The Plague War

The Plague War
The Emerald Empire writhes in the grip of the Destroyer. Kali-Ma’s forces attack from the north and south, and the Clans caught between are faced with a dark plague, the dead rising to spread the disease and claim more victims. Will the Clans be able to fight back the pull of self-preservation in order to save the Empire as a whole?

FORTRESS OF THE FORGOTTEN

Ousted from their lands by a seemingly inexhaustible foe, the Crab have not wavered in their battle against the Destroyers. For perhaps the first time in their history, the sons of Hida have the complete and unfailing support of both the Empress and the other Great Clans. Despite this, many among them are forced to wonder: has the appreciation of their duty come at last, only to come at the end of the Empire itself?

SEAWATCH CASTLE – “Now is the time that we shall prove our centuries spent in luxury have not made us weak.” -Doji Domotai

The Crane struggle under the rampant plague. Word of their condition has spread, and Crane courtiers find little welcome in the courts of other Clans, denying the Crane their most potent weapon, their words. Desperate to maintain order in the Empire, the Crane call in all favors they can with the Imperial line to force acceptance of their ambassadors, but will it be enough?

GRAND HALL OF THE ARCHIVES

No soul feels the pain of the Destroyers’ advance more than Akodo Shigetoshi, the Lion Champion and the general of the Divine Empress. Every step the gaijin demons take into the Empire is a reminder that his tactics have failed. Every victory gained is simply washed away in a wave of ironclad infantry that seems without end. Loyal to their lord, the Lion refuse to falter, and hurl themselves at the seemingly unbreakable front line of their enemy, certain that when the Destroyers are at last crushed, the one responsible for their defeat will be Akodo Shigetoshi.

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A Pure Heart – A pure heart can drive you to greater heights on the battlefield, but will purity of the heart protect your body from the plague?

A Tranquil Mind – “The Great Clans snipe at each other, driven to distraction by the threat of the zombie infestation. Can we afford dissent in the face of destruction?” -Tanari

Agasha Gifu – “When you have lived six centuries, maybe then you can lecture me about silencing a volcano! Until then, listen carefully…”

Agasha Kitsuki’s Ashes – “All ancestors must be honored.” -Daidoji Kirimi

Akodo Kuma – “The front line has fallen back again and again, until the whole of the Crab lands has fallen. Our foes are inexhaustible, their numbers without limit. Our task is impossible, but we will never falter.”

Alone with One’s Thoughts – “The sake drives the demons away, but they come back. They always come back.”

Ao-Bozu – “There are things that walk as a man which are not a man. Their true countenance is horror incarnate.” -The Book of Kuni Mokuna

Ao-bozu’s Blade – “He said he was a monk! He lived among us for weeks, helping with all manner of difficulties! Then … he just started killing everyone! When he was finally wounded, he cast aside his disguise and became a demon of bone and fire!” – The only survivor of Harmony Village

Asako Bairei – “The spirit of water ensures that change is constant, and that there is always something new to learn.”

Asijin’s Legacy – The Tonbo are known for their diplomatic abilities and their unique shugenja schools. Still, the Dragonfly always remember that their Clan’s founder was an excellent duelist.

Bayushi Eiyu – The madness of the Bitter Lies proved effective against Kali-Ma’s forces.

Bayushi Keirei – “He is merciless to his foes. His methods are unconventional and completely effective.” -Shosuro Jimen

Bayushi Shigeo – The Scorpion armies watched with grim determination as the armies of the Destroyer continued to inch closer to their own lands.

Bayushi Sorii – “Testimony, and only testimony, is the true method of divining the truth.”

Blessings of the Sky – “We know that Kali-ma seeks something, and we must not rest until we find it.” -Isawa Kumai

Caught Unawares – “Another village destroyed by these wretches,” Kenji fumed. “It is as if they knew how to cause the most difficulty.”

Choose Your Fight – With the wrong location, one can lose a battle before it begins.

Chuda Kanashi – “We are not your allies, but we are enemies of the Destroyer. I could explain, but you will be joining my web shortly, so there is little point.”

Chuda Mishime – “Die!”

Chuda Otsu – “We must find a way to disrupt the Ebon Daughter’s control over her creations,” Mishime said. “I am sure it can be done, my lord,” Otsu answered, “My death has given me valuable insight in this regard.”

Claw and Shell – With the Unicorn provoking the undead hordes into advancing on the Crab line, the shock troops of the Crab moved forward, and trapped the monsters between the defensive line and a flanking attack force.

Claws of the Wolf – “Lord Sezaru cared for action, not politics.”

Cold Hands, Stone Heart – “No,” he said softly. “This lesson will not be pleasant.”

Concealed Scroll – “Battle is a terrible thing for any soul, even more so for a priest of a kami. But we have our duty, as do all samurai, and we must be prepared for any eventually.” -Isawa Sawao

Cricket Tattoo – For many, the tattooed order of ise zumi that served the Dragon were a peculiarity. Since the Army of Fire came, they are a source of awe and sometimes fear.

Daidoji Akagi – “Nothing disturbs him. Human or creature, living or dead; they are targets and nothing more. His calm strengthens all around him.” -Daidoji Gempachi

Daidoji Gisei – “You cannot tell a good story unless you are willing to suffer for it. Smiths sweat over their forges, potters wear away their hands, storytellers give out bits of their own heart.”

Daidoji Kyorai – “You must take this news to Lord Kikaze. I will delay them here.”

Daigotsu Arima – “We know where the Ebon Daughter is now, and we shall crush her and her pathetic servitors. In the end, Daigotsu shall reign over all.”

Daigotsu Setsuko – “The stakes are high, but it is such a delightful game.”

Daigotsu Shimekiri – “He is powerful, beautiful, merciless.”

Deathly Aura – Daigotsu smiled. “You have found the Ebon Daughter’s stronghold? I know what we must do.”

Deception Revealed – “The first war against the Army of Fire taught us that the Dark Oracle’s blessing were potent, but fatal. The second has taught us that the first was a lie, and that there is no end to the great traitor’s deceptions.”

Defenders of Nanashi – “We did not ask for this duty, but we will not shirk it.”

Doji Gotobo – “It does no good for the Three Armies to bleed into the south if Rokugan shatters from within. We will use all of our strength to hold the Empire together.”

Doji Hakuseki – “You are a dishonorable cur, and your very existence weakens the Empire. Happily, I know how to correct this problem.”

Doji Tadanori – “I have ridden from one end of this province to the other. You cannot find a village that is free of the plague, and some have been overrun by the dead.”

Dutiful Cavalry – “We ride to save the Empire, but we never know if our homes will be safe in our absence. Duty is ever first, but my heart sits heavy in my chest just the same.”

Earthen Tetsubo – “Do you feel that weight? That is not iron or steel. There are no folds within it, nor studs of jade. That is the simple, unbridled power of earth, waiting to be unleashed. You should be honored to bear it.” – Kuni Kiyoshi

Excellent Armor Armor – “Yes, let the Army of Fire return. I have unfinished business with them, I think.” -Tamori Shimura

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

Feinting Position – “Your surveying has done us a great service, Lord Shinjo,” the Hida said. “But we have one more task for your men. I promise that your contributions will not be forgotten…”

Fire Blossom – “Chosai knows much about fire, yes. But we have our own store of wisdom, and we are quite willing to share it with him.” -Togashi Sho

Fire Dragon’s Guidance – The element of destruction blesses those who value courage and intelligence.

Flow of the Elements – “All comes from and ends with water. Life and death are one.”

Foolish Pride – “If they were allies, they would be unstoppable.” -Otomo Taneji

Fortress of the Forgotten – “We go forth to die.” -Hida Ikarukani

Great Hall of Records – “Our duty is to maintain a record of all the Lion’s exploits. Not only that they can be remembered, but that they can inspire new generations to greatness.” -Ikoma Korin

Gutobo – “Flesh makes us strong. Pity there are no more Horiuchi.”

Hariya’s Blade – “I do not possess a blade. I possess a soul of steel that is a part of my body. It extends my reach and touches the world in a way that my hands cannot. You call me strange for my obsession with the sword? I call you a fool for failing to see how beautiful it can be.”

Hasty Evaluation – The wounds of the previous two wars lie deep. The Unicorn Clan and the Lion Clan stand wary of each other’s intentions.

Heedless Assault – The Damned rushed forward and cut through the remaining zombies, heedless of their own injuries. Tiene algo

Hida Demopen – “How can you put so much value in paintings, fans, and perfumes, when bushi fall to an unending foe?”

Hida Kichiro – The Crab fought daily to destroy the inexorable army. Despite their greatest efforts, the Crab warriors found themselves retreating from the constant battle.

Hida Satoshi – “I see no way we can retake the Crab lands with our current resources,” Satoshi said. “No matter,” Reiha replied. “We will continue to fight the enemies of the empire for as long as a single Crab warrior draws breath.” -The Tale of the Jade Widow

Hida Shimonai – “They are no different from any other Shadowlands creature. Destroyers can die.”

Hida Tenshi – “I am young and I know my weaknesses. I find my own, unique ways to help the war effort.”

Hida Yaheiko – “Charge! We shall make five bleed for every loss we have taken!”

Hiruma Sniper – “Any other archers may find their weapons less effective against the plagued dead, but the Hiruma are quite experienced in such matters.” -Hiruma Todori

Honor’s Hope – “The Destroyers are powerful and numerous, but they have no honor. We will strengthen ourselves with bushido and drive them from the Empire.” -Utaku Hana

Honor & Strength – “Divine One, my magistrates work tirelessly to create stability. With the cooperation of the Crane and the Scorpion, success is assured.” -Shosuro Jimen

Hundred-Fold Cut – “The attack by the Yobanjin archers was unexpected, but a true master of the dash is never without defense.”

Ide Kin – “Five hundred more warriors for the fight south, my lord. You will want for nothing as long as I am in charge.”

Ikoma Satoru – “In times such as these, Korin, we will need your family’s knowledge of history more than ever.” “It shall be yours, now and always, Lord Shigetoshi.”

Imaishi – Some Phoenix, eager to avenge the clan’s losses during the War of Dark Fire, moved to confront the renewed Yobanjin Army.

Impetuous Challenge – Failure to respond quickly means death.

Infantry Follower – Embrace fatalism if you wish, my friend, but I have no plans to die. I will kill all whom our lord bids me kill, and I will return to my family intact to share the comforts I have earned for them.

Innuendo – “If Lord Noritoshi were so innocent, why has he not appeared in court? Why is he on the run? I will tell you why…”

Iron Gauntlet Brothers – “All of us, the last survivors of our individual units. There is a reason for that.”

Isawa Hachiko – “I tried to divine their intent once, and it almost destroyed me. The nature of the Destroyers is simply too alien. Other methods must be used.”

Isawa Shun – “It has been six months since Mizuhiko was seen in Phoenix lands. If the worst has occurred, we must find him.”

Iweko’s Journals – “They offer fascinating insights into the mind of a brilliant Kitsuki.” -Bayushi Hisoka

Karatsu – He gripped the dying ronin’s throat, energy crackling along his arm. “I do not care about your foolish legion,” he whispered. “I seek my son, Kuronada, and I will hold his heart in my hands as he dies!”

Kitsu Iwao – “Our ancestors are unwavering in their support of this war. One has gone so far as to fight his way across the veil of death to lend aid to his great-great-grandchildren. Never doubt the resolve of the Lion!” -Kitsu Kiyoko

Kitsuki Yukari – The Kitsuki magistrates, long the diplomats of the Dragon, have become leaders of the Dragon, Badger, and Ox against the Army of Fire.

Masked in Shadows – “With nowhere to run, and the fog too thick for him to see their arrival, the family believed that Noritoshi would be doomed.”

Matsu Haruya – Some among the Lion, the most seasoned veterans of the War of Dark Fire, were sent to aid the Dragon.

Matsu Kenji – “I have tasted love once, and shall never know its like again. Marriage? It is a duty, like war, but I fear I shall be far greater at the latter than the former.”

Matsu Mikura – “She is a valiant warrior, if a quiet one. She serves within the Imperial City, and has completed two tours of duty on the Deathless as well. I see in her the qualities that make her lady Kenji great.” -Ikoma Otemi Brothers in Arms Erik Fredriksen

Matsu Nishijo – “Come at me, gaijin demon! Come and test your iron armor against my grandfather’s steel!”

Mirumoto Haru – “He was one of the Dragon’s most eligible bachelors. Strange that he shaved his head and was given stewardship of Jousai Tengai, the Furthest Fortress.” -Yoritomo Yoyonagi

Mirumoto Mori – Far from the front, Kei directs her clan’s war efforts. While few riders have the skill to traverse the narrow mountain passages, their swiftness has become vital to the war.

Mountain Herd – Saved from death, used in service of a Champion.

Mountain Storehouse – A well-kept secret of the Toturi Dynasty.

Mouth of the Plague – “We sow our seeds within it, and allow the kami themselves to spread the death of all samurai,” the Ebon Daughter laughed. “The children of Doji are first, but far from last.”

Murderous Intent – “For victory, some will do any deed. Every source of strength is tapped, every advantage taken, every weakness exploited.”

My Life is Yours – “We have no choice but to trust the other clans. The Empire will suffer if they fail us.” -Hida Benjiro

Narrow Cliffs – “When the Yobanjin approach through the pass, we will have the higher ground. Their forces will be pinned, and the monks should buy us enough time to whittle down their ranks from above.” -Ikoma Satoru

Nature’s Embrace – “Always see the world as it is. From within, and without. You will not falter.” -Shiba Ningen

Nitoru – “I carry my father’s blade as well as my own. I am warrior enough for both, and I will gladly prove it to any who doubt me.”

On All Sides – “We fight, back to back, to preserve the beauty and strength of the Emerald Empire. Inspired by the memory of Hida Tadaka and Matsu Itagi, we fight as true brothers.” -Akodo Shigetoshi

Oppression – “Of course we must care for the peasants. But if we lighten their burdens, they will worry that something is wrong.” -Kakita Idzuki

Order of the Wooden Blade – Outside of the Togashi, few monks are permitted to wield steel blades. Some have no need to do so.

Overpowering Assault – Nothing can stand against Rokugani honor and resolve.

Part the Waves – “Calamity is no excuse to practice!”

Patrolling the Roads – “Lady Kei is sequestered beneath Jousai Tengen. It is our job to watch the roads so that none approach before the birth of the heir.” -Mirumoto Mori

Plagued Terrain – “It used to be a well-tended and fertile land. Now it is a wretched place for a war.” -Bayushi Arashi

Precious Burden – “To the north, the Dragon, Ox, and Badger stand with the Imperial Legions. To the south, the Crab, Lion, and Unicorn hold fast. The Empire is ringed with honor and steel.”

Proper Deference – “The hand that wielded the blade was mine, but the honor of the victory was yours, my Lord.”

Province Assaulted – “They have left us unmolested for now. We will all die before we lose the castle.” -Hiruma Gohachiro

Questionable Charity – “Come with me friends! Quickly!”

Radiant Steel – “Kei-sama, the Ox and the Badger stand beside the Dragon in this battle.” -Morito Garin

Reckless Confrontation – “You are a man of honor and dignity, and I… I acted in haste, and shamed my family. I humbly apologize and ask your forgiveness for my actions.”

Relentless Conviction – “When confronted with vice, some men weaken and succumb. Others react with blind, unfettered rage, destroying what they see at any cost, and perish in the process. Those who succumb and overcome, they are truly strong.” -Kakita Kensho-in

Remember Their Valor – “Filthy undead!” the Deathseeker howled. “These were men of honor and strength, and you will desecrate their bodies no longer!”

Rise Corrupted – “Will they save their Empire at any cost?” -Chuda Mishime

Rising Sun Blade “Contain yourself, Shimura-san,” Kei replied. “The Empire relies upon us to hold the north, and bloodlust shall not sweep away our sense of duty.”

Sarassa – “Alone among the humans, these Mantis revere the Spawn-Father, and aid in his defense. For this we are bound by destiny and the will of the gods. We are allies, now and always.”

Scouting Far Afield – Hiruma and Shinjo fought shoulder to shoulder, pressing desperate forays deep behind the Destroyers’ lines, seeking any hint of their enemy’s objective.

Seawatch Castle – The serenity of the waves has given rise to a unique dueling style, popular among prominent yojimbo.

Selfless Yojimbo – “The true measure of honor is to give of yourself to another without reservation or hesitation. The honor of the Shiba lies within our sacrifice to others. It is in this that we find our true path to the next world.” – Shiba Tsukimi

Shadow’s Talon – “A duel then, for honor’s sake,” Hakuseki said. “Then we will put aside history and think only of the Empress’ commands.”

Shiba Kotaro – Where once the Phoenix struggled to divine the nature of the universe, now they have a more focused goal: determining the methods and goals of the Destroyers, and finding ways to combat the plague ravaging the Empire.

Shinjo Dong-Min – “A true commander bolsters his troops and helps each warrior fight as a legion.”

Shinjo Hee-Young – She laughed. “Of course I can make it through enemy lines, my lord.”

Shinjo Ki-Chang – “He proved he had surprising talents at this year’s Winter Court and fights like a demon against his enemies. Most important of all, he is a true friend.” -Moto Jin-sahn

Shosuro Orikasa – “I believe I know the perfect opportunity, Rokujo. Leave it to me.”

Shosuro Rokujo – “If you have the opportunity sister, we can garner some advantage for our Clan. These papers will prove the Crane Clan is at fault. They must be found at the proper location.”

Shune – “Only in challenge is there growth. You see a time of difficulty, I see a dojo without walls.”

Simple Men – “It is upon the backs of such men that the fate of the Empire rests, and yet it is they who are most frequently overlooked. Now the plague ravages them, and the samurai seem more interested in their wars.” -Kuronada

Spirit of Gaki-do – “There are dangers well beyond simple ‘evil’ that samurai perceive. Actions motivated by hunger can be far more dangerous than malice conducted for its own sake.” – Kakita Kensho-in

Stand as One – “Perhaps some do not understand, or even think it foolish. But I honor the pledge of my ancestor to stand before the Isawa and shield them from all harm. My duty is greater than my life, but not my honor.” -Shiba Yoshimi

Stare into the Void – “One cannot stare into the Void. One can but allow it to stare into you.” -Isawa Kimi

Strength of Will – During such trying times, there are many who embrace those traits that once might have been considered weakness.

Succesful Bounty – There are few who can escape a Tsuruchi magistrate’s long reach. In the end, all criminals must face their fate.

Talisman of Sakkaku – “Trickery will have no power over you.” -Ryoshun

Talisman of Yomi – “The strength of your ancestors will chastise your enemies.” -Ryoshun

Talisman of Yume-do – “The Realm of Dreams will grant you its insight.” -Ryoshun

Tamori Shimura – “The kami of the earth are stoic and slow to respond. My hate gives me the will to move them.”

Tennyo – “No one knows why these spirits decided to fight the Destroyers. I, for one, welcome all the help we can get.” -Hida Benjiro

Tetsu Kama Mine – “For their aid in its defense, the yield of our greatest mine shall ever be shared with the Lion.” – Mirumoto Kei

The Blessed Herd – “Their lives were spared during the War of Dark Fire, and now they will bear the Empress’ servants into battle against the forces that brought such a war to be in the first place.” -Utaku Yu-Pan

The Cost of Pride – “More than one samurai has allowed confidence in his abilities to turn to arrogance, leading only to death. With the trials before the Empire, how many more will perish?” -Seppun Tashime

The Cursed Dead – “Wretched abominations, the likes of which cannot be permitted to exist.” -Kuni Daigo

The Master’s Guard – The only warriors considered worthy of such a task.

The Oni’s Footsteps – No one travels there, so it provided the Spider a perfect refuge from the plague.

The Quiet Death – “Its form is like that of cloth or cotton, easily torn and easily mended. It wraps around the legs, slowing movement, then forces itself into the throat. Fire alone can destroy it, but also its victims.” -The Book of Kuni Mokuna

The Serpent’s Deception – “I do not fear death, my friend. I hope you do not either, for yours is at hand.”

The Silent Blade – “Tonight, Noritoshi will die!”

The Trap is Sprung! – “Entire units lost to the plague. Now we must fell our own brothers. Is there no end to this disgrace?” -Daidoji Akagi

The Walking Dead – “Although the plague is relatively contained, these monstrosities have begun to appear throughout the Empire. How do they slip free of the blockades?” – Asahina Beniha

The Wind Never Stops – The Utaku charged without any sign of fear. Their thunderous assault trampled their foes under their wake.

Thoughtful Present – The Doji excel in finding the perfect gift for their adversaries, garnering favors and advantage along the way.

Thunder’s Blessing – “Sample the blessings of Heaven, my friend!”

Togashi Kanmu – He watches over the son of Satsu and Misuko, never leaving the infant’s side, but he remembers his short time at the Imperial Court fondly.

Togashi Konishi – “Destroyers in the south, the undead throughout the central Empire, madmen in the north and you think that is enough to defeat us?”

Touch of the Flames – “Must fire always destroy?” -Isawa Sawao

Triumph Before Battle – A Lion warrior’s inspiring presence can push his soldiers past their breaking point. Often, a Lion army succeeds beyond expectations because they believe they can.

Trust the Void – “All is well, Ningen-san. You have earned your rest. Kimi will take your place as you desire.” -Isawa Ochiai

Tsai-Tsu – “The massive Wyrm shook the earth with its fury. Atop it, the Son of Fire cackled and ordered the beast forward. When all seemed lost, the Heavens opened, and answered my pleas. Then, the noble ryu, children of the dragons, surged forward to confront the twisted abomination.” -Tamori Sugi

Tsuruchi Gidayu – “Of course I volunteered for this duty. Sailing to a mysterious land in search of secrets and adventure? What fool would not?”

Tsuruchi Kaze – “In their absence, we shall scourge these lands of these plague zombies from a safe distance, and earn the gratitude of an empire.”

Tsuruchi Ogata – “The plague leaves some unable to tend to their lands. We shall stand in their place, if we must.”

Tsuruchi Ohashi – “The plague has been costly, but confined. Now it spreads like fire throughout the land, with no apparent cause. Some force is behind this. We must find it.”

Two Men at a River – Two strangers, perfectly matched, meet and face off at a crossroads. Such is the stuff of legend.” -Shosuro Atesharu

Unexpected Sympathy – “We know what it means to be cast out of one’s homeland at the hands of an inhuman enemy. You are welcome here.” -Hiruma Todori

Unimpeachable Name – “No, the rumors about her must be fabrications.”

Unwavering Commitment – “The delicious irony is that, should Jimen and Noritoshi put aside their differences they could unite their clans in singular purpose. Fortunately, that will never happen.” -Daigotsu Susumu

Utaku Kana – “Kana is only at home on the battlefield.” -Utaku Yu-Pan

Utaku Yu-Pan – The years weigh heavily upon her shoulders. She has seen countless tragedies yet she remains strong of heart and resolve.

Water Dragon’s Guidance – The element of change blesses those who value adaptation and strength.

Whispers of the Forgotten – What greater dishonor can there be than for one’s deeds to be forgotten?

Yogo Rieko – Although the Kuroiban could find no way to stem the plague, or the zombies it produced, Rieko continued to fight them wherever they appeared.

Yoritomo Chiako – “To the Mantis, the Empress assigns the task of reaching the Ivory Kingdoms, to determine what there could have given rise to these destroyers.” -The Voice of the Empress

Yoritomo Tahei – “The ruthlessness of a Yoritomo paired with the training of a Hiruma. I find him quite unpleasant.” -Moshi Kalani