of the tools available
to harvest information regarding crimes. With the latest science and number-crunching
machinery available to them, they can mine a scene for information that would have been out
of reach in previous eras. Testimony remains powerful, thanks to the Imperial Decree
requiring that convictions based upon evidence alone must use absolutely unassailable and
untampered-with data. This has resulted in magistrates trained to preserve and present
evidence with meticulous care, knowing their opponents will seize upon the slightest
weakness to discredit it. This requires painstaking attention to details when preparing cases,
and has diverted the Kitsuki Investigators into mostly administrative, magisterial, and
regulatory duties. Their presence in the courts suffered as this shift developed.

With the Tonbo dwindling in the early 2100’s, the Dragon saw the need to finally develop
their own courtier school based upon existing Kitsuki training, and the emerging arts of
examining the mind via observation. The art of psychology, a theoretical and practical study
of behavior and the functioning of the mind, proved to be a natural and potent tool for
courtiers. The Kitsuki, having pioneered the art, remain its acknowledged masters. The past
millennia has also allowed the Kitsuki to set up a more traditional courtier school, while
Investigators focus on administrative and regulatory duties. Kitsuki courtiers have become
the forefront of the Dragon’s diplomacy efforts. Kitsuki insight has been invaluable both in
the pursuit of justice and in maintaining the Dragon’s interests at court.
Tonbo
The Tonbo, after long cycles of growth and near-destruction, were nearly eradicated by the
23rd century plague. Having lost the resources needed to serve their closest ally and with the
Empire in turmoil, the Tonbo had no other choice, but to join the Dragon. Ever since, the
Dragonfly have served the Dragon as priests, diviners and diplomats, working closely with
both the Kitsuki and Tamori families. Nestled among the Dragon, they have focused ever
more inward physically, while casting their spiritual nets more widely. Those without
spiritual gifts enrich the rest of the clan, bringing their outlook on the constant change
inherent in life to their assignments. No Dragon mission leaves dock without a thorough
divinatory checkup by a Tonbo-trained shugenja. Tonbo priests also help Dragon engineers
with the process of ship-design, ensuring that the ships are planned so their geometry aligns
with the natural flow of the Elements. Because of this, Dragon designs often include tiny
epiphytic plants, mirrors, ofuda, stones and other such trinkets tucked into odd niches.
Meanwhile, corridors may route strangely, or end abruptly. Visions of future accidents can
see entire chunks of the ship’s machinery moved to avoid divined catastrophe, corridors
rerouted, and some berths in odd places. All these things often render the Dragon's ships
puzzling to outsiders.

A small, specialized group of Tonbo shugenja have turned their divinatory skills toward more
mundane use, employing their knowledge of omens and portents to determine the best course
of action for the clan's merchant patrons. These so called Tonbo Prognosticators have been a
valuable part of Kitsuki Mercantile Operations, the Dragon's trading consortium, for the past
four centuries Additionally, the Prophesies of Ageha, dating to the 26th century are
considered especially accurate, and chosen Dragon mystics keep an eye on any portents they
could connect to the prophesies. The prophecies are little known outside the Dragon,
speaking of near-extinction by an entity referred to as the Devourer of Souls. Few outside of
the Dragon are even aware of these prophecies, though they frequently guide the clan's
actions in a fashion that appears irrational, at best, to other clans.

Daimyo of the Dragon

Mirumoto Yorimitsu
The current Clan champion and daimyo of the Mirumoto family is an exceptionally tall,
solidly middle-aged man. Yorimitsu is known to prefer solitude, leaving most everyday
matters to his karo while he withdraws into his chambers to meditate upon the Tao and its
secrets. While many things have changed in the Empire, the Tao remains a guiding compass;
many clinging to Shinsei’s words with a fierce devotion their ancestors would scarcely
recognize. Yorimitsu has been a strong devotee since his earliest days and remains certain
that the Little Teacher’s book can answer any and all questions that might come up, so long
as one just knows where to look. This begs the question of what questions so trouble him as
to require such constant meditation in search of the answers. His advisors have argued for
years that his presence is needed more among his kin, that his duties suffer. They may be
correct, but Yorimitsu is rather notoriously ‘not present’ even when physically sitting in the
same room. When not contemplating the sacred scriptures, he seems preoccupied with the
lost moments of study that could be showing him the correct path.

Yorimitsu is frequently joined in his meditations by Togashi Rin, the eccentric head of the
Tattooed Order and Yorimitsu’s friend since shortly after his gempukku. They have been
known to spend weeks sequestered atop the mountain, discussing the intricacies of the Tao.
Of course this has led to rumors that the two are lovers; rumors that his new Shosuro bride
has done nothing to quell as she finds herself so frequently ignored while her husband
'communes'. There has been some evidence that his treatment of his Shosuro bride, and of her
family during the wedding celebrations, is the cause of certain frictions that have developed
between Dragon and Scorpion recently. Thus far, the incidents have been small and personal,
but Yorimitsu’s advisors are gravely concerned that the fissure will grow without a rather
unlikely change in their daimyo’s habits.

Togashi Rin
Youthful and energetic, the current head of the Togashi is known both for her deep insight
and her mind-boggling wardrobe. Preferring to show the art her predecessor left on her skin,
the well-toned woman draws attention wherever she goes with her custom synth-silk clothing
that continually shifts, reshaping itself around her to reveal and hide her tattoos in a
seemingly random pattern. Younger courtiers have found themselves literally mesmerized by
the patterns, snapping out of it to find they heard nothing of the goings-on in the court while
so entranced. Close friends with Mirumoto Yorimitsu, she claims to be guiding him on his
path to enlightenment. Uncaring, or naively unaware, Rin ignores the poisonous glares of
Yorimitsu’s young wife and growing rumors surrounding her visits with her Champion.
Perhaps the only thing that has kept her from finding her dinner poisoned is her habit of
spending long months traveling the Empire to visit her family in their far-flung monasteries
to gain updates on their research and reports on the mysteries they guard. A gifted scholar in
her own right, she often spends months at a time joining a project, adding her input, and
guiding research unto productive paths.

The Dragon’s courtiers have done much to encourage these sojourns, seeking reports of
particularly interesting results from the monasteries to include in her daily reports. Months
spent out in the boonies are months in which courtiers can work to quiet rumors and repair
relations with the Scorpion

Tamori Takeshi
Takeshi’s father, Tamori Shigeo was a well-loved and respected scholar-smith, known for his
many advances in the field of spirit-machinery. After Shigeo’s early demise in an unfortunate
criticality accident, his wife, Tamori Nanhui, took on his duties as regent, unwilling to allow
any other to inherit the seat. Protective of her only child, she fostered her son’s sense of duty,
speaking often of his father’s achievements and his promise. Growing up with such
expectations gnawed at Takeshi, who seemed to be the only one to realize his skills were a
pale shadow of his father’s. Nevertheless Takeshi tried to follow the footsteps of his father
after his gempukku, unsurprisingly finding himself compared to his father at every turn. From
the Tamori seat on New Forge, where the bulk of their R&D laboratories are housed, the
young head of the Tamori makes certain to have a finger in every pie. This allows him to
claim responsibility for advances and breakthroughs that, frankly, occur in spite of his
meddling. Nor does he manage to focus on anything for long, darting from project to project,
outlandish new theory to merely unusual new theory.

Over time, his ambition has turned into jealousy and paranoia as he strives to maintain the
facade he feels his people expect of him. Eventually, he is sure, they will see the emptiness
within the hollow shell of his achievements. This paranoia has kept him unmarried, certain
that someone so close to him would see him for what he is. While many Tamori are known
for somewhat erratic behaviour, the handsome daimyo’s creeping madness has slowly
become apparent to those working near him. Privately, this has caused most to opine that
perhaps it is just as well that the line end with Takeshi, and publicly the man’s creeping
madness has stilled the most active attempts to find the man a suitable match.

Kitsuki Yayoi
Kitsuki Yayoi, the Reason of the Dragon, is the head of the Dragon diplomatic mission and
the daimyo of her family. Calm and mellow, the venerable matriarch guides the efforts of her
courtier/magistrate army with a confidence born of decades of diplomatic work among the
Great Clans. Married to Yasuki Joshuyo nearly four decades earlier, Yayoi has borne four
children herself--unusual in an era when most will bear a couple of heirs for the extra
legitimacy it offers, then make use of surrogates to avoid impacting their duties. Some rumors
attribute this to her love for her husband, though the couple is not known for their
harmonious relationship. The outwardly deeply rational woman is also not on the best of
terms with her champion, feeling that his personal quest for enlightenment has left the clan
without the leadership it deserves. The fact that the head of the Togashi keeps encouraging
the man’s eclectic behaviour does not help Yayoi’s cause. Frustrated with her fellow daimyo,
Yayoi often councils with Yorimitsu’s karo, and while some might see this as an attempt to
usurp her lawful lord, the Mirumoto who are forced to run the clan’s matters behind the
screens cannot but feel indebted to to the Kitsuki matron's aid. While busy, as the chief
Dragon courtier, she has many opportunities to entertain. Known for her taste in comedy,
parody, and satire, her gatherings can be uncomfortable affairs for her guests. Between the all
too knowing glances from the Kitsuki daimyo, and the sneaking suspicion that at least some
portion of the evening’s entertainment is aimed at their own clan or hidden personal schemes,
even veteran courtiers have found themselves off balance at one of Yayoi’s fetes. Still, it is
quite difficult to turn down the adroit courtier’s invitations. Her reputation for spotting
quality is well known and being seen at her events has been known to elevate more than one
career. The performers have their own reasons for nerves, as the Reason of the Dragon is a
demanding patron, fond of clever, multi-layered humor with an exacting sense of the line
between overly oblique and boringly obvious.

Tonbo Ayumu
Tonbo Ayumu was the third of 5 children and he was groomed for his mother’s position from
his early days thanks to the omens that hovered around his birth. His was a fortuitous
birthdate, compared to those of his elder siblings, and the stars were aligned in a way that
predicted leadership and wisdom for the tiny infant. After the traditional time spent in school,
Ayumu passed his gempukku with flying colors. Well liked by his kith and kin, the Fortunes
themselves seemed to favor the young shugenja. Kitsuki Yayoi brokered a deal between the
Crab and the Dragon that saw Ayamu take Kuni Rin, second cousin of Kuni Seiji, as his wife,
and ever since, the timid woman has stood proudly by her husband.

Ayamu has continued his mother's work into researching the lineages and lives of seers, as
the family had developed a long term project attempting to learn how lines and events might
be manipulated to produce one. With the discovery of aliens well beyond the Empire’s
borders, he is even more certain that the Empire needs a seer to help guide them through the
times to come. To this end, a number of Tonbo have found themselves with rather odd
training and assignments based upon Ayumu’s theories about ‘triggering’ seers to appear. As
several seers in history have appeared after illness or misfortune brought them to the edge of
death, some of his methods have been questionably ethical, to say the least. Additionally,
matchmakers find themselves directed to secure some odd matches, showing up on the
doorsteps of obscure families in odd corners of the Empire.
Lion
Raise my banner high. Let the Mantis see who comes to claim their lives today!
- Akodo Tsuroi

Expanding the reach of Rokugan to the stars also expanded the need for military protection of
its assets and citizens. The Empire of the Emerald Stars is far from safe, what with clan
rivalries, pirates, and innumerable strange creatures on alien worlds. For the Lion this has
often meant war on a heretofore unknown scale; a challenge they've leaped to accept. While
the tools of war have changed over the centuries, the Lion's role as the Right Hand of the
Emperor has not.

More than any other clan, the Lion had difficulties adapting over the centuries to the many
changes in society and technology; their traditional warrior mindset chafing at disruptive
innovation and the shifts of popular culture. Exploration of the galaxy gave them renewed
purpose, and the other clans were initially surprised at how aggressively the Lion took to
settling new planets. It heralded a new era for the Lion, a time of glorious battles between the
stars and across the surfaces of entire planets. Vast as the resources of the Lion are, they are
not infinite, and the needs of the Empire come before the needs of the Lion. Still, friction
happens and when it does the vast, near endless ships of the Lion fleet answer. The past
centuries have seen the Lion fight in two grand conflicts, the First and Second Wars of the
Worlds, costing millions of lives as the Great Clans clashed among the stars for their pride,
honor and very existence. While the losses on all sides were immense, the Lion with their
massive armies and hundreds of ships was the only Clan that could really afford such massive
protracted campaigns. This allowed them to rebuild much more quickly than most, leaving
them in the strong position they enjoy today. Currently the Lion are occupied with the
pacification of HC-738, a large planet dominated by a relatively advanced alien culture which
has reacted violently to Rokugani landings. Despite recent setbacks, Akodo generals are
certain that the world will fall to the Lion within a year or two.

Akodo
The Akodo currently lead the Lion through the current period of relative peace. Even as the
Empire as a whole grows prosperous in the absence of large scale war, Tsuroi and his
generals continue the endless assessment of where to station their vast armies, wary of a
larger conflict that might erupt without notice. Peace simply means nobody is at war, not that
nobody is fighting. The clan controls many star systems, second only to the Mantis; which
has led to many clashes between them throughout the Age of Stars. Even before the current
feud with Yoritomo Osu, the system known as Osano-Wo’s Reach has long been a source of
contention. Its ample resources have led the two clans to turn the area into a near-permanent
warzone. With the escalation of tempers driven by Osu's shenanigans, fighting here has
intensified.

Thanks to the Scorpion's sheltering of Yoritomo Osu on the World of Dreams, conflicts
between Lion and Scorpion have increased in recent years, with the Akodo carefully
determining when and where to harry the Clan of Secrets without weakening other fronts.
Closer ties to the Crane of late, culminating in the marriage of Daidoji Tomoe and Akodo
Takahide, have allowed for some relaxation of wariness in that direction; while Crane and
Lion cannot be called close allies, hostilities between the two seem unlikely.

Matsu
The Matsu continue to provide the bulk of the Lion's armed forces, serving in all branches of
the clan's military. Despite the fact that the family can claim the title of the most traditional
family in the Empire, the Matsu incorporated firearms into their training regime soon after
the Dragon, and today no Matsu would balk at the idea of ranged combat. Traditional
methods of the Matsu bushi school favoring mobility still form the basis of martial training
for both the light and assault infantry formations the family maintains.

Lightly armed and armored Matsu, mounted on light vehicles, often roam ahead of the Lion
armies or guard its flanks. More heavily armed Matsu troops form the iron claw of the Lion
armies, pummeling against enemy with an overwhelming force. On the ground, these units
are often deployed with armored transports and support allowing them to reach enemy lines
in relative safety. On space ships, the assault infantry serves as marines, defending vessels
against would be boarders. The family also has a training facilities for naval officers, and
even though the majority of the Lion vessels are commanded by Akodo officers, several of
the clan's frigates and light cruisers are captained by the daring Matsu.

Currently the family is slowly recovering from a large scale peasant rebellion that crippled
much of the production on Matsu Prime and led to tens of thousands heimin being put to a
sword. The population there is still suffering from low morale and the production figures
have not reached levels preceding the rebellion. Thanks to an information blockade, only
hearsay and rumors of the rebellion have reached other worlds, and most of the family's
heimin still take pride in serving the Matsu. Common opinion within the clan is that the
uprisings, seemingly resulting from a widespread crop failure, were actually a manifestation
of Scorpion covert operations meant to undermine the Lion's strength.

Ikoma
As the Empire grows, so too does the number of its heroes, who fight, bleed and die on
worlds across the galaxy. If not for the Ikoma, many more of these heroes would end unsung,
forgotten in the mists of time and vast reaches of space. While Ikoma historians focus on the
Lion Clan and events surrounding the Throne, the battles fought by other Great Clans in the
name of the Emperor are recorded as well for future generations to learn of. While
technology has changed the way the Omoidasu work, the Ikoma themselves are much like
their ancestors, acting as the voice of the Lion as well as recording history through the eyes of
the Lion. The Ikoma run the main widecast network of the Lion: Ikoma Widecast Network
(IWN), providing news and entertainment across the Empire; and IWN 2, only viewable on
Lion worlds, designed to educate and indoctrinate Lion commoners.

As they have taken charge of the infrastructure necessary for these entertainment networks,
the Ikoma also found themselves taking on a great deal of the responsibility for Lion trade. In
close coordination with (mostly) Akodo quartermasters, the Ikoma see that the resources of
Lion worlds are delivered where they are most needed or traded to provide what their people
require. They have frequently been the voice of pragmatism regarding the tendency of Matsu
rulers to ignore their non-samurai workforce. The waste in resources to put down rebellions is
frequently greater than simply assigning a bit more toward heimin needs, while tailoring IWN
2 programming to engender gratitude for the largesse. After the latest rebellion, clan
leadership seems to be listening more closely to the Ikoma in such matters.

Kitsu
At the battle's end, speak the benedictions in a clear voice. Respect the bravery of the living.
Recite prayers to the fallen. Honor the weapons of the dead. To do all this with reverence,
even when exhausted by battle and weary from the field, is the duty of a priest.
- Kitsu Makie, Rites of War and Guide to Spiritual Care in Field of Battle

While the Rokugani might sail the stars and use machinery their forefathers could have not
imagined, they still venerate their ancestors as religiously as the samurai of the 13th century
did. Ancestor-worship is commonplace among all clans, but none take it more seriously than
the Lion. The clan’s youth are still taught to recite centuries of lineage so as not to forget on
whose shoulders they stand. While the Ikoma have always kept the Lion records, it is the
Kitsu whom have been venerated for their ability to directly communicate with the ancestors.
The Age of Stars has, however, shifted the Kitsu’s focus somewhat. There are still Sodan-
Senzo, but the majority of Kitsu not attached to a particular temple or shrine serve among the
Lion military as priestpage engineers and healers. All are trained to provide counsel and
guidance to those seeking the Kitsu's unique connection to the ancestors, but many find this a
small part of their duties these days.

Extensive Kitsu R&D facilities have been built on the Celestial Home of the Lion, Akodo’s
Glory. Here, new weapons of war are developed and put to use under the supervision of
Akodo generals. The Lion approach to science is methodical to say at least and junior
researchers are expected to work several years for their elders before they are given any sort
of freedom. All potential research projects are screened by a collegium of Kitsu and Akodo
nobles before being given a green light--and funding. The collegium carefully determines the
project’s feasibility as well as its usefulness before making a judgement. This process means
that almost all Lion R&D projects produce some improvements to benefit the clan. However,
the endless tinkering that allows many Phoenix technologies to be finer-tuned and more
versatile has trouble finding a place in Lion laboratories. Instead, the clan’s philosophy tends
to design robust, dependable technologies. Lion soldiers might not have the lightest or most
accurate radiant rifles in the galaxy, but warrior can trust their equipment to function in all
imaginable conditions.

Daimyo of the Lion

Akodo Tsuroi
According to the Kitsu and Ikoma genealogies, Tsuroi is directly descended from Akodo
One-Eye, and those spending a bit of time with Lion troops often come away with the
impression that he commands the sort of loyalty and respect afforded that Kami in his own
age. A large man, with the commanding presence to go with his reputation, he is undefeated
in battle or personal combat; yet his greatest enemy keeps escaping him; a fact he finds both
infuriating and fascinating.

Born on Akodo’s Glory in the Shori system, far from the seat of Imperial power, Tsuroi grew
up enthralled by tales of historic Rokugan and Lion heroes like Lady Matsu, Toturi, and
Akodo Yukiko--the vaunted Mistress of Battle. His father was a true believer in the
brotherhood of Akodo samurai and made the unconventional decision to send his son to a
nondescript dojo under a different name. Tsuroi rose through the ranks through his own skills
with both weapons and battle plans. Only after his gempukku was his real identity revealed,
as he took command of a Legion and headed off to battle with aliens shortly after the
ceremony. When his father retired, Tsuroi left his legion to lead the clan. There were no
regrets, but a certain bittersweet air surrounded his farewell address to his troops, and the
farewell dinner for Taisa and top commanders. He now led the largest fleet in the Empire but
lost the camaraderie he had known among his troops. Those troops have been content with
occasional skirmishes and pacification campaigns on remote planets; but Tsuroi longed for
something more, a challenge equal to those faced by his childhood heroes.

When the first reports of Mantis piracy reached the Lion daimyo, they were barely noticed,
surely something as his commanders would deal with swiftly. Yet time and time again,
Yoritomo Osu evaded the Lion, striking at them unpredictably. When Tsuroi took to the field
in person, he expected to quickly eliminate the audacious corsair, but Osu proved too
resourceful and clever for a quick end to the chase. As the pursuit across systems and worlds
continues, Tsuroi has grown to increasingly respect his prey as a talented warrior who seems
to be driven by more than mere greed. As the months and years of pursuit drag onward, some
of those closest to the Champion worry that perseverance has drifted into obsession.
Additionally, the hero of the Lion remains unwed and childless, much to the chagrin of his
karo whom would like nothing better than to see him married or at least to adopt an heir. War
is risky business for anyone. His stubborn insistence upon seeing the Osu matter settled first
does nothing to allay the worries of his counselors.

Matsu Kohana
Matsu Kohana, prefers to lead from the front, engaging the enemy in person whenever
possible. The most enduring image much of the Empire has of her is of the tall warrior in the
moment before a charge, red hair streaming in an alien wind, brandishing her ancient katana
in the grip of a Kaiu-manufactured prosthetic arm. Few remember what battle was captured
in that moment, as its outcome was eclipsed by scandalous rumors that the prosthetic was
more than metal; that the Lion daimyo's desire to remain in the thick of battle led her to
accept the permanently impure touch of grafted flesh.

Kohana herself ignores the whispers, looking ahead to the next battle. Despite her reputation,
the Matsu daimyo does listen to the council of her Akodo-trained generals rather than
charging headlong into battle. With modern combat often fought at great distances through
the void of space, or from orbit against intransigent worlds, it is sensible to pin defenders
down with the Lion's usually superior firepower. Once weakened, a massive charge will
usually break the defenders. Kohana's popularity among her samurai is matched by the rancor
of the Matsu heimin for their Lord. The Matsu daimyo has only the barest regard for their
well being, and conscripts vast numbers of young men and women to serve in the Ashigaru
Companies which bolster Lion ranks. With just enough training to serve, these heimin
conscripts are generally given older, inferior equipment that would otherwise be unlikely to
see use. Unsurprisingly, the casualty rates among the conscripts are enormous.

Many speak bitterly of 'going to serve Lady Matsu' when referring to the conscripted, which
only the dullest would understand to mean serving the living champion rather than the long
deceased family founder. Nor do the Lion generally support their heimin and hinin
populations very well, creating widespread resentment that frequently boils over into rough
revolt. The Lion do not suffer revolution gently, inevitably beating back such rabble and
capturing their leaders--or appropriate scapegoats--for interrogation and public execution.
This is usually sufficient to settle a given system for a generation or so.
Two years ago the Lion announced Kohana’s betrothal to the Emperor's youngest brother,
who had been smitten with the fierce woman ever since they met at the Emperor’s birthday
banquet. A few weeks after the announcement, photographs surfaced of Kohana’s dalliances
with Hida Kubata, the sumai champion. The most salacious were published in several popular
tabloids, causing the Otomo to call off the wedding. These pictures were later proven to be
forged, but the damage was irreversible as the embarrassed Otomo had quickly negotiated a
new betrothal to a member of the Bayushi kuge. Seeing as the tabloids were mostly Scorpion-
owned, Kohana put two and two together and launched assaults on two Scorpion border
colonies in retaliation. Bitter fighting ensued, but the outcome was never in question. What
remained of the colonies would take years to rebuild once the Matsu withdrew.

Ikoma Mai
The petite and demure Ikoma Mai became daimyo after her father, Ikoma Tsutomu, died of
old age two years ago. The former daimyo had been a giant of a man, both in person and
character, and many of the Lion can not help drawing unfavourable comparisons when they
see the five foot tall woman sitting on the seat her father once filled. Where Tsutomu was
bombastic, Mai is quiet and reluctant to take action; where Tsutomu was bold and passionate,
his daughter seems cold and detached.

In private, some question Mai’s claim to the seat. She was born to Tsutomu's second wife,
Daidoji Yukiko, when he was in his 50s. Childless for decades, his advisers had long pressed
him to adopt an heir when testing revealed him to be nearly infertile. Mai's birth raised
suspicions of Yukiko's infidelity. However, Tsutomu acknowledged Mai as his own child and
heir, leaving such conjecture to the shadows for now. Despite her seemingly detached nature,
Mai is not without emotions, having fallen madly in love with the greatest Lion hero of her
time. Surrounded throughout her life by Lion history and tales of Lion heroics, coverage of
the almost legendary Akodo daimyo attracted her interest as a child; which grew to adulation
over the years. She finally met Tsuroi, briefly, two years ago at winter court on Kachi, shortly
after her father's death. Aloof and impatient to continue his campaign, the Lion champion
politely, though personally, refused Mai’s invitation to remain for the winter. Grudgingly, she
was forced to admit that the man of her dreams was in fact less attractive than imagined,
though certainly polite. Still, she was no child to require a storybook prince. Mai has thus far
refused all suitors quietly but rather emphatically for the soft-spoken daimyo. Until recently,
her 'pursuit' of her dream has amounted to an occasional conversation, during which the timid
Ikoma never approached the topic of courtship, marriage, or anything beyond superficial
court niceties. Undaunted, Mai has shocked her advisors with orders to contact Tsuroi's karo
regarding marriage. After she ignored their stammered advice about the difficulties of
matching the heads of families in such a fashion, they have spent the past few months
determining how best to phrase the required communication.

Kitsu Tokihiro
The serenely pious Kitsu Tokihiro has ruled the family for three decades now. Renowned for
his botanical scholarship, the Empire knows him best for his extensive personal gardens on
Kitsu Prime. Even before stepping into his role at the head of the Kitsu, Tokihiro was
collecting the most beautiful and fragrant botanical discoveries in the Empire; which has
created what many claim are the most beautiful gardens in the Empire. The garden's current
state owes much to Scorpion benefactors, who acquired rare plants from many out of the way
places. The Clan of Secrets gained little from such aid. Allowing Lion gardens to rival those
upon Crane worlds seems to be reward enough for the Scorpion. Though perhaps Tokihiro's
time at Kitsu Pharmaceuticals has something to do with the friendship as well.
Recent events have significantly cooled Scorpion-Lion relations, however, and Tokihiro has
begun to make discreet inquiries about alternate sources for several new acquisitions he
would like to add to the gardens. In fact, Tokihiro’s interest in botany was originally sparked
by the time spent at Kitsu Pharmaceuticals after his gempukku. The young man spent several
years working alongside Kitsu Amahime, chief researcher of the time, and well known for
breakthroughs such as the blessed concoctions which allow for less disorientation when
Walking the Way, and the protective Shimmershield. Tokihiro remained after Amahime's
retirement, working his way eventually to the position of chief pharmacologist and member
of the board. His achievements have primarily been in the area of discovering uses for the
endless stream of new materials as planet after planet yields its treasures. Unfortunately, he
had little time to consolidate his success as his father's retirement took him from his post at
the company to take charge of the entire family. While reluctant to leave the life of research
and discovery he had enjoyed, Tokihiro took his duty seriously and poured his energy into his
new position, trying his best to follow the footsteps of his predecessors. The Kitsu have seen
few real changes during Tokihiro’s reign. He has been careful not to favor any of his vassals
over others, even taking his wife from the Kitsu line most distant to his own so as to further
bind the family together. Pious to a fault, he makes a point of visiting the Sacred Shrine of
Ancestors every morning, reciting the ancient prayers to his ancestors among the other Lion
samurai.
Mantis
A space ship is its own world. To be the captain of a ship is to be the unquestioned ruler of
that world and requires all of the leadership skills of a daimyo.
- Yoritomo Haruna, “Principles of in-system navigation.”

The age of space exploration is, in many ways, the age of the Mantis. The clan’s audacity,
resourcefulness and economic acumen ensured that it was among the first to explore the
galaxy and reap the profits of doing so. The richest of the Great Clans, the Mantis are also
now the second largest clan, eclipsed in numbers only by the countless soldiers of the Lion.
The Clan's initial strategy was simple; race to a new system, establish a base regardless of
initial appeal, and then defend it vigorously. This proved effective, if costly. The Mantis
control more systems than any other Clan, many containing little of value but more than
enough with exploitable resources to make up for them. Mantis traders reach into nearly
every market but are most famous for rare and exotic materials and goods. The influx of
wealth generated by such aggressive colonization has been channeled to fund further
colonization efforts and to build the Mantis army. Extensive forge-factories have been built to
supply the Yoritomo and Tsuruchi legions with modern arms and armor as the number of
ashigaru forces has been increased. These 'Summer reforms', originally initiated by Yoritomo
Manatsu, have led to Mantis land forces of the 32nd century rivaling with those of the Crab
and Lion in size if not in quality. On the other hand, the Mantis grand fleet is strong enough
to challenge any other fleet within the Empire with it's high number of modern vessels
crewed by perhaps some of the best crews of the Empire. The samurai of the Mantis are an
extremely varied lot, having absorbed and created Minor Clans throughout their history. The
Komori, born of the Mantis long ago, returned as a vassal family after the great Earthquake of
2542. Later, the Kitsune, sick to the core of war and death, split from the clan during the First
War of the Worlds, finding shelter on a heavily forested world held by the Lion. Additionally,
both the Yoritomo and Moshi families have seen new Minor Clans arise from their members
during the Age of Stars. The Shark and Osprey remain on friendly terms with their parent
clan, though they have wandered far from their roots. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the vast
expanses of galaxy and the corresponding distance from the Imperial authority has given the
Mantis a splendid opportunity to once more practice their oldest pastime, piracy--though they
are blamed for far more attacks than they could possibly manage. While anything from a
technical mistake to crossing of economic borders can be used to justify or conceal piracy,
the other clans are not dupes; most see the Mantis as a bully to keep appeased, or beat away.
Needless to say, this has left the clan somewhat isolated, and while most clans have no choice
but to trade with the Mantis, they have very few friends to call upon should they need help.
Were recent Mantis-Spider cooperation made public, several other clans would be likely to
take action. The Otomo in particular would be greatly alarmed.

Yoritomo
The Yoritomo remain the largest family within the clan, and the one most likely to continue
recruiting those whose skills meet their needs, regardless of background. Pilots, traders, and,
not infrequently, pirates, the Yoritomo boast some of the most welltraveled samurai in the
Empire. The Family's merchants travel all across the galaxy, often via routes other clans are
unaware of, guided by the excellent Yoritomo Navigators. They take great pride in their
renowned Navigator School; the importance of space travel conveying prestige upon those
who have studied within its many dojo. The training regimen is grueling, with students
pushed to their spiritual limits in various simulations to ensure that graduates are able to
perfom under pressure. Sensei have come from service with Yoritomo navy and merchant
fleets, often sporting thousands of hours of service at the Navcom. The eldest and most
experienced sensei eventually join the ranks of the Lore Keepers, writing down their
experiences for future generations. Additionally, the Lore Keepers and senior sensei of all
Mantis shugenja schools maintain genealogies, often pressuring families to wed particular
individuals to produce even more capable shugenja. In some ways, among the Yoritomo it's a
blessing to be born without the gift to hear the voices of the kami, as such individuals are
often freer to pursue their own paths.

With the excellence of its crews and the fortune invested in expansion, it is no wonder that
the Yoritomo control the largest number of colonies in the Empire. The Family's researchers
comb through new discoveries made by their settlers for new products to introduce to the
Empire, while teams of marketers work with courtiers and entertainers to develop next
season's fads. When Yoritomo Hanae, the star of the long running serial 'Yuugao ni Himitsu'
talks about how wonderful the primordial ooze of Sea Gate VII is for her skin, one can be
certain that she's already spent several briefings with clan marketing specialists. Exotic goods
remain their specialty, though the bulk of Mantis trade remains more basic resources from
their wealth of worlds. They are also well known for their massive shipyards that produce
vessels for any willing to pay their fees. The Yoritomo armies are vast and comprise more
than 60% of the total Mantis forces. Combat-trained shugenja regularly serve on warships
and among ground forces. As part of 'Summer Reforms' during the past two centuries, the
Yoritomo have greatly expanded their ashigaru forces, and revised training protocols for both
ashigaru and samurai. Additionally, several new elite formations have been created within the
Mantis army over the centuries, including the Yoritomo Stormguard, renowned for their
savagery and discipline.

The Yoritomo have never been shy about improving their prospects by knocking the
competition down a few pegs. From raiding shipping routes, to colonial protection rackets,
there is always work for the shadier elements of the family. A significant number of the
pirates along the trade lanes are Yoritomo sponsored privateers, hunting the less traveled
merchant-lanes while carrying little to no insignia that would reveal their port of origin
should they be caught.

Tsuruchi
After so many centuries, it is something of a wonder that the way of the Wasp still remains in
any form. Dealing with the other clans as a fellow great clan saw many Tsuruchi softening
their stance toward the tenets of bushido from even their early days as part of the Mantis.
Now, most bear the traditional daisho of their station. Even among those wearing the blades,
however, many retain elements symbolizing their ties to Tsuruchi's code, and the
philosophies of the family are a strange amalgam of the works of both Akodo and Tsuruchi.

While most clans still sneer at the Way of the Wasp (on the rare occasion they even think of
it), their generals cannot deny the effectiveness of Tsuruchi Marksmen. Once masters of the
bow, most Tsuruchi now study the arts of marksmanship and fieldcraft, serving the Mantis
armies as gunners and snipers. Tsuruchi bushi are known throughout the Empire for their
skill with the long-rifle, a radiant energy weapon that can cut down an enemy from two
thousand feet in the hands of a good marksman. Uniquely among the clans, the Mantis field
entire companies of these troops, dubbed Tsuruchi Rangers. Inevitably Tsuruchi, the men and
women that make up these special formations are trained in small unit tactics and guerrilla
warfare, allowing them to tie down larger enemy formations while the mobile main forces
deal the killing blow. Besides the Rangers, the Tsuruchi also form the core of the Mantis’
mechanized army, training drivers and gunners to the myriad vehicles of war the clan
employs.

Beyond their duties on the field of battle, the Tsuruchi continue to serve as magistrates and
yoriki, upholding law in the clan's settlements. Additionally, the Yoritomo expect the
Tsuruchi to monitor the activities of other clans by whatever means they find appropriate.
Because of this, the Tsuruchi Intelligence Agency, which coordinates the efforts of clan
magistrates, has grown to be one of the largest espionage organizations in the Empire.

Moshi
The Fortunes of the Moshi wax and wane along with the fortunes of the Mantis as they have
for the past two millennia. The Moshi of this new era remain devoted priests and healers,
much as their ancestors were; but many are also now researchers and explorers. In particular,
the Moshi specialize in the scientific and spiritual study of the celestial bodies they now live
and travel among. They have become the foremost experts in the study of stellar phenomenon
and planetary creation, with the advancedmresearch station Hiryu announcing recently that
their preliminary work on harvesting the vast power of solar flares was quite promising.
Encouraged by the preliminary results, Yoritomo Akifumi has asked the Moshi to construct a
prototype Flarenet facility around Thunder's Home.

Despite the fact that Lady Sun has been 'dead' for nearly two thousand years, the Moshi still
venerate Amaterasu as the creator of Rokugan. Though they offer their prayers to the Jade
Sun, demonstrating proper reverence such an entity clearly deserves, other stars, also known
as 'lesser suns' in the Moshi jargon, are also worshiped as major kami for their part in fueling
life across the galaxy. Thus, even on alien worlds, the priestesses of the Moshi rise to greet
the sunrise with prayers on their lips. Many also keep track of when the Jade Sun rises upon
the Valley of the Centipede and pause each day to offer their prayers, feeling connected to
fellow Moshi across the Empire through this practice.

For whatever reason, it is still the family's girl children who most frequently bear the gift
allowing them to hear the kami's whispers. The rest of the Moshi find other paths. Steeped in
the family's work, many courtiers return to the laboratories and research stations as
administrators. Their warriors guard such facilities, join with the rest of Mantis forces, and
otherwise find their way. While the Yoritomo are still the largest of the Mantis families,
Moshi soldiers man four light cruisers, forming an important part of the Mantis combined
fleet.

Komori
The Komori have been part of the Mantis ever since Komori Heihachi swore fealty to the
Yoritomo after the great earthquake of 2504 destroyed most of the lands on the Island of Lost
Wilderness. Ever since, the Komori have served the Mantis as priests and messengers, using
the teachings of the first Komori to serve their new masters. Before the invention of
communicators and the networks, contingents of Komori shugenja used to serve in each
Mantis legion as living communications links, allowing their general to coordinate their units
with uncanny precision. This tradition continues even now, providing the Mantis an
advantage in combat areas without networks, or in places where communication networks
have been damaged or destroyed.
As widecast technology spread, and eroded the advantages of Komori communication, they
were among the first to capitalize upon the new networks. The Mantis's Lightning News
Network (LNN) remains one of the oldest widecast networks, best known for broadcasting
news before other networks, often without thorough investigation in the rush to be first.
Despite more shame-filled retractions than any other network, LNN shows little sign of
changing their ways. The network is also known for their planetary exploration
documentaries. With so many worlds under Mantis control, they have a rich source of
interesting environments to explore. An entire generation currently shares fond memories of
Komori Iida's "Strange Worlds," and her trademark "Let's all go take a look." Many a
friendship among the Explorers has begun over shared memories of the show, or discovery of
a much-loved plush version of a creature discovered by Iida stashed in someone's small
luggage allowance.

Having been eager to learn and expand their knowledge ever since their creation, the Komori
of today provide the Mantis with a cadre of well-educated and meticulous engineers and
scientists, allowing the clan to keep up in the ever accelerating technological race among the
clans. Nor are the Mantis averse to using acquired technology taken from their enemies. A
notable recent result of Komori engineering is the Nightshroud class scout cruiser. Small and
lightly armed, the vessels are known for their low passive Scrying Orb signature as well as
their rugged build. Famously one of the ships, Nightwing, managed escape its Lion pursuers
and return safely to Mantis space despite being hit several times by the heavy Lion cannons.

Daimyo of the Mantis

Yoritomo Akifumi
Painfully handsome and known for his daredevilry, the young man leading the wealthiest clan
of the 32nd century is undeniably destined for greatness--at least by his own reckoning. Well-
spoken and known for his scandalous devotion to several Dark Fortunes, Akifumi presents
something of a paradox. While many among the other clans loathe the man for his ways, he is
venerated among the tens of millions of Mantis heimin as much, or perhaps more than, most
fortunes. Beneath a charming surface, the courtier-trained Akifumi is a ruthless politician,
able to vehemently deny Mantis connections to the corsairs in court while subtly guiding
Mantis freebooters to routes which benefit the clan’s agenda. While most of the pirate
captains connected to the Mantis willingly follow Akifumi's lead, there are plenty who
actually owe him little or no allegiance, as well as members of his clan who are less than
obedient. Yoritomo Osu and Moshi Chizuru are the most famous captains to defy the
guidance of their champion, often blaming poor communications and extraordinary situations
for their disobedience. Akifumi suffers this while keeping a close eye on his stubborn
subordinates.

The young diamyo has also been crucial in upholding the secret Mantis-Spider treaty
engineered by his mother, Yoritomo Minako, more than thirty years ago. The treaty has
limited hostilities between the two clans while allowing them to trade covertly with each
other. While Minako kept her religious views to herself, Akifumi openly venerates Dark
Fortunes alongside the Seven Fortunes honored throughout the Empire. He has allowed
Spider monks to establish shrines on selected Mantis worlds as well. While the Moshi are
terrified by this, their family’s internal issues have kept them from voicing any effective
protest.
Under Akifumi, the Mantis have devoted a portion of their wealth toward the well being of
their commoners. Uniquely among the great clans, heimin can expect that vat-grown foods
will be only an emergency measure, and medical treatment is nearly always available.
Community widecast receivers ensure that entertainment is found nearly everywhere. From
cheering on their favorite in the systemwide sumai tournaments to watching news of the
rebellions and crackdowns in Lion systems, the Mantis samurai and commoners share a
camaraderie that is rare among the great clans. Unmarried, the Mantis champion shocked his
karo by announcing that he would marry for love alone or not at all. Scorpion tabloids made
certain that his words reached all corners of the galaxy, and soon a series of pillow books set
in the distant future, The Sweet Quest of Yoritomo Fumio, depicting the adventures of a thinly
veiled Yoritomo daimyo, flooded the markets. A serial theater production has recently begun
production. Both the Seppun and Phoenix have begun to quietly press for its cancellation,
alarmed at indications that the popularity of the series has been sculpting a much more
sympathetic view of the fictional daimyo's preferences, including devotion to the Dark
Fortunes.

Tsuruchi Yui
The woman once known simply as Yui began her career as an ashigaru in the Mantis armies.
Impressing her elderly chuui, Tsuruchi Katsuo, with her swiftness and resolution during the
Lion raid on distant Storm’s End, Yui was granted a field promotion to nikutai and later
adopted by her commander. Katsuo hid the woman’s background, but never allowed her to
forget it. Through several promotions and an eventual post at Wasp's Sting dojo, Katsuo used
the threat of revealing her lowly heritage to keep her under his thumb. For five long years Yui
lead the hellish double life of a competent and successful young sensei and warrior by day,
Katsuo's plaything at night. Feeling that she was destined for greater things, Yui persisted,
throwing herself into the life she wanted to be hers, while trying to pretend her other life
didn't exist.

When the elderly Katsuo suffered a stroke one night, Yui watched impassively as he died
before leaving to call for priests and eta. During her fine performance as the dutifully
mourning daughter, she found and destroyed all evidence Katsuo had held that hinted at her
background. Once the appropriate period of mourning had ended, she blossomed, throwing
herself into service to the clan, finding herself involved in the family's politics, and
befriending many of the Tsuruchi nobles as she began to take on the duties her 'father' had so
unexpectedly left hanging. Within a few years, she'd entered into a dull marriage to a young
Susumu tied to a small contract between Mantis and Spider. A few years later, her devotion
to her career found her promoted to one of the Tsuruchi daimyo's banner bearers, then to
hatamoto. The daimyo, Tsuruchi Keiko was widowed, childless, and had refused to remarry,
leading to endless politicking as the ambitious paraded likely candidates for adoption before
her. Weary of their ambitions and manipulations, Keiko summoned Yui and announced that
the hatamoto would be her heir. With newborn twin sons, Yui had already provided for the
next generation's leadership and had proven resourceful and devoted to the family. Shocked,
Yui could only bow to her liege. Three years later, she found herself at the helm of the second
largest family of the wealthiest clan in the Empire.

True to her history, she has gone from supporting her family, to supporting her clan. Akifumi
finds the support of the Tsuruchi solid and unwavering, and Yui has eagerly followed his
directives to improve the lives of the heimin with greater funding and support for them.
Moshi Chizuru
The current Moshi daimyo may well be the largest thorn in the Mantis Champion's hide.
Chizuru--daughter of the previous champion, Moshi Mae, and the warrior, Moto Kubalai--has
never heard the voices of the kami, not even a whisper. None of her younger brothers do
either, leaving her family in the hands of a bushi for the first time in four centuries, one that
scarcely resembles the shy and withdrawn child who left to take training from the Yoritomo
years ago. That child could not hear the kami, but her ears were sensitive to the pitying and
disdainful murmurs of her relatives. The girl grew annoyed, then frustrated, and, finally,
bitter at the endless treatment as a second class samurai. After all, everyone was certain there
would be a properly gifted younger sister eventually. Her tenth brother was born shortly
before her gempukku, and her eldest brother scarcely recognized the tall and forceful beauty
who returned to greet the newest member of the family and serve as her mother's lieutenant.

When Moshi Mae retired to the Monastery of Sun, no-one dared challenge Chizuru’s claim
for the title, and Akifumi granted it as a matter of course, knowing little about his new family
daimyo beyond her successes at the head of the small Moshi forces. Chizuru wasted little
time finally shaping her life to suit herself. Her karo, the priestess Anama, had expected to
direct the spiritual life of the family. She had not expected to be left almost entirely in charge
as Chizuru gathered a cadre of like-minded, kamideaf Moshi women to crew a small ship that
seldom paused long at home. Chizuru embraced the life of a privateer, with occasional
legitimate scouting to justify her long absences. Few realize the Moshi daimyo is a pirate,
though everyone familiar with underworld haunts knows Chizu and her ship, The Relentless,
crewed entirely by women and preying upon Phoenix and Crane shipping lanes.

On the rare occasion the Relentless returns to the Moshi home world, Chizuru’s advisors
plead with her to stay, marry, and actually run the clan. Chizuru will have none of it, having
finally found a life among those who trust and respect her for what she can do rather than
obeying her because of what her mother was. The woman knows that the day she turns
twenty three her karo will contact Yoritomo Akifumi to force a marriage upon her or see
someone else appointed to lead the family. However, that day is not here yet.

Another threat to Chizuru’s freedom came the form of her cousin, Wakana. Unhappy with
Chizuru’s leadership, Wakana hadgathered a small group of pious and conservative Moshi in
hopes of eventually wresting power from her cousin's arms. However, with the help of
Yoritomo Akifumi, Chizuru managed to marry Wakana to a reknowned Spider officer, thus
removing her from the equation and crippling the conservative faction among her kin.

Komori Anju
Born as the first and the only child of Komori Tomoyoshi and his wife, Kimiko, the young
Chie lead a very sheltered life. Doted upon by family and servants, there were concerns that
such an upbringing would not produce a strong leader for the family. To dispel all whispers,
Chie was enrolled in the dojo of Silent Whispers under a cousin's name, one kami-gifted
trainee among many, instead of a pampered young noble. As it happened, the whispers were
well-founded, but so was the solution. Spoiled and unhappy at the loss of her privilege, Chie
was sorely tempted to break her promise and reveal her true identity to her friends. Only
pride held her to her oath, and pride too drove her to spend long hours in study while her
fellow students found spare hours for the local tea houses and virtual theaters. Hiding herself
was shame enough, she would not compound it by being anywhere but at the top of her class.
She succeeded wildly, with a final project that offered sturdier, kami-protected, encryption
using the enigma of Void. This prompted her sensei to nominate her for one of the Clan's
Topaz Championship slots. With the same stubborn pride that pushed her to the head of her
class, she managed to upset all expectations and claim the title, announcing herself as Anju,
daughter of Komori Tomoyoshi at the ceremony. Those days are well behind her now as she
approaches forty, a well-respected scholar and priestess whose eldest son should be claiming
his own name soon. Her Iuchi husband was chosen more for the strength of his bloodline than
his connections, and all three of their children are betrothed to noble children among the other
Mantis families. In all, her rule has been steady, and mostly uneventful until recently.

The internal issues plaguing the Moshi mean that the Mantis lean far more heavily on the
Komori priesthood than in the past. While eager to serve, Anju feels their resources stretched
thin, and has begun to reach out to talented ronin to increase their numbers. Such recruitment
has increased the efficiency of the Komori laboratories and has begun to come to the notice
of the Phoenix, who previously could expect little competition for promising, kami-blessed
ronin. Shockingly, many such ronin seem to find the comfort of koku more enticing than the
prestige of training among the Phoenix. Anju worries that not all of these are as loyal to the
Mantis as she would prefer, and few are trusted with important research.
Phoenix
Space exploration is largely a triumph of the Phoenix clan, who pioneered the ritual that
allows faster-than light travel, discovered radiant energy, and developed the ritual that makes
R-steel possible. Their expertise with technology that combines spiritual knowledge with
mundane mechanics is unparalleled, allowing them to colonize worlds other clans ignored as
uninhabitable, and largely making up for their small population and lesser resources. Their
collaboration with the Unicorn has a long history, as the clans have worked together to
advance the technologies of exploration since the first ship launched toward the stars, feeding
Phoenix curiosity and Unicorn wanderlust. Centuries of such collaboration have seen the two
clans become steadfast allies, joined by this common goal and a great deal of intermarriage.
They are deeply involved in efforts to sanctify new worlds and study the life-forms found
there, working closely with both the Kuni and the Imperial Explorers.True to their nature, the
Phoenix try to approach both alien animals and the far rarer sentient beings as peacefully as
possible, assisted by extensive use of magic. While this has yielded several impressive
results, not every group of sentient beings has been open to the Phoenix style of diplomacy
and the Shiba have had to take arms on several occasions to defend their charges from would-
be research specimens.

Should more extensive force be needed, the Shiba, with their small, highly-mobile fleet, are
able to use radiant energy as a hammer or a scalpel depending upon the dictates of the
Elemental Council. The clan’s largest Katana-class cruiser, the Tsukune, is rumored to have
superior firepower to any other save perhaps the Emerald Champion’s flagship, the Emerald
Blade. However, the Phoenix have found so little need for such force, that there are no actual
reports of such firepower in action to settle such

rumors one way or the other. For the most part, the Phoenix are content with exploring the
wonders of the galaxy and further advancing their technological and magical prowess. The
Phoenix do not control many systems, having the smallest population of any Great Clan.
Instead, they tend to focus on a select few worlds of great potential for settlement. The largest
concentration of the Phoenix forces can be found in the Tadaka system, where they have built
numerous orbital stations to monitor the planets located there. One world in particular,
Ujimitsu, is renowned for its many beautiful natural and magical phenomena, such as
mountain ranges filled with veins of of jade and crystal, and geysers of water reaching
seemingly impossible heights. The Phoenix have harvested much of the planet’s energy while
carefully preserving its balance and harmony. The only other system the Phoenix own
exclusively is named Aikune—a relatively young system. Its solid planets are all in their
infancy, still being shaped by powerful elemental spirits. Led by Agasha researchers, the
Phoenix have started experimenting with large scale re-engineering of these worlds, hoping
to create habitable conditions on some of them and to enhance production of raw elements on
others.

Recently, the launch of the Ide, its subsequent disappearance, and the discovery that a
Phoenix engineer had been stealing parts put a deep strain on the relationship between
Phoenix and Unicorn, bringing the clans to the verge of war. The even more recent return of
the ship, and the enticing news of the civilization discovered by its crew, has calmed relations
somewhat, and now both Phoenix and Unicorn are cautiously negotiating preparations for an
expedition to follow up on the Ide's discoveries.

Isawa
Isawa shugenja remain the Empire's masters of magic and have now become masters of
magic-assisted technology. While the Spider may surpass them in the distasteful practice of
melding flesh to machinery, and the Tamori and Kuni pioneer more practical spirit-forged
weaponry; it is the Isawa whom invent and create the technologies that change the Empire.
The Council of Five seldom meet in person these days, each having found comfortable
fiefdoms among worlds aligned most closely to their elements. For the masters, kami carry
images and words more quickly than even the most advanced communication devices,
enabling consultations at a distance with relative ease. They have also become one of the
most collaborative of shugenja families, extending Phoenix expertise into the research of
nearly every clan. Partnering with the Kitsune, for example, has led to amazing advances in
'living' habitats which make use of sturdy plants, corals, and other living things for structure
and life-support solutions. Isawa and Tamori shugenja have developed small prototype ships
that draw energy from the stars themselves. Though the drives are too inefficient for
merchant vessels or ships of war, the Longstrider-class prototype is envisioned as ideal for
long-range research vessels. The Hotaru have approached them as well, seeing the potential
of such technology in powering their independent mining craft and machinery.

The Nakauchi have worked extensively with the Isawa to refine navigation spells. Together
with the Tonbo, they have worked with Isawa Navigators and theorists to make headway on
combining divinatory and navigatory theory in order to better direct limited exploration
forces in a nearly limitless universe. Meanwhile, Isawa and Seppun theologians work
endlessly to catalog the place of each world and creature in the Celestial Bureaucracy. The
return of the Ide and news of another advanced civilization has the Celestial Academy
buzzing.

Meanwhile, it's hard to tell whether competition or cooperation fuels more advances in the art
and science of terraforming. Both Isawa and Asahina shugenja are renowned for their
expertise in the field, and there are nearly as many tales of fabulous collaborations as of
legendary rivalries. The Phoenix are known for completing world-shaping projects more
quickly than the Crane, often quite amazingly so. However, they do not craft as
painstakingly, and the worlds they shape are wilder, often containing unintended surprises.
The moon Kuroyama, is an oft-cited example. The fire and earth were so strongly stirred by
the process, that the formerly quiet moon became the most seismically active body in the
system. Its spectacular volcanoes have become something of a tourist attraction, but they, and
the frequent earthquakes, have made mining and construction of settlements much more
difficult. Many opine that the willingness of the Isawa to enter into collaborative research is
due more to their desire to keep their fingers in every pie and retain their reputation as the
foremost authorities in all magical topics than to any great altruism; not that such ulterior
motives cause many to turn down Isawa assistance on their projects.

Shiba
The Shiba remain the backbone of Phoenix forces, developing techniques that allow their
unique connection to the Void to fuel the radiant energy technologies of the Isawa and
Agasha. They work closely with researchers to keep their bushi well-trained in
the use of ever-advancing technology and strive to protect their charges as they explore and
shape new worlds. The challenge of protecting the Phoenix while maintaining a philosophy
of pacifism has grown no easier with their reach into the stars and has recently created
something of a split within the family as questions arise regarding what status one should
afford newly encountered creatures known or suspected to be sentient.
Centuries of working so closely with the Isawa have led to the development of planetary
artwork that few besides a handful of Shiba artisans can be said to have mastered.
Aficionados of such work often charter year long tours to see 'painted' moons at the proper
time of year for vast blooms of mountain wildflowers or catch the 'unveiling' of short-lived,
gravitationally manipulated patterns in vast ring systems. Few artisans have done as much to
meld art with the spiritual as those of the Shiba.

Asako
The Asako remain among the most renowned historians of any era and have done much to
advance techniques of researching the histories of the many worlds of the Empire, pioneering
the fields of xenohistory and xenoarchaeology. It is perhaps just as well that most of the
Asako scholars must rely upon others to question the kami on their behalf, or their endless
curiosity would likely anger even the patient mountain spirits as they pursue a world's past.
Some of those researching extinct peoples have gained a reputation for strangeness, as if their
mindset has shifted in their efforts to understand the dead alien cultures they study. Most
Rokugani shun such studies, as there is a vague sense that they are tapping into something
almost unclean. Nevertheless, the Phoenix authorities do nothing to discourage these scholars
and treat them as equal to others when resources are allocated to research projects.

Asako courtiers, while not as nimble or powerful in the court currents as some, manage the
clan's fortunes carefully. Recent years have seen some of their friendships grow shaky as the
Unicorn reacted unfavorably to the sabotage of the Ide, and other clans eagerly stoked the
flames of distrust where they could. With the return of the once-lost ship, however, Phoenix
knowledge of alien creatures is much in demand, and the Unicorn-Phoenix alliance is
growing stronger again, with both clans having declared they would contact the civilization
discovered by the Ide. A hidden monastery moon houses the ancient Henshin school, where
new members are trained, and advanced ones remain to follow the last steps of their Path.
Incorporating the revelations of other worlds and sentient creatures into the Path has been the
work of many generations so far and Asako monks have debated fundamental questions for
centuries now. Could other sentient creatures follow the Path? Or are humans truly unique in
the universe? Is even asking the question blasphemous?

More publicly, the Asako join the Asahina and many sects of the Brotherhood to provide and
oversee a variety of charities throughout the Empire. This side of the family is the one most
commoners in the Empire are familiar with, even if some clans and planetary governors
greatly restrict the activities of out-clan organizations on their worlds.

Agasha
The Agasha have been instrumental in studies that meld spirits to machinery and are
acknowledged masters of the craft. They have proven adept at incorporating Isawa theory and
design into their craft to advance computational efficiency, create sophisticated new starship
technology, develop instruments that essentially ‘commune’ for the user to divine
information in the field, and incorporate radiant energy into new weapons and defenses.

The clan's factory-forges are most often Agasha-controlled, located on volcanically active
worlds, allowing the Agasha to tap into the thermal power to fuel their energy-intensive
processes. The workforce on such worlds lives underground, or in domed cities with carefully
controlled atmospheres. Thanks to Isawa biocrafters, such colonies are only partially
dependent on other worlds for their sustenance, with the heimin farming several types of
edible lichen, yeasts, and bacteria on these otherwise desolate worlds. This isn't to say that
relations between the families are always harmonious. Tha Voidfarer project was a famously
painful collaboration, still held up today as a codeword for the troubles of too many heads
directing one set of hands. Originally planned as light escort vessel, the departments of the
Isawa Spacefleet each added their own requirements to the specifications. While the Agasha
engineers were able to construct a prototype, the first ship built turned out to be too heavy for
the ship's navcom to transport through the Path Not Taken. Several years, costly
modifications, and refits later, the Voidfarer joined the Phoenix fleet as long range patrol
craft. Eventually several vessels were sold to the Miya and Seppun families.

Daimyo of the Phoenix

Master of Air: Isawa Eichi
Gaudily stylish, flamboyant, and artistic in temperament, the Master of Air often gives the
appearance of...well...an airhead. Conversations with him are famous for flitting from topic to
topic with the barest of connections between, and an innovative outfit is one of the surest
ways to catch his attention. Keen follower of the current fashions, Eichi is a known patron of
several tailors and his wardrobes compete with those of the Doji and Bayushi daimyo.

Seldom home on Fu'un, he frequents all the finer parts of the Empire, attending premieres of
the most popular performances. The Master of Air has his own dedicated seats for his favorite
serial theater productions and will drop in to attend whenever he's in the neighborhood. The
only courts he attends are those known more for their culture than the amount of work being
done. Paperwork is what functionaries are for. Eichi's twin sister, Ieko, was promised before
birth as bride to the eldest son of Asako Ieyoshi, the latest such contract in generations of
friendship between the families. When Ieko died during a risky exploration, Ieyoshi, loathe to
give up the highly advantageous connection pushed for the contract to be maintained--
expecting betrothal of his son to a cousin or Eichi's first daughter. Instead Eichi was chosen
to marry Ieyoshi's son and by all accounts, the Master of Air and his husband Yosai are quite
happy together. Concubines housed in three different systems have provided the pair with an
impressive collection of heirs, while the parties they throw in their travels keep the various
scandal sheets busy.

Behind the scenes, however, he directs the Phoenix's intelligence agency, gathering reports as
he flits about the Empire. Eichi's information network funnels rumor and gossip to his offices
for analysis. His work has allowed Phoenix diplomats to smooth tensions before they
escalated into battles, and Phoenix artists to catch emerging fads and ride them to the tune of
the most lucrative decades they have seen in at least a millennium. Currently, his informants
have been learning a great deal about the returned Ide, fact and fiction alike. Thus far, he
continues to sort reports and monitor Unicorn activity closely but has yet to share any the
findings with a Council that anxiously waits for his report.

Master of Earth: Isawa Nobuo

Nobuo, born among the Kuni, is known as unassuming, tough, and unimpressed with
ceremony. Nor is it any secret that he is immensely pleased with himself for becoming one of
the rare non-Phoenix elemental masters...even if the Phoenix made sure to marry him in as
part of the process. Nobuo was fostered among the Isawa at young age when the Crab mining
colony of Hanamari IV was mostly destroyed by a severe moonquake. Hastily evacuated
survivors were scattered among the Phoenix settlements of Hanamari itself to await proper
relocation. Nobuo’s incredibly strong connection to the earth kami was recognized by the
Phoenix, and the Isawa ferried him off to Joudo for training among the tensai there. Ever
since, rumors have swirled that the untrained Crab child inadvertently caused the Cataclysm
of Hanamari IV.

At first the Crab complained that the child had been spirited away without proper clearances
from his clan. Several lucrative agreements smoothed the way, and Nobuo’s distant kin
reluctantly gave up their claims. The young Crab rose rapidly through the ranks, claiming
every significant honor available within the Temple of Earth. When it became apparent that
he would be an elemental acolyte upon gempukku, the arrangements with the Crab were re-
negotiated to include his marriage into the Isawa. Frankly, by that time, Nobuo himself
insisted upon it, as the alternative was to forgo the title of Acolyte and return to the Crab.
Needless to say, some Kuni think that Nobuo should have returned to aid his kin in their
battles rather than colluding with Phoenix 'theft' of such a gifted Crab shugenja.

With the retirement of Isawa Matano three years ago, Nobuo became the youngest Elemental
Master in this century. At 28, the man finds himself at the forefront of magical research in the
Empire. A keen xenobiologist and geologist, he has pushed the other masters to pay greater
attention to the threat of the Mushi discovered by the Crab, while feeling that the aliens
which helped the Ide to return home are a much less pressing issue. He has also been more
than happy to lend his voice to those who feel the Master of Water should step down and let
younger blood lead the clan through such times.

Master of Fire: Agasha Karin

Another relatively new, but definitely not young Master, Karin took the mantle of Master
only five years ago at the tender age of 72. It’s no secret that she was furious when Isawa
Hoshiko replaced her father in the position nearly 40 years ago. Karin was outspoken in her
opinion that she was far better suited to the position. When Hoshiko died of the Iridian plague
while attending a conference on that ill-fated world, she was quick to remind the masters of
her experience and credentials. Forty years of favors and flamboyant demonstrations of her
power paid off, and Karin achieved the position she’d always believed should be hers.

Many question how long she will keep it, however. Her eccentricities have only become
stronger each year: the outbursts of temper, the days spent closeted in research without food
or baths, and her growing paranoia. Fearful that her own children will agitate for her
retirement, she has had them assigned to the far reaches of the Empire where they can garner
little political clout. Her own circle of advisers has been shuffled and rearranged until she is
likely to find little but encouragement for her every plan. Though lately, even her most loyal
vassals have started to whisper about the eerie balefires that can be seen from the windows of
her laboratory as well as the strange, almost unnaturally hungry glow of the elderly woman's
eyes. Were it not for the brilliant, but very sporadic, research that emerges from her flame-
wreathed moon, many suspect the rest of the council would have agitated for her removal
already.

Master of Water: Isawa Michiko

The eldest Master at nearly 130, Michiko feels the pressure of her years. She knows that even
the water spirits that maintain her will fail sooner or later. Desire for the secrets of the
returned Ide consumes her, and she chafes at the slow pace of revelations as she feels her
time slipping away. Michiko has pushed the boundaries of Phoenix technology during her
tenure, advancing the efficiency of the drives that aid in the ritual of Walking the Way and
the accuracy of the spell itself. Working closely with both the current and former Agasha
daimyo, she has seen even the smaller Phoenix ships for use within systems become lighter,
faster, and safer. After over a century of research, today's young Isawa are training in theories
that didn't exist when she began, benefiting from her decades in patient pursuit of answers.

But now, that patience has given way to frustration at how slowly information filters from the
Unicorn. As one of the driving forces in the development of the technology originally used on
the ship, she feels entitled to access the alien secrets it has returned with. In fact, the Council
and Champion have barred her from contact with Unicorn delegates, suspecting (correctly)
that she was complicit in the spying and sabotage that sent the Ide out of communication with
the Empire. Having examined the stolen parts, along with the Agasha daimyo, she has come
to believe they can be used for a new ritual and drive combination that could speed a ship
faster than ever before, as long as the navigator has been to the destination before. Revealing
this, however, would openly reveal her use of the stolen intelligence. Once the Phoenix have
legitimate access to the ship, she feels she can release this as her masterpiece and retire with
her legacy secure.

Master of Void: Asako Minawa

Asako Minawa travels widely and erratically but spends every 'winter' at her home estates on
Akigara, maintaining the strange moon and conducting her research in seclusion. Of
particular interest to her, are unusual celestial phenomena, such as the Hounds of the Deep
Void and the Trailblazers. During her years as Master, acolytes of Void have often seen
traveling across the galaxy in search of some particular puzzle piece for Minawa's work
sometimes a Kuni whom Minawa believes to have particular insight into a phenomenon,
sometimes a particular stone from an uninhabited moon, or a dozen crates of tea from a
freighter reporting a narrow escape from the Hounds on their way to dock.

The tall, lithe woman is readily recognized, thanks to the tabloids' love of her. Her strange
life and eccentric mannerisms provide them with constant fodder, and she can count on being
followed by journalists wherever she goes. She almost seems to make it easy for them to spot
her, and many a young dock rat has earned herself a few coins by being the first to carry news
of Minawa's arrival to the nearest watering hole for photographers and reporters. A specially
designed Phoenix mon of gold foil decorates her forehead, glimmering beneath the hoods of
elaborate avant-garde robes Shiba artisans design for her. The colors are always of flame with
hints of smoke or the void of space in the design.

Minawa's strong connection to the Void was a surprise after tragedy. She began her training
with an eye toward Navigation, given her strong connection to the element of Water. After a
visit home during 'winter' holidays, she was discovered by search parties, barely alive in an
escape pod with the corpses of her father and youngest sister. The commercial freighter her
family had booked passage on was nothing but scattered parts around the jump point with no
indication as to what had destroyed it. Once recovered, it soon became apparent that she no
longer had any connection to the water kami, nor any other elemental kami, hearing only
their echoes within Void.

Given such history, many are forgiving of her many eccentricities. Minawa is known for
speaking of herself in the third person and eschewing all gendered pronouns. Unwed, she has
adopted three children, each from a different system. In each case, she traveled directly from
the spaceport to the orphanage, hospital, or family housing the child, not even pausing to
bathe. Similar tales have since appeared in play and book form--children in dire straits
spirited away by the mysterious Master as their actual birthright. In fact, her arrival anywhere
has come to be seen as a blessing by many simply through the usual misunderstanding of the
Void vs the void of space. People speak of the blessing of void. Even samurai have been
known to superstitiously carry mementos of her visits with them as protective charms--
everything from the chopsticks she used at a noodle house, to feathers fallen from a
headdress, to actual gifts passed from planetary governors to their children as they head off
into the world.

Despite her oddities, she has proven adept at drawing and working with Void, creating
intricate mechanisms and sensors for the Phoenix. Seemingly unsurprised by the Ide’s
disappearance, return, or news about the aliens, some have interpreted her comments on the
subject to indicate that she somehow knew of events from afar and was already aware of the
aliens' existence.

Shiba Qadan
When the sabotaged Ide returned against all hopes and expectations, the Phoenix champion
retired. Shiba Tomei had done what she could to repair relations with the Unicorn, even if it
was apparent that most of those punished were scapegoats offered up when her investigations
hit unyielding roadblocks in every direction. Frustrated with the shenanigans of her kin, she
had no stomach to take up the topic once more and felt that the Unicorn should have the
benefit of dealing with someone who would be less likely to remind them of those tense
times.

Qadan felt the Soul of Shiba awaken as his grandmother completed the rituals that cast aside
her former name and position. Most of the family, Qadan included, had been sure his aunt
Minoko would be chosen. After all, most considered the young man too unconventional
thanks to a childhood spent among his father’s Moto kin. Shiba's Judgement was not to be
questioned, however, even if champions through the past century had been finding it harder
and harder to remain truly sane under the weight of hundreds of former daimyo watching
their every action.

So now, Qadan finds himself torn between demands from the Masters for information from
the returned ship, Asako Keiko’s forceful council urging patience-lest years of work be
undone, and the cacophony of advice from the Soul of Shiba. His days have been anything
but peaceful, and his wife has begun sleeping elsewhere, unable to find rest as Qadan talks in
his sleep, continuing the day's debates well into the night. As negotiations began with the
Unicorn, most Phoenix came to the conclusion that Qadan's selection might be a benefit when
it came to improving relations there and gaining access to the fascinating alien technology
aboard the Ide. The Unicorn, while leery of any assistance, do seem to prefer Phoenix aid in
analyzing the alien technology rather than opening the Ide to scrutiny by any other clan. But
trust comes slowly, and the topic has thus far remained in endless, if polite negotiations.

Asako Keiko
Asako Keiko has been the competent, if reluctant, leader of her Family for a little over 20
years. A member of the Henshin order, she felt so close to understanding the final mysteries
when she was chosen as daimyo that she nearly refused, certain that the
duties of leadership would stifle her progression on the Path. Interestingly, it both has and has
not. While the final mysteries elude her grasp, she has found herself surprised by new
insights and understanding into lessons she thought already mastered. The
experience has been a humbling one.
Nearly inseparable from her Loremaster husband, Tsugumichi, the monk and courtier have
made an effective pairing. They have quietly set the tone for the clan’s courts, built Phoenix
support for charitable efforts spearheaded by the Brotherhood throughout known space and
have been the face of Phoenix diplomacy for these past decades. Keiko’s position and
efficacy have surprised many who still find the sight of an albino shocking, much less one in
a position of power.

Even among the Phoenix, there are many who consider the affliction to be a sign, either of
the heaven’s displeasure or of sins in a previous cycle. Members of the Isawa have been the
most vocal proponents of this view, leading to relatively constant friction between the two
families. The Isawa have also been the least impressed with the charitable endeavors Keiko
has involved the clan in, seeing it as a drain on Phoenix resources that could be going toward
further advancing their cutting edge research.

Further inflaming inter-family friction, the relatively recent episode of industrial spying and
sabotage against the Unicorn was a huge setback in alliances carefully developed by Keiko
and her vassals. Reports of her fury, once the loss of the Ide could be traced back to Phoenix
sabotage, are legendary. References in novels and serial theater to a curse or the anger of a
(usually) unseen ‘white queen,’ have widely been considered nods to the rumors of Keiko’s
months long tirade against anyone who seemed remotely connected to the acts. It took a great
deal of work from the Asako to patch over the incident enough to maintain a fragile and
suspicious alliance, especially after the Unicorn punitive raids had all but crippled one of the
Isawa's border-settlements.

The return of the Ide filled the Asako with hope that the alliance could be strengthened. But
the unseemly eagerness of their Isawa and Agasha cousins to rush forward and claim as much
information as possible threatens not only relations with the Unicorn, but within the Phoenix
themselves. It is rumored that the only reason the couple have not retired is their need to
shepherd the family and clan through this trying time.

Agasha Atsushi
Nobody has done more to exacerbate the Phoenix inter-family tensions than Agasha Atsushi.
His drive to advance the technology his Family is known for has the narcissistic daimyo
pushing Agasha researchers into every possible corner of Phoenix clan initiatives, much to
the annoyance of those affected by his meddling. Unfortunately for the clan's project leaders,
the well-spoken man has made the most of his erratic charm and excellent political
connections to achieve what he deems necessary. The current Master of Fire is Atsushi's
childhood friend, and the previous clan champion was his cousin. After only a decade of his
leadership, the overall levels of ambition and political maneuvering within his Family have
become something noted throughout the Empire as researchers vie for Atsushi’s attention to
garner plum positions.

The espionage that caused so much strain between Phoenix and Unicorn was almost entirely
Atsushi's doing. Pushing loyal members of his family onto the joint team developing the Ide’s
new technology was par for the course for him. After that, he had no great scruples about
ordering the theft of key components for him to study. Atsushi had intended that the
components be returned well before the launch, but he could not bring himself to part from
the cutting-edge instruments. While his specific role in that incident has not yet come to light,
many among the Phoenix sense his hand behind it.
Thankfully, the Empire at large has less reason to suspect the Agasha daimyo, and more
interesting rumors to gossip about. It is said that Atsushi has not laid eyes on his wife since
the day of their wedding, having settled her at one of his most pleasant estates while
remaining forever busy elsewhere. Only the servants of the estate know the truth of things,
and thus far they have remained loyal enough to resist the enticements of every scandal sheet
in the Empire. Granted, some of their loyalty may be due to the fear engendered by other
rumors--that the Agasha laboratories, where spirits are melded to machinery and awakened,
are experimenting with the melding of minds to machinery as well. Tales of servants left
mad, catatonic, or dead through the odd experiments there are rampant.
Scorpion
At first the Scorpion seemed relatively slow to reach for the stars, preferring to consolidate
their position on Rokugan itself. They, along with the Crane, expanded their operations to fill
the void left by the Mantis and the Unicorn. As is frequently the case, some of their reticence
was illusory. Thanks to spies and infiltrators among the other clans, there were quite a few
Scorpion exploring the stars, even in the earliest days. These hidden Scorpion filtered
information and technology back to their clan, allowing Scorpion researchers to combine it
with their own work and expand rapidly once they moved to openly join the colonization of
the stars. Knowing that the clan would never have the numbers or resources to compete with
the strongest of the Great Clans,

Bayush Hoshi, clan champion at the dawn of the Age of Stars, poured the clan's resources
into research, often building upon discoveries published by the Phoenix. Known as the
Starsage Policy, the groundwork laid by Scorpion scientists of the time have provided the
Clan with superior signaling and stealth technology that serves them well to this day. Soshi
and Yogo shugenja have developed cloaking devices able fool even the most advanced
Scrying Orbs, at least some of the time. Amusingly, stories of Shinobi class vessels are met
with as much disbelief as those of their namesakes were thousands of years ago. Isawa
Moru's rather definitive report on the immense magical and mechanical difficulties involved
in theoretical stealth technology has most of the Empire convinced that such technology is
entirely impractical with current technology.

While power and money have always gone together, the centuries have seen this truth slowly
become a more open one in Rokugani society. Everyone recognizes that trade and
communication networks are the strongest bonds tying the sprawling Empire together.
Despite this commonly acknowledged truth, commerce remains slightly disreputable when
compared to other trades as it offers few opportunities for glory and frequently encourages
not-quite honorable behavior. Still, any successful clan or family pays close attention to the
koku rolling in and out of their coffers. The Scorpion are no different; but unlike most clans,
they make use of extensive connections to criminal organizations to supplement their
fortunes. With commerce expanding to levels never seen before, criminality has expanded to
match, and the Scorpion have their shadowed hand in almost every illegal activity under the
stars. Their duty requires that they keep tabs on the Underworld, lest threats to the Throne
find shadowed nests there to grow from. Making use of such criminal organizations for their
own ends while keeping an eye on them is a tradition the Scorpion have been happy to
continue.

On World of Dreams, a small planet in the Scorpion's main system, low taxes and lax
security have attracted investment--and criminal enterprise--from around the galaxy, allowing
the Scorpion to control the largest hub of both legal and illegal trade in the Empire. The
planet has become home to the largest city of the Empire, bustling with political and
economic activity at every hour. Many consider World of Dreams to be the true capital of the
Empire, although more traditional samurai frown at such claims. World of Dreams draws so
much attention and traffic that little else is publicly known about the Scorpion Clan and the
rest of its settlements. They have invited the entire Empire onto their home planet, granting a
smiling facade of openness, while incidentally ensuring that most clans have a strong
economic interest in protecting their substantial holdings there. The recent blockade by Lion
forces raised the ire of nearly every clan against them, proving the usefulness of the strategy.
As one of the smaller clans, the Scorpion prefer to avoid direct confrontation, but when
politics and underhanded trickery leave them with no other choice, they remain the masters of
unconventional warfare, with black ops and saboteur forces able to cause more havoc than
ever. This makes Scorpion forces much more dangerous opponents than their numbers would
suggest. Thanks to constant innovation in technology designed to conceal troops and
obfuscate enemy scouting and scrying, no clan dares to casually confront the Scorpion
military. Their current alliance with the Crab adds an extra cautionary factor for those who
would oppose them. Providing the Crab with copious amounts of information regarding
Spider and Lion activities in exchange for military support, has freed Scorpion ships from
some escort duties and allowed the clan to assign more resources toward hunting pirates
along Scorpion trade routes. The two clans have also seen some scientific collaboration,
though both Soshi and Kaiu jealously guard their secrets. Still, both have benefited from
some small advances; the Scorpion gaining access to the Kaiu silk-steel recipe while the Crab
have been given access to the improved long range communicators of the Soshi.

Bayushi
The diplomats, spies, soldiers, and duelists of the Bayushi form the backbone of the Scorpion.
Suave Bayushi politicians mingle in nearly every court of the Empire, gaining the trust and
discovering the secrets of the Empire's elite. Discreet whispers in the right ears or leaked
documents before the right eyes can direct exploration, markets, or war. Some Bayushi have
gone so far as to consider themselves artisans of Empire politics, shaping the drama of
history. A rumor of blight on a distant world may send knowledgeable speculators scrambling
to buy tea before the price rises, while an offhand report of a strange sensor blip near a trade
route is likely to draw Lion pirate-hunters in search of prey...perhaps leaving a gap in areas
they usually patrol.

These charming, masked diplomats are fueled by information gained by Scorpion throughout
the Empire and processed by computational experts trained to comb through the endless
stream of intelligence for exploitable patterns. Familiar with technological espionage and the
delicate task of coaxing information from secure spirit-machinery, they go to great lengths to
keep their secrets safe. Amid the spies and engineers are those specially trained to memorize
vast amounts of key data, without which, much of the information encrypted in their
machines and archives makes little sense.

Bayushi bushi have also extended the range of their methods, adapting the lessons of their
founding kami to meet the challenges of warfare among the stars. They comprise the bulk of
Scorpion forces, developing new techniques to meet the ever shifting requirements of war on
dozens of odd worlds. A recent example has been the establishment of the Harbringers,
among the most feared of the Scorpion’s assault units. Trained to channel their inner energy
into blood curdling screams, they freeze their opponents in place with the power of their
voice alone. Any who have survived such an attack have reported feeling as if they had heard
the cries of those who have died unheard in the silent void of space, and that they felt with a
soul-deep certainty that they were about to join those unhappy dead.

Shosuro
Needless to say, the Shosuro still produce some of the finest spies in the Empire, employing
an array of tools their ancestors would have envied to achieve goals they would still
recognize. The ninja of old slipped into castles to spy, acquire items, plant forged documents,
or offer a quick and unforeseen death to their targets. Their modern descendants are still quite
familiar with the updated versions of those tasks, along with the many ways to hack into
now-ubiquitous data-networks to steal or manipulate the information flowing within. Shosuro
butei may spend years working as servants, merchants, or diplomats, gaining trust and
securing their place within another clan; for while forging an identity in a planetary network
offers a route in for quick jobs, longer term interests require forging memories and
connections to last. The New Shosuro Academy has a quarter of its own in the central city of
World of Dreams where many of the Empire’s best actors find their talents nurtured. The
ancient tradition of the Painted City comes alive here every autumn, with the quarter
transformed into some other place or time and filled with actors playing out dramas upon its
vast stage. The finale is always a few weeks into the winter season, allowing those attending
court in the city to enjoy the show. Needless to say, the winter courts held there can be
legendary, and the Imperial court has visited more often than truly impartial scheduling
would dictate. Such a deep, broad pool of talent allows the Scorpion to compete with the
Crane’s serial theater productions, news and concerts. The Crimson Scroll is the Shosuro's
information and entertainment network and sport coverage nearly as extensive as the Crane's
main stations. It can usually claim more viewers as well, thanks to its location on World of
Dreams, the most populous planet in the Empire.

Soshi
Priests, scientists and entertainers, the Soshi serve the Scorpion in myriad ways. They are
responsible for the vast Soshi Entertainment and News Network (SENN), providing the bulk
of the entertainment and indoctrination to inhabitants of Scorpion-held worlds. Many talented
illusionists work for Soshi Entertainment and News Network, helping set the scenes for the
various serial plays the network produces. The most talented inevitably end up serving with
Soshi Farcast, a company that maintains the widecast networks for the Scorpion and acts as
cover for the secret spiritual intelligence agency of the Family.

Soshi Farcast Engineers developed most of the cloaking devices used on Shinobi-class
vessels as well as much of the spirit-tech used by the Scorpion spy network. They also
oversee Scorpion interests in the criminal technosphere, directing masterless hackers and
industrial saboteurs though their agents, and outright control of several of these small groups.
Additionally, in a bid to increase the number of shugenja born to the family, the Soshi
maintain massive genealogical records, much as the Iuchi, though for different purposes.
Where the Iuchi recommend, the Soshi's genealogical matchmaking bears the weight of duty.
Most accept the matches made for them, aware that discreet affairs are a common occurrence.
Those unable to hear the voice of the kami frequently train with the Bayushi and tend to find
themselves in the priests' more experimental matches--drawing dilute bloodlines together,
attempting to tease out a trait, or simply used as political fodder.

Most Soshi call the World of Dreams or the World of Mirrors home. The latter, a cloud
covered, cold world next to a slowly dying star has surface temperatures well below freezing.
This has led to the construction of cities underground. Enormous panes of insulated glass
allow the faint light of the sun to bathe these subterranean habitats where the Soshi train their
Navigator-priests.

Having so recently learned the dangers of concentration from the Black Tower tragedy, the
Soshi now have small training centers scattered among their temples throughout Scorpion
holdings. This has the additional benefit of creating a culture among the Soshi of continuous
training, as they will nearly always check in with the local temple at any port of call,
gathering news of the latest research and seeking instruction in updated techniques. Secretive
to those outside the clan, all but the most sensitive advances are shared freely within the
family. Their close ties to the Shosuro ensure that they benefit from their pharmaceutical
advances as well, giving Soshi (and Yogo) medics an unparalleled array of compounds to
work with when calling upon the kami is unnecessary or impossible.

Yogo
While the Scorpion flourish in the new era, the Yogo are almost extinct. Fu-Leng has been
dead for almost two thousand years, but his curse upon Yogo and his children lingers,
dooming all of them to betray those they love. The Yogo of the 32nd century number in the
low hundreds, having lost most of their members in the cataclysmic explosion of the Black
Tower in 3119. The Scorpion are not certain of what happened to the massive space-fort built
for the small Family. Investigation of the shattered remnants by clan engineers determined
that the explosion originated from the fort’s spirit furnaces but could not pinpoint exactly
what went wrong. Since the incident, morose Yogo have isolated themselves even more than
in the past, huddling in their singular colony on Shadow's Home, a planet they share with the
Shosuro. Refuge, as the colony is known, contains their single dojo, and a vastly redundant
library spread among the homes of the still-scholarly family.

Modern Yogo remain priests, scholars, and scientists, joining the Soshi as the core of
Scorpion R&D. Strictly enforced clan policy forbids Yogo from learning the way of the
Navigator. Many potent Scorpion weapons, such as Shuriken-class space mines and
Yumemichi, a tasteless and potent poison, originated in Yogo workshops. Their formulas
have also offered Scorpion ships and stations excellent elemental defenses. Their daimyo has
decreed that his people should strive to strengthen and continue the family, urging early
marriages and offering incentives for those with many children. This has been an uphill
battle, as a sizable number of Yogo believe that it is perhaps for the best that the family end,
viewing the disaster as a message from the Heavens that their time is near an end and they
should eliminate their curse from the universe. While they do not refuse the matches made for
them, they seldom have children. Some have even speculated that the destruction of Black
Tower was punishment for daring to bear their lingering reminder of the ninth kami so much
closer to the heavens and have retired to monasteries on Rokugan, removing themselves from
the family entirely.

Daimyo of the Scorpion

Bayushi Hazuki
For the better part of the past decade, Bayushi Hazuki has led her kin, navigating inherited
plots and forging her own with the skill of her courtier training and a keen sense of the talents
of those who serve her. An uncanny knack for zeroing in on the most useful data caught in
wide-flung Scorpion nets has also served her well. Without the military strength to stand for
long against the martial clans in the event of major conflict, the Scorpion have long played
the information game to stay a step ahead of their enemies and leveraged their ties among the
criminal sector for the funds to hire strength of arms as needed.

Hazuki has recently increased the clan's use of mercenary troops, hiding the clan's true
strength, and allowing her to expend non-Scorpion lives in some of the more recent
skirmishes. The danger of such tactics is in the large expenditures needed for such hiring,
causing the Scorpion to lean more heavily on both public and illicit sources of income. Close
calls have become more common among the latter, threatening to reveal the depth of
Scorpion involvement in the Empire's underworld, and their brokering of information has
become less careful. Hazuki directs her people through this careful balancing act, sacrificing
those who would expose their secrets, and maintaining the Scorpion's status. Those close to
the daimyo wonder how long she can continue to do so.

The daimyo's well-crafted masks are a familiar sight in influential courts throughout the
Empire. Hiding her entire face, they have given rise to rumors that the masks hide
disfigurement. Her ability to arrive in previously unremarkable courts, just before something
of import occurs has a number of courtiers watching her travels in the hopes of also getting in
on important events. An equal number have been analyzing other courts, believing the
Scorpion daimyo's tactics are intended to distract from operations elsewhere. Hazuki herself
is careful to avoid showing her hand, leaving her rivals endlessly scrambling to catch up to
her. Married to to the youngest of the Mirumoto daimyo's uncles, a purely political match,
Hazuki has chosen several of her younger female relatives to provide the pair with heirs.
Having neither the time nor the patience for the rigors of childbearing, Hazuki has
nonetheless taken great personal interest in the education of her children, ensuring that they
are well trained and that she knows them well enough to chose one as her successor in the
future.

Shosuro Ayami
The small, strikingly beautiful, former actress who leads the Shosuro, holds the position only
due to tragedy. When Shosuro Tadashi's wife and children were slain during a Mantis raid,
the grief-stricken daimyo adopted Ayami and threw all of his energy into training the talented
butei. As leader of the the bulk of the Scorpion's spies, she reviews a breathtaking amount of
information; none of which has told her why Tadashi chose her, out of all those he could have
picked from. Even now, as she lays plans for her own successor, the question haunts her.
When Tadashi retired, many Shosuro had their doubts about the young woman known only
for her glamorous roles in several popular serial-theater productions. Young and untried as
she was when she took charge of the family, Ayami has proven her capabilities over the past
decades. Above all, she has been quite open about drawing the best advisers to her side, from
whatever walk of life or clan. The early days of her rule were peppered with shocked gossip
about hairdressers and geisha within her inner circles, and then murmured suspicions among
her own family when Moshi Tai and Kakita Asane were afforded permanent quarters at
Illusion's Heart Castle. Years of stable and clever rule quieted most grumbling, and neither
Crane nor Mantis appear to benefit from her cross-clan confidants gleaning secrets. The
rumors now tend more toward speculation as to the relationships within the close-knit group,
as rumors of decadent celebrations slip out from time to time.

Cheerful and eloquent, the former actress has brought the glamor of her former profession to
her role, making a production of nearly all official events. Even now, she has more invitations
than humanly possible to accept, as her attendance is considered to elevate any event to an
Occasion. Additionally, her butei training has served her well, and she can count members of
every Great Clan and most Minor Clans among her friends. These connections found her a
pleasant match to the younger brother of the current Soshi daimyo and have netted good
marriages for each of her three children.

Unfortunately, Ayami's charm cannot smooth every path. Her youngest daughter's marriage
to the eccentric Mirumoto daimyo has created a great deal of tension between the two
families. Thus far, it has been kept from spilling out into larger dealings between the
Scorpion and Dragon.
Soshi Masa’aki
Soshi Masa-aki works closely with Shosuro Ayami to direct the most effective spy network
within the Empire. Lithe, attractive, and carrying a classically Scorpion aura of hidden
danger, Masa'aki is a sharp contrast to the smaller, charmingly elegant Shosuro daimyo when
they are found together. They make an extremely effective team in court and have proven to
have very complimentary styles when it comes to organizing the clan's business as well.

Masa'aki is known to be soft spoken, but firm, and considered a refined gentleman with fine
taste in all forms of theatrical art and poetry. The Empire's courts welcome him, and he
usually spends the court season away from home, forging friendships and the occasional
affair while overseeing his family's business. His wife, Kayoko, a formidable woman,
generally runs things efficiently while he's away. A former Yasuki, her intense attention to
detail has served the clan well. Their main court has seldom run as smoothly, and she has
definitely added to the prosperity of the family.

Among the Soshi themselves, Masa'aki is known less for his taste in the arts, and more for his
willingness to sacrifice anyone and anything for the good of the Clan. While many admire the
efficiency of his methods, admiration wars with apprehension as they wonder at what point
they will find themselves as the sacrifices. Most within the family admit that his ruthlessness
is warranted, however. The destruction of the Black Tower drastically reduced the facilities
available for research, destroyed several advanced projects, along with most of the Yogo, and
generally disrupted Scorpion R&D. As the Soshi were required to take on projects the Yogo
no longer had the personnel for, Masa'aki has found himself scraping for enough resources,
facilities, and researchers to adequately keep everything progressing at a reasonable pace. To
make matters worse, the Yogo daimyo's protocols in the years since have dramatically
slowed what the vastly reduced cadre of Yogo researchers accomplish.

Masa'aki, closely follows the work of his scholars and scientists, ensuring that new
discoveries and improvements are widely shared among the family so they may be
capitalized upon. Ironically, this most secretive of families finds itself with the most open and
collaborative research atmosphere of any in the Empire. Jealously guarding secrets for one's
own gain will, at best, ensure a sharp setback in one's career when discovered. Thus far, only
one execution has been needed to drive the message home. In the midst of such trying times,
his marriage has been a blessing. Kayoko's practical competence has been a stabilizing
influence and a boon in making the family's resources stretch to cover their expanded duties.
To their delight, the couple has been blessed with two sets of twins--auspicious among the
Scorpion.

Yogo Kazuo
The head of the much-reduced shugenja family, Yogo Kazuo, is a cautious man, approaching
his duties with meticulous care, trying to leave no room for errors. He perseveres, despite his
growing fear of what his inevitable betrayal will mean to the family. Gaunt and pale, the
middle-aged shugenja was never handsome, and years of exposure to poisonous fumes have
left the man’s voice a hoarse whisper. In times past, he would never have been allowed to
lead, with his curse still hanging over him as itdoes. Now, there are simply too few to chose
from to allow him not to.

The lord of the Yogo keeps considerable distance from his wife and their seven children,
preferring to keep to his research and duties. His wife, Yue, was once an actress of the
Kakita, so she frankly prefers her 'exile' on World of Dreams to life among her husband's
dour family on Shadow's Rest. Kazuo meets with her a few times each year to discuss the
schooling of their children and to try for another. He keeps several concubines upon
Shadow's Rest as well, attempting to do as much as he can toward increasing the Yogo's
numbers.

Kazuo’s caution means that the duties of the Yogo are carried out with immaculate precision,
over a great deal of time. Bayushi Hazuki has sent several missives inquiring as to the state of
projects which continue to drain resources with nothing much in the way of results. Soshi
Masa'aki has visited personally several times in an attempt to speed work along, wishing the
Yogo to carry an at least proportional amount of the research workload for the clan. All of
this has been to little avail as the Yogo protest that any devices they release must be
thoroughly tested for safety.
Spider
The mix of influences from the Spirit Realms on various planets has occasionally created
truly horrific creatures and cultures, some with powers and abilities which defy the human
mind. The Spider, some of whom have minds not quite human themselves, have often been
the Throne’s favorite instrument to deal with such threats, as the Iweko Dynasty chooses to
fight fire with fire. The Spider undertake such duties willingly, taking morbid pleasure in this
service to the Throne. It doesn't hurt that such duties have allowed the clan to acquire and
adapt the most powerful magics and technologies of those races they eradicate. Many of their
advances since gaining the stars can be attributed to enemies destroyed in the Emperor's
name. The art of void-forging was stolen from the cave-dwelling Demien; tortured out of
their captured forgefathers. Advanced fleshcrafting techniques were adopted from the
technomages of Alakhai, an advanced race of cruel humanoids serving an Oni lord. On Char
II, the Spider fought a three year campaign of attrition against the Silith and their strange
robotic walkers made of flesh-steel that seemed able to heal itself over time. Though the
Spider were slain in droves, their undead legions eventually overcamemthe Silith. All these
advanced civilizations are now extinct, trampled beneath the might of the Spider.

The Daigotsu family’s battlecruisers, the Revenant and the Vengeance are monstrous hulking
behemoths of void-forged steel wrought with flesh and sinew which very few samurai would
ever wish to see, let alone board. While the Spider still claim at least nominal loyalty to the
Emperor, maintain a presentable presence in the courts, and keep their most unsettling clan
members out of view, their sinister and uncertain reputation is more or less unchanged from
the time of the clan’s inception. Long-standing policy from the days when the newly named
Great Clan was tolerated only because of the Empress' decree, bars tainted Spider from
interacting with the other clans. The Spider themselves police this policy vigorously, brutally
punishing disobedience in this matter. As far as most of the Empire knows, there are no
Tainted Spider; at least none they have ever seen. Spider who interact with the rest of the
Empire all wear visible jade as taunting proof of their purity for those who would love
nothing better than to challenge them. For most of these, the jade is a visible symbol of their
unworthiness for Diagotsu's blessing, or of the sacrifice they make for their clan in foregoing
it. Many choose piercings or even tattoos of jade, knowing that the latter will burn
agonizingly away should they ever prove worthy of the blessings most hope to one day
achieve.

In the clan's early years, such measures were necessary to retain their precarious position
among clans all to eager to jump upon revelations of illegally hidden taint. Today, these
measures have become traditions that serve as a reminder of the Spider's origins and an
example of their apparent dedication to the Iweko dynasty. Since no other clan, with the
exception of the Crab is willing to claim worlds overrun by undead or hungry ghosts, the
Spider have been able to slowly continue their territorial expansion. On such distant worlds,
far from regular scrutiny, the Spider conduct illicit experiments with their stolen technology
and the Taint, allowing them to become one of the more powerful clans despite their small
size. In such secrecy, many Spider may freely call upon the kansen, willingly embracing the
essence of the Jigoku. While the life of their heimin in such places is often terrifying and
short, many have become fanatically devoted to their lords, eager for the chance to accept the
blessings granted to them, or to sacrifice themselves to advance the day the Spider will take
their rightful place in the Empire.
While most Great Clans regard the Spider with suspicion, the clan has managed to forge
temporary alliances in the past, though none of the clans are willing to openly call the Spider
their allies at the moment. Crab and Spider have been at war for the past eight years, though
three years have passed since the last major incident that saw the destruction of Crab colony
on Umisaki III. The Crane support the Spider out of spite, wishing to hinder the efforts of the
current Emerald Champion whom they feel stole a rightly-earned victory from the Crane
candidate. An unofficial non-aggression and trading pact with the Mantis has been forged in
secret, neither clan willing to alarm the clans at the possibly imbalancing power of the
Empire's largest, wealthiest clan allied with the fearsome military strength of the Spider.
Additionally, while worship of Daigotsu is still forbidden to all but the Spider, some among
the other clans, particularly Mantis and Unicorn, offer their prayers to the lesser Dark
Fortunes.

Daigotsu
Despite the centuries, the Spider remain an outlier among the clans. Originally granted
official Great Clan status as the Empress’s shock troops and a dark mirror for righteous
samurai, the clan has seldom found a warm welcome among the other clans. Those clans
most bound to tradition are unwilling to forget centuries of conflict with the Spider's
founders, nor will they trust those who worship the fallen kami and his dark fortunes. While
the Spider themselves hold that, as the followers of a kami, they have a right to their place in
the Empire, they have never been large enough to seriously make a claim for their rightful
place at its head. Expansion into the stars has re-awakened that possibility, albeit as a long
term goal. Daigotsu leadership saw the potential of vast expanses to develop their strength in,
and extreme new challenges to strengthen their people. Early centuries saw vast losses, as the
Spider pacified worlds filled with alien dangers. In recent years, however, their power has
been growing. Very quiet murmurs among the clan leadership consider the dynastic shifts
that might be possible in a century, maybe two. It remains to be seen what affect the return of
the Ide with news of a distant alien culture will do to the balance of powers in the Empire,
though the Spider see this as their chance to potentially undermine the legitimacy of the
Iweko dynasty and open a path to the throne for themselves.

The Daigotsu family provides the bulk of the clan's living warriors and battle technicians.
Despite the still-small size of their forces, Daigotsu legions are feared both for their brutality
and their unsettling fleshcrafted weaponry. The highest ranked are aware of the undead forces
that are also at their command, usually for pacifying difficult new worlds and bearing
equipment into areas inhospitable to the living. Their existence is a closely guarded secret,
and their use in skirmishes with other clans is exceedingly rare, weighed carefully against the
chances of discovery. They also provide courtiers who offer a stark contrast to those of Crane
and Scorpion. The deadly games of court tend to be softened by most courtier's arts, wrapped
in terms of honor and civility. The Daigotsu see little need to dress up or camouflage their
pursuit of power, something which tends to throw opponents off balance. While their
numbers are too few to fill the Empire's courts, their presence in one is impossible to
overlook.

Susumu
The Susumu serve as the clan's diplomats, merchant patrons and spies, following the
teachings of their founder. Given their small size, the Spider need to claim every advantage
they can, and the Susumu are at the forefront of their non-military machinations. They are the
smiling face of the Spider in court, presenting a seductively reasonable view of Shourido and
a quiet piety with regards to Dark Fortunes and ancestors that most of the Empire remember
as formidable villains. Of course they populate the shadows of court as well, seeding them
with whispered rumors and dark suspicions, offering further temptations to sway positions,
and gathering illicit information to wield on the Spider's behalf. Their merchant patrons
oversee the expansion of the clan's trade; sleek merchant vessels slipping mainly along routes
between Spider and Mantis held space these days. Recent agreements with the Mantis have
allowed an impressive expansion of trade and a reduction in the forces that need be assigned
to warding off pirate attacks on their trade routes. The Spider's role as colonizer of worlds
nobody else wants, has given them access to a number of exotic items that fuel such trade.
Additionally, they fuel a lucrative black market trade through labyrinthine channels in darker
items, from the merely grotesque trophies of conquered alien races to the spiritually unclean
ores and drugs from worlds strongly aligned with the darker realms.The Crane's recent
interest in Spider's fortunes has also allowed Susumu to open a budding trade program
between the two, with Crane providing the Spider with spiritually rich materials in return of
access to the exotic flora developed by the Kuchiki gardeners.

Threaded through all of the transactions of merchants and courtiers is the information
collected by Susumu spies. Bolstered with the Kuchiki's latest technology, they creep in
shadows, masquerade as ronin, heimin, whatever is needed to gain access. They offer the
Spider advantages in current negotiations, but more importantly, they're building the clan's
knowledge of where weakness lies throughout the Empire.

Kuchiki
The dawn of the 15th century saw the establishment of the Kuchiki family. The origins of the
small, secretive Family are not well known, but what little can be found in the Ikoma
histories on the matter speak of a young woman, Daigotsu Kuchiki, whom was widely known
for her healing skills as well as her dedication to the dark Fortunes. What the woman did to
earn her own family among the Spider is unclear, though numerous tales speculate about dark
services rendered for the reigning Spider Champion of the time.

Currently, however, it is well-known that the Kuchiki serve the Spider as priests, healers,
scientists, and engineers working in the myriad manufactories of the Spider home world,
Hive. Most of the Spider’s recent advances in biosciences, bio-weaponry and controversial
fleshcrafting can be attributed to Kuchiki research. The half-sentient ships of the Spider could
not be maintained without the family's technomancers, and many of the veteran Daigotsu
have the Kuchiki to thank for the fleshcrafts which allow them to return to the field of battle
despite suffering grievous injuries.
¨
While most of the citizens of the Empire would not sully their flesh by joining it to machines,
the Kuchiki embrace the new possibilities of enhanced bodies, and most of the members of
the family are granted a fleshcrafted enhancement of some sort after they pass their
gempukku. The sometimes macabre, part man, part machine look of the elder Kuchiki has
spawned darker rumors of strange mindless man-machine constructs used by the Spider in
their armies. Likewise, their mutation-enhancing programs of selective breeding have
produced rumors about the strange appearance of some Spider, as the Kuchiki work to
produce samurai suited to alien worlds. The Kuchiki also cultivate a plethora of plants,
animals, fungi, and microbes in their domed gardens and reeking labs, breeding them to
produce hundreds of useful compounds. Besides potent drugs for healing and toxins for their
enemies, research has turned up hundreds of compounds that effect the various creatures
encountered on myriad worlds. Some Kuchiki joke that they could make a mint as the
Empire's most effective pest exterminators if they were inclined to share their discoveries
more widely.

Unfortunately for their fortunes, it would be too risky to brazenly wield such discoveries.
There would be too many questions about the other uses the Spider might put their
fearsomely corrosive Atsu pods to, or the odorless gas that leaves nearly anything with a
recognizable nervous system paralyzed. Stockpiled among various holdings, few of these
have seen use against other samurai thus far but would make invasion of those settlements
extremely deadly. They've also become masters of nurturing symbiosis; for example, coaxing
a useful microbe to coat a vine, allowing both to thrive in an environment neither was
designed for. Nutrient stews nourish troops and peasants alike as the Kuchiki find
combinations of that can grow in each environment they settle in. Mulberry-mushroom 'silk'
has even become a recent trend among wealthy Spider supporting their in-clan cloth
production over imported silk.

Order of the Spider

While shrines to the Dark Fortunes are still somewhat rare among the other great clans, both
the Unicorn and the Mantis have allowed such shrines in their settlements. The choice to
venerate the Dark Fortunes is still very controversial and rare in most clans, while among the
Unicorn and Mantis such worship is only slightly more widespread. Only the Spider are
allowed to openly worship Daigotsu, though certainly there have been hidden shrines and
secret veneration. Monks of the Order of the Spider have encouraged such worship over the
centuries, petitioning to build shrines, and aiding any who seek their counsel within. The
Order of the Spider has grown through the centuries, splitting into several sects as their
philosophy has matured. The three largest sects are the Keepers of Truth-closest to the
Order's militant origins; the Dark Thorn-philosophers of shourido and students of the body;
and the Children of Kinye-scholars and diplomats. Spider heimin are most familiar with the
Dark Thorn, as their members often move among them to test their grasp of Spider precepts,
offer lessons in healing, and to find ready specimens and test subjects for their studies. Non-
Spider are more likely to encounter the Children of Kinye in their travels, as they seek
knowledge, news, and converts, teaching all who will listen. All sects share a drive for the
perfection of the body as a weapon, making them possibly the most militant monastic order in
the Empire. They consider their own bodies as sacred tools, eschewing the use of fleshcrafts
and combat-drugs.

A few smaller, more specialized sects tend to have specific tasks within the clan, mostly
revolving around the early training of Spider children in the clan's philosophies and sizing
them up for potential advanced training. One example is the Soul Hunters, who study and
train the arts of infiltration and assassination. The Temple of Daigotsu, within Shiro
Daigotsu, largest city on Hive, is the most sacred of the Spider temples. This grand temple
has been carved from the stone of the asteroid to resemble a large Wolf Spider. It's hallowed
halls serve as the main headquarters and training ground of the Order, home to the exarch,
and space for worship. Smaller shrines dedicated to the Dark Fortunes surround the main
temple, forming a fortress-like complex that looms over the heimin sectors of the city. The
Order's monasteries do welcome those who choose to retire there from other clans, allowing
them to spend their later years in contemplation of Jigoku's chosen and learning the
philosophies of the Order. These are allowed to join the acolytes, but few are ever fit to
advance through the rigorous training to fully join the Order.
Daimyo of thr Spider
Daigotsu Miyako
There have always been samurai who take delight in the clash of battle and the acts of
slaughter their duties entail. Daigotsu Miyako is an awe-inspiring example of the type as she
strides through battle clad in her black bio-armor, dark eyes alight in a hauntingly pale face.
The nearly seven foot tall daimyo is widely known to be a cunning and terrifyingly fierce
opponent. While Miyako has only led the clan for the past three years, she is a seasoned
veteran, having fought her way through a decade of campaign seasons with the Black Guard
before her father, Daigotsu Morio, fell in battle against the Crab on Umisaki III. None doubt
her ability to take her father's place, as she had earned the rank of taisa within the Black
Guard by her own merit. No less is expected of a Spider noble, and had Miyako proven to be
weaker, she would undoubtedly have already been replaced.

Interestingly, none can say how much Miyako takes after her mother, because her mother's
identity is unknown. Daigotsu Morio kept a veritable harem of concubines, as well as being
known for his affairs with numerous Spider noblewomen. When Miyako's birth was
announced, Morio kept the identity of his heir's mother a secret to avoid the annoyance of
relatives attempting to curry favor. Whatever he threatened his concubines with, should any
of them reveal the truth, was potent enough that even three years after his death, none have
spoken of it. Living for the joy of battle and slaughter as she does, Miyako grows restless
when forced into inactivity for long. Unsurprisingly, she finds the refined pace of court
unspeakably dull, and is quite happy to delegate diplomatic tasks to the Susumu daimyo, one
of her father's oldest friends and long proven to be loyal. His indisposition in the past year
has been quite annoying as neither his lackeys nor his sons have yet proven to have the same
grasp of Miyako's goals, forcing her to increase her infrequent presence in the Empire's
courts.

Susumu Gen’ishiro
The man who holds the strings of the vast Susumu intelligence and espionage network is the
venerable Susumu Gen’ishiro. Those who know the Spider well judge his power and cunning
by his length of service--nearly 5 decades under three different champions. While the
Daigotsu maintain a dynastic line back to their founder, other Spider families rely entirely
upon challenge to allow the strong to prove themselves capable of commanding. Known as
the Master of Deceit, Gen'ishiro has not appeared to age in the past 40 years, looking very
much the same as the day he watched Miyako's father complete his gempukku. Rumors have
swirled for the past few decades about advanced fleshcrafting techniques granting the
energetic daimyo eternal youth, while actors surreptitiously study him for signs of his
makeup tricks. They get plenty of opportunity as Gen'ishiro is a regular guest to the most
influential courts of the Empire. Most of those who speak to him will admit that they find the
seemingly unaging courtier quite amicable despite the Spider's sinister reputation. Suave,
well-informed, and witty, the Susumu daimyo makes friends and eviscerates enemies with
equal cheer. Those who have found themselves upon the receiving end of his attacks in court,
find him a brutal master of rhetoric and sadane. The observant courtiers have noticed how
easily discord can bloom in his wake, or even nearby, as his skillful conversation turns minds
and hearts without his targets noticing.

When the enduring lord of the Susumu addresses his people, gone is the pleasant and polite
face shown in non-Spider courts. Behind the scenes, Gen’ishiro guides his Family with an
iron hand, carefully setting forth schemes and plans he knows won’t come to fruition for
years, or even decades. However, the head of the Susumu has spent the last year mostly out
of the public eye, preferring to remain within his rooms, meeting only with his Champion,
and his court physician, a master healer by the name Kuchiki Daichi. All others, including the
man’s seven sons have to communicate with him via voice-relays and communicators.
Unsurprisingly, rumors have been swirling as to whether this portends failing health, or
advanced treatments to continue extending his years. After so much time, his people are
beginning to smell weakness and a proper challenge could arise at any time if Gen'ishiro does
not show himself soon.

Kuchiki Maya
The current head of the Family is rarely seen in public, as the hunched matron of the Kuchiki
prefers to stay among her kin, working in the vast laboratories of Dark Forge. Once known
for her striking looks and scandalous affairs, Maya withdrew from publicity when her father
passed away, moving back to the Kuchiki home world to properly mourn for him. Some of
the elder Kuchiki doubted her ability to lead, eventually becoming vocal enough to require
attention or challenge. After defeating one of her loudest critics in a lethal Taryu-jiai duel,
Maya personally executed two of her advisors in public, solidly ending the threat to her rule.
Subsequent years showed the new Kuchiki daimyo to be a strong-willed and resourceful
leader, guiding her family with a firm hand, much as her father had. Under her leadership, the
Kuchiki have deepened their understanding of fleshcrafting and advanced the breeding
program aimed at increasing the number of shugenja born to the family. Initiated by her great
grandfather, the breeding program has begun to produce results. While shugenja in most
families are rare, the Kuchiki are slowly, but surely, approaching the Isawa as far as the
percentage of gifted children born. Today, more than half of Kuchiki children are born able to
hear the whispers of the kami.

Nowadays, whenever Maya’s presence is needed at the courts of the Spider, the old woman
carefully covers her arms with close-fitting sleeves and dons a veil to further hide her skin
from prying eyes. Most of her family suspect that she is trying to conceal sores caused by the
many noxious substances encountered during her research. Outsiders assume that she
conceals the marks of bloodletting or taint; such rumors continue despite the heavy jade rings
that always decorate her aged hands in public.

The Kuchiki daimyo is known to be good friends with clan champion, Daigotsu Miyaki,
having been something of an unofficial aunt to the young champion-to-be. It is rumored that
Maya is actually Miyaki's biological mother, and while the current Kuchiki champion was
certainly close with Miyako’s father, no-one recalls seeing the woman pregnant around the
time of Miyako’s birth.

Murasaki
An orphaned, bastard daughter of one of Daigotsu Morio’s favourite generals, the young
Murasaki was given to the order after her father perished in combat. The girl deeply resented
her relatives for their decision, remembering her father's promise that that one day, she too,
would fight for the Spider. Never letting the harsh monastery life dim her spirit, the studious
child soon earned the favour of her sensei and took her vows two years before other children
her age. Feeling that she was destined for more, the young woman joined the Keepers of
Truth, the most martial sect of the Order. Among the Keepers, Murasaki's talents blossomed
as she absorbed their stringent martial lessons, learning to master the naginata-like rifle-glave
her sect favored. Despite her young age, Murasaki sought out and challenged first the leader
of her sect, and then the abbot of the order, defeating both in duels of Strength. Murasaki has
led the Order of the Spider as both Exarch and head of the Keepers of Truth for the past
decade.

As Exarch of the order, Murasaki leads daily prayers at Shiro Diagotsu and oversees training
of new initiates. Beside her duties at the temple, it is Muraski’s responsibility to guard the
Dark Creed, ensuring that the Dark Virtues are properly followed and that the teachings of
Daigotsu remain unadulterated through the years. Murasaki rarely leaves Shiro Daigotsu, the
largest of the temples dedicated to the lord of Jigoku. Yet, she hungers for battle as endless
practice and occasional duels are not enough to sate her hunger for blood. Murasaki has
petitioned Miyako to let her join the clan's raids, but the young daimyo, has thus far held her
back, perhaps wary of the power the charismatic Exarch might gain among Spider troops.
Unicorn
None were surprised when the Unicorn jumped at the chance to travel to the stars, eagerly
assisting the Phoenix to develop the first starships and the rituals to send them through the
void. Now, at the dawn of the fourth millennium, the Unicorn maintain only a token presence
on Rokugan itself, with most of the clan spread among their celestial settlements or
permanently on the move from system to system. They also retain their holdings on First
Landing, the world that began their expansion into the stars. They're known as one of the
clans most devoted to attempting communication with alien cultures, resorting to violence
only when such attempts fail. The Phoenix share the Unicorn's dedication to a more peaceful
approach, and both clans lament the more confrontational policies of the other clans. Thus
far, the Rokugani have found it difficult to co-exist with the races they've discovered, but the
discoveries made by the Ide hold out tantalizing hope in this regard.

Unicorn culture in the fourth millennia retains a tendency to mix the well-known with the
alien; where once a traditionalist might have been disgusted at a Unicorn samurai wearing
fur, now they must also wonder what kind of creatures the fur could have come from or why
the Unicorn's scimitar looks so strangely organic. While most modern Unicorn have forsaken
horses to embrace vehicles--the faster the better--the more daring among them will also ride
anything they can throw a saddle on, regardless of size or ferocity. The razor-deer races on
Shinjo's Grace, for example, draw enthusiasts from around the Empire to watch skilled
Unicorn riders navigate the fierce native grazers across treacherous terrain.

Many have returned to their ancient nomadic traditions, though often with a thoroughly
modern flair; the Moto battlecruiser Chomchog is a perfect example. Designed to be self-
sustaining for years at a time, it often orbits newly discovered planets, serving as a temporary
station and base for exploration crews. With a hold full of exotic resources from barely
examined worlds, it spends another portion of its travels trading from system to system,
providing the Unicorn an unconventional platform for some of their commercial and
diplomatic efforts. The clan already has a strong trade advantage in the form of the fastest
overall shipping and transport times of any clan, thanks to the uncanny skill of Utaku-trained
pilots and Iuchi navigators. Anyone who needs to get somewhere quickly uses Unicorn
transport services.

While many Unicorn spend their days traveling through space, a significant number have
returned to the planet-bound nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors, traveling from one
temporary settlement to another according to the seasons. These roving bands carry all their
supplies and equipment with them, often using modern vehicles in a swarm of rovers and
choppers. Other caravans employ the local fauna to haul their possessions and homes from
one location to another. For example, on the world of Kuwagata, Shinjo and Moto nomads
have domesticated massive native insects, using them as mobile homes, cargo freighters and
mounts. Thanks to so many of their worlds retaining much of their natural character, the
Unicorn produce many naturalists, ecologists, and a long-running, low key art movement
focused on realistic depictions of wild spaces.

Beyond these nomadic groups, the Unicorn prefer to maintain orbital stations rather than
build extensive settlements or cities, leaving their worlds mostly open for roaming. They
cooperate extensively with the Imperial Exploration Corps, with many Unicorn serving
among the Explorers for some part of their life.

Possessing over a dozen small, distant colonies besides their regular holdings, the Unicorn
need to maintain a sizable navy to protect these scattered worlds. This means older ships
remain in service longer, with most fleets comprised of a rag-tag collection of various classes
and generations of vessels. Current resources provide inexpensive, disposable scout drones
and a scattering of superior fighters and bombers among the less well-armed and armored
older vessels. Such a mix requires creative an intelligent deployment, with most larger ships
modified to carry drones and smaller, more effective fighters that can be deployed to swarm
enemy fleets well before the slower carrier ships are close enough to engage. Superior
scouting, and the impressive skills of Unicorn pilots, are key to this strategy. Not that the
Unicorn have had many large scale battles in recent years. their fleets primarily engaged in
scouting and smaller skirmishes with pirates and raiders, along with a bit of retaliatory
raiding on Phoenix colonies after the Ide's disappearance. They are on reasonable terms with
most of the clans, though the very recent attacks by suspected Spider raiders have soured
relations between the two clans.

Shinjo
Restored to power after the bloody Moto civil war nearly fifteen hundred years ago, the
Shinjo have ruled the clan through this new era of exploration, eager to reach further than the
other clans. The first space-faring vessel was largely funded and crewed by the Shinjo, and
many of the family’s samurai enjoy the nomadic lifestyle of exploration, serving with the
clan’s own explorer fleet or among the Imperial Explorers. Many more serve among the
Unicorns fleets of warships and merchant vessels, remaining on the move through much of
their lives. While most train as bushi, a fair number of Shinjo end up learning diplomacy
among the Ide as well.

The tall white spires of Kyuden Shin-Kibou, New Hope Castle, have inspired countless poets
over the centuries. Orbiting Shinjo's Grace, the massive space fort holds the seat of the
family's power and hosts many visitors. Indeed, more Shinjo samurai live here than on any
world under their control. All of their worlds have colonies, but none are considered fully
inhabited, as the Shinjo prefer to leave much of these planets untouched. Their central worlds
are governed directly by the family daimyo and her advisors, with dense cities largely
inhabited by busy heimin. In contrast, their frontier worlds are governed by semi-independent
governors ruling over worlds of scattered settlements with a higher ratio of samurai. Samurai
hailing from such rural areas might not be as adept at programming, but generally have
greater survival skills than those raised in the central worlds. They frequently rise high in the
ranks of the Explorers.

The Shinjo have embraced steeds of steel with a passion bordering obsession, and most of the
samurai living in rural areas learn to drive both bikes and motor-carriages as soon as they can
manage one. If mechanized vehicles are in short supply, rural samurai inevitably domesticate
local beasts as steeds. Driving and riding competitions are immensely popular throughout
Unicorn-held space. On frontier worlds, each house will be sure to have someone competing
in local races, and a settlement that couldn't field a half dozen racers for the planet-wide races
might just scatter in shame. City-dwelling Shinjo also enjoy motorsports, leading young
samurai to form biker associations that compete with each other through the neon-light lit
streets of tallspired cities or beneath the reflection of protective biodomes. Family elders
tolerate this behavior, despite the inevitable accidents and flaring tempers, saying the
youngsters need to burn off energy.

Moto
Warriors and nomads from the beginning, the Moto took eagerly to space alongside their kin.
The events which returned the Shinjo to power are ancient history for most of the current
generation, with only the fiercest traditionalists muttering bitterly about how things would be
different if the Moto were still in charge. This attitude is more common among the family's
rural holdings on young frontier worlds. Much like the Shinjo, the Moto can be roughly
divided into urban and rural factions. Those living in the cities of central worlds are much
like the urban samurai of any clan--perhaps a bit more likely to decorate with exotic
reminders of their days among the Explorers, or to specialize in the poetry of dead races--but
certainly civilized enough to invite to the latest serial-theater production. Their frontier
cousins can be another matter, throwing themselves into the work of taming planets and
scoffing at the comforts of the central worlds. These two branches of the same family have
difficulty coming together without conflict, each seeing the other as a warped mockery of
their heritage--uncouth barbarians on one side and decadent shadows on the other. Moto of
both backgrounds provide warriors, mechanics, priests, and engineers to the clan. The
younger settlements produce mechanics skilled at making do and keeping older equipment in
top shape. If you need someone who can assemble a waterpurification unit from a random
pile of parts, you look for a Moto...and try not to think about what the fabric they used as a
filter is made from. Students showing a talent for spiritual engineering are often assigned to
serve in the Iron Fortress of the Moto, which houses most of the Family's forge-factories and
research facilities. Most of the clan's advances ship armor and weaponry have come from
Moto engineers.

All of the larger Moto settlements, and most of the smaller, host shrines to the Lords of Death
alongside those of the Fortunes and ancestors. Veneration of the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang is
especially common among the Family's magistrates, many of whom carry the ten-spoked
wheel as a token of their faith. The Priests of Death often precede over clan funerals as well
as serving among the Moto legions as battle shugenja, aiding their kin with their prayers and
cursing their enemies. Engineers among the Death Priests have developed machinery
designed to continuously recite the sins of enemies who have earned particular attention,
droning through the catalog of their misdeeds and the punishments that might await them at
the hands of the Sh-Tien Yen-Wang. Nobody knows if the constant recitation is enough to
draw the attention of the Lords of Death, but those who bring their grievances to the priests
are said to derive a certain comfort from listening to the inventive torments that await their
enemies in the afterlife.

Iuchi
Priests, scholars and warriors, the Iuchi exemplify the highest ideals of the children of the Ki-
Rin. It was they who worked with the Isawa to develop the rituals which allow faster-than-
light travel and who currently guide Unicorn vessels unerringly through space. The ease with
which the Unicorn navigate the sea of stars hails from their deep understanding of the ritual
as well as their connection with the Element of Water. Nearly all of the Iuchi live on the
central Unicorn worlds, which contain the advanced infrastructure required to develop and
study their complex spirit-infused machines.
Iuchi engineers and scholars work together to develop new technologies for the clan. While
they no longer practice meishodo, their ancient experience with its techniques allows them to
create machines that seem preternaturally in tune with their users, giving Unicorn pilots one
more edge. Those who find themselves too restless for a life of research serve the Ide and
Shinjo fleets as navigators or join the Aether Riders, the Iuchi elite fighter formation, who are
taught to use their deep understanding of the spirits to half-meld with the ship’s controls,
allowing them to achieve near impossible feats.

Despite the passage of millenia, the Unicorn still follow Shinjo’s commandments as closely
as they are able; though some laws have slowly been re-interpreted to better suit life among
the stars. Much to chagrin of the Ide, one of the most stubborn traditions is related to
marriage, with most Unicorn doing their utmost to avoid marrying ‘relatives’ as defined by
the Iuchi priesthood. As the population of the Empire grows, it becomes ever harder for any
Unicorn to ascertain that they are not related to their potential spouses. Thus, the Iuchi
Archivists maintain enormous databases of clan genealogies to sift through, and most
Unicorn nakado consult the Iuchi before making any decisions. The genealogies also serve
another purpose, allowing the Iuchi to spot matches that have an improved chance of
producing shugenja progeny.

Additionally, the Iuchi run most of the programs which train the Unicorn's special workers,
highly skilled heimin who perform more demanding tasks, often working quite independently
and overseeing other heimin. While not nearly egalitarian, Unicorn worlds afford heimin a
higher standard of living and greater respect than anywhere else in the Empire, particularly in
urban areas.

Utaku
Once masters of mounted warfare, the Utaku have become the undisputed masters of the
skies, forming the most skilled fighter squadrons of the Empire. In the past, Utaku men were
forbidden to ride the massive Utaku steeds. Today, both men and women fly modern Ki-Rin-
class fighters, with the family's ji-samurai and ashigaru serving as flight operators and
avionics technicians. Those Utaku bushi whom aren't part of the Unicorn space fleet often
serve in one of the clan’s mechanized infantry squadrons, forming a core of mobile elite
troops, driving everything from motorbikes to armored personnel carriers with unsurpassed
skill. The Utaku join the Iuchi in developing the clan's heimin workforce, providing many of
the facilities that train horticulturists, nurses, technicians, and many other skilled workers.
Additionally, the Utaku produce the most skilled livestock caretakers around, with skilled
heimin running breeding programs that have made the Unicorn the largest poultry producers
in the Empire. Their agricultural worlds are easily among the most productive around,
exporting tons of foodstuffs to fill the granaries of the Dragon, Lion, and Phoenix.

Their sacred horses remain as well, though only on Rokugan and Rakuen--the latter
transported with immense trouble and painstaking care to ease them there through shorter
journeys through The Path not Taken. It was discovered early on that horses, even
the vaunted Utaku steeds, do not handle the transit across the stars well. The tragic loss of the
first small herd transported led to slow and careful research to eventually seed the herd that
runs free on the blessed world of Rakuen. Most Utaku fit in a pilgrimage to one or both herds
sometime in their lives, and the families entrusted with the horses' care deem the duty a
sacred one. Wholeheartedly supporting the Iuchi's goals of matchmaking to increase the
number of kami-blessed children in the clan, the Utaku have allowed the Archivists to dictate
most of their matches for the past few centuries. As a result, they have seen more Utaku-born
shugenja in recent years, binding the families closer through training as well as intermarriage.

Ide
In some ways, the Age of Stars has been a difficult one for the Ide. Eager to meet and interact
with new cultures, the Ide have been appalled by the Imperial policy that favors ‘pacification’
of new worlds through genocide. Most Ide feel that the Empire would benefit from less
aggressive expansion and greater interaction with what the Unicorn call the Tribes of the
Stars but have not been able to prevail with this view in court. There are many who keep
memorials to one or more of the fallen races as part of their personal shrines, observing
ceremonial days of mourning for them. On the other hand, clearing planets for settlement
allowed for the rapid expansion that has fueled the Empire's economy. The Unicorn, among
the first to reach the stars, have benefited greatly from the expanded trade of the current Age
and have maintained their position as one of the wealthiest clans. Ide Holdings, the family’s
largest and most active conglomerate, was set-up for the purposes of increasing and
managing the clan’s finances. Investors, bankers and traders, the agents of Ide Holdings span
the known galaxy, always looking for new friends and profits.

The return of their lost ship, the Ide, and news of the discoveries made by its crew have
caused a frenzy of activity among the family. Ide Konno has amassed a select team of
diplomats, archaeologists, and linguists to comb over the logs, recordings, and stories of the
crew. When the next expedition takes shape, Konno's people will be ready to join, knowing
as much as can be known about the enigmatic Karusha and ready to show the value of Ide
diplomacy.

Daimyo of the Unicorn

Shinjo Seo-Yon
The Unicorn are led by Shinjo Seo-Yon, a cheerful woman in her late twenties, known for her
compassion and adventurous spirit. She has only led the clan for the past three years, and
never expected to take the position. When the constraints of leadership chafe, Seo-Yon finds
moments of peace speeding through the narrow streets of New Hope Castle on her trusty
Windrider bike. She insists on personally maintaining the bike, not out of any distrust of her
servants, but out of a belief that in order to trust her bike, she should know it inside out. It's a
philosophy she's applied to her duties as Champion and Family daimyo as well. While her kin
are not always pleased with the delays that occur as Seo-Yon researches the challenges that
face the Unicorn, they can't deny that her eventual decisions are well-informed. Having re-
assigned nearly all of the advisers and hatamoto who served her father, those she appointed in
their place appear to have been chosen well, providing the young Champion with needed
expertise and experience to lean on.

Relations with her father, Shinjo Yunxu, were never cordial, thanks to his resentment of his
first wife and all connected to her. However, Seo-Yon's eldest half-brother, Taeja was slain in
a skirmish mere months after their youngest brother had married into the Doji, leaving Seo-
Yon as the only suitable heir. Yunxu stubbornly delayed his retirement until his failing health
and mind gave him no choice but to leave the position to his disfavored daughter. She spent
nearly a month with many of his advisers and appointees undermining her leadership, before
she banished most of them to distant and toothless positions.
The first task of her new appointees was to find her a husband. Shiba Munemitsu, a cousin of
the Shiba daimo, has been a solid, if unremarkable consort as she solidified her rule. Having
discovered Jie, one of her father's unrecognized bastard daughters, Seo-Yon has discreetly
arranged for this half-sister to bear her heirs, ensuring continuity of the family bloodline
without having to slow down for childbearing herself. Lucky for her, while Munemitsu and
Jie have grown close, both are apparently honorable to a fault and have proven devoted to
Seo-Yon.

Moto Tai-Zong
Tai-Zong is a short-tempered, boisterous, mountain of a man who enjoys few things better
than wading into battle alongside his kin, exalting in the purity of those moments on the edge
of mortality. He leads the Unicorn Heavy Mobile Infantry legions at the core of the clan's
armies; legions his enemies have come to rightfully fear. Having fought several small
campaigns against both the Mantis and the Lion during the past decades, Tai-Zong is one of
the most experienced non-Lion general in the Empire, bearing a long list of battle honors on
his personal banner.

When there is no war to be fought, Tai-Zong can often be found upon one of the more feral
worlds held by the Unicorn, riding out to hunt with his sons and kinsmen, armed with only
spears, bows and swords. He prefers to hunt as his father’s fathers did, disdaining those who
employ modern firearms to bring down large beasts. The Moto daimyo is a skilled tracker
and hunter who takes pleasure in facing his prey and knowing that he has defeated it through
his own skills and strength. Bearing the scars of his battles, and dressed in layers of fur, the
Moto daimyo often seems like a throwback to ancient times, making him a controversial
guest in most courts. To the relief of the Ide, Tai-Zong prefers his own court, encouraging a
modern flowering of ancient and near forgotten arts that has reached the edges of mainstream
courts. Expertise in Travel poetry, Ivindi verse, and adaptations of the abandoned stone
poems of Iron Home has become the current 'eccentric interest' among the Empire's courtiers.
After years of other clans treating his court as a place to exile their unwanted or disgraced,
Tai-Zong is enjoying scandalizing the recent influx of experienced courtiers seeking to
sharpen their skills.

Most visitors are further discomfited by the Moto's strong devotion to the Shi Tien Yen
Wang. Besides a large shrine to the Lords of Death included among the castle's shrine, he has
commissioned numerous paintings and artwork depicting the Lords and their judgements,
which lend a rather fearsome air to most of the castle. Tai-Zong is known as a great supporter
of the Death Priests, and they have seen an increase in resources as well as greater freedom
for research under his rule. Shinjo Seo-Yun barely tolerates the rough-edged Moto daimyo,
though she cannot deny the effect Tai-Zong’s reputation has on enemies of the Unicorn. The
Champion keeps a close eye on her greatest general, in case he might agitate to return the
Moto to the head of the Unicorn. While Tai-Zong has not publicly shown any ambitions,
being quite content with his fortunes, Seo-Yun’s worries are not entirely unfounded as some
of the Moto daimyo’s vassals have long been whispering to their lord's sons about the
glorious ages when the Moto led the clan.

Iuchi Matsuo
The current head of the Family, Iuchi Matsuo, began his career in the Iuchi battlefleet, flying
a Tanto-class corvette. He was eventually promoted to squadron commander before being
accepted into the Aether Riders. However, Matsuo’s first year with the Riders ended up being
his last, as what should have been a routine, if clandestine, landing went horribly wrong. His
co-pilot died, and Matsuo was gravely injured. Due to the nature of the mission, they weren't
missed for hours, and it took over a day for rescuers to find Matsuo. By that point, they were
lucky to save his life, but were unable to save his mangled arms, or fully heal his extensive
burns.

He recovered slowly, deeply bitter at the fate that had left him alive in such a state, knowing
that even with the finest prosthetics, he would never fly again. Angry, and in constant pain,
yet dutiful, the young Matsuo entered the Iuchi Engineering school, receiving the certificate
of engineer-priest three years later and joining Iuchi Aeronautics. As he rose within the ranks
there, his family married him to the priestess, Shosuro Sawako, who presented him with the
simple mask he wears in public to this day. His youngest daughter was born the day he
received his promotion to head senior schematics architect. When his mother, Iuchi Nana,
retired a few years later, Matsuo was a surprised as anyone to be appointed as her successor.
Third born Matsuo had expected one of his two courtier trained elder sisters to be appointed.
Whatever her reasons, Nana's decision was respected, and Matsuo took his place at the head
of the family. Ever since, the crippled engineer has led both his Family and Iuchi Aeronautics
with the help of his politically savvy wife, who steers the family's court activities with a
steady hand.

Utaku Sanae
A tall and handsome woman, Utaku Sanae, was well known as one of the clan's finest
spaceship commanders well before taking charge of the family. The natural-born daughter of
the previous daimyo, Sanae was an obvious choice to replace her mother when she retired,
nearly a decade ago. Known for both her love of flying and her temper, Sanae leads her kin
with meticulous care, intending that the prized ships under her command are kept in fighting
condition and ready to mobilize on a moment’s notice. This keeps the Utaku ground crews
busy indefinitely, as the massive fighter fleet of the family is under constant maintenance.
Sanae's high standards and high praise have pushed her pilots and crews to perform near-
miracles, even without many large-scale battles to prove themselves in.

Recently, Sanae has nearly come to blows with Iuchi Matsuo over the development of a
replacement for the Tanto-class corvette. She feels that the otherwise excellent fighters are
inferior to the Shadow-class long range fighter-bombers employed by the Spider fleet, and
the Iuchi are working to slowly upon their new class of fighters. Feeling that her pilots are
outgunned by one of the most active raiding forces they face, she wants to see her crews
equipped with the best her clan can offer, but there's never enough funding for everything
they need. Her constant pressure upon the Ide to release more funding to Iuchi research and
development has put her at odds with the Ide daimyo as well.

Having wed a Doji nobleman nearly two decades ago, Sanae leaves much of the day to day
work of handling their estates in his hands. Seldom seen in public, he nevertheless deserves
most of the credit for the Utaku daimyo's reputation as an excellent hostess and discerning
patron of the arts. Their three adult children serve among the Unicorn navy and run the
diplomatic offices on the World of Dreams, keeping the family well-represented among the
clan's political workforce. Meanwhile, Sanae spends much of the year traveling to review her
troops, inspect their ships, and visit both of the Utaku herds each foaling season.

Ide Konno
The middle-aged Ide Konno is known for her kind nature, skill as a conversationalist, and the
specially-designed hovering dais she uses to get around. Afflicted with a metabolic disorder
that has seen her grow steadily more obese, and less able to tolerate physical exertion, Konno
knows full well that many in the clan feel she should never have come to power. Despite her
skillful coordination of the family's courtiers via correspondence and Communicator, her
noted authority in the field of xenolinguistics, and the success of the family's merchants under
her direction, several factions continue to lobby for her retirement and feed endless rumors
regarding her habits and health. Perhaps such rumors would hold less power if Konno
traveled more widely, as nearly all who have met the Ide daimyo find themselves charmed
and impressed. Hating to travel, Konno hosts guests regularly, inviting renowned scholars
and artisans to enlighten and entertain the court, but even the hundreds who have guested at
Open Hand Castle are a small fraction of those she would meet if she visited the Empire's
busiest courts more often. Still, she remains well-informed, thanks to modern communication
technology and seems entirely on top of the clan's many projects. Nor are any of her four
children suitable replacements. Many expect that she will do as her grandmother did, waiting
to see if any of the next generation might fill her sizable shoes.

Despite the vast sums their trade agreements produce, she knows there is never enough to
fully fund every project, and suspects, with some evidence, that the worst of her detractors
are those whose pet projects have not seen as much support. Most recently, the research and
development of a ship designed to traverse the odd eastern nebula monopolized a
disproportionate share of clan resources. The Ide was meant to be a triumph of collaboration;
instead, its disappearance was a harsh blow for the Unicorn, and particularly the Ide who had
funneled so much into the project. Additionally, the rift it created between Unicorn and
Phoenix greatly interrupted Konno's correspondence with her many Phoenix contacts. After
the Ide's return, Konno was quick to advocate reconciliation and co-operation with the
Phoenix, in hopes of restoring something like their previous close relationship. As the Ide
daimyo, Konno has had unlimited access to the recordings and items the Ide carried when it
returned. She has spent long hours pouring over everything, trying to put together a
reasonable understanding of the eastern aliens' language, but there just aren't enough decent
recordings to do more than put together some basic greetings and crude question phrases that
hopefully aren't insulting.
Minor Clans
In the nearly two thousand years since the founding of Iweko Dynasty, many Minor Clans
have come and gone, but the Alliance remains, providing these much smaller clans a voice in
the Empire beside the Great Clans. With the expansion of Rokugan across a whole planet and
then across a large portion of the galaxy, many opportunities appeared for daring samurai to
make a name for themselves and obtain their own family and clan as well as chances for
existing clans to falter and vanish or find themselves absorbed by other clans.

In the initial jump to space, the Minor Clans were mostly left behind, lacking the resources
for their own ships. The departure of so many Great Clan samurai did create opportunities at
home though, opening lands that still needed management to existing or new Minor Clans.
Further opportunities arose with the Imperial decree that no clan could lay claim to an entire
world on their own, as many Great Clans saw the benefits to inviting a Minor Clan to share
the hardships of colonization with them. Thus, no Minor Clan can claim a world of their own,
but Minor Clan holdings are now scattered throughout the Empire. The Minor Clan Alliance
uses this to their advantage, building upon a network of influence spreading from hundreds of
small holdings.

The Alliance fields a hodgepodge fleet that has rarely assembled in significant numbers.
Thankfully, the decree banning aggression against the Minor Clans has kept this from being
much of a hinderence to their fortunes. The Hare have recently acquired a Mantis-built
Katana class battlecruiser, Reichin’s Blade, the first large ship in the Alliance's fleet.
Exuberant Hare pride in the new ship has been a bit of a sore spot for some among the Minor
Clans and a topic of mirth for some among the Great Clans. Chosen by the elders of the
Minor Clans, the Alliance Governor operates from headquarters on the World of Dreams.
The Governor and staff act on the Alliance’s behalf but are able to make major decisions only
with backing from half of the individual clans. Such participative leadership is an oddity,
even in the fourth millenium, and draws a certain amount of mockery from the Great Clans.
The Minor Clans seem content enough with an arrangement that works reasonably well for
them, despite, or perhaps because of, the slow and often argumentative pace of decision-
making. More often than not, the Governor has been a Hare, as their fortunes have improved
among the stars and their political connections, built across the centuries, remain strong.

Firefly
As new worlds became scarcer, while the hunger for resources among the largest and most
warlike clans just kept growing, the Crab found themselves once again in the position of
constantly struggling for what they needed to ensure the safety of the Empire. In that
atmosphere, Kaiu Hotaru came to the realization that there were many un- or under-utilized
sources of minerals and ice to be found, were one stubborn and diligent enough to extract
them. Nobody seemed to want to waste ships and time on the dispersed wealth of asteroid
fields and the vast clouds of proto-comets at the edges of star systems. Tying up rare
Navigators in such areas simply wasn’t efficient.

Hotaru designed a large carrier that could be piloted by a relatively small crew and had
enough cargo space to carry the robust little mining ships she also devised. The mining ships
were incapable of interstellar flight, but could manage for a year at a time mining asteroids if
they needed to. The carriers could drop off a swarm of miners, travel to the next system, drop
another, and so forth, including a Crab system on their route to drop off the newly mined
materials. The first Lord Kaiu class carrier was stunningly successful, and soon there were
two of them, Lord Kaiu and Iron Moth, servicing eight ‘swarms’ of mining ships and crews.
In many mixed-clan systems, the asteroids had never been claimed, and were ripe for the
Crab to exploit. Of course the Crab advances soon drew the attention of both pirates and the
clans who felt that the asteroids near their worlds ought to belong to them. Skirmishes which
the mining craft and carriers were poorly equipped to fight ensued. As spread out as they
were, diverting enough resources to protect them adequately would counteract their very
purpose. The Crab downsized their operations, employing small destroyer flotillas to patrol
space near the operations, ready to travel to the mining site should attackers appear. While
this policy improved the safety of the miners, it also increased armed conflicts near
settlements.

After one particularly devastating encounter led to the blockade of Inazuma just before the
premiere of Sanako and Sumie, an opera written by the Emperor Iweko XXV’’s consort, the
Otomo daimyo of the time called the Crab champion into attendance. Hida Fumie was curtly
told that the constant skirmishes were about to end. The Crab miners would be ‘honored’ to
form a new Minor clan that would sell all the resources it unearthed to the Throne, whom in
turn would sell the minerals to the Great Clans. The Crab, the Otomo announced, would
always retain the right of first refusal as recognition for their part in the new clan’s creation.
Additionally, the new clan would pay tithes to the Crab for the right to continue using the
Lord Kaiu class carriers, though they would own their small mining ships. Two months later,
the Firefly clan was born with the now elderly, but too stubborn to retire, Hotaru as its first
daimyo.

Over time, the strict edict requiring the Hotaru to sell only to the Throne relaxed to allow the
creation of contracts granting some portion of extracted resources to the clans present in the
system being mined. In return, those clans take on the task of protecting the miners, generally
incidental to defense of the system as a whole. This arrangement has spared Imperial troops
for other duties and allowed the Hotaru to operate with greater independence, benefiting
everyone. The clan has been pooling their small profits year by year with the intention of
commissioning a carrier of their own someday. For now, the swarms have grown just shy of
the capacity of the existing carriers. Each swarm maintains a separate existence, for the most
part, contracting to extract the underutilized resources of a system to earn their fee and move
on to the next job. Sometimes two swarms will meet on a carrier or combine to mine a
particularly dense area. Today, the Firefly are mostly looked down upon in polite society as
basely mercantile and incredibly rough around the edges.

Hotaru Hikari
Hotaru Hikari, the fifth daimyo of the youngest of the Minor Clans, is a well-built, handsome
woman, who wears her Kaiu ancestry proudly. The future daimyo was born only minutes
before her twin brother, Hikaru and the pair remained nearly inseparable throughout their
childhoods. After their gempukku, the twin's ever-practical father assigned both of the
children to work among his mining crews, so they would have a chance to experience first-
hand the life of the people they would one day lead. So Hikari and Hikaru toiled, living
weeks in crude mining vehicles on the asteroids and venturing out in clumsy space suits to
operate finicky machinery with their crews.

One day, Hikaru's team did not return on time. A hastily organized search party confirmed
that a massive cave-in had occurred in the region where Hikaru's team had been working.
Sonar probing showed no signs of air pockets within the stone, and so the lost team was
declared dead. Devastated, Hikari grieved for her brother, withdrawing to her bunk and
refusing to eat. It took her exasperated father’s direct orders to move her from her self-
imposed exile. Slowly she returned to her duties and habits. Those among her crew at the
time claim she has seemed haunted ever since, somehow tied to the lost soul of her fallen
twin.

Solidly traditional in her life's course, Hikari married the year she turned 23 and has led the
Firefly since her father retired in 3114. In the years since, however, she has been focused on
changing the way the clan works, implementing several programs to increase the safety of
Firefly crews, drastically reducing fatal accidents. Unfortunately, these increased safety
measures force crews to work more slowly, reducing productivity. Though the Firefly are still
economically stable, their reserves are slowly bleeding dry. Hikari is painfuly aware of
problem but refuses to ease the safety regulations she set in place. Recently, she has used the
connections of her formerly Kaiu cousin to investigate the possibility of more efficient
machinery to speed their work without risking lives. She's aware that the cost of such
machinery would be a burden on their earnings for many years to come, but feels the cost is
worth it.

Fox
Daimyo: Kitsune Chiaki
While the Kitsune originally joined the Mantis reluctantly, the family grew and prospered
during their centuries serving the Yoritomo. As the Mantis headed to the stars, so too did the
Kitsune, though often in smaller numbers, unwilling to leave their ancestral forests.
Nonetheless, the Kitsune established several holdings of their own, usually on worlds bearing
the heaviest touch of Chikushudo, building their small bio-dome villages in the sheltered
locations.

Years of constant war between the Lion and Mantis took a toll upon the Kitsune’s numbers,
wearying the peaceful family. Atrocities committed by the Mantis high command finally
drove Kitsune leadership into revolt, forcefully taking over their small planetary defense
fleets and commandeering the vessels to evacuate their people. Fleeing Mantis space, they
were given permission by the Lion to settle upon Inari’s Cradle, one of the Lion farming
worlds with substantial forests, with the stipulation that the Kitsune would not be expected to
fight for the Lion, save in defense of their new home. While all this happened, those Fox
dwelling in the hallowed Kitsune and Shinomen Mori, quietly stripped off their Mantis mons,
replacing them with ancient Fox ones. Enraged, Yoritomo Hanae, Mantis daimyo at the time,
sent a small force to pursue the Kitsune. Lion and Fox forces ambushed the attackers, forcing
them to retreat. Already occupied with battling Lion over the Crossroad worlds, the Mantis
daimyo could not spare more troops and was forced to ignore the Kitsune for a time,
intending to repay them once the current war was won. She lost her chance a few weeks later
as the Empress herself, having been lobbied heavily by the Crane and Lion, announced the
rebirth of the Fox. Masters of their fate once more, the Fox built new homes in the vast
jungles surrounding massive Lion plantations. Rumormongers quickly suggested that the
Lion sheltered the Kitsune out of sheer spite, but the improved crop yields of Inari’s Cradle
speak to the improvements wrought by the Kitsune. It's not nearly the one-sided arrangement
the rumors speak of. Inariyama, the new home of the Kitsune, consists of a series of small
villages surrounding a tall mountain where the clan cultivates one of the finest teas in the
Empire. The clan has also become known for its herbal remedies and perfumes. So while the
Lion tax Kitsune merchandise leaving the Inari’s Cradle, the small clan makes more than
enough to support itself as well as paying generous tithes to the Throne, the Lion, and the
Minor Clan Alliance. Never large, the Fox are now the smallest of the clans. Protected by
their sacred Rokugani forests and Lion backing among the stars, they are largely regarded as
irrelevant purveyors of a few luxury goods. This doesn’t seem to bother the Fox much so
long as they’re left alone. The Alliance tends not to expect much from the Fox, though it
appreciates their funds; thus the ever-increasing rate of Lion taxation has both the Fox and
the Alliance somewhat worried of late.

Kitsune Chiaki
The champion of the Fox is, surprisingly, one of the most powerful shugenja of the 32nd
century. Her skills have been compared to those of the Phoenix Tensai, while proving more
versatile than those powerful specialists. When Chiaki calls upon the kami, they eagerly heed
to her call, allowing her to wield Elemental forces with an enviable ease. Unbeknownst to
most of the Empire, the Fox champion is in fact the karmic re-incarnation of Kaya, daughter
of Osusuki, the first of the Kitsune. Having always heard the jubilant voices of the kami, the
young girl realized only later that the 'other' voice in her mind was actually that of her
powerful ancestor. Secretive as the Fox are, only a few trusted advisors know the true source
of Chiaki's power.

In recent years, Chiaki has earned the name Stormheart among the Lion and her own kin for
her temper. Unwilling to play Lion lackey and fully aware of how much the Lion benefit
from the Fox’s presence on Inari’s Cradle, Chiaki has been pressing her clan’s issues rather
aggressively, much to the dismay of the Ikoma diplomats. Many attribute her temper to her
Kitsu father and the years she spent among the Lion as part of the Kitsune agricultural
advisory board before succeeding her mother as daimyo. A skilled priest and botanist, Chiaki
is also the nominal chair of the renowned Kitsune Perfumery; though she has little time for
everyday matters of the company as she spends much of her time guiding the efforts of the
clan's botanists and diplomats. Thanks to agreements with her father’s family, the Fox
daimyo is officially married to a meek former Kitsu, who has borne three children for her via
various arrangements. It’s widely known that Chiaki prefers the company of one of her
hatamoto to that of her wife. When not immersed in her many duties, Chiaki spends her days
communing with the primal spirits that inhabit the deep jungles surrounding Inariyama. It is
rumored that the woman is searching for something, but none can say what.

Hare
The Hare are now more powerful than any single Minor Clan has ever been, and their star
continues to rise. Early on they realized their value to Great Clans looking for allies to join
them on claims for new worlds. In particular, the Hare developed unusual military prowess
that was attractive to those clans looking for a bit more muscle to help them hold a claim,
leading to many holdings on worlds shared with the Crane and Scorpion. Their ties to the
Inquisitors were an additional inroad with the Phoenix. Likewise, their long history of
cooperation with the Crab has only deepened over the years. While none openly state it with
Hare in earshot, most believe that the past century has seen the majority of the Hare become
mercenaries in all but name, joining the cause of whomever can pay them in land and
settlement privileges.

Despite such criticisms, such policies have paid off handsomely. The Hare have holdings
scattered everywhere, including most of the more influential worlds; their coffers are full;
and, having fought on dozens of worlds to establish bridgeheads during the past centuries, the
core of the Hare army is filled with seasoned troops. The pride of the army are its airborne
brigades, units of Hare samurai that are deployed by dropchute to seize important locations
before the enemy has time to react. For good or ill, these policies have allowed the clan to
grow as never before, reaching nearly a quarter of the size of the Crane at the dawn of the
32nd century. Aggressive promotion of talented ashigaru and promotion of large families
remain the norm for the clan.

They have also retained their ancestral duty to hunt maho-tsuki wherever they may emerge.
Only a small percentage of the clan is engaged in the Hunt, working within the Hare
Intelligence Agency (HIA), founded in the late 27th century. However, the size of the clan
these days means that more Hare than ever before are involved in anti-maho activities. They
continue to coordinate with the Kuni, who still train the few Hare shugenja that appear. The
vanguard of the clan’s efforts to track and hunt down tsukai are the Usagi Witchfinders, a
specially trained group of Hare samurai that wander the galaxy, seeking rumors about blood
sorcerers. Any Alliance ship will grant a berth to a Witchfinder in their wanderings thanks to
aggressive Hare negotiations and the legendary tale of Shinaka Station in the earliest days of
the Expansion.

Given their Duty and ties to the Crab, the Hare have avoided alliance with the Spider. HIA
members have been known to take undercover positions within Alliance holdings on Spider
worlds in order to keep a closer eye on their activities. The Crane’s recent ties to the Spider
have complicated things for those Hare sharing Crane worlds, and has pushed the Hare to
deepen their ties to the Scorpion for access to more information about the Spider and the hold
they have on the Crane.

Usagi Daiki
Usagi Daiki, current daimyo of the Hare and Governor of the Minor Clan Alliance is a
cunning, dashing man, known for his shrewd and careful tending of clan fortunes. Having
inherited the mightiest of Minor Clans from his mother nearly a decade ago, Daiki has done
his utmost to maintain and improve the clan while avoiding political risks, instead focusing
on consolidating his clan’s position with stronger Great Clan ties and the recent purchase of a
katana class battlecruiser. Currently, the Hare are on particularly good terms with the
Scorpion and the Crab, while finding their ties to the Crane a bit strained. While bushi-
trained, the Hare leader is more diplomat than warrior these days and has left the armies of
Hare in the hands of his younger sister, Tokko.

Once a coveted bachelor, Daiki was offered a Crane spouse, and could find no excuse to
refuse the honor. To his advisor’s horror, howver, the young man insisted on meeting any
bride candidates in person and thus spent months visiting his allies, ostensibly searching for a
suitable candidate. The young warrior found himself enjoying the diplomatic dance of turning
Crane nobles into friends while turning away their daughters without engendering hard
feelings. Upon New Iron Fortress, Daidoji Toshio scandalized the delegation by offering the
hand of his maimed daughter to the Hare daimyo.

Daidoji Sanako had lost half of her face and her right arm to an artillery shell during a Crane
skirmish with the Mantis. After a suicide attempt and months of care at Jizo Seido, she had
recently returned home. The delegation was well aware of the insult offered by the arrogant
Crane kuge. Daiko agreed to meet her and, upon seeing the determination in her remaining
eye, informed the shocked Daidoji that he accepted their offer. Upon being informed of the
match, Sanako reputedly raged, but eventually accepted the will of her elders. By all
accounts, the match has been a surprisingly happy one, and it is rumored that Sanako is
expecting Daiki’s second child; the Hare daimyo having produced an heir earlier via discreet
arrangement. Despite such good news, it seems his fortunes have taken poorer turn recently,
as he has been diagnosed with a rare and determined cancer. Daiki’s ailment has so far
resisted all treatment efforts by some of the best Kuni shugenja. The more paranoid among
the clan whisper of dark plots or magic behind their daimyo’s illness, while the pragmatic
wonder whether Sanako will act as regent for Daiki’s young heir and whether the Alliance
would support her as Governor.

Osprey
May the kami stand between you and harm in all the empty places where you must walk.
- Old navigator adage

In the period following the discovery of other planets, all manner of theological debates and
heresies sprung up around the Empire. Among the Moshi, some wondered about the nature of
the stars, which were said to be the jewels of Amaterasu’snecklace. Clearly the stars had been
touched the divinity of Lady Sun, once the focus of their family’s devotions, and some of the
Moshi shugenja wondered if any trace of her remained with those scattered gems? Surely, in
order for worlds to spring up around so many, there must have been some touch of the divine
to spark their creation?

A handful devoted themselves to communing with the spirits of those far off stars and
planets, reaching to sense anything of those distant kami. Most declared it a fool’s study. But
the extremely lenient Moshi daimyo of those years was inclined to allow for such
experiments as a legitimate extension of the Moshi’s original devotions. These scholars
become known as the Seekers of Stars, though most scholars ridiculed their efforts and lack
of results. After the launch of the first official satellite, the Seekers pressed for a satellite
project of their own. The Osprey, a small capsule capable of entering orbit and supporting a
single crewmember for a few months, was the result. Moshi Naemi, a Seeker who was certain
she had ‘heard’ whispers in the void, was chosen from among many eager volunteers, to pilot
the capsule.

Naemi used the two months worth of spartan life support aboard the capsule to meditate,
commune, and record her every observation, transmitting the recordings back home daily.
Rokugan was transfixed by the wonder in her cracked voice as she spoke of contacting what
she was certain was a star as she danced herself into a trance. It sang to her, she said, in a
‘voice’ as clear as crystal but richer. Her last days were spent dancing and communing with
that distant voice, with thoughts so alien she couldn’t even be sure that they *were*
communicating. Transmissions continued up to the moment the capsule disintegrated during
it's descent to the sea. Sadly, it's protections had not been strong enough to counter the
immense heat of plunging back to Rokugan. Naemi’s recorded transmissions created a new
movement, nearly a cult, that burgeoned as many of the era’s heretical movements died off.
Some of the Seekers and their students were cast out as ronin when their new devotions
interfered with their duties. Additionally, the Moshi were concerned with some of the
movement’s pronouncements that walked up to the edge of insulting Imperial decrees
regarding the nature of Celestial entities in this new age. Within a few years, small groups of
these Seekers began to gather, planning ritualistic dances to re-enact the sort of communion
Naemi had found. They danced, offered blessings, and accepted donations from those who
came to watch. Like most masterless samurai, they offered their services for coin to survive.
By this time, the group were calling themselves the Children of the Osprey.
When the first ships launched toward the stars, members of the movement petitioned anyone
they thought could help get them onto a ship. As it turned out, most of the Children made
excellent Navigators, well suited to the new Opening of the Way ritual. While most clans
preferred to use shugenja of their own, there were never enough priests who could cast and
maintain the required prayers in those early days, allowing the Children to find work
traveling to the stars. Once there, the Children of the Osprey were disappointed that they still
couldn’t find the voice Naemi had heard. They could, with great effort, barely skim into
contact with the alien stars, but none heard them with the clarity Naemi had reported. It was
more like hearing the endless enormity of the sea.

Things continued in this fashion, with small groups of the Children making their way as
Navigators or, eventually, settling into tiny communities on various planets and stations.
They might have continued in that fashion if it weren’t for the Navigator of the Kami’s
Promise and its mission surveying the freshly discovered A-102-2 system for possible
habitable planets. While the ship was settled into orbit around a survey planet, Navigator
Yataro used his off duty hours to commune with the system’s star. That oceanic rumble
changed, becoming something frenzied and stuttering. Concerned, he spoke to the captain,
and the ship scooted out of the system, just to be on the safe side. The extra dose of caution
might have been due to the expedition’s chief science officer being the Emperor's third son,
Iweko Kuroki. Not the heir...yet, but still not someone one risks without cause. The
grumbling star promptly went nova, which would have destroyed the ship, had it been caught
unprepared. When the crew returned from the exploration mission, they learned that Kuroki
was now the second son, his eldest brother having fallen (rather literally) while climbing the
ice cliffs of planet Zuishin on vacation. The grieving and grateful Emperor rewarded the
Children of the Osprey with the formation of a minor clan and an Imperial grant to continue
their work attempting to contact and learn more about the stars they now traveled through.
They received two outdated frigates from the Imperial arsenal and the right to settle on Silent
Gardens, a habitable moon housing a Seppun agricultural colony. Today the Osprey continue
their stellar research, both technical and mystical while serving the Imperial Army and the
Imperial Explorers as navigators.

Nakauchi Noriko
While the official home of the Nakauchi remains on Silent Gardens, Noroko continues her
father’s tradition of visiting it only once a year, while conducting most of the clan’s business
from their holdings on the World of Dreams. The large trade hub has proven to be an
excellent site to network with those who wish to court the Osprey’s favor in return for the
loan of a well-trained navigator. Her father saw the advantages of working from the World of
Dreams and was well-regarded for improving his clan’s fortunes and embarking on a great
deal more collaboration with the scholars of other clans. Noriko, while taking full advantage
of the Scorpion world’s entertainments, and well-known among the social elite, has proven to
be a far less able manager than her father. Traditionalists in the family have complained that
growing up among the luxuries of the central worlds spoiled her and has made her blind to
the needs of her people. They have been far more critical of her inability to commune with
the stars than they were of her similarly ungifted father and have been agitating strongly for
her to step down or share her duties with a consort more in tune with the Osprey’s heritage
and traditional duties. Thus far, tradition, and the strength of her allies among the Scorpion,
have kept her in power and single.

On the streets and in the courts of The World of Dreams, it is rumored that Noroko’s frequent
visits to the home of Bayushi Otonori involve pushing through a contract for marriage to his
youngest son, who is often seen upon the Osprey Daimyo’s arm at social events. Oddly these
rumors never make it into the Scorpion-controlled tabloids. Meanwhile, Osprey clan elders
have gone so far as to take a petition to the Capitol to obtain a judgement forcing Noriko to
marry Nakauchi Kihara, the clan’s strongest navigator, in order to maintain the gifts that
allow the Minor Clan to fulfill its charter appropriately. At this point, it’s an open secret that
it’s a race to see whether Noriko can wrangle a marriage contract faster than Osprey elders
can wrangle Imperial Bureaucracy.

Shark
The legend of the Shark began nearly 120 years ago with a man called Yoritomo Same, a
brave bushi in the service of Mantis clan, and the Magnificent Empress, Iweko LXIX. Unlike
most of the Iweko dynasty, who have tended to rule at a distance, the Mirumoto-trained
Empress preferred to lead the Imperial Legions herself. During her reign, the Legions were
aggressive in expanding the Empire’s borders to the galactic North. The Magnificent
Empress, a brilliant tactician and natural leader, was adored by her people and particularly by
those who served alongside her. Her reign nearly ended in the archipelagos of HNE-122 as
poor intelligence saw her grievously wounded and her van surrounded by a vast horde of
semi-intelligent gaki. For two days, her troops held out, but expected the gaki to push through
at any moment when a desperate counter attack led by the young chuui, Yoritomo Same,
pressed a path through that allowed the Empress’s Seppun Guard to evacuate her. The young
man had scouted the dangerous territory alone, dodging ravenous ghosts, to find a route his
troops could effectively use. Same’s tactics were able to beat back the gaki over the course of
the next week, allowing the planet to be decreed safe for settlement.

The Empress summoned Same to her flagship and announced that the bewildered chuui was
now daimyo of the Shark Clan, a minor clan that would be dedicated to training the finest
hunters and scouts for the Imperial armies. While the Lion and Crab privately felt the new
Minor Clan’s duty slighted their own contributions, they could not deny Same’s
achievements and kept silent, certain that time would show the superiority of their own
reconnaissance troops. Soon after, the Mantis and Shark clans jointly claimed the now
explored and sanctified HNE-122, renaming it as Zuiryu. The Mantis claimed the seas, while
the Shark built their castle on the largest island of the archipelago that had begun their story.
Today, in honor of their origins, the Shark gempukku requires students to enter the jungles of
the archipelago, kept wild for precisely this purpose, and survive among the lethal flora and
fauna for a week, carrying only fishing line and a knife.

Recently, thanks to the gambling problems of the family daimyo, the Shark have become the
Mantis clan’s favorite proxy when acquiring new worlds. On paper, the Mantis are sharing
these worlds with the Same. In practice, the Shark are given limited amounts of land to utilize
and have little say in the governing of their new lands. Still, the arrangement fulfills the letter
of Imperial Edict and the Imperial bureaucracy sees no reason to interfere.

Same Minami
Firstborn natural daughter of Same Wataru, the former Shark daimyo, Minami rose to power
after her father perished in an unfortunate incident during the recent New Year’s festivities
3124. For those unhappy with the direction Wataru had taken the clan in, there was hope that
Minami might represent a different path. However, many of her father’s karo and supporters
regarded her with thinly veiled distaste due to her marriage and close sympathies with the
Clan of Secrets. Afraid that their new daimyo would have the Shark annexed by the Scorpion
to pay off their debts, some of Wataru's closest associates orchestrated a coup against
Minami, only to be betrayed by one of their own. Enraged Minami enacted her vengeance on
those who would have defied her, having dozens of her kin arrested and executed, effectively
culling the ranks of discontent.

Fully aware that, thanks to her father's vices, the Shark owe fortunes to the Scorpion, Minami
treads a fine line as she balances between the demands of the Scorpion and the best interests
of her clan. Fully aware that the current colonization edicts are probably the only reason the
Scorpion have not absorbed the Shark, she has taken great care to ingratiate herself with
several influential Otomo and Seppun officials through any means that will work. Bribes,
selling blackmail, and rumors of affairs have seen a number among these Imperial families
showing favor to the tiny minor clan. Her willingness to ruthlessly exploit any advantage to
keep the clan afloat plays well with most of her people. She is well-liked and seen by most as
the best hope the clan has of rebuilding from beneath her father's debts and obligations to two
Great Clans.

Sparrow
As the Age of Expansion and the following Age of Stars left much of Rokugan abandoned,
the Emperor tasked the humble Sparrow to care for the lands the Great Clans had abandoned,
dubbing them the Custodians of Rokugan. Despite the bombastic title, most Sparrow still lead
humble lives, with resources sufficient to care for their needs, but little more. It has been
centuries since the clan has feared hunger, but almost none are able to indulge in the luxuries
wealthy samurai take for granted. They protect, maintain, and restore the planet's historical
sites. Imperial edict requires even the Great Clans to consult with Custodians when
construction or natural disasters require them to alter their historical sites in any way. The
clan maintains close ties to the Imperial families and work with them to preserve historic
elements of the capitol while still allowing the huge and bustling city to serve the Empire's
needs. In return, Sparrow youth frequently serve in the Imperial Legions for a time, serving
among the stars to return and regale their families with stories of the wonders and decadence
to be found there. Others go on pilgrimage, visiting sites all over the world before returning
to settle into their assignments.

The clan still considers storytelling the highest of their arts, honing tales of past eras and
becoming known the Empire's premier authorities on the ancient history they are tasked with
keeping alive. Sparrow scholars are frequent visitors to the Capitol's Imperial Histories, and
Sparrow archaeologists continue to find and restore old sites. A current project has been
restoration one of the ruined Senpet cities, with Sparrow envoys gaining some small support
from the Scorpion and Unicorn for the project.

Their most promising youth often train in the capitol, happy to learn of the latest discoveries
and gleaning what might be useful in their tasks of restoration and preservation. Without a
shugenja tradition of their own, they gravitate to those technologies and machinery that do
not require kami-sensitive technicians for repair. In the field, a Sparrow Custodian might
value a gifted tool that utilizes spirit-bound technology, but they will always have a backup,
never trusting entirely to such methods. Most grow up without a great many modern
conveniences that are difficult to keep up in isolated villages, or simply banned in many
Historical zones. The Sparrow's only holding outside of Rokugan is a small, three acre sector
on World of Dreams, known as Nest. Located within Hare-controlled territory, the Nest
serves as the clan's diplomatic headquarters, housing less then a hundred samurai and
servants at any given time. Recent peaceful years and the flow of Imperial koku have finally
allowed the Sparrow to gather funds for small ship of their own, though nothing has been
purchased yet, as clan leadership ponders the options. Approaching the Mantis would likely
be the most economical solution, but with most of the Empire at odds with the Mantis, such a
move could prove politically costly for the small clan as they take their first steps into the
stars.

Suzume Yasuhiro
An only child, Yasuhiro was raised quite simply, despite his parent's position. His youth was
filled with excellent instructors, lots of freedom, and few luxuries, allowing him to develop
an almost obstinate independence. His position then afforded him a nearly automatic
assignment to the Imperial Legions for nearly 15 years, where he built friendships and
connections that have proven beneficial in the years since his long-lived mother retired.
These connections found him matched to Seppun Amira, a scholar of coastal settlements, and
have afforded him ample opportunity to travel since.

Cautious and pessimistic, yet personable, the Sparrow daimyo has become a skilled, if
poorly-known, statesman with a penchant for monotonous rhetoric after a few cups of sake.
Fond of company and jovial in nature, he travels often, leaving duties on Rokugan itself for
his wife and assistants to handle. Much to Yasuhiro's delight, she has proven quite capable,
and things have run smoothly despite his many absences. In truth, his travels have seemed to
benefit the clan as Yasuhiro builds on the relationships developed with prominent Imperials.
These ties, forged in his youth, have served the middle-aged samurai well, offering the
Sparrow a little more room to negotiate despite their dependency upon Imperial stipends.
Yasuhiro himself is fine with the Sparrow’s dependency, having been raised, as most of his
clan, to take pride in the service they provide the Throne.

Despite his position, Yasuhiro lives frugally, eating and dressing as simply as he can without
causing a ruckus wandering Imperial estates. During his reign, the Sparrow have avoided all
major conflicts, external or internal, though some are finding themselves less than thrilled
with some of their allied minor clans of late. Still, the long peace, and Yasuhiro's connections
have allowed the Sparrow to start saving funds for ship of their own, in the hope of joining
the ever-growing competition formresources in space. Now is not the time to rock the boat,
and so Yasuhiro continues his quiet flitting about to friends and benefactors while Amira
carefully tends the clan's growth.
Imperials
The Empire is sustained by an almost inconceivably vast administration, generally referred to
as the Imperial Bureaucracy. Led, and principally staffed, by the Imperial families, members
of the Bureaucracy are blessed to serve the Emperor directly without need of a Clan
Champion to stand as an intermediary. Their vast numbers fill the immense city-province of
Toshi Ranbo, and regularly flit back and forth to offices scattered about the Empire to
maintain the bureaucratic machinery that keeps things running smoothly. In this era,
employment of conscripts and volunteers from the ranks of the clans is entirely a matter of
heredity and tradition rather than necessity, with the vast majority of positions filled from
Imperial families. This applies to the legions as well and were it to prove necessary, the
Imperial families could assemble a fleet capable of challenging even the largest Great Clan,
something that never been necessary to do so since Rokugani took to the stars.

There is no longer a court ‘season’ as winter and summer have little meaning among the
stars. The Bureaucracy continues without pause throughout the year (officially measured by
Rokugan’s year, regardless of local conditions). But the Emperor conducts a ‘winter’ court
during Rokugan’s winter, traveling to some planetary court with more benign weather and
plentiful entertainments to gather the clan’s elite for a season of intense politicking and deal-
making away from the capitol. This makes winter a much calmer season in Toshi Ranbo, and
those who do not accompany the Winter Court use the season to catch up on lingering
projects, travel to visit family or complete pilgrimages, and generally relax a bit. Nobody
with any sense travels to the Capital to conduct business in the Winter.

The Emperor
Iweko LXXV, has ruled from the Emerald throne for thirteen years. Despite his advanced
years, he appears relatively young; something that the most devoted consider to be a
manifestation of the divinity within him. After all, his blessed ancestor Iweko I ruled for
nearly a century before abdicating the throne. Courtesy and duty keep those of a more
realistic bent from mentioning the advanced state of preservative medicine these days when
discussions of the Emperor’s youthful appearance arise. Iweko LXXV is a distant ruler, as
might be expected in so large an Empire. His judgment has been regarded as wise and fair
thus far. He maintains a minimalist policy toward clan affairs, permitting hostilities between
Great Clans to runmtheir course unless they reach the point of impacting overall stability and
prosperity in the Empire. So long as the taxes roll in unimpeded, tensions simmer along at
their own pace. Until the return of the Ide, it seemed likely that The Benevolent Emperor
would be best remembered for ruling over the odd tenure of the most mysterious Emerald
Champion in centuries. Many speculate that he hopes to cement a more interesting place for
himself in the Imperial Histories with his decree sending envoys to the distant aliens
discovered by the Ide.

Otomo
The Otomo remain the largest of the Imperial families, growing with the ever-expanding
Imperial Bureaucracy and absorbing the Tortoise in the late 24th century. A solid majority of
the family remains on Rokugan, but Otomo are a common sight throughout the Empire. Most
important worlds have at least one Imperial Observer present, ostensibly to facilitate
communication with the Imperial Bureaucracy and ensure that Imperial edicts are interpreted
correctly. Most of these Observers hail from the Otomo and make little secret of their interest
in keeping close tabs on activities throughout the Empire.

Indeed, the network of tax officials, Imperial envoys and observers, Miya heralds and
journalists, and scores of other minor functionaries is a rich source of intelligence. Otomo
analysts and spymasters comb through endless field reports, keeping on top of changing
trends and the shifting alliances within the Empire. This provides ample information for their
courtiers, busily manipulating courts and opinions toward Imperial ends. The network also
provides fodder for the Imperial Histories managed by the Otomo. The nearly ubiquitous
Imperial presence within courts, trading posts, and settlements, means that it is nigh
impossible for any Great Clan to muster forces for a prolonged campaign without their
notice. It is even less likely that Clans could ally and build a joined force without Imperial
notice. While the Imperial families could stand against any given clan, they are well aware
that an alliance of clans would be difficult to stop if they turned against the Emperor. The
Otomo serve as they have always done, sowing distrust among the Great Clans to protect the
Iweko dynasty. In particular, they have worked to isolate the Mantis out of concern for the
power their wealth and large armies wield.

Recently, the return of the Ide and its discovery of an advanced alien race has caused a stir,
and something of an ideological crisis among the Otomo regarding Imperial response. The
crisis was brought to a swift end when the Emperor announced that an Imperially sanctioned
Expedition would be sent to the home of the Karusha. While few were opposed to the choice
of the Unicorn to direct the mission, the Otomo have felt that the criteria for crew choice is
worrisome. They have been lobbying the Emerald Champion to ensure a proper Imperial
presence among the mission’s crew. Kagami, for reasons of her own, has simply told the
Otomo to make sure they earn their place on the voyage. As the best of the Otomo prepare for
the Great Trials, the family's courtiers work behind the scenes, trying to find a way to insert
their people into key positions regardless of the outcome of the Trials.

Seppun
The Seppun's role as the protectors of the Throne remains their primary duty. Thus, they form
the backbone of the Imperial Legions, lead the security forces of Toshi Ranbo, form the bulk
of the Emerald Champion’s forces, and provide the majority of the magistrates serving on
Rokugan. Their bushi study the blade and the firearm extensively, and form some of the
finest military units of the Empire. Four Seppun legions, along with their spacecraft, are
permanently stationed on the Tetsugasa, a defensive station permanently orbiting Rokugan.
Once assigned to these Konoe Legions, a samurai will never leave the massive installation,
often retiring to one of the three onboard monasteries when they can no longer serve.
Additionally, Seppun forces are stationed at Imperial holdings throughout the Empire and
provide yojimbo for high-ranking Imperials. They are known as the clan with the largest
percentage of Iaijutsu practitioners outside of the Crane.

The Seppun also remain the last word in religious orthodoxy, maintaining the capital’s ten
thousand temples—now literally and exactly ten thousand—and mediating the endless
theological arguments spawned by the Empire’s discoveries throughout the galaxy. Morning
and evening meditations at the central temple, as well as all festival services there, are
accessible on the Imperial widecast network. There are temples elsewhere that strive to
synchronize with these services, regardless of the day and year lengths experienced locally.
Meanwhile those of the Seppun who hear the whispers of the kami serve their family as
priests, engineers and navigators. As the only Imperial family with many shugenja, they have
found themselves in an ever-stronger position in the Age of Stars. Recent years have seen
them making quiet overtures to the Osprey, lending the young minor clan the benefit of
powerful friends, while strengthening the ranks of Seppun priests through intermarriage. The
most talented Seppun shugenja join the ranks of the Hidden Guard, who are still responsible
for the Emperor's spiritual safety. The navigators of the Emperor's personal vessel as well as
those serving on the Emerald Champion's vessel always come from the ranks of the Hidden
Guard.

Miya
The development of speedy long-distance communication technologies nearly eliminated the
role of the Miya Heralds. Today, they exist primarily to carry Imperial decrees to those few
places that remain isolated from the communication networks, and as the ceremonial bearers
of certain official news, such as the Emperor’s recognition of a new family champion, or
Imperial sanction for an undertaking. Beyond these services, the Miya have adapted, finding
many new roles for their talents.

The Miya now keep the Imperial genealogies, a task that has grown over the centuries. On
those few occasions when the Emperor perished without an heir, it has been the Miya who
were entrusted with tracking down the nearest relatives scattered among the Imperial families
for the Seppun to test for the Heaven’s Favor. Many Miya find roles within the Imperial
Bureaucracy, putting their centuries of experience coordinating the Empire’s messages to
work developing systems that keep the Empire running smoothly. They enjoy a reputation for
neutrality that sees them well represented in the offices of the Imperial Treasurer, in
particular, where their mathematicians oversee tax calculations and collections. They also
continue to coordinate the Emperor’s Blessing, as the once yearly project has grown into a
full-blown charity organization that uses Imperial surpluses to mitigate the damage of the
many natural disasters that occur throughout the Empire. Thousands of samurai serve the
organization now, often coordinating efforts with the monasteries and long-term charity
operations in a given area.

The Imperial Explorers, one of the most important agencies of the 4th millenium are
controlled by the Miya. Their analysts chose the direction of exploration as well as the routes
taken by the Explorers, heavily influencing how the Empire is shaped. They take this power
very seriously, trying to ensure that no clan is favored over another unless it serves the
throne's interests. Additionally, the Heralds have embraced the widecast networks. Their
journalists and reporters are known throughout the Empire, as the Voice of the Miya News
and Entertainment Network is the one network accessible everywhere. The channel is known
for highly formal and mostly neutral newscasts, with newreaders dressed in pristine, dark
kimono, as well as for the daily haiku following weather forecasts which keep everyone in
the galaxy appraised of conditions at the capital. Documentaries detailing the achievements
of the Iweko dynasty and the usually dry reports of the Imperial Explorers are staples on the
channel, as are the regular Seppun temple broadcasts. The network is a constant source of
friction between the Miya and Otomo as the latter would prefer to see the networks put to
more ‘beneficial’ use, while the Miya strongly resist politicizing their content. As a result,
they enjoy a reputation as the most evenhanded and neutral network around.

Emerald Champion
The current Emerald Champion, a woman called Kagami, has been an enigma since her
ascension to the position some nine years ago. She attended the Emerald Tournament under a
veil of secrecy, and her true identity and clan of origin (if any) are unknown to all save the
Emperor himself. Most assume she is of Scorpion birth due to her tendency to wear an all-
concealing, reflective mask, but her reign has certainly shown the Scorpion Clan no
favoritism. Most kindly described as meddlesome and more frequently as tyrannical, Kagami
takes an extremely heavy-handed and interventionist approach to the execution of her duties,
standing in sharp contrast to her Emperor. Her tactics might be less troublesome to the Great
Clans were it not for the incredible power at her immediate disposal in the form of her
personal fleet, led by the potent Emerald Blade, flagship of the Emerald fleet. A prototype
constructed in absolute secrecy, the Emerald Blade is half again as large as a Katana-class
cruiser, carrying enough firepower to rival three of those most dangerous craft. The forces of
the Jade Champion are currently housed aboard the ship as well, lending their magical
prowess to provide protective shields that are vastly superior to anything fielded by other
contemporary craft.

Jade Champion
Usagi Junya is an elderly shugenja with a long history of sniffing out maho cults based on the
faintest of hints. The Kuni-trained Hare has held his mantle for the better part of three
decades now, much of it spent traveling the Empire with his personal entourage snooping
through local news and magistrate’s reports for the anomalies that lead him to the chase.
Meddlesome and uncompromising, his visits are rarely pleasant, as his assistants and
magistrates make sure that no stone is left unturned in the search for impure practices.
Surprisingly, he and the new Emerald Champion have found themselves on the same page
more often than not. Offices that have been political rivals more often than allies over the
centuries now frequently act in concert, as Junya has accepted the Emerald Champion’s offer
to house the core of the Jade Champion’s forces aboard the Emerald Blade. He has benefitted
from enhanced access to the reports of Emerald Magistrates, as well as the firepower
commanded by the Emerald Champion, who has thus far been happy to support the Jade
Champion’s raids.

The Emperor's Chosen

The Emperor's Chosen are those men and women who serve the Imperial Throne directly as
advisors and administrators appointed by the Emperor. It is unknown when the term first
began to be used, but it was already current during the reign of the Divine Empress Iweko I.
Shogun, the Commander of Imperial Armies used to be part of the Chosen until the Iweko
XLIV abolished the position in the early 24th century
Currently:
Imperial Adviser: Doji Seiji
Imperial Chancellor: Otomo Kaga
Imperial Herald: Miya Shinano
Imperial Treasurer: Yasuki Haruna
Voice of the Emperor: Seppun Chizuru

Daimyo of the Imperial Families

Otomo Kaga
Known as Kaga the Resplendent, the current Otomo daimyo presents himself as the epitome
of a civilized samurai—impeccably dressed in the latest fashions, well-educated and able to
converse upon the latest news. He is a patron of many arts, and happy to enjoy the best the
galaxy can provide a wealthy Imperial samurai. Personally schooled by the head sensei of the
Otomo Courtier School, he was long considered the favorite of his mother’s five children and
expected to succeed her as daimyo. Even before his gempukku, he served among diplomatic
delegations to the Crane and Scorpion courts, meeting his soon-to-be peers and learning the
art of galactic politics. The transfer of power upon Otomo Tsuruko’s death was smooth, with
the 23 year-old Kaga seamlessly picking up the reins and directing the family’s court
activities, veiled threats, payoffs, and strategic marriages without a pause.

His grandfather, Noriaki was the first member of the Otomo family to use the great Otomo
Bank as a tool of diplomacy; as a result, the family’s fortunes flourished during his reign.
Noriaki funneled much of his family’s fortune toward government improvements and
philanthropy, becoming known as a generous patron of the arts. Thanks to him, and the
traditions he began, the Otomo are well known for their contributions to public artwork.
Kaga continues this tradition, as well as patronizing the less visible work of scholars, authors,
and poets, many of which have created works praising the Otomo, and their resplendent
daimyo. An artist himself, the daimyo’s poetry celebrates life while acknowledging the
fragility and instability of the human condition. Love, joy, and light dominate his verse.
Written in High Rokugani, his work has garnered some small fame in recent years.

Few would guess, given the historical reputation of the Otomo, that Kaga had never pursued
many of the debaucheries hinted at in his work. Wed to a Kakita painter while in his early
20’s, he found the match uninspiring. Still, he has been loyal to a fault to her and his four
children and found in art the joy that his family life lacks. The tabloids frequently paint a
different picture—carefully, of course—one of excesses and hints of forbidden indulgences.
It’s often useful to be thought of as someone who might appreciate illicit entertainments, as it
often provides the Otomo lord with useful leverage against the those who hope to curry favor
with such offerings.

Seppun Akagi
Seppun Akagi, Castellan of Rokugan, is the leader of the Seppun and the second in command
of the Emperor’s armies. The young daimyo is a noted scholar and duelist, placing fourth in
the recent Emerald Championships. Despite such success, Akagi finds his role at the head of
legions that have not seen significant action in the past twenty years to be stifling. The
Emperor and Imperial families as a whole seem untroubled by the inactivity of the Seppun
legions, preferring to enjoy the benefits of the peace. Tensions simmer among the Great
Clans and the Emerald Champion’s forces have kept their skirmishes from threatening to tip
the balance of the Empire’s stability. But Akagi craves action, feeling unaccomplished beside
the victories of the Emerald Champion, and finding that he does not trust in the readiness of
his troops.

He is more certain of the forces defending the capital and palace, as they continue to face
regular, if minor, challenges. They see Akagi regularly as he inspects the defenses he is
responsible for, offering guidance and advice, sometimes more advice than anyone
appreciates. When not involved in such inspections, Akagi spends a great deal of time at the
Imperial Dojo, overseeing the training of future Seppun—much to the annoyance of the
school’s sensei. He spends the rest of his time there practicing his iai for hours at a time. His
advisors have grown worried about the young man’s single-minded dedication to his
protective duties, noting that the political and religious portions of the family have seen little
of his attention.
While some hope that marriage might mellow Akagi’s focus, others feel that may come to
late to prevent decline as he is betrothed to Otomo Kaga’s as yet underaged sister. Several
have suggested that perhaps it is time to bring her to the household to begin learning the
duties that will be hers someday, hoping that such interaction might bring Akagi to see
something outside of his self-imposed blinders.

Miya Shinano
Also known as the Rambling Rose of the Miya, Shinano, well into her fifties, is a well-
respected stateswoman. Her own interest and her father’s rigorous standards have made
Shinano the foremost expert on matters of etiquette, particularly Hantei-era traditions. She
has written several treatises on the subject, which are widely regarded as the definitive texts
in the field. She regularly takes part in scholarly debates regarding the manners of old, her
expertise hailing from the time she spent serving as a junior and senior sensei at the Miya
Courtier school before her father retired to the Four Temples monastery and passed
leadership of the family to her.

Shihano is also an accomplished archer, having picked up the art during her early years when
she won several tournaments, including one attended by the Emperor himself. Perhaps her
interest in the ceremonial art is what led her family to find her a husband among the Tsuruchi
kuge. Well-intentioned as the match may have been, Shinano found her husband entirely
unremarkable, and he has seldom been seen outside of their home estates in the decades since
they wed. Their four children have been remarkably independent, spending very little time at
home once past their gempukku. Shinano is also the nominal leader of the Imperial Explorers
as decreed by Imperial Charter as well as chairman of the Voice of the Miya. She has left
everyday matters and the general strategy of the Explorers to the Starfarer Exemplar. In
contrast, she takes great interest in the content of the news network and has consistently used
her authority to guarantee the propriety of everything presented. This has made Shinano less
than popular among the younger generation of Imperial artisans who find her favored plays
and performances woefully outdated while they are forced to seek patrons among the Crane
and the Scorpion.
Vassal Families
Crab

Fundai (Kaiu): The Fundai are the shipwrights of the modern Kaiu, overseeing the vast
shipyards orbiting Kaiu Prime. Fundai samurai are also found serving in the Crab navy as
dutiful technical and gunnery officers.

Kakeguchi (Hida): The Kakeguchi serve primarily as magistrates, continuing their historic
role among the clan. Additionally, most of the Crab’s highest-ranking customs officials hail
from this, their largest vassal family.

Meishozo (Kuni): The Meishozo are priests and monks serving as Family archivists,
maintaining and keeping records of Kuni face paint patterns, materials, and methods back to
the Family’s founding. As a result, some Meishozo dabble in other careers that involve face
paints, including traditional theatrical arts. Behind the facade of monkish archivists and
frivolous artists the family hides their clandestine operations aimed against suspected and
known tsukai.

Moshibaru (Hida): The Family consists of "new" Moshibaru--heimin that have been raised
to samurai status--and "old" Moshibaru--veteran samurai who train these adoptees in the
ways of the Crab. Once the newly made samurai have proven their worth and honor, they
may be promoted out of the vassal family, or they may choose to remain to help train other
new Moshibaru.

Raikuto (Hiruma): The Raikuto serve as the diplomats of the Hiruma, often training among
the Yasuki. The small Family also operates Raikuto Entertainment Network which produces
serial plays and news for the Crab Broadcast Services (CBS).

Ugawari (Kuni): The iron shell of the Kuni, Ugawari bushi still stand alongside their
enigmatic masters. Most of the Kuni security forces are Ugawari by birth. The Family also
maintains specialized Demon Hunter units that support Crab forces that expect to face
creatures of Jigoku.

Crane

Ashidaka (Kakita): The Ashidaka are the weaponsmiths and weapons engineers of the
Crane, responsible for most of the clan’s forge-factories. Ashidaka crafted small arms have a
reputation for being reliable and easy to maintain even in harsh conditions, while maintaining
sleekly beautiful designs.

Morimichi (Daidoji): Created by political marriages in the 19th century, the Morimichi are
direct descendants of the Hiramori and Hiramichi Families. Practically unknown outside the
Daidojji, they are the spiritual successors of the Harriers and responsible for the Daidoji
department of unorthodox warfare.
Iwasaki (Kakita): A small but influential vassal family responsible for administering many
of the tourist locations of the Crane. Known for their superb understanding of customer
services, Iwasaki trained servants and heimin entertainers are in demand across the galaxy.

Katogama (Doji): Inspectors and magistrates, the Katogama keep order within Crane
settlements and production facilities. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and
safety protocols, the Kotagama are the Crane’s foremost defense against infiltration and
espionage.

Naniwa (Asahina): Arcanobotanists and healers, the Naniwa are charged with tending the
floating gardens on Kanon no Namida, cultivating and breeding an enormous variety of
exotic plants to produce some of the complex chemicals used by the Asahina
Biotechnologies.

Dragon
Zurui (Mirumoto): Devout and humble, the small Zurui family is known for their yojimbo.
Modern Zurui martial traditions are based on the heavily revised texts of Mirumoto Sasugo
that emphasize action over reaction. Zealous and utterly devoted to their duties, most
Mirumoto regard Zurui as exceedingly one-dimensional in nature.

Chiyu (Tamori): The Chiyu are the finest healers among the Dragon and operate many of
the Dragon’s public hospitals. Most Tamori healers spend a year or two studying in the Chiyu
Academy of Medicine on the Pyre.

Remiki (Tamori): Engineer-priests and forgemasters, the Remiki serve the Dragon as
military engineers, maintaining spaceships and fortifications. Secretive and eccentric, the
Remiki are rumored to possess a unique connection with the kami bound to the modern spirit-
machinery.

Koshei (Tonbo): Traditionally protectors of the Tonbo, the Age of Stars has seen the duties
of the Koshei expand to include logistics and commerce. Lacking a shugenja bloodline, the
Koshei are commonly trained in Kitsuki and Mirumoto schools.

Hokezu (Kitsuki): The Hokezu were created to manage the unsavory task of training the eta
and skilled heimin workers used so extensively in Kitsuki investigations. They produce the
most effective interrogators and servants with the perception to spot and preserve clues as
they clean up the messes nobody else will touch. Of necessity, they are also now well trained
in hazardous waste cleanup and investigations as well.

Lion
Katai (Akodo): The Katai serve as civil servants and officials among the Lion, often training
among the Ikoma. They tend to apply strategy to the shaping of bureaucracy much as their
military counterparts shape the arena of battle.

Itagawa (Akodo): Sometimes compared to the Watanabe, the Itagawa are the Lion’
shipwrights, constructing and crewing the massive capital ships that form the backbone of the
Lion navy.
Hosokawa (Ikoma): Statisticians and tax officers, the Hosokawa maintain the extensive
financial records of the Lion. They serve the Lion Clan in this task with such single-minded
devotion that even their fellow Lion often describe them as “utterly uninteresting.” Their
apparent dullness doesn’t seem to hurt their use as marriage material, with commerce-minded
clans happy to acquire a Hosokawa-trained spouse as part of a trade agreement or treaty.

Murame (Ikoma): Murame are a proud warrior Family with martial traditions that can be
traced back to the 13th century. Eschewing the methods of the Lion’s Shadow, Murame
attend to Matsu and Akodo schools, proudly serving in both in the legions and
the navy of the Lion.

Ise (Kitsu): Battle-priests and masters of the arcane, the Ise agents protect Lion holdings and
vessels against the malignant spirits. Due to their superstitious customs, the Ise are
considered enigmatic by their fellow Lions.

Ikeda (Matsu): The Ikeda are masters of mobile warfare. They train and maintain most of
the Lion’s armored forces, including the fabled 2nd ‘Ironsides’ Legion. The Ikeda Armor
School on Kiyomizu no Tama is considered as an essential part of the modern Akodo War
College.

Mantis
Goraiku (Moshi): A small but proud warrior Family, the Goraiku have close ties to the
Yoritomo. Known for their piety and zeal, the members of the Family often serve as yojimbo
to the ranking Moshi shugenja and diplomats.

Chirichi (Yoritomo): Nearly all the Chirichi serve the Mantis as civil servants, though the
Family has some mercantile operations of its own. The cautious and conservative Chirichi are
often considered meek by the majority of the Mantis; which probably explains why so few
Mantis seem to be held back by their own bureaucracy.

Watanabe (Yoritomo): One of the largest vassal families within the Empire, the Watanabe
are responsible for operating the massive shipyards that produce vessels for Mantis navy and
merchant fleets. While best known for their ships, the Family is also runs the massive
Watanabe Properties conglomerate that produces everything from office supplies to
submarines.

Hogosha (Yoritomo): Some of the finest Yoritomo diplomats hail from the Hogosha family
tasked with maintaining schools of etiquette across the Mantis holdings. Among the Mantis,
doing something the Hogosha way means doing it carefully and painstakingly, according to
tradition.

Suguru (Tsurichi): Magistrates and security officers, the Suguru are responsible for Mantis
Internal Affairs. In particular, investigations regarding the misconduct of Yoritomo personnel
are carried out by the ‘neutral’ Suguru.

Iongi (Komori): Engineers and civil servants, the Komori serve as a bureaucratic backbone
for their more eccentric Komori masters. Iongi Pharmaceuticals, however, is better known for
its sake than its remedies.
Phoenix

Atsumaru (Agasha): Once known for its herbalists, the modern Atsumaru train some of the
finest healers and priest-doctors of the Phoenix. Their majority stake in Agasha
pharmaceuticals reflects their historical roots and ongoing research activities. The Atsumaru
also control several agricultural settlements on Ujimitsu, making them a significant food
producer.

Chukan (Asako): Librarians and data-archivists, the Chukan are tasked with continually
updating and organizing the vast stores of knowledge that accumulate in the Asako libraries;
a monumental and endless duty that is seldom even noticed by outsiders.

Shirakawa (Asako): Founded by Earth shugenja who saved the Phoenix from starvation in
the early 20th century, the modern Shirakawa are known for their known for their cloth fiber
production as well as their agricultural colonies. The Family business is operated under the
auspices of Shirakawa Biohermetics.

Sodona (Shiba): The small Sodona family trains the yojimbo tasked with guarding the upper
echelons of the Shiba family. Sodona bushi are known for carefully balancing the
practicalities of their protective duties with an idealistic vision of Bushido.
Shingon (Isawa): Masters of nemuranai and arcane construction, the modern Shingon study
the methods of infusing mundane materials with spirits. Shiro Shingon, home of the Family
and its arcane engineering academy, is located on Joudo.

Kaito (Isawa): Best known as traditional temple keepers, the Kaito family is famous for their
meditative archery practice. The small and remote Sacred Flame dojo on Ujimitsu trains the
finest shugenja marksmen of the Phoenix, though the average Kaito is more likely to serve
the Phoenix as a bureaucrat or an engineer.

Kongashi (Shiba): The Kongashi are the builders and bureaucrats that support the Phoenix
in a less martial fashion than the Family bushi. While their duties earn them little glory, the
Kongashi serve the Phoenix with single-minded determination.

Scorpion

Kochako (Soshi): The Kochako train and maintain the Scorpion Department of Internal
Affairs. Infamous for their black operations, the Kochako are still the feared underhand of the
Soshi daimyo.

Ugawa (Bayushi): Ugawa civil engineers and civil servants are the backbone of Scorpion
administration. Diligent as the bee in their Family emblem, the Ugawa are content serving
their clan as they best can, caring little of honor and glory.

Rokugo (Bayushi): The Rokugo maintain many of the Scorpion's numerous geisha and
gambling houses as well as a sizeable amount of the Family’s trade in spirits and chemicals.
Unsurprisingly some of the Rokugo’s mercantile operations flirt with the wrong side of
Imperial law.
Tokagure (Shosuro): Botanists and healers, the Tokagure are officially tasked with
supplying and maintaining the public hospitals of the Scorpion. Besides their public duties,
the Tokagure are quietly involved in weaponizing the flora discovered on alien worlds.

Nanbu (Soshi): Ever since their creation the Nanbu bushi have quietly served the Soshi as
warriors and bodyguards. Most of the modern Nanbu hail from World of Mirrors where the
Family maintains several holdings.

Aotora (Bayushi): Once herbalists and toxicologists, the modern Aotora are better known
for their agricultural knowledge. Aotora are officially tasked with supporting agricultural
colonies on Scorpion worlds, though many of the best Aotora scholars are often reassigned or
married to Tokgure where they inevitably work on Scorpion bioweapons programs.

Spider

Eisei (Daigotsu): More an organizational measure than an actual family, the Eisei is
composed of undead shugenja serving as the officers of Undead Legion. As the dead are
officially struck from the Family Records and moved to the Records of Ancestors, they are
allowed to take the honorary name ‘Eisei’ - Everliving.

Akatsuki (Daigotsu): Blood-sorcerers of the Daigotsu, the Akatsuki follow the traditions of
blood sacrifice, drawing power from the charnel flames of Jigoku. Considered an essential
part of the Spider scientific efforts, the Akatsuki are never allowed to travel from their
settlements on Dark Forge.

Kaitaku (Daigotsu): Kaitaku are the explorers of the Daigotsu, supporting the clan’s
advance into unknown territories. Composed of people from various fields, the main duty of
Kaitaku is to assist the other Families to set up colonies on newly captured worlds.

Kagetsume (Susumu): The Kagetsume are officially the historians of the Spider. Besides
maintaining the Susumu libraries, the Kagetsume also school proficient hackers who often
serve as aids to Susumu diplomats.

Mangetsu (Kuchiki): A small Family of priests devoted to the Obsidian Moon. Extending
their worship to visual arts and dance, the Mangetsu are some of the Spider’s most prolific
artists.

Unicorn
Marta (Shinjo): The Marta are the storytellers and historians of the Unicorn Clan, preserving
the clan’s history through stories and plays. The Family also runs Marta Broadcasts which
serves as part of the Shinjo News Network.

Hyuga (Utaku): Traditionally, the Utaku’s stablemasters and horse breeders, the modern
Hyuga mostly train as mechanical and aviation engineers, maintaining the steel beasts of the
Utaku Family. A small group still maintain the herds on Rokugan.

Battue (Iuchi): Battue priests are responsible for maintaining the spiritual integrity of the
Iuchi and the Unicorn. Battue shugenja can be found on all Unicorn exploration missions
where their arcane knowledge of the spirit realms and aliens is used to safeguardthe crew's
spirits and bodies.

Kenshin (Iuchi): Ever since their creation the Kenshin bushi family has been tasked with
protecting the priests of the Iuchi. Among the Unicorn, the Kenshin have a reputation of
being modest and diligent.

Shiko (Ide): Once armorsmiths, the modern Shiko serve their clan as civil engineers, guiding
the heimin tasked with maintaining Unicorn ships and cities. Shiko Ironworks produces
weaponry and non-military objects for both domestic markets and export.

Suio (Ide): Suio serve the Ide as merchant patrons and diplomats. Suio Consumables is one
of the largest Ide operated companies that produces foodstuffs, spirits and cosmetics.

Hangan (Moto): Law keepers and historians, Hangan have served the Unicorn as magistrates
and yoriki ever since their creation during the turbulous 23rd century. Many of the Hangan
are born shugenja, which the Family deems as a sign of Heaven’s favor.

Imperial
Hanako (Seppun): The archaic and venerable Hanako study classic etiquette and modern
laws of the Empire, often serving the Seppun as magistrates and diplomats.

Kasuga (Otomo): Once a Minor Clan, the Kasuga were absorbed by the Otomo during the
24th century. The modern Kasuga serve the Otomo as civil servants, often performing the
tasks that are seen too demeaning for the ‘real’ Otomo.

Anou (Miya): Often schooled among the Kaiu and Kakita, the Anou are the engineers and
civil servants of the Imperial Families. Practical and carefree, the Anou tend to stick to their
own, avoiding the company of the haughtier Otomo and Seppun. A common adage among
the family states that ‘Otomo decree, Seppun protect, Anou make it happen’.

Satoshi (Miya): Also known as the Defenders of the Miya, the Satoshi bolster the ranks of
Seppun legions as well as providing yojimbo to high ranking Miya.

Minor Clans
Shudo (Kitsune): Following their ancestral traditions, the Shudo serve as the wardens of the
Kitsune. Most of the Kitsune rangers and yojimbo hail from the Shudo Family. Ever since
Kitsune’s secession from the Mantis, Shudo have formed loose ties with the Lion and gaining
access to Akodo academies.

Byako (Kitsune): Small family of esoteric shugenja with strong ties to the Chikushudo.
Many of the ascetic Byako live as hermits in jungles surrounding Kitsune holdings on Inari’s
Cradle preferring the company of animals to that of their kin.

Edagumi (Sparrow): Edagumi train artisans of the Sparrow and have been tasked with
maintaining the old traditional arts such as origami and ikebana. Much of their knowledge
draws from a large digital library containing tens of thousands of old treatises and
manuscripts detailing old arts and crafts.

Ogawa (Nakauchi): Founded by a scholastic bushi, the Ogawa are perhaps best known for
their occult tattoos which track an individual’s earthly journey. Following their founders
example, the Ogawa almost always trained as bushi, even if they serve the Osprey
in myriad roles.
Celestial Atlas

Holdings of the Crab

System Hida Prime

Home to the Hida and the Kuni not travelling across the galaxy, Hida Prime is the first
system claimed by the Crab during the early years of the Age of the Stars.

Naraku
Barely habitably with slightly toxic atmosphere and influenced by Gaki-do and Jigoku,
Naraku is can be described as hell on earth. Despite the ever present danger to the mining
operations on the surface, the mineral riches of the planet are reason enough for the Crab to
remain and Hida maintains several permanent settlements on the planet’s surface around the
most valuable mining sites, all of them heavily fortified and guarded by the clan’s soldiers
and priests.

Kyuden Hida Prime

Orbiting Naraku, Kyuden Hida Prime is the Hida daimyo’s seat of power and possibly the
largest structure ever created by human hands. The near-self sufficient fortress houses
extensive if somewhat monotonous hydroponic gardens that provide food and oxygen for the
near one million samurai and heimin living in the space-born construct. The space station
also boasts the largest radiant cannons in the Empire, which have been extensively modified
by Kuni technicians to produce orbital Jade Strikes able to annihilate corruption in a miles
wide radius.

System Hida Secundus

Smaller, but no less important than Hida Prima, Hida Secindus that has a singular habitable
planet as well as two habitable moons orbiting one of the system’s gas giants.

Hida Secundus
Lost to Mushi infection in 3120, Hida Secundus was the primary agricultural world of the
Hida. The once habitable housed an enormous heimin population for the farming complexes
and forge-factories of the Hida. While the Crab are no-where near starvation, the loss of Hida
Secundus was a severe blow to its fortunes. The bushi hailing from this world were known
for their persistence and today are commonly known as Unyielding.

US-203
Gas giant with peculiar ‘weather’ with two habitable moons. Occasionally bravest of the Crab
miners skim the upper layers of US-203’s atmosphere to harvest the condensed crystalline
dust that forms during the yearly planetary storms that turn the placid gas giant into a raging
maelstrom.

Tsukiyo
Agricultural moon largely covered in ice. Crab heimin cultivate nutrient kelps around the
world’s massive underwater thermal vents under the Hida and Yasuki supervision. Yasuki
have also established several underwater fish farms and thanks to the family’s efforts, the
pale meated silverspine fish native to the moon has become coveted delicacy around the
Empire.
Oka
The second, more temperate moon of the US-203. Worldcarfted by the Kuni themselves, this
rugged little world has been shaped to resemble the ancient Kuni lands. The Shin Shiro Kuni,
the new home of the Kuni, stands on this planet, with its extensive laboratories reaching far
below the moon’s crust. The land not used by the Kuni themselves have been dedicated for
agricultural settlements as well as for the vast forests that make the world self-sufficient.

Vigil’s Keep
A solitary space-station orbiting a small planet in otherwise deserted system between the
Crab and the Spider territories. Recently re-fitted with Soshi manufactured long-range
Scrying Orbs as well as small fleet of patrol craft, the sole purpose of the station
is to keep an eye on the Spider activities.

System Hiruma Prime

Center of Crab operations in the ‘northern’ sector and home to the one of Crab’s busiest
trading ports. The system is well-situated to facilitate trade between the Empire’s core and
this relatively densely populated area. Hiruma Prime is also functions as base for Hiruma
scout ships that explore both the farther reaches of this sector and to launch longer range
forays to the west.

Wolf’s Eye
The capital of Hiruma in space, the cold world of the Wolf’s Eye is scantily populated, with
the all the major settlements laying on the warmer equatorial zone. Thermal bores dug deep
into the planet’s crust provide heat both for the fort-cities as well as for the heimin farming
settlements. The gempukku of the Hiruma scouts on Wolf’s Eye involves a long hike into
southern or northern wilderness, where the young samurai-to-be has hunt the local beasts to
keep themselves warm and fed over a period of fortnight.

Green Carp
Home of the Yasuki daimyo, the Green Carp is a bustling industrial world, best known for
it’s vast alien jungles and the liquor the Yasuki distill from the exotic local fruits. The planet
also produces vast amounts of foodstuffs, paper and cloth for the Crab needs, with the excess
being often traded to the Scorpion or the Dragon. Because of this, the planet’s orbital station
Skycarp, is one of the busiest trading ports of the Empire

Ishibashi
The second most important system of the Hiruma family, ‘north’ of Hiruma Prime. System
has only few habitable moons, but several of its gas-planets are regularly harvested for
precious gasses by Hiruma Industries.

Umisaki III
Small but productive Crab mining colony located on a barely habitable frozen moon orbiting
a gas giant in Umisaki system, further away the other Crab holdings. Originally claimed by
the Crab despite fierce Spider resistance the moon is best known for the last stand of the
former clan champion that led to the demise of the both the Crab and Spider champions along
with their forces. After the Spider raid, the Kaiu have been reinforcing the moon’s defences
as well as excavating the colony to restore the mines that once provided iron and titanium for
Crab industry.

Kaiu Prime
Home of the Kaiu in space, the Kaiu prime was the 3rd habitable planet colonized by the
Crab. Covered by large swathes of arable land and having mostly temperate climate, Kaiu
Prime is one of the most important agricultural worlds of the Crab. Several forge cities have
been build in the volcanic polar regions to exhume the mineral resources hidden beneath the
layers of molten rock. To facilitate the transport of enriched metals, Kaiu have built a space
elevator that connects the surface with the orbiting Fundai docks.

Fundai Docks
Capable of building largest of the capital ships and connected to Kaiu Prime by an enormous
space elevator, Fundai docks are the heart of the Crab Navy. Most of the armed vessels
currently serving the Clan are Fundai built and the strategic importance of the facility has
attracted the attention of Spider spies.

Holdings of the Crane

Doji’s Blessing
The Crane’s most important system hosting two planets, the Miyabi and the World of Golden
Mirror as well as the New Iron Fort that orbits the latter. Claimed during the early years of
the expansion, Doji's Blessing has been the Crane's home among the stars for over four
centuries.

Miyabi
Crafted by the Asahina as the business card of the Crane, Miyabi is known for its temperate
climate and soul soothing sights. The planet also serves as the home for the Doji among stars
and many consider it a reward to be assigned there. The Crane capitalize on this, trading
favors for invitations to attend to Miyabi's courts

World of Golden Mirror

Golden Mirror has been carefully engineered to resemble Rokugan of old over a grander
scale than their home world was capable of. Careful not to eclipse any given element of the
holy homeworld, the extensive, and meticulously terraformed, lands of Golden Mirror host
natural settings of great beauty, careful re-creations of legendary historic sites long lost
within Rokugan, and lodgings to suit any taste--from the most modern to authentically
historic. Every detail has been carefully arranged. For example, even the servants within
historical shiro have been raised and trained to speak in the ancient dialects and heimin toil
on the scenic rice farms the same fashion they did over two millennia ago. This world is one
of the major sources of income for the Crane and to safeguard it, New Iron Fort was
constructed on its orbit.

New Iron Fort

With Crane systems tightly clustered near the galactic core, the bulk of their fleet is
concentrated to an extent no other Great Clan can afford, allowing Crane admirals to field
their small, but powerful flotillas efficiently. Golden Mirror’s importance to the clan’s
fortunes is obvious when one notes the huge space station, New Iron Fort, preceding the
planet in its orbit at one of the Lagrangian points. New Iron Fort hosts the hangers and docks
for the main Crane fleet as well as functioning as the home for the Daidoji, housing barracks
and dojo’s of the family.

Kakita Prime
Crane’s second most important system that hosts Pale Blossom, Chire and Isora’s Rest.
Adminstrated mostly by Kakita as the name would imply.

Isora’s Rest
Isora’s Rest is a terraformed moon orbiting one of the Kakita Prime’s gas giants. Due to the
extensive world-crafting performed by the Asahina, most of Isora’s Rest’s surface is covered
by oceans. The small chain of continents on the moon hosts the most influential branch of the
Kakita Artisan academy outside Rokugan proper and much of the academy’s surroundings
having been engineered to please the Crane aesthetics. The moon is also unexplainably bound
to Yume-do, causing the dreams of the planets dwellers be particularly vibrant.

Pale Blossom
(and its inhabited moon, Chire), has a more relaxed military presence, despite being the
Crane base of operations. It functions as a meeting place where pilots relax between missions
and diplomats negotiate amid the comforts one would expect from the Crane's planetary base.
Only the most important diplomats and traders are granted access to the luxury pavilions of
Chire or Kyuden Senbonzakura, the castle of thousand cherry blossoms that has been
Imperial favourite location for the Winter Court for the past millenium. The castle’s carefully
cultivated gardens and its meticulously engineered system of lakes and streams are
considered one of the pivotal sights of the Empire.

Isatawa Prime
Is the so-called 3rd system of the Crane, containing several mineral rich worlds, held mostly
by the Daidoji and their vassals. Heavily fortified by the Crane standards, the system also
hosts a sizable portion of the Daidoji fleet.

Yukiguni
Yukiguni is a planet enveloped near perpetual cloud cover, cold and nigh uninhabitable.
However, the oceans beneath the world’s icy crust are teeming with sea life and the ocean
bottom is rich with ore and precious gasses that the Daidoji Heavy Industries harvest with
specially designed submarines. These vessels are mostly crewed my highly trained heimin
with few samurai-engineers overseeing the extraction procedures. These submarines spend
several months under the thick ice before returning to the one of the worlds factory-ports that
have been constructed on the icy crust of the world.

Harusame
Harusame is the second inhabited planet of the Isatawa system with more temperate climate
than its neighbour, Yukiguni. Home of the Daidoji Heavy Industries, Harusame hosts several
self-sufficient factory cities as well as sizeable Asahina settlement that also doubles as one of
the Crane’s research centers. The Asahina build Shiro Satsuki that lies on the world’s
northern hemisphere is known for it’s tall white spires that reach towards the clouds as well
as the Asahina dojo that trains most of the Crane’s priestengineers. Iron Crane suffered heavy
casualties while defending the forges of Harusame in 2932 during Second War of the Worlds,
but due to their sacrifice Crane were able to hold to the planet. A singular humble shrine
stands next to the one of the old battlefields, housing countless lines of graves for the
deceased.

Resting Peace
Resting Peace a small border-world, near the eastern borders of the galaxy, terraformed by
Asahina daimyo to allow greater yields of tea as well as to optimize the growing conditions
for several varieties of tea grown by the Crane.

Kanon no Namida
One of the Crane’s border holdings it shares in name with the Hare clan. The world hosts
several primitive settlements and provides the Crane with several species of exotic flowers as
well as hosts of the the largest jasmin plantations in the Empire. On the other hand, the planet
is also home to the Black Crane dojo and the Daidoji often use the world’s rugged wilderness
to train its scouts.

Holdings of the Dragon

Silver Star
One of the Dragon’s more important systems that is home to both Tamori and the Mirumoto,
named after its radiant star Wasei-31. Colonized in the dawn of the 29th century the system
initially attracted little attention from the other clans due to it’s location and comparative lack
of resources when compared to other reachable systems. Mantis tried to challenge the dragon
claim but with their resources spread thin, could not prevent the Dragon gaining the control
of the system.

New Forge
Is a moon orbiting an uninhabitable world Yukikaze in the Silver Star system and home of
the Tamori Family. Majority of the Dragon’s practical research is conducted on this world
and the moon also hosts vast factories that provide equipment and supplies for the Dragon
samurai across the Empire. Massive silk-steel space elevator constructed by the Tamori and
Kaiu stands on the planet's equator, allowing quick and cheap transfer of materials and
personnel from planetside to orbit and back.

Skycastle
Skycastle of the Tamori that orbits the Pyre is the home of the Dragon space fleet and it also
functions as the staging area for the Mirumoto and Tamori forces when the clan marches to
war. Built by the Tamori over the past century, with each generation of the family adding
further compartments and weapon systems to the castle.

The Pyre
The Pyre is home of the Mirumoto and the Dragon capital world, though with the Dragon’s
diplomatic mission being at the hands of the Kitsuki, the planet sees very few visitors. Aptly
named for its many volcanoes, the world is also Dragon’s prime source of iron and precious
metals. The more geologically stable areas have been dedicated to farming and living, with
majority of the world’s population living around one of the three large castle-complexes built
by Mirumoto. The Tamori have build several forges in the volcanic regions of the world
where they research the spirit-metallurgy as well as forge many of the Dragon’s more exotic
weapons.

The Riddle
Named after the star that seems to defy the known laws of the physics, the Riddle is the
Dragon’s Clan’s ‘home’ system that hosts the new main monastery of the Togashi as well as
diplomatic settlements for the Kitsuki and Tonbo as it relatively easy to reach from the
Empire’s ‘heartlands’
Silent Laughter
Home of the Togashi Family and their most important monastery, the House of Plums. The
planet’s wide plains are used by the Dragon to cultivate crops while the monasteries and
shrines of the Togashi lay scattered among the planet’s ancient mountains. The world is
known for it’s spiritual activity and oftentimes the border between Sakkaku and Ningen-do
rippe on the planet’s surface, allowing the trickers to pass to the Ningen-do.

Glitterscale
A system hosting a solitary habitable planet as well as several gas giants and few mineral
rich, but uninhabitable worlds close to the star. Close to the Scorpion held space and World
of Dreams, Glitterscale often works as a waypoint for the Dragon’s merchants. Kitsuki have
also a diplomatic station in the system that doubles as mining outpost for the gas harvesters.

Kitsuki’s Hand
Other clans may find the Dragon administrative complexes upon Kitsuki’s Hand, an orbital
station of otherwise desolate gas giant USE-504 in the Glitterscale system. Kitsuki sub-
contractors that harvest precious gasses from USE-504’s atmosphere also use this space
station as their base of operations. With most of the Dragon’s meagre trade passing through
the system, Kitsuki’s Hand also houses a sizeable fleet of Kitsuki and Mirumoto vessels that
are used to escort the clan’s merchant vesssels.

Dragon’s Eye
The eye is a small planet orbiting a dual star system close to the mysterious eastern nebula
and it is considered the heart of the Dragon activities outside of Rokugan. Closed to other
clans, rumors pertaining to the world focus on the supposed development of new technologies
there, designed to explore the space beyond the enigmatic nebula.

Togashi’s Rest
Togashi’s Rest is a traditional castle and monastery built upon on a remote ice-covered planet
with extreme weather conditions. The stronghold is located atop the tallest mountain in the
known universe and requires extensive life support systems and protections to allow human
life. Despite the harsh climate, Togashi’s Rest is a place of pilgrimage for the tattooed monks
for it is said that the planet has been touched by the Tengoku.

Watcher of the Void

A peculiar combination of a Togashi monastery and a Tamori research facility situated near
the galactic core close to a gravitational phenomena that seems to strangle connected with the
Void itself found by the Imperial Explorers over two centuries ago. Ever since, the Dragon
have been investigating the light-absorbing Void’s Well on Throne’s charter. As the little
moon has little resources and the system has no easily exploitable planets, no other clan has
shown any kind of interest to the system.

Red Dragon
Habitable agricultural world in the northern fringes of the galaxy, jointly claimed by the
Scorpion and Dragon in 3071. Due to settlement's age, much of the world remains
uninhabited. Rich in both minerals and having vast tracks of arable land, both Dragon and the
Scorpion expect the Red Dragon, once fully settled, to provide a noticeable boost to their
respective economies.

Holdings of the Lion

Shori
The Lion’s largest base of operations is the Shori system, far from the seat of Imperial power.
It is a bustling hub of activity, boasting several habitable worlds as well as the space fort
Bishamon’s Castle.

Akodo’s Glory
A heavily terraformed planet relatively close to the system’s star. With temperatures
approaching 50-70 Celsius during daytime near the equator, the holdings on the planet have
been built around the poles. Massive underground mines have been constructed under the
planet’s crust where Lion heimin toil like ants, exhuming iron and precious metals in poor
conditions.

Kiyomizu no Tama
A sizable habitable planet that has been turned into a gigantic military camp, with massive
facilities for training of new recruits, wide expanses of land for large scale maneuvers and
forges to produce weapons and equipment for the Lion legions. The lands not used by the
Lion military machine house the countless heimin who work in the factories and fields that
power the Lion warmachine. Heimin on this world tends to be well-educated for Lion
standards as the skilled workforce is needed to help with the war-effort. Traditionally, Akodo
daimyo reigns his clan from Kiyomizu no Tama, but during Tsuroi’s extensive anti-piracy
campaigns have meant that the man is more often absent from his offices than not.

Bishamon’s Castle
This mighty space port orbiting Kiyomizu no Tama hosts the majority of the Lion’s reserve
fleet and the fleet’s tactical headquarters. The fort’s enormous halls are large enough to house
Katana-class ships and usually at given time at least one vessel is docked inside the station
for refits.

New Rokugan
A completely pacified planet with temperate climate, New Rokugan serves as the home for
the Ikoma and their vassals as well as provides the Lion with massive quantities of tea, beans,
cotton and silk.

Kachi
The singular, lifeless moon orbiting the New Rokugan has been turned into trading post
where the diplomats and traders can freely mingle with each other. Kitsu and Ikoma have
constructed several large biodomes around the moon’s solitary space port that offer housing
for visitors as well as facilities for negotiations, including hydroponic gardens and high class
hotels. It is largely believed that the Lion have concentrated their diplomatic efforts on Kachi
for a purpose. No dignitary, no matter how cunning, can spy upon the Lion installations when
they have no way of reaching them.

Rekishi
Rekishi system close to the Shori sports only singular habitable world dubbed simply Kitsu
Prime and serves as the home for the Kitsu.

Kitsu Prime
The planet where the Kitsu Family schools its young and home to the New Kitsu Temples
that encompass quarter of the planets Capital area. These shrines are popular among the Lion
pilgrims, many of whom journey from other systems to venerate the Lion fallen heroes. The
most popular of these shrines is the Temple of Eternal Victory, where the ashes Akodo
Yukiko lie. Yukiko, known during her lifetime as the Mistress of Battle was the renowned
and beloved Lion Clan champion during the turmoils of the First War of the Worlds on 29th
century, dying heroic death while fighting a rearguard action against the Mantis.

Golden Pride
This system hosts the home of the Matsu Family as well as Inari’s Cradle, the Lion’s main
agricultural world. Due to it’s closeness to the Mantis held space, civil vessels entering the
system or flying between the worlds are often escorted by a Lion warship.

Matsu Prime
Home of the Matsu in space and an important mining world that produces Firestone and rare
metals. As the most easily available resources have been exhausted, the Lion heimin have to
work in increasingly harsher conditions to meet the quotas. With most of the Matsu legions
being mobilized near the Osano-Wo’s reach, the commoners of Matsu Primo revolted in 3120
in hopes of bringing attention to their plight.

Inari’s Cradle
Lion have shared Inari’s Cradle with the Kitsune ever since their defection from the Mantis
and due to the help received from the Kitsune priest-acricologists in return for the Kitsune’s
safety, the Lion rice and barley farms regularly yield far greater amounts of crops than
expected.

Osano-Wo’s reach
A famous point of contention between the Lion and the Mantis is a system known as Osano-
Wo’s Reach. The high number of worlds harbouring precious resources have led the two
clans to turn the area into a near-permanent warzone with most planets being fortified heavily
by on side or the other.

Crossroads
Another system with several habitable and mineral-rich worlds near the Mantis-Lion border.
Originally claimed by the Mantis as early as 2825 but eventually conquered by the Lion
during the Second War of the Worlds in 2935 with both sides suffering immense losses. It is
no secret that the Mantis eyes Crossroads with hunger and the Lion have spent considerable
sums on extensive planetary fortifications to safeguard its holdings.

Red Fields
Another extensive operation the Lion is currently on the world of Red Fields, a large planet
dominated by advanced alien culture which has reacted violently to attempts of pacification
and despite the recent setbacks, the Akodo generals are certain that the world will fall to the
Lion within a year or two.

Holdings of the Mantis

Thunder’s Home
Thunder’s Home is a pearl among the dozen or so systems the Mantis controls, located ‘near’
the Rokugan of old. The system has no less than five habitable worlds due to the Mantis
wealth poured into extensive worldcrafting projects.
Irontide
The most mineral rich of all of the Mantis’ holdings and the center of the clan’s industrial
efforts. Massive amounts of iron and tungsten are exhumed from the planets core and refined
for industrial use in the many forge-factories of the Yoritomo Heavy Industries. The planet’s
atmosphere has become highly polluted during the past century and the population is forced
to use rebreathers when heading out. The samurai nobility responsible for overseeing the
world live in large villas and manors build on the steep slopes of the world’s many
mountains, allowing them to enjoy fresh air at ease.

Daikoku’s Dice
Or simple the Dice is a famous orbital station located in Thunder’s Home, orbiting world of
the Blue Pearl. Equal parts casino, stock exchange and an open market, the Dice is an
infamous den of merchants, smugglers and privateers. While it is claimed that anything and
anyone can be bought on the Dice, only the Spider and the Unicorn merchant-patrons are
willing to actually dock to the station.

Watanabe Shipyards
Part enormous shipyard, part fortress the Watanabe Shipyards are located in the Thunder’s
Home and are usually strictly off-limits to non-Mantis. The space fort is actually composed
of four distinct stations that orbit Irontide. Not only they house a fair share of the Mantis
Southern Fleet, but also construct ships of all sizes and designs for the clan to sell.

New Kalani
Ninety percent covered by water, the world is sailor’s dream, dangerous for its storms and its
native life-forms, but almost infinite in resources. The largest underwater city of New Kalani,
Kyuden Sango is the Mantis choice for the Imperial winter court when they are asked to host
the Emperor and his entourage. Underwater exploration is nothing new to the Mantis, and
entire cities can be found on the seafloor on several worlds. New Kalani is also home to the
New Kalani Navigator school, the most prestigious of all the Navigator academies of the
Mantis.

Kujaku
Home to the Komori and their industry, the Kujaku system is one of the most heavily
trafficked Mantis systems with merchant vessels leaving its ports almost daily. The star itself
burns in peculiar green-blue fire, bathing all the worlds in eerie hues of cyan.

Starnest
Frozen homeworld of the Komori where they live in gigantic dome-cities, slowly mining the
worlds crust empty of valuable minerals. Algae and fish are farmed in the underground rivers
underground, though the world is far from self-sufficient. Endless stream of freighters haul
foodstuffs to the planet, taking Komori-produced weapons and equipment to other Mantis-
held worlds.

Dawn
In contrast to Starnest, the Moshi held Dawn has a moderate climate, with only its poles
being permanently frozen. On the planet’s surface, tall radiant glass towers of the Moshi
settlements raise above the canopies of the alien seemingly self-aware jungles. All the
attempts to cultivate barley and rice on the world have failed miserably, and currently the
Moshi has to suffice with food produced from the local fruits and vegetables.
Onnatangu’s Heart
Infamous prison-moon of the Mantis that orbits the Starnest. While in theory, the Mantis
uphold the death penalty, in practice, the most grievous offenders are sentenced on a lifetime
on Onnatangu’s Heart where they toil under inhuman conditions, mining precious metals
from the moon’s unstable soil. Noble-born criminals are also often sent here, though they are
confined in and incarceration facility called the Desolate Tower that oversees the moon’s
fume covered plains.

Zuiryu
Solitary planet of a small system in the northeastern fringes of the galaxy, Zuiryu was was
claimed by the Mantis and Shark in union soon after the Shark’s creation in 3011. Mantis
took hold of the seas and the poles of the planet while the Shark build their first fortress-
settlement on a chain of islands close to the archipelago that had began their story. The
Mantis has built several settlements of the world, most of them being floating cities erected
around large-scale drilling platforms that tap into the crude oil deposits beneath the seafloor.

Yoritomo’s Cup
A small space station, hidden in an enormous asteroid belt of otherwise worthless system
deep in Mantis space. The station, manned by Yoritomo and Tsuruchi works as safe-haven
and a base of operations to the clan’s many privateers, re-supplying and repairing their ships
as well as collecting tithes for the daimyo of the raiders.

Osano-Wo’s reach
A famous point of contention between the Lion and the Mantis is a system known as Osano-
Wo’s Reach. The high number of worlds harboring precious resources have led the two clans
to turn the area into a near-permanent warzone with most planets being fortified heavily by
on side or the other.

The Lode
Simply known as the Lode, one of the habitable planets of the Osano-Wo’s Reach, is home to
dozens of small Yoritomo ran mining and farming colonies. Due to the near constant
skirmishes with the lion, both of the world’s poles have been heavily fortified, with the
Northern Keep functioning as the planet’s capital. The 3rd Yoritomo legion, raised mostly
from the samurai of Lode, is also permanently stationed on the world.

Holdings of the Phoenix

Tadaka
The largest concentration of the Phoenix forces can be found in the Tadaka system, where
they have built numeral orbital stations to monitor the various planets located there. It is also
home of the Five Moons, the home of the Elemental Masters whom each govern a moon
orbiting one of the system’s gas giants.

Kuroyama
Masters of spiritual engineering, the Phoenix also practice their own version of world-
shaping. They’re known for completing the work more quickly than the Crane, often quite
amazingly so. They do not craft as painstakingly, and the worlds they shape are wilder, often
with surprises--like the planet of Kuroyama. The Fire and Earth were so strongly stirred by
the process, that the formerly quiet moon became the most seismically active body in the
system. Its spectacular volcanoes have become a tourist attraction, but the frequent
earthquakes the Phoenix shugenja triggered have made mining and construction of
settlements much more difficult.

Ujimitsu
Home of the Phoenix in the space, Ujimitsu is renowned for its many beautiful natural and
magical phenomena, such as mountain ranges filled with veins of of jade and crystal, and
geysers of water reaching seemingly impossible heights. The Phoenix have harvested much
of the planet’s energy and resources while carefully preserving its balance and harmony.
Deep mine shafts bore down to the planet’s crust while the tall biodome cities across the main
continent raise crops and kelp to feed the clan.

Soradake
Uninhabitable word covered in gigantic mushrooms and primitive oceans teeming with
bacterial life. Terraforming of the world is debated, with some of the Phoenix wanting to turn
the planet habitable, and the others wanting to conserve the unique ecosystem of the world.
The Master of Earth has traditionally demanded the planet to be settled while the Master of
Water has opposed this.

USW-332 (Five Moons World)

A gigantic gas planet with nearly a score of moons. Most of these moons are too small or lack
an atmosphere and are thus unexploitable without large expenditure of resources. However,
the Elemental Masters have claimed five of the planet’s satellites to their name and slowly
transformed them into their liking the over past century, so that today each of the masters has
his or her own world to govern.

Joudo
A moon covered with vast oceans and sweeping forests divided by massive mountain ranges,
the Grove is the seat of the Elemental Master of Earth. Rich in spirits of Earth, the Grove was
terraformed by the Legion of the Earth’s scientists in the late 30th century to its current form.
Both fauna and flora of Rokugani were introduced to the otherwise lifeless world, creating a
vibrant, but precariously labile ecosystem.

Hekikai
A moon entirely covered with water, with settlements built around the few atolls rise from the
sea. Home of the Master of Water, Hekikai is also important agricultural world as kelp farms
cover large portions of the shallows. The calm waves also hide one of the clan’s largest
secrets. Several tribes of merfolk, hailing from Chikushudo, live in the deep rifts of the
world, meeting and trading with the Phoenix despite the Imperial policy which encourages
the Rokugani to eradicate all sentient lifeforms that resist pacification. This secretive trade
allows the Phoenix an access to the exquisite deep-water pearls and glitter-shade corals that
fetch fortunes in the open market.

Rekka
A once tranquil moon the Phoenix have turned into an inferno by stoking the world’s
dormant spirits of Fire into a jubilant dance that shakes the very surface of the moon.
Volcanoes now dot Rekka’s surface and streams of lava criss-cross the slopes of the
mountains to form bubbling lakes of magma that fuel the Phoenix thermal power plants and
provide resources for their forges. The atmosphere is high in sulphur and carbon dioxides.
Large Isawa built Autoconsecrators call Elemental Air to provide fresh oxygen for the
laboratories of the Master of Fire that surrounds several peaks of the world’s tallest non-
volcanic mountain chain.

Fu’un
Mostly barren and desolate world with two glacial poles that grow and shrink according to
seasons. The winds that sweep across the across the vast plains of the are gentle for most of
the time, though during the moon’s summer, the tepid breezes turn into raging tornadoes and
colossal thunderstorms that wreck the moon’s surface, tearing apart vegetation and any life
unfortunate to be caught in open ground.

Akigara
Akigara, the fifth moon of the ISW-332 is also known as the Impossible world. It’s surface
hides one of the mysteries of the galaxy; the massive moon is actually hollow, it’s inner
surface covered with tall mountains and deep gorges. All of said surface basks in pale, warm
light of miniature sun that lays nestled where the core of the moon should have been. Peculiar
half-living, half-inorganic membrane separates the inside from the coldness of the void,
allowing Akigara to maintain an ‘atmosphere’ inside it’s crust. All logic dictates that such
world should not exist, yet it does, and the Master of the Void has made it her home. Isawa
have built several small shrine-laboratories inside the word and surrounded them by
agricultural settlements that provide for the shugenja and scholars that study the mysteries of
the galaxy.

Aikune
The only other system the Phoenix own exclusively is named Aikune--a relatively young
system by their estimation. Its solid planets are all in their infancy, most of them being still
shaped by powerful elemental spirits. Led by Agasha researchers, the Phoenix have started
experimenting with large scale re-engineering of these worlds, hoping to create habitable
conditions on some of them and to enhance production of raw elements on others.

Castle of Golden Fire

Castle of the Golden Fire is the largest space station of the Phoenix and home port for much
of its navy. Shiba and Agasha cohabit within its gleaming walls, both largely staying to their
own quarters. Mind-defying hydroponic gardens provide provide oxygen and food for the
inhabitants while helping with the water circulation. In the lowest parts of the castle,
enormous autoconsecrators chrun prayers day and night, summoning water and air into
existence. Due to it’s alleged flame-like shape and bright exterior, the station is commonly
known as ‘golden turd’ among the Kaiu.

Mu
The solitary satellite of one of the Aikune’s most spiritually vibrant planets, UW-419, Mu is
the home of the Henshin school in space. Five monasteries, each corresponding to one of the
Elements, have been erected along the ley lines of the moon. Heimin settlers and their
overseers live in small semi-independent villages within relative proximity of the
monasteries. The moon also hosts a small Shiba garrison and a branch of the Shiba bushi
school.

Starfall
Nestled in one of the western spirals of the galaxy lies the Phoenix’s most distant and
youngest colony. Shared with the Nakauchi according to the Imperial Decree, the Starfall is
also the only holding the Nakachi can claim to their name with most of their number residing
upon the World of Dreams. The world is spiritually active and rich in Elemental kami,
something both the Phoenix and the Nakauchi have began to exploit in earnest.

Holdings of the Scorpion

Bayushi’s Eye System
Besides the Jade Sun, the home of the Rokugani, Bayushi’s Eye system is one of the most
important systems in the galaxy due to the World of Dreams. Low on exploitable resources,
the system is the public home of the Scorpion as well as many of the minor clans without
proper holdings of their own. It was claimed by the Scorpion during the early years of
expansion without much resistance from the other clans that vied for the richer unclaimed
systems.

World of Dreams
A small planet in the Scorpion's main system that has become home to the largest city of the
Empire and hub of the Scorpion political machinery. Low taxes and lax security have
attracted investment from around the galaxy, and many consider World of Dreams to be the
true capital of the Empire, although more traditional citizens frown at such claims. While the
vast city has a culture of its own, derived from the heady mix of people from every clan, new
goods and technology constantly flowing through the city, and new buildings appearing
almost daily, large parts of the city are reserved to the members of the Scorpion Clan. Their
largest martial dojo are situated there, among the tall spires where the young men and women
of each new generation learn the ways of their clan of Secrets. The New Shosuro Academy
has a quarter of its own where many of the Empire’s best actors find their talents nurtured.
The ancient tradition of the Painted City comes alive here every autumn, with the quarter
transformed into some other place or time and filled with actors playing out dramas upon its
vast stage. Deep within the quarter, Illusion's Heart Castle currently serves as home to the
Shosuro daimyo and headquarters for family business.

System SSW-3119
On Imperial charts, system SSW-3119 is devoid of exploitable planets and moons and
officially remains unclaimed by the Great Clans due to it’s distance from the Empire proper
as well as the fierce solar-storms that wreck the system on semi-regular basis. Scorpion, of
course, does it utmost that the Imperial cartographers find no reason to return to system they
actually never visited. During the early days of the space exploration, new systems were
discovered daily and despite the Imperial explorer’s best efforts, some of these locations
remained unexplored even after years of their discovery. SSW-3119 was one of those
systems, remaining untouched due to it’s seemingly low value. Gaining access to the Imperial
Cartographer’s database, the Scorpion changed the SSW-3119’s designation from non-
explored to explored and made it look worthless with no exploitable resources. Among the
Scorpion this system is known as Crimson Star Home and it’s shared by the Bayushi and the
Shosuro whom both control a singular world each. Needless to say, only the most trusted
Scorpion navigators are taught the location of the system.

Black Mask
A small Bayushi held research and agricultural world in the SSW-3119. Black Mask is also
home to the Howling Blade dojo, that trains the infamous Bayushi Harbringers, as well as the
Temple of Thousand Stings, which despite it’s name, is more a military academy than a real
shrine. Besides the esoteric military facilities, the world also provides all the food the system
needs, with the local heimin toiling in extensive plantations and fish farms.
White Mask
Snow covered world in the SSW-3119 that is high on mineral resources under its frozen
crust. The planet is ran and maintained by the Shosuro whom exhume Firestone and other
ores from the massive mountain ranges that zigzag’s the world’s surface. Meanwhile,
Shosuru shugenja have built tall spire-shrines on the same mountains where they commune
with the world’s vibrant spirits, working to further develop the clan’s infamous spiritual
hardware.

Palestar
Shosuro’s main system, possessing no worlds of great value to anyone but Scorpion. Far
away from the major shipping lines and protected by the Shosuro fleet, Palestar has become a
hideout for the Scorpion affiliated smugglers that prefer to use the less crowded celestial
pathways for their business. After the destruction of the Black Tower it has also become the
home of the Yogo whom moved their operations on the Shosuro held Shadow’s Rest.

Shadow’s Rest
Irremarkable, small world well within the habitable zone of the system. Home to the Shosuro
family and one of the Scorpion’s main agricultural worlds. Besides the four distinct cities of
the Shosuro, the planet also hosts Yogo’s new fortress-laboratory, the Regret. Many of the
potent Scorpion weapons, such as Shuriken-class space mines and the combat drugs
employed by the clan’s shock troops are manufactured here. The exaction location of this
planet is unknown to non-Scorpion navigators, allowing the Shosuro and Yogo to work in
perfect privacy.

Black Tower
Former home of the Yogo and a technological marvel constructed from 3095 to 3112 in the
Palestar system. Originally meant as the new bastion of the Family that had mostly resided on
various small facilities across the Scorpion space, the fortress catastrophically exploded in
3119, killing all those abroad and culling the Yogo family to mere fraction of their former
numbers.

Yukiboshi system
A small and slowly burning star near the end of it’s lifespan. Orbited by World of Mirrors as
well as several gas giants and a sizeable asteroid belt, the system has little to offer for non-
Scorpions. Yasuki merchant tankers visit Yukiboshi periodically, hauling great amounts of
compressed rare gases back to the Crab factories.

World of Mirrors
Most of the Soshi that do not live on the World of Dreams reside on the World of Mirrors, a
cloud covered, cold world next to a slowly dying star. The surface temperatures of the planet
are well below the freezing point, and so all the cities have been built underground, with large
panes of glass letting the faint light of the sun to reach habitat zones. In these cities, the Soshi
train their navigator-shugenja in the ways of space-faring as the strictly enforced clan policy
forbids the Yogo learning the way of the Navigator for the rather obvious practical reasons.

Red Dragon
Habitable agricultural world in the northern fringes of the galaxy, jointly claimed by the
Scorpion and Dragon in 3071. Due to settlement's age, much of the world remains
uninhabited. Rich in both minerals and having vast tracks of arable land, both Dragon and the
Scorpion expect the Red Dragon, once fully settled, to provide a noticeable boost to their
respective economies.

Holdings of the Spider

Howling Worlds
Howling Worlds is the Spider home in space and its most important system, located in the
‘easter’ galactic plane, far away from the Empire’s heartlands. Claimed by the Spider in the
early 29h century, the system currently hosts three major Spider holdings.

The Hive
The Spider Clan’s main stronghold in the galaxy is called Hive, a vast hollowed out asteroid
set in orbit around gas giant. It is one of the largest space stations ever built, more like
continent floating through the space than anything else. Parts of the Spider fleet always patrol
its immediate vicinity to discourage would-be raiders and spies. Self-sufficient and home to
many great under-cities, the Hive is testament of the Kuchiki’s engineering talents. The
asteroid is also home of the largest of Order of Spider’s temples, the Temple of Daigotsu.

Nightfall
First of the system’s habitable planets, Nightfall, is a small primal worlds influenced by
Jigoku, Gaki-do and Toshigoku. The former home world of the Alakhai the Spider
eradicated, planet rotates at extremely low rates, meaning that on the ‘nights’ of the planet
last for Rokugani weeks. Nightfall has vast reserves of obsidian and precious metals which
the Spider exhume with large Kuchiki-built land-crawlers. These towering landships are
heavily armed and armoured as occasionally the borders between the Realms and reality
break, unleashing all kinds of nightmarish monsters to roam on the planets surface.

Whispers
Susumu maintains their own settlement in Howling Worlds, dubbed ominously as Whispers.
The planet does not revolve, and the side of the planet exposed to perpetual sunlight is too hot
to allow permanent settlements. The Susumu have built extensive solar farms on the day-side
to gather power to warm their farms and factories in the twilight zone between the night and
day of the planet. Despite it’s bleak nature, Whisper is also home to the Spider’s meagre
diplomatic mission, though only the Unicorn and the Mantis maintain a permanent embassy
on the world.

Meido’s Fields
Meido’s Fields is the second most important Spider system, chosen by the clan for it’s
location close to Whispering Worlds. The system is off-limits to outsiders and the Daigotsu
navy jealously guards all routes of approach.

Shahai no Obi
A large asteroid field laying at the edge of the system that is the home port of the infamous
Undead Legion. Much like the former Damned of the Crab, these inhuman troops are
deployed only against the enemies of the Empire and only and only if the Spider can be
certain that no outsider can witness their existence. The Legion also has ships of its own,
housed in the hollowed out asteroids to hide them from the view. These bleak, black vessels
have been built without life support and other normally necessary systems, allowing the
Spider to arm and armour them more heavily than conventional vessels of similar size.
Blacksun
The third most important systems of the Spider, the Blacksun lies in the relative vicinity of
the Howling Worlds. Home to the Kuchiki and the much of the Spider’s agricultural colonies,
the system is tightly guarded and heavily defended.

Dark Forge
This large and lush planet is the home of the Kuchiki whom live in vast shrine cities built
across the world’s surface. Outside these cities, Dark Forge is teeming with primitive life and
the Spider shugenja are not hesitant to use the local fauna in their macabre experiments. Here
the Kuchiki, the masters of fleshcrafts and dark magics, have developed a new form of
science they refer as ‘stitching’. Using parts of human and animal caracasses, the
technomancers literally stich together large man-like creatures in the bio-vats of their
laboratories, bringing them into life using magics and spirit fuelled engines. These hellish
creatures are intelligent enough to obey simple commands and can tear a man apart in a
matter of seconds.

Shiragiku
With tepid climate and near constant cloud coverage, the would make a relatively
comfortable place if not for the fact that the barriers between Ningen-Do and Gaki-Fo seem
to be particularly thin on the planet. Occasionally hungry spirits break loose to prey on the
people living in small settlements, only to be banished by the Kuchiki priests. Both the
Kuchiki and Daigotsu Families have several settlements on the Shiragiku, most of which
focus on agriculture, though the planet also has a fair share of forgefactories.

Blightwell
The cavernous Blightwell of the Whitestar system was the former homeworld of the Demien
and still bears the scars of the hard-fought campaign on its surface. Many of the large caverns
once inhabited by the stygian humanoids have been turned into putrescent piles of debris and
bio-waste, corrosive agents still gnawing stone on which the alien cities once stood. Today,
several undercities lay built on Obsidian deposits the Spider tap into. The life in the lightless
caverns is nightmarish and the heimin born on the world rarely see their 40th birthday, not
that this bothers the Daigotsu and Kuchiki overlords living in their lavish, spiritually lit
mansions.

Longshore
The Longshore is the newest of the Spider’s colonies and the only world it shares with
another clan. The Shark’s participation to the claim was bought with arms and coin, allowing
the Spider to expand its territories while following the Imperial law. On the other hand, the
arrangement allowed heavily indebted Shark pay some of their debts to the Scorpion. The
world’s deep green seas are full of marine life and its soil is fertile, allowing the Spider to
farm fish and grow various crops on vast plantations. The Shark on the other hand, has to do
with a small chain of islands near the arctic pole of the world.

Holdings of the Unicorn

Burning Star (Three Castle System)
Originally named after it’s exceptionally bright star, the system is generally considered the
Unicorn’s home in space. Seized by the clan during the early years of the expansion,
considerable amounts of wealth have been poured into the system and today,
three large orbital castles guard equal number of habitable planets, all carefully worldcrafted
to meet Unicorn’s needs.

New Hope Castle

Orbiting Shinjo’s Grace, the New Hope Fort hosts most of the Shinjo samurai not travelling
across the galaxy, as well as the schools and the armories of the family. Constructed with the
help of Iuchi and Moto shugena, the New Hope Castle is the largest in the system and often
considered as one of the most beautiful space-born structures in the Empire due to it’s tall
arching spires. The castle’s main roads are wide enough for four vehicles to pass at time and
it also has an extensive network of mag-trains that connects the habitation sectors to the vast
gardens that provide oxygen and food for the inhabitants.

Shinjo’s Grace
Shinjo’s Grace is a sparsely inhabited feral world with wide plains, deep woods and massive
mountain ranges, providing the Shinjo with many of the resources it needs. Parts of the planet
have been left ‘untouched’, allowing some of the Unicorn to live a nomadic life while
herding genetically altered local herbivores.

Castle of Winds
Mounting engines as well as Navcom large enough to move the entire fort, the Castle of
Winds is actually more a massive ship than a proper castle, though it has not moved since it’s
completion over 150 years ago. Despite it’s nature, the Castle of Winds is the Utaku seat of
power, hosting the family’s ruling elite and most of it’s armies. It is also home of the finest
pilot academies in the galaxy as both the Iuchi Void Dancers and the Utaku Swiftwings
maintain their principal dojo within the castle’s vast halls.

Golden Fields
Utaku held and run Golden Fields is a world of tall mountains and wide plains. The plains
have been turned into plantations with countless heimin families growing barley, cotton and
cabbages using windpower fuelled deepwells that exhume water from the underground rivers
of the planet

Open Hand Castle

Ide and the Iuchi Families run and maintain together the smallest of the three grand stations.
The Open Hand Castle functions as the Unicorn’s political capital and, besides the World of
Dreams, is one of the largest trading hubs within the Empire. It’s also home of the Iuchi
Ironworks, a company that designs and manufactures most of the space faring vessels of the
Unicorn. The station is firmly chained to the planet below by an Iuchi built space elevator
that is used to haul the Iron Home’s produce to the orbit.

Iron Home
Orbited by the Open Hand Castle, the Iron Home is named after the massive deposits of iron
ore the Unicorn settlers discovered under the planet’s crust. Home to nearly a billion people
in it’s hundreds of biodome cities, the Iron Home is population-wise the largest world of the
Unicorn. Most heimin of the planet work in the extensive mining-complexes, unearthing the
raw ore for the Iuchi smelteries that provide steel for the many forge-factories of the planet.
These factories provide the three space stations of the system with spare parts other necessary
materials.

Shinjo’s Belt
Shinjo’s Belt is a sparse asteroid belt encircling the inner worlds of the Three Castle system
and home to the Iuchi Ironwork shipyards. Several large asteroids have been hollowed out to
provide enough space for a construction docs while others contain habitation blocks that
house the the engineers and heimin assemble the clan’s ships.

Far Plains system

Despite its name, the Far Plains system is actually situated relatively close to the Unicorn
heartands. Once the most distant system inhabited by the Rokugani, the Empire’s slow spread
has brought the Far Plains closer to civilization. The system is rich in resources, though only
two of its worlds are habitable.

Rakuen
Rakuen, also known as Blessed World, is touched by the Yomi and thus a place of pilgrimage
to many of the devout. Due to the touch of the Yomi, the planet’s nature is achingly beautiful
and the Unicorn have done their best to maintain the nature of the world, building only
shrines to the locations most close to the Realm of Blessed Ancestors.There are also many
rumours of pilgrims meeting their ancestors in the various shrines of the world, further
enhancing Rakuen’s fabled reputation. Less sacred locations have been dedicated to
agriculture and the Ide Provision’s runs several farming and fishing settlements on the small
islands that surround the main continent.

Kuwagata
Kuwagata is a distant colony world in the galactic far-east. Sole habitable planet of the
system, the Unicorn-Phoenix alliance claimed the it to their name less than seventy years ago.
The Phoenix played the part of a proxy in the claim, so that Imperial Decree could be
followed to a letter. This agreements were part of arrangements which saw the son of the
Iuchi daimyo marry into the Isawa. Over the time, Moto settlers spread over the planet and
domesticate some of the native mega-insects as their beasts of burden while using the chitin
of the husks to craft tools and even weapons for their use. Moto Deathpriests later discover
that the Kuwagata’s chitin has characteristic spiritual frequency and are eventually able to
craft radiant weapons out of it.

Hallow
Located in the distant Gurubashi system, Hollow is a small world, heavily touched by the
Meido. Its sickly green seas are largely covered by heavy mats of algae, while the vegetation
growing on the land is a mixture of lichens and fungi specialized living in nutrient-poor
environment. Due to its very nature, the planet is favoured by the Moto Priests of Death and
many of the claim to feel the presence of their patron Fortune on the world. Hallow is also the
home of the Grand Temple of the Lords of Death.

Yaneka II
Yaneka II, the second planet of Yaneka system, is a small Unicorn Clan held mining world
near the Spider-held space. Its orbital station secretly housed some of the items Ide had
brought with her, though these priceless items were lost during the recent raid. The Unicorn
suspects the Spider to be behind the attack, but the the evidence is lacking.

Holdings of the Imperial Families

Jade Sun system
The home system of the Rokugani. Seppun ships vigilantly patrol the space between Rokugan
and the outer fringes of the system, ensuring that no ship can approach the Imperial capital
unnoticed.

Rokugan
Rokugan is the seat of the Iweko dynasty and the original home of the Rokugani people.
Most of the planet’s resources have been exhumed during the past millennia and practically
no heavy industry remains on the world. Despite of this, the clans still cling to their lands out
of respect to their ancestors and all of them still maintain at least a token presence in the
Imperial Capital.

Crane and Scorpion have remained in greater numbers than others, their courtiers mingling
among the Imperial officials, trying to extract information as well as affect the opinions of the
Imperial ministers. The Imperial capital of Toshi Ranbo has turned into a massive
bureaucratic hive dedicated to running the daily matters of the Empire. Offices of the
Imperial Historians, Imperial Treasury and the take up entire city-blocks. The Emerald
Magistrate's offices also lies within the city, the majestic Tower of Jade looming over all but
the tallest spires of the Imperial palace. The Emperor himself resides within the capitol,
travelling yearly to attend to the traditional Winter Court that is held according to Rokugan’s
seasons.

Four Temples, the Temples of the Seven as well as the Iweko Jingu, shrine that is dedicated
to the deified spirits of the Iweko Emperors are visited by countless of pilgrims yearly, each
of the sacred places tended by hordes of Seppun priests and Brotherhood monks. Historical
zones are scattered around the planet; areas where a given era in history is recreated as
closely as possible. Those living there strive to use only the arts and crafts available at the
time and are well versed in the history of the area in order to educate tourists and scholars
who visit constantly. An Imperial edict limits the number of samurai each clan is allowed to
house in their territories, and while the warfare is not actually prohibited, there is a wordless
agreement among the clans to maintain the status quo on the planet.

Obsidian Moon
While technically controlled by the Imperials, the Obsidian Moon has been left untouched
during the Age of Sars. Reasons for this are two-fold. Firstly, most shugenja believe that
setting foot on it’s surface would only beget madness, and secondly, the Seppun longe-range
surveys have found the atmosphereless, freezing Obsidian Moon to be extremely low on
anything exploitable.

Tetsugasa
Laying on geosynchronous orbit over the Imperial Capital, the Iron Umbrella of Seppun
stands guard over the Rokugan. Armoured with thick layer of radiant steel and armed with
Kaiu manufactured Type-6 cannons, the fortress is capable of fighting of a small fleet on its
on, should need arise. Besides its impressive defences, the fortress also houses the Seppun
Home Fleet though most of the time notable portion of these ships are out on patrol. Besides
serving as fortress, the self-sufficient station is also home to nearly a million Seppun samurai
of whom many have never set a foot on Rokugan itself.

Yakumo
Close to the Rokugan itself, the rich Eight Clouds system was one of the first systems
reached during the early stages of the Age of the Stars and it was the location of many of the
fiercest battles during the First War of the Worlds. Claimed by the Throne at the end of the
war to reduce the tensions between the Great Clans, the Seppun and Miya have since
inhabited the system in numbers.

Tranquility
This carefully worldcrafted moon is known for its beautiful forests and clear, deep seas. Lack
of heavy industry means that the air is as clean as on Rokugan of old, making its many
monasteries popular among retiring Imperial officials. Recent years have seen both Seppun
and Miya expanding their settlements on the world

Showa
Pacified by the Spider in the early 29th century, the planet called Showa was eventually
granted to the Miya as a reward for their service to the Throne. Needless to say, the decision
incensed the Spider who had hoped the sole rights to the world. With it's deep forests and tall
mountains, Showa is rich in natural resources which the Miya have began to utilize, slowly
expanding over the northern parts of the world. The southern plateaus that saw most of the
battles remain untouched as they are considered to be haunted by the spirits of the fallen
Spider samurai.

Sadame
Only planet of the Jade Serpent system, Sadame is is a temperate agricultural world
controlled by the Otomo. The vast mountain ranges that cover the world’s poles house
several large mines as well as the largest cities of the planet. The largest city of the southern
pole, Nagame, is the second most important holding of the Otomo after the Imperial Capital
and is known for its ostentatious winter courts.

First Landing
The first planet reached by the Imperial space expedition and subsequently the first planet the
Rokugani colonized. Once rich in natural resources, much of the world's surface has been
stripped bare by mining its rich mineral reserves. Controlled by the Throne, and originally
shared by all of the Great Clans, only the Unicorn and Phoenix remain on the world in
notable numbers.

Holdings of the Minor Clans

World of Dreams
The largest city in the Empire is also home to many samurai of the minor clans, thanks to the
lax Scorpion politics that favor trade and business. The world is also home of the Minor Clan
Alliance headquarters and the Governor of the Alliance resides there. The small 'independent'
city sections some of the clans can call their own have been bought from the Scorpion with
favors and services. Hare and Firefly's city sections are the largest among the minors,
surrounded by nearly two-score of other, smaller territories.

Longshore
The Longshore is the newest of the Spider’s colonies and the only world it shares with
another clan. The Shark’s participation to the claim was bought with arms and coin, allowing
the Spider to expand its territories while following the Imperial law. The world’s deep green
seas are full of marine life and its soil is fertile, allowing to Spider to farm fish and grow
various crops on vast plantations. The Shark has been given the planet’s smallest continent,
though they were required to construct a space-port of their own.

Inari’s Cradle
The Kitsune have lived on the Inari’s Cradle under Lion auspices ever since their defection
from the Mantis. The Kitsune priest-acricologists work regularly on the Lion plantations as a
part of the agreement between the two clans that guarantees the safety of the Fox.

Celestial Phenomena
Eastern Nebula
Incomprehensibly vast stellar cloud composed of various gasses and radiation that wreaks
havoc on the systems of any spacecraft that draws too near to it. Poorly understood by the
contemporary Rokugani, the Dragon and the Phoenix are actively studying the nebula.
Omens and portents regarding the far-eastern space are regularly filled with inauspicious
signs and many feel that whatever lies behind the curtain of mystery should not be disturbed.
Curiously enough, Ageha prophesies mentions 'Shroud of the East' and the 'Kami without
eyes or sense' who lies behind it. The few Dragon versed in the prophesies connect the stanza
to the nature of the nebula.

Hounds of the Deep Void

Barely known and ill-understood phenomena that according to hazy reports has led to the
destruction of no less than three exploration vessels, all in the fringes of the galaxy. Taking
form of a gigantic spectral hounds, these mysterious creatures materialize in space around a
vessel and pounce upon it, their great maws tearing the steel-alloys apart in a matter of
seconds. As the Hounds have left no survivors, only the scattered distress calls and badly
damage video footage are the only pieces of evidence that prove the existence of these
enigmatic beings. The shugenja who have studied the cases strongly believe that Hounds are
spirits and thus part of the Rokugani cosmology, though the recent discoveries made by the
Unicorn explorers has opened an alternative, if somewhat disturbing explanation to the
creature’s existence.

Trailblazers
While the Empire is full of legends and mysteries, there is one particular story that keeps
popping up in the Kuni and Isawa records every now and then. Often told by crew of some
deep space faring merchant or a patrol craft, these tales, sometimes accompanied by holo-
recordings, describe a pack of glowing sea snake-like creatures that 'swim' around the ships
bow. Capable of following a ship for hours, the exact nature of these queer creatures is
unknown. Widely believed to be spirits from Yomi or Tengoku, despite several recorded
attempts, no priest has ever managed to communicate with them. Kuni, whom have dubbed
these creatures Trailblazers, are keen on gathering information of them, often joining
expeditions in hopes of catching a glimpse
of them.

Castle of Eternity
Kitsu completed the vast space station, Shiro no Eien, nearly century ago. Originally meant
as a secondary home for the family as well as resting place for the ancestors born among the
stars, the Castle of Eternity housed massive cemeteries and temple complexes within its
reinforced walls. Complex rituals were designed to link the hallowed grounds of the station to
the Yomi, allowing the clan’s Ancestors to be called upon in the time of need. Unfortunately,
the ritual failed and as the Kitsu priests uttered the last words of consecration, the entire fort
rippled and faded into nothingness. Assumed lost, the castle has been spotted three times in
various parts of the galaxy during the past century, only to disappear before contact could be
established.
Aliens
Thus far no other intelligent life has been found within the Empire that is not ultimately
native to or descended from natives of the various Spirit Realms. Sapient life is rare
throughout the known universe, and most known 'civilizations' have been eradicated by the
Rokugani. Current Imperial policy advocates 'pacification' of habitable worlds, i.e. making
them safe for settlement. In most cases, intelligent natives have been seen as a threat to
human settlements and have been duly eradicated. This means that the vast majority of
people have never seen a living alien, and most think of them as belonging to the same
category as gaki and other evil spirits. The Spider are somewhat of an exception to this as
they have actively adopted the magics and technology developed by the races they have
destroyed.

Known sapient races

Alakhai
The Alakhai were a Jigoku-bound race that served the Al-Akhai, an Oni Lord that held court
on HE-207. Malicious and cunning, the hellspawn formed a feudal society that thrived on
abuse of slave populations formed of the lesser creatures of the world. Crude magic-forged
chains and bonds inscribed with dark runes of control were used to turn these creatures into
mindless thralls whose actions were controlled through these fetters. The Alakhai themselves
used the same magics to create technomagical parts that were used to replace the arms and
sensory organs of their warriors.

Imperial explorers, having probed the world from orbit, deemed the world habitable, once
properly purified. This task was granted to the Spider, who swiftly proceeded to bombard the
largest cities of the Alakhai with cluster munitions containing acidic gasses and poisons. Two
weeks later, the heavy Daigotsu infantry landed on the world, assaulting the survivors of the
bombardment. The vile acids of the Kuchiki had crumbled the walls surrounding the alien
cities, turning the paved streets into toxic slush. For years, man and alien clashed amidst the
apocalyptic scenery, in an orgy of slaugher. Two months later, the Spider mounted the skull
of Al-Akhai on the prow of their flagship, Repulse. Of the race that had served the Oni Lord,
nothing remained. The flesh-crafts common in the Empire today can be traced to the crude
enchantments worn by the Alakhai, their technomagics adapted by the studious Kuchiki.
Today, HE-207 is known as Nightfall and is one of the Spider's primary sources of obsidian
and precious metals.

Ryunin
Destroyed by the Spider during the first century of expansion, the Ryunin were a sapient race
of lizard-like humanoids native to a world known as Showa. Very little is known about the
race today, other than the fragments of information found in the Spider's records. It is known
that the Ryunin were tall and powerful, rage-filled creatures of Toshigoku that fought the
Spider with claw and tooth. Yet, despite their savagery and numbers, the chosen of Daigotsu
were able to overcome their otherworldly foes with relative ease, thanks to their advanced
weaponry. The race left behind a series of portals to Toshigku, which were all destroyed by
the Spider to secure the planet.

Silith
A highly advanced race originating from gaki-do and the dominant lifeform of Char II. The
Silith were masters of regenerative metals, which they used to build massive, humanoid
engines of war. The Spider suffered severe casualties during the three-year campaign that led
to the utter extinction of the race.

Mushin
These are poorly understood parasitic entities that seem to be able to take over most life
forms. Kuni biologists have postulated that the alien spores infect the brain of a host
organism, growing mycelium around the spinal cord and white matter, quickly taking control
of the host's primal functions. The damage done to the victims’ brains erases their memories
and drives them slowly insane, modifying their instincts to seek no other goal than devouring
flesh to feed the metamorphosis that turns the body of the host into an insectoid monster.
Eventually a Mushin will kill its host and will then grow out of the host's head to spread
spores. Recently the Mushin caused the destruction of Hida Secundus

Karusha
The alien civlization culture encountered by the lost crew of Ide. What little is known about
them has been held closely by the Unicorn.

Demien
Skillful forgers and miners, the Jigoku-descended Demien once lived in massive cavern-cities
under the mountains of HSE-889. The gaunt, stygian creatures possessed inhuman strength
and fought with animal cunning, throwing themselves fearlessly at the Spider. Even more
fearsome were the nerve-scorching black blades that the Demien wielded, their every cut
causing agonizing pain. Despite the horrors of underground warfare, Daigotsu forces pressed
onwards, raising their dead again and again. Casualties on both sides were terrifying and,
after two years of near constant warfare, the last bastion of the Demien fell to the Spider.
Afterwards, the planet was deemed uninhabitable, partly due to the large amounts of
chemical weapons employed by the Spider during the campaign. The Spider captured, and
subsequently tortured some of the last remaining smiths of the Demien for the secrets of their
forging techniques, eventually producing void-forged weapons of their own.

Merfolk of Hekikai
The merfolk are an amphibious, sentient race hailing from Sakkaku and native to the deep
oceans of the Phoenix-held moon Hekikai. The creatures greatly resemble the ningyo of old
Rokugan, with their shimmering, scaled skin, fish-like lower bodies and webbed arms;
though their priests seem to work their elemental magics without the aid of pearls, as the
ningyo were known to use. Primitive in the eyes of the Rokugani, the merfolk live by fishing
and farming kelp. Ttheir cities are relatively small compared to the moderate human
settlements on the moon.

The existence of the merfolk is kept secret by the Phoenix, who would rather avoid questions
about fraternizing with ungainly beasts, or investigations that might set off pacification
effors. In fact, the existence of the race is a secret even among the Phoenix, with only the
clan's leadership and students of the Master of Water knowing of the aliens and the ties
forged with them. During the past few centuries, the natives of Hekikai have come to trust
some of the Isawa, allowing a few Phoenix scholars to visit their great underwater cities. This
careful discourse between the Phoenix and the merfolk has led to greater understanding
between the two species, culminating in a budding trade agreement that grants the Phoenix
access to the exquisite deep-water pearls and glitter-scale corals found in the deep crevices of
the ocean.

Blightstriders of the Red Fields

Discovered as recently as 3119 by the Imperial explorers surveying a small, barely habitable
world near the galactic core, the Blightstriders are sentient race of sinewy, highly-advanced
humanoid creatures native to HC-738. The Explorers, following their charter, tried to contact
these aliens, sending a small team of envoys to the planet. The party entered the vast cave
complexes of the world's largest continent, never to be heard from again. Following these
events, the Throne tasked the Lion with pacifying the planet and offered them the right to
settle the world along with a chosen ally. The Lion gathered its forces, and two months later
the 4th starfleet set sail along with small flotilla of Hare ships.

Hesitant to despoil the world that was to be theirs, the Lion committed to a planetfall,
deploying massed forces on all continents, establishing several secure bridgehead positions.
Following this orthodox maneuver, Lion forces moved to occupy all entrances to the deep
cavern-complexes the aliens lived in. Initial, unorganized resistance by the natives was
crushed by waves Akodo ashigaru, the Lion's superior discipline serving them well in the
rugged terrain. When the Lion advanced deeper into the tunnels however, the war bogged
down into a subterranean nightmare. The Blightstriders fought with advanced weaponry such
as super-sonic darts coated with potent neurotoxins while their magi called upon the kansen
to fill the cramped caverns with poisonous fumes. Initially, the Lion withdrew to assess and
prepare, returning with protective gear, antidotes, and jade.

After two years of bitter warfare, three of the planet's four continents have fallen to the Lion.
On the remaining continent, three large cities still offer resistance, but Lion generals are
confident that the following months will see the extinction of the Blightstriders
Weapons Manifacturers of 32nd century
Crab
Kaiu Forge (KF)
Heavy Assault Rifle: KF Devastator 4
Rifle: KF Stalwart
Kaiu Heavy Industries Incorporated (KHII)
Rifle: KHII Defiant
Sidearm: KHII Defender
Black Carp (BC)
Sidearm; BC S-02
Rifle: BC SR-07

Crane
Iron Crane Combine (ICC)
Rifle: ICC Uchiwa
Sidearm: ICC Obane
Kakita Pharmaceuticals (KP)
Sidearm: KP Daisy
Rifle: KP Daffodil
Marksman’s rifle: Dahlia

Dragon
Mirumoto Heavy Industry (MHI)
Sidearm: MHI Twin Radiance
Rifle: MHI Paradox
Heavy Assault Rifle: MHI Scream of Silence

Lion
Akodo Arms (AA)
Rifle: AA Indomitable 29
Matsu Heavy Industries (MHI)
Sidearm: MHI Conqueror
Rife: MHI Gallant
Mantis

Watanabe Heavy Industries (WHI)

Sidearm: WHI Foxbat
Rifle: WHI Foxbane
Yoritomo Forges (YF)
Rifle: YF Longbow-22
Moshi Fireforge (MF)
Rifle: MF Dawnbringer
Sidearm: MF Dawnbreak
Tsuruchi Arms (TA)
Marksman’s rifle: TA Distant Thunder

Phoenix
Isawa Technologies Incorporated (ITI)
Sidearm: ITI Last Resort
Rifle: ITI Standard Rifle Mark 19
Asako Miltech (AM)
Rifle: AM Wabisuke
Shiba Fireforges (SF)
Sidearm: SF Guardian

Scorpion
Bayushi Ironworks (BI)
Sidearm: BI Calabash-5
Marksman’s rifle: BI Orchid-3
Shosuro Iron Veil (SIV)
Sidearm: SIV Veiled Ending
Rifle: SIV Death Blossom

Spider
Daigotsu Iron Industries (DII)
Rifle: DII Deathdealer
Sidearm: DII Aggressor
Kuchiki Forges (KF)
Sidearm: KF Intercessor
Heavy Assault Rifle: KF Nihilator

Unicorn
Moto Armstech
Rifle: MA Scimitar
Heavy Assault Rifle: MA Baranguar’s Boon
Shinjo Security Services
Sidearm: SSS Tachi
Rifle: SSS Tanto
Marksman’ Rifle: SSS Tsurugi
Religion
Rokugan's religious beliefs -Shintao, Fortunism, and ancestral worship - all remain mostly
unchanged at the dawn of the 32nd century. As much as the life of common samurai have
changed over the centuries, the Celestial Heavens have remained unchanged ever since the
expulsion of mortals in the 12th century. To many, this is a sign that matters are now truly as
the Heavens desire. Spider theologists in particular espouse this view, noting that the Empire
reached spiritual stability as the followers of the shunned kami were granted their rightful
place among their 'cousins'. Wars and disasters still occur, but all of the calamities the Empire
has faced since Daigotsu’s ascension have been of mortal origins.

The religious schisms of the 27th century rocked the foundations of Rokugani religious
scholarship, and the faith of the people in the Celestial Order as such scholars had interpreted
it for so many centuries. Worlds undreamed of in the Order created massive uncertainty. Who
ruled those other worlds? Some used the discoveries to question the Emperor's right to rule,
the divinity of the kami who seemingly ruled only this one world, and the wisdom of Shinsei
who never hinted at such a complex universe. Rebellions grew to larger conflicts,
culminating in the War of the Tao, lasting for nearly a decade. The discovery that other
worlds are bound into the same spirit realms and the same Order as Rokugan helps to slowly
settle the conflicts. Religious schisms have remained smaller and more localized since.

Ancestral worship
Samurai of the 32nd century seek a lasting relationship with their ancestors just as their
forefathers did. Rather than inscribed tablets, most ancestral shrines now hold video screens
which display an image of inscribed names that scroll slowly and continuously to display the
hundreds of ancestors a samurai or family might claim. Most will pause and display relevant
information about any given name; a tool used to educate children. Every home in Rokugan,
from lowliest eta to highest noble, contains an ancestral shrine where the residents may offer
prayer and dedication to those of their kin who have gone before. Every castle, ship, and
station contain somewhat generic shrines for those who do not have portable shrines of their
own.

Shintao
Shinsei's teachings have survived the centuries; still studied as a source of wisdom and a
guide for those seeking enlightenment. The religious schisms of the 27th century shook the
orders, but scholars have since found Shinsei's wisdom still applicable among the stars.
Distance and time have led to a proliferation of sects, some of them rather questionable in
their approaches. So long as they do not threaten the social order, the Brotherhood tolerates
such diversity of paths.

Overall, the Brotherhood remains largely unchanged, though with a shift in focus as militant
orders have become rare while those providing charity and care for the masses have
proliferated. The Brotherhood has members involved in most charity organizations, and some
remote medical facilities are completely in their hands. Having no ships of their own, they
have been divided into large subunits, each responsible for a singular world. Master Abbots,
religious heads of their worlds, regularly converse with each other and senior monks are
encouraged to travel between planets and moons to maintain some consistency in the
interpretation of the Tao within an order. Early in the rush to the stars, they found that
isolation tended to quickly create differences between distant monasteries. Internal regulation
demands that senior clergy members change worlds every ten years, further reducing the risk
of local heresies. All of the Brotherhood’s operations, both charitable and spiritual, are run
from the Four Temples on Rokugan itself.

Fortunism
The worship of the Fortunes, the spirits and gods who dwell the Celestial Heavens, as well as
the lesser spirits dwelling in the mortal realm has also remained largely unchanged at heart.
Holographic paintings or and slow moving projections may replace statues in some temples.
Altars may be made of synthsteel or otherworldly foamstone. But the rituals and prayers
would be recognizable to distant ancestors. New Fortunes have been elevated over the
centuries, while others have lost popularity. Notable examples of the newer Fortunes is
Yanagi, the Fortune of Purity who was raised to Heavens by Iweko XLIV on the centennial
of Festering Pit’s purification. Kanna, the Fortune of Navigators, was similarly honored by
Iweko LXX during the millennial celebrations held on the New Years eve of 2999.

Currently the following Fortunes are particularly popular throughout Empire.

● The Seven Fortunes of Good Luck are important as ever

● Jade Sun, the former Jade Dragon who took the place of Yakamo
● Obsidian Moon, the former Obsidian Dragon who took the place of Hitomi
● Emma-O, Fortune of Death remains one of the most important lesser fortunes
● Kisada, Fortune of Persistence is favoured by many of the settlers
● Inari, Fortune of Rice and Good Grain is venerated widely
● Kikyou, (formerly known as Xing Guo) Fortune of Steel is favoured engineers and
craftsmen
● Muzaka, Fortune of Enigmas, has become popular among scholars
● Yanagi, Kuni shugenja who helped to close the Festering Pit, who became the Fortune of
Purity
● Kanna, Iuchi shugneja who was the first to cast Opening the Way on her own, who became
the Fortune of Navigators
● Akino, Asahina shugenja who created the spiritual protocols used by the communicators,
who later became the Fortune of Communicators
● Matsumoto, Kaiu Engineer who built first combustion engines in late 18th century, who
became the Fortune of Engines
● Atari, Asako scholar who pioneered the first calculating machines in the early 20th century,
who became the Fortune of Computing Machines

Dark Fortunes
The appearance of Dark Fortunes shook Rokugani society in the late 12th century, but by the
end of the 14th century, most people had adapted, offering prayers to any fortune according
to their needs. For example, Kyoso receives offerings from many trying to avoid the curse of
obsession or free themselves from unwanted desires by paying their respects to the Dark
Fortune. Worship of the Dark Fortunes retains some stigma. A desperate prayer to Kyoso
might garner little notice, but most would find greater devotions unusual and a bit worrisome.
Regardless of the current trends among the Samurai, the Brotherhood still officially venerates
all of the Fortunes equally, though any given shrine may only depict one, or a handful of the
Fortunes. Shrines to the Dark Fortunes remain rare outside of Spider-held worlds.
The apparent dearth of worship does not mean that the Rokugani do not make offerings to
them. The reason for this is simple: the curses of the Dark Fortunes fall upon mortals as
easily as those of the traditional Fortunes, and offerings may avert their displeasure.
However, such offerings are complicated by the desire of most to avoid their blessings as
well as their curses. For the average Rokugani, it's a complicated relationship. For those who
genuinely offer their prayers to the Dark Fortunes, they are just as accessible as other
Fortunes.

Generally speaking, among the Spider Clan--and among those few non-Spider who venerate
Dark Fortunes--Akuma is favored by warriors of all types, Susumu by courtiers and scholars.
Shahai is obviously a Fortune favored by maho-tsukai, thus leading to a great deal of
suspicion when anyone is discovered venerating the Fortune of Blood. Kyoso is the only
Dark Fortune favored more broadly among other Rokugani, and probably gains the most
offerings from those outside the Spider Clan. The dark pantheon is composed to four tiers of
power, though the Brotherhood theologians tend to consider Daigotsu be actually part of the
second tier and reducing the number of tiers to three. The Spider themselves, however, insist
that Daigotsu stands above all others and that the so called 'Five Grand Dark Fortunes' are
actually 'Four Grand Dark Fortunes'. Regardless of Daigotsu's position within the dark
pantheon, the next tier is called 'The Five Great Wisdom Fortunes' by the Brotherhood and
Spider alike, composing of the most important dark fortunes besides the Grand Four (Five).
Several lesser dark fortunes also exist, though only few shrines are dedicated to them and
their worship tends to be localized to particular Spider settlements.

The Four Guardian Fortunes that the Spider consider to be spiritual avatars of the Four
Grand Dark Fortunes are not officially recognized by the Brotherhood and so are only ever
worshiped by the Spider. Some sects of Spider monks consider Mafuyu of Winter to be fifth
Guardian Fortune thus evening out the numbers. Others disagree, pointing out that there are
only four Grand Fortunes and thus there can be only four avatars. Blood has been spilled over
this issue.

The Five Grand Dark Fortunes

The five grand fortunes are centered around Daigotsu, the supreme master of Jigoku. Each of
the four remaining Grand Fortunes occupies a fixed cardinal point. Each of them is a
manifestation of Shourido and are active in different world-periods in which they manifest
themselves among faithful.

Daigotsu
By the Imperial decree, only the Spider are allowed to erect shrines to Daigotsu, the master of
Jigoku. Within the Spider's lands, rare are the homes without a small shrine to Daigotsu,
while an Imperial Decree forbids other Rokugani from worshiping him. Some abbots of the
Brotherhood have questioned the old decree in hopes of unifying the two systems of belief.

Akuma The High Warlord of the North, Grand Fortune of Strength

His symbols many and varied. Many-pronged spears and spiked gauntlets are particularly
common. Worshiped by most of the Spider bushi, the tenets of Akuma are simple. Those who
conquer and slay with Akuma's name on their lips are rewarded by his favor. Akuma's
worship is rare outside the Spider Clan, with most bushi embracing dark mirror favoring
Gyoroshi instead. Steel that cuts men is unearthed from the bosom of the earth and so it is
Earth that is considered to be Akuma’s element.

Shahai, The Great Dark Mother of the East, Grand Fortune of Blood
Her symbol is a blood red ruby. Worshiped by the secretive blood sorcerers and mothers
alike, Shahai is considered to possess several aspects. Those expecting children often visit her
shrines as her favor is believed to ward against miscarriages and difficult births. Tears and
blood flow from human body and so Water considered to be Shahai’s element.

Susumu, The Masked Lord of the West, Grand Fortune of Deception

His symbol is a white mask. Favored by spies and unscrupulous diplomats, Susumu has a
small following among the Scorpion and Yoritomo courtiers. As lies are often whispered, so
it is Air that is considered to be Susumu’s element.

Kyoso, The Undying Passion of the South, Grand Fortune of Obsession

Her symbol is two intertwined snakes. Besides Gyoroshi and Shiku, Kyoso is one the most
widely venerated Dark Fortunes, with substance and gambling addicts flocking to her shrines
in hopes of deliverance. The Shrine of Passion on World of Dreams is the largest shrine
dedicated to Kyuso outside Spider lands. As passions burn bright, so it is Fire that is
considered to be Kyoso’s foremost element.

The Five Great Wisdom Fortunes

These Fortunes are equipped with superior knowledge and power that give them influence on
internal and external realities. The Five Wisdom Fortunes are second only to the Five Grand
Fortunes, basking in the favor of Daigotsu. The Wisdom Fortunes are organised according to
the directions of the compass.

Kinuye the Wise, Fortune of Knowledge

Her symbols are lanterns and books. Worshipped by scholars and scientists, Kinuye rewards
her faithful with profound insight. Kinuye is the patron Fortune of Kuchiki Family and she
has also some followers among the Isawa and Komori. Fire is considered her foremost
element.

Gyoroshi the Mighty, Fortune of Conquest

His symbols are conch shells and warfans. Gyoroshi, Spider-born commander of 8th Imperial
Legion who joined the Northern Steppes to the Empire, is the Dark Fortune of Conquest.
Gyoroshi is one of the most influential Dark Fortunes outside the Spider. He is most often
worshipped by the bushi, and by those who wait for their loved ones to return from the field
of battle. Water is considered his foremost element.

Shiku the Merciful, Fortune of Pain

Her symbol is turmeric flower. Shiku, famed healer and chemist as well as one of the
founding mothers of the modern Rokugani medicine, is the Dark Fortune of Pain. Believed to
deliver her followers from pain and suffering, Shiku is has relatively wide following
wherever her shrines stand. Outside the lands of the Spider, the largest shrines dedicated to
Shiku can be found on World of Dreams and Starnest. Water is considered her foremost
element.

Yano the Benevolent, Fortune of Industrial Agriculture

His symbol is bundle of awns surrounded by cogwheel. Yano's worship is common among
the Spider heimin who venerate him along the grand fortunes. Earth is considered his
foremost element.

Uzuki the Immaculate, Fortune of Perfection

Her symbol is unohana-flower. Many Spider artists consider Uzuki their patron fortune. Air
is considered her foremost element.

The Four Guardian Fortunes

The Guardian Fortunes are considered to be emanations of the Great Fortunes. Usually
represented as violent, wrathful beings, the Guardian Fortunes are not recognized by the
Brotherhood. Worshipped by the most devout of Spider monks and shugenja, these minor
fortunes are the generals of Daigotsu, leading their respective demonic hordes against each
other within the bowels of Jigoku in an everlasting struggle for supremacy.

Tetsuya of Steel, Guardian of North

Kano of Flames, Guardian of East
Yasha of Stars, Guardian of West
Shoko of Depravity, Guardian of South

Tatsuya bless you and keep you safe,

Hatred bright as Kano’s flames,
Fall upon foe with the fury of Yasha,
Slay with Shoko’s name on your lips.
- Prayer of the Four, often recited by the Spider monks as they meditate before the battle.

Lesser Fortunes
In addition to the Great Fortunes, there are a large number of minor deities who carry out
very specific duties within Jigoku and the Spirit Realms. Lesser Fortunes were invariably
connected in some way to one of the Greater Fortunes, and are believed to embody their
divinity.

Some more well known Lesser Fortunes:

Mafuyu of Winter
Haruhiko the Impaled

Sacred Ancestors
Whereas the mortals who have fulfilled their destinies are allowed to enter Yomi, for those
following the Daigotsu, rebirth is an abhorrence. Bound to kharmic wheel, a soul not
dedicated to Daigotsu could be reborn as an eta or animal, a fate the devout Spider hope to
avoid. For a follower of Daigotsu to have his or her soul join the Dark lord, the believer must
die anointed, or as the Rokugani would call it, tainted. This honor is reserved only those
considered worthy, with an anointed shugenja performing the ritual as the moment of death
approaches. Those seemed unworthy are allowed to die untainted, their souls end in Meido
that is completely closed to Jigoku. The ritual itself is rather simple with a Spider monk or
shugenja spilling blood of the samurai, asking them to accept the blessings of Daigotsu. As
the anointed priest recites the prayers, the kansen enter the recipient's body, marking
his or her soul as Daigtosu’s own. While some of the anointed are brought back as undead,
most are allowed to pass into Jigoku where they spend the eternity serving the Dark Lord in
person. These anointed ancestors are worshipped by the Spider much the same way the
samurai worship their ancestors. The Spider serving outside the the Spider worlds do so with
heavy hearts, fully knowing that their souls might be doomed to wander across the realms
should they perish without receiving the final rites.

Kansen
The corrupted elemental kami, or later simply dark kami, the kansen are the spirits that fuel
the unclean blood magic practiced by the heretical tsukai. Beyond the worlds touched by
Jigoku and the hidden Spider shrines, the kansen are virtually non-existent. Occasionally
corrupted spirits are found on civilized worlds, though these are usually result of a novice
attempting a maho ritual or spell. Heretics dabbling with blood sorcery, when discovered, are
seized and executed in full secrecy - no clan would want to admit harbouring such deviants.
Meanwhile, the maho tsukai of the Spider continue harnessing the dark energies of Jigoku,
using heimin as sacrifices as well as taint depositories. While Daigotsu agreed that no-one
can be tainted unwillingly, the Spider priests have become apt at persuading others to accept
his blessings. .

Generally assumed to be corrupted elemental kami, the Spider researches are well aware that
the number of kansen cannot be fully explained by corrupted elemental kami, and several
theories on spiritogenesis are being studied. The currently most prevalent theory, dubbed as
‘Balance Theory’ suggests that kansen are created in Jigoku just as elemental kami are
created in heavens in a continuous cycle of destruction and rebirth.

Taint
While the Spiritual Corruption of the Taint has remained unchanged over the centuries,
improved security measures and the existence of the Spider have reduced incidents involving
Tainted individuals as they are either caught before they can do much or find their way to the
hidden corners of the Empire with the Spider. For most, the Taint is a distant threat, a thing of
nightmares never discussed in polite company.

Yet, the Taint remains a threat to the society, keeping the Kuni and their allies busy with their
ancient responsibilities even as they take on ever more complex duties in the current era.
Fortunately, well-equipped modern medical facilities usually have at least one person on staff
with expertise in spiritual ailments, allowing them to pick up on signs of the taint before a full
blown infection can take hold. However, taint symptoms are not definitive, and only the
wealthiest can afford treatment based on merely the suspicion of infection. Most of those
with suspected infections are trained in methods of meditation and strengthening of body and
mind to resist the infection. For those diagnosed as Tainted, the ancient art of growing and
preparing jade petal tea remains the treatment of choice. Advanced techniques of intravenous
administration can cut the amount required dramatically; but it still remains rare as the Jade
Lotus grows in only a few, exceptionally blessed locations in the Empire. The Spider, still
distrusted by much of the Empire, were once required by edict to wear visible jade as a sign
that they had complied with Iweko I's edicts against tainted Spider remaining within the
Empire. The edict was never withdrawn, though it is also mostly forgotten though nearly all
Spider do wear some sort of jade (real or fake) in public. The past century has seen the
proliferation of jade body modifications among them--piercings, jade tattoos, jewelry
attached to the skin via metal and jade links.
Society of the Future
Social classes and the Celestial Order:
While science, exploration, and advancing technology have wrought many changes, the
foundation of the Empire's social structure remains largely unchanged. The Celestial Order
remains unchallenged as each world discovered is found to have ties to one ormmore spiritual
realms, with the creatures there subject to the same rules and hierarchy as on Rokugan.

Samurai
In governing, let us govern with true sincerity.
- from the journals of Asako Hirokuni

Samurai remain the only true 'people' in the Empire, adhering to hierarchies that derive their
power from the Emperor. No intelligent alien life has yet been found that might rival this
philosophy. Bushido remains the relevant code governing the lives of thensamurai class. The
scope of their responsibilities has shifted, with Clan or Family Daimyo ruling groups that
span vast areas of space. Planetary Governors control entire worlds, rather than the provinces
their ancestors might have held, while regional andncity governors are more numerous than
ever. Space stations also fall under the direction of governors, while the captain of a
spacefaring military vessel might direct as many people as your average city governor did in
the Empire's early centuries. This has led to even stronger stratification among the samurai,
from daimyo down to ji-samurai, everyone is strongly aware of their status and that of those
around them.

Among the samurai, many still serve as warriors for their clans. In the Age of Stars, the
importance of ranged combat has shifted, with firearms having become an absolutely
essential component of all forms of warfare, even as samurai still train for close combat and
still carry katana and wakizashi, the sacrosanct symbols of their caste. The essential
techniques used to fight with the weapons remains the same, but the materials and and
technology used to create them have changed dramatically. From the creation of radiant
energy weapons to blades forged with miniscule fragments from the hearts of collapsed stars
and infused with blessings to offset their incredible mass, samurai in this era bear blades
unlike anything their ancestors could have imagined. The art of warfare is ever evolving to
encompass the expanding technologies and alien enemies samurai encounter.

Vast armies of courtiers, diplomats, and bureaucrats keep the growing Empire running,
represent their clan's interests in court, and settle complex matters of interstellar trade. Pincast
technology allows communication across the void, allowing politically savvy lords to
coordinate the efforts of their underlings with unparalleled efficiency. The growth of mass
media entertainment allows news, the latest serial plays, and striking fashion trends to spread
quickly, challenging the artists, journalists, and courtiers of every clan to keep up. In the
shadows of these armies of warriors and officials, spies still lurk. Sacrificing honor to gain an
edge for their clans, they use all the tools at their disposal, which now include network
infiltration and hacking. Such paths remain dangerous, as the penalties for discovery are
harsh and unforgiving.
 Shugenja remain the spiritual heart of the Empire. There are tens of thousands of temples to
maintain, crops to bless, and all the important rites of passage to officiate. But their roles
have expanded beyond the traditional in many directions. For example, the
development of powerful ranged weaponry and radiant energy weapons has changed the role
of combat priests. While shugenja still serve with bushi in the front ranks of samurai elite
forces, most of these favor prayers that allow them to support their comrades or hinder the
efforts of their enemies rather than calling torrents of fire and lighting upon their foes.

There would be no Empire of the Emerald Stars if not for the cadre of Navigator Priests every
clan maintains. Using the specially constructed and sanctified Navcom station, even a
moderately powerful shugenja can guide huge ships through the currents of weave-space by
calling upon the water kami with the prayer, Opening the Way. Without the ability to jump
through space in this fashion, the Empire could not exist in its current form. Additionally,
intense spiritual research and development have made possible the many spirit-bound
technologies of the Age. The Empire would be unable to function without the gifts of priest-
engineers and priest-technicians. Current Imperial Edict decrees that no world can be settled
by the clans before it has been charted and sanctified by the Imperial Explorers. Thus, every
exploration mission carries a strong contingent of shugenja for the task.

Heimin
If we treat our subordinates harshly, it is only the harshness of a loving father towards his
child. Dedicate yourself to the service of your Lord. Exercise righteous stewardship over
those below you. Do this and know that you will never be cast aside.
– from the Sayings of Akodo Toshiko

The transition to the space age has benefited the lower classes immensely. Infant mortality
and average lifetime expectancies have improved greatly, though a gap still remains between
heimin and samurai. Additionally, the importance of rest has been acknowledged by the
overseers and most heimin doing hard labor have set 12 to 14 hour work shifts after which
they are allowed to return to their habitation complexes. Nearly all have access to basic health
care thanks to various charities and communal services. Technologies which create
nutritional food via microbial growth provides far better nutrition to these workers than they
would have expected in the past. Enterprising merchants have created small industries around
actually making such fare tasty as well as nutritious.

Recent centuries have seen the need for physical laborers decrease due to industrial and
agricultural improvements. Heimin currently outnumber samurai by 'only' 20 to 1 across the
Empire, though this balance shifts on colony worlds or mining settlements that may require
more heimin laborers. In addition to basic laborers, most clans still employ heimin ashigaru--
peasants with some level of military training--forming a citizen levy that can be called up as
needed. Their numbers vary greatly from clan to clan. For example, the Crane and Phoenix
tend to train heimin only as low level, local security forces, while the Mantis and Crab
maintain large forces of well-trained ashigaru to call upon at need.

Additionally, there is now a class of 'special workers,' with expertise in more advanced fields,
whom often work somewhat independently. Electricians, mechanics, merchants and nurses
fall into this category. These are frequently trained by samurai as high level assistants and
frequently consider themselves above the regular 'workers.' Artisans are also found among
this class, though they are relatively few in numbers and again serve primarily as higher level
assistants to samurai artisans. Ashigaru are counted among the special workers, though they
often consider themselves better than their peers. Ashigaru generally form the bulk of modern
armies, holding territory and undertaking the bulk of the work needed, allowing elite samurai
formations to maneuver freely.

Most heimin children are cared for in creches, freeing parents for work. They receive an
elementary education, learning to write and read simplistic texts, arithmetic, Tao, and the
history their lords feel they require. Rigorous testing during this education determines where
a child will be assigned and whether they will receive further formal education. Those
selected for more advanced training will nearly always leave their creche and community for
such training and will seldom find themselves assigned near their original home. Families are
generally proud of children who advance in such a fashion, but of necessity have developed a
culture of some detachment from such ties. Most will be around the same people from the
time of their first assignment until they die, while nearly half of their children will wind up
assigned elsewhere entirely.

Heimin have restricted access to the information and entertainment networks, leaving most
workers woefully unaware of how the Empire fares beyond their own world or station. They
usually have access to several Empire-wide entertainment networks and their clan's news and
heimin networks. Unsurprisingly, this leaves them very devoted to their clan, proud of their
service and sorry for those peasants suffering under much worse conditions for other clans, as
they receive a controlled propaganda. Thanks to the generally improved living conditions,
and frequent tales of the rough life of ancient peasantry, peasant uprisings are quite rare.

Hinin
There remain those tasked with the least pleasant jobs in the Empire: cleaning out yeast vats,
preparing the dead, cleaning city streets of filth. Eta have their own districts in most areas.
Generally, they dwell in buildings that are quite similar to the Heimin, but often with fewer
individual ameneties vs. shared ones. They do not receive more education than necessary for
their tasks, which usually includes at least rudimentary reading skills. They are seldom
welcomed by merchants, save those in their own districts, and are considered permanently
unclean, though they and their districts are usually subject to a once a year purification to
avoid dangerous spiritual imbalances in an area. A step up from eta are the unclean but
skilled tasks, like torturer, or autopsy assistant. They have greater training, and often gain
small perks such as having running water in their quarters rather than having to use the
common facilities. Geisha and other entertainers remain classified as hinin--non-samurai who
do work that is neither essential nor unclean--leaving them in an odd space of being hinin, but
often celebrated ones. Their education in some areas is frequently as good as some samurai
receive, and they live according to the acclaim and wealth their skills can earn them.

Monks
Monks retain their odd space in the social order. Retired samurai, religious heimin, and
occasionally those from other walks of life, all may find themselves drawn to the lives of
contemplation and service offered within the various Orders. They are held in high regard by
the lower classes due to the massive amount of charity work they have taken on, running
hospitals and frequently administering the schools attended by heimin children. Samurai
respect their wisdom and insight, seldom offering deliberate insult to monks despite their lack
of status.

Law
While modern surveillance technology has reduced the importance of duels to settle matters
of law, they remain the predominant means of settling matters of honor. For a time in the
mid-2500’s, it seemed that designer drugs might severely tarnish the art as duelist after
duelist was revealed to be using dangerous cocktails to enhance focus and speed. Blessings
developed by the Asahina to clear mind and body restored purity to the ancient ritual, though
the drugs remain popular in less savory arenas.

In contrast, the Kitsuki method has gained greater acceptance over time. Testimony is still
key to the legal system, but modern trial allow for evidence as well. The latter still requires a
higher standard, however. Thanks to high profile cases of falsified data, evidence is presented
with a great deal of corroborating information to prove it has not been falsified and was not
obtained by dishonorable means. Imperial Decree states that for evidence to be taken into
account in the courts, one must also prove that the evidence has not been tampered with.
Since it is often politically disastrous to openly doubt someone's testimony, but evidence has
no honor to uphold, magistrates have become skilled at debate that aims to create doubts
about evidence presented.

Unsurprisingly, the Kitsuki are acknowledged masters in the realms of collecting solid
evidence and casting doubts upon competing data. They have also pioneered the art of
psychology, a theoretical and practical study of behavior and mental function, that
allows them to profile criminals, craft arguments to sway those ruling on a case, and even
dissuade crimes through better understanding of criminals. Both the Emerald and Jade offices
still exist, having expanded massively to cover the expanded Empire. Clan magistrates are
split among those operating only at a local level, and those which travel to administer
business and make judgements for the clan on a wider scale.

Marriage
The increasingly stratified atmosphere among the samurai castes and the expansion of their
commercial and entertainment empires makes marriage even more of a contract between
entities looking for mutual advantage and the ability to maintain their dynasties. It is more
common than ever for the first few children of any family to have their future mates selected
before they are even born. Sometimes their fate is written into their grandparents’ contracts.
For example, the firstborn of Isawa FutureTech Industrial’s ruling family has been under
contract for 12 generations now to produce heirs (via marriage or concubinage) with the
Phoenix of their generation scoring highest on their gempukku exams for intelligence and
strength of connection to the kami. Similarly, when Hida Nagana’s young fiance was saved
from catastrophic depressurization of Dome 24 on Ichinaki II, Nagana swore to her rescuer,
Hiruma Sonoda, that her family would always provide grooms for his in gratitude for
bringing hers back. Since then, a member of her direct lineage has always married into
Sonoda’s, leading to the memorable match of Hida Junko and Hiruma Sajiko. Changing her
name to Junichi and wearing a stunning Shibanuma wedding set, Junko fulfilled her
ancestor’s promise of a groom in a generation without a single male birth in the family. Ever
since, such arrangements have slowly become normalized among the high ranking samurai.
In such mirror marriages, as the arrangement has come to be known, heirs are
produced with relatives or concubines. Technology allows even the standard 'sun and moon'
matches to use gestational proxies after careful manipulation of gametes to implant. The
choices made depend heavily upon the traditions and needs of those involved.
Unsurprisingly, expanding the options for matches and production of heirs creates endless
tensions between these agreements and individual desires, providing endless fictional,
historical, and tabloid fare on the Widenet.
Fashion
While much of Rokugani culture would be recognizable to the ancestors they revere, fashions
have come and gone through the ages, leading to some that would mystify or scandalize those
ancient samurai. Proper attire varies greatly across the Empire, depending on what clan and
world one hails from. Those from the central worlds and the Imperial City are usually the
trendsetters, with the rest of the Empire playing catch up to avoid looking like backwater
bumpkins when they must attend the more important courts. Some commonalities remain,
such as notable disdain for showing much skin in public. The practicalities of life aboard
ships and on space stations has made form-fitting clothing acceptable, but it means that such
clothing is considered pragmatic and a sign that one is 'working class' or military. Courtiers
delight in showcasing the exotic and impractical to set themselves apart

Fashions within court currently stress a fusion of new and old. Stylish courtiers don three to
five layers of robes in various styles that usually hearken back to ancient kimono, hanfu, or
other elaborate and flowing clothing. Silk is still a prominent fabric, but dozens of worlds and
hundreds of years of textile development provides limitless fabrics to craft such robes from.
The soft mesh of Anilan IV's snow lichens may layer atop stiff sleeves of mercury 'silk'
created by the strange insects of a metal-heavy world. This decade's styles have aimed to
create an air of impermanence by using thin cloth and slender designs, despite the layers.
Some use internal structures to seem to float from shoulders or hips. Printed patterns are often
minimalist and subtle, unless the pattern itself projects a sense of fleeting beauty. Thus cherry
blossoms, fireflies and autumn leaves are currently popular motif when someone wishes
bolder, or more elaborate decoration.

The Yasuki have recently been using glow-silk to fantastic effect, hoarding the secrets of
their bio-engineered Tashokukeiko-type silkworms. Meanwhile, the Mantis have made it a
point of pride to combine several types of cloth, each usually hailing from a different world,
to flaunt their wealth. Lion and Dragon courtiers prefer relatively simple garments,
embracing modest styles and subtle patterns currently in fashion. Stylish (and wealthy)
Dragon have made use of the glow-silk for designs glowing in subdued greens and golds. The
Spider have embraced rather anciently styled kimono made from a new material with a drape
and pile that deepens shadows within the pleats and folds. The Crane have recently begun to
incorporate this trend in their own styles, with shadowed blue weaves leading to the
nickname 'stormbirds' for this Spider-leaning faction. In contrast, the Scorpion have adopted
glittering metallic highlights, often treated to oxidize as the day progresses, providing a
highly visible show of impermanence and change. It can be somewhat disconcerting to watch
the patina creep across a copper mask hour by hour in court.

More than any other clan, the Unicorn make a point of using material from their home
worlds, making it easy to spot those from the newer colonies with their exotic and often
experimental materials and a greater penchant for leather and fur. Those from the less
'frontier' worlds adhere to the rest of the Empire's distaste for such materials, though they're
more likely than other clans to use synthetic leather or fur accents. There is some variance by
age as well, with elders having a fondness for wide, large sleeves and spreading robes with
colorful variance in the layers and contrasting accessories, while younger samurai keep to
slender designs and a great show of harmonizing layers and accessories.

On military and merchant vessels, all of the crew wears simpler and more form fitting
uniforms as fancier clothing would interfere with their work. Insignia is worn on sleeves and
collars, though each clan has its own system of symbols for the various ranks and
departments. Otherwise, outside the courts people dress according to the situation. Most
merchant patrons and diplomats show their status with elaborate, many-layered clothing or
carefully tailored jackets paired with dark hakama or skirts. Current fashions have it that
humbly dressed officials offer a poor image of their Clan, though the color palettes used for
the formal garbs are still rather limited. No Crane would wear bright green on official
business, for example. On the other hand, people serving in stertorous or demanding duties
are expected to dress accordingly. Yoriki, magistrates as well as medical crews wear simple
garb that allows the freedom of movement they require. Color and materials vary from
profession to profession, though artificial materials are favored over natural ones due to the
ease of maintenance.

While all encompassing hairstyle cannot be said to exist within the Empire, certain insights
can be drawn from the myriad styles seen in everyday life. People wearing elaborate clothing
are more likely to favor complex hair-styles, using various products for gravity defying feats
of hairdressing. In high society, good hair dressers are as valued as good tailors and the
largest diplomatic delegations often include both among their staff. Currently, merchants and
diplomats favor long hair to craft into elaborate styles capable of displaying many ornaments.
Mantis diplomats and merchants show a preference for corals and pearls in their
ornamentation, while others tend to favor rare woods and precious metals. Notably, the
Scorpion have lately become fond of red hued gold-copper alloys, while Crane and Phoenix
socialites often wear silver accessories tinted toward yellows and blues. Regardless of the
material used, most hair ornaments try to reflect the beauty of impermanence, meaning that
natural designs, such as flowers and leaves, are common. On the other hand, bushi and those
serving on space ships prefer short, tidy cuts that keep their hair out of their eyes. Some,
especially the samurai among the Daigotsu, go as far as to shave themselves entirely as hair is
seen as an unnecessary complication that makes it difficult to achieve a perfect air-tight fit on
protective equipment. Members of the merchant fleet and navy sometimes dye their hair as a
method of identification as sometimes crew must rush to combat stations without having time
to dress properly. Needless to say, bushi whom serve planetside do not follow this trend,
though Lion who join the Deathseekers have been known to dye their hair white. With the
high fashions favoring long hair, wigs are popular among bushi who are sometimes expected
to take part in courtly gatherings.

Arts
Just as fashions come and go, so do artistic trends. While the arts of the early 4th millennia
tended to be progressive and experimental, the current trends favor the more jovial and
uplifting style that was prevalent during the early days of expansion. Vibrant colors dominate
the visual arts as wealthy Crane patrons favor the such pieces. Among the Spider and the rare
Yogo artists grimmer tones prevail, but such artists find it hard to attain a wider audience.
Here too, ephemera are prized, with artists creating cloud 'paintings' or short-lived designs
upon beaches, meant to vanish in hours or days. Printings from Kakita Hokuzai's 48 Views of
the Empire portraying nature in the most beautiful worlds of the Celestial Empire are popular
throughout the galaxy.

Poetry follows the same trends as visual arts and tends to celebrate beauty and uplifting
emotions, often focusing on the ephemeral nature of both. The current big names are Yasuki
Tomoko and Doji Masatsugu whose works have spread across the galaxy. Tomoko is known
for her vibrant language and prose celebrating fleeting, pure moments of love. Her most
recent collection 'Once Lost' has surpassed Masatsugu's 'The Wind that Scatters Leaves' on
the sales charts, though the Crane claim this is due to Yasuki market manipulation. Doji
Masatsugu's work is more subdued and melancholic despite current trends. Their popularity
is a testament to the man's skill.

Serial plays, plays recorded in specially designed theaters and later shown via widecasts have
become popular in recent centuries. While traditional theaters still exist, these serial plays
allow for more complex story-lines and have become the mainstay of the field. Classical noh
and kabuki have become rare, appreciated and supported mostly by the kuge. Scorpion and
Crane are the undisputed masters of this new art form, both producing several serials at any
given time. The Kakita produced Four Winds, a historical play loosely placed on the events
of the 12th century is currently followed across the galaxy. It finds somewhat less popularity
among the Scorpion, whom are shown in a questionable light. Meanwhile, The Orchid, a
risque serial focusing on the lives of a house of modern geisha has wide audiences and has
spawned quite a bit of imitation among actual geisha looking to attract customers.

Some older works of art enjoy still the appreciation they won during their times. The satirical
plays published by Bayushi Fumie in the early 21st century are still widely read and often
adapted by contemporary playwrights. In a similar vein, the majestic, classical musical scores
penned by Kakita Teppei, Yoritomo Hachi and Yasuki Nana during Iweko XXXVI's reign
often feature in the programs of modern orchestras.

Economy
Gone are the days when the Empire's entire economy was based upon rice. The currency of
the Empire retains the ancient names--koku, bu, and zeni--the value of which is ever shifting
as trade travels between the stars. Bureaucrats in the Imperial Capitol track trade, particularly
staples such as grain, fuel, water, and metals to set the official valuation for koku several
times a year. Many agreements reference this Imperial Koku, allowing savvy traders to take
advantage of shifts that are not reflected in the Imperial numbers until the next formal
announcement.

Most samurai still expect the majority of their basic needs to be met by lord or company, with
a stipend to cover incidentals and an expense account to manage purchases required in the
line of duty. For wealthy clans, this works reasonably well, while those with fewer resources
try to provide their people with at least minimal skills to avoid picking up supplies on the
most expensive parts of their routes. Finance is no longer quite as dishonorable or stigmatized
as it once was, though it is still one of the least prestigious of professions. Even those who
came by their status or wealth through their own shrewd dealings tend to downplay their
involvement and understanding of such matters, since being able to pay others to manage
your funds is a symbol of rank and power.

For the most part, records and funds exist as data in the Clans' computer networks. However,
nearly everyone still carries some coin. Whether it's a heimin takoyaki cart, or a black market
drug sale, some things just don't exist in the networks. Likewise, newer colonies aren't always
reliably connected.
Ronin
The masterless samurai, better known as ronin, are nowadays a rare sight within the Empire.
The clan samurai view them as unwanted trouble, while commoners fear these wanderers
who could snap and lash out with deadly violence at any time. Ronin retain the privileges of
samurai – they may carry two swords, wear armour, and demand respect from heimin, for
example. But because they have no lord, they have no protector and no income. As far as
samurai go, they are considered the lowest of the low. They may have the right to wear the
daisho, but without clan backing they lack the financial wherewithal to keep this valuable
equipment in good condition. This means that ronin weaponry is often in a shabby state of
repair. The most desperate swallow their pride and sell their equipment, an action that
bespeaks a true loss of hope for a samurai.

The advances in technology have narrowed the fields of work available for the ronin. With
the advent of modern communication technologies allowing the clans to exert unequivocal
control over their retainers and serfs, no heimin village or merchant convoy is ever in need of
protection it could not request from their superiors. This doesn’t mean that ronin are never
hired for such duties, only that hiring external help has become the last resort as the clan
organizations have been designed to run with the personnel readily available. Ronin are also
practically never used as diplomats as sending a wave man to conduct business or
negotiations in one’s stead could be considered a grave insult to the other party.

Becoming a ronin

There are several paths by which a samurai falls to the status of ronin. The first route opens
when samurai’s lord dies the surviving samurai are shamed by their failure to die with their
lord, sometimes even turning down the offer of a position with a new lord, clinging
fanatically to the oaths to a master who is now dead and gone. Sometimes samurai forsakes
her oaths in protest of her lord’s behaviour, choosing to follow her own moral compass
despite of the grave consequences of such an action. More commonly, a ronin is made when a
lord dismisses a samurai from his service and does not even allow him the honourable option
of ritual suicide. This punishment leaves the samurai, as the saying goes, “vegetating in
shame”, as to commit seppuku without permission would only bring more dishonour. Where
the survivors of a destroyed clan often have vengeance to cling to, no matter how
misdirected, ronin who are cast out as punishment frequently become directionless nihilists,
caring little for themselves or the consequences of their actions.

With public healthcare extending all the way to the heimin and hinin, few are born ronin. The
illegitimate children of samurai parentage are often adopted by the clan or sent to
monasteries, a policy that even the most traditional clans uphold. Even the Crane and Lion
see value of raising these undesirables as ji-samurai, allowing them to bolster their ranks
while minimizing their negative impact on the society. More rarely, one might be a ronin due
to having been born to ronin parents. Such occasions are few and far between as most ronin
bands exist only for few scant years before their members die or are forced disband.
Exceptions to this rule exist, especially on the holdings governed by multiple clans as the
ronin bands can seek employment from multiple sources as long as they tread carefully.
Scorpion governed World of Dreams with its continent wide-cities is an example of such a
settlement and at least three more or less well established ronin groups exist on the world.
The ronin’s survival guide for the 32nd century

If you become a ronin, your options are limited. You no longer have a position in the clan,
but your samurai status precludes you from taking on menial work of the kind befitting a
commoner. Some of the honorable ronin have found employment among the merchant
patrons, guarding their storehouses or working as bouncers in the worst hell holes of the
entertainment districts. In return from the tedious and sometimes dangerous duties the wave
men can expect a humble meal and a place to sleep, at best. Many are the unscrupulous
patrons who would lure the desperate to work for them, only to cast them out when the time
of payment comes. Most of ronin thus employed try to keep to the shadows and avoid
attracting attention to themselves, even if the authorities tolerate their presence. Ronin also
also employed as hired swords, though seen as eminently expendable and often called upon
to perform near suicidal tasks. For the ronin who care little of honor, the future is filled with
opportunities among the lowlife scattered across the Empire. Ronin employed by the gangs
often work as hitmen and bodyguards and are expected to follow the orders of the oyabun to
a letter.

While fraught with risks, such life is not without rewards and several former samurai have
made themselves name among the underworld. And if the ronin picks their victims carefully,
they can make a decent living – perhaps decent enough to set up as an independent merchant
and get back to something like a normal life. Presence of the ronin at public occasions is
tolerated, but by no means encouraged. Some of the nobles make certain that ronin no are
turned away from their fetes or tournaments, whereas others make sure they are not seen in
the presence of the clanless.

The recently exiled often avoid all publicity for a fear of being recognized. Regardless of the
opinions of their betters, the ronin are welcome to all mercantile establishments as long as
they have the coin, though upper end inns and restaurants have been known to refuse ronin
unaccompanied by a clansman. All of the temples however, are open to the ronin and the
monks tending to the shrines often provide shelter and food for the ronin. This arrangement
benefits both parties as while technically nothing is expected from the outcasts, many of the
ronin assist the monks in their duties, for example by keeping order during charities and
helping them with the necessary repairs. Sometimes this symbiotic existence leads to the
ronin donning the robes of an initiate and many of the sohei, as the militant monks as known,
serving in the temples are former ronin, having founds spiritual refuge in the arms of the
Brotherhood.

Ronin born as shugenja have an easier time, with most Clans willing to allow them to swear
loyalty as long as they have not erred on the wrong side of the law. While ronin turned
clansman might have difficulties advancing on their career and securing a profitable
marriage, they will find their basic needs met as long as they perform their duties. These
duties often include becoming a caretaker of a minor shrine as well as marrying an another
shugenja in hopes of producing progeny capable of hearing the whispers of the kami. Those
ronin shugenja unwilling to swear loyalty can easily find employment among the lowlife and
merchants seeking to bolster their fame by employing a priest of the kami. Such
arrangements are often fraught with danger, even if ronin shugenja can usually expect a fair
compensation in return for their efforts.
Professional options of ronin

HIRED SAMURAI
Hiring out your sword to lords in need has the advantage of utilising your training. However,
the clam samurai view you as eminently expendable, and will be more than happy to send
you on suicide missions. After all, if you don’t come back they don’t have to pay you. Still,
desperate times call for desperate measures.

ORGANIZED CRIME
This common ronin activity is low-class, vulgar, and apt to get you killed by the lords of the
land where you operate. On the other hand, you don’t have to take orders from anyone and, if
you pick your victims well, you can make a decent living – perhaps decent enough to set up
as an independent merchant and get back to something like a normal life.

SECURITY GUARD
It’s embarrassing, but shopping malls and gambling arcades throughout the Empire are
always on the lookout for tough guys with combat experience and management skills to
protect shoppers and retailers from thieves and troublemakers. Every other head of security at
a mall or gambling hall these days seems to be a ronin.

SPY
You can put your insider knowledge to good use as a spy, though it often means engaging in
some deeply dishonourable and deceitful activities. Your ability to talk the samurai talk will
be invaluable in bluffing your way into secure facilities or meeting
rooms.
Some Famous Organizations
Crab

Silver Fin Productions

This Yasuki news network produces news, propaganda, and light entertainment for the
masses. The channel is probably best known for its sumai coverage, easily the best and most
complete among widecast networks. Unfortunately for the Yasuki, public opinion among
everyone other than sumai enthusiasts has it that the Yasuki productions are somewhat stale
compared to the Crane and Scorpion ones.

Toritaka Irregulars
These mixed units of shugenja and bushi with specialized training in handling dangerous
spirits have gained a reputation for being highly effective, as well as for having the absolute
best ghost stories to share. Nominally part of the 2nd Crab army, the Toritaka Irregulars are
often deployed alongside Hida and Hiruma forces when the Crab are tasked with pacifying a
spiritually unstable world.

Grey Carp Holdings

A Clan conglomerate that runs most of Crab trade, and guides production according to the
Clan’s needs. The core of the organization is its Savants, samurai specialized in processing all
the information the clan’s agents gather. Alongside its legitimate activities, Grey Crab
Holdings contains the Minnow Department which, despite its name, is responsible for high
profile corporate and technological espionage.

Tokubetsu Keimu Butai ‘Tokeibu’

Also knows as ‘Black Badges’ due to the black mons bearing the kanji for ‘truth’ that are a
badge of the office, the Tokeibu are part of the Crab magisteriate and law enforcement. The
organization is responsible for investigating incidents and suspicions oflawbreaking or other
misconduct attributed to Crab officials, magistrates and yoriki. Those found guilty are
sometimes given a chance to redeem themselves in combat by serving in the 4th Moshibaru
penal legion that is routinely assigned to the most dangerous and demeaning tasks.

Crane
Asahina World-Gardeners
The Asahina have a reputation for creating worlds of such harmony and ecological
complexity that an exploration mission would have difficulty knowing it has been
terraformed. Thus, despite the long timelines until delivery and outrageous fees, the Asahina
have a backlog of clients that should see them busy well into the next century. Only the most
experienced shugenja are allowed to work on the terraforming projects, each of them having
dozens of apprentices and students under their command.

Kakita News Network

The Crane’s main voice in space and a notable producer of quality serial plays. Many
journalists, playwrights and technically-oriented shugenja serve the Crane under the
network’s auspices. Known as the most aesthetically pleasing network around. It’s said that
even bad news seems lighter when delivered by the attractive, beautifully-dressed announcers
of this network in their harmonious studios.

Ghosts, the 7th Daidoji battalion

A fast-moving, light unit currently under the command of Daidoji Renka, the Daidoji 7th is
known for frustrating the enemy and their own command by frequently showing up where
least expected. Masters of guerrilla warfare and infiltration tactics, the unit has served the
Crane with distinction over the past seven decades. Ghosts’ unit insignia portrays seven white
chrysanthemums on black background.

Shimotsuki
Shimotsuki (Frostmoon) is a renowned luxury liner and the pride of the Doji civilian navy.
Traveling between World of Dreams and Golden Mirror, Shimotsuki is crewed by the most
senior Crane navigators, along with officers deemed too old for active military service. The
ship's hosts and entertainers are among the best the Crane can offer, and service aboard the
vessel is considered an honor among the Crane. Able to carry over fifteen hundred passengers
and a crew of four hundred, the decks of Shimotsuki are filled with luxurious cabins, high
quality restaurants, sake houses and no less than three bath houses.

Dragon
Tamori Dragonfire Grenadiers
The Grenadiers are Tamori warrior-priests who are trained to channel their inner Fires
directly through their firearms, increasing power output well beyond normal specifications.
Their already formidable capabilities bolstered by myriad prayers, the Dragonfire Grenadiers
are among the most versatile Dragon special forces. More traditional Tamori used to refer
mockingly to the Grenadiers as ‘gun-priests’, eventually leading the members of the unit to
adopt this monicker as their own. Their unit insignia portrays a dragon bearing stylized
cannon.

Kitsuki Mercantile
The Kitsuki-run organization responsible for the rather meager Dragon trade and investment
activities. They are assisted by Tonbo shugenja who have turned their divinatory skills
toward market prognostication, the KM aims to ensure that Dragon worlds remain well-
supplied. Thanks to Dragon resourcefulness, they manage surprisingly well.

The Hiryu
This Yari-class cruiser has been heavily modified by Agasha shipwrights for a single
purpose; transporting supplies to small Dragon holdings scattered around the galaxy. Part of
the small Dragon navy logistics department, its arrival is warmly received throughout Dragon
territories. Designed to enhance the optimal flow of internal energies, Hiryu is something of a
mystery even to its crew of capable, stir-crazy mariners. Strangers coming aboard have
inadvertently gotten lost for days, sometimes joining the crew when they find that the ship
has already left port for its next distant destination. There are rumors of a serial play in
production that depicts a fanciful version of crew life and travels.

Ironbound
A loosely-defined sect of Togashi monks bearing fleshcrafts and the Tamori priests who aid
and study them. The monks have chosen to add machines to their bodies due to an injury or
by choice as part of their individual path to enlightement. Members of Ironbound are united
by a loose belief in finding enlightenment via perfecting the union of man and machine. Most
Tamori consider them near-heretical, shunning those forge-shugenja who associate with
them. Still, there are enough priests willing to bear the scorn of their peers to aid the monks
that they are able to continue.

Lion
Ikoma Widecast Network
The Lion clan’s prime news network is best known for its detailed, if opinionated,
documentaries. Only the most experienced samurai are allowed to work on the actual
broadcasts, with hordes of junior courtiers and assistants working on gathering and creating
the contents for the channel. Additionally, their stable of outstanding opera companies keep
viewership high.

The Red One, the First Lion Legion

This legion consists entirely of hardened veterans trusted to carry out their demanding duties
in situations where failure is not an option. The Red One, known for the large red kanji for
‘one’ used as its insignia, is the hammer of the Lion armies, crushing against the enemy
defences with devastating force and inevitably breaking through their lines. Lesser Lion
forces are then used to exploit and hold the ground gained by these seasoned veterans.

11th Frigate Squadron

Composed of four Ono class frigates (Alert, Courageous, Dauntless and Firemane), the Lion
11th Frigate Squadron has served the clan over three decades, serving on the Mantis front.
Commanded and manned by Matsu, the squadron is famous for its bold and decisive
maneuvers in the face of enemy fire.

Kitsu Department of Hortonomy

This academy and research facility for agricultural spirit-sciences is located on Inari’s Cradle.
Strictly hierarchical organization ensures that everyone knows the extent of their duties,
meaning that the projects planned by the senior researchers are carried out meticulously.
While this methodology ensures that no stones are left unturned, it also means that actual
revolutionary results are few and far between. Lion leadership sees the department as crucial
part of the machinery that keeps the clan’s heimin and samurai fed.

One-Four, 14th Naval Combat Engineer Legion

This legion is composed mostly of ashigaru and dishonored Lion samurai. Trained to perform
various construction and demolition tasks under combat conditions the 14th is known as the
Ash Legion for its high casualty rate. Equipped to construct bridges and fortifications, the
14th has served the last 13 months in the Crossroads system, serving along more prestigious
units, laying siege to, and breaching Mantis fortifications. Unit insignia portrays a yellow
warfan bearing black kanji for ‘fourteen’.

Mantis
Lightning News Network
Originally founded by the Komori, LNN remains one of the oldest widecast networks, best
known for broadcasting news before other networks, often without thorough investigation in
the rush to be first. Despite more shame-filled retractions than any other network, LNN
shows little sign of changing their ways.

Chizuru’s Cutthroats, part of the Mantis Pirate Fleet

A small, but brutally effective group of corsairs sailing the ship Amaterasu’s Vengeance. The
crew is composed mostly of female Moshi bushi, led by the Moshi champion herself. The
ship’s navigators are the only shugenja aboard, both of whom hail from the Yoritomo ranks
as Chizuru disdains her priestly kinswomen. While the true identity of the captain of
Amaterasu’s Vengeance is largely unknown outside the Mantis, the ship and its crew are
infamous for their daring raids into Lion-held space.

Special Meteorological Service (SMS)

Part of the Mantis army, the Special Meteorological Service is a dedicated unit formed by
shugenja and scholars specialized in weather manipulation. Serving behind the lines, the men
and women of SMS are used to ensure that the weather favours Mantis land and air forces
when possible.

Yoritomo Stormguard
Chosen among the fittest and strongest of Yoritomo samurai, the Stormguard are an elite
cadre of warriors, serving directly under the Yoritomo high command. The grueling training
regimen the Stormguard applicants go through strengthens their bodies while the lessons of
the priest-physicians teach them how to tap into their inner Water. Often employing
warglaves and other melee weapons, the Stormguard are heavily armored shock troops used
to assault spaceships and fortifications. Swift and dauntless, the Stormguard have reaped
glory and honor on many theatres of war, proving the value of special forces many times
over. In public, members of the stormguard stand easily out thanks to their dark green special
issue uniforms.

Department of Central Security (DCS)

Easily identifiable by the long silver badge they bear on their sleeves, the DCS members are
commonly known as Silver Lines or just 'Lines' by the general population. Tasked with
countering espionage, financial and organized crime the Department of Central Security has
authority to act on any and all Mantis settlements.

MCA

Usagi Witchfinders
A small, specialized group of Hare bushi and shugenja tasked with seeking and hunting down
any who would discourse with kansen. Leading solitary lives, the Witchfinders roam the
galaxy, hunting rumors of heresy and blood magic.

Usagi 1st Spaceborne battalion

Pride of the Hare military, the 1st spaceborne are the epitome of what most Rokugani
strategists call ‘space marines’. Possessing a sizable arsenal of gliders, flyers and dropships,
the 1st spaceborn battalion can be deployed with relatively short notice to nearly any
imaginable location on a given world. Much of the Crane’s success on Kanon no Namida
against the Mantis can be attributed to the foolhardy maneuvers of the Hare troops.

Kitsune Biopharmaticals
The flagship of Kitsune mercantile efforts, Kitsune Biopharmaticals is responsible for
commercializing the discoveries of the Kitsune biochemists. Novel drugs are constantly being
developed, though the pharmacological wing of the company actually operates at loss. The
money maker of the company is its pharmatics department, whose Yasuki-endorsed and
marketed perfumes are sold throughout the Empire. Their best-selling perfume, simply
known as Tail 9, has become iconic… and something of a political statement among the Lion
and the Crab. Some of the more traditional Crane celebrities are also associated with Tail 9.

Rangers of Zuiryu
The most famous of all Shark forces, the Rangers of Zuiryu are trained to use wide range of
equipment and have to endure an intense regime of physical conditioning. Very few qualify
for the Rangers, and fewer can complete the arduous training program, which results in
hardened, lethal men and women specialized in jungle and amphibious warfare. Their
mempo, molded into the shape of a shark’s jaw, are designed to inspire terror in the hearts of
all who face them. A privilege afforded to each Ranger squadron is for their officers to
choose camouflage patterns for their half-masks. While some prefer the conventional jungle
camouflage in shades of light green, brown, and grey, others stand out and keep the
manufacturer’s bone-white basic color, contemptuously reasoning that the best of the best
don’t have to hide from anyone.

Phoenix
First Experimental Squadron
Nominally part of the Phoenix First Starfleet, the First Experimental Squadron is a ragtag
collection of two fast cruisers and four frigates. The vessels have been fitted with the most
recent inventions of the Isawa engineers; though in order to thoroughly test all the new
technologies, no two ships are alike. Besides their normal crews, contingents of shugenja and
engineers serve on the ships. In recent years, the experimental squadron has seen some action
against both the Mantis and the Unicorn with variable success.

Rhapsody of Fire
The name refers both to the institution and the group of artist/spellwrights, Rhapsody of Fire
is a relatively large, loose-knit group of Fire and Air shugenja who develop and perform
groundbreaking audiovisual performances. Spellbound pyrotechnics and illusions guarantee
that the audience is slowly, but certainly drawn into the enchanting weave wrought by the
Phoenix musicians. Currently, no less than four troupes of ‘Rhapsody’ are touring the galaxy,
performing Asako Seika’s latest masterpiece ‘Fire, Dance With Me’.

Isawa Earthworks
One of the smallest branches of Isawa Engineering, the Earthworks is concerned with two
duties. Firstly, their shugenja-agrologists serve on newly colonized worlds, improving the soil
and cataloguing potentially useful local fauna. Secondly, the Earthworks is responsible for
planning and orchestrating the clan's mining activities across the galaxy.

Eternity Research Program

Composed of three deep space research vessels (Towa, Towa II and Chiyo) and their ever
changing crews, the eternity research program has scoured the edges of the southwestern
spiral of the galaxy for the past three decades. Outside of most galactic travel paths and far
from human-inhabited worlds, they try to study the connections to the spirit realms and the
nature of the elements as far from human influence as they can get.
Scorpion
Soshi Entertainment and News Network
This network provides the bulk of basic entertainment across the galaxy and indoctrination to
inhabitants of Scorpion-held worlds. Many talented illusionists work for Soshi Entertainment
and News Network, helping set the scenes for the many serial plays the network produces.

Calabash, the 3rd Shosuro Scout battalion

Masters of unfair warfare, the 3rd Shosuro Scout Battalion is the most renowned of several
guerrilla formations the clan of secrets fields. Gathering intelligence, assassinating key
enemy personnel, or planting traps, the unit specializes in generally making the enemy’s life
as miserable as possible, allowing the Scorpion regulars to fight weary, weakened and
disoriented enemy troops.

Orchid Department
Part of Bayushi trade efforts, Orchid Department, at least on paper, focuses on luxury items.
Orchid’s agents seek markets and merchandise, frequenting courts to keep tabs on the current
trends of the Empire. However, this is merely a cover for a more sinister purpose. In reality,
the Orchid is one entity responsible for organizing and collecting information from the
Scorpion's vast spy networks.

Storm of Petals Troupe

Composed of carefully selected athletes, performers and shugenja, Storm of Petals is more a
troupe of artists than an actual department within the Scorpion organization. Storm of Petals
calls the World of Dreams home, putting on weekly spectacles that combine music, dance,
detailed illusions and feats of arms. Mock-battles of lithe athletes, used to tell stories old and
new, are accompanied by progressive, aweinspiring orchestral music and kami-spawned
landscapes and visual effects. Not all members of Storm of Petals reside on the World of
Dreams; small groups, often accompanied by singular shugenja, roam the galaxy, following
the many invitations the organization receives.

Spider

Black Guard, 4th Daigotsu Infantry Battalion

The Spider wage war against enemies of the Throne on countless worlds, killing and dying in
the name of the Emperor. In pursuit of this duty, the Kuchiki have developed several
chemical and biological weapons for use against these alien enemies. However, these
weapons are double-edged, as many are toxic to humans as well. Waging war in the toxic
ruins of Kuchiki advance measures requires extra equipment, and extra fortitude. The Black
Guard was developed as an elite formation, trained to take the fight to surviving enemies in
conditions deadly to normal troops. Known for their stubborn resolve and endurance, the
Daigotsu 4th is considered one of the elite battalions of the first Spider army.

Unit 137
Officially, Unit 137 is a small detachment of Kuchiki botanists and agronomists, frequently
deployed on distant Spider worlds to support their colonization. In truth, the unit is
responsible for cutting edge biotechnical and necromantic research. Its scientists study the
methods of instilling spirits into ‘hollows’-biological replicas of samurai-in aims to create a
deadly, tireless and utterly loyal army.
Shadeworks Combine
Despite its ominous name, Shadeworks Combine (SC) is merely an umbrella organization for
the Spider’s sparse mercantile operations. Tasked with coordinating the clan’s meager trade,
the ranks of the SC are filled with administrators and skilled analysts.

Smoking Bats, 15th Daigotsu Legion

Originally founded as a planetary guard unit on the distant world of Blightwell. As Blightwell
was far away from the active battle zones and held no interest to the other great clans, a
popular saying among the troops noted that “It was more likely for a bats to smoke than for
the ceremonial defense forces to go the front and fight.” However, casualties suffered by the
ill-fated 14th legion on HNW-482, a world the Spider were tasked with pacifying, meant that
the troops of the 15th found themselves fighting a grueling two-year campaign to eradicate
the hostile native life there. During this time, the troops embraced the moniker ‘Smoking
Bats’; a name made official by the Spider high command.

The Truth
The official and the only voice of the Spider in space. Ran by joint efforts of Susumu and
Daigotsu, The Truth provides the Spider samurai with news, entertainment and religious
broadcasts.

Unicorn
Wings of Utaku, the 1st Utaku lancer squadron.
The household guard of the Utaku daimyo, the first Utaku lancer squadron utilizes ships
capable of atmospheric flight to deploy quickly from orbit. Both drop troops and mobile
infantry are used to engage the opposition on favorable terms, and many liken these tactics to
the unstoppable Unicorn cavalry charges of old. Barring their brief deployment against the
Phoenix, the Wings of Utaku have seen little combat during recent years, and the unit today is
a pale shadow of the one that won fame during the second War of the Worlds.

Battlecruiser Chomchog
Many of the Unicorn have returned to their ancient nomadic traditions, though often with a
thoroughly modern flair, and the Moto battlecruiser Chomchog is a perfect example of this.
Poorly armed, but fast and durable, the ship has been redesigned to be self-sustaining for
years at a time, it often orbits newly discovered planets, serving as a temporary station and
base for exploration and cultivation teams. With a hold full of exotic resources from barely
examined worlds, it spends another portion of its travels trading from system to system,
providing the Unicorn an unconventional platform for some of their commercial and
diplomatic efforts.

Ide Holdings
Ide’s largest and most active conglomerate, Ide Holdings was set up for the purposes of
increasing and managing the clan’s finances. Investors, bankers and traders, the agents of the
organization span across the known galaxy, looking ways to make friends and profit.

Iuchi Aetherguides
Aetherguides are the absolute cream of the crop of the Unicorn navy, chosen from among the
most seasoned Iuchi Navigators. While the Aetherguides themselves are small in numbers,
each of these powerful priests has several acolytes under their care. Invites to study under an
Aetherguide sensei are rare and often used as political fodder by the Iuchi houses.
Imperial

Imperial Explorers
Much of the Imperial Histories were lost during the great cataclysm, but the Ikoma historians
have managed to trace the creation of the Imperial Explorers in the late 12th century.
According to the Ikoma findings, the Imperial Explorers were created by Iweko I as a branch
within the Imperial Bureaucracy. Their original task was the exploring and mapping of the
Colonies as well identification of resources that could be taken back to Rokugan. Originally
only Spider and Mantis samurai were allowed to join the explorers, but it seems that this
policy changed over time. The original Explorers remained active for several decades while
the settlements in the Colonies were expanded to their full glory. The next mention of the re-
formed Explorers can be dated to the time following the great cataclysm, with the Imperial
Explorers reaching out from Rokugan to see how the other tribes of the planet had survived.

Once it became evident that the Rokugani were the only standing great civilization, the
Explorers were fully reinstated and sent to discover what the world had to give to the near-
demolished Emerald Empire that was running short of food and easily arable land after
centuries of over-farming. This time is known as the first golden age of exploration as the
Empire spread first its influence and then its people around the entire planet.

Grand Fleet of the Emerald Champion

The Imperial legions hearken to the call of the Emerald Champion, and Kagami has used her
authority to delegate nearly one-third of Seppun vessels to her personal ‘Emerald Fleet’. This
potent formation composed of a mish-mash of older and newer ships is led by the Emerald
Blade, flagship of the Emerald Champion. Half again as large as a Katana-class cruiser and
carrying enough firepower to rival three of those most dangerous craft, the Emerald Blade is
truly worthy of her name. Recently the Emerald Fleet has been deployed near the shipping
lanes leading from and to Crossroads system in anti-piracy duties, seeking
out and destroying the deep space dockyards the small and nimble pirate vessels need to
operate far from
home.

Heavenly 9
Heavenly 9 is an idol group made up of nine members, each originating from the Great Clans.
The creation of the group was first formed by a show featured on the Voice of the Miya News
and Entertainment Network, Galaxy Talent. The show started with 10 candidates for each
Clan and they were narrowed down to a sole representative by the end of the show. Since
then, the Heavenly 9 have been touring the galaxy and performing to sold-out concerts for
nearly a decade. The group's mostly ranges around catchy beats that cater to contemporary
tastes, easily in the category of pop and R&B. It is said the group was manufactured by the
Otomo to promote both talents and competition within the Great Clan, but there's no denying
that the group is vastly popular throughout the Empire's civilized systems.
Warfare in space
The whole principle of naval fighting is to be free to go anywhere with every damned thing
the Navy possesses.
- Admiral Yoritomo Akino

The vast interstellar expansion of the Empire has been made possible by the development of
extremely complex magical ritual, first created by the Phoenix and the Unicorn shugenja.
Thousands of years ago, the precursor of this spell was known to many as Walking the Way,
in which single shugenja could create single shugenja could create a tunnel-like conduit
between two locations and a traveller could walk through it. The current version of the spell
that operates on the same principle, known as Opening the Way, required originally hundreds
of shugenja, depending on the size of the vessel being affected. Recent improvements in
techno-magicks and the development of so called Navigation Computers, Navcoms, immense
computational devices impregnated with large amounts of water kami allow a single well-
trained shugenja to take any vessel through a similar conduit. This spell allows for
immeasurably vast distances to be covered in short amounts of time, essentially giving the
Rokugani the ability to move their vessels at speeds faster than light.

Vessels of war
Capital Ships
The state-of-the-art spacecraft currently employed by the Great Clans is without question the
Katana-class battlecruiser. With its sleek lines and a shape reminiscent of weapons whose
name it bears, the Katana is present in the fleets of all Great Clans. This is not to say that the
vessels fielded by the different clans are identical, as they all are unique copies of the Lion's
model, but their capabilities are roughly equal to their model and thus they are grouped
together under the same name. Although the numbers fielded vary greatly due to the vast
resources and manpower needed to create and operate such craft. At bare minimum, however,
almost every family in each Great Clan maintains at least one of these steel behemoths as
their flagship. (A few rare exceptions do exist, such as Tsuruchi and Tonbo families.)

If the Katana is the grand example of spacecraft prowess, it is only fitting that the Wakizashi-
class cruiser, originally built by the Lion as well, is the workhorse. Far and away the most
numerous ship found in the Rokugani fleets, the Wakizashi has replaced the older Yari-class
laid down by the Crab as early as 28th century. The new Wakizashi-class ships are slightly
less than half the size of the mighty Katana but require only fraction of its crew. They are
exceptionally efficient vessels, and easily modified to to serve a number of purposes. For
example the Unicorn have several heavily modified Wakizashi, designated as Junghar class
which serve as light carriers, while Spider Clan has a small flotilla of corrupted Wakizashi
crewed by undead samurai and thralls, stripped bare of all life support systems and enchanted
with dark techno-magicks. Having lost all resemblance to the Wakizashi they were built on,
these ships are known as Immortal-class for their legendary durability in combat. Similarly
the Scorpion Shinobi-class cruisers are actually heavily modified Wakizashi with advanced
cloaking equipment and improved sensory arrays. Mantis has also their own version of
Wakisashi, the Nightshroud class. Designed by the Komori scientists and built with
Spidercrafted mystical metals, the vessel is near invisible to Scrying Orbs at great distances.
However, due to their great costs, only two of these ships have been built.
Beyond the Katana, Wakizashi and their variants, there is a great variety of other ships that
generally fall under the category of cruiser. The vary widely in design and function, and
many clans have their own particular ship types unique to them. One of the most prevalent is
the Manti Atakebune-class cruiser, a remarkably swift and agile craft capable of operating
both in space and atmosphere. In particular, Atakebunes excel in aquatic operation, and its
not uncommon for a large number of them to travel through space in large numbers and then
descend into oceans of a distant world to harvest specific resources. Lion, on the other hand,
have taken entirely different approach. Their lightly armed, but heavily armored and nimble
Shori-class cruisers are used to transport the clan’s legion across the space unto the hostile
territories, where the improved defenses of the ships ensure that the Lion land forces can be
deployed from the orbit with minimal losses.

Naginata-class cruisers, precursors to Wakizashi-class, are still found in the navies of Great
Clans, though their somewhat limited mobility means that they are mostly used either in
conjunction with Katanas or as part of planetary defense fleets where their heavier weapons
form a deterrent against all but the most heavily armed attackers. Carriers are the least
numerous of large-scale warships, and most clans only employ a few number of these
lumbering behemoths. Although they vary in size, carriers are typically at least as large as a
cruiser, with the largest of them exceeding the size of the Katana-class battlecruisers. These
vessels are Daikyu-class carriers, ships of such an enormous size that most clans chose not to
field them at all. The Tsuruchi family of the Mantis Clan has one as of their flagship and the
Unicorn are known to posses two of these slumbering giants. Each Daikyu is capable of
transporting and deploying over hundred Tanto-class ships. Smaller versions of the Daikyu-
class include the Yumi, the most commonly employed carrier and the much smaller Junghar-
class employed by the Unicorn which can carry only four squadrons of fighters.

Typical complements of capital vessels

Class Officers Other Crew
Katana 1 Shireikan, 3-4 Taisa, 600-1000 samurai,
9-20 Chuui, 20-60 Gunso 200-300 Ashigaru

Daikyu 2 Shireikan, 4-5 Taisa, 600-900 samurai,

15-30 Chuui, 45-90 Gunso 300-400 Ashigaru

Wakizashi Shireikan, 1-2 Taisa, 50-100 samurai,

6-8 Chuui, 12-60 Gunso 50-150 Ashigaru
Masakari 1-2 Taisa, 2-4 Chuui, 15-50 samurai,
6-8 Gunso 5-40 Ashigaru
Voidfarer 1 Taisa, 2 Chuui 10-20 samurai,
4-6 Gunso 0-15 Ashigaru

Smaller vessels

Live to fly, fly to live, do or die.

- Attributed to Iuchi Sachie, fighter ace of the Second War of Worlds

In addition to the larger ships, all clans wield number or smaller vessels in various roles.
Frigates, vessels crewed by few dozen samurai, are used to both escort larger ships as well as
to patrol to vast borders of the clan space. The Iron Crane class wielded by the Daidoji as
well as the Hunter-class of the Hiruma are prime examples of the ships used in these tasks.
Imperial Exploration Corps also fields large number of frigates as their life support systems
allows their crews to spend extended periods of time in the far reaches of the galaxy while
their high speed allows the explorers to cover large amounts of space in a relatively short
time. Voidfarer-class, originally designed by the Asako Space Industries in 2951 and later
licensed by the Miya Heavy Industries, is a popular choice for the Exploration missions due
to its rugged hull and advanced navigational systems. Ono-class, the precursor of ubiquitous
Masakari, can be most commonly found in the meager fleets of the Minor Clan fleets with
both the Shark and Hare wielding several of these robust vessels.

Corvettes
Also known as fighters, the small single seat spacecraft exist several different patterns,
marks, and variants of what is generally known as Tanto class corvette, with the largest of
them reaching up to twenty meters in length and the smallest being close to ten meters. Most
Tanto types appear similar, having short swept-backwards wings and an armored see-through
canopy for the pilot. The spacecraft is propelled by either a single, large thruster engine, or by
two smaller engines each capable of generating up to ten-thousand tonnes of thrust.
Additionally the Tanto are outfitted with several altitude jets to control its movements in zero
gravity.

Tanto’s armored hull contains an extensive network of circuitry and life-support systems,
including a small chemical toilet and a sleeping compartment for the pilot, allowing for the
craft to stay away from its mother ship for longer periods of time when necessary. Tanto
pilots are highly trained, usually undergoing many years of harsh training to prepare them for
the extremes of piloting a fighter craft in void combat.

There is no such thing as regular armament for the Tanto due to its number of patterns and
variants, though most of the fighter models carry two to four light radiant cannons mounted
on the wings or the ship’s nose. Some models replace some of the cannons by rapid firing
heavy assault rifles designed to decimate lightly armored drones by withering hail of fire. The
larger variants are also able to be fitted with an extra, centre-line-mounted fuel tanks for
extended patrols and long-range missions.

The Tanto drone carriers, also sometimes known as Tanto bombers are usually larger than the
fighter variants, sacrificing speed and maneuverability in exchange for room for additional
crew and the munition drones. Equipped with much the same facilities as the smaller Tanto
fighters, the Tanto bombers are crewed by pilot, munitions operator and a gunner, who often
also handles the communication with the mothership. Some larger and more heavily armed
models, for example the SZ-8 ‘Suzumebachi’ of the Mantis have room for additional crew.
The radiant weapons of the bomber models are usually mounted in a ball turret atop of the
vessel, allowing the Tanto to maintain its course while defending itself against attacks. The
radiant weapons themselves are often similar to those found on the fighter variants. The nova
bombs the Tanto bombers use to attack the larger vessels, are similar to those employed by
the capital vessels, though sometimes lack the sophisticated sensors of their ship-borne
counterparts as the bombers are expected to get them close to their targets.

Spider has recently deployed a new breed of corvettes. Dubbed as Shadow class, the new
breed of ship are highly maneuverable and heavily armed. Thus far the ships have only been
deployed on a singular raid against the Unicorn during which they proved to be superior to
the Unicorn Baraunghar.
Generally these ships are unable to access faster-than-light travel and are generally dependent
upon larger ships to ferry them to through space to engagements. The only known exception
to this is the Unicorn Baraunghar-class corvette, which employs both a pilot and a Navigator
Priest. The shugenja is able to use the ships Navcom to employ a variant of Opening the Way
to allow these ships to make shorter faster-than-light jumps, giving the Unicorn fighter fleets
a distinct advantage.

Space stations
The void of space is an eerie place to the Rokugani, despite that the Ishiken of the Phoenix
insist that it is distinct from the Void of the Five Elements. This new void, desolate as it is, is
not occupied by spacecraft alone. Rare indeed is an inhabited system without at least one
major orbital facility, and these massive constructs often fulfill the the roles once taken by
opulent ancestral estates or might war-fortresses. The largest of these stations, known as
Kyuden in imitation of Rokugan’s past, are able to accommodate multiple cruisers
simultaneously and with room for tens of thousands of residents. It is extremely rare for a
system to host more than one of these massive fortresses, and most systems have none.
simply because the the majority of settled systems do not see enough traffic to warrant such a
massive facility. Much more common are smaller, Shiro-class forts which can only
accommodate one or two cruisers at a time. The Shiro is the standard space station, and only
the most lightly populated or actually unimportant systems do not have at least one. Even
though these stations are often grouped under one name, the actual designs and abilities of the
stations employed by the class vary greatly. Finally, there are number of smaller stations
which lack the capacity to dock a cruiser, serving as monitoring outposts or as orbital defense
platforms which go by many different names depending on the owner and the purpose of the
installment.

On the ships, the gravity is maintained with specially manufactured earthen-steel that pulls
objects towards it much like any planetary surface would, though for practical reasons the
force programmed into the earthen-steel is often slightly lower than the standard 1R
gravitation on Rokugan itself. While time-consuming and expensive to manufacture, the
earthen-steel plates require little energy to run, meaning that a ship will only lose gravity only
if it loses its other life-supports as well. Scorpion, unsurprisingly, often use the earthen-steel
to plate the hallways and corridors of their ships in an irregular pattern, causing the direction
of ‘down’ vary from one part of the ship to another. The changes in gravity are meant to
unsettle any would be boarders while the Scorpion manning the ship are well used to the
gravity-layout.

Fighter squadrons
The exact composition of carrier-borne fighter squadrons varies from Clan to Clan and vessel
to vessel, but in general squadron is formed by three to four flights of three to four single seat
corvettes. Each flight is commanded by a gunso or chui while the squadron commander's
craft is part of the first flight. This means that each squadron, commanded by taisa, has 9 to
16 corvettes and three to four gunso/chui depending on the organization and resources
available. Squadrons are further grouped into flight commands (sometimes also called wings)
of two to four squadrons depending on the organization and the Clan. For example, the
Unicorn Junghar-class light carrier Izuna nominally has two wings of two squadrons as its
complement of corvettes. Meanwhile, Fury of Bishamon, the massive daikyu-class carrier of
the Akodo boasts no less than four flight commands of three squadrons each.
Bomber squadrons
Bomber squadrons are organized much like the fighter squadrons with each flight of bombers
being composed of three to four corvettes crewed by three to four samurai. However, the
bomber squadrons tend to be larger than the fighter squadrons as each bomber squadron is
composed of four to six flights. This means that a bomber squadron has 12 to 24 vessels
depending on the Clan and the organization. Squadrons are then combined to form attack
groups, with each attack group being composed of two to three squadrons. All but the largest
carriers only ever have a singular attack group on board, allowing the captain to deploy
sufficient escort for the attack craft without having to compromise the close defense of the
carrier.

Naval Arsenal
Radiant cannons
Radiant cannons are one of the most exceptionally powerful weapons employed by the
military forces of theEmerald Empire. Mounted on the largest of spacefaring vessels, these
awe-inspiring weapons have few equals in terms of their range or destructive power. Unlike
the conventional radiant weapons, the cannons are built with spiritual feedback loops,
allowing the gunners to charge the weapon before firing. This procedure produces immensely
focused beams of energy, capable of incinerating straight through the armoured hulls of other
spaceships. Coming in various sizes and shapes, the radiant cannons are generally mounted
on a ball turret on dorsal or ventral sides of the ship to allow ship to bear as many weapons as
possible while being able to direct them all at the same target.

Jade cannons
Mostly Crab employed rare variant of the radiant cannon that employs agitated Earth kami
much the same way the radiant weapons uses the Fire kami. Excruciatingly difficult to build
due to the sluggish nature of the earthen spirits, these weapons can only be found on Crab
fortifications orbiting worlds tied to Jigoku where they are used to bombard the cleanse the
surface whenever stray portals to Jigoku open.

Drones
Drones come in two varieties, reconnaissance drones and ordnance drones. As the name
implies, the reconnaissance drones are small unmanned spacecraft equipped with advanced
active and passive scrying orbs. By deploying reconnaissance drones a warship can remain
near invisible to the scrying orbs of the enemy while being able to use the drones to pinpoint
the enemy location. Of course, the enemy can easily pinpoint the location of the drones
employing active scrying orbs, meaning that most of the space warfare between ships of
equal power resembles a play of cat and mouse with both sides deploying drones in an
attempt to locate the opposition without being caught themselves.

Larger vessels can deploy and control more drones than smaller vessels and often have easier
time in decimating the drones of their enemies with their massed radiant cannon batteries. On
the other hand, several smaller vessels can deploy their drones in an attempt to appear as a
singular larger vessels. Various tactics regarding the number of drones deployed as well as
the remote scrying orb usage has been developed by all of the clans, leading to complex
stratagems resembling the optimal play-patterns appearing in shogi and go. Currently the
Scorpion and the Lion are considered the masters of this art, with Mantis coming close. Due
to their understanding of tactics, the naval reconnaissance officers responsible for the drone
recon stratagems are often the ship’s third ranking commanding officers after the captain and
the navigator.

Designed to carry munitions over considerable distances and lacking the sophisticated sensor
arrays of the reconnaissance drones, the ordnance drones are often faster and smaller than the
their less destructive counterparts. Often called nova bombs due being little more than guided
bombs, the ordnance drones are commonly equipped with simple scrying orbs enabling the
drone’s computer to determine its distance from the intended target. Ordnance drones are
inevitably powered by spirit furnaces that also function as payload. The spirit furnaces on
these small crafts are designed so that the internal computer can force the reactor to reach a
critical state when the drone is within certain distance of a target, causing the furnace to
explode violently.
Technology
The Empire has developed complex and far-reaching technology both through the careful
advancement of crafting techniques and ever deeper and more nuanced study into
manipulation of the spirits within all things. As people traveled to the stars, those gifted with
an understanding of Void were able to parley their grasp of the connections between all
things to spark the intuitive jumps that allowed shugenja to ask air kami to recall those vast
connections and communicate from world to world or ship to ship. The techniques needed to
organize and bind spirits into objects have been refined over and over again, allowing
samurai to routinely use magic that their ancestors would marvel at. The discovery of endless
new life forms has inspired new technology to mimic their abilities, as well as
experimentation to make use of them.

This has created a science predicated upon understanding the needs and movements of
invisible spirits. Technicians craft and tend the materials and machines housing the kami,
advancing the skills and techniques of their craft, while priests are responsible for much of
the spiritual manipulation and binding that actually makes the machines work.

Weapons and Armor

Weaponry in the Age of Stars benefits from advances in metallurgy, the incorporation of new
materials, and the harnessing of radiant energy to create powerful new weapons, and
advanced twists on the old. Firearms have almost entirely replaced bows though kyujutsu
remains a ceremonial art. Additionally, on some worlds the kami respond so sluggishly that
radiant weaponry becomes ineffective, leaving old-fashioned bows as the ranged weapon of
choice. The clans have developed a wide range of styles, from the tiny elegant pistols a
courtier might carry as a discreet accessory, to elaborate sniper rifles with blessed scopes to
enhance accuracy and earth kami steadying the entire apparatus. Kaiu pistols are often
minimalist in design and efficient in operation, while a Kakita sidearm has a distinctively
graceful style and appearance. Many have come to be family heirlooms, passed along to heirs
with an ancestor's daisho.

On a larger scale, the potential for the starfaring ships to bear even more massive weaponry
was realized very early on. Research has produced a wide array of weapons for ships to use
against one another, and against other worlds. Likewise, planets have long been outfitted with
canons and orbital weaponry to defend against incursions from space. Radiant weaponry,
explosives of all sorts, and stranger weapons continue to be developed by all the clans.
Armorcrafting has also advanced, with most armor now composed of astonishingly thin
layers of blended metals and ceramics that blunt the impact of blade and pistol alike. The
lightest armors are almost indistinguishable from normal clothing at a distance, while heavy
armors create intimidating bulk while maintaining some give to allow for movement in tight
spaces. Armor tends to be standardized, every samurai in a given unit likely having identical
armor with the appropriate insignia woven in. Threads reacting to certain wavelengths of
light are often woven into easily visible patches, allowing a simple means to detect
infiltrators who might use this standardization to their advantage. Small holo-emitters are
popular among troops wishing to personalize their gear. A few zeni will offer a flickering
holographic demon mempo or a flaming dragon helm. Companies will often pick up matched
emitters to distinguish them from other units. Officers use similar, if better-made, technology
to provide impressive, and weightless, back banners.
Communication
One of the most far-reaching changes to everyday life has been the vast improvements to the
speed and ease of communication. By reminding the air kami of their connections through
Void, it becomes possible to enlist their aid to speak over vast distances. Enlisting the water
kami allows modern technology to transmit images as well as sound. Thus, the informator has
become ubiquitous in samurai households, offices, ships, and community centers. Capable of
receiving long distance transmissions, the simplest of these devices are only capable of
relaying sound, while more complex and larger devices transmit images as well. The most
advanced use holo-emitters to translate these communications into three-dimensional images
of varying quality--called holo-Informators, or holo-in. Personal grade holo-in bring news
and entertainment into every samurai home. The ubiquitous, inexpensive models tend to have
flickering images and frequently have poor synchronization of sound and image as the air and
water kami find themselves out of synch. Higher end models have a great deal more spiritual
engineering to provide a better representation of the original. Most communities have at least
one community center with a large, reasonably good holo-informator, allowing a place for
any to gather and view the main local network at all hours. A few wealthy heimin may even
brag of having their own personal-grade informator, often a gift from a superior for
exemplary service.

While most broadcasts occur 'live,' technology also allows historians to record momentous
events and performances. Holorecorders can store the sounds and images for later replay on
Holo-in. This has, by no means, eradicated written records, as the technology needed to store,
rather than transmit, this information is more complex. Still, most historians of any rank will
have a holorecorder assigned to them. Kami-powered relay stations allow several widecast
networks to send news and entertainment to the farthest corners of the Empire nearly
instantaneously, keeping everyone informed of Imperial edicts, tournament outcomes, and the
most popular serial plays. Less power is needed for the smaller narrowcast or pincast
networks that facilitate communication on a smaller scale, system-wide at most. Nearly every
samurai in the Empire carries a Personal Communicator, often simply known as a
Communicator or PC, devices capable of receiving and transmitting voice communications.
For the lower classes, these are generally tuned specifically to a work network to allow for
communication from their superiors while those used by samurai often include computing
capabilities, allowing their users to access data networks as well. The range and network
access of these devices varies greatly. Cleaning staff ofva station might have communicators
capable only of tapping into a single station network to receive dispatch orders throughout the
day, while a high-ranking bureaucrat might have access allowing them to reach anyone
within the system, the ability to receive data from a number of networks pertaining to their
duties as well as the public information and education networks, and the ability to broadcast
data on local government networks.

Power
The use of manpower for farming and other tasks is nearly unheard on the 4th millennia, even
though some peasants and craftsmen are still needed for manual labor on recently colonized
worlds, or those historical zones designed to emulate the Rokugan of old. Most of the
settlements, cities, ships and space stations are powered by Spirit Furnaces, arcane reactors
which effectively burn energy rich Firestone with the help of the fire kami creating immense
amounts of thermal energy that is then used to run regular turbines. Powerful as these reactors
are, they are also volatile and near constant adjustments and prayers are needed to keep the
temperature within the furnace stable. Should these furnaces be left unattended, the kami
within the reactor start to gain more and more power, consuming the Firestone at an ever
increasing rate, eventually leading to the meltdown of the furnace and a violent explosion of
the coolant liquid. Recently the Empire was painfully reminded of the risks of this technology
as the large furnaces powering the Yogo space station, Black Tower, went critical for
unknown reasons, destroying almost the entire family in the ensuing cataclysmic explosion.
Smaller devices such as weapons and conelanterns are usually powered by specially
manufactured batteries that tap into the power of compressed Fire spirits. Special spirit-
impregnated tiles which turn the sunlight into power and modern windmills are also widely
used to provide power for small settlements.

Life Sciences
Advances in entreating the kami and manipulating herbal and chemical concoctions have
advanced medicine wildly. These advances mean that basic painkillers, antibiotics and
contraceptives have been common throughout the Empire for over 14 centuries. Today, with
time and access to an advanced medical facility, even limbs can be regrown if treatment is
begun immediately.

Descriptomics, or the study of how certain life essences are handed down from parents to
offspring has become a major field of research. Manipulation of plant essences is
commonplace with the Fox descriptors generally masters of this art, followed closely
by the Phoenix and Crane researchers. Breakthroughs in the field have yielded several
functional plants, including Tamori Biomats and Kuni Iron Kelp. Fox perfumes manufactured
from carefully engineered flowers are in fashion and highly favored by Spider and Scorpion
nobility. Meanwhile, the Yasuki have used same techniques to produce glow-silk, splicing
the silkworm essential elements with those of a Rokugani jellyfish While interfering with
human descriptors is considered profane, most of the clans have developed a portfolio of
grains and fruits species to help their colonization efforts. Engineered to tolerate extreme
conditions or to contain particular nutrients, these neoplants are now considered to be an
essential part of colonization efforts.

The technology to create human clones was developed in the early 24th century. Originally
seen as a way to deal with a declining percentage of samurai, it was found that cloned bodies,
grown in artificial wombs were never animated by a soul. They were essentially zombies.
Worse, their emptiness was easily filled by other spirits, mostly unsavory ones. Today,
cloning technology is deemed blasphemous and has been banned. The Spider still utilize the
technology secret, having made several advances in the field. They have also experimented
with binding spirits to the soulless bodies leading to dark whispers of creating clones with the
intention of somehow binding the spirit of the original person into the clone to create a form
of immortality.

Computer Science
In the Celestial Empire, computers are widely used, and practically every samurai carries one
with them, as the ubiquitous communicators double as computers capable of connecting to
widenet datastreams. Thus, any samurai, as long as they are within a large city, can in-theory
access nearly all the information they are privy to. In reality, outages are common in younger
settlements, or run-down areas of older ones. Equipment is not maintained with the same
diligence in all areas. Thankfully, once the precepts were discovered that ordered the racing
of fire kami through circuitry, many of the simpler computers could be created with little in
the way of prayers. Few areas of society operate without computing machines of some sort.
Spaceships rely on them to control the complex ship systems without pause, while
computerized monitors provide alerts in hospitals. Traders, scientists, and spies rely
one the speedy analysis computers provide them, and everyone taps into the networks for
information and communication.

While Rokugani have built independently functioning machines such as analytic automatons,
robot cars, and combat drones, no clan has replaced its soldiers with robots nor has any clan
left important decisions for the machine intelligence. This is due to both reluctance of
shugenja to create fully artificial life, and the immense resources such projects would require.
As society stands now, human labor is cheaper than robotic workers would be, meaning that
only the tasks in which intelligent devices are superior to humans have been delegated to
them.

Miscellaneous inventions and devices commonly used on the Era

of Stars
Autoconsecrator
These large scale digital prayer wheels churn out rote prayers and blessings used to create
Radiant materials as well as many of the spiritually impregnated devices the Rokugani use.
Too heavy to be used save for large scale applications, these devices revolutionized the
production of sophisticated spiritual hardware by allowing mass-production. The blessings
and prayers evoked by the mechanical voices of these machines are known to be weaker than
those of living humans but suffice for things like conelanterns and average communicators.
More complex, or specialty items still require the attention and prayers of a priest-technician.

Biomats
Ecological filtration systems of mixed microbial populations grown on an appropriate
substrate—from dense air filters, to floating nets or fiber mats sunk to the bottom of
waterways. Populations are customized via techniques pioneered by the Tamori to capture
and metabolize contaminants. There has been some experimentation toward creating mobile
mats, but thus far they have all been cut short by safety concerns. The moon Golden Peony
has been declared off limits since experimentation there, with a recent move to rename it
Viridian Peony to better match its obvious hue.

Celestial sculpting
Large scale sculpting of (usually) uninhabited masses in space, often asteroids or moons.
There are those who make pilgrimages to view as many of the works of a given artist as they
can, meditating on the craters marking the original work once they’ve hunted down a given
asteroid sculpture.

Communicator
Personal Communicators are small, handheld devices capable of receiving and transmitting
voice communications thanks to advances in manipulating air kami to carry messages.
Theoretically, their range is infinite so long as there are powerful enough relays to carry and
amplify the messages. If no such relays are present the range dwindles to few hundred feet at
best. Communicators are generally capable of widecast and narrowcast communication on
whatever networks an individual has access to. Military communicators usually include
pincast technology as well.
Conelantern
A fire-spirit-powered metallic tube that once activated, projects a cone of bright light.
Simpler models can only be re-charged by using dedicated power-outlets found in most
quarters, but the more refined and costly versions of the lantern often come with detachable
power-sources that can be recharged by placing them in an open fire. They range in size from
6-12 inches.

Densai
A new sort of holoslate, capable of storing multiple books and scrolls within its durable
frame. About half an inch thick and eight to twelve inches wide densai are widely used by
scholars and shugneja.

Electro-Ink Tattoo
Known also as Osano-Wo's Raiment, the Electro-Ink tattoo consists of a small power source
installed near the person's heart connected to special liquid-metal ink tattoos covering the
characters lower arms in intricate patterns. Neural-grafting ensures that the wearer is able to
activate the circuit at will, causing his or her arms to crackle with electrical power. Only
installed to the devout worshipers of Osano-Wo, the electro-ink tattoos are practically
unheard of outside the Mantis as most find the idea of such fleshcrafts distasteful and
borderline blasphemous.

Firestone
Firestone is the naturally occurring, ever so slightly awakened, mineral fuel used by spirit
furnaces. The richest deposits always lie in volcanic regions, making its recovery a hazardous
task. Raw Firestone cannot be used as-is, requiring enrichment through several awakening
cycles to reach its full potential. When exposed to intense heat and pressure, the fully
enriched Firestone burns slowly, creating Fire kami as it loses matter, further increasing the
speed which the stone burns. In theory, Firestone could be employed to construct weapons of
mass destruction, but the current Imperial edicts forbid the use of such weapons.

Fleshcrafts
Originally based on technology the Spider stole from the Alakhai, the term now refers to
nearly any melding of machine and body. Bionic implants and prostheses are used to replace
lost limbs and sensory organs, while implanted modules may manipulate internal chemistry.
The simplest flesh-crafts are nothing but mechanical limbs hard-wired to the body via mesh
of advanced electronics. The more advanced models employ kami as their motive force and
may look deceptively like human skin. Due to their origins, flesh-crafts are taboo in the
Empire and considered impure by most civilized people. Currently, they are only widely
employed by the Spider and the Crab, though the latter often attach Jade ornaments and other
talismans to their crafts to ward off the bad luck associated with them.

Gas mask
A mask used to protect the wearer against airborne toxins and pollutants. Depending on the
design, the mask forms a sealed cover over the nose and mouth but may also cover the eyes
and other vulnerable soft tissues of the face. The mass produced masks, worn by ashigaru, are
plain where as those worn by the samurai often resemble the mempo of old, featuring
demonic or bestial visages.

Hayanori
This fast-growing algae provides most of the oxygen for life support systems. Unfortunately,
upon death, the cells burst into a goo that is one of the most annoying and occasionally useful
adhesives in the universe. It sticks to almost anything. Dragon warships have been known to
grow vats of the stuff to spray at enemy ships of forces as it will clog intakes, obscure vision,
and generally make a nuisance of itself. It can only be fired in rather short bursts however, as
it rapidly clogs guns. Maintaining the vats is one of the least-desired chores among heimin
tending to life-support systems or these Dragon weapons-systems.

Holorecorder
Holorecorders store sounds and images for later replay through other devices. Versatile
settings allow recording 2- or 3-dimensional images and/or sound as needed. Due to the
resources needed to create them, these tend to be reserved for official use only.

Holoslates
These foldable sheets of plastic have replaced paper for many uses. When folded open, the
small spiritual circle is closed and whatever is written or drawn on the slate becomes softly
illuminated. Powered by fine, imbedded fire cells, slates can be used for days without
recharge and charged by exposure firelight or bright sunligh, making the item a staple among
traveling scholars and monks. Slates are sensitized to a paired stylus that is used to write
inputs and manipulate controls to save and recall documents; advanced models allow some
level of voice command. All but the simplest can be joined to standard computers in order to
load new documents, while higher-end models can access networks directly. (Shugenja using
Holoslates can change the spell displayed as a Free Action, as long as they are holding
nothing in their free hand.)

Isawa Industritech (IIT) has recently created a sturdier version, named Densai, encased in a
small neosteel frame, which boasts greater durability and lacks issues the flimsier ones have
had with creases in their plastic matrix eventually degrading quality. All models come with a
standard digital copy of the Tao of Shinsei thanks to Phoenix policies. In a moderate nod
toward marketing realities, those devices created for Lion markets often include Akodo's
Leadership as well.

Incinerator
The cylindrical, 4-foot-long incinerator is the primary anti-armor weapon of modern infantry.
Heavy and unwieldy, the Incinerator hosts a swarm of tightly-contained, highly-agitated fire
kami. Pressing the activation prayer-mechanism at the side of the
weapon frees the kami, sending them screaming towards whatever the device is pointed at.
Upon impact, the superheated spirits explode furiously, melting silksteel and scorching flesh.

Informator
Common devices capable of receiving long distance transmissions. The simplest of these
devices are only capable of relaying sound, while more complex and larger devices
transmitting images as well. The most advanced use holo-emitters to translate these
communications into three-dimensional images of varying quality--called holo-Informators,
or holo-in. Most Clans have their own entertainment and news networks which widecast
plays, music and news across the galaxy, but the Crane and Scorpion entertainment networks
are often considered superior to others. While few the heimin have unfettered access to these
devices, the children's creches as well as communal recreation areas usually boast at least one
for communal viewing. Needless to say, the Clans regulate tightly regulate what is shown,
some showing only newsreels and entertainments of their own production. Samurai, while
less rigorously regulated, tend to prefer the productions of their own clan and shun those of
rivals, at least publicly. Thus a fashionable Yasuki might follow several Crane serial plays,
but would never admit to following Spider broadcasts.

Kuwagatan Husk Pendant

Known for its massive insects, the planet Kuwagata is also known for the blessed pools and
fountains of the Aramizu rain forest. The water kami are particularly strong and active
throughout the forest, and many of the creatures living there end up thoroughly infused with
their blessings. The Unicorn gather the cast off husks of several varieties of water beetle.
These translucent shells are enclosed in clear or amber resins, fastened in lockets, or even
gilded with precious metals and worn by shugenja who make use of the husks' powerful
connection to the water kami. The bearer of one of these pendants gains an additional Water
Spell Slot. Only Shugenja may purchase this Advantage.

Navcom
Navigational Computers, commonly known as Navcoms, are immense computational devices
installed in all space ships. The globular, computer-like devices contain large amounts of
water kami, providing the ship's Navigator with the power needed to open a conduit into the
Path Not Taken and to guide the vessel through the probability-weaves to their desired
destination. Before the development of Navcom, each space born vessel required a large
contingent of priests for this purpose.

Narrowcast
Networks where communication is limited to those with chained-kami technology where
spirits are, through ritual, bound to each other and become cut off from speaking to kami
outside of that network (leads to some odd ‘populations’ of kami over time). Used for
exclusive entertainment of many sorts, planet/ship/system-only communications, etc.

Nymphetamine
Nymphetamine is a powerful aphrodisiac extracted from the seeds of the Dragon Lily
growing on Palestar. Favored by the Shosuro and Bayushi operatives, this slightly narcotic
substance lowers inhibitions, potentially causing the victim to slip words they were supposed
to keep to themselves.

Opening the Way

A complex ritual created by Unicorn and Phoenix shugenja in the late 28th century that
allows a spacecraft to traverse vast distances in a relatively short time. Drawing upon the
power of Elemental Water, this ritual immerses vessels into a weave of probabilities,
allowing the ship to exist, at least in theory, at multiple places at the same time. This weave-
space is commonly known as the Path Not Taken as it represents all that could have been.
Skilled navigators can guide the vessel through these probability weaves, allowing it to
emerge into reality at the desired location. While there are no absolute relations between real-
space and weave-space distances, the longer the journey is in real-space, the more time the
ship has to spend on the Path Not Taken. Additionally, only the most skilled navigators can
keep their ships in the weave for prolonged times, meaning that most journeys are made in a
series of smaller weave-jumps. The accuracy of their exit into real-space also varies greatly,
thus navigators are taught to bring their ships out near the rim of the desired system rather
than trying to emerge near the actual destination.

Path Not Taken

The probability-weave through which ships pass to achieve faster-than light travel via the
Opening the Way ritual.

Personal Holofield
A small belt mounted device that disturbs the air kami around the wearer, effectively
breaking the wearer's outline, making them harder to see. Originally developed by the
Asahina for Kakita actors and dancers, this device quickly found use among Daidoji scouts,
who employ it to further obfuscate their form. The Scorpion are, understandably, keen to gain
the technology. Despite managing to acquire several functioning holofield units, they have
not been able to reverse-engineer the crucial Asahina prayers needed to manufacture the
device.

Pincast
Similar to Narrowcast, but the kami are even more tightly bound with addtional chained-kami
to protect against attacks or other attempts at interrupting communication. These are used by
law enforcement and government nearly exclusively. They are outrageously expensive and
difficult to make.

R
Rokugani shorthand for gravity (Juryoku), referring to the gravitational pull Rokugan exerts
on objects. Thus planet with 0.9 R gravity has slightly smaller gravity than Rokugan.

R-steel
On ships, gravity is maintained with specially manufactured R-steel that pulls objects towards
it much like any planetary surface would, though for practical reasons it is often set slightly
lower than the standard 1R gravitation on Rokugan itself. While timeconsuming and
expensive to manufacture, the R-steel plates require little energy to run, meaning that a ship
will only lose gravity only if it loses its other life-supports as well. Scorpion, unsurprisingly,
often use the R-steel to plate the hallways and corridors of their ships in an irregular pattern,
causing the direction of ‘down’ vary from one part of the ship to another. The changes in
gravity are meant to unsettle any would be boarders while the Scorpion manning the ship are
well used to the gravity-layout.

Radiant energy
Catch-all phrase for technologies developed on the fundamentals discovered by Isawa Sanae.
Generally the term applies to the spiritual energy deposited within a partially awakened
device. The first swords and armor processed this way gave off a warm, blue glow but later
improvements have eliminated this side effect almost entirely, and only the most flamboyant
samurai carry actually glowing katana.

Radiant energy paintings

Massive scale works utilizing radiant energy to ‘paint’ works meant to be seen only from
space. Short-lived, as powering a permanent display would require exorbitant quantities of
energy and maintenance, they are often designed to incorporate planetary arrangements of
interest. Invitations to attend the performance of such a work are usually highly sought after,
as a clan only provides this level of resources to their most promising artists.

Radiant weapons
Contemporary ranged weapons all work on the same principle, producing a concentrated
beam of radiant energy by focusing it through a suitably shaped prism. Even the smallest of
these weapon generate enough energy to cauterize flesh or punch through regular metal.
Radiant weapons are, without exception, powered by battery-like energy packs, small
containers charged with fire kami.

Standard sidearms, smallest of these radiant weapons, show many variations of outward
design from clan to clan while remaining nearly identical mechanically. For example,
Mirumoto Heavy Industry Twin Radiance models are small sleek pistols always produced
and worn in pairs, while the Shosuro Veiled Ending is even smaller, and almost toylike in
appearance. The latter is readily modified with a silencer as well, effectively muting the
sounds made as released energy rips through the air, though most people consider such
modification dishonorable and cowardly.

Radiant rifles, function exactly the same way as the sidearm, though their larger frames allow
the mechanism to agitate the kami into a more powerful blast of energy. The most common
version is the Akodo Arms Indomitable 29, which has been in service for more than two
centuries with virtually no significant changes to its function or shape. Despite the murderous
power of standard rifles, there are times when greater impact is required. Weapons such as
the Kaiu Forge Devastator mark II are renowned for their ability to crack down the armoured
vehicles used in mobile warfare. Cumbersome and slow to fire, these weapons are usually
mounted on vehicles to be fired by the crew, though rumours of Hida and Matsu warriors
wading to battle carrying such heavy rifles are widespread among the legions of the Empire

Certain circumstances require specialized weapons and, while there are a wide variety of such
in existence, the most common are rifles customized for long-range sniping. the Tsuruchi are
natural masters of this particular art, and their Distant Thunder model is widely considered
one of the best sniper rifles on the markets. Common samurai often eschew these weapons,
considering their use cowardly and unfair. Beyond the Tsuruchi, these weapons are
widespread among specialized units such as Akodo and Daidoji scouts.

Renga
Serial drawings that are often used to tell lighthearted stories. Comics in essence.

Revitalizer
A favorite of Phoenix doctors and field medics, the revitalizer is a silver bracelet linked to
rings on two fingers and covered with small beads full of spiritually charged water. The beads
draw power from the wearer's Water, recharging slowly when not in
use. While not powerful enough to fully heal serious wounds, the device has often meant the
difference between life and death as its rejuvenating energies give the Phoenix doctors and
shugenja more time to treat their patient.

Seeker of Ujimitsu
Also known as Choyo by the world's inhabitants, the Seekers are small, colorful flying
creatures that resemble Rokugani hummingbirds originating from the Phoenix world of
Ujimitsu. Their most notable characteristic is the ability to perfectly memorize numerous
locations and the routes between them, allowing them to travel from one location to another
via the shortest possible route. This makes Choyo invaluable as messengers in primitive
conditions. If a Choyo is kept without water for several days, it goes into a hibernation-like
state and dries up, becoming easy to store away. Dousing a dried-up Choyo with water
revives it, and it is instantly capable or memorizing all its locations and routes.
Serial theater
Plays designed to be relatively complete within themselves while advancing a longer-running
plot that takes place across many performances. Originally an outgrowth of regular theater
forms designed to draw viewers in more regularly as theater competed with more modern
entertainments, the form exploded in popularity with the invention of holorecorders and
informators. Still performed in theaters throughout the Empire, most are now recorded and
shown to huge audiences via the widecast networks. Over time, the form diverged from
Kabuki and Noh while still retaining vestiges of these classical origins. Costuming and
movements became less stylized for a long while, then took on new, but equally stylized
forms to translate better upon the flickering early informators. It has become a status symbol
for the high-born to attend unrecorded performances, where things may be portrayed more
naturally and subtly.

Silksteel Armor
Kaiu-crafted from durable and flexible artificial spider-silk fibers woven into a cloth,
Silksteel Armour is widely regarded as some of the finest armor made. Silksteel armors are
lighter and more durable than conventional armor and highly prized. Manufacturing the
materials is a painstaking process, however, and silksteel is hardly ever found outside the
Crab, though the current emperor's grandmother was gifted with a full set half a century ago.

Shimmershield
A small netsuke shaped device that contains spirits of Earth. When activated, the apparatus
projects brightly shimmering force field around its wearer, slowing down the blows and shots
entering its space of influence. The peculiar, Kitsu-devised netsuke powers this protective
field by tapping into the very honor of its bearer to bolster and strengthen the protective kami.

Starblades
Also known as star-forged swords and seitou, the starblades are radiant swords forged by
master priest-smiths using alloys that mix regular high-grade steel with miniscule amounts of
heavy metals found in the heart of collapsed stars. The immense mass of these blades is offset
by blessings which ease the pull gravity exerts upon them while allowing the weapons to
maintain the steel-rending inertia they are known for. Rare and difficult to craft, only the
wealthiest and highest ranking samurai can dream of possessing one of these blades. Famous
examples of Starblades include Kanbai, the sword of the Crane champion, and the twin
swords Wisdom and Insight carried by the Mirumoto daimyo.

Spirit furnace
Fire kami-powered, clean, and highly efficient reactors that burn Firestone, turning the
produced heat into energy. Spirit furnaces can be used to power anything from small
spaceships to large colonies and have become ubiquitous around the Empire. Volatile and
easily agitable, the fire kami render the furnaces unstable unless proper prayers are
maintained constantly. Engineer-shugenja observe and measure the efficiency of these
prayers and wards, resetting them when the old ones began to lose their power. Should the
protective prayers fail, the fire kami would burn Firestone at an ever increasing pace,
attracting more Fire kami and setting off an uncontrollable chain reaction culminating in a
catastrophic explosion.

Soshi’s Gift
A drug-dispensing fleshcraft concealed within the wearer's chest-cavity, bound with spirits of
water and connected to his or her circulatory system. Charged with the most potent combat
drugs the Shosuro have created, the wearer can activate the device by muttering a specific
code-phrase (simple action), releasing the performance enhancing chemicals into his or her
body. After the drugs wear off, the user is left in an enfeebled and dulled state. Needless to
say, the device is only employed by the Scorpion and its existence is denied in public.

Tashokukeiko cloth
Glow-silk cloth, manufactured from silk cocoons of the bio-engineered Tashokukeiko-type
silkworms. Due to the natural fluorescent proteins in the silk's structure, the kimono
manufactured from this expensive material glow in subtle blue-green hues,
though recent advances are likely to allow for more colors in the future.

Tamori Stave
A six inch long, beautifully crafted, radiant-steel cylinder charged with dormant Earth kami.
When the activator signs are pressed in the correct order, the spirits with the device waken
and shoot out from the both ends of the cylinder, solidifying into hardened steel, thus turning
the small cylinder into a stave. Easy to carry and conceal the Tamori Stave is favoured by
both the Tamori the Togashi wandering around the galaxy.

Void-Forged weapons
The Spider stole the secrets of Void-Forging from the Demien smith-priests, adopting this
technology for the Spider armies. The black steel of these weapons seems to swallow sunlight
itself and they cut through armor and bone with ease. Within the dark metal lies another
secret, a specially designed spiritual network that upon impact imbalances the victim's inner
Fire. This causes excruciating pain as a victim's nerves burn out through constant
overstimulation.

Widecast
Communications sent across the Empire via the publicly maintained networks. Most
entertainment is widecast, as is all official news. See also narrowcast and pincast.
World-gardening The Crane’s preferred term for terraforming. More artistic than the Kuni
and Isawa methods, it supposedly aims to reveal the hidden true form of a planet. The
Asahina process takes decades to complete, and while many prefer the faster Isawa method
over the Crane one, few can deny the beauty of Asahina-shaped worlds.

Worldmancer
Terrafomer, especially a shugenja who uses his or her skills to change a planets climate or
atmosphere. Many of the Asahina artisan-scientists specialized in the techniques and rites of
world-gardening prefer to call themselves by this name. Crab and Lion shugenja eschew the
name, calling themselves 'shapers' or 'terraformers'