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Path of the Destroyer
Lion and Unicorn Armies race to buttress the Crab legions on the Great Wall. Countless Shadowlands denizens crash against it to escape a merciless force for destruction that now approaches. In the north, the Phoenix and Dragon desperately rebuild shattered defenses as scouts report another Yobanjin army, wreathed in dark flame. The provinces of the Scorpion and Crane erupt in plague, paralyzing the Empire’s ability to defend itself. They all now stand in the Path of the Destroyer.
THE FINGERS OF BONE – “We weave our web not to ensnare, but to hold together our future Empire.”
For years now, the mysterious Jackals have whispered in the Dark Lord’s ear of a threat that looms before the Empire. A threat unlike any that Rokugan has ever seen. A threat that has already brought one empire to ruin. Alone in their task, the Spider understand what is coming, and how to fight it.
MOUNTAIN WATCH KEEP – “Ride hard and let the quaking ground foretell our victory.”
In the wake of the War of Dark Fire, the clans in the north are in a state of chaos, attempting to rebulid not only their lives but prepare defenses in the event of a second invasion. The Shinjo family has taken this task as their sacred duty, and constructed a series of keeps so guard the land of their Moto lords from all who might threaten it.
PALACE OF CRIMSON SHADOWS – “We protect that which is most sacred in these troubling times.”
Word of the assault in the south has shaken the Imperial Court to its core, and fears of a second invasion, this time at the command of an unknown enemy, sows the seeds of chaos. From the Palace of the Crimson Shadows, the Scorpion plot how to exploit the situation, for no situation is too dire for the Bayushi to benefit.
Card Flavor Text:
Agasha Asai – “You know of whom I speak. Fosuta! Where is he?”
Akodo Dosei – “I have always known that war was my destiny, to fight against dangerous enemies and overcome in the name of the Lion. I will never yield!”
Akodo Masao – “They are many, but they lack the Lion’s discipline. Even greater numbers can be overcome by judicious use of skill.”
Akodo Nagataka – “I fear neither man nor demon!”
Akodo Shunori – “I have faith that we will be victorious – but at what cost?”
Akodo’s Guidance – “He has at long last claimed his destiny.”
Apprentice Shinobi – Jimen ordered the Shosuro to watch Kakita officials closely, in the hope of discovering where the Kakita’s wayward instructor was hiding.
Armor of Legacy – “My forefathers trained many Hiruma and sent them back to their kin on the Wall. Now I go to the Wall, to stand and fight with the sons of those Hiruma. Today I will bring glory to my ancestors and theirs!” -Shinjo Shinlao
Asako Hoshimi – “All living things change and grow. All the world – from the grass ot the stones to the burning mountains – has a spirit. All things with a spirit are alive. Thus, all the world can be made to change. Allow me to demostrate.”
Asako Misako – “We want peace, yes. That is why we must be unafraid to act.”
Assault Riders – “Hida Benjiro alone recognized the nature of the demon general, without realizing why.” -The Burning Wall, Part Six
Bare Ground – “They were waiting for us, as if they knew we were coming.”
Bayushi Hisoka -
Bayushi Komiya – “You wish to arrest me? Come now, are you sure that’s wise? You wouldn’t want to cause another incident, like, say, the one last season at the Seven Blossoms, would you?”
Bayushi Minoru – “I will fight in my homeland! I will fight at the Wall! I will fight bushi! I will fight walking dead men! I will fight the gods themselves if need be – and I will teach them all to fear the Dark Sword of Bitter Lies!”
Bayushi Saka – “Technically, this area is under my jurisdiction, Hida-san, and, officially, these beasts are criminals. It is unlawful to get up and walk around after you’ve been declared dead.”
Bayushi’s Guidance – “He led with duplicity and died for love.”
Besieged Borderland – “The forces of the Empire were pinned between two armies, and Chosai’s burning madmen lit the foundation of the Wall itself on fire. For the second time in a generation, the Kaiu Wall fell.” -The Burning Wall, Part Seven
Border Ambush – “The attack came at dusk. Crab scouts sighted the enemy, but were unprepared for the enormity of their army. The assault focused on a single watchtower, and the wall was soon breached.” -The Burning Wall, Part One
Breath of the Heavens – “Sometimes, the oldest tricks are the best ones. Especially when they involve setting the unenlightened on fire.” -Togashi Taro
Brothers in Harmony – “Let them come to our temple doors. We shall teach them a lesson on the strength of our combat style.”
Burn the Towers – Acts of sabotage leave many to wonder if the Empire’s enemies are afoot, or if opportunists prefer to settle old grudges discreetly.
Calm Before Death -
Chagatai’s Armor – “In the end, I honor him as a fallen friend.” -Moto Chen
Channeling Jigoku’s Essence – “Fool. You have exactly what you wanted. Did you intend to waste the rest of your life?”
Chikara – “My father was once a member of the Seppun, but he left his name behind in shame when Toturi I died. One day I will redeem his name. Others will know of his greatness.”
Cleansing the Path – Although diverse in ability, the greatest strength of the Phoenix has always been fire. To face a foe immune to their power was a humbling experience.
Consuming the Flesh –
Crushing Strength – Most Rokugani are untrained to fight against the creatures of the Shadowlands. The first fight often proves disastrous.
Daidoji Kirimi – “If the Wall is taken, this will be a common sight. But my kin and I will be here, ready to defend our clan.”
Daidoji Yorio – “Destruction is a terrible thing, and my heart mourns for what has been lost. But we can not allow this plague to spread in the Crane lands.”
Daigotsu Gahseng – “I will not fail. I will not fall.”
Daigotsu Isoroku – “You will join us.”
Daigotsu Susumu – He serves the Empress above all else… save one.
Deflection -
Deployed Reinforcements – “The War of Dark Fire was simply the beginning. Now the Empire will know war as it never has before.” – Moto Jin-sahn
Desperate Rush – “Death or glory awaits us! Follow me!”
Desperate Throw – “Sometimes, you must be pushed to your limits to learn what you are truly capable of.”
Disarm – The sohei took the duelist by surprise, and no amount of swordsmanship could save her.
Doji Bukita – “My stories are true, even if they are fiction. If some dishonorable cur finds himself in one, who is really to blame?”
Doji Shikana – “She looks as delicate as a plum blossom and as flashy as this year’s fashionable kimono. Don’t be fooled – I watched her carve up three bandits at a border crossing last week.” -Shosuro Nitsu
Doji Tsubota – “Dealing with the Crab requires great courage, a nimble mind, and a high tolerance for sake.”
Doji’s Guidance -
Dutiful Apprentice – “You may never draw a blade, my son,” Noritoshi said solemnly, “but that does not mean that you cannot defend yourself. In the lands of the Dragon, we may find you an instructor.”
Earth’s Embrace – “Well done, little one,” Emori said with a smile. “Now, let me show you a better way.”
Eternal Armor – “Good armor is not to be despised. Let your enemy hack at your armor all he likes – and when the moment of the strike comes, kill him.” -Mirumoto Washizuka
Expendable Resources – “Of course I know I’m sending them off to their deaths. I need an advantage, and it is worth any price.” -Shosuro Jimen
First to Fall – “Powerful fortifications can protect a stronghold from attack. How well will those barricades work if your enemy chooses another target? – Akodo’s Leadership
Force of Law – “We are the Clan of the Phoenix! And we bring you fire!”
Forging the Gift – A courtier will not relinquish his quest if he cannot find the perfect gift. He will simply find another way.
Fu Leng’s Guidance -
Gakku – “He serves Daigotsu completely and hopes to one day bear his master’s name. It is a harmless delusion, but nevertheless I find his devotion remarkable.” -Chuda Mishime
Greater Good – “The Empress has declared that there will be no further conflict among the clans.” -The Voice
Hand of the Jade Dragon – “I swear to be a beacon of honor, that all will desire to live by Bushido.” -Mastu Benika
Hand of the Obsidian Dragon –
Hida Fosuko – “Against this new foe, no one was safe. Not the most experienced veteran, not the youngest scout. A new age of war had begun.” -The Imperial Histories
Hida Ikarukani – “When the rage overtakes him, he is less a man than a thing. A mindless, burderous beast.” -Hiruma Todori
Hida Kitamura – “These new enemies are without number,” Kuon said gravely. “They are as sand on the beaches. We must use every resource to combat the. Nothing can be spared. Nothing.”
Hida Suteru – “He is the personal yojimbo of Jinn-Kuen and the master of the Yasuki defenses. The family’s provinces are in good hands.” -Hida Kuon
Hida Tobashi – “The ones without wings are much easier to ride, but harder to control. Their hides are too thick!”
Hida’s Guidance -
Hidden Route -
Hiruma Hidora – “These things, these destroyers … jade affects them, but not as severely as it should. What manner of demons are these?”
Ikoma Tobikuma – After training with both the Akodo and the Ikoma, Tobikuma possesses a unique perspective on the world.
Isawa Fosuta -
Impossible Force – “The Crab recognized many of the oni assaulting the wall, but they attacked with a new and terrible efficiency, their individual strengths used to their fullest. Even forces led by the Maw did not display such unity of purpose.” -The Burning Wall, Part Two
Inspirational Victory – They are weak! Honor lends us strength! To victory!
Isawa Mizuhiko – “Justice is swift. Justice is decisive. We must be both, or we will face Judgement, rather than those who truly deserve it.”
Kaiu Smithy – “Put your back into it, boys – Lord Kuon needs replacements or the front line by dawn!” -Yasuki Otsuka
Kakita Kensho-in – “Ambition is not a bad thing. Such a pity you lacked the skill to back it up.”
Kakita Sadaka – “Bayushi-san, you are not without skill. But you trust to your armor and not to your spirit, and that is your downfall.”
Kata of the Concealed Blade – “Listen carefully. It is not the blade one conceals, but the moment your heart commits to its use.” -Mirumoto Kondo
Kitsuki Yodo – The Lion laughed. “Evidence? You insult us with this trash, Kitsuki. Do you accuse so lightly?” Yodo’s eye gleamed.
Kitsune Iwarou – “Tomorrow we sail, and I do not know if I shall ever see our forests again. But this is the duty my new champion has given me, and I will see it through.”
Last Stand – “Shall I abandon Kyuden Hida? Shall I step away from the Wall? NO! I will fight the enemy here, now, and whether I win or lose, my sons will know what it means to be a Champion of the Crab.” -Hida Kuon
Laughter of the Flames – “Do you know what Chosai’s weakness was? He was always too serious. Fire is the element of laughter; forget that and you are doomed.” -Togashi Shintao
Laying in Wait – “Knowing where he is going to be is much more valuable than knowing where he is.”
Lead by Example – The Jade Hand shone brightly at the front lines.
Legion of Toshigoku – “The leader of their forces is Rakshasa, my lord.” -Hida Benjiro
March Beyond Hope -
Masserah – “Something approaches. Something wicked and horrible. Something of the Foul.”
Master the Body -
Matsu Benika – “She has accepted her responsibities with relish, and without any inkling of the subtleties required.” -Kakita Kensho-in
Matsu Kasei – “I burn within. Soon I will be unleashed.”
Might of the Kami -
Mirumoto Kondo – The Mirumoto swordmasters learned slowly how to kill a Servant of Dark Fire. Their explosive retribution held little threat to the masters of steel.
Mirumoto Washizuka – “The Water-Gull style of swordsmanship is my own. If you doubt its strength, test yourself against my blades.”
Misleading Wasteland – “Kuon attempted to pivot the amry’s flanks to face the new threat, but the Crab forces were not swift enough. The clans soon found themselves trapped between two eadly armies.” -The Burning Wall, Part Five
Monstrous Might – The creatures wailed and clamored around him. It filled his ears as he slowly lost his life.
Moshi Chuuna – “My sister tames the seas in the name of the Mantis, but I shall bring ruin upon the Destroyers in the name of Thunder!”
Moto Chiang – Moto Chiang marched with the Unicorn armies, a perfect soldier. Yet their progress was constantly plagued by mysterious accidents…
Moto Jin-Sahn –
Moto Kang’s Sword – “So what if I am remembered as a villain? I will be remembered!” -Moto Kang
Moto Paisei – “You will not believe its taste when I add in this juice from the Burning Sands!”
Mountain Watch Keep – The Shinjo watch the northern paths, ever vigilant
Nerve Strike – “Let them hate us. We will show them our strength, and then they will be forced to treat our Lord with respect.” -Torao
Nightshade Touch – “It doesn’t always kill, but that isn’t the point – it tells them they are vulnerable.” -Shosuro Sogetsu
One Soul’s Strength – “You will fall,” said Emori, and the earth trembled beneath him. “That is not a request.”
Overwhelming Pressure – “Back to the pits with you!”
Palace of Crimson Shadows – “There are few places more dangerous than the courts of the Scorpion Clan. The battlefield can claim your life, but the Scorpion can claim far more than that.” -Ikoma Asa
Pull the String – “Send Ketto an invitation to tea this afternoon. He and I have important matters to discuss.”
Seeking the Guilty – Find him, wherever he hides.” – Kakita Noritoshi
Selfless Defense – “Get to safety. I will hold them here as long as I can.”
Seven Waves Mercenaries – “Drastic times call for drastic measures.” -Shosuro Jimen
Sharpened Naginata – “It is sometimes called a woman’s weapon. I assure you, you don’t want to fight a woman who knows how to use it.” – Akodo Dosei
Shiba Ningen – “He sacrificed much for the Clan. See that he is always watched over, as he once watched over us.” -Isawa Ochiai
Shiba Sakaki – “We live in a time of glory. We have seen the direct influence of heaven, we can speak to our ancestors, we know with certainty the rewards that await us after we make the final sacrifice. Why should we fear death?”
Shiba Yukihito – The Phoenix have hunted the Dark Oracles for over a year. They no longer fear them, or their agents, but the clan’s courage may be its undoing.
Shiba’s Guidance -
Shielded by Tempest – “This path shall be closed to our enemies.”
Shinjo Hansu – “We honor our ancestors when we follow their customs, but we can use Rokugani tactics as well as any other.”
Shinjo Rina – “A scout must remain invisible from the battlefield, yet Rina’s hot temper and lust for glory has placed her in dire situations. I would censure her for her failures if she were not so effective.” -Moto Chen
Shinjo Scouts – “The day may have been won there, but cries of terror came from the northwest. Unicorn scouts returned, bearing dire news: an army of the Dark Oracle’s servants marching south, cutting off all hope of retreat.” – The Burning Wall, Part Four
Shinjo Tae-hyun – The Oracle’s words echo in his mind as he charges on the battlefield. Does his destiny foretell great things in his future? He cannot help but feel guilty for the thinking of insignificant details while the fate of the world lies on the precipice of destruction.
Shinjo’s Guidance – “She tempered honor with compassion and mercy.”
Shosuro Ohba – “We kill the boy, and we kill the man, no matter who they once were, no matter what their crimes are. We follow orders, Sogetsu, neh?”
Shosuro Sogetsu – “It is as if Jimen is sending the whole family after these two. If the targets are such criminals, should it not be a matter for the Emerald Magistrates?”
Soshi Yoshihara – “Testimony from spirits is inadmissable in court, my lord, but with a little effort we can use the kami to make his weaknesses public.”
Speed of the Blade -
Spiteful Obstruction – “That was a lovely dance, Kakita-san. I suppose the end symbolizes the coming fall?”
Storm-filled Sails – “The storm is our ally-it slows down our opponents and gives us more time to prepare.” -Yoritomo Souhiko
Strategic Strike – “Concern yourself with honor. Leave victory to me.”
Strength in Honor – “A true bushi puts his life in the hands of his ancestors, and they will grant him victory.”
Strength in Terror – “A true bushi relies only on his own strength, and is not afraid to use it as a means of enforcing his will.”
Suitengu’s Gateway – “Ensure the library remains protected, acolyte,” Barei said, “but do not go alone.”
Sympathy for the Assaulted – “He plans on attacking us – we know this for a fact. The true question is: how can we use this in court?”
Synchronized Attack – “When all looked lost, reinforcements arrived from the north. Dragon archers and Phoenix shugenja rained death down on the enemy, driving them back.” -The Burning Wall, Part Three
Talisman of Chikushudo – “Strong spirits will answer your call.” – Ryoshun
Talisman of Gaki-do – “Twisted souls will be drawn to you.” – Ryoshun
Talisman of Meido – “The holy Realm of Waiting will protect you from harm.” -Ryoshun
Talisman of Tengoku – “The Celestial Heavens itself will strengthen your arm.” -Ryoshun
Tempered No-Dachi – “The Empress’s commands are harsh, and I honr her for it. The Divine One has not only great wisdom, but the gretness of heart to put that wisdom into action.” -Akodo Shigetoshi
Test of Sincerity –
The Direct Approach – “Don’t think so much. Hit something.” -Hiruma Aki
The Earth Answers – “How can we lose if the land itself is on our side?”
The Fingers of Bone – Forgotten by the Empire, but not the Spider.
The Fire Answers – “Magic? I suppose…”
The Lost Path – “In times of great calamity, one cannot lose sight of the Celestial Order. Do not lose faith in the kami, or they will lose faith in you.” -Isawa Kimi
Thorough Preparations – “Preparing for a battle is more than just planning strategy. You must also prepare for all possible eventualities. Eliminate the possibility of surprise.” -Akodo Shigetoshi
Togashi Akagi – “He is quiet and contemplative. No one would suspect the force that boils beneath his tranquility. His powers are wild and destructive to the world – and to himself. He keeps the ravaging force at bay with hours of meditation, but yearns to be free to release it against all, foe and friend alike.” -Togashi Maya
Togashi Kazuki -
Togashi Satsu – “The Soul of Togashi no longer guides him, but wisdom still fills his eyes. He speaks for the Empress, yet still advises his clan.” -Mirumoto Kei
Togashi Shintaro – “The lion, the sakura, the tiger, and now the dragon…”
Togashi’s Guidance -
Torao – “He will never forgive Iweko for the insult he believes she embodies, but for now there is a greater enemy.” -Michio
Tsuruchi Mochisa – “My lord, it is large and it is traveling fast. I will see that you reach a secure place before cleansing the Empire of it.”
Tsuruchi Nabeta – “I see you have given up on your bow,” the Hida said. Nabeta laughed. “An arrow, a rock – I put my heart into them just the same.”
Udo – “Hurry! My master’s legions are hungry!”
Unclean Sacrifice -
Unshakable Resolve – “The Empire has need of warriors. I will not let the perception of others stay my blade when it is needed.”
Untaken – “My wounds are too grave for me to continue to fight, but I will not be taken prisoner. My death shall spare my family the inconvenience of my captivity.”
Untrained Scouts – “The Kaiu Wall burned, but Kuon stood before it, impassive, resolute. ‘Come to me,’ he cried towards the demon forces, ‘the Wall will never fall as long as I am standing!’ The Crab Champion knew the odds were impossible, but he hoped that his death could buy the armies of the Empire time to escape.” -The Burning Wall, Part Eight
Useful Connections – “Ah, Hiruma-san, for one on a mission for the Empress there is always a way.” -Doji Tsubota
Utaku Hana – “My great-uncle’s teachings may be used for tranquility and enlightenment, but i find their efficacy lies elsewhere.”
Uzaki no Oni – “Destroyers? They have no idea what the word means! They will learn!”
Walk in Shadows – “There are those who think that the game is deeper than the rest of the Empire knows, and I am their eyes and ears.” – Shosuro Ohba
Wall of Honor – “My Empress, my heart chills to remember it. Unending waves of demons crashed against the Wall, and time and again your samurai pushed them back” – Miya Shoin
Wandering Caravan – Most merchants schedule their travels around harvest season. Unicorn traders, used to travel through harsh conditions, do their best business during the off months.
Whispers of the Dying Moon – “Build a wall to the north,” Hitomi gasped as she drew her final breath. Yet the warning proved too late. The forces of the Dark Oracle of Fire cascaded down the Dragon Mountains, wreaking havoc in their wake.
Whispers of the Dying Sun – “The fire … is a lie.”
Wrath of the Thunder – “I have seen many things, but nothing like that. I hope not to see it again.” -Moshi Kalani
Yasuki Otsuka – “You don’t make art with a calligraphy brush, old man! You hew it from stone with your two hands and a hammer!”
Yoritomo Eihiko – “Of course you didn’t mean to evade the Empress’s taxes. A small fee and I will deal with all the necessary paperwork.”
Yoritomo Souhiko – “Get those men into position! We may not be a legion, but we are Mantis, and we have thunder in our souls!”
Yoritomo Utemaro – “I am surrounded by idiots.”
Yoritomo’s Guidance – “He has at long last claimed his destiny.”
