The Harbinger
Fu Leng has been cast from Jigoku, and a new evil is ascendant. The Dark Oracle of Fire has renewed his assault on the northern lands, while an even greater force overruns the Kaiu Wall to the south. The Great Wall that stood between the Empire and the forces of evil has been lost. Kali Ma the Destroyer leads her armies unhindered into the heart of the Empire, scattering all before her. The demons of the Shadowlands have already retreated against this foreign force, their fevered route causing as much damage as the invaders themselves. And in the heart of the Empire, a sickness grows with each passing day. The Empire faces its most dire times, and now is the moment for heroes to rise.
The Empress orders that Fu Leng be found so that she may learn more about this new and seemingly unstoppable foe. So begins the search for the banished Spider Clan, who now shelter their fallen god. And with the thousand-year cycle of Thunder broken, Kali Ma on the verge of final victory, and Fu Leng himself abroad in the Empire, a strange and wizened monk the harbinger of a millennial battle for the triumph of good over evil makes himself known to a motley group of heroes.
Last Step Castle – “The birthplace of an Empress is unassailable, no matter the foe.”
Besieged by the renewed Army of Fire from the north, the Dragon Clan must stand against the most dangerous foe it has ever faced, while continuing to offer its most ardent support of the Divine Empress. The Dragon have vowed that the birthplace of the Empress. Last Step Castle, shall not fail, no matter the cost.
Thunder Dragon Bay – “We are the bearers of Thunder, and we cannot know defeat.”
Home of the Empress’ Winter Court, the Mantis Islands are in a state of constant readiness, not only to protect the Empress from the threat of the Destroyers, but also to defend the mortal form of the Thunder Dragon that now resides within their lands. Can even the Mantis withstand these turbulent times unscathed?
Twin Soul Temple – “Spirit and steel, wielded with honor, cannot be overcome.”
As the Empire stands assaulted by a largely unknown foe, the scholars of the Phoenix struggle to unravel the secrets that will allow the Empire to withstand this new threat. At Twin Soul Temple, the bonds between shugenja and bushi are forged ever closer, creating the perfect bond of camaraderie needed for such a deadly undertaking.
Card Flavor Text:
A Cleansing Death – “Break that line, no matter the cost!”
A Paragon’s Strength – “Die by my virtue.” Daigotsu Bundoru
Advanced Spellcraft – Innovation is its own reward.
Agasha Kusadao – “You worry too much, Takino-san. Even now our knowledge eclipses that of all the other clans. Who would doubt that we will soon find an answer to this plague?”
Akodo Kin – “The Wall is just stone and our blades are just steel. Neither is the true mettle of Rokugan.”
Akodo Ryozo – “I care not what mon the samurai beside me wears. If he wields his weapons in defense of Rokugan, he is my brother.”
Akodo Senichi – “These mountains will not save you, gaijin!”
Akodo Senzo – “Whatever the Empress seeks, we must hope she finds it soon. There is such thing as a war without victory.”
Akodo Shigo – “A late-born son has nothing but his actions to carry him to great prestige.” Akodo Shigetoshi
Alert the Guard – “True heroes never sleep.” Hida Kuon
Allure of Jigoku – “Do you think it is so easy, to hunt my lord like he was a rabid dog?” Chuda Hiroe
Apprehending the Villain – “Escape was impossible.”
Arjuna Singh – “I would be happy to teach your Empress of my homeland, if she would only ask.”
Arranged Guilt – “If the Empress wishes evidence, we will make sure she gets it.”
Arrows Do Not Falter -
Asahina Ekei – “Do the Spider bring us closer to war or pull us back from the brink? We can but trust in the Empress to understand their game.”
Asako Mokichi – “A woman, tall, elegant, garbed in red. Find her.”
Assault Without Finesse – Sometimes the simplest approach can be the best.”
Aura of Malice -
Bakemono Pups – “Wretched, insidious little things. Most seem almost mindless, but a scarce few are dangerously cunning and observant. I once saw them swarm over a wounded man in his sleep.” Hiruma Todori
Banish All Doubt – “Food? Water? Fill your souls with bushido! Honor is all we require for victory!”
Bayushi Hikoko – Try as they might, the magistrates could not find the source of the plague.
Bayushi Kindebu – “The Crane are finished. The Scorpion domination of the courts cannot be shaken by those haughty condescending idiots.”
Bayushi Mago – Soon the Scorpion were spread far too thin as they struggled to contain the outbreaks.
Bayushi Momochi – A Scorpion with relentless ethics is trusted by neither his brethren within the Clan not those of other Clans. A junshin’s life is harsh, but fate is never forgiving.
Bayushi Suboru – “He is whomever you require.” Shosuro Toson
Blades of the Fallen Phoenix – Bayushi Iyona’s heroics at Yobanjin Mura may never be known to the rest of the Empire, but they will be forever remembered among the Phoenix.
Border Pass – “Where men meet in peace, brotherhood prospers.”
Br’nn – “My people all gone. So few of us left behind. Nothing for us now, no tribe, no tomorrow. Humans only left. Should I hunt them, or help them?”
Burn the Village – Extreme times call for extreme measures.
Chain and Sword – A master of weapons can use whatever exotic tools are at his disposal to mercilessly dispatch his foes.
Chuda Atsuro – “When the Empress returns from her islands hideway, she will find her Empire overrun.”
Chikara – “My son is mindful, dutiful, and attentive. He is all that is good in the Seppun family. That my shame extends to him is the greatest regret I shall ever know.” – Oishi
Civility – “When you encounter your enemy on the road, treat him as an honored friend. One of you may not survive the next meeting.”
Cowed by Wisdom -
Daidoji Botan – “No one can reverse an order from the Empress, save the Empress herself.”
Daidoji Yuki – “We are told to seek out that which does not exist.”
Daigotsu Azuma – “Did you hear about Ruri? She married a Hida! Hida Ruri! I would laugh were it not is absurd!”
Daigotsu Koneru – “I have the strength you lack to do what must be done. I will save the Empire for my lord.”
Daigotsu Yuhmi – “From my lords severed arm, I fashioned an Oni and from it sprang Yuhmi. Perfection always seeks its true form.” Omoni
Dance of Blades – Never step inside a duelist’s range.
Deceit and Subterfuge – “The best way to defeat an opponent is to convince him he has already won.” Tangen’s Lies
Determined Force -
Doji Kazuo – “If samurai of other clans do not secretly wish themselves Crane, then they are fools.”
Doji Nenkai – “Kurumi needs to learn the lesson of subtlety.”
Elite Guard – Regardless of family or clan, all generals maintain a cadre of elite men who protect them on the battlefield.
Emma-O’s Guidance – The Shi-Tien Yen-Wang’s ascension has lessened him, but he wields power still.
Enticement -
Extensive Training – “Preparation equals victory.”
Farmland Conscripts – “The loyal vassals of the Empress require little encouragement to purge the land of the undead horrors currently afflicting it.” – Moto Jin-sahn, Shogun of Rokugan
Flash of Bright Wings – “Honor is not a weakness. Art is not useless. It is not the plague that threatens our clan’s life, it is forgetfulness.” – Kakita Omori
Flashy Technique – “Cut off an enemy’s head, and his men will hesitate. This works both literally and figuratively.” Kakita Hideo
Flawless Assassin -
Fortitude – “You will have to do better than that!”
Fudo – “Do not be beholden to another’s path. Find your own truth within the Tao. It is large enough for us all to find our way.” – The writings of Fudo
Furumaro – “Your destiny is at hand, young samurai.”
Generosity – A samurai serves those under his authority as much as they serve him.
Groves of Stone – “Anyone who thinks we cannot hold a pass closed will shortly be terribly surprised.” Isawa Emori
Heaven’s Tears – “This border brawl is ridiculous. Save your steel for the Empress’s enemies!” Isawa Tanaka
Heavy Elite – The most skilled and experienced of troops, given the finest of equipment. They are the blade that destroys a commander’s enemies.
Hida Harou – The Crab rebuild, as they always have, and Reiha holds vengeance in her heart.
Hida Kosho – “What, did you forget about me? Here, I’ll give you something to remember me by.”
Hiruma Gondo – “I am Hiruma Gondo, son of Hiruma Yugure, hero of Oblivion’s Gate! I fought at the Battle of the Burning Wall, I faced the Crane, and ten men have fallen before my blade! I have never known defeat – you have no chance!”
Hiruma Shigeo – “Let’s make a deal. You keep speaking of the Wall falling, and I’ll break your skull. Sound good?”
Hiruma Toshio – Call for reinforcements.”
Hold Them Off – “Go! I will buy you time with my life!”
Hope Against Hope – “Slowly we are being pushed back. Shigetoshi’s genius knows no limits, but how long can we hold out against the darkness?”
Humble House – Enough to bolster courage, too little to dull reflexes.
Imperial Outpost – Very few are foolish enough to fight on Imperial ground.
In Aikune’s Name – “Power is to be used!” Isawa Takino
Intimidating Stance – The duelist casually slid into the open-handed stance of the Kakita, and the ronin immediately regretted taking on the Magistrate’s commission.
Isawa Mistuko – “The Empress has commanded all to search, and the Phoenix will not be found wanting!”
Isawa Takashi – “When one is attuned with the Void, eradicating creatures such as these is a trivial problem.”
Isawa Takino – “Fire destroys the zombies and purifies all from the plague. And yet I worry; must all the Empire be put to the flame?”
Junghar Legion – The only army of the Khan’s three great military forces to survive Chagatati’s campaign on the Imperial City, the Junghar are tasked with the defense of the Unicorn provinces.
Kakita Kado – “His skills are deceptive, He is deadlier than you would ever guess.” Kakita Hideo
Kakita Reisei – “Her creations’ beauty is exceeded only by her own.” Kakita Hideo
Ki-Rin Tattoo – “You say that you have no time for philosophy? How do you know that philosophy has time for you?” The Togashi monk leaped through the air, feet flashing. “We shall debate here, and decide who has time for what!”
Kitsuki Suiha – “Talk should always be followed by action.”
Knowledge from Within – The Togashi and the Asako are the most monastic families in the Empire, but even they differ in approach. The Asako view Enlightenment as a path along which one is elevated, while the Togashi begin from a position of strength and attempt to become one with the universe.
Last Line of Defense – As long as one samurai remains, Rokugan will not fall.
Learn by Doing – “Find strength in life!” Togashi Taro
Let None Draw Near – “Better to evade a battle than win one.”
Masakazu – “They think I jest when I speak of her.”
Maseru no Oni – “The spawn of Jigoku are unimaginably horrific, and indescribably dangerous. Those that are summoned from that dark realm are even more so than those who crawl from the festering pit.” – Kuni Kiyoshi
Matsu Akuto – “Some have asked how he courted someone so lovely as Reisei. He replied simply that he was the only one worthy of her favor.” Ikoma Asa
Matsu Kita – “Some say her father was a Mirumoto. Others know that her mother was a Matsu. Nothing else matters.”
Maws of Stone – “The Army of Fire presses on the north, the hordes of the Destroyer attack the south. In between, the Empire is near-paralyzed by the plague. It will be a bad winter, and yet I fear for what the spring will unfold.” Ikoma Otemi
Mirumoto Bokusui – “We are the Dragon and our wisdom will never fail! After we have dealt with this Army of Fire’ we will show the Empire how to purge the plague zombies.”
Mirumoto Dakotsu – “To me, Dragons! We shall show these interlopers what it means to face the fury of the Mirumoto!”
Mirumoto Ichizo – “What do you want?” the old monk said. “What any samurai wants.” Ichizo said. “To serve the Empress and my clan.” The monk smiled. “I have lived for many years, and I think I can offer you some helpful advice.”
Miriumoto Meisetsu – “It was nothing more than a border scuffle, my lady. Two groups of tired samurai, a few old grudges, some loose talk, and not enough thinking.” Kei frowned. “Do the samurai of the Dragon lack enough real troubles, that we have to go invent some?”
Mirumoto Shiki -
Morru – “His form of sorcery is nothing I recognize, and I cannot fathom how he accomplishes what he does.” Chuda Mishime
Moshi Kazue – “I’ve seen the Ivory Kingdoms with my own eyes. Something about these creatures remind me of their devilish ways…”
Moshi Sayoko – The sensei holds no qualms about sailing into the midst of her problems. She is much like her predecessor, which is perhaps exactly what the Moshi need to inspire them in these turbulent times.
Moto Chuluun – “A race? Do you know who you face yet? I am Chuluun, grandson of Marik, the swiftest raider to ever live! Astride my steed, none will catch me, not while I still live!”
Moto Kang – “Good, bad, we all die the same. Alone.”
Moto Kushi – His brother, Qu Yuan, has gained his family glory on the front lines of the Battle of the Burning Wall, but it was Kushi who developed the strategy used to rout the remaining Yobanjin.
Naggru – “Serve humans? Bah! Why do that? Stupid, weak, arrogant things. Only good to steal from, and to eat.”
Negotiations at Court – “Winter Court will be in the Mantis Isles?” Shigetoshi asked. Doji Domotai nodded. “A sensible choice, as they are untouched by war and clean of plague. A pity that they are also blessed by the Fortune of Ostentatious Display.”
Newly-Discovered Mine – An unexpected windfall may offer great resources to local daimyo, but, after the Empress receives her rightful share, many find all their profits going towards labor and security.
No Hope – “Stand fast. Meet your end with honor.”
Offices of the Emerald Magistrates – “You worried you would be underfunded? What part of any sacrifice’ did you not understand?” Shosuro Jimen
One with the Flame – “Your technique is strong, but no match for the Palm of a Thousand Burning Miseries!” Togashi Taro
Oyo Seido – In the heart of the Isawa Forest lies a temple for a forgotten madman. Only the Asako remember his name, but all who visit share in his inner peace.
Pacify – “Tell me where to find the Spider, or I shall not be so lenient!”
Pawn of Corruption – “Brutish, cunning, and dangerous, yes, but also easily bound if one knows the proper rituals. That the majority of the Empire is too foolish to recognize the power one controls when harnessing such a beast is only a sign of their weakness.” – Chuda Mishime
Peasant Armor – “Light, cheap, and plentiful – perfect to arm thousands of hastily trained peasants.” – Hida Fubatsu
Phantom Blade – “Turn your head only slightly to the side, and it seems that is either wreathed in strange energies, or not there at all. I find it horrifying, and yet fascinating.” – Kakita Hideshi
Pinned Down -
Poorly Chosen Allies – “If we save our Empire but lose our honor, how can we say we have won?”
Prayer to Hotei -
Prepare for the Worst -
Preserving What Was Lost – “When Kyuden Isawa burned, we were there to save its wisdom. When Fukurokujin Seido was attacked, we gathered the Fortune’s blessings for future generations. What other clans may abandon, the Unicorn adopt.”
Reinforce the Line – “I have fifty horses, General. Should we bolster your right flank?” Akodo Shiro
Riding in Harmony – “We fight with all of our skill, but we are few in number. We need reinforcements soon, or this section of the line will be lost.”
Roaring Sky -
Sadamune Blade – “It is unmistakably Kaiu steel, yet I am unfamiliar with the crafter’s mark,” Hida Fubatsu exclaimed. He turned the blade from side to side and admired its perfect dimensions
Saving Kazumasa – “I still live, I still serve.”
Scout Armor – “A scout’s protection is his speed and his stealth. His armor must not impede either, yet provide enough cover in case of emergencies.” – Hida Fubatsu
Search for Survivors – “We leave no man behind.”
Senseki Province – The region of Bikami in the Senseki Provinces of the Unicorn is among the most fertile regions of the Empire. While the Empire sufferers from a plague originating in the lands of the Unicorn, and the Army of Dark Fire put the area to the torch, Bikani still provides for the Unicorn’s steeds and soldiers.
Seppun Tashime – “This magistrate has scoured the Empire in search of our order and the clan we serve. He is tenacious and resourceful and I grow weary of his efforts. Deal with him, Suikotsu, or allow him to deal with you. I do not care which.” Michio
Shadow Plays – “No one will see. No one will hear.”
Shiba Allies – “First the War of Dark Fire, and now this horrific outbreak of plague. The Empire suffers greatly, but is this what is needed to unite us under the Divine One’s rule? – Shiba Tsukimi
Shiba Ikuko – “She fights without thought for herself, only her charge. She fights in memory of her fallen brother.”
Shinjo Emiko – “She fled the battle of Yashigi at her lord’s command, carrying the war banner of the Yobanjin with her. She is a hero, but she despises herself for surviving.”
Shinjo Yamauchi – “My strategy? Shoot them in the eye. It is remarkably effective.”
Shosuro Akemi – “Find your opponent’s weaknesses. If he has none, create some.” Tangen’s Lies
Sister of the Sun – Former adherents of Amaterasu and later Lord Sun, they have embraced the reign of the Jade Sun. The benevolent Heavens have showered favor on them for their piety.
Snow-Swept Summit – In the icy mountains, cavalry ceases to be an advantage.
Soshi Miroki – Blood spattered on her body as the prisoner grasped his ruined neck. She did not mind. He was simply one more answer toward her ultimate goal: the death of her sister’s murderers.
Spider Cultist – “Those who seek power can have all their desires satiated. My aid is cheap, since my price is paid by simply using what I offer you.”
Spinning Heel Kick – “Warrior monks began to save remote villages across the empire. They defeated the plague zombies and disappeared as quickly as they appeared.”
Spirit of Maigo no Musha – “The Legion of the Dead once rode to save the Empire. Perhaps, for the right samurai, they might intervene once again.” – Moto Hotei
Stand Down! -
Stolen Property – “You say you found it? Well then, you will not mind if I take it back.”
Storm-Forged Blade – “Every aspect of its creation is performed during the greatest furies of Osano-Wo. Some believe that the Thunderer’s blessing resides within.” – Kakita Omori
Strengthening Protection – The ravages of war reach all parts of the Empire. Those with resources to prepare are ready for the horrors to come.
Strike from the Shadows -
Subtle Sting – The Spider are always near, but difficult to find.
Talisman of Maigo no Musha – The Realm of Lost Heroes is the realm of legends fallen astray. These vicitms of fate are ready to lend their advice to those who listen – a fact Moto Hotei now understands.
Talisman of Toshigoku -
Tamago – “My lover is grateful for what he has, but mourns what he has lost. His laugh is beautiful, but never reaches his soul.” The Journal of Utagawa
Temporary Truce – The Lion sheathed his blade and promised the Unicorn that they would meet again, when they would both be ready.
The Badgers Live – Their charge has changed, but their duty has not.
The Dead Do Not Rest -
The Dread Kar – “An enigma even among the Spider. Some say he hails from a distant land, but I think he merely has nothing to say.”
The Eighth Legion -
The Light of Justice -
The Thriving Light -
The Walking Dead – “Although the plague is relatively contained, these monstrupsities have begun to appear throughout the Empire. How do they slip free of the blockades?” – Asahina Beniha
The Wrath of Kali-Ma -
Thunder Dragon Bay – “Yoritomo guides us. Thunder sustains us. In turn, we honor both.” Yoritomo Naizen
Togashi Kyoshi – “Water shapes all and takes the shape of all.”
Toritaka Okabe – None match the Hiruma’s endurance or their knowledge of surviving the Shadowlands, but the preternatural understanding and keen senses of the Toritaka offer the Crab another line of defense.
Travel Swiftly -
Tsuruchi Gosho – “What’s the problem? Zombies die to an arrow to the head just like everyone else.”
Utaku Gunso – “We have suffered greatly at the hands of our enemies, and this winter shall be bleak indeed. But we shall not despair, for our souls are filled with honor and virtue. We shall endure, and serve the Khan in the honor of our ancestors. We are Utaku.” Utaku Yu-Pan
Utaku Tairu – While not as famous as the Battle Maiden of the Unicorn, the Utaku Infantry serve an essential role in all three Unicorn armies.
Utaku Toshie – “The plague may have started in the lands of the Unicorn, but, I assure you, the heart of the Utaku remain pure. No bodily disease is a match for a pure soul!”
Utogu no Oni – “Its hunger is limitless. It will consume you, your comrades, the ground you stand on… everything. Avoid them at all costs.” Hiruma Todori
Vigilant Eyes – “The Scorpion kept abreast of any situation that may threaten their Clan or the Empire. The old ways require manpower, but their effectiveness cannot be questioned.”
Wander Among the Stars -
Wanyudo -
Wartime Allies – The Shiba never forgot how the Unicorn came to their aid during the War of Dark Fire.
Wind-Borne Aid – “We must keep units in the north, to guard against the new Army of Fire, and yet these zombies must be dealt with quickly.” Asako Hoshimi
Yojimbo’s Glory – “It seems as though no road in all the northern provinces is free from threat. No shugenja should travel without a Shiba to protect him.” – Shiba Nobuyuki
Yoritomo Eita – “We are the undisputed masters of the seas. None can challenge our might.”
Yoritomo Takara – The Mantis navy redoubled efforts to scan the Rokugani coast. One thing was clear: most plague zombies could not survive to the Mantis islands.
Yoritomo Tatsuhiko – If you chose to pay this action’s optional cost, and paid it, bow the unit. If you did not, straighten the unit. “Koku is a necessary evil. Just as well we understand it.”
Yuhmi no Oni – “Even chaos knows its master.” Omoni
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